Abstract: A device for drying compressed gas, having an inlet for compressed gas to be dried and an outlet for dried compressed gas. The device includes at least two vessels, a regenerable drying agent and a controllable valve system. By controlling the valve system, the vessels are each in turn successively regenerated. The device is provided with a regeneration conduit splitting off a portion of the dried compressed gas as a regeneration gas and feeding it into the at least one vessel that is being regenerated. The regeneration conduit at least partly extends through an opening in the vessels such that the regeneration gas can be split off from the vessel that dries the compressed gas. A heater is provided in the regeneration conduit for heating the regeneration gas before the regeneration gas is fed through the drying agent into the vessel that is being regenerated.

Abstract: A dehumidifying apparatus controls the amount of refrigerant flowing into a third heat exchanger serving as a condenser, so as to secure the amount of heat required for defrosting.

Abstract: A regenerative scrubber system is provided for removing a selected gas from an atmosphere within a closed environment. The scrubber system includes a scrubber module having a first scrubber and a second scrubber, each housing a porous mass of regenerative adsorbent material for adsorbing the selected gas, a first flow diversion device disposed upstream of the scrubber module with respect to the gaseous flow from the closed environment, a second flow diversion device disposed downstream of the scrubber with respect to the gaseous flow from the closed environment, and a single actuator operatively associated with each of the first flow diversion device and the second flow diversion device.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and systems having a rotary valve assembly integrated with a reciprocating valve assembly to perform swing adsorption processes. The rotary valve assembly is utilized with the reciprocating valve assembly to manage the flow of streams through the system in an enhanced manner.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption purification unit (PSA unit) comprising: N adsorbers comprising N inlets and N outlets with N?2; at least one rotary distributor connected via N connections to the N inlets or to the N outlets of the N adsorbers; and characterised in that each of these N connections comprises a means for regulating a flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adsorption of organic and inorganic volatile compounds in gas flows by continuous and simultaneous distribution of a plurality of primary and secondary flows, through particular distribution and shut-off devices, to a plurality of chambers, in which the individual energy and mass transfer operations associated with such adsorption occur. High flow-rate and/or concentration are accommodated, following a cyclic adsorption/regeneration process, in which a part of the adsorbent material is used to separate the compounds in gas flows, while the rest of the material sequentially undergoes two or more desorption steps in a stabilized atmosphere suitable to carry the desorbed compounds at very high concentrations, and a final cooling step in a stabilized atmosphere, for preparing the material for continuing the process.

Abstract: This specification discloses a radial flow continuous reaction/regeneration apparatus. Through employing a rotary device to individually and annularly distributing process fluid and regeneration fluid into a stationary segmented reaction/regeneration box and receiving effluents individually and annularly from the same stationary reaction/regeneration box, the mentioned radial flow continuous reaction/regeneration apparatus can be operated continuously and efficiently without the need for shutting down for regeneration. This radial flow continuous reaction/regeneration apparatus is not only used to separate components by adsorption, such as dehumidification, but also is used in chemical processes to carry out catalytic reaction, regenerate catalyst and used as filtration device to trap particles by changing the filler in the stationary reaction/regeneration box.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing methane and other gases are disclosed. A representative method in accordance with one embodiment includes directing a first portion of a gas stream through a first adsorbent while exchanging heat between a second adsorbent and a third adsorbent. The method can further include directing a second portion of the gas stream through the third adsorbent while exchanging heat between the first and second adsorbents. The method can still further include directing a third portion of the gas stream through the second adsorbent while exchanging heat between the first and third adsorbents. In further particular aspects, the adsorbent can be used to remove carbon dioxide from a flow of methane. In other particular aspects, a heat exchange fluid that is not in direct contact with the adsorbents is used to transfer heat among the adsorbents.

