Abstract: A method for determining a low cylinder pressure condition of a gas chromatograph includes providing gas from the cylinder to an inlet of the gas chromatograph. In particular, the gas is provided at a predetermined inlet pressure that is higher than an inlet pressure that is required for a predetermined gas chromatographic analysis routine. The inlet pressure of the gas being supplied to the inlet is increased, in order to attempt to achieve a predetermined check value. It is then determined if the inlet pressure actually increases to at least the predetermined check value. If it is determined that the inlet pressure of the gas does not increase to at least the predetermined check value, then an indication of a low cylinder pressure condition is provided.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system. In some embodiments, the delivery of oxygen enriched air by an oxygen concentrator system is controller based on an inhalation profile of a user of the oxygen concentrator 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: A system and process for the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from a feed natural gas having variable flow rates and inlet CO2 levels.

Abstract: A scrubber for controlling carbon dioxide levels in a shipping container containing respiring produce is disclosed. The scrubber is relatively small, utilizes a gas-selective membrane having a CO2/O2 selectivity ratio greater than 1:1, and fits inside the shipping container (such as a sea van container). In contrast to current methods of controlling CO2 levels in shipping containers, such as the use of hydrated lime, the scrubbers of the present invention are efficient, relatively inexpensive, do not take up shipping space within the container, and do not present handling or disposal issues. A method for controlling the carbon dioxide levels inside a shipping container containing respiring produce, utilizing the carbon dioxide scrubbers defined, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The oxygen partial pressure control unit includes a gas purification section for purifying the gas having the oxygen partial pressure controlled within a range of from 0.2 to 10?30 atm, and a tank for storing the purified gas produced by the gas purification section. The purified gas stored within the tank is supplied to the another unit. The oxygen partial pressure control unit includes a circulation circuit including the tank and the gas purification section. The gas filled in the tank 20 is caused to circulate along the circulation circuit, and the purified gas produced by the gas purification section is stored in the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emission cleaning system which is disposed on the intake tract of an internal combustion engine and has at least one device for taking in air and also at least one filter unit and a control/regulating device.

Abstract: In one example, a method of operating an engine having a diesel particulate filter in a vehicle, the particulate filter having a length and depth, includes performing particulate filter regeneration in response to temperature variation across the length and/or depth of the particulate filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for subjecting feed air to fractionation for recovery of a product oxygen fraction therefrom in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process utilizing a nitrogen-selective adsorbent (“NSA”) that is sensitive to water. The PSA process includes the steps of feed pressurization, production, equalization, and blowdown. The improvement to this PSA process commences with placing a bed of pre-treatment adsorbent between feed air and a bed of NSA. Next, a controllable valve is interposed between the pre-treatment adsorbent bed and the NSA bed. Finally, the controllable valve is kept closed during the steps of production, equalization, and when the process is idle. An advantageous NSA is LiX zeolite, Li-LSX zeolite, CaX zeolite, and similar adsorbents, particularly highly hydrophilic zeolites. Another feature of the disclosed PSA cycle is that the pre-treatment adsorbent bed blows-down while the NSA bed equalizes.

Abstract: The present invention is a biogas processing system having a compressor having a biogas input and output, a pump having a water input and output, a scrubber tower having a mixing chamber connected to a biogas input, a water pump input, a water output, and a processed biogas output, and a filtration member connected to the water output to remove contaminants from the water exiting the first scrubber tower. The system also includes devices for heating and cooling the recycled flow of water to enhance the ability of the water to absorb contaminants from the biogas and the ability of a stripper to remove absorbed contaminants from the water in a closed loop water system, and a controller for closely controlling the operating parameters of the system to achieve safe and optimal operation of the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating contaminants in a contaminated airstream are described. In one embodiment, a contaminated airstream is received and a vortex is created that separates the contaminated airstream into a clean airstream used in the system and contaminants (e.g., debris and particles).

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device for a CVD device for the deposition of silicon-rich nitride in a CVD process, in particular an LPCVD process. An aftertreatment chamber is provided into which ammonia gas can be metered. In addition, a CVD device and an exhaust gas treatment method are described.

Abstract: A filter assembly comprising a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet and a filter chamber disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the housing having an air flow path there through. A filter element having a first surface area maybe located within the filter chamber and oriented such that the first surface area is angled with respect to the air flow path. The filter element may comprise a filter media adapted to remove contaminants from the air. A drain may be associated with the housing and adapted to remove contaminants filtered out of the air.

