Abstract: It is intended to provide a volatile organic compound treatment apparatus having: an absorption treatment chamber in which absorption frames having absorbents for absorbing volatile organic compounds are aligned in a direction of a gas flow; an absorbent recovery treatment chamber that is provided with a discharge unit having a high voltage electrode, a ground electrode, and a dielectric; and a transfer mechanism for transferring the absorption frames present in an upstream of the gas flow to the absorbent recovery treatment chamber and transferring the absorption frames in the absorbent recovery treatment chamber to a downstream of the gas flow. The volatile organic compound treatment apparatus is capable of decomposing VOC without generating a large amount of harmful NOx and reduced in apparatus cost.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling air in an aircraft cabin comprises: a sensor 2 for detecting air contaminants, a processor 4, a data logger 6, means 8 for detecting when the apparatus is airborne, a control unit 10, a manual trigger 12, at least one adsorbent tube 18, valves 14, 16 or other means for isolating the adsorbent tube from contamination and a pump 20 for drawing air through the adsorbent tube. An alternative apparatus uses a Tedlar® bag. Methods of sampling air and uses of the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to electrochemical systems for producing hydrogen and/or power. Various aspects of the invention are directed to reactor designs for producing hydrogen and/or power from a fuel and water, conducting ceramics and other materials for such systems, including mixed ionically and electrically conducting ceramics which can be used for hydrogen gas generation, control systems for such systems, and methods of operating such systems.

Abstract: The method serves for operating an air fractionization installation for obtaining oxygen on board an aircraft, with at least two molecular sieve chambers. A part mass flow of the oxygen obtained in the respective adsorbing molecular sieve chamber is supplied for flushing a desorbing molecular sieve chamber. The quantity of the flushing oxygen led to the desorbing molecular sieve chamber is controlled by way of this.

Abstract: A plurality of different layers of filter media are used to remove siloxanes from a gas stream. Based on an analysis of the specific gas stream to be filtered, a filter media having an average pore size enabling the preferential removal of a specific class of contaminants is selected for each different class of contaminants. The layers are arranged in sequential order such that contaminants having a higher molecular weight are preferentially removed by the first layers. Collectively, the layers define a segmented activity gradient that enables each class of contaminants present in the gas stream to be preferentially removed in a different layer, preventing removal competition between different classes of contaminants. Preferable adsorption media exhibit a relatively narrow range of pore sizes. Both inorganic adsorption media and carbon-based adsorption media exhibiting a relatively narrow range of pore sizes can be used.

Abstract: A method for guaranteeing at least one characteristic of a fluid used for producing food products. This method utilizes a system for piping and delivering the fluid, combined with means for producing the products, in order to use the fluid for producing the products; the measuring a value of the characteristic; the comparing the measured value with a predetermined threshold value; the act of executing an action if the measured value departs from the threshold value; the combining the measured value with first information for identifying at least one product; and then the storing the associated value and the associated information.

Abstract: A dehydrator breather is provided that includes automatic purging of accumulated moisture by detecting absorbed moisture in the breather, and closing an intake air channel, while opening an exit moisture channel. Adjustment of a default time-based purging cycle is adjusted to account for fluctuations in the detected moisture. An external communication capability is provided to enable off-site monitoring of the breather or the tank the breather is attached to.

Abstract: An underground fuel tank releases vapors depending upon air pressure. A vapor pressure management system has a canister for a vapor recovery system that connects with piping from an underground tank and has carbon therein along with appurtenant pipes and valves. When an ORVR vehicle refuels, the pressure lowers in an underground tank that draws air through the valves into the canister. After refueling an ORVR vehicle, environmental conditions generate hydrocarbon vapors. Barometric pressure drops and evaporated fuel during long refueling lulls produce hydrocarbon vapors at an increased pressure. Those hydrocarbon rich vapors then return to the canister of the system where the carbon binds the hydrocarbons while releasing air to the atmosphere. The refueling of the next ORVR vehicle draws in atmospheric air to purge the hydrocarbons retained in the canister of the system.

