Abstract: Described is a method of conditioning a gas stream comprising passing the gas stream into a vessel 10 which contains a rotating enclosure 12 and which contains an apparatus 18 to rotate the enclosure, which enclosure is pressure sealed from the surrounding atmosphere and which is divided into a plurality of modulating zones 14, 16; treating the gas to modify its properties within the enclosures due to the presence of modulating materials 68 within the zones in the enclosure; and passing the modified gas to an outlet 24, 25 of the vessel. Also described is an apparatus for conditioning a plurality of gas streams.

Abstract: Described is a method of conditioning a gas stream comprising passing the gas stream into a vessel 10 which contains a rotating enclosure 12 and which contains an apparatus 18 to rotate the enclosure, which enclosure is pressure sealed from the surrounding atmosphere and which is divided into a plurality of modulating zones 14, 16; treating the gas to modify its properties within the enclosures due to the presence of modulating materials 68 within the zones in the enclosure; and passing the modified gas to an outlet 24, 25 of the vessel.

Abstract: A ventilation and dehumidification system for ventilating fresh air to a conditioned space. The system is comprised of a desiccant wheel for dehumidifying incoming air by exchanging moisture from an inflow current of air with an outflow current of air. The desiccant wheel is both regenerated and defrosted by a regenerative heater which is placed to heat the outflow current of air before the outflow current passes through the desiccant wheel. The system includes blowers in order to motivate the inflow and outflow currents of air. The system may also include heat recovery means such as a heat transfer wheel or a motionless heat transfer core. The blowers can be arranged so as to create an air pressure differential between the inflow chamber and the outflow chamber so that any leakage of air between the two chambers will occur from the inflow chamber to the outflow chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments of the apparatus address the challenges of rotary PSA systems, both axial and radial flow, with M>1 by providing interpenetrating, layered manifolds to accommodate all of the steps of a complex PSA cycle, suitable with equal compactness for any value of “M”. This approach extends readily to accommodate a plurality of rotary PSA modules and their cooperating compression machinery within a single layered manifold assembly for a single PSA plant train. Described embodiments of the rotary PSA apparatus include stators that define fluid ports. In particular embodiments of the described apparatus, a second stator defines pressure swing adsorption cycle sectors, each sector being defined by a light product delivery port, light product withdrawal ports, and light reflux return ports. The adsorber elements may directly contact one or more of the stators in a fluidly sealing manner (i.e., have a clearance gap of from about 0 to about 50 microns) using described reinforced adsorbers.

Abstract: A treatment system for waste gas containing VOCs is composed of a zeolite revolver (10), an incinerator (20) and a network of pipes, valves and filters. The zeolite revolver (10) consists of an adsorption zone (11), a purge zone (12), and a desorption zone (13) to remove VOCs from untreated waste gas in the adsorption zone (11) and then separate the VOCs from the saturated zeolite in the desorption zone (13). The zeolite is cooled down in the purge zone (12) so it can be used again. The separated VOCs are piped into the incinerator (20) to be used as fuel. Whereby, the treatment system for waste gas containing VOCs operates efficiently and economically.

Abstract: A rotary module for implementing a high frequency pressure swing adsorption process comprises a stator and a rotor rotatably coupled to the stator. The stator includes a first stator valve surface, a second stator valve surface, a plurality of first function compartments opening into the first stator valve surface, and a plurality of second function compartments opening into the second stator valve surface. The rotor includes a first rotor valve surface in communication with the first stator valve surface, a second rotor valve surface in communication with the second stator valve surface, and a plurality of flow paths for receiving adsorbent material therein.

Abstract: A rotary module for implementing a high frequency pressure swing adsorption process includes a stator having a number of function compartments opening into the stator valve faces, a rotor rotatably coupled to the stator and including a number of apertures opening into the rotor valve faces, and a self-regulating clearance-type valve seal positioned between the valve faces of the stator and rotor so as to regulate the rate of gas flow between the stator and the rotor. Each valve seal includes a sealing face disposed adjacent a respective one of the rotor valve faces and is pivotable relative to the respective rotor valve face for varying the gas flow rate in accordance with the clearance distance between the sealing face and the respective rotor valve face. Each valve seal also includes a passage which communicates with one of the function compartments for varying the clearance distance in response to a pressure differential between the passage and an approaching aperture.