Abstract: A particulate filter may comprise an inlet end, an outlet end, and a plurality of parallel channels disposed and configured to flow fluid from the inlet end to the outlet end, the channels being defined by a plurality of porous walls configured to trap particulate matter. The particulate filter may define at least one filtration region including a first group of channels and at least one bypass region including a second group of channels, wherein at least some of the channels in the first group of channels are plugged at an end thereof, wherein the channels in the second group of channels are unplugged, and wherein greater than or equal to about 70% of the plurality of parallel channels are plugged at an end thereof.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies with purge control systems, and hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same. The PSA assemblies are operated according to a PSA cycle to produce a product hydrogen stream and a byproduct stream from a mixed gas stream. The byproduct stream may be delivered as a fuel stream to a heating assembly, which may heat the hydrogen-producing region that produces the mixed gas stream. The PSA assemblies may be adapted to regulate the flow of purge gas utilized therein, such as according to a predetermined, non-constant profile. In some embodiments, the flow of purge gas is regulated to maintain the flow rate and/or fuel value of the byproduct stream at or within a determined range of a threshold value, and/or to regulate the flow of purge gas to limit the concentration of carbon monoxide in a heated exhaust stream produced from the byproduct stream.

Abstract: A fast gas is recovered from a feed gas containing a fast gas and at least one slow gas using a gas separation membrane. A controller may control a control valve associated with a partial recycle of a permeate gas from the membrane for combining with the feed gas. A controller may control a control valve associated with the backpressure of a residue gas from the membrane.

Abstract: A gas remover apparatus suitable for electrical substation high-voltage transformer load tap changers and similar oil-filled equipment removes potentially hazardous and destructive gases from the air-filled volume above the insulating oil bath in which the load tap changer electrical contacts are immersed. The apparatus applies a continuous supply of nitrogen to the load tap changer, and has an orifice to maintain a slight overpressure over an extreme range of climatic conditions. The substantially continuous venting of nitrogen entrains and expels contaminants such as oxygen, water, and potentially explosive breakdown products from the oil, all of which can degrade the performance of the load tap changer.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator includes a reservoir adapted to store oxygen-enriched gas, a delivery valve adapted to communicate with the reservoir, a pressure sensor adapted to measure a reservoir pressure within the reservoir and to measure a pressure drop across the delivery valve, and an input device adapted to receive a pulse does setting. A controller coupled to the pressure sensor and monitors the reservoir pressure and the pressure drop across the delivery valve. The controller is also coupled to the delivery valve to selectively open the delivery valve for pulse durations based on the pulse dose setting to deliver pulses of gas from the reservoir to a user. The controller further adjusts the pulse durations based at least partially upon the reservoir pressure and the pressure drop across the delivery valve.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for removing particulates from a cycle gas stream, e.g., in a reactor system, are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods are performed in conjunction with a polymerization reactor system such as a gas-phase reactor system for production of polyolefin polymers. The methods comprise the step of compressing a gas stream having particulates entrained therein.

Abstract: An air conditioning system comprising a gas-impermeable wall defining a space for air conditioning, and a selective separating member disposed in the wall as a part of the wall, having a function of allowing preferential permeation of oxygen and carbon dioxide and at the same time, blocking the permeation of hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and a fine solid component, in which the selective separating member comprises an organic polymer and satisfies the relationship of P1/P2>10 wherein P1 is the permeation coefficient of oxygen and carbon dioxide and P2 is the permeation coefficient of hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and a fine solid component.

Abstract: The invention relates to biological home defense systems for use by populations at risk of widespread biological attack via biological weapons of mass destruction, especially biological weapons involving aerosol attacks. The present invention is also related to methods for using such biological home defense systems wherein meteorological data is used to issue advisories with regard to the use of such biological home defense systems to a population at risk of exposure to biological weapons of mass destruction.

Abstract: A method is described for recycling hydrogen (H2) supplied to a chamber (10) in a gas stream comprising hydrogen and at least one other gas, such as silane. A gas comprising at least hydrogen is drawn from the chamber (10) using a first vacuum pump (32) that exhausts gas therefrom at a sub-atmospheric pressure. A portion of the gas exhausted from the first vacuum pump (32), for example between 70 and 95% of this gas, is diverted away from a second vacuum pump (34) backing the first vacuum pump (32). In one embodiment, the diverted portion of the sub-atmospheric pressure gas is treated to produce a purified gas comprising hydrogen, which is stored in a storage vessel (14). The composition of the purified gas is analysed, and, depending on the results of the analysis, at least one of hydrogen and silane is added to the stored gas so that the composition of the stored gas is similar to that of the gas initially supplied to the chamber (10). Gas is then supplied to the chamber (10) from the storage vessel (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the carbon dioxide concentration in air of a closed or partially closed unit of space. The inventive method may comprise the steps of removing an air flow from the unit of space, guiding the air flow in a membrane system that may contain at least one membrane module having a CO2/O2 selectivity of greater than 2, removing the carbon dioxide permeated through the membrane, and returning the air flow that has been depleted of carbon dioxide in the membrane system to the unit of space. The inventive method may be optionally combined with an oxygen enrichment method. The invention also relates to corresponding devices for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: An inertial inlet particle separator system for a vehicle engine includes an inertial inlet particle separator and an adjustment mechanism. The separator includes a fluid inlet coupled to a scavenge channel and to a clean channel such that a first amount of fluid passing through the fluid inlet enters the scavenge channel and a second amount of fluid passing through the fluid inlet enters the clean channel. The scavenge channel is defined by a first wall and a splitter, and the clean channel is defined by a second wall and the splitter. The splitter and the second wall are stationary with respect to each other. The adjustment mechanism is coupled to the inertial inlet particle separator and configured to adjust a size of the scavenge channel. Although not necessarily, the adjustment mechanism may also be coupled to the scavenge fan speed.

Abstract: A process and equipment for treating natural gas produced by a well that has recently been stimulated, and that contains an undesirably high concentration of the fracturing gas used to stimulate the well. The process involves treating the gas by membrane separation, and provides for control of treatment parameters to compensate for the changing concentration of fracturing gas in the produced gas, as well as changes in gas flow rate.

Abstract: An advanced methane and ammonia recovery system captures gaseous waste produced by domestic livestock to reduce the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and to generate energy. The system includes a gas capture system residing at a peak of a barn. At large commercial operations, the captured gasses pass through a separator to separate methane from ammonia gas. The ammonia is processed to obtain a fertilizer. The methane is stored in a tank, and drawn from the tank to provide fuel for an electrical generator. At smaller operations, the captured gasses may be stored in a tank for periodic collection by a tanker truck or other transportation, or where economically feasible, piped to a central processing location. The system is designed to substantially reduce the amount of methane gas released into the environment while providing additional income to the domestic livestock operations.

Abstract: A water deaerating system and method are provided. The first end of an open-ended conduit is placed beneath the surface of a body of oxygen-rich water. The conduit extends into a housing and where the second end of the conduit resides at a location in the housing that is above the surface of the body of oxygen-rich water. A vacuum is applied to a spatial region defined within the housing above the location of the second end of the conduit. The oxygen-rich water is pumped through the conduit and exits the second end of the conduit to enter the spatial region of the housing. The oxygen-rich water descends through the housing due to gravity. The oxygen-rich water's descension is interrupted and the vacuum operates to remove oxygen from the oxygen-rich water so-descending to generate oxygen-depleted water.

Abstract: A gas-separation module allows a sweep gas to be introduced at selectively variable locations, and in selectively varying amounts, along the length of the module. The sweep gas enters the module through a perforated conduit. A slotted sleeve, disposed within the conduit, selectively blocks and unblocks perforations in the conduit. Rotation of the sleeve causes slots to come into, or out of, registration with the perforations. The sleeve permits varying amounts of sweep gas to be introduced at different locations along the length of the module. Rotation of the sleeve changes the profile of introduction of sweep gas, and can be used to optimize the performance of the module for each of a set of different pressure conditions.

Abstract: An energy management system for a membrane separation device, including: a membrane having permeate and non-permeate portions; a membrane housing which encases said membrane; a feed fluid inlet conduit; a purge inlet conduit; a non-permeate product fluid outlet conduit; and, a purge outlet conduit, configured to carry purge fluid out of the membrane dryer; at least one purge inlet flow control valve connected to said purge inlet conduit, a sensor configured to measure the contaminant level of fluids exiting the purge outlet conduit; and, a controller receiving an output signal from the sensor and transmitting a valve control signal to the at least one purge inlet flow control valve.

Abstract: Method for producing oxygen from air, in which, for this purpose, a generator is used that generates oxygen at its outlet, from air introduced at its inlet. According to the invention, the generator operating continuously, use is made of: at least two buffer tanks for storing the oxygen generated by the generator, which are placed in parallel, and a control system for at least adjusting the flow rate and/or pressure of the oxygen produced, to the demand in flow rate and/or pressure of the application.

Abstract: An apparatus for humidifying a gas stream includes a humidifier device having at least one membrane permeable to water vapor. The gas stream and a humid gas stream flow through a humidifier device, being separated from one another by the at least one membrane. The apparatus includes at least one bypass line configured to route at least part of one of the gas stream and the humid gas stream so that it does not come into contact with the membrane. In addition a method for humidifying a gas stream, includes flowing the gas stream through a humidifier having a membrane permeable to water vapor, flowing a humid gas stream through the humidifier separated by the membrane, and routing at least a portion of one of the gas stream and the humid gas stream using a bypass line so that it does not come into contact with the membrane, and varying a quantity of the portion so as to set a predetermined dew point in the gas stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the uniformity of the deposit of soot in a particulate filter, comprising the steps consisting in measuring, simultaneously or in succession, the respective characteristic quantities of at least two gas streams each having passed through a different longitudinal portion of said filter, and then in comparing the characteristic quantities thus measured. It also relates to a method for controlling the regeneration of a particulate filter, comprising the steps consisting in measuring the uniformity of the soot deposit in said filter and in adjusting the parameters of said regeneration according to the uniformity value obtained.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for controlling an environment within a container having at least one material type. An inert gas is introduced into the container to displace any harmful atmospheric components that may be present in the container, which could react with the solid material in the container. The displaced harmful atmospheric components are expelled from the container to a measuring device which identifies the concentration of the expelled components. The amount of inert gas being introduced into the container may be controlled in response to the measured results.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing ingression of contaminants and moisture and for removing moisture from a fluid reservoir, the device comprising a fluid reservoir for supporting a fluid therein, a fluid reservoir opening for allowing an exchanging of air between an interior of the fluid reservoir and the ambient surrounding, and a membrane-based reservoir dryer located in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, the membrane-based reservoir dryer comprising a source of compressed gas and a membrane dryer for drying the compressed gas to increase the capacity of the compressed gas for absorbing moisture from the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: An oxygen enrichment apparatus includes an oxygen enriching unit for generating oxygen-enriched air and a discharge unit for discharging the oxygen-enriched air transferred from the suction unit. The oxygen-enriched air generated by the oxygen enriching unit has an oxygen concentration ranging from about 25% to 35%. The apparatus also includes a suction unit for suctioning the oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enriching unit and a control unit for controlling the operation of the suction unit. The main body is provided with a display unit for indicating a state that the oxygen-enriched air is being discharged out by the discharge unit. The oxygen enriching unit has at least one oxygen enriching membrane for generating the oxygen-enriched air and a condensed water treating unit is installed at an air passage for guiding the oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enriching unit to the discharge unit via the suction unit.

Abstract: A gas permeable membrane comprising a thin polymeric coating on a microporous backing, said gas permeable membrane being permeable permitting for oxygen and carbon dioxide at different flow rates, wherein the gas permeable membrane is made from a copolymer of a polyether and a polyamide enables the achievement of a controlled atmosphere in a cargo region, wherein the membrane is able to obtain and hold low concentrations of carbon dioxide and of oxygen in the atmosphere in the cargo region and to produce an “ideal” or optimum storage atmosphere which will ensure a retardation of respiratory activity within the container.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator includes a pair of sieve beds having first and second ends, a compressor for delivering air to the first ends of the sieve beds, a reservoir communicating with the second ends of the sieve beds, and an air manifold attached to the first ends of the sieve beds. The air manifold includes passages therein communicating with the compressor and the first ends of the sieve beds. A set of valves is coupled to the air manifold, and a controller is coupled to the valves for selectively opening and closing the valves to alternately charge and purge the sieve beds to deliver concentrated oxygen into the reservoir. An oxygen delivery manifold communicates with the second ends of the sieve beds for delivering oxygen from the reservoir to a user. Pressure sensors may be provided in the reservoir and/or delivery line for controlling operation of the controller.

Abstract: A filtration unit for use with an environmental control unit (ECU), usually a portable ECU, which includes at least two air flow paths wherein at least one of the air flow paths allows for use of air which has not passed through a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) filter and at least one other does. The filtration unit may have at least three air paths, at least two of which provide NBC filtered air. This filtration unit can provide for longer expected operational life before filter replacement is required in both contaminated and non-contaminated environments. Further, the filtration unit may include remote sensing and control apparatus allowing for quick switching between operational modes depending on the need for filtered vs. unfiltered air and for a decreased reliance on personnel for maintenance and control, and a more simplified setup.

Abstract: A volatile organic compound treatment apparatus including an adsorber coming into contact with a gas to be treated and adsorbing volatile organic compounds; a plurality of pairs of electrodes, divided into a plurality of groups, which generate electric discharge so that a part of the adsorber is exposed to the electric discharge; and an electric discharge control mechanism for controlling whether or not the electric discharge is generated in what pair of the electrodes by applying a voltage to every group of the pair of electrodes such that different parts of the adsorber are sequentially exposed to the electric discharge.

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: A method of controlling a gas adsorption apparatus including a sieve bed containing molecular sieve bed material, the bed being cyclically operable in a charge mode to adsorb non-product gas from an air supply thereby to increase the concentration of a product gas in a product gas supply which passes to a product gas line and in a vent mode to desorb the adsorbed non-product gas which passes to a non-product gas line, and there being a passage to permit a restricted amount only of the product gas supply to pass from the product gas supply line to the bed when operating in vent mode, and wherein the method includes operating a variable flow device to permit an increased amount of the product gas supply to pass to the bed when operating in vent mode, under predetermined conditions.

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: A flow rate of gas supplied to a diesel particulate filter is increased when it is determined that rapid combustion of collected particulates, which are collected by the particulate filter, is likely to occur based on an operating state of an internal combustion engine. Alternatively, the flow rate of gas supplied to the filter is increased when it is determined that rapid combustion of the collected particulates is initiated based on a state of the particulate filter.

Abstract: A gas separation method and apparatus that recovers efficiently principal gas components from a feed gas that includes a plurality of components, and enables supplying the product gases continuously at a stable flow rate and component concentration. A first separation step using a first adsorption column and a second separation step using a second adsorption column are provided, a circulating feed gas, consisting of the recovered exhaust gases discharged in each of the steps and the feed gas, is used as a gas to be separated. The outflow rate and component concentration of a second gas product are maintained constant by controlling the outflow rate of the first gas product.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank for performing semiconductor manufacturing. In one aspect, the invention is a method of supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: supplying a gas stream through at least one hydrophobic tube; exposing the outside surface of the hydrophobic tube to a liquid so that the liquid permeates the hydrophobic tube and enters the gas stream, forming a gas-liquid vapor inside the tube; and transporting the gas-liquid vapor to the process tank. In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: at least one hydrophobic tube adapted to carry a gas; and a housing forming a chamber that surrounds the tube, the chamber adapted to receive a liquid that can permeate the tube, forming a gas-liquid vapor.

Abstract: For cleaning of crankcase gas produced by an internal combustion engine, that is arranged for propelling a vehicle, use is made of a centrifugal separator having a centrifugal rotor that is mounted on the vehicle. The cleaning efficiency of the centrifugal separator is changed by changing the rotational speed of an electrical motor, that is connected to a source of current on the vehicle and arranged for driving said centrifugal rotor.

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: In an air conditioning system which includes a catalytic air purifier, a control system is provided for sensing the level of predetermined conditions in a space and for responsively modulating the air purification process in a manner which optimizes the process in terms of its effectiveness and its economical use. The conditions that are sensed include the levels of VOC's, CO2, and biological contaminants, as well as degree of occupancy, relative humidity and air flow. The air purification process is modulated by varying the power to a UV lamp, turning one or more UV lamps on or off, varying the effectiveness of the catalyst, varying the volume or speed of the air flowstream and/or varying the relative humidity in the space.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator system with altitude compensation includes at least one oxygen concentrator sub-system and a plenum subsystem. The at least one oxygen concentrator sub-system produces oxygen enriched product which is outputted to both the oxygen concentrator system output and to a plenum chamber within the plenum subsystem. The plenum chamber is trickle charged with the oxygen enriched product when the at least one oxygen concentrator sub-system produces an excess amount of oxygen enriched product. Should the demand for oxygen enriched product exceed the capability of the at least one oxygen concentrator sub-system, additional oxygen enriched product is provided by the plenum chamber until such time that the capability of the at least one oxygen concentrator sub-system exceeds the demand for oxygen enriched product. At that time, oxygen enriched product is no longer provided by the plenum chamber but rather the plenum chamber is again trickle charged.

Abstract: For cleaning of crankcase gas produced by an internal combustion engine (31), that is arranged for propelling a vehicle (30), use is made of a centrifugal separator (34) having a centrifugal rotor that is mounted on the vehicle. The cleaning efficiency of the centrifugal separator is changed by changing the rotational speed of an electrical motor (9), that is connected to a source of current on the vehicle and arranged for driving said centrifugal rotor.