Abstract: A device is disclosed for treating an exhaust gas emanating from a vehicle engine or a plant's chimney. This device has a housing having a treatment chamber defined therein, an inlet port for receiving an exhaust gas to be treated, and an outlet port for releasing a treated gas. The gas is allowed to flow in the treatment chamber from the inlet port to the outlet port defining a flowing direction. The device further has treating elements in the treatment chamber which are layers of rocks of granite alternating with layers of rocks of charcoal. The layers extend substantially in perpendicular to the flowing direction of the gas.

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: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for separating fluid components. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus and methods utilize microchannel devices with small distances for heat and mass transfer to achieve rapid cycle times and surprisingly large volumes of fluid components separated in short times using relatively compact hardware.

Abstract: A system for storage and dispensing of a sorbate fluid, in which a sorbate fluid is sorptively retained on a sorbent medium and desorption of sorbate fluid from the sorbent medium is facilitated by inputting energy to the sorbent medium including one or more of the following energy input modes: (a) thermal energy input including inductive heating of the sorbent medium, resistive heating of the sorbent medium and/or chemical reaction heating of the sorbent medium; (b) photonic energy input to the sorbent medium; (c) particle bombardment of the sorbent medium; (d) mechanical energy input to the sorbent medium; and (e) application of a chemical potential differential to the sorbate fluid on the sorbent medium.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage unit is provided with a hydrogen storage container containing a hydrogen absorption material, and a filter portion for eliminating impurities contained in stored hydrogen gas. Thereby, the impurities are eliminated from the stored hydrogen gas in the hydrogen storage container, and the hydrogen absorption material is prevented from being poisoned by the impurities. The filter portion can be provided either inside or outside the hydrogen storage container. An adsorbent for adsorbing the impurities can be used in the filter portion. The filter portion is provided with a heating means for enhancing the elimination of the impurities adsorbed in the filter portion, and can be recovered during operation.

Abstract: A method for purifying a minority constituent and concentrating it in a majority constituent of a gas mixture that also contains one or more other minority constituent(s) employs (i) a selective permeation step, (ii) next, a purification step, and (iii) finally a concentration step. In the selective permeation step, an initial gas mixture is passed through a membrane to yield a gas mixture that is enriched in the first minority constituent. In the purifying step, the first minority constituent is absorbed by a solid adsorbent which has a strong affinity for the first minority constituent, then following an elution step, a gas mixture that contains essentially only the majority constituent and the first minority constituent is formed.

Abstract: A modular adsorption plant comprises one or more transportable cargo containers which hold the various adsorbent beds, pumping apparatus and so on which comprise the plant. The containers are easily transportable, and may be rapidly assembled in modular fashion to produce a large capacity plant.

Abstract: A closed storage reservoir has at least one feed and discharge line for compressed gas and, in its interior, a gas flow control system which connects the feed and discharge line to a solid filling for storing the compressed gas in the interior. To ensure the highest possible specific storage capacity of the device and to enable the device to be used as a tank system for a fuel cell, the solid filling comprises carbon nanostructures which are joined to form larger, cohesive conglomerates. A device for measuring the filling level of the compressed gas in the storage vessel may be a device for measuring the nuclear magnetic resonance or a device for measuring the mass flow rates of the compressed gas. A temperature sensor and a heating/cooling device having an inlet connection piece and an outlet connection piece for a heating/cooling medium and a cooling passage connected to the connection pieces are provided in order to set a defined temperature in the storage vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus for thermal management in a gas purification process. As known in the prior art, a gas purification apparatus includes a two-section unitary vessel, wherein the primary section includes an impure gas inlet and a heating assembly and the secondary section includes a cooling device and an outlet for purified gas. Within the primary and secondary sections of the vessels are gas sorbing materials such as getters for removing impurities from the gas to be purified. A feature of the present invention is the continuous, serpentine shape of the gas purification vessel which allows for a longer residence time of the gas and a more efficient purification process. Another feature of the invention is a Joule-Thomson cooling device which divides the primary section of the vessel from the secondary section. The Joule-Thomson cooling device cools the secondary section of the vessel and the gas contained within it.