Abstract: A rotating drum adsorber process and system includes a rotating drum of adsorbent medium in a shell including partitions which define an adsorption sector, a regeneration sector and a cooling sector, and which continuously rotates through the sectors. The process and system includes an arrangement for sensing the temperature difference between the temperature of the discharge exiting the leading edge of the regeneration sector and the regeneration sector average discharge temperature for automatically controlling various operating conditions of the rotating drum adsorber system. A computerized method for accurately predicting the contamination level of the gas stream exiting the adsorption sector and optimizing the performance and fractionation efficiency of the rotating drum adsorber system is also included.

Abstract: A drum dryer comprises a drying drum which is arranged for a gas to flow through it to be dried from a first end of the drum to its opposite second end, and a housing in which the drum is located with a space around the drum between the internal wall of the housing and the external surface of the drum. Gas can be directed into the space through a housing inlet, to flow in the space to the first end of the drum where it can be admitted into the drum for drying.

Abstract: A rotor and a sealing device for a rotary adsorber is disclosed. The rotor includes a rim, spokes, arc-shaped sectors, a calking material, and a thermal insulating seal. The spokes divides the rim into arc-shaped portions. The sectors are disposed in the rim and include a gas adsorptive element. The calking material is provided between each sector and one of the rim and the spoke. The thermal insulating seal covers end surfaces of the spokes and joint portions of the sectors. The sealing device includes a sealing material, a mounting plate, a connecting portion, a rod member, and a spring. The sealing material is slidably interposed between a partitioning frame of the rotary adsorber and the mounting plate. The connecting portion fixes the mounting plate to the partitioning frame. The rod member is fixed to the connecting portion. The spring is interposed between the sealing material and the connecting portion.

Abstract: A rotor includes a high-temperature section and a low-temperature section on its circumference. It is possible to absorb and separate carbon dioxide gas in an effluent or exhaust gas simply by rotating the rotor. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a reliable absorbing/separating system. The system can be remarkably simplified, the regenerating cost thereof can be considerably reduced, and the maintenance thereof is easy. A fixed type of system has similar advantages. Lithium zirconate, an alkali metal oxide, and/or an alkali earth metal oxide is used as an absorbing/separating agent. Such an absorbing/separating agent is chemically and mechanically stable, and can absorb and release carbon dioxide gas stably and reversibly.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical gas concentrator is fabricated for extracting a gaseous component from a gas mixture. The gas concentrator consists of an adsorbent member that alternatively moves between two regions on a single substrate. When the adsorbent member is in the first region, it is allowed to adsorb the gaseous component. When the adsorbent member moves to the second region, it is exposed to radiant energy, causing it to desorb the gaseous component. As the adsorbent member moves alternatively between regions, the gaseous component is adsorbed by the adsorbent member in the first region and desorbed in the second region, resulting in a pumping action that concentrates the gaseous component from one region to the other.

Abstract: Gas separation by pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA), to obtain a purified product gas of the less strongly adsorbed fraction of the feed gas mixture, is performed with an apparatus having a plurality of adsorbers. The adsorbers cooperate with first and second valves in a rotary PSA module, with the PSA cycle characterized by multiple intermediate pressure levels between the higher and lower pressures of the PSA cycle. Gas flows enter or exit the PSA module at the immediate pressure levels as well as the higher and lower pressure levels, under substantially steady conditions of flow and pressure. The PSA module comprises a rotor containing laminated sheet adsorbers and rotating within a stator, with ported valve faces between the rotor and stator to control the timing of the flows entering or exiting the adsorbers in the rotor.

Abstract: The air filter comprises a honeycomb rotor which carries a porous adsorbent and can be rotated in a circumferential direction, a drive means for rotating the honeycomb rotor, a first partition member provided with a first gas introduction section and a second gas exhaust section and a second partition member provided with a first gas exhaust section and a second gas introduction section, the first and second partition members being disposed on both sides of the honeycomb rotor respectively so as to allow two gases to flow in counter current to each other and to pass through different conduits respectively, a heater disposed at the inlet port of the first gas introduction section, a drive controller for controlling the drive means such that the honeycomb rotor can rotate intermittently by every part of a regenerative/purge zone facing said first gas introduction section among the surface of the filter of the honeycomb rotor.

