Abstract: Helium is introduced as an additive to any of the oxygen streams introduced into an ozone generator, such as a dielectric discharge (cold plasma) ozone generator, where the effluent of the generator is directed to an adsorption process for separating the ozone from the oxygen. Also disclosed is an improved PSA cycle, which is designed to reduce the amount of make-up helium and oxygen required to sustain the ozone generation and recovery process.

Abstract: Processes for the recovery and purification of noble gas stream contaminated with small amounts of hydrogen and/or other getter combustibles. One process involves dividing the noble gas stream gas into a first and second noble gas streams. The first noble gas stream is sent to a second metal getter containing a bed comprised of a metal getter in an oxidized state wherein the hydrogen is combusted. Oxygen is added to the second noble gas stream and the stream is passed through a catalytic unit wherein the hydrogen is combusted and then through a first metal getter bed operating in parallel with a second bed wherein the metal getter is converted to its oxide form. When breakthrough is detected in either bed, the flows of the first and second noble gas streams are rerouted to the other beds, respectively.

Abstract: Adsorption process for recovering ozone from a feed gas mixture containing at least ozone and oxygen comprising (a) introducing the feed gas mixture into a first end of an adsorber vessel containing a zeolite adsorbent and selectively adsorbing ozone on the adsorbent; (b) withdrawing from a second end of the vessel a stream of oxygen essentially free of ozone; (c) terminating the flow of the feed gas mixture, introducing a purge gas into the second end of the vessel, and withdrawing from the first end of the vessel an outlet gas mixture containing at least purge gas and desorbed ozone; and (d) introducing an additional component into the feed gas mixture and/or the purge gas and adsorbing the additional component on the zeolite adsorbent. The additional component when adsorbed reduces the decomposition of ozone that would occur in the absence of the additional component adsorbed on the zeolite adsorbent.

Abstract: Method for argon recovery that comprises (a) providing a feed gas mixture comprising argon and nitrogen; (b) contacting at least a portion of the feed gas mixture with a nitrogen-selective adsorbent in a cyclic pressure swing adsorption process and adsorbing at least a portion of the nitrogen on the adsorbent in a first pressure range above 100 psia to provide a purified argon product and an adsorbent comprising adsorbed nitrogen; and (c) desorbing the adsorbed nitrogen in one or more regeneration steps effected in a second pressure range between atmospheric pressure and a super-atmospheric pressure below any pressure in the first pressure range, inclusive; wherein the cyclic pressure swing adsorption process is effected at an average operating temperature of at least about 0° C.

Abstract: Processes for the recovery and purification of noble gas stream contaminated with small amounts of hydrogen and/or other getter combustibles. One process involves dividing the noble gas stream gas into a first and second noble gas streams. The first noble gas stream is sent to a second metal getter containing a bed comprised of a metal getter in an oxidized state wherein the hydrogen is combusted. Oxygen is added to the second noble gas stream and the stream is passed through a catalytic unit wherein the hydrogen is combusted and then through a first metal getter bed operating in parallel with a second bed wherein the metal getter is converted to its oxide form. When breakthrough is detected in either bed, the flows of the first and second noble gas streams are rerouted to the other beds, respectively.