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: 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: 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: Pressure swing adsorption system comprising two or more vessels, each having a feed end, a product end, and adsorbent material adapted to adsorb one or more components from a multi-component feed gas mixture; piping adapted to (1) introduce the feed gas mixture into the feed ends, withdraw a product gas from the product ends, and withdraw a waste gas from the feed ends of the vessels, and (2) place the product ends of any pair of vessels in flow communication; a feed pipe adapted to supply the feed gas mixture to the system; a product pipe adapted to withdraw the product gas from the system; and a waste gas pipe adapted to withdraw the waste gas from the system. An indexed rotatable multi-port valve is adapted to place the product end of each vessel in sequential flow communication with the product end of each of the other vessels.

Abstract: In a disclosed embodiment, a chemical process has a pair of beds, with each of said beds having at least one connection to receive a source of gas, and for delivering gas downstream. Each of the beds includes chemical treatment elements. The system includes a connection to a source of a gas to be treated, and a connection for receiving treated gas to be delivered to a downstream use, a connection to a source of a cleaning gas, and a connection to deliver the cleaning gas downstream. A rotary valve includes a rotary actuator for rotating a valve to selectively switch each of the beds between the several connections.

Abstract: An automatic selector valve including a box body having an internal space portion, framed partition plates separating the space portion into four rooms, each framed partition plate having an opening portion, plate-shaped turnable valve bodies opening or closing the opening portions of the framed partition plates, an inflow port letting a gas flow in, an inflow/outflow port letting a gas flow in and flow out alternately, an outflow port letting a gas flow out through, and an inflow/outflow port letting a gas flow in and flow out alternately with the port, the ports provided in the separated four rooms, and a driving mechanism turning the plate-shaped turnable valve bodies about a rotation shaft.

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: Disclosed herein, without limitation, are activated carbon honeycomb catalyst beds and systems for removing mercury and other toxic metals from a process stream, i.e, from flue gas of a coal combustion system. The activated carbon honeycomb can for example remove greater than 90% mercury from flue gas with a simple design and without adding material to the flue gas. Also disclosed herein, and without limitation, are methods for manufacturing and using the disclosed honeycomb catalyst beds and systems.

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: Portable medical oxygen concentrator comprising an air separation system adapted to recover oxygen from air; a bottom platform and a shell having an outer wall, wherein the shell is detachably connected to the bottom platform, wherein the shell and bottom platform define an enclosed volume when the shell is connected to the bottom platform, and wherein the air separation system is disposed in the enclosed volume; and one or more rechargeable batteries detachably connected to the outer wall of the shell and adapted to provide power to drive the air separation system. The air separation system may comprises a pressure swing adsorption system having two or more adsorbent columns and a rotary valve for directing gas flow sequentially to, from, and among the columns. A base assembly attached to the bottom platform may be adapted to support the two or more adsorbent columns and the rotary valve.

