Inorganic Gas Or Liquid Particle Sorbed (e.g., Vapor, Mist, Etc.) Patents (Class 95/116)
  • Patent number: 6212882
    Abstract: An assembly, a method and a motor vehicle for cleaning ambient air in the vicinity of an internal combustion engine (102) having combustion air inlet means (103) and energy emitting means (104)are disclosed. The assembly (101) further includes adsorbent means (105) for adsorbing at least one pollutant when in a first mode of operation and for desorbing the pollutant when in a second mode of operation. The adsorbent means have an inlet (106) for polluted ambient air (107, 107′) and an outlet (108) for cleaned ambient air (109, 109′). Furthermore, the assembly (101) includes a pollutant conduit (110) through which the desorbed pollutant is transferred from the adsorbent means (105) to the combustion air inlet means (103) when in the second mode of operation, and the adsorbent means (105) are arranged for being brought into the second mode of operation by means of energy supplied from the energy emitting means (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Volvo Personvagnar AB & Engelhard Corp.
    Inventors: Lars Greger, Göran Wirmark, Ingemar Gottberg, Ronald M. Heck, Jeffrey B. Hoke, Terence C. Poles, Wayne M. Rudy
  • Patent number: 6206952
    Abstract: A method of separating and selectively removing hydrogen contaminant from hydrogen-containing product and by-product process streams is disclosed. Separation and removal occur when certain Cd-exchanged zeolite rho compositions are placed in contact with a hydrogen-containing process stream. A hydrogen-encapsulated zeolite rho composition is formed by practice of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: David Richard Corbin, Vinci Martinez Felix
  • Patent number: 6190437
    Abstract: An air filter for effectively filtering bacteria, fungi and viruses from the air. The air filter comprising of a carrier substrate impregnated with iodine resins effectively immobilizes and attenuates bacteria, fungi and viruses contained in passing air. The air filter may be employed in combination with a multi-layered air filter to provide a filter which effectively purifies passing air of a variety of contaminants. The air filter provides a safe and effective method for the removal of bacteria, fungi and viruses from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Aria Pureair Ltd.
    Inventor: Gary Durham Forsyth
  • Patent number: 6179900
    Abstract: A process for the separation/recovery of gases is described where the desired component to be separated from the gaseous mixture is present in low/very low molar amount and/or low/moderate pressure, the process comprising contacting the gaseous mixture with a separation membrane unit containing high permeability/medium selectivity membranes which separate the feed stream into a permeate stream, enriched in the desired component and at a lower pressure and a retentate stream lean in the desired component and at a higher pressure. The retentate stream is made to convey its pressure to the permeate stream which then is directed to an adsorption PSA unit for further purification of the permeate stream so that the effluent stream from the PSA unit which contains the purified component has a purity of up to 99.90%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignees: GKSS Forschungszentrum Geesthacht GmbH, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Rolf-Dieter Behling, Klaus-Viktor Peinemann, L{acute over (e)}dia Barreto da Silva
  • Patent number: 6168645
    Abstract: A gas purification system includes a gas purification unit and one or more safety devices. The gas purification unit includes an enclosure containing a purification material that exhibits an exothermic reaction when exposed to certain gas contaminants. The gas purification unit also has an inlet coupled to an unpurified gas inlet line and an outlet coupled to a purified gas outlet line. A safety device can be coupled either to the unpurified gas input line or the purified output line, or both, and develops an alarm signal when gas contaminants exceed a given concentration level for a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: SAES Getters S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Succi, Giorgio Vergani, D'Arcy H. Lorimer
  • Patent number: 6165428
    Abstract: A process is provided for the removal of metal carbonyl from gaseous streams in the presence of hydrogen sulphide and/or water using a hydrophobic porous adsorbent with an accessible pore volume for pore sizes between 0.55 and 4 nm of at least 0.005 ml/g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Shell Oil Comapny
    Inventors: Roger Eijkhoudt, John Wilhelm Geus, Cornelis Jacobus Smit
  • Patent number: 6114273