Abstract: A decarbonating apparatus has a dehumidifying section for adsorbing humidity contained in waste gas and a decarbonating section for adsorbing CO2 contained in the dehumidified waste gas. The decarbonating section includes a decarbonating drum rotor loaded with a CO2 adsorbent having a honeycomb structure and arranged so as to adsorb CO2 contained in the waste gas, a heated gas supply pipe for supplying a heated gas so as to desorb CO2 adsorbed by the CO2 adsorbent, a purge gas supply pipe for supplying a purge gas so as to purge desorbed CO2, and a cooling gas supply pipe for supplying a cooling gas so as to regenerate the CO2 adsorbent. The decarbonating drum rotor is rotated to successively pass through the adsorption region, the desorption region, the purging region, and the regeneration region.

Abstract: A gas separation system for separating a feed gas mixture into a first component of the gas mixture and a second component of the gas mixture includes an adsorbent bed assembly and an axial or centrifugal compression machine. The adsorbent bed assembly includes a number of flow paths for receiving adsorbent material therein for preferentially adsorbing the first gas component in response to increasing pressure in the flow paths in comparison to the second gas component. Each flow path includes a pair of opposite ends and a valve communicating with each opposite end for controlling a flow of the feed gas mixture through the flow paths. Preferably, the compression machine consists of a gas turbine including a number of pressure inlet and outlet ports coupled to the valves for exposing each flow path to a number of different pressures between an upper pressure and a lower pressure for separating the first gas component from the second gas component.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, perhaps a cross flow heat exchanger, has first and second passages. During dehumidification (adsorption of moisture) in the first passages, water is evaporated from the second passages. This water can be introduced to the second passages during reactivation (desorption of moisture) in the first passages or at another time. If the water is introduced to the second passages during reactivation, the first and second passages have therein first and second moisture adsorbents. During a first time period, air to be dehumidified is passed through the first passages of the heat exchanger and cooling air is passed through the second passages of the heat exchanger to remove heat generated in the first passages and to desorb moisture adsorbed by the second moisture adsorbent. During a second time period, a heating fluid is passed through the second passages of the heat exchanger to heat the first passages and supply moisture for adsorption to the second moisture adsorbent.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments address contaminant management challenges that arise during production of desirably contaminant free product fluid in the operation of PSA equipment, and further address the more serious challenges that arise under intermittent operation of PSA equipment. One disclosed embodiment of a PSA apparatus, intended primarily for normal operating cycle speeds of at least 3 cycles per minute, includes a breather fluidly coupled to a feed end of an adsorber with a contaminant-sensitive adsorbent. The breather can be coupled to the feed end through a shutoff valve closed during production and open during shutdown. Other disclosed embodiments of the PSA apparatus used particular sealing strategies for additional sealing of the apparatus, or at least components thereof, from contaminant ingress.

Abstract: A rotary module for implementing a high frequency pressure swing adsorption process comprises a stator and a rotor rotatably coupled to the stator. The stator includes a first stator valve surface, a second stator valve surface, a plurality of first function compartments opening into the first stator valve surface, and a plurality of second function compartments opening into the second stator valve surface. The rotor includes a first rotor valve surface in communication with the first stator valve surface, a second rotor valve surface in communication with the second stator valve surface, and a plurality of flow paths for receiving adsorbent material therein.

Abstract: A rotating drum adsorber process and system includes a rotating drum of adsorbent medium in a shell including partitions which define an adsorption sector, a regeneration sector and a cooling sector, and which continuously rotates through the sectors. The process and system includes an arrangement for sensing the temperature difference between the temperature of the discharge exiting the leading edge of the regeneration sector and the regeneration sector average discharge temperature for automatically controlling various operating conditions of the rotating drum adsorber system. A computerized method for accurately predicting the contamination level of the gas stream exiting the adsorption sector and optimizing the performance and fractionation efficiency of the rotating drum adsorber system is also included.

Abstract: An apparatus and system, as well as corresponding methods of operation and treatment of air, are provided which make use of a rotatable desiccant bed such as to permit the effective and selective alternative reduction of humidity of incoming air or energy recovery from air to be discarded.

