Abstract: A modular and compact adsorbent bed structure is disclosed for use in an adsorption-based gas separation plant. The conventional adsorbent bed in a gas separation plant is replaced with a plurality of modular adsorbent bed units connected to make the adsorbent bed structure. Modular adsorbent bed units of this invention provide higher capacity of product per unit volume of adsorbent material (i.e., increased adsorbent utilization) as compared to that obtained from conventional adsorbent beds. The modular design requires lower fabrication costs; is easier to transport; has less maintenance and repair requirements; and is easier to load with adsorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engineered structured adsorbent contactors for use in pressure swing adsorption and thermal swing adsorption processes. Preferably, the contactors contain engineered and substantially parallel flow channels wherein 20 volume percent or less of the open pore volume of the contactor, excluding the flow channels, is in the mesopore and macropore range.

Abstract: Concentrated oxygen product gas is produced and delivered to a patient. Product gas is produced by (a) introducing ambient air into a first end of a column containing an adsorbent material that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen and removes oxygen-rich product gas out a second end of the column; (b) evacuating the column through the first end to remove adsorbed gas from the column; (c) repressurizing the column by introducing ambient air into the first end of the column until the column is near 1.0 atmosphere; and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c). Product gas is delivered as needed to the patient.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process wherein a gas mixture comprised of a reformate gas and a biomass gas is processed to remove contaminants.

Abstract: The adsorption of CO2 from flue gas streams using temperature swing adsorption. Adsorbent contactors are used in the temperature swing adsorption unit that contain a plurality of substantially parallel channels comprised of or coated with an adsorbent material that is selective for adsorbing CO2 from flue gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for achieving low oxygen levels in a natural gas stream without the use of a catalytic system. In one embodiment, the method comprises: membrane treatment for the removal of the bulk of CO2 and oxygen in the natural gas feed and the addition of a PSA system using a carbon molecular sieve adsorbent for the adsorption of residual oxygen.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing a hypoxic environment inside an enclosed compartment with simultaneous removal of carbon dioxide and moisture produced by occupants; said method and system designed for fire prevention and for simulated altitude training, wellness and hypoxic therapy, including equine and other animal applications.

Abstract: A method for producing a CO2-enriched gas from a feed gas comprising carbon dioxide (CO2), at least one component selected from H2, N2, CH4, CO, O2 and argon, water vapour, optionally impurities such as NOx and/or SOx , and a solid-particle concentration of between 0.01 and 100 mg/m3, wherein the feed gas is at least partially dried upstream of a PSA unit in order to prevent the solid particles from caking in the PSA unit is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and other acid gases capture via adsorption at high pressure using mesoporous materials.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of carbon dioxide (or CO2) from various types of gas emitting sources containing carbon dioxide, including the reduction of carbon dioxide from industrial gas emitting sources via the use of an ion exchange material.

Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel compressor system which includes the use of free piston linear compressors so as to reduce power consumption, noise and vibration reduction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide is removed from a hydrogen rich gas stream using adsorbents having a low loss of carbon dioxide adsorption capacity upon sulfur loading including high purity silica gels, titania or highly cross-linked, non-chemically reactive resins. The adsorbents may be used to adsorb both carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, or may be used as a guard bed upstream of a separate carbon dioxide adsorbent.

Abstract: An aircraft fire-extinguishing system provides automatic fire prevention and/or suppression simultaneously in fuel tanks, cargo compartments and, when needed, in cabin using injection of hypoxic (oxygen-depleted) air produced onboard in an air-separation device utilizing the flow and pressure of the bleed air. The same air-separation device allows supplying passengers and crew with unlimited amounts of oxygen for as long as needed. New methods of a rapid fire suppression utilizing the propulsion of water mist or fire-extinguishing foam by hypoxic air are presented. The combination of water mist or foam with hypoxic air allows to present two innovative fire-extinguishing compositions.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and/or fuel cell systems including the same. The PSA assemblies include, or are utilized with, combustion fuel stream supply systems that are adapted to regulate the flow of a byproduct stream from the PSA assembly for delivery to a heating assembly for use as a combustible fuel stream, such as to maintain at least a hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing system at a hydrogen-producing temperature or range of temperatures. In some embodiments, the combustion fuel stream supply system is configured to ensure that the supply of combustible fuel from the PSA assembly to the heating assembly contains at least a sufficient fuel value, such as to maintain at least the hydrogen-producing region at or within a predetermined hydrogen-producing temperature or range of temperatures.

