Abstract: A gas separation method in which a rare as a first introduced gas and an impurity gas as a second introduced gas, are introduced into a raw material gas. Each of the flow rates of the first and second introduced gases is controlled based on the flow rates of the rare gas and impurity gas in the discharged gas from a rare gas using facility. A gas separation device includes an introduction pipe for introducing rare gas in a separation gas container into a raw material gas, an introduction pipe for introducing impurity gases in the separation gas container into the raw material gas, a flow meter provided in a supply pipe for supplying a discharged gas of a rare gas using facility, and an arithmetic device electrically connected to each of the flow meter the flow rate controller, and the flow rate controller.

Abstract: A spacesuit contaminant removal system includes at least one membrane separator and a liquid sorbent circuit. The at least one membrane separator is configured to receive a spent air stream from a ventilation system of a spacesuit and absorb a contaminant from the spent air stream into a liquid sorbent. The at least one membrane separator is configured to discharge a clean air stream to the ventilation system and discharge the contaminant in a contaminant stream to a space environment using a vacuum of the space environment. The liquid sorbent circuit is configured to circulate the liquid sorbent through the at least one membrane separator.

Abstract: A method of forming a gas treatment element for use in a gas treatment apparatus, such as a desiccant dryer, is disclosed. The element is formed by casting a sheet material by phase inversion of a dope mixture including a solvent, an adsorbent material such as a desiccant and a polymer binder. Layers of the sheet material are located adjacent one another and this is most readily achieved by rolling the sheet material to form the gas treatment element.

Abstract: A process for regulating a unit for the production of oxygen from atmospheric air comprising N adsorbers (, N being = or >2, each according to a PSA, VSA or VPSA adsorption cycle with an offset of a phase time, the regulation process including determining a value of differential pressure characteristic of a step of the adsorption cycle for each adsorber, calculating the difference between the values of differential pressures characteristic of the various adsorbers, comparing this difference with a target value and, in the event of a dissimilarity being noted, correcting by modification of the transfer of at least one oxygen-rich gas stream between adsorbers or optionally between adsorber and storage tank.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drying granular resin material by heating compressed air to a temperature prescribed for gas separation membrane operation, presenting the heated compressed air to a membrane separating out oxygen-size and smaller molecules to provide a stream of gas molecules of at least nitrogen-size at a pressure substantially that of the compressed air, heating the stream of gas molecules of at least nitrogen-size to a temperature at which dew point of the stream is no higher than ?40 degrees F., and introducing the heated stream of gas molecules into a chamber for upward flow to atmosphere through granular resin material in the chamber.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption process for reducing fluctuations in the flow rate of tail gas from the adsorption unit. The flow rate of the stream of blowdown gas is regulated responsive signals from a sensor measuring the pressure and/or flow rate of the tail gas comprising the blowdown gas and purge gas effluent before the tail gas is introduced into a surge vessel.

Abstract: In a helium purification process, a stream containing at least 10% of helium, at least 10% of nitrogen in addition to hydrogen and methane is separated to form a helium-enriched stream containing hydrogen, a first stream enriched in nitrogen and in methane and a second stream enriched in nitrogen and in methane, the helium-enriched stream is treated to produce a helium-rich product and a residual gas containing water, the residual gas is treated by adsorption (TSA) to remove the water and the regeneration gas from the adsorption is sent to a combustion unit (O).

Abstract: A driving system for a reversing blower adsorption based air separation unit is configured to not only drive the reversing blower cyclically in a forward and in a reverse direction, but also to allow the reversing blower to coast during a portion of its operating cycle. While coasting, a pressure differential across the blower acts alone to switch the reversing blower between a forward and a reverse direction of operation. Less power is thus required. When coasting, the blower can also be configured to output power such as the drive motor functioning as an electric generator or by having a mechanical power input be driven by the blower for power generation and/or energy storage. Such a system beneficially utilizes the energy associated with the pressure differential across the blower for energy harvesting and to further accelerate cycle times for the reversing blower adsorption based air separation unit.

Abstract: Various equipment and methods associated with providing a concentrated product gas are provided. In one embodiment, the equipment includes an input device first and second sieve tanks, a variable restrictor, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) selecting a desired output setting for the concentrated product gas from a plurality of output settings, b) separating one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized source gaseous mixture via first and second sieve tanks in alternating and opposing pressurization and purging cycles to form the concentrated product gas, and c) selectively controlling a variable restrictor based at least in part on the desired output setting to selectively provide flow between the first and second sieve tanks such that the flow for at least one output setting is different from the flow for at least one other output setting in relation to corresponding pressurization cycles.

