Abstract: A macroporous adsorbent comprising pores having a pore volume (Vm) and a mean pore diameter (dm) such that: Vm≧1 cc.g−1 and dm≧1 &mgr;m, Vm and dm being determined by mercury porosimetry; their manufacturing process using a spheronization and freeze-drying technique; and their use for separating or purifying gases, such as air, synthesis gases or hydrocarbons, especially olefins.

Abstract: A porous adsorbent includes pores having a pore diameter (Dm) of between 1 nm and 14 nm and an oxygen adsorptivity, measured at +20° C. and 1 bar, of at most 10 Scc/g. This adsorbent is used in a process for adsorbing at least one gaseous compound contained in a gas mixture containing several gaseous compounds of different polarity. Preferably, the gas mixture to be separated or to be purified is chosen from mixtures containing oxygen and nitrogen, particularly air, mixtures containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and hydrocarbons, especially olefins, advantageously, the process is of the PSA or VSA type.

Abstract: A PSA, especially VSA, process for separating a stream of gas, such as air, containing at least one first compound, such as nitrogen, which is preferentially adsorbed on at least one adsorbent and at least one second compound, such as oxygen, which is adsorbed less preferentially on the adsorbent than the first compound. The adsorbent comprises at least particles of a zeolite having a Si/Al ratio of less than or equal to 5 and chosen from zeolites of X or A type, the zeolite having a kinetics coefficient (ak) and an intrinsic strength (&agr;), with: ak>0.5 s−1 and 0.10<&agr;<2. The invention also relates to an adsorbent for the non-cryogenic separation of gases, especially the gases from air and from syngas.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing particles of type X zeolite exchanged with at least lithium cations and having an Si/Al ratio less than or equal to 1.5, in which (a) at least one mother liquor containing lithium salts having a molar purity in excess of 95% is percolated through a bed of zeolite particles, the mother liquor making it possible to obtain a limit exchange factor (LEF) for the zeolite particles of between 90 and 100%, (b) the percolation of the mother liquor is stopped when an amount of mother liquor has been used which makes it possible to obtain a mean real exchange factor (REF) such that: REF=LEF−2%±1%; and (c) the lithium-exchanged zeolite particles are recovered. The particles of faujasite, preferably X, zeolite exchanged to at least 88% with lithium cations and having an Si/Al ratio less than or equal to 1.5 which are obtained by such a manufacturing process can be used as adsorbent in a PSA, preferably VSA, process for separating or purifying a gas flow.

Abstract: A PSA or VSA process for separating a gas flow, such as air, containing at least one first gas compound, such as nitrogen, which is preferentially adsorbed on at least one adsorbent, and at least one second gas compound, such as oxygen, which is adsorbed less preferentially on at least the one adsorbent than the first gas compound. The adsorbent used comprises particles of faujasite zeolite having a Si/Al ratio <1.5, such as a LSX zeolite, and containing 80 to 99% Li+ cations, 0.01 to 25% Na+ cations, 0.01% to 10% Mg2 cations, 0.01% to 10% Ca2+ cations and 0 to 3% K+ cations.

Abstract: A PSA process for separating a gas flow, such as air, containing a first gas compound, such as nitrogen, which is adsorbed preferentially on an adsorbent, and a second gas compound, such as oxygen, which is adsorbed less preferentially on the adsorbent than the first gas compound. The adsorbent is formed by an aggregate comprising a zeolite phase and a binder, and contains elements Si, Al, Li, Na, Mg, K and Ca, the total proportions of these elements in the adsorbent being such that the Si/Al ratio is between 1 and 2.4, the Na/Li ratio is between 0.012 and 0.300, the Mg/Li ratio is between 0.012 and 0.400, the Ca/Li ratio is between 0.012 and 0.200, and the K/Li ratio is between 0.001 and 0.060.