Abstract: Rotary valve comprising (a) a rotor having a rotor face rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the rotor face, a plurality of openings, and at least one passage connecting at least one pair of the plurality of openings; (b) a stator having a stator face in sealing contact with the rotor face to form a planar rotary valve seal with an outer periphery, a plurality of openings in the stator face that are connected to respective passages through the stator, and wherein at least one of the passages through the stator is a stator vacuum passage directly connected to a vacuum pump; (c) a sealed valve chamber having an interior volume contiguous with the outer periphery of the rotary valve seal, which chamber is sealed from the atmosphere surrounding the rotary valve; and (d) a vacuum vent passage connected to the sealed valve chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure swing adsorption-type oxygen concentrator for medical use having a flow channel switching device that successively pressurizes and supplies air from an air supply device at a constant timing to adsorb/desorb nitrogen in the air, wherein the flow channel switching device is a rotary distributor valve assembly structure provided with an electric motor, the rotary distributor valve assembly structure being provided with a shaft seal mechanism to perform shaft sealing with an O-ring having Shore A hardness of 45 to 60 degree and further the oxygen concentrator has a mechanism that simultaneously achieves rotary drive transmission following axial offset and angular offset of the rotary shaft of the rotary distributor valve assembly structure and shaft sealing.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in a gas purification system having a plurality of vessels each having a first port opening and a second port opening. The gas purification system includes a first valve element having at least a first aperture to selectively connect a first port opening of a vessel to an outlet of the first valve element. The gas purification system also includes at least a second valve element having a second aperture to selectively connect a second port opening of a vessel to an input of the second valve element. Also provided is a drive mechanism configured to cause intermittent movement. The first and second valve elements are intermittently moved by the drive mechanism such that the intermittent movement changes the vessel connected to the second aperture and the vessel connected to the first aperture.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption system comprising two or more vessels, each having a feed end, a product end, and adsorbent material adapted to adsorb one or more components from a multi-component feed gas mixture; piping adapted to (1) introduce the feed gas mixture into the feed ends, withdraw a product gas from the product ends, and withdraw a waste gas from the feed ends of the vessels, and (2) place the product ends of any pair of vessels in flow communication; a feed pipe adapted to supply the feed gas mixture to the system; a product pipe adapted to withdraw the product gas from the system; and a waste gas pipe adapted to withdraw the waste gas from the system. An indexed rotatable multi-port valve is adapted to place the product end of each vessel in sequential flow communication with the product end of each of the other vessels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a PSA system using an indexing rotary dual valve regulating a stepping mode of operation that controls a variable bed inlet feed flow rate, controllable pressure between feed lines in different beds of the PSA system and varied output flow rate of product gas such as high purity hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A pivoting vane rotary compressor includes a housing having a generally pear-shaped chamber. A rotor mounted within the chamber defines a main and constricted chamber regions. Reversible intake and exhaust ports alternately introduce air into and exhaust air from the chamber. The rotor carries pivotable vanes and a motor drives the rotor alternately in opposing first and second directions to open the vanes and define compartments that transmit the air through the chamber between the ports. Air introduced through one of the ports is compressed and discharged through the other port. A concentrator employs a pair of these compressors as well as associated filters and crossover valves.

Abstract: A PSA unit for purifying hydrogen in a fuel processor system. The PSA unit employs rotary valves that cycle the pressurization of vessels, including an adsorbent, between a high pressure state and a low pressure state. The purified hydrogen is released from the vessels through a purified gas output port when the vessels are in the high pressure state and the impurities are released through an exhaust port when the vessels are in the low pressure state. The PSA unit also employs a mass flow control device and a pressure sensor in the purified gas output port. A controller receives a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, and controls the flow through the mass flow control device and the speed of the rotary valves so that the proper pressure is maintained at the hydrogen output port.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in a gas purification system having a plurality of vessels each having a first port opening and a second port opening. The gas purification system includes a first valve element having a first aperture to selectively connect a first port opening of a vessel to an outlet of the first valve element. The gas purification system also includes a second valve element having a second aperture to selectively connect a second port opening of a vessel to an input of the second valve element. Also provided are a motor adapted to rotate continuously and a converting mechanism that converts continuous movement of the motor into intermittent movement. The first and second valve elements are intermittently moved by the motor and the converting mechanism such that the intermittent movement changes the vessel connected to the second aperture and the vessel connected to the first aperture.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption system including a pressure vessel having an opening and a valve manifold including a body having a first cavity fluidly connected to the opening. The body further includes a passage and a channel, such that the passage connects the channel to the cavity. The valve manifold further includes a valve provided within the passage. The valve is configured to selectively permit and restrict flow between the channel and the cavity via the passage.

Abstract: A reversible pivoting vane rotary compressor includes a housing having a generally cylindrical chamber defined by an inner wall. A rotor is mounted eccentrically within the chamber to define about the rotor a generally crescent shaped compression chamber, which narrows from a main chamber region to a constricted chamber region, which rotor has a circumferential surface. A pair of reversible intake and exhaust ports are connected communicably with the constricted chamber region. Each port selectively and alternately introduces air into the constricted chamber region while the other port exhausts air from the constricted region. At least one adjoining pair of curved vanes are pivotably attached to the rotor and extend in generally opposite arcuate directions from the rotor into the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary valve assembly for a pressure swing adsorption system. The rotary valve assembly includes a first valve member and a second valve member relatively rotatable about a common center of rotation to provide valving action for selectively transferring fluids therethrough. The second valve member has a first fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a first fluid of a first pressure and composition therethrough and a second fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a second fluid of a second pressure and composition therethrough. The first valve member has a first fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the first fluid in the valve assembly and a second fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the second fluid in the valve assembly.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption system including a pressure vessel having an opening and a valve manifold including a body having a first cavity fluidly connected to the opening. The body further includes a passage and a channel, such that the passage connects the channel to the cavity. The valve manifold further includes a valve provided within the passage. The valve is configured to selectively permit and restrict flow between the channel and the cavity via the passage.