Abstract: A pressure-temperature swing adsorption process for the removal of a target species, such as an acid gas, from a gas mixture, such as a natural gas stream. Herein, a novel multi-step temperature swing/pressure swing adsorption is utilized to operate while maintaining very high purity levels of contaminant removal from a product stream. The present process is particularly effective and beneficial in removing contaminants such as CO2 and/or H2S from a natural gas at high adsorption pressures (e.g., at least 500 psig) to create product streams of very high purity (i.e., very low contaminant levels).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure-temperature swing adsorption process wherein gaseous components that have been adsorbed can be recovered from the adsorbent bed at elevated pressures. In particular, the present invention relates to a pressure-temperature swing adsorption process for the separation of C2+ hydrocarbons (hydrocarbons with at least 2 carbon atoms) from natural gas streams to obtain a high purity methane product stream. In more preferred embodiments of the present processes, the processes may be used to obtain multiple, high purity hydrocarbon product streams from natural gas stream feeds resulting in a chromatographic-like fractionation with recovery of high purity individual gaseous component streams.

Abstract: A process for separating a primary gas component from a feed gas mixture comprising the primary gas component and secondary gas components in four or more adsorption beds. The process comprises subjecting each of the four or more adsorption beds to a repetitive cycle. The repetitive cycle comprises, in sequence, a feed step, a pressure decreasing equalization step, a provide purge step, a blowdown step, a purge step, a pressure increasing equalization step, and a repressurization step. During the pressure decreasing equalization step, rinse gas is co-currently introduced simultaneous with the withdrawal of pressure equalization gas. Rinse gas is formed by compressing blowdown gas and/or purge gas effluent from the adsorption bed undergoing the purge step. The process is particularly suited for separating H2 from a reformate stream.

Abstract: A process for separating a first gas, for example CO2, from a feed gas mixture comprising the first gas and a second gas, for example H2, in five or more adsorption beds each containing an adsorbent selective for the first gas. The process comprises subjecting each of the adsorption beds to a repetitive cycle comprising, in sequence, (a) a feed step, (b) a rinse step, (c) a pressure decreasing equalization step, (d) a blowdown step, (e) an evacuation step, (f) a pressure increasing equalization step, and (g) a repressurization step. The feed gas mixture may be a reformate from a steam-hydrocarbon reforming process.

Abstract: A pre-purification method of feed air for cryogenic air separation, which includes; (a) an adsorption step wherein a compressed feed air is supplied in an adsorption column, wherein a moisture adsorbent and a carbon dioxide adsorbent are filled in this order from the side where the feed air is introduced in the column, to remove water and carbon dioxide from the feed air; (b) a decompression step wherein pressure in the adsorption column is reduced; (c) a heating step wherein the adsorbents in the decompressed column are heated and regenerated, and the heating step includes a total heating step wherein the moisture adsorbent and the carbon dioxide adsorbent are heated and a partial heating step wherein the moisture adsorbent is heated; (d) a cooling step wherein the adsorbents are cooled by introducing a purge gas, which is not heated, to the adsorption column; and (e) a pressurization step wherein the cooled adsorbents are pressurized by purified air.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a cyclic pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process to recover an off-gas stream at high pressure with low energy consumption. Each cycle of said process comprises a blowdown phase consisting in lowering the pressure in an adsorbent bed from Phigh to Plow, wherein said blowdown phase is divided into several partial blowdown phases, wherein the gas streams discharged during the partial blowdown phases are introduced into respective discharge tanks.

Abstract: An apparatus for separation of gases from ambient air that has at least one separation column with an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, a buffer column having a single inlet at a first end, a vacuum pump, and a valve system that connects the vacuum pump to the outlet at the first end of the separation column, and that connects the outlet at the second end of separation column to the single inlet at the first end of the buffer column.

Abstract: Hydrogen can be recovered in a refinery network using a combination of a cycling adsorber unit and a membrane separation unit. A membrane separation unit can be used to generate at least a portion of the purge hydrogen stream for the cycling adsorber unit. This can reduce the portion of the hydrogen product stream from the cycling adsorber unit required for regeneration of the adsorbent.

