Heating And Cooling Patents (Class 95/115)
  • Patent number: 6037291
    Abstract: An improvement in the operation of a thermal oxidizer during regeneration of an adsorber, wherein adsorbates collected in the adsorber are removed from the adsorber and introduced into the thermal oxidizer, by regenerative steam passed through the adsorber, to be oxidized in the thermal oxidizer during a regenerative cycle of prescribed duration, regulates the concentration of adsorbates in the regenerative steam passed to the thermal oxidizer such that the concentration of adsorbates introduced into the thermal oxidizer throughout the duration of the regenerative cycle is regulated to avoid excessive deviations from a selected average concentration of adsorbates, the regulated concentration of adsorbates enabling more efficient operation of the thermal oxidizer throughout the full duration of the regenerative cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Croll Reynolds Clean Air Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne P. Buckley, Boris Altshuler
  • Patent number: 6024774
    Abstract: The chemical reaction apparatus of the present invention can increase the producing rate of the main product gas by effectively removing carbon dioxide from the reaction site, the carbon dioxide generated together with the main product as the raw material gas is made to react at a high temperature of 400.degree. C. The reaction apparatus comprises a reactor for generating a main product gas and a byproduct gas which is carbon dioxide, by making a raw material gas to react, and lithium zirconate granular material placed in the reactor, to react with the byproduct carbon dioxide gas, thereby preparing a carbonate salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kazuaki Nakagawa, Hideyuki Ohzu, Toshiyuki Ohashi, Yoshihiro Akasaka, Norihiro Tomimatsu
  • Patent number: 5985226
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for separating chlorine gas from a mixture of gases. The mixture of gases is cooled to a temperature less than 0.degree. C. and is contacted with ice, which results in the formation of chlorine hydrate on the ice. The ice is separated from the mixture of gases and is heated or the operating pressure reduced to release chlorine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Occidental Chemcial Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Zeller, Sharon D. Fritts, David L. Johnson, Kenneth J. Carlson, Paul J. Orosz, Ronald B. Kaplin
  • Patent number: 5980612
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an adsorbent filter having a continuous activated carbon fiber sheet is disclosed. The filter providing a frame, at least one continuous sheet of adsorbent fabric, and a plurality of supports for supporting the sheet within the frame such that contaminated fluid flows over one or more surfaces of the sheet. The contaminants being adsorbed by contact with the surface of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Compliance Environmental Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5938816
    Abstract: A process for the purification of gases loaded in particular with chemical residues, in particular of the exhaust air from printing equipment, in which process the gas to be purified is drawn off from the regions producing the impurities and led via piping to an arrangement of adsorber-filter cartridges that serve for the separation of the impurities from the gas and are periodically separated in a cyclical manner from the exhaust flow for the carrying out of a regeneration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Firma Maul & Co. - Chr. Belser GMBH
    Inventors: Rainer Harle, Winfried Marquardt
  • Patent number: 5925169
    Abstract: Method for drying a gas which has been compressed by a compressor (1) wherein compressed gas (2) from the compressor is driven through an amount of drying agent (3) until a dried, compressed gas (4) is obtained. An amount of used drying agent (7) is regenerated by driving a part (5) of dried compressed gas (4), which is heated first by the compression heat of compressor (1), through used drying agent (7). Moisture is absorbed from used drying agent (7) by a part (5) of the dried compressed gas (4), which is then condensed and separated by cooling. Part (5) of dried compressed gas (4) is then mixed with compressed gas (2) from the compressor to be dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Altas Copco Airpower, naamloze vennootschap
    Inventor: Danny Etienne Andree Vertriest
  • Patent number: 5906674
    Abstract: A process for separating oxygen and nitrogen using an adsorption system comprising at least one main adsorption vessel containing an adsorbent selective for one component and at least one auxiliary adsorption vessel containing an adsorbent selective for the same component, the auxiliary vessel(s) being operated under conditions which result in the production of a product gas of lower purity than the product gas from the main adsorption vessel(s). The lower purity product gas from the auxiliary vessel is used to purge or pressurize the main adsorption vessel(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ziming Tan, Karl O. Toppel
  • Patent number: 5900532