Abstract: An ammonia purification system includes a hydrocarbon removal station that removes hydrocarbons from gaseous ammonia via adsorption, a moisture removal station that removes water from gaseous ammonia via adsorption, and a distillation station including a distillation column connected with a condenser to facilitate removal of impurities from ammonia and condensation of gaseous ammonia to form a purified liquid ammonia product. The system further includes a storage tank to receive purified ammonia, a remote station connected with the storage tank, and a vaporizer connected with the storage tank. The vaporizer is configured to receive and vaporize liquid ammonia from the storage tank and deliver gaseous ammonia back to the storage tank so as to facilitate pumping of the ammonia to the remote station based upon a vapor pressure established within the storage tank.

Abstract: A plurality of different layers of filter media are used to remove siloxanes from a gas stream. Based on an analysis of the specific gas stream to be filtered, a filter media having an average pore size enabling the preferential removal of a specific class of contaminants is selected for each different class of contaminants. The layers are arranged in sequential order such that contaminants having a higher molecular weight are preferentially removed by the first layers. Collectively, the layers define a segmented activity gradient that enables each class of contaminants present in the gas stream to be preferentially removed in a different layer, preventing removal competition between different classes of contaminants. A polymorphous graphite is used as the filter media, because that material is available in a range of well-controlled pore sizes, as opposed to conventional activated carbon filter media, which generally exhibits poorly-controlled pore sizes.

Abstract: A method and mobile system for cleaning dirty gas from a newly stimulated gas well. The entire system is supported on a trailer or other mobile support so that it can be driven from well site to well site for short-term, post-stimulation use only. The system comprises a gas separator, such as a membrane separator. The system also includes a pretreatment assembly for preparing the gas for the gas separator. The pretreatment assembly may include separators, a heater, a guard vessel and a polishing filter. A chiller or heat exchanger cools the treated gas to a marketable temperature. A generator and a hydraulics plant provide power to the system. Each mobile system will be designed to treat gases with widely different operating conditions varying from well to well.

Abstract: A method and system for the application of molecular sieves to the removal of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from the patient expired gases during anesthesia. The system is especially useful in anesthesia using any of the halogenated ether inhalation anesthetic agents. The expired gases are dried using a non-reactive desiccant to remove water, passed through a filter capable of removing particles larger than 0.3 microns, passed through a bed containing either natural or synthetic molecular sieves capable of removing carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide and then returned to the breathing circuit for recirculation to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas recycling system that includes a) a source of gas having a predetermined purity; b) an application system that uses the gas and adds contaminants to the gas; c) an adsorption system for removing the contaminants from the gas to produce a purified gas and a waste gas; d) a gas purity analyzer for measuring the amount of the contaminants in the waste gas; and e) conduits connecting the gas source to the application system, and the application system to the adsorption system.

Abstract: A process and system for purifying an impure gas to produce a purified gas in a gas purification system and protecting the system from damage by a) passing a portion of a first gas stream into a reactor vessel, which exits as a second purified gas stream; b) combining a portion of the second purified gas stream with another portion of the first gas stream to form a combined gas stream; and c) passing the combined gas stream into a sensing device to regulate the flow of the first and second gas streams into the reactor vessel.

Abstract: The treatment unit comprises N adsorption units, N being greater than or equal to 1, operating on a parametrized cycle split uniformly into at most N phase times. Further more, use is made of a control unit for controlling the treatment unit, designed to modify at least one parameter of the cycle. Each time there is a predicted change in the composition of the feed gas, the control unit is sent a pre-established signal representing this change. The processing unit then processes the signal to determine the parameters of an exceptional operating cycle of the treatment unit which cycle is suited to the predicted change.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning ambient air of a vehicular adsorption unit (8). The vehicle includes a combustion engine (1) and a passenger ventilation system (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11). Adsorption takes place whether the engine (1) is running or not. During adsorption, a fan (11) forces ambient air from an inlet (6) to the ventilation system in a first direction, through an adsorption unit (8), and out of an outlet (10). To desorb when the engine is running, air is supplied to a heater (13). Heated air passes through the adsorption unit (8) to release pollutants and regenerate the unit. Pollutant-containing air passes through a second heater (4,16) and then through the first heater (13) to heat the ambient air. Finally, polluted air is drawn from the heat exchanger (13) to an intake conduit (3) of the engine (1).

Abstract: A method and mobile system for cleaning dirty gas from a newly stimulated gas well. The entire system is supported on a trailer or other mobile support so that it can be driven from well site to well site for short-term, post-stimulation use only. The system comprises a gas separator, such as a membrane separator. The system also includes a pretreatment assembly for preparing the gas for the gas separator. The pretreatment assembly may include separators, a heater, a guard vessel and a polishing filter. A chiller or heat exchanger cools the treated gas to a marketable temperature. A generator and a hydraulics plant provide power to the system. Each mobile system will be designed to treat gases with widely different operating conditions varying from well to well.

Abstract: A system for recovering water from the atmosphere includes water sorbent assembly composed of a water adsorbent material and a heat exchanger. The water adsorbent material traps water present within the air drawn through the sorbent assembly. Once the sorbent assembly is fully saturated, exhaust gases generated from a power plant are routed through a heat exchanger in thermal contact with the water adsorbent material to remove water within the sorbent assembly into a condenser, and from the condenser to a water storage container.

Abstract: A system and method for passive hypoxic training provides a person with a low oxygen (hypoxic) environment. Oxygen sensors automatically monitor and control oxygen levels to maintain the altitude desired. CO2 levels are monitored and CO2 is eliminated so that the air a person breathes is substantially clean and fresh. Exposure to a high altitude environment produces physiological changes in a person's body, which becomes more efficient at absorbing and transporting oxygen. Using the present method and system, athletes obtain the benefits of sleeping at a simulated altitude in the user's own home for six to twelve hours, rather than traditional altitude therapies in which athletes spend two to three weeks at high altitude before an athletic competition to obtain similar benefits. This system allows for “live high train low” altitude training that has been shown in controlled studies to provide superior benefits to “live high train high” training.

Abstract: A method to control the performance of desiccant dryers is disclosed that senses multiple variables and optimizes the regeneration cycle to deliver the gas at the desired dew point. The length of the stripping step is reduced or eliminated depending on the desired set point and the operating conditions of the compression system. The control system has the capability to switch to high efficiency mode of operation should the dew point set point be changed. The savings come from not purging as much or any gas during stripping should the system requirements be only to meet the ISA standards for instrument air, despite the system capability of delivering far dryer air.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions emanating from a gas source includes a CO2 sorbent bed containing a regenerable sorbent. Exhaust gases flow through the CO2 sorbent bed before being released into the atmosphere. The CO2 sorbent bed traps CO2 contained within the exhaust gas to control the amount of CO2 finally exhausted to the atmosphere. At least two CO2 sorbent beds are used such that while one is absorbing CO2 from the gas stream another is being regenerated. The CO2 sorbent bed is regenerated to release the trapped CO2 for disposal or use in other processes. The CO2 sorbent beds are cycled between absorbing CO2 and regenerating to optimize absorption of CO2.

Abstract: A method of controlling a plant for processing a gas by adsorption, with N adsorbers R1 to R0 and variable N phase times. The method utilizes a mobile parameter for identifying the operating state of N adsorber which is in each successive phase time of the cycle. For a given phase time, a parameterized sequence (S, S′) of control steps for the plant are defined. A control sequencer of the plant is generated by matching an adsorber (R1 to R0) with each mobile parameter of the parameterized sequence during each phase time of the cycle, causing the succession of phase times of the cycle to be followed at all the adsorbers in operation.

Abstract: The treatment unit (16) comprises N adsorption units, N being greater than or equal to 1, operating on a parametrized cycle split uniformly into at most N phase times. Further more, use is made of a control unit (30) for controlling the treatment unit (16), designed to modify at least one parameter of the cycle. Each time there is a predicted change in the composition of the feed gas, the control unit (30) is sent a pre-established signal representing this change. The processing unit (30) then processes the said signal to determine the parameters of an exceptional operating cycle of the treatment unit (16) which cycle is suited to the said predicted change.

Abstract: The invention concerns nanoporous carbon membranes which have been synthesized by pyrolysis of selected polymers on porous substrates to produce thin mixed matrix carbon film with pores for separation of small molecules.

Abstract: An air induction system with active noise control includes a self-cleaning air filter that is integrated within an air intake housing. The self-cleaning air filter filters out contaminants such as dust and dirt particulates from air flowing through the intake housing. The self-cleaning filter is powered and controlled by the same electronic unit that is used to power the active noise control system.

Abstract: A system and method for passive hypoxic training provides a person with a low oxygen (hypoxic) environment. Oxygen sensors automatically monitor and control oxygen levels to maintain the altitude desired. CO2 levels are monitored and CO2 is eliminated so that the air a person breathes is substantially clean and fresh. Exposure to a high altitude environment produces physiological changes in a person's body, which becomes more efficient at absorbing and transporting oxygen. Using the present method and system, athletes obtain the benefits of sleeping at a simulated altitude in the user's own home for six to twelve hours, rather than traditional altitude therapies in which athletes spend two to three weeks at high altitude before an athletic competition to obtain similar benefits. This system allows for “live high train low” altitude training that has been shown in controlled studies to provide superior benefits to “live high train high” training.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating exhaust gases. The apparatus includes an adsorbing tower containing an adsorbent to adsorb an impurity gas included in the exhaust gases. A desorbing tower heats the adsorbent to desorb the impurity gas from the adsorbent so that the adsorbent can be re-used. A transfer unit circulates the adsorbent between the adsorbing tower and the desorbing tower. A controller controls the temperature of the adsorbent. A helical heater is arranged in the desorbing tower to heat the adsorbent.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system for a fuel storage tank. The system includes a pair of VOC adsorbent canisters that alternately recover VOC vapors from the fuel tank ullage or are regenerated. Regeneration of the VOC adsorbent canisters is provided by exhausting the VOC vapors from the VOC canisters using a vacuum pump and back into the fuel tank ullage. When the operating pressure of the fuel tank ullage is elevated, an auxiliary VOC adsorbent canister is operated in parallel with the pair of canisters in order to recover the increased amount of VOC vapors in the tank ullage.

Abstract: A method of operating a thermal swing adsorption process by determining a parameter relating to the water content of a feed gas selecting process conditions for regeneration of the adsorbent in the thermal swing adsorption process based on the parameter and modifying the regeneration process conditions to accord with the selected process conditions for regeneration is disclosed. Apparatus for effecting this adsorption method and apparatus in which regeneration conditions are modified based on the actual ambient water content of the feed gas are also disclosed.

Abstract: A regenerable air cleaning device is disclosed which comprises a filter holder supporting a regenerable filter that includes activated carbon fibers (ACF) and a control system that is adapted to determine when to regenerate the regenerable filter. The device exhibits high performance and longevity over many regeneration cycles.

Abstract: A component gas concentrator includes an air compressor/vacuum pump, an air-tight first container containing a molecular sieve bed, the first container in fluid communication with the compressor/vacuum pump through a first gas conduit, and an air-tight second container in fluid communication with the first container through a second gas conduit. A gas flow controller such as PLC controls actuation of valves mounted to the gas conduits.

Abstract: A method of diverting flow with a valve through a first filter and a second filter to purify exhaust gas with at least one of the filters and to regenerate at least one of the filters with the exhaust gas. Positioning the valve in a first operative position purifies the exhaust gas with the first filter and regenerates the second filter with the exhaust gas. Positioning the valve in a second operative position that is different that the first operative position purifies the exhaust gas with the second filter and regenerates the first filter with the exhaust gas. The method can be achieved by a valve for an exhaust system that including a body and a flow inhibitor. The body defines a volume and has a first inlet, a second inlet, a recirculation chamber, and an outlet chamber in fluid communication with the volume.

Abstract: A component gas concentrator includes an air compressor, an air-tight first container containing a molecular sieve bed, the first container in fluid communication with the compressor through a first gas conduit, and an air-tight second container in fluid communication with the first container through a second gas conduit. A gas flow controller such as PLC controls actuation of valves mounted to the gas conduits.

Abstract: A ventilation and dehumidification system for ventilating fresh air to a conditioned space. The system is comprised of a unitary heat transfer desiccant wheel for dehumidifying incoming air by exchanging moisture from an inflow current of air with an outflow current of air. The unitary heat recovery wheel is able to transfer heat between the two air currents when the wheel is spun at a faster speed. The unitary heat transfer desiccant wheel is both regenerated and defrosted by a regenerative heater which is placed to heat the outflow current of air before the outflow current passes through the unitary heat transfer desiccant wheel. The unitary heat transfer desiccant wheel is spun at a slow speed to accomplish more dehumidification, and at a fast speed to accomplish more heat recovery. The system includes at least two blowers in order to motivate the inflow and outflow currents of air.

Abstract: A method for the in-situ predetermination of the effects of NOx reduction systems on selected components. This determination can yield quick, inexpensive and accurate results for a number of characteristics, for example: catalyst longevity; efficiency with differing fuels, in differing locations, and at different temperatures; potential of catalyst poisoning in specific circumstances; ammonia slip considerations; SCR and SNCR interplay, as well as staged NOx reduction design criteria; pressure and blockage considerations; downstream effect on air preheater elements; and more. These determinations can be made in real, or accelerated time. Furthermore, the determinations can be made before any system modifications are made, or to assist in increasing the efficiency of existing systems, or even to assist in predictions of preventive maintenance and associated down time.

Abstract: Device and method for the regeneration of a drying agent in compressed air system. The wetting degree of the drying agent is estimated and recorded by a control unit. The control unit ensures that the drying agent is dehumidified as soon as the wetting degree has reached a certain wetting degree. This certain wetting degree may be set to different levels for different operational condition.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorber (PSA) air prepurifier includes at least a first adsorber and a second adsorber and a controller for controlling air feed to the first adsorber and the second adsorber. The invention is a "realtime" method for controlling cycle times for each adsorber and includes the following steps. During a determined time period, flow is measured to an adsorber that is coupled to an air inlet. An actual totalized flow to the on-line adsorber is accumulated, based upon the measured flow values. During this time, air feed conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, relative humidity) are monitored and periodically, a maximum totalized flow to the adsorber is calculated, determined, at least in part, based upon the monitored air feed conditions.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus are provided for recovering hydrocarbons from an intermittent or continuous inlet air-hydrocarbon vapor mixture. The air-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is caused to flow through a bed of solid adsorbent whereby hydrocarbons are removed therefrom and a residue gas stream of substantially hydrocarbon-free air is produced. The substantially hydrocarbon-free air is vented into the atmosphere and a second bed of solid adsorbent having hydrocarbons previously adsorbed thereon is regenerated by evacuation. As long as the concentration of hydrocarbons contained in the vented air is below a predetermined concentration, the inlet air-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is caused to continue to flow through the first bed of adsorbent. After the second bed of adsorbent is regenerated, the pumping and evacuation of the second bed is shut down and not restarted so long as the monitored concentration of hydrocarbons is below the predetermined concentration.

Abstract: A method for the scrubbing of noxious substances from an exhaust gas stream from an evacuated process chamber containing a tool for the processing of semiconductor devices. The method comprises directing the stream from the chamber in to a duct containing a multi-way valve and selectively adjusting the valve to cause different fractions of the stream to be directed to relevant treatment/collection/exhaust points.

Abstract: A spray booth includes an outer enclosure in which the temperature and humidity of a fluid (such as air) is not controlled and a fluid handling unit within this enclosure, which circulates and controls the temperature and humidity of a smaller volume of the same fluid (air) to develop an environment suitable for application of coatings to desired substrates. In use, fluid is drawn from the outer enclosure into the inner, fluid handling unit in order to clean and modify the temperature and humidity of the fluid being handled, conditioning it to be delivered to the region of limited size which is established for receiving the substrate to be coated.

Abstract: An acoustic oxygen sensor is provided which can be used in the output lines leading from the sieve beds. This sensor can be used in communication with a microprocessor to control the production and evacuation cycles of the sieve beds, i.e., for example to determine the period for which a bed is supplied with compressed air and communicates with the reservoir as well as to determine the pressure of the compressed air and to determine the amount of time that the product gas is fed through the flow equalization path to supply an aliquot of purging gas to a used bed. In the feedback loop, the microprocessor utilizes the measured oxygen concentration and flow rate to optimize the settings necessary to achieve maximum oxygen concentration and flow rate efficiency. Since the microprocessor has the ability to make incremental changes and compare relative values, the optimum values can be determined empirically eliminating the need to perform complex theoretical calculations.

