Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption separation of a gas mixture is performed in an apparatus with a plurality of adsorbent beds cooperating to exchange energy from an adsorbent bed undergoing a depressurization step to an adsorbent bed undergoing a pressurization step, and with provision for thermal coupling in order to improve process efficiency. Thermal coupling is provided as heating to augment expansion energy recovery, and as a temperature gradient imposed in adsorbent beds to provide the function of a thermal regenerator in a regenerative thermodynamic cycle. The invention provides improved techniques for recovery of expansion energy in pressure swing adsorption, and for direct application of thermal energy to power pressure swing adsorption processes.

Abstract: New bisbenzoin ethers are produced. The method of producing the bisbenzoin ethers comprises the reaction of an alkyl glycol with benzoin utilizing phosphorous oxychloride as the catalyst with hydrogen chloride as acid reacting agent. The use of phosphorous oxychloride as catalyst with hydrogen chloride improves the production of benzoin ethers in general by the reaction of benzoin with the selected alcohol.

Abstract: Recording media comprising films of a polydialdehyde are suitable for recording information with electron beams.