    Abstract: The present invention enables siloxanes which have a detrimental effect on the quality of products during semiconductor production to be efficiently removed from silicon compound gases, and enables minute amounts of siloxanes in these gases to be accurately measured to a few ppb, thus allowing for improvements in quality control by offering silicon compound gases of high purity. Diatomaceous earth M filled into a removal column 2 is heated by heating means provided on the removal column 2, while an inert gas such as nitrogen or helium is fed from an inert gas delivery pipe 13 via a pressure regulator 5 and an entry valve 6 into the removal column 2, and is allowed to flow out through an outlet valve 8 in order to thermally activate the diatomaceous earth M. After activation, the removal column is cooled to a temperature of 60-0.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Ikeda, Toyohiko Abe
  • Patent number: 5891219
    Abstract: A two stage rotary concentrator takes the gas from the first stage desorption section and passes it back into a second stage concentrator process. A second stage desorption gas is passed over the rotary concentrator in a second stage desorption section. The gas from the second stage desorption section may then be passed for final treatment. The invention greatly reduces the volume of air which must be sent for final treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Durr Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Klobucar, Ajay Gupta, Dinesh Bhushan
  • Patent number: 5891220
    Abstract: Process for the purification of a chemically inert gas, containing at least one of the O.sub.2 and/or CO impurities, from at least one of the impurities, characterized in that:a) the gas to be purified is passed through an adsorbent comprising at least one porous metal oxide, the gas having a temperature greater than or equal to -40.degree. C.,b) a gas which is substantially purified from at least one of the O.sub.2 and CO impurities is recovered. Device for implementation of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude et L'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Daniel Gary
  • Patent number: 5861050
    Abstract: Described are preferred vapor recovery canisters which are useful in on-board vehicle fuel vapor recovery systems. The preferred canisters incorporate thermal management of solid adsorbent with phase change materials to improve both adsorptive and desorptive capacity of the canisters. Also described are preferred encapsulation members for use in the vapor recovery canisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Store Heat and Produce Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Pittel, Alexander P. Rafalovich, John D. Cathcart
  • Patent number: 5855650
    Abstract: In the purification of air to remove water and carbon dioxide and other contaminants prior to cryogenic separation of oxygen and nitrogen, water and carbon dioxide are adsorbed on a solid adsorbent and are periodically desorbed to regenerate the adsorbent by the passing of a heated regenerating gas such that the quantity of heat added to the regenerating gas to produce desorption is no more than 90 percent of the heat of adsorption liberated during the adsorption of the water and carbon dioxide. The process is applicable to removing other contaminants from other gas streams also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad Ali Kalbassi, Timothy Christopher Golden
  • Patent number: 5846296
    Abstract: In a method for recovering and/or purifying water which is absorbed from a humid atmosphere, the moisture from the air is adsorbed on a suitable medium (3) in a defined space, whereupon by the application of heat the moisture is brought to a condenser (1) where it passes into a liquid state (10) and is collected in a suitable manner. In order to improve the efficiency of this method the defined, sealed space is opened for the adsorbing medium (3), for free access to air at night-time and is closed during the hot day-time period. Condensed water is passed out through a collecting funnel (2) and a channel (5) to a collection container (6). A device is also described in the form of a housing with walls (7) which can be opened and closed, in which there is located an adsorbing medium (3). In the upper part of the housing there is provided a condenser (1). The condenser (1) is equipped with a drop collector (2) which is connected to an outlet pipe (5) to a collection container (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Per K.ang.re Krumsvik
  • Patent number: 5833738
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed showing a system for continuous purification of bulk source specialty gases to less than 10 part per billion levels. Corrosive and non-corrosive specialty gases are purified using this system. Depending on whether corrosive or non-corrosive gases are being purified and the contaminants of concern, the purification beds contain an absorber and/or getter. A dual bed system allows one bed to purify at ambient temperatures while a second bed undergoes regeneration, providing continuous purification for a bulk source specialty gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: D.D.I. Ltd.