Abstract: A method of controlling an oxygen concentrator having a first sieve bed operated over successive control periods according to a duty cycle for alternately pressurizing and flushing the first sieve bed and a second sieve bed operated over the successive control periods according to a reciprocal of the duty cycle is disclosed. The duty cycle and the reciprocal duty cycle are adjusted during every second one of the successive control periods to change the pressurizing relative to the flushing of the first sieve bed and to change the flushing relative to the pressurizing of the second sieve bed, for reducing concentration of oxygen produced. The duty cycle and the reciprocal duty cycle are adjusted during remaining control periods to change the flushing relative to the pressurizing of the first sieve bed and to change the pressurizing relative to the flushing of the second sieve bed, such that water vapor is purged from the first and second sieve beds after pressurizing thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for efficiently controlling the operation of a vapor recovery system including a first reaction vessel and first bed of adsorbent, a second reaction vessel and second bed of adsorbent and a vacuum pump for selectively regenerating those beds of adsorbent. The method includes the step of adsorbing vapor from an air-volatile liquid vapor mixture on the first bed of adsorbent in the first reaction vessel, measuring a total amount of the vapor adsorbed by the first bed of adsorbent, comparing the total amount of vapor adsorbed on the first bed of adsorbent to a first predetermined value which is a percentage of the first bed adsorbance capacity and regenerating the first bed of adsorbent and adsorbing the vapor from the air-volatile liquid vapor mixture on the second bed of adsorbent in the second reaction vessel upon reaching the first predetermined value.

Abstract: A pre-compression dehydration system optimizes the gas flow parameters which are essential to the performance of a radial or spherical desiccant dryer. When used in conjunction with a low pressure dryer, the system protects the desiccant bed from channeling, which can cause the gas to flow unevenly through the desiccant bed and fail to make effective contact with the desiccant. The system provides a multiple zone, or divided, desiccant bed adsorption unit to maintain a proper flow distribution as required by the demand of the air compressor and to eliminate the potential for channeling. The system may also include a controller for automatically opening and closing the port access doors of the adsorption unit to control the amount of desiccant utilized to dry the air. A thermostatically controlled precooler may be provided for cooling the ambient air prior to adsorption to insure that the temperature of the effluent air will not exceed 100.degree. F. (37.8.degree. C.

Abstract: A single stage secondary oxygen concentrator for receiving a gas mixture from a first stage oxygen concentrator and a method of use therefor is disclosed. The concentrator includes a first carbon molecular sieve bed and a second carbon molecular sieve bed. A first inlet valve is connected to an inlet of the first carbon molecular sieve bed and a second inlet valve is connected to the inlet of the second carbon molecular sieve bed. A first product outlet valve is connected to the outlet of the first carbon molecular sieve bed and a second product outlet valve is connected to the product outlet of the carbon molecular sieve bed. The oxygen concentrator has control means for controlling a first cycle in which the first carbon molecular sieve bed is being charged with the gas mixture and the second carbon molecular sieve bed is being desorbed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling the pressure in a fuel tank ullage. The apparatus includes a vapor pump which withdraws vapors from the tank ullage responsive to a signal generated by a pressure sensor in communication with the ullage. The vapors are directed to a canister containing a VOC-adsorbent material where the VOC content of the vapor is removed. Non-polluting VOC-free air is vented from the canister to the atmosphere. The invention also contemplates the provision of a second canister which would accept the tank ullage vapors after the material in a first canister becomes saturated. A portion of the VOC-free air exiting the first canister is used a purge gas to regenerate the saturated material in the first canister. The operation of the multiple canisters would alternate between adsorption and regeneration until the tank ullage pressure is reduced to below a threshold level.

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.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing moisture from compressed air through a pre-compression adsorptive desiccant bed, heat reactivated and regenerative air drying and filtration system. This system consists of an air filter affixed to a blower and in communication with a heater connected and communicating with a conduit communicating with a first valve and a second valve. The first and second valve are each connected to another conduit which is connected to a desiccant bed adsorption unit and another valve and conduit which is in communication with an air compression machine. Each desiccant bed is preferably of tubular configuration.

Abstract: A nitrogen PSA system uses a back-fill step only on start-up conditions or when a minor fault has caused the plant to temporarily lose purity. The plant utilizes an oxygen analyzer which controls valves allowing the initiation and cancellation of the back-fill step.

Abstract: For regenerating an exhaust gas particulate collecting filter, there is provided an exhaust gas particulate purifying process in which damage to the filter caused by a thermal action can be prevented and further electric power can be saved when an electric current supply to an electric heater attached to the filter is controlled. In the filter container (4), an electric heater (21) is provided on an end surface of the filter on an upstream side with respect to a regenerating gas flow, or provided at a position close to the end surface. Also, a temperature sensor (22) for measuring a temperature of the filter is provided inside the filter or at a position close to an end surface of the filter opposite to the aforementioned end surface.