    Abstract: An improved process is provided for the removal of sulfur oxides from gas or vapor media containing oxygen and H.sub.2 O by contacting the media with a catalytically-active carbonaceous char. The improvement is provided by the use of a catalytically-active carbonaceous char prepared by low-temperature carbonization and oxidation of a bituminous coal or bituminous material at temperatures below 700.degree. C., followed by contact of the carbonized, oxidized char with one or more nitrogen-containing compounds at a temperature which is stable at, or is increasing to, temperatures less than 700.degree. C., and then increasing the temperature of the resultant material to or above 700.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Calgon Carbon Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Hayden
  • Patent number: 6113673
    Abstract: This invention is directed to the synthesis of high bulk density high gas absorption capacity adsorbents for gas storage applications. Specifically, this invention is concerned with novel gas absorbents with high gravimetric and volumetric gas adsorption capacities which are made from fullerene-based materials. By pressing fullerene powder into pellet form using a conventional press, then polymerizing it by subjecting the fullerene to high temperature and high inert gas pressure, the resulting fullerene-based materials have high bulk densities and high gas adsorption capacities. By pre-chemical modification or post-polymerization activation processes, the gas adsorption capacities of the fullerene-based adsorbents can be further enhanced. These materials are suitable for low pressure gas storage applications, such as oxygen storage for home oxygen therapy uses or on-board vehicle natural gas storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Materials and Electrochemical Research (MER) Corporation
    Inventors: Raouf O. Loutfy, Xiao-Chun Lu, Weijiong Li, Michael G. Mikhael
  • Patent number: 6099617
    Abstract: A method is described for providing clean air at desired temperature to an environment. Incoming air possibly contaminated with nuclear biological and chemical contaminants is compressed. The compressed air is cooled in a first heat exchanger. The cooled air from the first heat exchanger is compressed in a secondary compressor. Compressed air from the secondary compressor is cooled in a second heat exchanger. Cooled air from the secondary heat exchanger is directed through a regenerative pressure swing absorption system to provide clean output air with the contaminants removed therefrom. This cleaned air is expanded in a turbine coupled to the secondary compressor, whereby to recover energy from the cleaned air to drive the secondary compressor. The expanded cleaned air from the turbine is utilized to condition air in the environment. The regenerative pressure swing absorption system is purged with air derived from the expanded clean air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Howden Aircontrol Limited
    Inventor: Edward John Bennett
  • Patent number: 6068681
    Abstract: The invention discloses a filtering device (1) for neutralizing volatile bad smells present in the atmosphere or carried by a flow of gas (5). The device comprises at least a layer (3) of natural zeolite material of set thickness impregnated with an aqueous solution with, for 100 parts by weight of zeolite, about 5 to about 20 parts by weight of the aqueous solution. This aqueous solution comprises for 1000 parts by weight of water, between about 1 part and about 20 parts by weight of a composite mixture comprising, for one part of ammonium ions or equivalent, one part of at least of one perfuming and/or deodorising composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Deotech
    Inventor: Christiane Bourguignon
  • Patent number: 6063161
    Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) separation of a gas mixture is performed in an apparatus with a plurality of adsorbent beds. The invention provides rotary multiport distributor valves to control the timing sequence of the PSA cycle steps between the beds, with flow controls cooperating with the rotary distributor valves to control the volume rates of gas flows to and from the adsorbent beds in blowdown, purge, equalization and repressurization steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: SoFinoy Societte Financiere d'Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Bowie Gordon Keefer, David George Doman
  • Patent number: 6059860
    Abstract: A sorptive article is provided. The sorptive article includes a polyolefin, a wax which is miscible with the polyolefin at the melt temperature of the polyolefin but phase separates on cooling of the article, and sorptive particles distributed in the article. Also provided is a method for removing moisture or other vaporous or liquid material from air or an object in the environment utilizing a novel sorptive article of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: James M. Larson