    Inventors: Giovanni Carrea, Brian D. Warrick, Lewis J. Wickman
  • Patent number: 5817167
    Abstract: A desiccant dehumidifier is provided in which a desiccant material is applied to a first end of a heat pipe heat exchanger. During the sorption phase, a supply air stream is exposed to the desiccant material on the first end of the heat pipe heat exchanger and a second air stream, which could be ambient atmosphere, is exposed to the second end of the heat pipe heat exchanger. The moisture from the supply air stream is transferred to the desiccant material. However, the heat pipe heat exchanger acts as a heat sink and adsorbs the heat generated by the moisture transfer and transfers it to the second end of the heat pipe heat exchanger. At the second end of the heat pipe heat exchanger, the heat is transferred to the second air stream. As a result, both the supply air stream and the desiccant material remain at a substantially constant temperature during the sorption phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Des Champs Laboratories Incorporated
    Inventor: Nicholas H. DesChamps
  • Patent number: 5797980
    Abstract: An air compressor (1) is cooled by a water circuit (5) which comprises a buffer tank (6) and an air cooled cooler (7) provided with a fan (8) of adjustable speed. The buffer tank is supplied by makeup water and includes a purge (16) which serves, when the ambient temperature is relatively high, to cool the preliminarily separated compressed air from cooling water. Application in processes for separation of air by adsorption or permeation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Frederic Fillet
  • Patent number: 5779768
    Abstract: A condensable component present at low concentration in a feed gas mixture containing the condensable component and a noncondensable component is recovered by selective adsorption from the feed gas mixture in an adsorption step, the resulting adsorbed condensable component is desorbed by a heated purge gas in a regeneration step to yield a purge gas effluent enriched in desorbed condensable component, and the purge gas effluent is cooled to condense and recover the condensable component as a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhu Anand, Shivaji Sircar, Augustine Ivanhoe Dalton
  • Patent number: 5766311
    Abstract: Multiple thermal pulses are employed to regenerate segments of an adsorber bed simultaneously in thermal swing adsorption processes. The invention is particularly applicable to air purification as it helps to reduce purge flow and improve regeneration efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark William Ackley, Frederick Wells Leavitt, Frank Notaro, Jeffert John Nowobilski
  • Patent number: 5759236
    Abstract: A process for separating organic compounds, such as solvents, from gases, e.g. waste gases of paint shops. The gases to be treated are conducted in an adsorber over a sorbent which is composed of particulate activated carbon in an oxidic carrier. The charged sorbent is regenerated by passing therethrough, preferably according to the countercurrent principle, a heated regeneration gas, the regeneration gas charged with desorbate is cooled so that organic compounds condense and can then be separated, whereupon the regeneration gas is reheated and reused for the desorption of the charged sorbent. Heating of the regeneration gas as well as cooling of the regeneration gas charged with desorbate are, at least partially, effected by a heat pump. It will be expedient to provide at least two adsorbers which are charged and regenerated alternately. An apparatus for carrying out the process is additionally described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Engelhard Process Chemicals GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Thomas Bruck, Leo Vondenhoff, Michael Hoffmeister, Torsten Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5753011
    Abstract: A staged adsorbent membrane system is operated to separate a gas mixture wherein more strongly adsorbed secondary components preferentially adsorb and permeate through the adsorbent membrane in the first stage. Less strongly adsorbed primary components are recovered therefrom in a nonpermeate gas product stream. Preferably two stages are utilized wherein the permeate gas from the first stage is introduced into the second stage and the nonpermeate gas from the second stage is recycled to the first stage as additional feed gas to increase the overall recovery and/or purity of the nonpermeate gas product. The two-stage membrane system is operated such that the ratio of the recovery of the primary component in the first stage to the recovery of the primary component in the second stage is less than about 1.0. The method is particularly useful for the recovery of hydrogen from hydrogen-containing gas mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Shivaji Sircar, David Joseph Parrillo
  • Patent number: 5730783