Abstract: The management of hydrogen in hydrogen-containing streams associated with petrochemical process units wherein the hydrogen-containing stream is subjected rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption to increase the concentration of hydrogen therein.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method and system for preparing gaseous utility streams from gaseous process streams, particularly, removing oil contamination from such streams prior to use in a dry gas seal. The methods and systems may include at least one kinetic swing adsorption process including pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption, calcination, and inert purge processes to treat gaseous streams for use in dry gas seals of rotating equipment such as compressors, turbines and pumps and other utilities. The adsorbent materials used include a high surface area solid structured microporous and mesoporous materials.

Abstract: An oxygen generating system includes an oxygen generating unit including a housing having disposed therein i) at least two sieve beds, ii) a piston disposed between and operatively connected to the sieve beds, and iii) at least one magnet operatively disposed on the piston. A coil is wrapped around an exterior surface of the housing and is in operative communication with the magnet(s). The coil is configured to drive the piston along a length of the housing between the sieve beds during at least one stage of an oxygen generating cycle. The driving of the piston is accomplished via an electromagnetic field formed between the coil and the magnet(s). Also disclosed herein is a method for generating an oxygen-enriched gas using the oxygen generating system.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption process for the separation of a feed gas mixture comprising (a) providing a pressure swing adsorption system comprising one or more composite beds, each composite bed comprising adsorbent material disposed in two or more vessels in parallel flow configuration, each vessel having a feed end and a product end; (b) performing cyclic sequential steps comprising adsorption/make product, withdrawing gas at decreasing pressure from the composite bed, purging the composite bed, and introducing gas into the composite bed at increasing pressure; and (c) for any of the sequential steps, setting a flow rate or flow rates of one or more gases selected from the group consisting of gas introduced into or withdrawn from the feed end or ends of any of the two or more vessels and gas introduced into or withdrawn from the product end or ends of any of the two or more vessels.

Abstract: A portable, non-cryogenic, oxygen generation system capable of delivering oxygen gas at purities greater than 98% and flow rates of 15 L/min or more is described. The system consists of two major components. The first component is a high efficiency membrane capable of separating argon and a portion of the nitrogen content from air, yielding an oxygen-enriched permeate flow. This is then fed to the second component, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit utilizing a commercially available, but specifically formulated zeolite compound to remove the remainder of the nitrogen from the flow. The system is a unique gas separation system that can operate at ambient temperatures, for producing high purity oxygen for various applications (medical, refining, chemical production, enhanced combustion, fuel cells, etc . . . ) and represents a significant advance compared to current technologies.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbon dioxide product stream from a synthesis gas stream formed within a hydrogen plant having a synthesis gas reactor, a water-gas shift reactor, located downstream of the synthesis gas reactor to form the synthesis gas stream and a hydrogen pressure swing adsorption unit to produce a hydrogen product recovered from the synthesis gas stream. In accordance with the method the carbon dioxide from the synthesis gas stream by separating the carbon dioxide from the synthesis gas stream in a vacuum pressure swing adsorption system, thereby to produce a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas stream and a crude carbon dioxide stream and then purifying the crude carbon dioxide stream by a sub-ambient temperature distillation process thereby to produce the carbon dioxide product. A hydrogen synthesis gas feed stream to the hydrogen pressure swing adsorption unit is formed at least in part from the hydrogen rich stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and plant for the recovery of carbon dioxide from a gas stream by means of pressure swing adsorption using an adsorbent, such as X or Y type Zeolite adsorbents. The gas feed stream suitably has a moderate concentration of carbon dioxide, such as gas emitted from the filling bowl of the carbonated drinks bottling plant and is recovered without rinsing or purging the adsorbent with a high purity carbon dioxide gas stream. The process therefore provides the advantage of being capturing carbon dioxide from the effluent that would otherwise be emitted to the atmosphere and captures the carbon dioxide in a manner that minimises operational and capital expenditure. The present invention also relates to a process for utilizing one dry stream from a gas separation unit (adsorption or membrane process) to conduct evaporative cooling of water, which is used as the water in a liquid ring vacuum pump thereby decreasing the vacuum level and improving the performance.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pressure swing adsorption apparatus for hydrogen purification and a hydrogen purification method using the same. The pressure swing adsorption apparatus for hydrogen purification includes a plurality of adsorption columns connected with a feed supply pipe, a hydrogen storage tank for collecting purified hydrogen from the adsorption columns, and valves for opening or closing a plurality of pipes connected to the respective adsorption columns, and the adsorption columns are packed with adsorbent beds of active alumina or silica gel, activated carbon, zeolite 13X, zeolite 5A, and a carbon monoxide-selective adsorbent other than the zeolite 5A, in order to remove carbon dioxide, methane, and carbon monoxide from a hydrogen-containing gas mixture supplied through the feed supply pipe, and the content of carbon monoxide in the discharged hydrogen is minimized through sequential adsorption on the adsorbents in the adsorption columns.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator comprises a plurality of adsorbent columns, each having an inlet, an outlet and abed of adsorbent material. The oxygen concentrator also includes a vacuum pump for removing separated nitrogen rich gas from the column inlets, a control valve for controlling flow of fluids in and out of the columns, and a breakthrough sensor for signaling the position of a mass transfer zone (MTZ), the breakthrough sensor controlling operation of the control valve as a function of the breakthrough sensor signal. An electric control module (ECM) receives the signal from the breakthrough sensor, and adjusts the control valve based on the signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual feed and dual vacuum four bed VPSA process for selectively adsorbing a component from a feed stream, e.g., nitrogen from air, to produce an oxygen-enriched gas stream using a multi-port indexing drum valve, a system comprising a multi-port indexing drum valve and method for operating such a system.

