Abstract: An apparatus and system for producing fresh water from moisture-laden air. The apparatus has a frame supporting a plurality of condensation panels that each have a panel body defining a pair of condensation surfaces that will contact the moisture-laden air. A panel support mechanism supports each of the condensation panels in spaced apart relation to each other so each condensation surface contacts moisture-laden air. A flow channel inside the panel body defines a flow path for a cooling fluid that cools the condensation surfaces so the moisture-laden air will produce condensate thereon that collects as fresh water. The system includes a plurality of apparatuses, a chilling mechanism to cool the cooled fluid, inlet and discharge lines connecting the chilling mechanism and apparatuses, pumps to pressurize the cooled fluid, fans to move the moisture-laden air and water collecting surfaces to collect the fresh water.

Abstract: A device for filling a tank with a pressurized gas, in particular with pressurized hydrogen, comprising a pressurized-gas source and a circuit for transferring gas from the source to the tank, the transfer circuit including a member for expanding and cooling the gas in order to lower the pressure and temperature of the gas from the source to respective values determined with a view to filling the tank, characterized in that the gas-expansion and cooling member includes a refrigerator that expands the gas by means of a Stirling or Ericsson thermodynamic cycle, the refrigerator being selectively supplied with gas from the source, and in that at least a portion of the cooled and expanded gas supplied to the tank is extracted from the refrigerator.

Abstract: Liquefaction systems and associated processes and methods are disclosed herein. Liquefaction systems in accordance with the present technology can include a liquefier positioned to liquefy gases from an emission stream. The liquefier can include a compressor configured to compress a first gas to produce a first liquid, and to compress a second gas to produce a second liquid. The first liquid can be directed to a first collection tank and the second liquid can be directed to a second collection tank. In some embodiments, a liquefaction system can direct a portion of a compressed liquid to a liquefier to pre-cool gases in the emission stream and/or to cool gases at various stages of compression.

Abstract: A method and device for generating electrical energy in a combined system of power plant, cold storage system and air compression system. The air compression system has a primary air compressor for generating a primary compressed air flow at a first pressure level. The power plant has a combustion unit which operates at a second pressure level and generates a combustion gas from which electrical energy is generated. The cold storage system has means for generating cold from compressed air, means for storing cold thus produced and means for generating a compressed air flow at the second pressure level using the stored cold. In a first operating mode (charging mode), a first compressed air flow is introduced from the air compression system into the cold storage system to charge the cold reservoir.

Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine. The gas turbine includes a first compressor configured to provide a first portion of a discharge air to a combustor. The gas turbine also includes the combustor configured to combust a mixture of the first portion of the discharge air and fuel to generate an exhaust gas and to provide the exhaust gas to a turbine. The gas turbine also includes an exhaust outlet coupled to the turbine and configured to enable the exhaust gas to exit the gas turbine. The system also includes a nitrogen purification system coupled to the gas turbine. The nitrogen purification system includes a membrane nitrogen generator configured to receive a second portion of the discharge air from the compressor or a portion of the exhaust gas from the exhaust outlet, wherein the membrane nitrogen generator is configured to generate nitrogen from the second portion of the discharge air or the portion of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: The method and the apparatus described are used for generating electrical energy in a combined system comprising a power plant and a low-temperature air separation unit. A feed air stream is compressed in a main air compressor, cooled, and introduced into a distillation column system having a high-pressure column and a low-pressure column. A first oxygen-enriched stream from the distillation column system is introduced into the power plant. In a first operating mode, cryogenic liquid from the distillation column system is introduced into a liquid tank and is stored there at least in part. In a second operating mode, stored cryogenic liquid is removed from the liquid tank and introduced into the distillation column system. A second process fluid from the distillation column system is heated and then actively depressurized in a hot expansion turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for liquefying a feed gas or cooling a feed gas at supercritical pressure, in which the feed gas mixed with a cycle gas is condensed or cooled in order to form a supercritical gas or liquid at the first pressure, the liquid at the first pressure is cooled in a first heat exchanger (E2), the cooled liquid is removed from the first exchanger and expanded up to a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure in order to form an expanded flow, at least one portion of the expanded flow is cooled in a second heat exchanger, the expanded flow is removed from the second heat exchanger (E2), said flow is split into at least two portions, including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the expanded flow constituting the liquefied product, the second portion and preferably a third portion being vaporized in the second heat exchanger and the thus-formed at least one cycle gas is then mixed with the feed gas and compressed in a compressor, before or after bein

Abstract: Methods and devices for continuously producing liquid air. One embodiment includes bringing a first container confining an unpressurised first volume coupled to outer air in contact with a first cryogenic medium, and maintaining a temperature of the first cryogenic medium substantially higher than the boiling temperature of the first cryogenic medium for affecting continuous production of liquid air.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for drying a gas by gradually releasing and condensing the moisture in various chambers of a column, different pressures and different temperatures thus being present in the chambers of the column. The gas to be dried is first fed into the bottom chamber, where the largest amount of the water contained in the gas is condensed, and the gas is then discharged from the bottom chamber via a nozzle. Subsequently the gas is cooled and fed into at least one more chamber located above the first chamber, where further moisture is condensed before the resulting condensate is fed via a pipe—preferably shaped like a siphon—into the bottom reservoir to prevent the gas from flowing from the chamber below into the chamber above. A process which enables a gas to be dried is also described.

Abstract: An air stream is compressed in multiple stages using refrigeration derived from a refrigerant comprising natural gas for inter-stage cooling. The possibility of natural gas leaking into the air stream is reduced by use of an intermediate cooling medium (“ICM”) to transfer the refrigeration from the refrigerant to the inter-stage air stream. The compressed air stream can be fed to a cryogenic air separation unit that includes an LNG-based liquefier unit from which a cold natural gas stream is withdrawn for use as said refrigerant.

Abstract: A system for conversion of waste and solar heat energy into a carbon sequestration device, including as a collector for collecting carbon dioxide gas from a carbon dioxide gas source, such as ambient air. The Joule Thompson effect is used to cool and thereby refrigerate/liquefy ambient air and then extracting carbon dioxide therefrom, comprising steps of and means for providing a hydride heat engine, operating the hydride heat engine utilizing hydride thermal compression technology to compress hydrogen gas and thereby to cool ambient air to a temperature rendering air into a refrigerated/liquefied state by use of a Joule-Thompson type process, and extracting carbon dioxide from the refrigerated/liquefied ambient air and collecting the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A system and process for liquefying a gas, comprising introducing a feed stream into a liquefier comprising at least a warm expander and a cold expander; compressing the feed stream in the liquefier to a pressure greater than its critical pressure and cooling the compressed feed stream to a temperature below its critical temperature to form a high pressure dense-phase stream; removing the high pressure dense-phase stream from the liquefier, reducing the pressure of the high pressure dense-phase stream in an expansion device to form a resultant two-phase stream and then directly introducing the resultant two-phase stream into a storage tank; and combining a flash portion of the resultant two-phase stream with a boil-off vapor from a liquid in the storage tank to form a combined vapor stream, wherein the temperature of the high pressure dense-phase stream is lower than the temperature of a discharge stream of the cold expander.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryogenic air separation process that provides high pressure oxygen for an oxy-fired combustion of a fuel (e.g., a carbonaceous fuel). The air separation process can be directly integrated into a closed cycle power production process utilizing a working fluid, such as CO2. Beneficially, the air separation process can eliminate the need for inter-cooling between air compression stages and rather provide for recycling the adiabatic heat of compression into a process step in a further methods wherein an additional heat supply is beneficial.

Abstract: A system for conversion of waste and solar heat energy into a carbon sequestration device, including as a collector for collecting carbon dioxide gas from a carbon dioxide gas source, such as ambient air. The Joule Thompson effect is used to cool and thereby refrigerate/liquefy ambient air and then extracting carbon dioxide therefrom, comprising steps of and means for providing a hydride heat engine, operating the hydride heat engine utilizing hydride thermal compression technology to compress hydrogen gas and thereby to cool ambient air to a temperature rendering air into a refrigerated/liquefied state by use of a Joule-Thompson type process, and extracting carbon dioxide from the refrigerated/liquefied ambient air and collecting the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method of liquid air energy storage is provided. This method includes liquefying and storing air to form a stored liquid air during a first period of time; during a second period of time, introducing a compressed air stream into a cryogenic system, wherein the cryogenic system comprises at least one cold compressor, and at least one heat exchanger. The method includes producing a first exhaust stream and a second exhaust stream. The method also includes vaporizing at least part of the stored liquid air stream in the heat exchanger, thereby producing a first high pressure compressed air stream, then combining the first high pressure compressed air stream, the first exhaust stream and the second exhaust stream to form a combined exhaust stream, heating the combined exhaust stream, then expanding the heated combined exhaust stream in an expansion turbine to produce power.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air liquefaction separation method and apparatus by which the apparatus cost can be reduced when liquid products are collected, the method including: a feed air compression step in which the whole amount of a feed air is a pressurized feed air having a first set pressure which is higher than the operating pressure of the intermediate pressure column; an adsorption and purification step in which impurities are adsorbed and removed from the pressurized feed air to obtain a pressurized purified air; a combining step for a circulating air in which the pressurized purified air and the below-described pressurized returned air are combined to obtain a circulating air; a cooling step in which a first branch air stream of the two divided circulating air is cooled at a first set temperature to obtain an air to be introduced into the intermediate pressure column, and a second branch air stream is cooled at a second set temperature which is higher than the first set temperature to obtain an air for exp

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system. The method and system involve compressing an atmospheric gas stream to form a supercritical atmospheric gas stream, forming at least a first stream from the supercritical atmospheric gas stream, directing the first stream to a regenerator for cooling to form a first cooled stream, directing the first cooled stream from the regenerator, expanding the first cooled stream to form a liquefied atmospheric gas stream, storing at least a portion of the liquefied atmospheric gas stream, pressurizing at least a portion of the stored portion of the liquefied atmospheric gas stream, and heating at least a portion of a pressurized liquefied atmospheric gas stream in the regenerator. In the method and system, refrigeration below the critical temperature of the atmospheric gas is directly or indirectly provided to at least one portion of the system from a non-combustible source.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system involving pressurizing an atmospheric gas stream to form at least a compressed atmospheric gas stream, directing the compressed atmospheric gas stream to a first regenerator for cooling, pressurizing to above a second predetermined pressure to form at least a supercritical atmospheric gas stream, directing the supercritical atmospheric gas stream to a second regenerator for cooling, reducing pressure to form at least a liquefied atmospheric gas stream, selectively storing the liquefied atmospheric gas stream, pressurizing the liquefied atmospheric gas stream to form at least a pressurized liquefied atmospheric gas stream, heating the pressurized liquefied atmospheric gas stream in the second regenerator to form at least a heated stream, expanding the heated stream to form at least a medium pressure atmospheric gas stream, directing the medium pressure atmospheric gas stream to the first regenerator, and heating the medium pressure atmospheric gas stream in the first regenerat

Abstract: A method for producing a sterile cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic gas by sterilizing the cryogenic gas and using a heat exchanger to liquefy the sterile cryogenic stream. The discharge rate of the sterile cryogenic fluid is controlled by sizing the discharge orifice and setting a predetermined pressure of the sterile cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: A reactor-installed or column-installed vertical plate heat exchanger having channels for flow of cooling fluid and vertical passageways between the cooling fluid channels for flow of product. A divider is located between a first fraction and a second fraction of the product vertical passageways and a vapor product inlet communicates with the tops of the product vertical passageways in the first fraction. A product collection volume communicates with the bottoms of the product vertical passageways and an outlet communicates with the product collection volume for recovering condensed product. An uncondensed vapor outlet communicates with the tops of the vertical passageways in the second fraction for removing uncondensed vapor from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system for using the waste heat produced from the production of liquefied or solidified heat sink refrigerant in the production of fuel that includes a liquefied or solidified heat sink refrigerant production system, a fuel production system, and a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which air is liquefied and stored for later energy recovery during which the liquid air is pumped to high pressure, heated and then expanded to recover the energy. During the recovery of energy, the pumped liquid air is heated within a regenerator that stores the refrigeration within the liquid air. During the liquefaction of the air, part of the refrigeration required is obtained from the refrigeration stored in the regenerator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing and releasing energy comprising directing inlet air into a vertical cold flue assembly, a portion of moisture being removed from the air within the cold flue assembly. The air is directed out of the cold flue assembly and compressed. The remaining moisture is substantially removed and the carbon dioxide is removed from the air by adsorption. The air is cooled in a main heat exchanger such that it is substantially liquefied using refrigerant loop air. The substantially liquefied air is directed to a storage apparatus. The refrigerant loop air is cooled by a mechanical chiller and by a plurality of refrigerant loop air expanders. In energy release mode, working loop fluid warms the released liquid air such that the released liquid air is substantially vaporized, and the released liquid air cools the working loop fluid such that the working loop fluid is substantially liquefied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing and releasing energy comprising directing inlet air into a vertical cold flue assembly having an air inlet at or near its top into which inlet air is directed and an exit at or near its bottom. The air is cooled within the cold flue assembly and a portion of moisture is removed from the air within the cold flue assembly. The air is directed out the exit of the cold flue assembly and compressed. The remaining moisture is substantially removed and the carbon dioxide is removed from the air by adsorption. The air is cooled in a main heat exchanger such that it is substantially liquefied using refrigerant loop air, the refrigerant loop air generated by a refrigerant loop process. The substantially liquefied air is directed to a storage apparatus. The refrigerant loop air is cooled by a mechanical chiller and by a plurality of refrigerant loop air expanders.

Abstract: In order to reduce incoming atmospheric carbon dioxide levels in compressed air prior to cryogenic distillation, a water spray cooling tower equipped with biocatalytic packing, or fed with absorptive reagents, is used to convert gaseous carbon dioxide into bicarbonate ions which dissolve in the cooling water. The hydration reaction and refrigeration occur synergistically. The bicarbonate ions are subsequently removed from the solution using the heat from the compressed air in a regenerator re-boiler unit, and then fed to a percolation cooling tower for releasing CO2 and cooling.

Abstract: A compact desktop gas liquefaction system having a gas generator, a cooling unit having a Stirling, pulse-tube or Stirling-pulse-tube cooler, and an insulated container to receive the liquefied gas. The system may be used to produce liquid nitrogen, oxygen, argon, natural gas, or air. The insulated container can be quickly disengaged from the gas liquefaction system, thereby minimizing the risk associated with handling liquefied gases. This compact liquefier allows for on-demand and on-site cryogen generation. The system provides a condenser surrounded by an evacuated space for greater efficiency of operation in a limited space.

Abstract: A compressed working fluid supply system including a power source, a liquefier in communication with the power source and a refrigerant, a circulator in communication with the power source and the refrigerant, and a heat sink is in communication with the refrigerant. The heat sink facilitates a transfer of heat from the working fluid to the refrigerant such that the working fluid becomes a cooled working fluid before or during compression. A compressor is in communication with the power source the cooled working fluid and includes an inlet and an outlet that is in communication with a compressed fluid tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improving the safety and efficiency and decreasing the cost of producing liquid oxygen with a small-scale use liquefaction device, according to various embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, a switch is electrically coupled to a storage dewar pressurizing means, the switch positioned to be activated by a portable dewar upon engagement of portable dewar with storage dewar. Cryocooler and/or cooling fan enter low power mode when dewar liquid level reaches a predetermined level, and to return to a fall power mode when dewar liquid level drops to another predetermined level. A cold finger of the cryocooler extends within the dewar and may prevent overfilling of the dewar. The cold finger has a temperature gradient. As the gas liquefies and fills the dewar, the liquid level rises only to a level on the cold finger at which the temperature exceeds the boiling point of oxygen.

Abstract: A cryogenic process of supplying oxygen to a power generation plant including at least an air separation unit (9,11), a liquid oxygen tank (15) and an air derived component liquid tank (17), comprises: During a first period: feeding a first air stream to the air separation unit at a first flowrate, feeding liquid oxygen from the liquid oxygen tank to the air separation unit, recovering a gaseous oxygen stream with a higher flow than the liquid oxygen stream from the air separation unit, sending at least one air derived component liquid to at least one air derived component liquid tank.

Abstract: A liquid fuel storage system to be mounted on an electric motorcar has a first storage container for storing liquid fuel such as liquid hydrogen, one or more heat exchangers performing heat exchange between air and the liquid fuel or fuel gas vaporized from the liquid fuel, a second storage container, and a low temperature air supply line. The second storage container surrounds the outer periphery of the first storage container and stores the liquid air obtained by the heat exchange. An air conditioning system and/or a cold container that are mounted on the electric motorcar use the air supplied through the low temperature air supply line.

Abstract: A cryogenic gas is liquefied using a refrigeration system [101] thermally coupled at an evaporator [125] to a cold end of a gas supply system [103] within a dewar [116]. The refrigerator has a minimum temperature at an evaporator [125] above the boiling point of the gas at atmospheric pressure but below the boiling point of the gas at a high pressure. Thus, the gas is compressed [128] to high pressure so it condenses when cooled by the evaporator [125]. As it expands at a flow restrictor [148], a portion evaporates and cools a fraction to the temperature of the boiling point of the gas at atmospheric pressure, producing liquefied gas. Opening a purge valve [142] sends warm gas upward through heat exchange section [146] and out through a three-way valve [138] for defrosting. To reduce clogging, the gas supply valve [138] is controlled by a gas purity sensor [158].

Abstract: A oxygen-production device includes a pulse-tube cryocooler for cooling air to liquefy oxygen, and a main container for obtaining and retaining liquefied oxygen. The main container has a heat regenerator, a cold head, and a pulse tube of the pulse-tube cryocooler therein. A temperature sensor measures a temperature of the liquefied oxygen, and a control device controls an output of the pulse-tube cryocooler according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An atmospheric water harvester extracts water from high relative humidity air. The temperature of the surface of a condensation member is lowered in the presence of moist air to promote condensation of water vapor on its surface, and the water so obtained by condensation is collected. The atmospheric water harvester includes a photovoltaic member that generates electricity to power the refrigeration of the condensation member. At least as much electrical power is produced as is used to condense the water vapor so that no additional sources of electrical power are required. Each atmospheric water harvester (or array of harvesters) is rapidly installed and then operated in an unattended state for considerable periods of time. Arrays of autonomous atmospheric water harvesters can be installed as free-standing units or as roofs on either new or existing buildings.

Abstract: A system for providing industrial gas to a use point in relatively small quantities that would otherwise require the use of high pressure gas cylinders, wherein industrial gas is generated from a feed, liquefied using refrigeration generated by a refrigeration system, and stored in a storage vessel prior to provision to the use point. The preferred refrigeration system is a pulse tube system powered by gas associated with the industrial gas generation system.

Abstract: A gas driven oscillator (10) comprising an engine (11) having a cylinder (12) and a pair of expansion chambers (13, 14) on either side of a floating piston (15) adapted to reciprocate within the cylinder (12). The piston (15) is mounted on a piston rod (16) extending through the cylinder (12) and into a compressor (17). Compressed air is delivered from a tank (20) to the engine (11) via a pair of valves (22, 23) mounted on an adjustment screw and slidably disposed on the piston rod (16). The spacing between the valves (22, 23) can be adjusted in order to vary the amplitude of the piston (15) within the cylinder (12). The piston rod (16) includes spaced slots (24, 25) which alternate align with passages inside the respective valves (22, 23) to deliver a pulse of compressed air to the respective chambers (13, 14) of the cylinder (12). Mercury is added to or discharged from a tank (42) which is rigidly secured to piston rod (16) to vary the inertia of the oscillator (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a liquefier for the production of liquid air with an oxygen content of between 16 and 21 mol % in a low-temperature process, whereby atmospheric air is used as a feed gas; in a warm part of the process, H2O, carbon dioxide and contaminants entrained in the air are removed in a purification step, e.g. adsorption; cold is produced by compression and engine expansion of process streams. Liquid air is obtained as a liquid head product in a cold part of the process by low-temperature rectification in a column having less than four theoretical plates. In addition, a liquid bottoms product is obtained in the rectification, used exergetically and vented as a warm residual gas into the atmosphere or used at least partially in the purification step.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquefying and storing a gas is provided. The apparatus is adapted to liquify relatively small quantities of gas, and to do so in a residence or place of business. The apparatus generally includes a cryocooler, a heat transfer assembly, and an insulated subsystem. Liquid condensate produced by the apparatus is stored in an insulated dewar. The method of the present invention includes the liquification of air or an enriched gas on a small scale in a residence or place of business. The method and apparatus of the invention are particularly well suited for providing liquified oxygen for use by a patient on oxygen therapy in the patient's residence.