Abstract: The present invention involves a vacuum-pressure swing adsorption process for the separation of components of a fluid mixture. The process includes (a) transferring a fluid mixture through an adsorbent bed at an elevated pressure Ph so as to produce a purified product fluid; (b) venting the adsorbent bed down to an ambient fluid pressure Pa; (c) applying a vacuum force to the adsorbent bed to bring the adsorbent bed to a reduced pressure Pl; and (d) venting the adsorbent bed up to an ambient fluid pressure Pa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary valve assembly for a pressure swing adsorption system. The rotary valve assembly includes a first valve member and a second valve member relatively rotatable about a common center of rotation to provide valving action for selectively transferring fluids therethrough. The second valve member has a first fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a first fluid of a first pressure and composition therethrough and a second fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a second fluid of a second pressure and composition therethrough. The first valve member has a first fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the first fluid in the valve assembly and a second fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the second fluid in the valve assembly.

Abstract: A fractionator produces an oxygen enhanced gas for use in oxygen inhalation therapy. The fractionator includes an air source for supplying air, and a plurality of columns for containing an adsorbent material for adsorbing nitrogen gas. Each of the columns has first and second open ends. Air is directed from the air source to the column through the first open ends of the respective columns. A temperature sensor detects the temperature of the side wall of one of the columns. The fractionator changes the time for adsorption of nitrogen gas to the adsorbent material based on the detected temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary valve assembly for a pressure swing adsorption system. The rotary valve assembly includes a first valve member and a second valve member relatively rotatable about a common center of rotation to provide valving action for selectively transferring fluids therethrough. The second valve member has a first fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a first fluid of a first pressure and composition therethrough and a second fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a second fluid of a second pressure and composition therethrough. The first valve member has a first fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the first fluid in the valve assembly and a second fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the second fluid in the valve assembly.

Abstract: A dual-chambered, four-ported rotary valve with a rotatable drum having peripheral openings is used to selectively connect vacuum and/or air sources and a vent to absorption chambers in a two-bed VPSA (vacuum presssure swing absorption) system to replace separate valves and produce low cost enriched oxygen, via reduced power, increased reliability, and reduced complexity and cost.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) separation of a gas mixture is performed in an apparatus with a plurality of adsorbent beds. The invention provides rotary multiport distributor valves to control the timing sequence of the PSA cycle steps between the beds, with flow controls cooperating with the rotary distributor valves to control the volume rates of gas flows to and from the adsorbent beds in blowdown, purge, equalization and repressurization steps.

Abstract: A compact desiccant-operated air dryer includes air directing housings, each housing including a separate desiccant bed. Each housing includes an associated desiccant bed to provide dehumidification to process air flow during a dehumidification phase of the housing; during operation, at least one desiccant housing will be in the dehumidification phase so as to provide continuous dehumidification. The associated desiccant bed for a desiccant housing is reactivated during the reactivation phase of the desiccant housing. Each desiccant housing extends between two external chambers at each end; a process inlet chamber and reactivation outlet chamber at one end, and a process outlet chamber and a reactivation inlet chamber at the other end. Each housing is connected to the two chambers at each end by a distinct associated inlet or outlet.

