Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a carbon molecular sieve used for the separation of oxygen from nitrogen, which comprises the steps of:(a) milling hard coal to a grain size of 95%<20.mu.m;(b) oxidizing the finely milled hard coal with air in a fluidized bed;(c) adding water and coal tar pitch as a binder and molding the finely milled hard coal into shape;(d) carbonizing the finely milled hard coal molded into shape in a rotary kiln at a temperature of 500 .degree.to 850.degree. C., with a dwelling time of 55 to 65 minutes, in order to obtain a carbonization product with a bulk density of 530 to 560 g/l;(e) activating the carbonization product with steam at to 900.degree. C. for 165 to 195 minutes to obtain a sintered carbonaceous product having a bulk density of 590 to 650 g/l; and(f) treating the sintered carbonaceous product at 750 to 850.degree. C. with carbon-splitting hydrocarbons to obtain said carbon molecular sieve.

Abstract: An adsorption-desorption process for the recovery of hydrogen from a feed gas containing trace pollutants adapted to be strongly adsorbed, in concentrations generally below 1% by volume and containing components adapted for only light adsorption, in concentrations above 1% by volume is operated through a preliminary first adsorption stage for the strongly adsorbable trace pollutants and a second main adsorption stage for the light adsorbable components and for the discharge of hydrogen. Contrary to the prior art where the adsorption-desorption was effected by alternating high pressure and low pressure cycles in the main adsorption stage only, the pressure cycles in the present case are carried out both in the preliminary first adsorption stage and in the second main adsorption stage, preferably by arranging the two adsorption states in series. The process substantially extends the service time of the adsorber used in the first adsorption stage.

Abstract: A carbonaceous adsorbent in the form of a shaped body which has been heated to about 400 to 1400.degree. C in an inert atmosphere is composed essentially of a mixture of finely divided carbonaceous material of a grain size below 50 and up to below 100 microns with a binder composed of about 1 to 20% by weight of a natural or synthetic elastomer and about 1 to 15% by weight of a thermoplastic material. The adsorbent is made by subjecting the mixture to a shaping step followed by heating to a temperature of about 400.degree. to 1400.degree. C in an inert atmosphere which step may be followed by an activation of the carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A method for treating waste gases containing radioactive contamination, particularly krypton and xenon nuclides. The waste gas stream to be decontaminated is initially conducted through an enrichment system wherein the waste gas stream is divided into at least two partial streams one of which is substantially free from the radioactive impurities and constitutes the poor gas fraction and another of which constitutes the rich gas fraction. The poor gas fraction is discharged, at least in part into the atmosphere while the rich gas fraction is fed into an activated carbon delay path whose output is discharged, either directly or indirectly into the atmosphere. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.