    Abstract: A process for concentrating ozone, which includes switching a plurality of adsorption columns each packed with an adsorbent capable of preferentially adsorbing ozone thereon sequentially to an adsorption step where the adsorbent is maintained at a low temperature to adsorb ozone thereon; a desorption step where the adsorbent is heated to desorb ozone therefrom, and a scavenger gas is introduced in a substantially fixed amount into the adsorption column to discharge the thus desorbed ozone being carried on the scavenger gas; and a cooling step where the adsorbent having completed the desorption step is cooled to the same low temperature level as in the adsorption step. Heating of the adsorbent in the desorption step is carried out depending on the time elapsed after desorption is started or on the ozone concentration of the gas discharged from the adsorption column performing the desorption step. A gas having a predetermined pressure is employed as the scavenger gas in the desorption step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sanui, Nobuhiko Takahashi, Shigeyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5730782
    Abstract: A method and system for separating one or more components from gas mixtures uses a moving bed of adsorption material particles under continuous and substantially isobaric pressure conditions. Contaminated gases are likewise purified by removing one or more contaminants therefrom using such a moving bed of adsorption material particles under continuous and substantially isobaric pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Joseph Heim, Arun Acharya, Barry Alan Minbiole, James John Carlins, Eriks Arvids Niparts, William Edgar BeVier
  • Patent number: 5704965
    Abstract: An adsorption-desorption apparatus, for storage and dispensing of a sorbable gas, wherein a carbon physical sorbent medium bearing the adsorbed gas to be selectively dispensed is delivered by pressure differential desorption and/or thermal desorption of the sorbate gas from the sorbent material. The carbon sorbent material preferably comprises a material which is characterized by a Sorbent Working Capacity, measured for arsine at 40 Torr and at 650 Torr, of at least 100 grams arsine per liter of bed of the sorbent material, e.g., a carbon sorbent material having the adsorption isotherm characteristic of curve A in FIG. 1 herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Tom, James V. McManus, W. Karl Olander
  • Patent number: 5702505
    Abstract: A method for collecting volatile organic substances from an off-gas containing moisture and volatile organic substances. The organic substances are removed from the gas containing the organic substances and the moisture by introducing the gas into an adsorbing tower filled with the adsorbents and being in the adsorbing process under a relatively low temperature condition. The gas is discharged outside the system as the gas containing the moisture but from which the organic substances have been removed. The organic substances are desorbed under a relatively high temperature condition in the regenerating process for the regeneration. The moisture is removed from the desorbed gas discharged from the adsorbent regenerating process in a dehumidifying tower filled with the moisture absorbent by the temperature swing method or pressure swing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Izumi, Akinori Yasutake, Hiroyuki Tsutaya, Takayuki Harada, Kenichi Hamada
  • Patent number: 5695546
    Abstract: A method for collecting volatile organic substances from off-gas containing moisture and volatile organic substances. After the moisture has been removed by a dehumidifying tower filled with moisture absorbent for selectively adsorbing the moisture from the gas containing the organic substances and the moisture, the organic substances are adsorbed and removed under a relatively low temperature condition. The organic substances is desorbed under a relatively high temperature condition from the adsorbing tower which is saturated with the organic substances. The desorbed organic substances are liquefied and collected under a low temperature and/or pressurizing condition. The dry gas from which the organic substances have been removed and made harmless is heated if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Izumi, Akinori Yasutake, Hiroyuki Tsutaya, Takayuki Harada, Kenichi Hamada
  • Patent number: 5676735
    Abstract: A system for recovery of adsorbed gas remaining in a used storage and dispensing vessel containing sorbent material having residual sorbate gas thereon, when the vessel is taken out of service, in which the used storage and dispensing vessel is coupled in flow communication with at least one fresh storage and dispensing vessel containing sorbent material therein having sorptive capacity for the residual sorbate gas. The fresh vessel is maintained in a first zone and the used vessel is maintained in a second zone, at temperature and/or pressure conditions relative to one another that cause the residual sorbate gas to desorb from the sorbent material in the used storage and dispensing vessel and flow into the fresh storage and dispensing vessel for sorption of the residual sorbate gas on the sorbent material in the fresh storage and dispensing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: James V. McManus