Abstract: A rotary valve system which includes of a pair of valve assemblies each of which has valve parts with flat faces which, when pressed together and rotated, provide valving action between various ports incorporated in one valve part of each assembly. The first valve part of each assembly contains a circular array of through openings, each of which is connected to a conduit. The second valve part of each assembly contains several passages which provide communication between various openings of the first valve part and valve apertures located in the second valve part of each assembly. The second valve part of each assembly also contains one or more passages which provide communication between members of one or the other array of openings. The valve system can be effectively used to automate operation of a gas or liquid adsorption system comprising two or more adsorption vessels, the number of vessels being equivalent to the total number of openings in either array.

Abstract: A rapid pressure swing adsorption oxygen concentrator is provided having a plurality of at least three sieve beds cycled in sequence such that each is pressurized during one segment of a cycle and depressurized during a plurality of segments of a cycle while the other sieve beds are being sequentially pressurized. Preferably, approximately six sieves are provided and pressurized in sequence, with each being pressurized for approximately 60.degree. of the cycle and depressurized for from about 270.degree. to 300.degree. of the cycle. Each sieve is thereby pressurized for about one to two seconds and depressurized for about five to ten seconds. By utilizing the ability of the sieve material to adsorb faster than it can desorb gas, high output of up to 96% pure oxygen results with a low sieve volume and low power consumption.

Abstract: A rotary valve system which includes of a pair of valve assemblies each of which has valve parts with flat faces which, when pressed together and rotated, provide valving action between various ports incorporated in one valve part of each assembly. The first valve part of each assembly contains a circular array of through openings, each of which is connected to a conduit. The second valve part of each assembly contains several passages which provide communication between various openings of the first valve part and valve apertures located in the second valve part of each assembly. The second valve part of one assembly also contains one or more passages which provide communication between members of one or the other array of openings. The valve system can be effectively used to automate operation of a gas or liquid adsorption system comprising two or more adsorption vessels, the number of vessels being equivalent to the total number of openings in either array.

Abstract: A rotary valve assembly which includes of a pair of valve parts with flat faces which, when pressed together and rotated, provide valving action between various ports incorporated in one of the valve parts. The first valve part contains two circular arrays of through openings, each of which is connected to a conduit. The second valve part contains several passages which provide communication between various openings of the first valve part and valve ports located in the second valve part. The second valve part also contains one or more passages which provide communication between two openings of one array of openings and one opening of the other array of openings. The valve assembly can be effectively used to automate operation of a gas or liquid adsorption system comprising two or more adsorption vessels, the number of vessels being equivalent to the total number of openings in either array.

Abstract: A rotary valve assembly which includes a pair of valve parts with flat faces which, when pressed together and rotated, provide valving action between various ports incorporated in one of the valve parts. The first valve part contains two circular arrays of through openings, each of which is connected to a conduit. The second valve part contains several passages which provide communication between various openings of the first valve part and valve ports located in the second valve part. The second valve part also contains one or more passages which provide communication between members of one array of openings and between members of the other array of openings. The valve assembly can be effectively used to automate operation of a gas or liquid adsorption system comprising two or more adsorption vessels, the number of vessels being equivalent to the total number of openings in either array.

Abstract: A rotary valve assembly which includes of a pair of valve parts with flat faces which, when pressed together and rotated, provide valving action between various ports incorporated in one of the valve parts. The first valve part contains two circular arrays of through openings, each of which is connected to a conduit. The second valve part contains several passages which provide communication between various openings of the first valve part and valve ports located in the second valve part. The second valve part also contains one or more passages which provide communication between members of one array of openings. The valve assembly can be effectively used to automate operation of a gas or liquid adsorption system comprising two or more adsorption vessels, the number of vessels being equivalent to the total number of openings in either array. Use of the valve assembly in an adsorption system eliminates the need for many of the valves required in conventional multivessel adsorption systems.

Abstract: The rotating flow distributor assembly comprises a connected pair of cylindrical housings, with an inlet port and an outlet port, that receive and discharge the flow of fluid undergoing decontamination. The fluid passes into flow distribution chambers located at the inlet end and outlet end of the assembly, each of which houses a rotating flow diverter, which direct the fluid through the contaminant removal medium. Each flow distribution chamber is ringed by a set of openings distributed evenly around the circumference of the respective housing, through which the flow diverters distribute the fluid into the individual containers of the decontamination medium bed. Simultaneous with the distribution of contaminated fluid through the decontamination medium bed, the flow diverters direct regeneration fluid flow through a container of the decontamination medium bed to remove the impurities from the contaminant removal medium.

