Abstract: A pressure swing and temperature swing adsorption system is disclosed which continuously purges contaminants such as nuclear, biological and chemical warfare agents from intake air and provides cool clean air to the crew compartment of a vehicle by progressively directing contaminated air through a first adsorption bed to clean the air, while simultaneously directing hot exhaust gases at about 600.degree. F. through a second adsorption bed for purging contaminants therefrom, while simultaneously cooling a third adsorption bed for enhancing adsorption of contaminants in the purging bed upon repeating the cycles of operation.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing a continuous supply of clean air at a desired temperature to the crew compartment of a vehicle when in an environment contaminated by nuclear, biological or chemical warfare agents. Exhaust gases from the vehicle's engine is used to drive a first compressor which directs compressed and heated air to a precooler, an aftercooler, a heat exchanger and a pressure swing adsorption system which removes all known contaminates from the air providing clean output air. The clean air is expanded and cooled by a turboexpander which drives a secondary compressor and a coolant air compressor. A temperature controlled circuit is provided to control the temperature of the air throughout the circuit and in the crew compartment at the desired levels.

Abstract: A system and method provides a continuous supply of clean air at a desired temperature to the crew members of a combat vehicle when in an environment contaminated by nuclear, biological or chemical warfare agents. The contaminated air is initially compressed by energy received from the exhaust gases from a combustion power unit of the vehicle, the initially compressed air is then cooled to increase its density and is then compressed and cooled a second time before being passed through a pressure swing adsorbent system which continuously removes all known contaminants from the air, and is then expanded and changed in temperature to provide clean air at a desired temperature to personnel within the vehicle. The energy released from the air during expansion is used to compress the air the second time thereby providing a very energy efficient system.