Abstract: Gas separation by pressure swing adsorption (PSA) is performed within an apparatus having a plurality of adsorbers cooperating with first and second valves in a rotary PSA module, with the PSA cycle characterized by multiple intermediate pressure levels between the higher and lower pressures of the PSA cycle. Gas flows enter or exit the PSA module at the intermediate pressure levels as well as the higher and lower pressure levels, under substantially steady conditions of flow and pressure. The PSA module comprises a rotor containing laminated sheet adsorbers and rotating within a stator, with ported valve faces between the rotor and stator to control the timing of the flows entering or exiting the adsorbers in the rotor.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments of the apparatus address the challenges of rotary PSA systems, both axial and radial flow, with M>1 by providing interpenetrating, layered manifolds to accommodate all of the steps of a complex PSA cycle, suitable with equal compactness for any value of “M”. This approach extends readily to accommodate a plurality of rotary PSA modules and their cooperating compression machinery within a single layered manifold assembly for a single PSA plant train. Described embodiments of the rotary PSA apparatus include stators that define fluid ports. In particular embodiments of the described apparatus, a second stator defines pressure swing adsorption cycle sectors, each sector being defined by a light product delivery port, light product withdrawal ports, and light reflux return ports. The adsorber elements may directly contact one or more of the stators in a fluidly sealing manner (i.e., have a clearance gap of from about 0 to about 50 microns) using described reinforced adsorbers.

Abstract: A gas separation system for separating a feed gas mixture into a first gas component and a second gas component comprises a stator, and a rotor rotatably coupled to the stator. The stator includes a first stator valve face, a second stator valve surface, and a plurality of function compartments opening into the stator valve surfaces. The rotor includes a first rotor valve surface in communication with the first stator valve surface, and a second rotor valve surface in communication with the second stator valve surface. The rotor also includes a plurality of rotor flow paths for receiving gas adsorbent material therein for preferentially adsorbing the first gas component in response to increasing pressure in the rotor flow paths in comparison to the second gas component. Each rotor flow path includes a pair of opposite ends opening into the rotor valve faces for communication with the function compartments.

Abstract: A gas separation system includes a stator, and a rotor rotatably coupled to the stator, and at least one surge absorber in communication with the stator. The stator includes a stator valve surface and a plurality of function compartments opening into the stator valve surface. The rotor includes a rotor valve surface in communication with the stator valve surface, and a plurality of flow paths for receiving adsorbent material therein. The rotor also includes a plurality of apertures provided in the rotor valve surface and in communication with the flow paths for cyclically exposing the flow paths to the function compartments. The surge absorbers are configured to reduce pressure variations in the function compartments and to maintain each function compartment at one of a plurality of discrete pressure levels. In this manner, substantially uniform gas flow can be maintained through the function compartments and the flow paths without recourse to multistage compression machinery.

Abstract: A gas separation system for separating a feed gas mixture into a first gas component and a second gas component comprises a stator, and a rotor rotatably coupled to the stator. The stator includes a first stator valve face, a second stator valve surface, and a plurality of function compartments opening into the stator valve surfaces. The rotor includes a first rotor valve surface in communication with the first stator valve surface, and a second rotor valve surface in communication with the second stator valve surface. The rotor also includes a plurality of rotor flow paths for receiving gas adsorbent material therein for preferentially adsorbing the first gas component in response to increasing pressure in the rotor flow paths in comparison to the second gas component. Each rotor flow path includes a pair of opposite ends opening into the rotor valve faces for communication with the function compartments.

Abstract: Sodalite is treated with acid to transform the surface to provide a highly macroporous material that demonstrates water swing capacities exceeding those of high performance, low temperature desiccants under high latent load at relatively high ambient temperature and humidities.

Abstract: A gas treatment system for separating and eliminating gaseous hydrocarbon from treatment-object gas exhausted from, for example, a factory is disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption system for separating components of a gas mixture includes a first adsorbent module, and a second a adsorbent module coupled to the a first adsorbent module. The first adsorbent module includes a first gas inlet for receiving the gas mixture, at least one bed of first adsorbent material in communication with the first gas inlet for adsorbing a gas mixture component from the gas mixture, and a first gas outlet in communication with the first adsorbent beds for receiving a first product gas therefrom. The second adsorbent module includes a second gas inlet coupled to the first gas outlet for receiving the first product gas, at least one second bed of adsorbent material in communication with the second gas inlet for adsorbing a first product gas component from the first product gas, and a second gas outlet in communication with the second adsorbent beds for receiving a second product gas therefrom.