  • Patent number: 5669959
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for the shut-down of a membrane separation zone comprising a non-permeate side and a permeate side and processing a feed stream comprising a non-permeable component, a less-readily permeable, condensible component, and a readily permeable component. When the feed stream is not passed to the membrane separation zone, a purge stream is passed to the non-permeate side of the membrane separation zone to remove a residual gas stream and thereby prevent condensation of the less-readily permeable, condensible component upon depressurization and/or cooling of the membrane separation zone. The invention reduces the need for oversizing membrane system which reduces treating costs and prevents permeate damage to membrane surfaces caused by condensation of less-readily permeable, condensible components such as C.sub.6.sup.+ hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Kishore J. Doshi, William B. Dolan
  • Patent number: 5669962
    Abstract: A cyclic process is provided for drying a compressed gas using at least two shell and tube adsorber heat exchangers each having a shell-side passage and a tube-side passage wherein the tubes have an interior surface which is uniformly coated with a solid adsorbent. In the operation of the process, a feed gas at ambient conditions is passed to the shell-side passage of the first adsorber to cool the adsorber and heat the feed gas stream to provide a first exchanged stream. The first exchanged stream is compressed and passed to the shell-side passage of another adsorber heat exchanger to provide a second exchanged stream. The second exchanged stream is returned to the tube-side passage of the first adsorber heat exchanger wherein the second exchanged stream is contacted with the adsorbent to adsorb moisture and thereby produce a dry compressed gas stream. A portion of the dry compressed gas stream is employed to purge the tube-side passage of other adsorber heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: Stephen R. Dunne
  • Patent number: 5669961
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the purification and collection of hydrogen isotopes in a flowing inert gaseous mixture containing impurities, wherein metal alloy getters having the capability of sorbing non-hydrogen impurities such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, ammonia, nitrogen and water vapor are utilized to purify the gaseous mixture of impurities. After purification hydrogen isotopes may be more efficiently collected. A plurality of parallel process lines utilizing metal getter alloys can be used to provide for the continuous purification and collection of the hydrogen isotopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company
    Inventors: John D. Baker, David H. Meikrantz, Dale G. Tuggle
  • Patent number: 5667560
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the dehumidification and VOC odor remediation of an air stream withdrawn from the passenger compartment of a transportation vehicle is disclosed which employs a continuously rotating wheel support and adsorbent selective for the adsorption of water and VOCs. The wheel is coated with a zeolite adsorbent selected from the low cerium rare earth exchanged zeolite Y-84, a rare earth exchanged zeolite LZ-210, a low cerium rare earth exchanged zeolite Y-64, and mixtures thereof. It was discovered that faujasites which have a zeolite structure including .beta.-cages within which are located tri-valent cations exhibit a Type 1M adsorption isotherm for water which provides a good driving force for adsorption at low partial pressures and a heat of adsorption which is slightly greater than the heat of vaporization/condensation of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: Stephen R. Dunne
  • Patent number: 5661987
    Abstract: An improved three-bed nonimmobilized rapid pressure-swing adsorber for use in a gas separation system. The three beds are connected in parallel and actuated so that at any one time, at least one of the beds is on-line, purifying the gas stream. The sequence of operation is such that during a full cycle of operation, two of the beds will be purging for at least some of the cycle to reduce the purge gas volume flow requirements, and thus increase the efficiency of the system. When a primary adsorber bed is on-line, another bed may be depressurizing from an on-line condition to a purge condition while the third bed is being purged. At a certain time, both the off-line beds are being purged until the third bed is repressurized in preparation for going on-line. Prior to the first bed going off-line and being depressurized, the third bed is placed on-line to ensure an uninterrupted supply of process gas to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Pacific Consolidated Industries
    Inventor: Robert A. Zarate
  • Patent number: 5658369
    Abstract: A method for the collection and subsequent regeneration of substances exhausted through a vacuum pump. In a first phase, an exhaust stream from the pump to an adsorption bed in which one or more components of the stream are adsorbed. In a second phase, adsorbed component(s) are regenerated from the bed by connecting the bed to the inlet side of the vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventor: Roland Gregor Paul Kusay
  • Patent number: 5614000
    Abstract: A method for the removal from a feed gas stream such as air of at least two contaminating gas components such as water and CO.sub.2 features repeated cycles of operation the improvement which comprise: feeding a regenerating gas such as dry nitrogen at a higher temperature, e.g. 70.degree. C., in a direction counter-current to the feed direction in contact with the adsorbent to produce a heat pulse travelling in the counter-current direction to desorb the less strongly adsorbed second contaminating gas component from the downstream (with respect to the feed direction) portion of the adsorbent by TSA while at the same time desorbing the more strongly adsorbed second contaminating gas component from the upstream (with respect to the feed direction) portion of the adsorbent by PSA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammed A. Kalbassi, Timothy C. Golden
  • Patent number: 5567228
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating synthesized gas ("syngas") comprises introducing the syngas into a lower portion of a vessel. The syngas flows in the lower portion through a static regenerative hot gravel bed and into an upper portion of the vessel containing particulate material at a temperature less than that of the syngas in a manner so that the material reduces the temperature of the syngas and reacts with the syngas to abate pollutants therein, and the syngas entrains at least a portion of the material. The entrained material is then separated from the gas, cooled in a heat exchanger, and returned to the vessel, while the separated syngas is passed to downstream facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Iqbal F. Abdulally
  • Patent number: 5542965
    Abstract: In a process and installation for removing solvent vapor from exhaust air sucked from a working space, the air is fed to at least two parallel activated carbon adsorbers. Each adsorber can be switched to and fro between a charging mode in which it adsorbs solvent vapors from the exhaust air flowing through the adsorber, and a regeneration mode in which it is separated from the flow of exhaust air and flushed with water vapor and desorbed. To save energy and to reduce environmental pollution, at the end of the regeneration period each adsorber has a drying phase in which exhaust air from the working space flows through the adsorber, the air thereafter being fed to an adsorber which is operating in the charging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: U.E. Sebald Druck und Verlag GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Straubinger, Gunter Pecher, Richard Kohlmann
  • Patent number: 5531807
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying oxygen to passengers on board an aircraft in the form of a portable machine including a housing having a shape and size allowing it to be positioned under a seat on the aircraft, an air separation device in the housing for separating oxygen from the air inside the aircraft, a self-contained compressed air supply in the housing including a compressor operatively connected to the air separation device and a brushless d-c motor for driving the compressor, and a circuit for connecting the d-c motor to the aircraft electrical power source including converting the a-c voltage and current on board the aircraft to d-c voltage and current for operating the motor. The brushless motor insures compliance with airline requirements that the machine generates a low level of electrical interference. The machine includes an intake resonator and a muffler associated therewith for reducing the level of noise generated to a value acceptable for airline use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: AirSep Corporation
    Inventor: Norman R. McCombs
  • Patent number: 5522918
    Abstract: A method for analyzing organic substances, includes the steps of subcooling a semiconductor substrate to a temperature at least lower than an ambient temperature, trapping volatile organic substances present in an atmosphere on the semiconductor substrate, heating the semiconductor substrate to thereby remove the volatile organic substances from the semiconductor substrate, and analyzing the volatile organic substances. This method is capable of selectively trapping to analyze only organic substances which might be adsorbed to a semiconductor device and thereby deleteriously affect the performances of the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshimi Shiramizu
  • Patent number: 5512083
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the dehumidification and VOC odor remediation of an air stream withdrawn from the passenger compartment of a transportation vehicle is disclosed which employs a continuously rotating wheel support and adsorbent selective for the adsorption of water and VOCs. The wheel is coated with zeolite adsorbent selected from the group consisting of zeolite Y-74, zeolite Y-84, zeolite Y-85, a low cerium rare earth exchanged zeolite Y-84, a rare earth exchanged zeolite LZ-210 and mixtures thereof. A surprisingly significant increase in the thermal efficiency is possible as a result of the lower regeneration temperature of the adsorbent and the use of novel process steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: Stephen R. Dunne