  • Patent number: 6033458
    Abstract: A substantially complete coating of a zeolite onto a material such as catalyst particles can be achieved by treating the material prior to or simultaneously with zeolite formation, with a polyelectrolye. Copper catalyst systems show good hydrogen storage while blocking access of hydrocarbons to the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Katharine Elizabeth Goodman, John William Hayes, Chandresh Nemchand Malde, Michael Ian Petch
  • Patent number: 6030598
    Abstract: An ozone containing gas stream is produced from oxygen by subjecting oxygen to an electric discharge and the ozone is then adsorbed on to a solid adsorbent, such as zeolite, the oxygen containing stream leaving the adsorbent is recycled to the ozonising process. Periodically, oxygen adsorbed on the adsorbent is desorbed by co-currently passing a purge gas over the adsorbent and the desorbed oxygen is also recycled to the ozoniser. Lastly ozone is desorbed from the adsorbent by a counter-current flow of purge gas and used in an ozone demanding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony K. J. Topham, Rodney J. Allam
  • Patent number: 6010557
    Abstract: The present specification discloses an apparatus for reducing contamination at the head-disc interface. The preferred embodiment of the invention involves a data storage system for use in an environment where gaseous contaminants are present. The gaseous contaminants have a vapor pressure and a chemical composition. The data storage system has a housing. To attract gaseous contaminants present within the housing interior, a material is disposed within the housing interior. This material creates a competitive absorption or adsorption site for the gaseous contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Ann Smoliar, Jing Gui
  • Patent number: 5993766
    Abstract: A system for the storage and delivery of a sorbable fluid, comprising a storage and dispensing vessel containing a sorbent material having sorptive affinity for the sorbable fluid, and from which the fluid is desorbable by pressure-mediated and/or thermally-mediated desorption, wherein the sorbent material is functionally enhanced by a reagent which alters the binding energy of the fluid to the sorbent. In a preferred aspect, the system is arranged for storage and delivery of B.sub.2 H.sub.6, in which the sorbent material has sorptive affinity for B.sub.2 H.sub.6 and is effective when B.sub.2 H.sub.6 is contacted with the sorbent to convert B.sub.2 H.sub.6 to a sorbed .BH.sub.3 form, which is desorbable by pressure-mediated desorption and/or thermally-mediated desorption to release B.sub.2 H.sub.6 from the sorbent, and means for selectively discharging desorbed B.sub.2 H.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Tom, James V. McManus
  • Patent number: 5944876
    Abstract: Novel Cd-exchanged rho compositions and compositions of zeolite rho encapsulated with hydrogen made therefrom are disclosed. The Cd-exchanged zeolite rho compositions are useful in separating and selectively removing hydrogen from hydrogen-containing process streams and storing the separated hydrogen therein. Encapsulation of hydrogen can be accomplished in large amounts even at pressures of 1 atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignees: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, University of Connecticut
    Inventors: David Richard Corbin, Steven Lawrence Suib
  • Patent number: 5944873
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removing one or more undesirable or dangerous substances for the human race from a gas or vapour mixture, the device comprising: a predetermined amount of adsorbent for adsorbing the substances and an odourant for releasing an odour in order to alarm a person, wherein the odourant is arranged in such a manner that the odourant is displaceable by the substances, following a predetermined level of saturation of the adsorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepastnatuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Hein Jager, Martin Jozef Van de Voorde
  • Patent number: 5895519
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing substantially pure hydrogen gas from a mixture of hydrogen and gaseous contaminants includes passing a gaseous mixture containing hydrogen gas and gaseous impurities through a purifier to form substantially pure hydrogen gas which is stored in a porous storage material including a getter material. The substantially pure hydrogen gas can be released from the porous storage matrix as desired. Preferably the purifier and porous storage matrix are separated by a thermally insulating matrix. The apparatuses can be combined in a serial configuration to provide a stream of substantially pure hydrogen gas at a substantially constant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: SAES Pure Gas, Inc.