Abstract: A gas separation device includes an inner conduit, and a concentric outer conduit. An electrically conductive filter media, preferably a carbon fiber composite molecular sieve, is provided in the annular space between the inner conduit and the outer conduit. Gas flows through the inner conduit and the annular space between the inner conduit and the outer conduit, so as to contact the filter media. The filter media preferentially adsorbs at least one constituent of the gas stream. The filter media is regenerated by causing an electric current to flow through the filter media. The inner conduit and outer conduit are preferably electrically conductive whereby the regeneration of the filter media can be electrically stimulated. The invention is particularly useful for the removal of CO2 from the exhaust gases of fossil-fueled power plants.

Abstract: A humidity control system. The system comprises a housing containing one or more hygroscopic monoliths to provide, and passively sustain, the capacity to control the humidity on an intermittent basis. The present invention may be employed either independently or as part of a larger climate control system.

Abstract: An adsorption/desorption unit includes a hollow enclosure containing one or more elongate hollow elements of activated carbon fiber cloth (ACFC) of appropriate length to cross sectional area to provide suitable electrical resistance for heating. The elements conduct electrical current to heat to a temperature that permits selective adsorption of a gas stream constituent and subsequent desorption to recover sorbate. An enclosure houses the ACFC elements and is arranged to direct gas stream flow through the elements and into and out of the enclosure via gas ports. The ability to heat the elements to a desired temperature by electrical current flow allows for straightforward implementation of selective adsorption. After an adsorption step, altering the temperature of the element or elements enables desorption.

Abstract: The humidity in an equipment housing, 1, is reduced by providing a humidity pump which extracts humidity from the closed housing and vents it to the outside atmosphere. A tube 2 passes through a wall 11 of the housing and is open to the internal and external atmospheres. The tube 2 contains a first portion of hygroscopic regenerative desiccant 4 to absorb moisture in the housing. Wicking material 10 transfers the moisture to a second portion of regenerative desiccant 7. A heater 8 drives off the moisture from portion 7 creating a “moisture gradient” whereby moisture is continuously drawn off from the inside of the housing.

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: 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: A compressed air drying apparatus employs a hollow fiber membrane dryer to provide a compressed air stream having a low dew point for outdoor use. Energy efficiency is obtained by purging water vapor from the hollow fiber membrane dryer with an adsorption-dried atmospheric air flow and by using a portion of the atmospheric air flow to regenerate the adsorption drying medium, preferably with heat from the compressor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing impurities from a noble gas or nitrogen utilizing a single purifier vessel having three zones. In the first zone, the gas is preheated to a temperature greater than 200.degree. C.; in the second zone, the preheated gas is contacted with a getter material at greater than 335.degree. C. for removal of impurities such as methane and other hydrocarbons, water, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide; in the third zone, the gas is contacted with a second getter material at a temperature greater than 150.degree. C. for removal of hydrogen. Hot gas exiting the purifier vessel is passed through a recuperative heat exchanger where the hot exiting gas preheats in-coming gas before it enters the first zone of the purifier vessel.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an adsorbent filter having a continuous activated carbon fiber sheet is disclosed. The filter providing a frame, at least one continuous sheet of adsorbent fabric, and a plurality of supports for supporting the sheet within the frame such that contaminated fluid flows over one or more surfaces of the sheet. The contaminants being adsorbed by contact with the surface of the sheet.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing system includes a storage and dispensing vessel containing a solid-phase physical sorbent material for holding a sorbable fluid, and a motive transport assembly associated with the storage and dispensing vessel. The storage and dispensing vessel is arranged for selectively flowing fluid into the vessel for storage, and out of the vessel for dispensing. The sorbable fluid physically adsorbed on the solid-phase physical sorbent medium may be selectively desorbed by pressure differential desorption and/or thermal desorption, to dispense gas when the vessel is in motive transport and/or when the vessel is at rest.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating one or more volatile contaminant components from a gas using a pressure and temperature swing adsorbent filtration filter bed system containing three or more layers of adsorbent materials characterized in that the layers comprise a first layer of adsorbent material, a second layer of dessicant material and a third layer of material capable of adsorbing contaminants that are not retained by the first layer. Preferably the third layer is capable of adsorbing contaminants of relatively low boiling point, e.g. of boiling point less than 50.degree. C., and preferably comprises a microporous adsorbent. The second layer of dessicant material preferably comprises a zeolite.