Abstract: A method for integrating a liquefied natural gas liquefier system with production of liquefied natural gas from a methane-containing gas stream. The liquefied natural gas is produced by feeding a methane-containing gas stream through a heat exchanger to a distillation column and liquefying the natural gas while capturing the gaseous nitrogen. The liquefied natural gas is captured and the nitrogen gas is recovered, fed through the heat exchanger to recover cold and purified.

Abstract: A mixed gas is separated with collection of at least one constituent gas. An inlet leads to a blower or other gas compression element through a valve. This blower feeds a chamber which contains media which selectively adsorbs the constituent gas to be collected, such as nitrogen from air. An exhaust from the chamber leads to an exhaust through a check valve. The blower can be reversed after nitrogen has been adsorbed within the chamber to desorb nitrogen and deliver nitrogen back through the blower. The inlet valve is closed after blower reversing and a separate diversion pathway is opened so that nitrogen is delivered from the blower to a nitrogen collection region. A variant system also includes an oxygen collection region on a side of the chamber opposite the blower for collection of both nitrogen and oxygen separated from air simultaneously, or collection of other constituent gases.

Abstract: A concentrated carbon dioxide stream is produced during a hydrogen pressure swing adsorption unit cycle by fractionating the carbon dioxide removed from the adsorbent in the adsorption beds during the regeneration of the adsorption beds. Thereby providing a cost efficient process for producing merchant carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An apparatus for separation of gases from ambient air that has at least one separation column with an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, a buffer column having a single inlet at a first end, a vacuum pump, and a valve system that connects the vacuum pump to the outlet at the first end of the separation column, and that connects the outlet at the second end of separation column to the single inlet at the first end of the buffer column.

Abstract: For recovering hydrogen with a high recovery from a reformed gas and contributing to downsizing and cost reduction of facilities, a high-purity hydrogen E is obtained by reforming a reformable raw material A through a reforming unit 1 to yield a hydrogen-rich reformed gas B, compressing the hydrogen-rich reformed gas B with a compressor 2, allowing the compressed gas to pass through a PSA unit 3 to remove unnecessary gases other than carbon monoxide by adsorption, and allowing the resulting gas to pass through a carbon monoxide remover 4 packed with a carbon monoxide adsorbent supporting a copper halide to remove carbon monoxide by adsorption.

Abstract: Helium is introduced as an additive to any of the oxygen streams introduced into an ozone generator, such as a dielectric discharge (cold plasma) ozone generator, where the effluent of the generator is directed to an adsorption process for separating the ozone from the oxygen. Also disclosed is an improved PSA cycle, which is designed to reduce the amount of make-up helium and oxygen required to sustain the ozone generation and recovery process.

Abstract: Provided herein are new compact and miniature oxygen concentrator apparatus, as well as methods incorporating use of the apparatus. The apparatus and methods utilize selected cycle times, adsorbent specifications and novel conditions to produce a fast Pressure Swing Adsorption (“PSA”) system. The oxygen concentrator apparatus and methods herein have significant utility in the fields of biotechnology, engineering, and medicine. A particularly advantageous use of this invention is as a “snap on” portable oxygen concentrator, where piped compressed air is already available such as in civil and military hospitals, ambulances, air craft cabins, mobile fish tanks, etc. Those embodiments eliminate the need for dedicated moving machinery (blower, compressor, vacuum pump) normally associated with a conventional PSA oxygen concentrator.

Abstract: Methane product gas is produced from landfill gas and gob gas either by a three-stage process of PSA-TSA-PSA or PSA-PSA-PSA, or a two-stage process of PSA-PSA.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing chemical sterilant molecules from a medium, such as a carrier gas. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing that defines an internal cavity. The housing has an inlet and an outlet fluidly communicating with the internal cavity. An electrode is dimensioned to be received in the internal cavity of the housing. The electrode is made of a material that is chemically active with respect to molecules of a chemical sterilant and conductive to electricity. The electrode is connected to a source of an electrical charge such that an electrical field gradient is formed in a region of space surrounding the electrode. The electrical field gradient is operable to force the chemical sterilant molecule toward the electrode.

