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: An exhaust gas aftertreatment filter system for an internal combustion engine includes an aftertreatment filter disposed in-line with an exhaust gas conduit coupled to an internal combustion engine, a mounting bracket defining a mounting surface and at least one leg extending from the mounting bracket, the at least one leg defining a mounting foot at a distal end thereof with the mounting foot of the at least one leg and the mounting surface of the mounting bracket defining a first air gap therebetween, the mounting foot of the at least one leg secured to the aftertreatment filter, and at least one electrical component secured to the mounting surface of the mounting bracket.

Abstract: An emission sampling system includes an exhaust gas probe for sampling exhaust gas. A dilution gas source provides a dilution gas, and a mixing device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas probe and the dilution gas source to mix the sampled exhaust gas and the dilution gas to form a diluted exhaust gas. A particulate filter is in fluid communication with the mixing device downstream therefrom. A dilution temperature conditioning device is arranged between the dilution gas source and the mixing device for obtaining a desired dilution gas temperature. A temperature sensor is arranged in the sampling system for producing a temperature signal corresponding to a temperature of fluid flowing through the sampling system. A controller is connected to the temperature sensor for processing the temperature signal and determining a filter temperature from the temperature signal. The controller commands the conditioning device in response to the filter temperature.

Abstract: A control unit for controlling operation of a fuel-fired burner includes a housing having an air inlet which is open to an interior chamber of the housing. An air pump is positioned in the interior chamber of the housing and has an air inlet which is open to the interior chamber of the housing. The air pump generates reduced air pressure in the interior chamber which draws air into the housing and into the pump's inlet. This flow of air cools an electronic controller along with other components position in the housing. The air pump may be operated to draw air from the interior chamber of the housing and supplies the air to a combustion chamber of the fuel-fired burner to facilitate operation of the burner. An associated method of advancing air to a fuel-fired burner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A regenerable filter system includes a flow path along which a stream of fluid flows between an inlet and an outlet. A first filtering unit is located in the flow path. The first filter unit includes first and second regenerable filter beds, wherein each bed has a first adsorbent for removing a first contaminant from the fluid stream. A first valve is located between the inlet and the first and second filter beds for selectively directing the fluid stream through one of the first and the second filter beds. The other of the first and second filter beds is removed from the flow path. A second filtering unit is located in the flow path between the first filtering unit and the outlet. The second filtering unit includes third and fourth regenerable filter beds for removing a second contaminant from the stream of fluid.

Abstract: A method of reducing the sorbate concentration of a process fluid stream using a sorption bed system includes the following steps. A mass of a sorbent material is rotated so that, in a cycle of operation, a given volume of the sorbent mass sequentially passes through first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth zones, before returning to the first zone. A process fluid stream is passed through the sorbent mass in the first zone, and a regeneration fluid stream is passed through the sorbent mass in the fourth zone. A first isolation fluid stream is recycled in a closed loop, independent of the process fluid stream and the regeneration fluid stream, between the sorbent mass in the second zone and in the sixth zone. A second isolation fluid stream, meanwhile, is recycled in a closed loop, independent of the process fluid stream, the regeneration fluid stream, and the first isolation fluid stream, between the sorbent mass in the third zone and in the fifth zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for generation of nitrogen enriched air for inerting aircraft fuel tanks. One embodiment of the present invention includes a duct assembly; a primary heat exchanger; a gas generating system heat exchanger; a first temperature sensor; a second temperature sensor; a controller monitor; a valve; an air separation module assembly having a primary module and a secondary module; at least one flow control orifice; and a pressure sensor. The present invention utilizes a minimal complement of components and streamlined processes, thus minimizing structural and operational costs while optimizing performance and safety features.

Abstract: The invention uses both heating and cooling zones to prevent the precipitation of solids onto equipment surfaces until they are efficiently removed from the gas phase via one or more heat exchangers. Each heat exchanger may be regenerated to melt off the solids when the amount collected becomes excessive. A storage plenum is available under each heat exchanger to store the melted solids until final removal to avoid the need to open the equipment for the removal of the unwanted solids.