Abstract: Method for drying a gas which has been compressed by a compressor (1) wherein compressed gas (2) from the compressor is driven through an amount of drying agent (3) until a dried, compressed gas (4) is obtained. An amount of used drying agent (7) is regenerated by driving a part (5) of dried compressed gas (4), which is heated first by the compression heat of compressor (1), through used drying agent (7). Moisture is absorbed from used drying agent (7) by a part (5) of the dried compressed gas (4), which is then condensed and separated by cooling. Part (5) of dried compressed gas (4) is then mixed with compressed gas (2) from the compressor to be dried.

Abstract: The invention places a concentration averaging device in an inlet line leading to an air treatment system. The device includes an adsorbent material which has the quality of increasing its equilibrium concentration of impurities with increasing percentage or concentration of impurities in the air stream. In this way, the concentration device tends to "average" the amount of impurities in the air stream delivered to the air treatment system. When used on an oxidizer, as an example, this allows the use of smaller combustion chambers, and reduces the fuel requirements for operation of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined cycle system of enhanced efficiency. The system comprises a top stage, such as a fuel cell, a partial oxidation reactor or a heat engine, and an oxygen-enriching device, such as a temperature swing adsorption device or a chemical reactor bed device, as its bottom stage. The bottom stage uses waste heat produced by the top stage to enrich the oxygen content of air that is inputted to the bottom stage, thereby producing an oxygen-enriched gas mixture as the bottom stage output. This output mixture constitutes a superior oxidant which is fed back as an input for the top stage, thus enhancing the energy conversion efficiency, cheapness, and compactness of the combined cycle system as compared to that of ordinary fuel cells, partial oxidation reactors and heat engines that use unenriched air as their oxidant input.

Abstract: A thermally insulated adsorber (1) intended for treating a gas by passing the gas through a bed (15) of an active material, of the type including a cylindrical shell (5) provided with thermal insulation (21) including a wall (25), which is, in particular, parallel to the shell (5) and which, together with the shell, defines a gas-filled cavity (27), the wall (25) and consequently the gas-filled cavity (27) being placed inside the shell (5), between the latter and a bed (15) of an active material arranged inside the shell (5). The gas-filled cavity (27) communicates with a part of the adsorber (1) which includes the gas that is to be treated and/or with a part of the adsorber which includes the gas that has been treated. The adsorber furthermore includes elements (43) for blocking any gas flow through the gas-filled cavity in order to separate the gas that is to be treated from the gas that has been treated. The adsorber may be used to purify the air sent to air distillation plants.

Abstract: A process and device for scrubbing flows of gaseous effluents loaded with polluting substances, wherein the effluents are caused to circulate through a device including an array of scrubber units (4a to 4n) juxtaposed in an enclosure (3), each containing materials adsorbing the substances. When the adsorbing load thereof is saturated and for the scrubber units (4) to regain the scrubbing capacity thereof, they are selectively and successively isolated by a mobile collector (8) during the time required for their desorption by heating and for the substances to be transferred by an auxiliary fluid (a fraction of the circulating effluents for example or a gas delivered selectively to the inlet of the scrubber unit to be desorbed by an auxiliary circuit), and the substances mixed with the auxiliary fluid are possibly transferred towards a reactor (10) suited for removing them. The process can be applied for concentrating and scrubbing of polluting substances such as VOCs or gas dehumidification.