    Inventor: D'Arcy H. Lorimer
  • Patent number: 5895769
    Abstract: Applicant has discovered a new zeolite containing composition and a process for preparing the same. The composition is unique in that the zeolite crystals making up one layer of the composition pack in a manner such that the composition is essentially continuous with no large scale voids even when the zeolite layer is <10 .mu.m thick. Thus, the present invention is directed toward a composition comprised of a porous substrate and a layer of zeolite crystals wherein said layer of zeolite crystals is a polycrystalline layer with at least 99% of said zeolite crystals having at least one point between adjacent crystals that is .ltoreq.20 .ANG. and wherein at least 90% of said crystals have widths of from about 0.2 to about 100 microns (preferably about 2 to about 50 microns) and wherein at least 75% of said crystals have a thickness of within 20% of the average crystal thickness. Preferably the composition has at most 1 Volume % voids in the zeolite layer. Use of the composition is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Wenyih Frank Lai
  • Patent number: 5879432
    Abstract: A process and device for scrubbing flows of gaseous effluents loaded with polluting substances, wherein the effluents are caused to circulate through a device including an array of scrubber units (4a to 4n) juxtaposed in an enclosure (3), each containing materials adsorbing the substances. When the adsorbing load thereof is saturated and for the scrubber units (4) to regain the scrubbing capacity thereof, they are selectively and successively isolated by a mobile collector (8) during the time required for their desorption by heating and for the substances to be transferred by an auxiliary fluid (a fraction of the circulating effluents for example or a gas delivered selectively to the inlet of the scrubber unit to be desorbed by an auxiliary circuit), and the substances mixed with the auxiliary fluid are possibly transferred towards a reactor (10) suited for removing them. The process can be applied for concentrating and scrubbing of polluting substances such as VOCs or gas dehumidification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, Jacques Bourcier
    Inventors: Jean Morlec, Jacques Bourcier
  • Patent number: 5858068
    Abstract: Industrial grade carbon dioxide may contain unacceptable amounts of sulfur-containing materials, oxygen, and organic materials particularly detrimental to food-related uses of CO.sub.2. These can be effectively removed by a bed of silver-exchanged faujasite and an MFI-type molecular sieve. This permits an on-site, on-demand method of purifying CO.sub.2 ranging from laboratory to tank car seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: James R. Lansbarkis, Jon S. Gingrich
  • Patent number: 5849980
    Abstract: Applicant has discovered a new zeolite membrane and a process for preparing the same. The membrane is unique in that the zeolite crystals making up the membrane pack in a manner such that the membrane is essentially continuous with no large scale voids even when the membrane is <10 .mu.m thick. Thus, the present invention is directed toward a zeolite membrane wherein said membrane is comprised of a porous substrate and a layer of zeolite crystals wherein said layer of zeolite crystals is a polycrystalline layer with at least 99% of said zeolite crystals having at least one point between adjacent crystals that is .ltoreq.20 .ANG. and wherein at least 90% of said crystals have widths of from about 2 to about 50 microns and wherein at least 75% of said crystals have a thickness of within 20% of the average crystal thickness and wherein said membrane has at most 1 V % voids in said zeolite layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Wenyih Frank Lai
  • Patent number: 5833739
    Abstract: A process for coating zeolite crystals with paraffin, a wax other than paraffin, a fat or oil, or a mixture of at least one QAC and a wax, fat, or oil. Preferably, the crystals are dehydrated until they have about 5% moisture content, and are then mixed with paraffin to produce paraffin-coated zeolite crystals having a desired content of paraffin. When the coated zeolite crystals are used for removing benzene from contaminated water, their paraffin content is preferably about 8% (by weight). Other embodiments are methods for using zeolite coated with paraffin, another wax, a fat, an oil, or a mixture of at least one QAC and a wax, fat, or oil to filter a contaminant from contaminated liquid or gas. The zeolite crystals are optionally impregnated with a chemical such as permanganate before they are coated with the desired wax, fat, oil or mixture. A zeolite crystal having pores coated with wax, fat, oil, or a mixture of at least one QAC and wax, fat, or oil is within the scope of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Fred Klatte, Fernando Cadena
  • Patent number: 5827355
    Abstract: An electrically regenerable gas filter system includes a carbon fiber composite molecular sieve (CFCMS) filter medium. After a separate medium-efficiency pre-filter removes particulate from the supply airstream, the CFCMS filter sorbs gaseous air pollutants before the air is recirculated to the space. When saturated, the CFCMS media is regenerated utilizing a low-voltage current that is caused to pass through the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk A. Wilson, Timothy D. Burchell, Roddie R. Judkins
  • Patent number: 5733515