Abstract: A method for removing moisture from gas containing vapor of a solvent using a dry dehumidifier, comprising, removing moisture from at least a part of dehumidifier regenerating outlet gas and reusing the dehumidified gas as regenerating gas.

Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a circular rotor accommodating a humidity absorbing material, a disc member provided on each one of two circular end surfaces of the rotor and having a diameter identical to or greater than a diameter of the rotor, and a plurality of openings formed in the disc members, wherein the rotor rotates through a dehumidification zone and a recycle zone formed by a dividing plate disposed so as to project from each one of the disc members, the rotor circulating a first flow of air of relatively high humidity through the dehumidification zone so as to dehumidify and recycle the first flow of air, the rotor circulating a second flow of air of relatively low humidity through the recycle zone so as to dehumidify the humidity absorbing material. The openings in the disc members have an identical substantially fan shape and are disposed so as to radiate from a center of the disc member, thus exposing the humidity absorbing material accommodated therein.

Abstract: A gasborne component condensing apparatus condenses condensation-target component contained in treatment-object gas by effecting an adsorbing step for adsorbing the condensation-target component in the object gas to an adsorbent layer and a desorbing step for desorbing the condensation-target component adsorbed to the adsorbent layer at the adsorbing step into desorbing gas by causing the desorbing gas smaller in the amount and higher in the temperature than the object gas to pass the adsorbent layer after the adsorbing step, the apparatus effecting the adsorbing step and the desorbing step for a plurality of cycles, so that the desorbing gas delivered from the adsorbent layer and containing the condensation-target component desorbed during the desorbing step is collected as a condensed gas product.

Abstract: A ventilation and dehumidification system for ventilating fresh air to a conditioned space. The system is comprised of a unitary heat transfer desiccant wheel for dehumidifying incoming air by exchanging moisture from an inflow current of air with an outflow current of air. The unitary heat recovery wheel is able to transfer heat between the two air currents when the wheel is spun at a faster speed. The unitary heat transfer desiccant wheel is both regenerated and defrosted by a regenerative heater which is placed to heat the outflow current of air before the outflow current passes through the unitary heat transfer desiccant wheel. The unitary heat transfer desiccant wheel is spun at a slow speed to accomplish more dehumidification, and at a fast speed to accomplish more heat recovery. The system includes at least two blowers in order to motivate the inflow and outflow currents of air.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the filter cartridge comprises a mesh structure forming a generally annular cylinder comprising a center opening, a plurality of compartments containing a filter medium, and spaces between the compartments. The spaces between the compartments comprise substantially unimpeded airflow passages that permit airflow even when the filter medium is fully loaded.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating gas, employ a honeycomb rotor carrying an adsorbent thereon. A casing having an adsorbing zone, a plurality of desorbing zones and a purge zone houses the honeycomb rotor. A drive device rotates the honeycomb rotor in the casing. A gas movement device moves gas through the casing and the honeycomb rotor. A heater heats gas moved through the purge zone. Gas from the purge zone is moved through the plurality of desorbing zones after being heated by the heater. Gas from one of the desorbing zones is discharged. Gas from a remainder of the desorbing zones is combined with gas containing contaminants to be removed, and then moved through the adsorbing zone and the purge zone.

Abstract: In a method for removing carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas from a gas turbine plant (11), which exhaust gas is subjected to a downstream heat recovery process (12, 33), preferably in the heat recovery steam generator (33) of a water/steam cycle (12), a simplification of the plant engineering is achieved by the fact that the carbon dioxide is removed from the exhaust gas (39) between the gas turbine plant (11) and the heat recovery process (12, 33), and that a rotating, regenerative absorber/desorber (22) is used to remove the carbon dioxide, the absorber side of which absorber/desorber is connected into the exhaust gas stream (39) and the desorber side of which absorber/desorber is connected into a carbon dioxide cycle (38).