Abstract: In a method for recovering and/or purifying water which is absorbed from a humid atmosphere, the moisture from the air is adsorbed on a suitable medium (3) in a defined space, whereupon by the application of heat the moisture is brought to a condenser (1) where it passes into a liquid state (10) and is collected in a suitable manner. In order to improve the efficiency of this method the defined, sealed space is opened for the adsorbing medium (3), for free access to air at night-time and is closed during the hot day-time period. Condensed water is passed out through a collecting funnel (2) and a channel (5) to a collection container (6). A device is also described in the form of a housing with walls (7) which can be opened and closed, in which there is located an adsorbing medium (3). In the upper part of the housing there is provided a condenser (1). The condenser (1) is equipped with a drop collector (2) which is connected to an outlet pipe (5) to a collection container (6).

Abstract: A desiccant dehumidifier is provided in which a desiccant material is applied to a first end of a heat pipe heat exchanger. During the sorption phase, a supply air stream is exposed to the desiccant material on the first end of the heat pipe heat exchanger and a second air stream, which could be ambient atmosphere, is exposed to the second end of the heat pipe heat exchanger. The moisture from the supply air stream is transferred to the desiccant material. However, the heat pipe heat exchanger acts as a heat sink and adsorbs the heat generated by the moisture transfer and transfers it to the second end of the heat pipe heat exchanger. At the second end of the heat pipe heat exchanger, the heat is transferred to the second air stream. As a result, both the supply air stream and the desiccant material remain at a substantially constant temperature during the sorption phase.

Abstract: To improve both heat transfer and evaporation in a heat exchanger (10, 25, 42) of an air cooler, there are provided a number of spaced narrow wet wicks (13) over which air flows transversely, and those wicks (13) are sandwiched between impervious spacer sheets (11, 12), the surface configuration of the spacer sheets (11, 12) being non-planar so as to increase the areas of the wicks (13) over which air flows, and also to increase air turbulence and thereby mixing, the increased mixing not only assisting in the evaporation of water from wicks (13) but also assisting in the heat transfer through the spacer sheets (11, 12) which define the air passages containing the wicks (13).

Abstract: An air compressor (1) is cooled by a water circuit (5) which comprises a buffer tank (6) and an air cooled cooler (7) provided with a fan (8) of adjustable speed. The buffer tank is supplied by makeup water and includes a purge (16) which serves, when the ambient temperature is relatively high, to cool the preliminarily separated compressed air from cooling water. Application in processes for separation of air by adsorption or permeation.

Abstract: A device for purifying a workstream of contaminants and method of making. One device is made of an inorganic monolithic porous particulate filter and a continuous uninterrupted coating of activated carbon impregnated into the pores of the filter. Preferably the filter has inlet and outlet faces, and a multiplicity of cells separated by porous walls and extending longitudinally and mutually parallel therethrough from inlet to outlet end, a portion of the total number of cells being plugged at the inlet end face, and the remaining portion of the total number of cells being plugged at the outlet end face of the device. Another device can be made entirely of activated carbon having the multicellular structure. A workstream containing contaminants is passed through the device to cause retention of the contaminants. The device can have electrically conducting mechanism for conducting electric current therethrough for removal of the contaminants and regeneration of the device.

Abstract: A canister which can control the diffusion of evaporated fuel to surely prevent the evaporated fuel from blowing through into the atmosphere has a main chamber having therein a first adsorbent layer for adsorbing evaporated fuel and including an evaporated fuel lead-in port and a purge port, a subchamber having therein a second adsorbent layer for adsorbing evaporated fuel and including an atmospheric air lead-in port, and an air chamber communicating with the main chamber and the subchamber are provided in a casing of a canister. The air chamber is divided into three parts: a first chamber at the side of the main chamber, a second chamber at the side of the subchamber and a third chamber between the first and second chambers. A nonlinear communication passage is formed inside of the third chamber by dividing the third chamber with a partition wall having its both ends opened to the first chamber and the second chamber respectively.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing trace levels of impurities from gases stored cryogenically in a storage vessel in liquid form by passing a vaporized portion of liquified gas from the storage vessel through a bed of adsorbent while using the liquified gas to cool the adsorbent. Vaporized gas resulting from cooling of the adsorbent with the stored liquified gas can be combined with the vapor withdrawn from the storage vessel prior to being passed through the bed of adsorbent. Liquified gas can be withdrawn from the storage vessel, vaporized and the vaporized gas combined with the vaporized gas from the storage vessel prior to being passed through the bed of adsorbent.