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method for filtration of air within enclosed spaces. Improvement is achieved by the use of a high-temperature carbonaceous char that is catalytically active for the removal of certain undesirable constituents from contaminated air under ambient temperature conditions. This carbonaceous char is used as an air filtration medium and incorporated into an air filtration device by any of a number of technologies. Such devices may be used for removal of contaminants such as NO.sub.x, NO.sub.2, SO.sub.x, SO.sub.2, H.sub.2 S, mercaptans, light aliphatic gases such as butane and propane and other compounds such as benzene, hexane, toluene, xylene, amines and the like from enclosed or confined structures such as buildings or vehicles including automobiles, aircraft, trucks, farm equipment, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Calgon Carbon Corporation
    Inventors: David T. Doughty, Richard A. Hayden, John W. Cobes, III, Thomas M. Matviya
  • Patent number: 5700436
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method for filtration of air within enclosed spaces. Improvement is achieved by the use of a high-temperature carbonaceous char that is catalytically active for the removal of certain undesirable constituents from contaminated air under ambient temperature conditions. This carbonaceous char is used as an air filtration medium and incorporated into an air filtration device by any of a number of technologies. Such devices may be used for removal of contaminants such as NO.sub.x, NO.sub.2, SO.sub.x, SO.sub.2, H.sub.2 S, mercaptans, light aliphatic gases such as butane and propane and other compounds such as benzene, hexane, toluene, xylene, amines and the like from enclosed or confined structures such as buildings or vehicles including automobiles, aircraft, trucks, farm equipment, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Calgon Carbon Corporation
    Inventors: David T. Doughty, Richard A. Hayden, John W. Cobes, III, Thomas M. Matviya
  • Patent number: 5676736
    Abstract: The process for introducing a filling gas into an enclosure initially containing a holding gas includes a step of introducing the filling gas into the enclosure as well as a step of extracting a specific gas initially contained in the filling gas or the holding gas from a mixture collected at the outlet of the enclosure, and possibly a step of recycling this extracted specific gas. Before the step of introducing the filling gas, the enclosure is purged using a purging gas which differs from the fill and holding gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Didier Crozel
  • Patent number: 5664427
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of providing rapid cooling and/or freezing comprises a cabinet or container having a cooling chamber, one or more reactors each containing a complex compound formed by adsorbing a polar gas on a metal salt, in which the polar gas is alternately adsorbed and desorbed on the complex compound, and in which the complex compound is formed by restricting the volumetric expansion and controlling the density during adsorption of the polar gas on the metal salt, whereby the complex compound is capable of adsorbing said polar gas at a rate of greater than 15 moles per mole hour of the complex compound in about 20 minutes or less, a condenser for condensing the polar gas, an evaporator thermally exposed to the cooling chamber for providing cooling therein, and conduits and one or more valves for directing said polar gas from the one or more reactors to the condenser, from the condenser to the evaporator and from the evaporator to the one or more reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Uwe Rockenfeller, Lance D. Kirol
  • Patent number: 5658372
    Abstract: A system for adsorbing a plurality of contaminants from a workstream composed of a first stage open-ended activated carbon monolith adsorber, a second stage open ended activated carbon monolith adsorber downstream of the first stage. The first stage activated carbon has an average pore size that is larger than the average pore size of the second stage activated carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Kishor P. Gadkaree
  • Patent number: 5626650
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the separation of one or more components from a multi-component gaseous stream. The component(s) being separated are relatively small molecular diameter gas components. They are separated by sorption techniques wherein the sorbent is a unique class of layered nanostructure materials, such as carbon nanofibers, characterized as having; (i) a surface area from about 0.2 to 3,000 m.sup.2 /g as determined by N.sub.2 adsorption at -196.degree. C., (ii) a crystallinity from about 5% to about 100%, and (iii) interstices from about 0.335 nm to about 0.67 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Catalytic Materials Limited
    Inventors: Nelly M. Rodriguez, R. Terry K. Baker
  • Patent number: 5616169
    Abstract: A seal-free and frame-free odor and/or pollutant filter, e.g., in air conditioners and motor vehicles, having a self-supporting and elastic adsorption filter bed installed under slight compression in air supply ducts. The filter bed is made of a highly air-permeable substrate material and an adsorbent affixed thereto by an adhesive mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignees: Hasso von Blucher, Ernest de Ruiter
    Inventors: Ernest de Ruiter, Jonas Tornblom
  • Patent number: 5565178
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing fumigation gasses from fumigated structures is provided. Air is directed from a structure through an adsorption unit and then recirculated back into the structure. A fan directs air through the adsorption unit. The adsorption unit contains an annularly shaped adsorption bed and an inner passage way and outer passage way through which fumigation gasses are directed. A lower adsorption efficiency per pass through the adsorption bed is used in conjunction with multiple passes with the method of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Degesch America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Dove, Donald G. Shaheen
  • Patent number: 5529609
    Abstract: An air cleaner comprises a cleaning element having a three-dimensional visco-elastic matrix of material for adsorbing airborne particulate matter and for absorbing volatile liquids and a variety of noxious gases. The three-dimensional visco-elastic matrix of material adsorbs particulate matter of many types and sizes and advantageously draws the particulate matter below the surface of the material. To enhance the cleaning properties of the material, the three-dimensional visco-elastic matrix of material may additionally comprise a zeolite to improve the absorption of gases and a metallic additive, such as copper sulfate, to inhibit biological activity. The material forming the three-dimensional visco-elastic matrix may be acrylamide, siloxane, acrylate, or a cellulosic material and may be in the form of fibers or particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jan W. Gooch, Charlene W. Bayer
  • Patent number: 5503660
    Abstract: The hot raw gas, which contains slag droplets is conducted downwardly in an entrance chamber of a slag separator through a first bed of packings into a flow-deflecting space, in which the raw gas is upwardly deflected and then flows upwardly in an exit chamber through a second bed of packings to a gas outlet. The effective velocity of flow of the raw gas in the first bed is 1.5 to 10 times its effective velocity of flow in the second bed. Liquid slag is drained from the flow-deflecting space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Reimert, Karel Vydra
  • Patent number: 5489327
    Abstract: There is diclosed a process for purifying hydrogen gas which comprises removing impurities such as nitrogen, oxygen, methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and moisture contained in a crude hydrogen gas by bringing the crude hydrogen gas into contact under heating with a hydride of a zirconium alloy such as Zr-V, Zr-V-Ni, Zr-V-Cr, Zr-V-Co, Zr-V-Fe, Zr-V-Cu, Zr-V-Ni-Cr, Zr-V-Ni-Co and Zr-V-Cr-Fe. By virtue of using the above Zr alloy hydride, the process enables highly advanced purification of crude hydrogen gas by removing such impurities as above to a level as low as 1 ppb or less in high safety and efficiency at low installation and running costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Japan Pionics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Otsuka, Noboru Takemasa
  • Patent number: 5472613
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for removing a volatile component from a feed or process stream comprising (1) absorbing or adsorbing the volatile component into an absorbent or adsorbent material in an equilibrium process, wherein feed is pumped through a mixture chamber of a device, wherein the device comprises the mixture chamber and a vapor chamber, wherein the mixture chamber comprises a plurality of films comprising absorbent or adsorbent materials, wherein the film is configured to have a first side communicating with the mixture chamber and a second side communicating with the vapor chamber, and (2) removing the volatile component from the absorbent or adsorbent material by applying heat to the mixture chamber and simultaneously applying a gas phase within the vapor chamber such that the volatile component is collected in a gaseous state in the vapor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: EnviroSep Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Schofield
  • Patent number: 5417921
    Abstract: A method for removing fumigation gasses from fumigated structures is provided. Air is directed from a structure through an adsorption unit and then recirculated back into the structure. A fan directs air through the adsorption unit. The adsorption unit contains an annularly shaped adsorption bed and an inner passage way and outer passage way through which fumigation gasses are directed. A lower adsorption efficiency per pass through the adsorption bed is used in conjunction with multiple passes with the method of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Degesch America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Dove, Donald G. Shaheen
  • Patent number: 5298054
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Ram L. Malik
  • Patent number: 5298231
    Abstract: Reaction rates in chemisorption reactions involving solid reactants and gaseous ligands are improved by maintaining optimized solid density throughout the reaction. Methods and apparatus which restrict volumetric solid expansion, compression of the solid reactant, and mixture with inert solid porous or particulate materials are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventor: Uwe Rockenfeller
  • Patent number: 5279746