Abstract: A system for cleaning the air, such as air in the interior of motor vehicles, airplanes, buildings or shelters, having organic substances such as alcohols, alkanes and aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. The air cleaning system includes a cylindrical adsorber. The cylindrical adsorber has a plurality of circular segments for passing air to be cleaned and for passing desorption air through the adsorber. The adsorber contains adsorption agents, such as a hydrophobic zeolite, that can be regenerated with microwaves. The air cleaning system also includes a microwave unit disposed on adsorber and an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A rotary concentrator heats media in a desorption zone to a desorption temperature, then removes the pollutants using a second cold desorbent gas stream in a desorbent zone. First, the adsorbent media is rotated and an inlet gas stream is passed over the media in the adsorbent zone, thereby removing the adsorbable pollutants. A first gas stream having a temperature equal to or greater than the desorption temperature of the adsorbable pollutants is passed over the media in the desorbent zone to heat the media to generally the desorption temperature of the adsorbable pollutants. A second gas having a temperature less than the desorption temperature of the adsorbent media is passed over the media in the desorbent zone to remove the adsorbable pollutants from the desorbent zone. Subsequently, the gas containing the adsorbable pollutants received from the desorbent zone is processed by destroying or removing the adsorbable pollutants.

Abstract: A decarbonating apparatus has a dehumidifying section for adsorbing humidity contained in waste gas and a decarbonating section for adsorbing CO2 contained in the dehumidified waste gas. The decarbonating section includes a decarbonating drum rotor loaded with a CO2 adsorbent having a honeycomb structure and arranged so as to adsorb CO2 contained in the waste gas, a heated gas supply pipe for supplying a heated gas so as to desorb CO2 adsorbed by the CO2 adsorbent, a purge gas supply pipe for supplying a purge gas so as to purge desorbed CO2, and a cooling gas supply pipe for supplying a cooling gas so as to regenerate the CO2 adsorbent. The decarbonating drum rotor is rotated to successively pass through the adsorption region, the desorption region, the purging region, and the regeneration region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite enthalpy exchanger useful for transferring or removing latent and sensible heat from a gaseous stream. This enthalpy exchanger consists of a cellulose-based substrate impregnated with a polymeric desiccant. Also provided is a method of manufacture of the enthalpy exchanger wherein the process for synthesizing the polymer on the substrate is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature and humidity level of a controlled space. The system includes a total energy recovery wheel and a dehumidification wheel in conjunction with a cooler to control the temperature and humidity of air supplied to a controlled space. In a method of controlling temperature and humidity of a controlled space, supply air is cooled and dehumidified by passing it through a rotating total energy recovery wheel. The total energy recovery wheel is cooled and dehumidified by passing exhaust air through it. The supply air is further cooled and dehumidified by passing it through a cooler. The supply air is warmed and further dehumidified by passing it through a rotating dehumidification wheel. The dehumidification wheel is warmed and dehumidified by passing exhaust air through it. During the heating mode, the system functions as an extremely effective total energy recovery device by operating the two wheels in series.

Abstract: A gas concentration device has a gas adsorbing element and a heat exchanger. The gas adsorbing element is divided into an adsorbing zone, and a desorbing zone. The heat exchanger has first and second flow channels. The first flow channels are separated from the second flow channels. The first flow channels receive foggy air having minute particles of water floating therein to cool process air flowing through the second flow channels via heat of vaporization consumed to evaporate the minute particles of water floating in the foggy air of the first flow channels. The second flow channels may be connected to the adsorbing zone of the gas adsorbing element such that process air cooled in the second flow channels is directed to the absorbing zone of the adsorbing element. The gas adsorbing element may further be divided into a cooling zone, such that the gas adsorbing element has absorbing, desorbing and cooling zones.

Abstract: The adsorption of at least one component of a gas mixture is improved by passing the gas through an adsorption zone wherein the adsorbent is distributed in rectilinear channels that stepwise both diminish in transverse size and hold a diminished weight of adsorbent. An adsorption zone with only two steps or stages of reduced channel size and reduced adsorbent weight in the flow direction of a gas passed therethrough permits much greater capture of the adsorbate component with an equivalent total weight of adsorbent when compared with the same adsorption zone with a single channel size and a uniform weight of adsorbent. Three or more stages of diminishing channel size and adsorbent weight in the flow direction of the gas passed therethrough may be chosen for separating some gas mixtures.