Abstract: Method for argon recovery that comprises (a) providing a feed gas mixture comprising argon and nitrogen; (b) contacting at least a portion of the feed gas mixture with a nitrogen-selective adsorbent in a cyclic pressure swing adsorption process and adsorbing at least a portion of the nitrogen on the adsorbent in a first pressure range above 100 psia to provide a purified argon product and an adsorbent comprising adsorbed nitrogen; and (c) desorbing the adsorbed nitrogen in one or more regeneration steps effected in a second pressure range between atmospheric pressure and a super-atmospheric pressure below any pressure in the first pressure range, inclusive; wherein the cyclic pressure swing adsorption process is effected at an average operating temperature of at least about 0° C.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of carbon dioxiode and hydrocarbon gas using a mixed-ligand, metal-organic framework (MOF) material having metal ions coordinated to carboxylate ligands and pyridyl ligands.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a pressure swing adsorber vessel. The pressure swing adsorber vessel can include one or more walls. Generally, the one or more walls contain an adsorbent bed having a first side and a second side and at least one spacer forming a cusp. Usually, the one or more walls and the adsorbent bed define at least one void volume adjacent to the adsorbent bed, and the cusp of the at least one spacer may be positioned in the at least one void volume. The cusp can be positioned opposing an incoming feed stream or a desorbent stream.

Abstract: A system and a method are described for monitoring pressure imbalances in the adsorbent beds of a portable gas concentrator. Using the programmability features found in modern portable concentrators, various mitigative procedures to adjust for pressure imbalances and to predict the need for service are disclosed.

Abstract: The concentration of adsorbate in the feed gas to an on-stream bed of a cyclical swing adsorption process is monitored and the data processed to predict the time required to complete the on-stream mode of that bed and the purge flow rate and/or other regeneration mode operating condition of the concurrently off-stream bed is modified in response to changes in said predicted time whereby the regeneration mode of the off-steam bed is completed at the same time as the on-stream mode of the concurrent on-stream bed.

Abstract: Guard layers are employed in the adsorbent beds of rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption (RCPSA) devices to protect the adsorbent therein from certain contaminants (e.g. water vapour). Conventional PSA devices typically pack the guard layer with as much guard material as is practical. In RCPSA devices however, the performance of the guard layer can be improved by using a reduced amount of guard material and increasing access to it. Such embodiments are characterized by guard layers with a channel fraction of greater than 50%.