Abstract: A trap device including at least one substance delivery element for introducing a substance therein is disclosed. The delivered substance may influence the nature of deposits that have formed within the trap device, may influence the formation of deposits within the trap device, or may cause a precipitate to form. Deposit interaction elements may be employed to influence the distribution or redistribution of deposits within the trap device. Deposit interaction elements may effect thermal conditions, introduce substances, or physically interact with deposits within the trap device. Further, a storage region within the trap device may be used to accumulate deposits. In one embodiment, a substantially continuous path through the trap device may be maintained or preserved so that deposits form within the trap device except substantially along the path. The present invention also encompasses a method of operation of a trap device as well as a system incorporating same.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and converting exhaust particulates from a stream of exhaust gas, especially a diesel engine, into gaseous substances, in which the exhaust gas is guided through a honeycomb filter (6) made from a porous ceramic material whose axially extending channels (1, 2) are open merely at one face side of the filter and are closed off at the respective other face side, and a voltage is applied to electrodes (3, 4) extending parallel to the channels (1, 2) of the honeycomb filter (6). The closure of the channels (1, 2) at the face side is made in such a way that the channels (1, 2) each extending at the same normal distance from one of the electrodes (3, 4) are either all open or all closed off at their face side (9). The channels (1, 2) are mutually offset in a brickwork-like way.

Abstract: A system for removing and purifying a carbon dioxide-containing stream from a batch process tool is provided. A multi-phase contaminated stream containing at least carbon dioxide and one or more co-solvent is removed from a process tool and conveyed to at least one intermediate pressure separator. The contaminant-containing stream is separated into an intermediate pressure carbon dioxide-enriched vapor stream and an intermediate pressure solvent and contaminant-enriched stream in the intermediate pressure separator.

Abstract: The inert gas generating system includes a compressed air source, a cooling air source, and a separation module. The separation module includes first and second inlets and outlets. The first inlet is coupled to the compressed air source. The first outlet is coupled to the first inlet via a bundle of hollow fiber membranes. The second inlet is coupled to the cooling air source, and the second outlet is coupled to the second inlet via a space surrounding the bundle of hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: A particulate filter for purifying exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a diesel engine, comprises a filtering body and heating elements for initiating combustion of soot particles accumulated on and in the filtering body. The heating elements comprise at least a hot spot ceramic ignitor (3). The invention is applicable in the automotive industry.

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 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 apparatus for initiating regeneration in a particulate trap including the steps of locating structures in the particulate trap in areas that generate particulate build up, generating microwaves, absorbing microwaves with the particulate build up, and controlling the microwaves to initiate a burn off of particulates.

Abstract: A monitoring system such as a septic tank monitoring system for distinguishing between and identifying the location of a sedimentary layer, a scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in a septic tank with an elongate sensing probe for being disposed in the septic tank, a plurality of sensors disposed along the sensing probe, and a remote monitor operably associated with the plurality of sensors, such as thermistors, for providing a remote indication to a septic tank operator of the location of the sedimentary layer, the scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in the septic tank based on the signals from the plurality of sensors so that a septic tank operator can monitor the contents and condition of the septic tank without a need for excavating and physically inspecting the septic tank.

Abstract: A regeneration device of an exhaust gas purification filter that reduces the regeneration time of the filter. The regeneration device includes a plurality of first temperature detectors arranged in casings to detect the temperature in each casing and a second temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the exhaust gas. A processor is connected to the first temperature detectors and the second temperature detector. The processor compares the temperature of the exhaust gas and the temperature of at least one of the casings, opens the associated switch valve based on the comparison result, and preheats at least one of the filters with the exhaust gas. The heat of the exhaust gas suddenly increases the temperature of the filter from the initial temperature and reduces the filter regeneration time.

Abstract: A gas removal filter has an ion exchanger for adsorbing a gas and at least a pair of electric resistance measuring electrodes disposed on the ion exchanger. By measuring a change in the electric resistance between at least the pair of electric resistance measuring electrodes disposed on the ion exchanger, it is possible to estimate an ion exchange group consumption ratio of the ion exchanger. The ion exchange group consumption ratio of the ion exchanger can be detected in a short period of time, and a remaining adsorption capability of the ion exchanger can be known with ease.

Abstract: A thermoelectric particle precipitator for removing and collecting particles from a fluid stream. The thermoelectric particle precipitator utilizes one or more thermoelectric modules to create a temperature gradient which causes suspended particles in a fluid stream to undergo thermophoretic movement and precipitate on a surface on the cooled side of the temperature gradient. The collection surface may be a cooled surface of the thermoelectric module or a cooled surface of a thermal mass. The collected particles may be analyzed to determine their composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the heating of adsorbent materials in a vessel including the utilization of electrodes in direct contact with the adsorbent material to induce a current in the material. The electrical contacts are spaced apart and receive a potential for inducing the electrical current; one of the electrodes is a different size to thereby induce a radial component in the electrical current to thus modify the current density flowing through the adsorbent material as the current traverses the distance between the electrodes. The resulting modified current density causes the temperature gradient across the transverse section of the vessel to decrease, thus rendering the temperature more uniform across the vessel.

Abstract: An automated filter changing device (20) includes a filter reel system (22). A motor (24) is connected to the filter reel system (22). An airflow sensor (26) is in an airflow of the filter reel system (22). A controller (28) is connected to the motor (24) and the airflow sensor (26). The airflow sensor (26) determines when the airflow is below an acceptable threshold. When the airflow is below an acceptable threshold, the controller (28) tells the motor (24) to index the filter reel system (22).

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method and apparatus for collecting a liquid overspray from a gaseous mist and separating the liquid from the gas stream. The invention has utility in a wide variety of chemical application processes such as to reduce the hazards and waste characterized by prior art methods and provide a mechanism for the in-line recycling of the overspray liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a hooded recovery unit which is oriented above and about a conveyor system in which a workpiece travels through a spray zone in which a chemical or other liquid is applied to the workpiece. In such a situation, the present invention provides for the recovery of overspray liquid which would otherwise be wasted as the liquid or chemical is applied to the workpiece during the period in which the workpiece passes through the recovery unit. The system includes a spray application chamber, a conditioning chamber, and an overspray collection chamber.

Abstract: A regeneration device of an exhaust gas purification filter that reduces the regeneration time of the filter. The regeneration device includes a plurality of first temperature detectors (26a, 26b) arranged in casings to detect the temperature in each casing and a second temperature detector (26a, 26b) for detecting the temperature of the exhaust gas. A processor (30) is connected to the first temperature detectors and the second temperature detector. The processor compares the temperature of the exhaust gas and the temperature of at least one of the casings, opens the associated switch valve based on the comparison result, and preheats at least one of the filters with the exhaust gas. The heat of the exhaust gas suddenly increases the temperature of the filter from the initial temperature and reduces the filter regeneration time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to on board inert gas generating systems, and more particularly, to an on board inert gas generating system having a fast warm up feature. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for quickly warming up a permeable membrane air separation system.

Abstract: A combustion system includes a catalytic oxidizer for oxidizing a mixture of air and fuel vapor. The amount of air provided for mixing with the fuel vapors is determined in accordance with the temperature of the oxidation reaction as measured by a temperature sensor. Controlling the dilution level in this manner provides an efficient vent processing design. The system is used to process vapor emissions emanating from a vehicle fuel tank during refueling.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a natural gas dehydrator wherein a portion of the wet glycol in an emissions separator is pumped under pressure as circulating wet glycol which may be used as a coolant for effluent removed from a reboiler and/or a power source for an eductor to form a vacuum in a first chamber of a liquid water removal separator apparatus. The cooled effluent, comprising at least liquid water, liquid hydrocarbons and uncondensed vapors, moves into the first chamber wherein the liquid water and/or the liquid hydrocarbons are separated from the uncondensed vapors. At least, the uncondensed vapors are removed from the first chamber and move into the eductor wherein they are compressed and combined into the circulating wet glycol. The separated liquid water is transferred to a second chamber of the liquid water removal separator apparatus and then removed therefrom. In some instances, the liquid hydrocarbons are transferred to a third chamber and removed therefrom.

Abstract: A process and a system for purifying gas, such as air, before cryogenic distillation, in which at least one energy parameter, chosen from the flow rate of the regeneration gas entering and/or leaving at least one adsorber, the duration of the regeneration step and the regeneration temperature of the regeneration gas entering at least one adsorber, is controlled, modified and/or regulated depending on at least one operating condition chosen from the pressure of the gas to be purified entering and/or leaving at least one adsorber, the flow rate of the gas to be purified entering and/or leaving at least one adsorber, the temperature (Ta) of the gas to be purified entering at least one adsorber and the content of impurities contained in the gas to be purified entering at least one adsorber and depending on the thermal profile of the heat front output by at least one adsorber at the end of regeneration.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing system includes a getter-based gas purifier coupled in flow communication with a gas distribution network for a semiconductor fabrication facility. The gas distribution network supplies purified gas to at least one wafer processing chamber in the semiconductor fabrication facility. The gas purifier includes a getter column having a metallic vessel with an inlet, an outlet, and a containment wall extending between the inlet and the outlet. Getter material which purifies gas flowing therethrough by sorbing impurities therefrom is disposed in the vessel. A first temperature sensor is disposed in a top portion of the getter material. The first temperature sensor is located in a melt zone to detect rapidly the onset of an exothermic reaction which indicates the presence of excess impurities in the incoming gas to be purified. A second temperature sensor is disposed in a bottom portion of the getter material.

Abstract: A thermal management system for an enclosure housing devices which generate heat inside the enclosure. A fan, whose speed is responsive to an input signal, has a gas flow output in communication with the enclosure. A filter is disposed in the gas flow path of the fan's output. At least one temperature sensor is disposed in the enclosure for measuring the temperature inside the enclosure. A controller adjusts the speed of the fan until the temperature inside the enclosure is within a predetermined range to ensure that the devices inside the enclosure do not overheat. A processor compares the signal input to the fan with the speed of the fan to determine the condition of the fan and, in response to the temperature sensor, determines the condition of the filter.

Abstract: A process and device for local permeability evaluation and local regeneration of a particle filter consisting of several juxtaposed zones through which a flow of gas to be scrubbed is passed include the steps of and apparatus for measuring the temperature of the flow upstream from the filter, measuring the temperature in at least one of the zones forming the filter, evaluating the thermal inertia of at least one of the zones by relative measurement of the temperature or of the local resistance to the temperature upstream from the filter, deducing from this the local permeability of the filter and locally regenerating the filter.

Abstract: Electronic equipment having a temperature control air flow passage. A length of filter material has a length portion extending across the upstream end of the flow passage, the filter material being movable longitudinally to replace the clogged length portion with unused filter material. A filter advancement device is operable by a control device actuated when an undesirably low fluid flow rate is achieved through the length portion so as to effect filter replacement. Roller devices give up unused filter material and take up used material. A stepper motor may be used to advance filter material for replacement purposes. The control device is preferably operated upon drop in rotational speed of a fan located immediately downstream of the filter length portion, the speed drop being caused by drag as the filter becomes clogged. Alternatively, the control device comprises a switch which is operated as the filter length portion flexes it becomes clogged, or temperature sensors located at chosen sites.

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.

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: A gas sampling apparatus includes a probe tube having a tip positionable in a stream of products of combustion and a sample dryer tube connected in fluid communication with an end of the probe tube opposite the tip. The sample dryer tube is received in a purge gas tube along a lengthwise axis thereof. The purge gas tube and the sample dryer tube define therebetween a space through which a purge gas pump urges a purge gas in a first direction. A sample pump connected in fluid communication with the sample dryer tube urges therethrough in a second direction opposite the first direction a sample of gas obtained from the stream of products of combustion via the probe tube. A sensor is positioned to detect a constituent of the sample of gas exhausted from the sample dryer tube. The sample dryer tube is formed at least in part of a hydrophilic membrane and the purge gas entering the space contains less water vapor than the sample of gas.