Abstract: A core for interacting with a fluid media flowing therethrough which includes a plurality of adjoining channels. Each of the channels is generally in the form of a hexagon in cross section and includes an internal surface area. The internal surface area is coated with an interactive material which interacts with the fluid media flowing through the channels to achieve one of heat transfer, mass transfer, catalysis, ion exchange, separation of the fluid media, removal of organic compounds from the fluid media, dilution or concentration of fluid components, treatment of fluid-carried organisms, and the capture and retention of hazardous materials. Examples of the use of the core include positioning the core within a rotary heat exchanger wheel or a rotary mass-transfer wheel, often used in desiccant air-conditioning systems.

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-impervious 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: A heat exchanger bed including a plurality of elastomeric sheets. The sheets have a peripheral edge and a center. The sheets also have an opening therethrough proximate the center. The sheets are stacked one next to another in a stack. At least one sheet spacer is disposed between adjacent sheets of the stack. The center openings of adjacent sheets are aligned to define a passage through the stack.

Abstract: A moisture removing device comprising a ceramic shell. The ceramic shell has a plurality of parallel openings. The openings extend along the length of the shell. The openings form elongated surfaces adapted to be contacted by moisture ladened air moving through the openings along a path of travel. Such surfaces have desiccant capabilities for the extraction of moisture from air passed therethrough.

Abstract: A hybrid system for producing both low purity oxygen and high purity nitrogen at high product recovery rates wherein desorption effluent from an adsorbent system feeds a cryogenic rectification column and, preferably, bottom fluid from the column provides additional feed for the adsorbent system.

Abstract: A regenerative desiccant air dryer system. Dry air is alternately drawn from approximately the center of two desiccant housings which are open at the top and bottom. A reclamation assembly directs dry air into the housing being purged to assist in the purging of moisture from the desiccant, and subsequently cooling the desiccant. The system is portable and operated by a programmable controller.

Abstract: A system for recovery of adsorbed gas remaining in a used storage and dispensing vessel containing sorbent material having residual sorbate gas thereon, when the vessel is taken out of service, in which the used storage and dispensing vessel is coupled in flow communication with at least one fresh storage and dispensing vessel containing sorbent material therein having sorptive capacity for the residual sorbate gas. The fresh vessel is maintained in a first zone and the used vessel is maintained in a second zone, at temperature and/or pressure conditions relative to one another that cause the residual sorbate gas to desorb from the sorbent material in the used storage and dispensing vessel and flow into the fresh storage and dispensing vessel for sorption of the residual sorbate gas on the sorbent material in the fresh storage and dispensing vessel.

Abstract: An improved three-bed nonimmobilized rapid pressure-swing adsorber for use in a gas separation system. The three beds are connected in parallel and actuated so that at any one time, at least one of the beds is on-line, purifying the gas stream. The sequence of operation is such that during a full cycle of operation, two of the beds will be purging for at least some of the cycle to reduce the purge gas volume flow requirements, and thus increase the efficiency of the system. When a primary adsorber bed is on-line, another bed may be depressurizing from an on-line condition to a purge condition while the third bed is being purged. At a certain time, both the off-line beds are being purged until the third bed is repressurized in preparation for going on-line. Prior to the first bed going off-line and being depressurized, the third bed is placed on-line to ensure an uninterrupted supply of process gas to the system.