Abstract: A process for liquefying a gas, wherein the gas is compressed, cooled, then expanded in a first turbine and at least partially liquefied, wherein a portion of the liquid produced is also cooled, and then expanded in a second turbine, wherein the second turbine operates with a higher inlet temperature than the first turbine and the first turbine operates at an outlet pressure different than that from the second turbine.

Abstract: The compact oxygen production system of the present invention provides an oxygen concentrator and a cryocooling device for liquefying the concentrated oxygen gas to provide liquid oxygen. The compact size of the system permits the system to be employed in home applications, especially for home oxygen patients.

Abstract: A gas driven oscillator (10) comprising an engine (11) having a cylinder (12) and a pair of expansion chambers (13, 14) on either side of a floating piston (15) adapted to reciprocate within the cylinder (12). The piston (15) is mounted on a piston rod (16) extending through the cylinder (12) and into a compressor (17). Compressed air is delivered from a tank (20) to the engine (11) via a pair of valves (22, 23) mounted on an adjustment screw and slidably disposed on the piston rod (16). The spacing between the valves (22, 23) can be adjusted in order to vary the amplitude of the piston (15) within the cylinder (12). The piston rod (16) includes spaced slots (24, 25) which alternate align with passages inside the respective valves (22, 23) to deliver a pulse of compressed air to the respective chambers (13, 14) of the cylinder (12). Mercury is added to or discharged from a tank (42) which is rigidly secured to piston rod (16) to vary the inertia of the oscillator (10).

Abstract: A system for producing cryogenic liquefied industrial gas, especially useful in conjunction with a non-cryogenic industrial gas production facility, wherein the output of the industrial gas production facility is pressurized, a portion passed to the use point, and another portion is condensed against a turboexpanded stream which is also taken from the pressurized gas.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a breathable, life-supporting cryogenic liquid mixture including the steps of: producing a stream of treated natural air having substantially all the carbon dioxide and moisture removed therefrom; admixing a quantity of mixing gas containing nitrogen in a proportion greater than natural air thereby to producing a product gas mixture having a desired oxygen/nitrogen ratio and liquefying this said mixture in a heat exchanger against a suitable chilling fluid.

Abstract: A process is set forth for the cryogenic distillation of an air feed to produce nitrogen, particularly high pressure nitrogen of various purity, varying from low purity (up to 98% nitrogen) to ultra-high purity (less than 1 part per billion of oxygen). The nitrogen may be produced at two different pressures and two different purities. The process uses an auxiliary low pressure separation zone in addition to the conventional high pressure column and low pressure column. The auxiliary low pressure separation zone, which is operated at the same pressure as the low pressure column and which is heat integrated with the top of the high pressure column by means of its bottom reboiler/condenser, pretreats the crude liquid oxygen from the bottom of the high pressure column.

Abstract: Disclosed is a production process and apparatus of high-purity air and various air material gases for semiconductor production factories that, together with enabling the production of high-purity air, also enables the production high-purity nitrogen simultaneous to the production of oxygen-rich air as the finished product. This is accomplished by compressing feed air to a pressure of 3 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2 G, introducing this compressed air into a catalyst tower (8) to convert the carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and hydrogen contained in the feed air into carbon dioxide and water, and introducing the purified air into an adsorption tower (12a) or (12b) after cooling the heated air following catalytic reaction to remove carbon dioxide, water and other minute amounts of impurities by adsorption. A portion of the resulting purified air is removed as product high-purity air, while the remainder is introduced into a main heat exchanger (18) where it is cooled to substantially the liquefaction temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing liquid nitrogen from air comprising a gaseous mixture of about 78% by volume of nitrogen, about 21% by volume of oxygen, less than 1.0% by volume of argon, and small amounts of carbon dioxide, water vapour, and other trace elements and compounds comprise an extractor that extracts portions of the oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapour so as to produce a nitrogen-rich gaseous mixture comprising about 90% to about 99% by volume of nitrogen, about 10% to about 1% by volume of oxygen, and no more than trace amounts of carbon dioxide, water vapour, and other elements and compounds. A nitrogen recycle compressor compresses the nitrogen-rich gaseous mixture to a specified pressure.