Abstract: The rotating flow distributor assembly comprises a cylindrical housing, with an inlet port and an outlet port, that receive and discharge the flow of fluid undergoing decontamination. The fluid passes into two flow distribution chambers located at either end of the housing, each of which houses a rotating flow diverter, which direct the fluid through the contaminant removal medium. Each flow distribution chamber is ringed by a set of openings distributed evenly around the circumference of the housing, through which the flow diverters distribute the fluid into the individual segments of the decontamination medium bed. Simultaneous with the distribution of contaminated fluid through the decontamination medium bed, the flow diverters direct regeneration fluid flow through the segments of the decontamination medium bed to remove the impurities from the contaminant removal medium.

Abstract: A process for separating components of a gas by adsorption in an enclosure (1) divided into equal tight separated compartments (27) each provided with an adsorbent material (7, 8) chosen in function of the gas to be treated and each provided for temporarily allowing the gas to be treated to be introduced and at least one chosen component of the components of this gas to be evacuated whilst the other component or components of this gas are adsorbed by the material (7, 8), which process consists in introducing the gas to be treated into one of the compartments (27) until a predetermined pressure is reached while in the next compartments (27), gas to be treated is introduced in at least one compartment (27) and the chosen component is allowed to escape, the pressure in the next compartment (27) is allowed to drop so as to obtain a partial desorption of the non chosen component or components of the gas, a purging fluid is injected in the last compartment to achieve the final desorption, and device for carrying ou

Abstract: For the oxygen enrichment of air two containers (11,11') working according to a pressure change process are provided. Each container (11, 11') is partly filled with a packed zeolite bed (13, 13'). Compressed air is fed to one container via a common closure device (41). At a certain pressure value a chamber (27) disposed in the container. (11) opens, with oxygen-enriched air flowing into the chamber. The oxygen-enriched air leaves the container (11) via an ascending pipe (37) and can be used as combustion air in internal combustion engines or the like. The one container (11) adsorbs the nitrogen from the compressed air through its packed zeolite bed (13), while the other container (11'), the chamber of which is closed, is desorbed. An oscillation generator (25) can be used to cause the packed zeolite beds (13, 13') to oscillate at high frequency and in this way to increase the adsorbing capacity and to accelerate the desorption process.

Abstract: A rotary valve at the inlets of a plurality of columns cyclically (1) selects first columns on a cyclic basis to receive compressed air, adsorb nitrogen and other components in the compressed air and pass oxygen and argon to a user (e.g. patient), second columns to desorb the adsorbed components in such columns and (3) third columns to equalize pressures where the first columns change progressively to the second columns and vice versa. A compressor having adjustable characteristics and regulated in an open or closed loop introduces the compressed air through the valve to the first columns to provide an adjustable air flow for obtaining a prescribed oxygen flow to the user. An indication may be provided when the compressor characteristics regulated for obtaining the prescribed oxygen flow rate are outside particular limits. The valve may have a variable speed related to the compressor flow variations to regulate the air pressure in the columns in accordance with the air flow rate into the columns.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) separation of a gas mixture is performed in an apparatus with a plurality of adsorbent beds. The invention provides rotary multiport distributor valves to control the timing sequence of the PSA cycle steps between the beds, with flow controls cooperating with the rotary distributor valves to control the volume rates of gas flows to and from the adsorbent beds in blowdown, purge, equalization and repressurization steps.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) separation of a gas mixture is performed in an apparatus with a plurality of adsorbent beds. The invention provides rotary multiport distributor valves to control the timing sequence of the PSA cycle steps between the beds, with flow controls cooperating with the rotary distributor valves to control the volume rates of gas flows to and from the adsorbent beds in blowdown, purge, equalization and repressurization steps.