Abstract: A pressure vessel 1 forming part of a PSA plant contains a molecular sieve adsorbent. A plurality of thermocouples are located within the molecular sieve adsorbent such that one junction 8 of each thermocouple is positioned adjacent the feed gas inlet 2 of the vessel 1 while the second junction 10 of each thermocouple is positioned adjacent the product gas outlet 4 of the vessel.

Abstract: An improved regenerative gas drying system (30) having an adsorbing chamber (36) and a regenerating chamber (46) with both chambers containing desiccant (38) in which the adsorbing chamber (36) receives wet gas (31) for adsorption of moisture by the desiccant (38) contained therein to create a drier gas (40) and in which a portion of the drier gas (40) exits the adsorbing chamber (36) and is directed and carried to the regenerating chamber (46) to dry the desiccant (38) contained within the regenerating chamber (46).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating synthesized gas ("syngas") comprises introducing the syngas into a lower portion of a vessel. The syngas flows in the lower portion through a static regenerative hot gravel bed and into an upper portion of the vessel containing particulate material at a temperature less than that of the syngas in a manner so that the material reduces the temperature of the syngas and reacts with the syngas to abate pollutants therein, and the syngas entrains at least a portion of the material. The entrained material is then separated from the gas, cooled in a heat exchanger, and returned to the vessel, while the separated syngas is passed to downstream facilities.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which is capable of removing impurities from an impurity-containing hydrogen gas without generating methane. A bed of particulate nickel in an amount of at least 5% by weight as elemental nickel at a temperature of from 0.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. removes all impurities except nitrogen. Then a bed of getter material, a zirconium, vanadium and iron alloy at a temperature of from 200.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. removes the nitrogen impurity thus producing purified hydrogen with an impurity content of less than 20 ppb.

Abstract: In an aircraft, a pressure swing adsorption system (23) is used both for removing carbon dioxide and water vapour from recycled cabin air and for producing in an emergency oxygen from pressurized engine bleed air.

Abstract: In a pressure-swing adsorption-type gas separation unit, a distinct intermediate gas passageway is formed between a first water retaining bed (A) and a second separating adsorbent bed (B), a controlled heat flow being supplied to prevent the formation of a very cold area between both beds. The unit is particularly useful in the production of oxygen from air.

Abstract: An absorber fluid circuit is provided for a volatile liquid vapor recovery system. The vapor recovery system includes at least one adsorbent bed for capturing volatile liquid vapor, a vacuum pump for regenerating the adsorbent bed, a heat exchanger for cooling the vacuum pump, an absorber tower for condensing volatile liquid vapor and an absorber fluid source. The absorber fluid circuit includes an absorber fluid supply pump and a first conduit for directing absorber fluid from the absorber fluid source to the supply pump. A second conduit directs absorber fluid from the supply pump to both the heat exchanger and absorber tower. A third conduit returns spent absorber fluid from the heat exchanger and absorber tower back to the absorber fluid source.

Abstract: An air cleaner includes first and second support structures connected in series. The first support structure has a coating made of a material which absorbs organic contaminants from air passing through it. A combustion catalyst coats the second support structure. The air cleaner thus removes organic contaminants from the air at ambient temperature, when air passes through the first support structure. When the air cleaner has operated for an extended time, the absorbent coating becomes filled with contaminants. One then regenerates the air cleaner by applying heat to both support structures, to evolve the organic contaminants from the first support structure and to burn off these contaminants catalytically in the second support structure. In one embodiment, the support structure has the form of an electrically heated converter, in which one uses an electric current to provide the heat needed for regeneration. Only a relatively small volume of air becomes heated during regeneration.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a gas purification system for the purification of noble gasses and nitrogen. An improved method of purification generally includes the following steps: (a) heating an impure gas; (b) contacting the impure gas with an impurity sorbing material to produce a purified gas; (c) cooling the purified gas to a temperature less than about 100.degree. C.; and (d) contacting the purified gas with a hydrogen sorbing gas to remove residual hydrogen. The system includes an improved heat exchange apparatus for cooling the purified gas and a low temperature hydrogen sorption apparatus.