  • Patent number: 5487380
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use in the delivery of an inhalation anesthetic to a patient while employing a closed loop or re-breather gas recirculation system. The method and apparatus control the system temperature to minimize heat buildup, including heat buildup resulting from an exothermic reaction between a patient's exhaled breath and a scrubbing substance that removes a selected constituent from the patient's exhaled breath. The apparatus includes an enclosure containing a scrubbing substance. The enclosure defines an influent opening for admitting the exhaled breath along a first path into the scrubbing substance and defines an effluent opening through which gases can be discharged from the enclosure. The apparatus also includes a second path adjacent the first path between inlet and outlet openings whereby a coolant fluid can flow along the second path to remove heat from the interior of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Richard W. Grabenkort
  • Patent number: 5486227
    Abstract: A process is set forth for purifying and liquefying a feed gas mixture with respect to its less strongly adsorbed component of lower volatility which integrates temperature swing adsorption (TSA), pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and cryogenic distillation to optimize overall performance. The TSA portion of the process is used to remove the strongly adsorbed component from the feed; the PSA portion of the process is used to remove the moderately strongly adsorbed component from the feed; and the cryogenic distillation portion of the process is used to remove the less strongly adsorbed component of higher volatility from the feed while also providing for the liquefaction of the product. A key to the present invention is the use of the PSA and distillation waste streams in the regeneration of the TSA and PSA adsorbents. An important application of the present invention is the purification and liquefaction of a natural gas feed stream with respect to its methane/C.sub.2 hydrocarbon component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Kumar, Eric W. Scharpf, Charles M. Woods
  • Patent number: 5474594
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the desorption of a sorbent by an air stream which is delivered by a blower and, prior to entering the sorbent, is heated. In order to reduce the desorption time, provision is made for adjusting the mass of the air stream as a function of the outlet temperature of the air stream exiting from the sorbent, in such a way that, when a preset temperature limit value is reached, the mass of the air stream is reduced, and the desorption is continued with an air stream heated to a higher temperature. The method is particularly suitable for the desorption of adsorbent in sorption reactors contained in refrigerant-free air conditioning plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Noureddine Khelifa, Karl Lochmahr
  • Patent number: 5443624
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the yield of an air-drying process with the aid of a dehumidifier 2 and a condenser/heat-exchanger 3 involves delivering wet regenerating air exiting the dehumidifier to one side of the condenser/heat-exchanger so as to deliver energy to the process air entering the other side. Condensation deriving from the regenerating air is collected and carried away, and the heated, dried process air 21 is delivered to the dehumidifier in which moisture is extracted from the air and the air further dried. The departing wet regenerating air may, after its delivery process, be led to the room, atmosphere or the flow of process air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Corroventa Avfuktning AB
    Inventor: Knut Claesson
  • Patent number: 5421860
    Abstract: A method for the sorption of organic compounds using a sorbent, comprising activated carbon in a preferably amorphous oxidic support is described. Novel sorbents are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Engelhard Process Chemicals GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Bretz, Kristen Fuhrmann, Michael Hoffmeister, Peter Engelmann, Andreas Meyer-Anderson, Egon Schultz, Alf-Eric Wischnat, Helmut Derleth, Norbert Schwetje
  • Patent number: 5398513
    Abstract: The present invention is a regenerative vapor condenser for removing condensable vapors from a mixture of the vapors and another gas. The regenerative vapor condenser comprises two regenerator systems, a heat exchanger, and a valve mechanism. Each regenerator system comprises a regenerator for storing and releasing heat, and a phase separator for separating gas from solid and liquid phases. During operation one regenerator system operates in heating mode and one regenerator system operates in cooling mode. The vapor-gas mixture is directed by a valve system downward through the regenerator on cooling mode wherein the vapor-gas mixture is cooled by heat transfer to the cool regenerator media to below the dew point of the vapor causing the vapor to condense into a liquid or solid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph M. Klobucar