Abstract: A humidity control apparatus for realizing the dehumidification, humidification, and ventilation operations in a compact configuration. The apparatus includes a rotary humidity control element, an electric heater, and sucking and/or forcing blowers. The rotary humidity control element is of metal silicate gel polymerized in honeycomb laminates of ceramics, and is sectioned into a drying function part, a heat recovery function part, and a humidification function part, for use. The drying function part absorbs and removes moisture from air passing therethrough at room temperatures. The heat recovery function part recovers heat of air passing therethrough. The humidification function part moistens the air passing therethrough if the air is high in temperature. The electric heater is provided on an air passageway between the heat recovery function part and the humidification function part, for heating the air to be introduced to the humidification function part.

Abstract: An apparatus and system, as well as corresponding methods of operation and treatment of air, are provided which make use of a rotatable desiccant bed such as to permit the effective and selective alternative reduction of humidity of incoming air or recovery of heat from air to be discarded.

Abstract: A VOC concentrating apparatus includes a honeycomb rotor. In order to lower concentration at an exit of adsorption and at the same time to be able to regulate the amount of air flow introduced into a desorbing zone, independently from the amount of cooling air, there are disposed a cooling zone, desorbing zone and an adsorbing zone in the honeycomb rotor. The honeycomb rotor rotates and thus passes through the zones one after another. After gas to be treated has passed through the adsorbing zone, concentration of VOC in the gas is measured on the exit side by a concentration detector. The cooling air is divided by a damper for regulating the amount of air flow, after having entered the cooling zone, and a part thereof enters the desorbing zone through a heater. Further air coming out therefrom is heated again by a heater to enter the desorbing zone and concentrated gas is removed.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption separation of a feed gas mixture, to obtain a purified product gas of the less strongly adsorbed fraction of the feed gas mixture, is performed with a cooperating set of "N" adsorbers in a rotary assembly, with each adsorber communicating at its product end directly to a rotary cyclic displacement chamber, and at its feed end by rotary distributor valve ports to a rotary piston feed compressor and a rotary piston exhaust vacuum pump. The compressor and vacuum pump are integrated with the cycle, and rotate at "N" times the cycle frequency. Alternative adsorber configurations for high frequency operation are disclosed.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) separation of a feed gas mixture is performed within an apparatus having typically a single prime mover powering a feed compressor for one or multiple rotary PSA modules in parallel, each module including a rotor with a large number of angularly spaced adsorber elements, with valve surfaces between the rotor and a stator so that individual adsorber elements are opened to compartments for staged pressurization and blowdown, with thermally boosted energy recovery from staged expansion of countercurrent blowdown and light reflux gases, and a plurality of adsorber elements opened at any instant to each compartment so that each compressor and expander stage operates under substantially steady conditions of flow and pressure.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a process stream of air in an air conditioning system wherein a process stream of air is dehumidified and cooled to provide a conditioned stream of air for introducing to a conditioned space. The method comprises the steps of providing an adsorption wheel having a multiplicity of passages through which process air can flow for adsorbing moisture therefrom, the wheel capable of adsorption of moisture from the process air and of regeneration on a continuous basis as the wheel rotates. An indirect evaporative cooler is provided having a dry side and a wet side separated by a moisture-inpervious wall wherein heat is extracted from said dry side through the wall to the wet side. Cooling in the dry side is achieved by evaporation of water into air passing through the wet side. The process air is passed through the adsorption wheel to remove moisture therefrom to provide a moisture-depleted stream of process air exiting the adsorption wheel.

Abstract: An improved dehumidification system for automotive use includes a rotating, wheel like heat exchanger with axially open cells that carry a water adsorbing material. Opposed ambient air and heated air flows, covering opposite halves of the wheel, continually adsorb water on one side and are recharged on the other side. Alternating radially closed cells between the axially open cells carry no desiccant material, but receive a cross cooling flow, on the water adsorbing side of the wheel only, to remove the heat released during the water adsorption process. The desiccant recharging process on the other side of the wheel is not disturbed by the cross cooling flow.