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 pressure swing adsorption cycle designed to reduce the variations in ozone concentration, and produce a higher average ozone concentration, in a product gas stream throughout the cycle. The cycle includes a relatively long air sweep stage and provides for the overlapping of the air sweep stage in two adsorber vessels. Effluent from an adsorber vessel in a feed rinse stage is routed to another adsorber vessel that is in an air sweep stage.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator comprises an oxygen reservoir and adsorbent columns that each have an inlet, an outlet, and a bed of adsorbent material. The concentrator also comprises an air inlet, an exhaust outlet, and a vacuum pump for pumping nitrogen rich gas from one of the column inlets to the exhaust outlet. A product control pump pumps oxygen rich gas from one of the column outlets to the oxygen reservoir. A control valve controls flow in and out of the columns by selectively connecting the air inlet to one column inlet, connecting the vacuum pump to another column inlet, and connecting the product control pump to a column outlet. A motor drives the vacuum pump and control valve to produce vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) cycles in which oxygen-rich product gas is separated and accumulated in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from a natural gas stream such as a biogas/landfill gas stream. The natural gas stream is fed to a first adsorption unit for removal of certain contaminants and then to a second adsorption unit for the removal of additional contaminants. Alternatively, a membrane stage may be employed between the adsorption units. The method utilizes the external purge to enhance pressure swing adsorption working capacity so that the vacuum level required for regeneration is not as high.

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: Containerized gas separation system comprising (a) a container having an interior, an exterior, and an exterior volume defined by the exterior dimensions of the container and (b) a pressure swing adsorption system installed in the interior of the container and adapted to recover a product gas from a feed gas mixture, the pressure swing adsorption system being adapted to deliver the product gas at a product gas flow rate, wherein the ratio of the exterior volume of the container to the product gas flow rate is less than about 2000 ft3/(ton per day).

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: Adsorption process for recovering ozone from a feed gas mixture containing at least ozone and oxygen comprising (a) introducing the feed gas mixture into a first end of an adsorber vessel containing a zeolite adsorbent and selectively adsorbing ozone on the adsorbent; (b) withdrawing from a second end of the vessel a stream of oxygen essentially free of ozone; (c) terminating the flow of the feed gas mixture, introducing a purge gas into the second end of the vessel, and withdrawing from the first end of the vessel an outlet gas mixture containing at least purge gas and desorbed ozone; and (d) introducing an additional component into the feed gas mixture and/or the purge gas and adsorbing the additional component on the zeolite adsorbent. The additional component when adsorbed reduces the decomposition of ozone that would occur in the absence of the additional component adsorbed on the zeolite adsorbent.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to processes and systems for recovering helium from low helium-containing feed gases (i.e., containing less than about 10 volume % helium and more typically, less than about 5% helium by volume). The present invention more particularly relates to processes and systems for recovering helium from low helium-containing feed gases using temperature swing adsorption (TSA) systems and multiple (e.g. two) stage vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) systems. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the first stage VPSA system is configured to provide regeneration gas for the TSA system, and/or the VPSA second stage tail gas is recycled to the first stage VPSA system.

Abstract: A method for treating air flow containing particulates and oxidized compounds of carbon, sulfur, iron, and other elements. The method includes supplying an air flow to a reaction zone formed between an electrically insulated electrode node having a plurality of point source electrodes and a grounded receptor. A continuous film of electrically grounded water is supplied on the receptor. The water is filtered after traveling over the receptor and collecting elemental materials formed in the reaction zones.

Abstract: A method of providing concentrated oxygen product gas to a patient. The method comprises producing product gas by a vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) process with an oxygen concentrator comprising a plurality of separation columns connected to a vacuum source driven by a motor. Separated product gas is then pumped to a product reservoir. The pressure of the reservoir is monitored and used to adjust the speed of the motor based on the reservoir pressure. The separated gas is then delivered to the patient.

Abstract: An electronic controller (16) controls the operation of an electrochemical oxygen generating system (14) producing a desired gas. The product gas is fed to a storage unit (12) or a regulator (28) and pulsing valve (28) controlling the gas flow to a user. A two-stage system (180) combines a low pressure 100 and a high pressure (150) gas generating subsystems. The low pressure subsystem (100) uses IMAT's (106) to pump oxygen from ambient air to generate a low-pressure. The high pressure subsystem (150) uses IMAT's (160) to pump oxygen to high-pressure oxygen storage devices (194).

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments concern adsorptive gas bulk separation systems and methods that may be advantageously less expensive to utilize than some in the prior art. Embodiments of the present invention concern processing a feed gas source, typically comprising at least one fuel gas component and at least one diluent, using a displacement purge adsorptive separator apparatus comprising at least one adsorbent bed, at least one purge gas source for purge regeneration of the at least one adsorbent bed, and a product conduit for supplying upgraded gas product. The feed gas typically is supplied to the displacement purge adsorptive separator apparatus at substantially the ambient pressure of the feed gas source. The displacement purge adsorptive separator apparatus is operable to adsorb at least a portion of the at least one diluent component from the feed gas stream to produce an upgraded gas.

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 and apparatus for producing high purity argon by combined cryogenic distillation and adsorption technologies is disclosed. Crude argon from a distillation column or a so-called argon column is passed to a system of adsorption vessels for further purification. Depressurization gas from adsorption is introduced back, in a controlled manner, to the distillation column and/or a compressor or other means for increasing pressure. Particulate filtration and getter purification may optionally be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates the separation of a target gas from a mixture of gases through the use of engineered structured adsorbent contactors 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: The present invention relates to the separation of one or more of CO2, N2, and H2S gas components from a gas mixture containing at least a second gas using a swing adsorption process unit. The adsorbent contactors of the swing adsorption process unit are engineered structured adsorbent contactors having a plurality of flow channels wherein 20 volume percent or less of the open pore volume of the contactors is in the mesopore and macropore range.

Abstract: The removal of one or more of the gases CO2, N2 and H2S from gas mixtures containing at least one of said gases with use of an 8-ring zeolite having a Si:Al ratio from about 1:1 to about 1000:1. The preferred gas mixture is a natural gas feedstream and the preferred 8-ring zeolite is DDR.

Abstract: The invention provides vacuum swing adsorption processes that produce an essentially carbon monoxide-free hydrogen or helium gas stream from, respectively, a high-purity (e.g., pipeline grade) hydrogen or helium gas stream using one or two adsorber beds. By using physical adsorbents with high heats of nitrogen adsorption, intermediate heats of carbon monoxide adsorption, and low heats of hydrogen and helium adsorption, and by using vacuum purging and high feed stream pressures (e.g., pressures of as high as around 1,000 bar), pipeline grade hydrogen or helium can purified to produce essentially carbon monoxide -free hydrogen and helium, or carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and methane-free hydrogen and helium.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reusing an inert gas in a polymer production plant by removing impurities such as a polymerization solvent and polymerization monomers from an inert gas discharged from a polymer production plant. The method of reusing an inert gas comprises a step of adsorbing and removing a polymerization solvent and polymerization monomers contained in an inert gas by passing, through an adsorbent layer, an inert gas discharged from a polymer production plant, wherein an inert gas reaching a predetermined purity by removing the polymerization solvent and polymerization monomers in the step of adsorption and removal is reused in the polymer production plant.

Abstract: An energy efficient oxygen concentrator in which a compressor applies pressurized air to at least two gas separating elements which will pass a flow of oxygen while blocking a flow of nitrogen. The gas separating elements are alternately cycled between a gas separating mode for producing oxygen enriched gas and a purge mode for purging nitrogen from the elements. According to the invention, the speed of the cycle time is increased as the oxygen enriched gas flow requirement is decreased below the maximum concentrator output. The higher cycle speed reduces the maximum compressor pressure to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: The invention provides an off-gas feeding method that supplies the off-gas discharged from a plurality of adsorption towers (A, B, C) to an off-gas consumption unit (1), when performing a pressure swing adsorption process of repeating a cycle including a plurality of steps, to enrich and separate the target gas out of a gas mixture in the adsorption towers (A, B, C) loaded with an adsorbent. The method allows at least one of the plurality of adsorption towers (A, B, C) to discharge the off-gas, in all the steps included in the cycle, so as to continue to supply the off-gas to the off-gas consumption unit (1) without interruption.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption method for separating gas components includes pressurizing an adsorption bed to an adsorption pressure using a first gas component of a feed gas, the adsorption bed including an adsorbent for substantially adsorbing a second gas component of a feed gas; introducing the feed gas to the pressurized adsorption bed, wherein the first gas component of the feed gas substantially passes through the pressurized adsorption bed and the second gas component of the feed gas substantially adsorbs onto the adsorbent; and depressurizing the pressurized adsorption bed to recover at least a portion of the second gas component of the feed gas in the pressurized adsorption bed.

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