Abstract: A PSA process for the separation of a gas flow containing essentially oxygen and nitrogen by preferential adsorption of the nitrogen, at a high adsorption pressure, on at least one bed of adsorbent material inserted in at least one separation zone. The material preferentially adsorbs nitrogen. Each bed of adsorbing material is subjected to successive separation cycles. Each separation cycle comprises at least: a purge phase comprising a desorption of the nitrogen adsorbed on the adsorbing material at a low desorption pressure below the high adsorption pressure, and a supply phase comprising introduction of the gaseous flow at a supply temperature (T.sub.sup) into the separation zone with passage from the low desorption pressure to the high adsorption pressure. The supply temperature (T.sub.sup) of the gaseous flow to be separated is regulated and the high adsorption pressure is adjusted.

Abstract: A membrane system controller and control method for maximizing retentate product output and incorporating compressor load detection apparatus and process parameter instrumentation for feeding essential monitoring information to a control unit. Product output maximization is accomplished by increasing the membrane operating temperature during periods when compressor capacity is underutilized.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for alerting an operator to the need to change a temperature control system filter includes a mechanism for selecting and setting a primary period of filter use to assure replacement before the filter becomes clogged; a mechanism for counting out the selected primary period; a mechanism for activating a signalling device to signal the operator to replace the filter, absent replacement of the filter; a mechanism for sensing replacement of the filter; a mechanism for resetting the mechanism for counting to begin the counting out the selected primary period again upon replacement of the filter; a mechanism for counting out a secondary period measured from the end of the primary period; a mechanism for shutting down the system at the end of the secondary period absent replacement of the filter; and a mechanism for detecting a fire within the building. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a mechanism for shutting down the temperature control system upon detection of a fire.

Abstract: A process for producing an oxidized product in conjunction with a turbine for generating power. This process comprises contacting a compressed and heated oxygen-containing gas stream with at least one solid electrolyte oxygen selective ion transport membrane in a membrane reactor. A reactant is passed into the reactor to generate an oxidized product therefrom. Oxygen-depleted retentate stream from the reactor is added to a gas turbine combustor and expanded in a gas turbine to generate power.

Abstract: A system for generating oxygen enriched air includes a compressed air supply for supplying compressed air and a permeable membrane gas separation system for separating a nitrogen gas component and an oxygen enriched air component from the compressed air. An oxygen analyzer is provided to detect an oxygen concentration in the oxygen enriched air component. The nitrogen gas component is divided, by a vortex tube, into a cold gas stream and a hot gas stream, and solenoid valves are actuated to modify a flow path of the compressed air through the cold gas stream and the hot gas stream in order to selectively heat and cool the compressed air. The oxygen enriched air is then selectively distributed for further use.

Abstract: A fill system and methodology for the manufacture of fluid storage and dispensing vessels containing sorbent material for holding a sorbable fluid, for on-demand dispensing of the fluid in the use of the vessel. The fill system and methodology are directed to minimizing the processing time required to dissipate the heat of sorption incident to the loading of the sorbable fluid onto the sorbent material, so that thermal equilibration time in the manufacture of the vessels is substantially reduced in relation to the use of only ambient convective air cooling for dissipation of the heat of sorption from the fluid-filled vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device to control the physical conditions of the solvent within a pre-column, in a gas chromatography analysis apparatus. To achieve desired and controlled conditions of recondensation in the pre-column with vaporization injectors or of vaporation with "on-column" injectors, the dew-point of the solvent in the pre-column is calculated and the factors which influence this dew-point are varied and/or the temperature of the pre-column is varied, in order to set such temperatures in a desired correlation.

Abstract: The smoke filtration unit described herein has an internal cylindrical duct for ducting exhaust smoke from an exhaust flue to a shutter pivotally mounted within the cylindrical duct. The shutter can move between at least two positions. The shutter, when located in a first position, directs exhaust smoke to a cylindrical filter. An exhaust fan draws the exhaust smoke through the filter. The residual gas is vented to the atmosphere. The cylindrical filter is mounted on a vibration mount that can vibrate the filter to dislodge particulate matter that collects on the surface of the filter. The dislodged particulate matter falls into an ash collection area. The smoke filtration unit is controlled by a microcontroller that monitors temperature and pressure conditions within the unit. If excessive pressure conditions are detected, the microcontroller energizes the vibration mount to dislodge particulate matter from the filter.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are described for drying moist gas, in particular air, in which the moisture is removed from the gas by a desiccant and the desiccant is freed of the absorbed moisture by a hot regeneration gas. In order to improve the energy balance in the drying of moist gas, in particular air, it is provided that the throughput of regeneration gas through the desiccant is controlled as a function of the temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the desiccant. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the process contains a temperature sensor arranged in the regeneration exhaust gas stream, which temperature sensor controls a device determining the regeneration gas throughput through the desiccant.

Abstract: The electrostatic air cleaning system is mounted in a duct of a residential or commercial heating and cooling system to remove particles from the circulating air. The electrostatic air cleaning system includes an air flow sensor which turns the air cleaner off in response to the lack of air flow through the air duct. An air flow sensor circuit connected to the electrostatic air cleaner includes a thermistor which detects the lack of air flow in the duct and provides a signal in response to lack of airflow. The signal from the sensor causes the power supply to the electrostatic air cleaner to be disconnected when there is insufficient air flow through the air duct. The air flow sensor circuit is configured so that power will continue to be supplied to the electrostatic air cleaner from the power supply when the sensor is disabled for a variety of reasons.

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: Oxygen is separated from air by a high temperature ion transport membrane which is integrated with a gas turbine system for energy recovery from the membrane nonpermeate stream. Air is compressed, heated in a first heating step, and passed through the feed side of a mixed conductor membrane zone to produce a high purity oxygen product on the permeate side of the membrane zone. Nonpermeate gas from the membrane zone is heated in a second heating step and passed through a hot gas turbine for power recovery. Water is added to the nonpermeate gas prior to the hot gas turbine to increase mass flow to the turbine and thus balance the mass flows of the air feed compressor and the expansion turbine.

Abstract: In a process and installation for removing solvent vapor from exhaust air sucked from a working space, the air is fed to at least two parallel activated carbon adsorbers. Each adsorber can be switched to and fro between a charging mode in which it adsorbs solvent vapors from the exhaust air flowing through the adsorber, and a regeneration mode in which it is separated from the flow of exhaust air and flushed with water vapor and desorbed. To save energy and to reduce environmental pollution, at the end of the regeneration period each adsorber has a drying phase in which exhaust air from the working space flows through the adsorber, the air thereafter being fed to an adsorber which is operating in the charging mode.

Abstract: A water spray-based air purification system having a humidification portion and a dehumidifying portion is operatively installed in an air handling unit used to recirculate air within a conditioned space. A blower within the air handling unit housing operates to draw return air into the housing, flow the air across the entire air purification system, and then discharge the purified and humidified air back into the conditioned space. A water spray portion of the purification system is served by a pump forcing water from a sump structure through a filter, with the spray water draining back into the sump after cleansing air traversing the purification system. Upon a sensed demand therefor, an additive injector adds suitable chemical treatment material to the sump water, and a water pollutant monitor structure operates to backwash the filter upon sensing an undesirable pump back pressure increase or a buildup of particulate and gaseous pollutants in the sump water.

Abstract: Oxygen is separated from air by a high temperature ion transport membrane which is integrated with a gas turbine system for energy recovery from the membrane nonpermeate stream. Air is compressed, heated in a first heating step, and passed through the feed side of a mixed conductor membrane zone to produce a high purity oxygen product on the permeate side of the membrane zone. Nonpermeate gas from the membrane zone is heated in a second heating step and passed through a hot gas turbine for power recovery. The operating temperatures of the membrane zone and the expansion turbine are independently maintained by controlling the rate of heat addition in the first and second heating steps, whereby the membrane zone and expansion turbine are thermally delinked for maximum oxygen recovery efficiency.