    Abstract: A process for treating drinking water at greater than atmospheric pressure to remove radon and the apparatus for carrying out the process. The process involves introducing water under pressure into a pressure vessel maintained at a pressure about equal to the pressure of the water to be treated. This water is continuously fed onto the upper surface of a packed column and allowed to fall downwardly through the packed column. A gas is drawn upwardly through the packed column causing the radon gas to be expelled from the water into the gas, and the gas stream is forced through a carbon absorber. Preferably, the tank is cylindrical and has a blower which draws air upwardly through the packed column and then returns it downwardly through a gas conduit thereby continuously recirculating the gas. A carbon absorber also maintained at the same pressure as the pressure vessel is in the gas-full passageway and absorbs radon gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Inventor: Daniel Ziol
  • Patent number: 5271761
    Abstract: This invention relates to molecular sieve compositions and processes for using the molecular sieves. The molecular sieves have a three-dimensional microporous crystalline framework structure of tetrahedral oxide units of AlO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2 and/or FeO.sub.2. These molecular sieves can be prepared by contacting a starting zeolite with a solution or slurry of a fluoro salt of titanium and/or iron under effective process conditions to extract aluminum from the zeolite framework and substitute titanium and/or iron. The molecular sieves can be used as catalysts in hydrocarbon conversion processes and other processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Gary W. Skeels, Richard Ramos
  • Patent number: 5269834
    Abstract: A method and system for treating liquid chlorine to remove inert gases therefrom. Liquid chlorine is treated by passing it through a molecular sieve having a molecular pore diameter greater than the molecular diameter of the inert gases and smaller than the molecular diameter of chlorine so that the inert gases are adsorbed by the sieve while the liquid chlorine passes therethrough. The sieve may be regenerated by heating the sieve and evacuating by vacuum, followed by a purging with a gas and then a further vacuum evacuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Dotson, Harry J. Loftis, Robert K. Steely
  • Patent number: 5258059
    Abstract: Separation process of gaseous impurities from hydrogen gas by the known pressure swing adsorption method uses a holding column of the feed-in/feed-out sequence retaining type and at least three adsorption columns containing adsorbents. Each adsorption column is pressurized and depressurized in cycle to repeat adsorption and desorption, during which the holding column is used as an intermediate gas reservoir so that the efficiency of the separation of the impurity can be improved. In this invention, at least one of the following structures is used as the holding column:j) at least one row of spaces divided by partition walls and arranged in series;k) at least one hollow body; andl) at least one row of divided compartments arranged in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Yamaguchi, Yasushi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5254154
    Abstract: Process for the purification of a gas containing selectively adsorbable impurities, of the type using several adsorbers with, for each adsorber, a cycle comprising the following operating phases which are offset from one adsorber to the next timewise by a fraction 1/n of the duration of the cycle in which n is the number of adsorbers, the cycle comprising substantially isobaric production at a high pressure of the cycle, this production comprising the admission of impure gas to be treated into an adsorber at a first end of the adsorber with circulation of this gas in the adsorber and simultaneous withdrawal from a second end of the adsorber of purified gas, the direction of flow in the adsorber from the first end to the second end being cocurrent and the opposite direction being countercurrent; regeneration of the adsorber comprising a decompression of the adsorber to a low pressure of the cycle, this decompression comprising at least one stage in which a residual gas is withdrawn countercurrent from the adso
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Pierre Gauthier, Christian Monereau
  • Patent number: 5238658
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment apparatus, which comprises first and second gas adsorbing columns each having inlet and outlet pipes; and switch-over pipes connecting the first and second gas adsorbing columns being alternatively arranged in parallel to or in series with each other, the switch-over pipes having valves arranged therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Teisan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Makioka, Kohei Fujimura
  • Patent number: 5238469
    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 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: SAES Pure Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Briesacher, Charles H. Applegarth, D'Arcy H. Lorimer
  • Patent number: 5234472
    Abstract: A process for separation of a gas mixture containing three components, e.g. a mixture comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide produced by steam reforming a hydrocarbon, by pressure swing adsorption is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventors: Ramachandran Krishnamurthy, Steven L. Lerner, Yagya Shukla, Alan G. Stokley
  • 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