Abstract: A system for regenerating an adsorbent in an off-line adsorption chamber including: a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat from a first fluid coming from a compressor and a second fluid, wherein only a portion of the first fluid flows through the heat exchanger when the first fluid is gas; a conduit providing fluid communication between the second fluid exiting the exchanger and an off-line adsorption chamber; an adsorbent in the off-line adsorption chamber; and an outlet to the off-line adsorption chamber configured to outlet the second fluid from the off-line adsorption chamber.

Abstract: A system for regenerating an adsorbent in an off-line adsorption chamber including: a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat from a first fluid coming from a compressor and a second fluid, wherein only a portion of the first fluid flows through the heat exchanger when the first fluid is gas; a conduit providing fluid communication between the second fluid exiting the exchanger and an off-line adsorption chamber; an adsorbent in the off-line adsorption chamber; and an outlet to the off-line adsorption chamber configured to outlet the second fluid from the off-line adsorption chamber.

Abstract: An adsorbent fractionator directional flow control valve assembly includes two inlet check poppet valves, two outlet check poppet valves, and a valve body. The valve assembly controls the directional flow of an influent gas mixture into one of two vertical desiccant tanks of an adsorbent fractionator, or desiccant dryer, and an effluent gas flowing in reverse through the opposite desiccant tank. The valve body is a single unitary piece, which may be a casting, and couples the inlet check poppet valves and the outlet check poppet valves, which may be four identical valve subassemblies, providing flow communication between these and an inlet port, two exit ports, and an outlet port.

Abstract: An energy management system for a membrane separation device, including: a membrane having permeate and non-permeate portions; a membrane housing which encases said membrane; a feed fluid inlet conduit; a purge inlet conduit; a non-permeate product fluid outlet conduit; and, a purge outlet conduit, configured to carry purge fluid out of the membrane dryer; at least one purge inlet flow control valve connected to said purge inlet conduit, a sensor configured to measure the contaminant level of fluids exiting the purge outlet conduit; and, a controller receiving an output signal from the sensor and transmitting a valve control signal to the at least one purge inlet flow control valve.

Abstract: An adsorbent fractionator directional flow control valve assembly includes two inlet valves, two exhaust valves, and a valve body. The valve assembly controls the directional flow of an influent gas mixture into one of two vertical desiccant tanks of an adsorbent fractionator, or desiccant dryer, and an effluent gas flowing in reverse through the opposite desiccant tank. The valve body is a single unitary piece, which may be a casting, and couples the inlet valves and the exhaust valves, which may be four identical valve subassemblies, providing flow communication between these and an inlet port, two exit ports, and an exhaust port.

Abstract: A rotating drum adsorber process and system includes a rotating drum of adsorbent medium in a shell including partitions which define an adsorption sector, a regeneration sector and a cooling sector, and which continuously rotates through the sectors. The process and system includes an arrangement for sensing the temperature difference between the temperature of the discharge exiting the leading edge of the regeneration sector and the regeneration sector average discharge temperature for automatically controlling various operating conditions of the rotating drum adsorber system. A computerized method for accurately predicting the contamination level of the gas stream exiting the adsorption sector and optimizing the performance and fractionation efficiency of the rotating drum adsorber system is also included.

Abstract: A rotating drum adsorber process and system includes a rotating drum of adsorbent medium in a shell including partitions which define an adsorption sector, a regeneration sector and a cooling sector, and which continuously rotates through the sectors. The process and system includes an arrangement for sensing the temperature difference between the temperature of the discharge exiting the leading edge of the regeneration sector and the regeneration sector average discharge temperature for automatically controlling various operating conditions of the rotating drum adsorber system. A computerized method for accurately predicting the contamination level of the gas stream exiting the adsorption sector and optimizing the performance and fractionation efficiency of the rotating drum adsorber system is also included.

Abstract: A unique switching valve for use with a multi-chamber adsorbent air and gas fractionation system for controlling the flow of fluid which comprises a valve housing including an inlet port, two outlet ports and an exhaust port and first valve and second valve members in the valve housing which are moveable between a first position and second position for alternately permitting and blocking fluid flow between the inlet port and the outlet ports and between the outlet ports and the exhaust port. The first and second valve members include mean for permitting a predetermined controlled flow of fluid between the inlet port and the outlet ports and means for permitting a predetermined controlled flow between the outlet ports and the exhaust port which simplify the design and control of the switching valve by eliminating the need for separate repressurization and depressurization valves.

Abstract: A mobile regeneration apparatus is provided for regenerating dryers. The regeneration apparatus may be used to regenerate single tower desiccant dryers located at natural gas vehicle refueling stations. For optimum performance, each dryer may be located upstream of a respective compressor.

Abstract: A drain valve is disclosed which comprises a float chamber for accumulating a fluid. A float is disposed within the float chamber for fluid level determined movement therein. A pivotable arm is operatively connected to the float. Pilot valve means are provided which comprise valve body means and valve shuttle means. The valve body means receive a portion of the pivotable arm and have a valve seat and an inlet in communication with a source of pressure and an outlet. Valve shuttle means are provided for controlling fluid flow from the float chamber in response to the movement of the float and pivotable arm. The valve shuttle means have a closed position wherein the source of pressure maintains the valve shuttle means in sealed relation with the valve seat and an open position wherein the valve shuttle means is not in sealed relation to the valve seat such that that inlet is communication with the outlet.

Abstract: A mobile regeneration apparatus is provided for regenerating dryers. The regeneration apparatus may be used to regenerate single tower desiccant dryers located at natural gas vehicle refueling stations. For optimum performance, each dryer may be located upstream of a respective compressor.