Abstract: The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM <9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas separation method utilizing PSA process employs a plurality of adsorption towers A, B, C loaded with an adsorbent for separating the hydrogen gas from a hydrogen-containing gas mixture, and a cycle including introducing the gas mixture into the adsorption tower, adsorbing unnecessary gas in the gas mixture by the adsorbent, leading out product gas having high hydrogen concentration from the adsorption tower, desorbing the unnecessary gas from the adsorbent, and leading out desorbed gas containing the unnecessary gas and residual gas in the adsorption tower from the adsorption tower, is repeated. The adsorbent includes an activated carbon-based first adsorbent D located on the upstream side of the flow direction of the gas mixture in the adsorption tower with an filling ratio of 60 to 80%, and a zeolite-based second adsorbent E located on the downstream side of the flow direction with filling ratio of 40 to 20%.

Abstract: A rotary cylinder valve comprises a valve body, a valve cylinder rotationally mounted within the valve body, and first, second, third and fourth valve seats coupled to the valve body. The valve cylinder has a first position in which dual independent flow paths connect the first valve seat with the second valve seat, and connect the third valve seat with the fourth valve seat. The valve cylinder is rotatable to a second position in which the dual independent flow paths connect the first valve seat with the fourth valve seat, and connect the third valve seat with the second valve seat. The valve seats form seals against the valve cylinder, such that no flow path connects the first valve seat with the third valve seat.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and/or fuel cell systems including the same. The PSA assemblies include, or are utilized with, combustion fuel stream supply systems that are adapted to regulate the flow of a byproduct stream from the PSA assembly for delivery to a heating assembly for use as a combustible fuel stream, such as to maintain at least a hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing system at a hydrogen-producing temperature or range of temperatures. In some embodiments, the combustion fuel stream supply system is configured to ensure that the supply of combustible fuel from the PSA assembly to the heating assembly contains at least a sufficient fuel value, such as to maintain at least the hydrogen-producing region at or within a predetermined hydrogen-producing temperature or range of temperatures.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies with temperature-based breakthrough detection systems, as well as to hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same, and to methods of operating the same. The detection systems are adapted to detect a measured temperature associated with adsorbent in an adsorbent bed of a PSA assembly and to control the operation of at least the PSA assembly responsive at least in part thereto, such as responsive to the relationship between the measured temperature and at least one reference temperature. The reference temperature may include a stored value, a previously measured temperature and/or a temperature measured elsewhere in the PSA assembly. In some embodiments, the reference temperature is associated with adsorbent downstream from the adsorbent from which the measured temperature is detected.

Abstract: A method of continuously removing nitrogen from a blast furnace exhaust stream containing oxygen, nitrogen and unburned hydrocarbons in order to form a supplemental feed to a gas turbine engine containing residual hydrocarbon fuel by first removing entrained solid particulates in the blast furnace exhaust stream to create a substantially particulate-free gas, passing the particulate-free stream through at least one separator bed containing an adsorptive material capable of adsorbing nitrogen from air, adsorbing substantially all of the nitrogen as interstitial nitrogen on solids within the separator bed, feeding non-adsorbed hydrocarbon fuel and oxygen components leaving the separator to a gas turbine engine and removing the adsorbed nitrogen from the separator bed.

Abstract: An improved gas separation PSA process, more particularly for oxygen production, utilizing adsorbents of Type X characterized by high frequency (i.e., cycle times of less than 4 s), bed length to square of mean particle diameter ratio within 200 to 600 mm?1, bed size factor of less than 50 lb/TPDO. The bed length, mean particle size, and cycle time are selected in a range such that axial dispersion becomes an important factor. In this way, low product recovery and high pressure drop (high power consumption) disadvantages often associated with the use of small particles are overcome.

Abstract: An inventive adsorptive gas separation process is provided capable of producing a purified methane product gas as a light non-adsorbed product gas as opposed to a heavy desorbed exhaust gas component, from a feed gas mixture comprising at least methane, and carbon dioxide. In an embodiment of the invention, the feed gas mixture may comprise at least about 10% carbon dioxide, and the purified methane product gas may be desirably purified to contain less than about 5000 ppm carbon dioxide. In another embodiment of the invention, the feed gas mixture may comprise at least about 50% carbon dioxide, and the purified methane product gas may be desirably purified to contain less than about 5000 ppm carbon dioxide.