  • Patent number: 5389125
    Abstract: A system and method for removing volatile organic compounds (VOC's) from a circulating airstream utilizes first and second adsorption beds and first and second adsorption paths alternately coupling the circulating airstream to the respective first and second adsorption beds for removing VOC's during adsorption cycles. First and second desorption loops alternately couple a desorption inert gas through the respective first and second adsorption beds for desorption and regeneration and for recovering VOC's in a VOC condenser. System parameter sensors are distributed in the first and second adsorption paths and first and second desorption loops for sensing system parameters. A programmable controller is coupled to the system parameter sensors, to flow control valves, and to the inert gas heater for controlling the system in response to sensed system parameters. The system parameter sensors include a variety of temperature, O.sub.2, VOC, pressure, and differential pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Daniel D. Thayer
    Inventors: Daniel D. Thayer, Bruce D. Barney
  • Patent number: 5383955
    Abstract: Removal NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x from the flue gas utilizing a transport line adsorber through which sorbent is transported by pressurized flue gas to cause the sorbent to absorb NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x from the flue gas while the flue gas is transporting the sorbent particles through the transport line adsorber. A plurality of interconnected cyclones may be utilized to contact sorbent saturated with NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x removed from the flue gas with a heated gas to heat the sorbent and remove the NO.sub.x from the sorbent and separate the sorbent and the heated gas to produce an off stream of heated gas carrying the removed NO.sub.x away; the heated gas and gravity combine to pass the sorbent through the plurality of cyclones and which cyclones are positioned vertically and successively downwardly with respect to each other. A plurality of interconnected cyclones is also utilized to contact heated sorbent having the NO.sub.x and SO.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Noxso Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis G. Neal, Warren Ma, Min-Yan Chang, Qian Zhou, Carmo J. Pereira, Karl W. Plumlee, Jean W. Beeckman
  • Patent number: 5360467
    Abstract: A method for detection of impurities at very low levels in hydrogen, oxygen or specialty gases comprises the metered mixture with high purity helium and subsequent selective separation of hydrogen, oxygen or specialty gas with the detection of impurities remaining in the helium by ionization spectrometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Suhas N. Ketkar, Robert G. Ridgeway, Peter J. Maroulis, Timothy C. Golden
  • Patent number: 5350442
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Pneumatic Products Corp.
    Inventors: John E. Thelen, Sundar R. Mylavarapu
  • Patent number: 5336300
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating a specific component gas from a mixed gas, wherein granular adsorbent is held in a sealed space in a layered state, easily adsorptive gas is adsorbed to the granular adsorbent by blowing material mixed gas into the adsorbent layers and contacting the granular adsorbent with a counter-current of material gas, and the granular adsorbent is transferred gradually out of the sealed space, and reactivated by desorbing the easily adsorptive gas from the granular adsorbent, and the reactivated granular adsorbent is returned to the inside of the sealed space to be reused. Therefore, frequent actions of opening and closing valves are unnecessary, so that it is possible to separate and produce excellent product gas with high purity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Daidousanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Yoshino, Hiromi Kiyama, Nobuhiko Mihoichi
  • Patent number: RE35725
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a gas purification system for the purification of noble gasses and nitrogen. An improved method of purification generally includes the following steps: (a) heating an impure gas; (b) contacting the impure gas with an impurity sorbing material to produce a purified gas; (c) cooling the purified gas to a temperature less than about 100.degree. C.; and (d) contacting the purified gas with a hydrogen sorbing gas to remove residual hydrogen. The system includes an improved heat exchange apparatus for cooling the purified gas and a low temperature hydrogen sorption apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: SAES Pure Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Briesacher, Charles H. Applegarth, D'Arcy H. Lorimer