Abstract: In order to provide a new PSA method which can concentrate simultaneously a strong adsorbate such as xenon and a weak adsorbate such as nitrogen in a high concentration with a high recovery percentage when highly valuable gas such as xenon and krypton contained in the exhaust gas from a semiconductor manufacturing equipment, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of crystalline, titanium silicate molecular sieves are described having a formula representing mole ratios of oxides of n M1O:TiO2:y SiO2:zH2O:wX where Mi refers to a metal cation or mixture of metal cations; n is from about 1 to about 2; y is from about 1 to about 10; z is from 0 to about 100; X is a halide anion other than fluorine, or combination of halide anions that excludes fluorine; and w is greater than 0. The pore size of the sieves can be adjusted by ion exchanging Mi cations with a suitable amount of another species. Embodiments of the invention are useful for various adsorptive fluid separation processes, including pressure swing adsorption processes. For example, disclosed embodiments are useful for separating methane from air.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for separating and purifying a landfill gas stream. In one embodiment, the method includes a step of collecting a crude landfill gas stream which includes at least methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen gases. The method also includes a step of separating the crude landfill gas stream into at least an intermediate landfill gas stream and a first waste gas stream using a membrane separation unit, wherein the intermediate landfill gas stream is enriched in methane and depleted in carbon dioxide relative to the crude landfill gas stream. The method further includes a step of separating the intermediate landfill gas stream into at least a final landfill gas stream and a second waste gas stream using a pressure swing adsorption separation unit, wherein the final landfill gas stream is enriched in methane and depleted in carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen relative to the intermediate landfill gas stream. In some embodiments.

Abstract: A method of separating a target component from a chemical mixture comprising contacting a chemical mixture with a microporous coordination polymer. The microporous polymer is described by the formula: [M2(C8H2O6)] where M is a transition metal, rare earth metal, or other element from the groups consisting of HA through VB.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device is disclosed. The device includes a vessel having a fluid entrance and exit. Within the vessel hollow fibre of nano-porous material are arranged so as to define two volumes separated by the nano-porous material. In one embodiment the fluid, air, passes up the centre of the hollow fibre drying as the air contacts the inner walls of the fibre. The device is purged by stopping the flow through the device and allowing the air pressure that builds up between the fibres to be released through the nano-porous material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for separating carbon dioxide (CO2) from a CO2 containing gas stream containing water vapor and additional impurities, for example, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and mercury. The CO2 is captured by subjecting the CO2 gas feed stream to a temperature swing adsorption step. The temperature swing adsorption step comprises an adsorption step for producing a substantially dry carbon dioxide-depleted stream, and an adsorbent regeneration step comprising heating the adsorbent bed to produce a substantially water vapor-free carbon dioxide stream. Moisture from the gas stream containing CO2 is optionally removed by pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption, membrane separation, or absorption prior to CO2 capture.

Abstract: A thermal sink is used to recover heat from a product gas leaving an adsorption vessel in a thermal swing adsorption process. Heat that is recovered from the product gas is used to heat a regeneration gas during the subsequent regeneration of the adsorbent material within the adsorption vessel. The step in which the regenerated bed of adsorbent material is cooled prior to returning to adsorption mode is eliminated.

Abstract: A method for controlling an adsorption unit and associated compressor that adjusts the flow rate of a compressed feed stream produced by the compressor so that it increases from a nominal flow rate and then decreased back to the nominal flow rate. The increase and decrease of the feed stream flow rate are controlled in accordance with increase and decrease rate functions of adsorbent bed pressure ratio between off-line and on-line adsorbent beds and a triggering pressure ratio at which the feed flow rate decreases. Each of the increase and decrease rate functions is tuned to produce a similar response in the flow of a product stream produced by the adsorption unit. Additionally, repressurization time is controlled by driving it toward a target value that allows the purge stage of regeneration to be maximized and therefore, the degree to which each of the adsorbent beds is regenerated.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method and system for preparing gaseous utility streams from gaseous process streams, nitrogen process streams, and other types of streams. The methods and systems may include at least one swing adsorption process including pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption, and rapid-cycle adsorption processes to treat gaseous streams for use in dry gas seals of rotating equipment such as compressors, turbines and pumps and for other utilities. The systems and processes of the present disclosure are further applicable to high pressure gaseous streams, for example, up to about 600 bar.

Abstract: A method for the purification of a feed gas stream containing CO2 and water and at least one impurity chosen from NOx and SOx, comprising the incorporation of a purification step for the preferential elimination of water is provided.

Abstract: The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM <9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity.