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: Segregated external gas storage tanks are used to store gases of varying purity for use in the purge and pressure equalization and product repressurization steps of pressure swing adsorption operations, thereby enabling the bed size factor and the power requirements of pressure swing adsorption-gas separation operations to be significantly reduced.

Abstract: In a process and installation for removing solvent vapor from exhaust air sucked from a working space, the air is fed to at least two parallel activated carbon adsorbers. Each adsorber can be switched to and fro between a charging mode in which it adsorbs solvent vapors from the exhaust air flowing through the adsorber, and a regeneration mode in which it is separated from the flow of exhaust air and flushed with water vapor and desorbed. To save energy and to reduce environmental pollution, at the end of the regeneration period each adsorber has a drying phase in which exhaust air from the working space flows through the adsorber, the air thereafter being fed to an adsorber which is operating in the charging mode.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of being used for the separation of solutes dissolved in a gaseous solvent is described. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a bed of sorbent in a container, a device which allows the gaseous solvent to pass through the bed of sorbent in a first direction, a device which allows the pressure of the gas to increase and/or the temperature of the gas to decrease, and a device which allows the gaseous solvent to pass through the bed of sorbent in a second direction. In another aspect, the device is capable of allowing the bed of sorbent to be contaminated by the solute and also be regenerated in situ.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for preferentially adsorbing carbon monoxide from a gas stream containing carbon monoxide in the presence of water and potentially ammonia while not adsorbing methane, hydrogen or carbon dioxide which may be present in the gas stream using an adsorbent of a supported cuprous compound situated downstream serially from a pretreatment adsorbent of 3A zeolite which protects the cuprous compound from water. An additional pretreatment layer of a basic metal compound to protect the acid-unstable 3A zeolite layer is also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and process for separating oxygen from air by adsorption of at least nitrogen on multiple layers of air separation adsorbent in an adsorption bed wherein the multiple layers are Na X-zeolite followed by at least another layer of adsorbent selected from the group consisting of Ca X-zeolite, Li X-zeolite, Ca A-zeolite followed by Ca X-zeolite, Ca A-zeolite followed by Li X-zeolite, Ca X-zeolite followed by Li X-zeolite, Li X-zeolite followed by Ca X-zeolite and Mg A-zeolite followed by Ca X-zeolite.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption unit comprises at least two absorbers, each absorber having at least a port connectable to at least one pumping unit. The pumping unit includes a first pumping stage and a second pumping stage. Each of the pumping stages are capable of discharging into an outlet conduit. A circuit is provided for selectively and alternately connecting a port to a source of feed gas and to the pumping unit such that the first and second pumping stages are sequentially fluidly connected in parallel, and then in series to reduce the pressure at the port to an intermediate vacuum level, and then to a low vacuum level.

Abstract: An improved petroleum vapor control apparatus for scrubbing petroleum vapors at high flow rates without generating dangerous levels of backpressure. The apparatus comprises a substantially air-tight housing into which petroleum vapors are ducted. The vapors are passed through an activated carbon adsorber bed having a large-diameter outlet, after which the scrubbed vapors pass into a zone of controlled pressure. The scrubbed vapors are then vented to the atmosphere. The housing is preferably able to withstand marine conditions, so that the apparatus can be used on marine barges which carry petroleum products.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the dehumidification and VOC odor remediation of an air stream withdrawn from the passenger compartment of a transportation vehicle is disclosed which employs a continuously rotating wheel support and adsorbent selective for the adsorption of water and VOCs. The wheel is coated with zeolite adsorbent selected from the group consisting of zeolite Y-74, zeolite Y-84, zeolite Y-85, a low cerium rare earth exchanged zeolite Y-84, a rare earth exchanged zeolite LZ-210 and mixtures thereof. A surprisingly significant increase in the thermal efficiency is possible as a result of the lower regeneration temperature of the adsorbent and the use of novel process steps.

Abstract: A process and apparatus wherein an adsorption media, containing contaminants adsorbed from a contaminated gas stream, are contained in a media chamber. This chamber is defined by a generally cylindrical vessel, and the adsorption media comprises a polymeric material in particulate or bead form. The media chamber is defined in surrounding relationship to an elongate hollow guide tube which extends longitudinally along the central axis of the chamber. A microwave generator supplies microwave energy into the guide tube which functions as a waveguide. This waveguide has a plurality of slots formed therein which functions as radiators for the microwave energy. The microwave energy passes radially outwardly from the waveguide into the surrounding media throughout the length thereof to effect uniform heating of the media both longitudinally and radially. This heating effects release of the contaminants from the adsorbent media, which volatiles are then sucked out of the media.

Abstract: A method of separating nitrogen-enriched gas is performed by PSA with the use of an apparatus which comprises a plurality of adsorbers (1, 2), a balance tank (3), and a product receiver (4). The method is characterized by comprising the steps of (a) passing, at a predetermined flow rate, high-purity nitrogen gas from the balance tank (3) to an outlet of an adsorber (2) undergoing regeneration; (b) establishing communication between the outlets of both adsorbers (1, 2) through a pressure equalization line while opening the inlets of both adsorbers to atmospheric pressure; (c) after the above step (b), causing a predetermined amount of high-purity nitrogen gas in the balance tank (3) to reversely pass via the outlet of the adsorber (2) which is to be switched from regeneration to adsorption while also supplying the crude gas through its inlet.

Abstract: An activated carbon filter is provided for venting a fuel tank. The activated carbon filter consists of a housing which accommodates activated carbon packets. Via lines, the housing is connected, on the one hand, by way of a first connection with the fuel tank, and on the other hand, by way of a second connection with the intake pipe, particularly that of a combustion engine. A third connection connects the housing with the atmosphere. The housing has a first partition which extends between the connection for the atmosphere and the connection for the tank. At least one other partition is provided which forms at least one other chamber. Each of the chambers is filled with activated carbon.

Abstract: An organic solvent recovery system comprises a vacuum suction device for sucking a gas containing organic solvent from a soil contaminated by the organic solvent and a gas treating apparatus connected to a discharge side of the vacuum device through a connection line for adsorbing and recovering the organic solvent in the gas by activated carbon. The gas treating apparatus comprises an adsorption unit connected to the vacuum device provided with a multistage fluidized bed of the activated carbon for adsorbing the organic solvent in the gas, and a desorption unit arranged side by side with the adsorption unit and provided with a moving bed of the activated carbon for desorbing the organic solvent from the activated carbon, the desorption unit being further provided with a heating device for heating the activated carbon and a gas supply device for supplying a carrier gas for conveying a desorbed solvent gas.

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: A vapor recovery unit comprising a vapor inlet for taking up hydrocarbon vapor from a loading facility or the like, and thereafter alternately allowing the vapor to flow to one of at least two adsorber vessels. Each adsorber vessel includes an entry port in the bottom of the adsorber vessel for receiving vapor. Hydrocarbons are retained on activated carbon beds in the adsorber vessels, resulting in purified air or other carrier gas which is removed through a discharge port also in the bottom of each adsorber vessel and released through an elevated vent to the atmosphere. Hydrocarbon vapor is desorbed from the adsorber vessel by a vacuum system and directed to a separator/absorber vessel wherein the desorbed vapor which has passed through the vacuum system is brought into contact with a hydrocarbon absorbent liquid or condenser. In use, when one adsorber vessel is taking in vapor from the vapor inlet, the other adsorber vessel is having its adsorbent bed desorbed or regenerated.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption apparatus including a compressor for pumping a flow of a gaseous mixture through an adsorption medium utilizes a capacity control system by which the operating capacity of the compressor can be preselected. The capacity control system is disposed upstream, i.e. on the suction side of, the compressor for limiting, when desired, the feed stream drawn into the compressor. A reduction in the operating capacity of the apparatus by way of the control system results in a corresponding reduction in the power consumption and noise levels of the compressor.

Abstract: A multi-stage honeycomb heater includes: at least two honeycomb heaters electrically connected with each other and disposed along a stream of fluid; the two honeycomb heaters including furthest upstream honeycomb heater and a an adjacent honeycomb heater which is adjacent to and downstream of the furthest upstream honeycomb heater; each of the two honeycomb heaters having an electrically conductive honeycomb structure the honeycomb structure of the upstream honeycomb heater having slits for adjusting its electrical resistance and/or element for adjusting heat capacity of the honeycomb structure so that the ratio of applied power to heat capacity of the furthest upstream honeycomb heater is larger than the ratio of applied power to heat capacity of the adjacent honeycomb heater. Thus the upstream heater and the downstream heater can give similar temperature increases without a temperature distribution along a flow direction during the engine warm-up.

Abstract: A rotary adsorption/desorption gas treating apparatus includes a rotary drum rotatable along a rotation axis and having a plurality of gas passage compartments arranged in a peripheral direction of the drum. The apparatus further includes an adsorbing element cassette mounted inside each of the gas passage compartments and including a gas-permeable adsorbing mat. The rotational range of the rotary drum is divided between an adsorption zone and a desorption zone. In the adsorption zone, a treatment subject gas is allowed to pass the gas passage compartments in the direction along the rotation axis of the rotary drum. In the desorption zone, a refreshing gas is allowed to pass the gas passage compartments in the direction along the rotation axis of the rotary drum. The adsorbing mat, when mounted in the compartment, includes a portion thereof oriented normal or inclined relative to a side end face of the rotary drum.

Abstract: Waste heat generated within a pressure swing adsorption system is effectively captured and utilized to preheat the feed gas passing to a feed gas blower for compression to the desired adsorption pressure level. The energy efficiency of the system, and overall system performance, are thereby enhanced.

Abstract: The gas stream which emanates from landfills is treated to produce a purified gas which is essentially a hydrocarbon such as methane which can be used as the fuel source in a fuel cell power plant, or can be used in other power plants which use natural gas as a fuel. The landfill gas passes through a system which removes essentially all of the hydrogen sulfide; water; organic sulfur and halogen compounds; and solid contaminants from the gas stream. The resultant purified gas stream can be cleanly flared; used to power an energy plant; or put to other useful purposes.

Abstract: Air is purified by being passed in sequence through a first, lower, bed of activated alumina particles which adsorb water vapor preferentially therefrom, and a second, upper, bed of zeolite 13X molecular sieve particles which adsorb carbon dioxide preferentially therefrom. The air passes upwardly through the first bed and downwardly through the second bed. Once fully loaded with the adsorbent components, the beds and are regenerated by the passage therethrough of hot regeneration gas. one part of the regeneration gas flows downwardly through the first bed; another part flows upwardly through the second bed. The hot regeneration gas causes the previously adsorbed components to be desorbed. Once regeneration has ended, and the beds have returned their adsorbing temperature, they may be used again to purify air.

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane comprising microporous adsorbent material supported by a porous substrate is operated in series with a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system and the PSA reject gas is used as a sweep gas to improve membrane performance. The integrated membrane-PSA system is particularly useful for recovering high-purity hydrogen from a mixture of hydrogen and hydrocarbons, and is well-suited for integration with a steam-methane reformer.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a sorbing apparatus for removing one or more undesirable components from an influent gas. The sorbing apparatus comprises at least one chamber having first and second ports and defining a gas flow path between the first and second ports. A sorbent bed having a sorbing region and a guard region is disposed in the sorbing chamber in the gas flow path. The sorbing region includes a first sorbent material and the guard region includes a second sorbent material. A gas control arrangement is coupled to the sorbing chamber to cyclically (1) direct the influent gas through the first port, through the sorbing region and the guard region of the sorbent bed and out the second port wherein the undesirable components are sorbed from the influent gas and (2) direct a purge gas through the second port, through the guard region and the sorbing region of the sorbent bed and out the first port wherein the sorbing region is regenerated.

Abstract: The gasification-combined power plant of the present invention has a structure wherein a fuel gas is generated by partially oxidizing a carbon-containing fuel 2 with an oxygen-containing gas 3 in the gasification apparatus 1, the sensible heat of the fuel gas is recovered by the heat exchanger 4, char and dust are removed from the fuel gas by the dust collector 5, trace gas components, such as H.sub.2 S and NH.sub.3, are simultaneously removed from the waste gas by the gas separation apparatus 6 based on dry physical adsorption of these components (for example, by a pressure swing adsorption method), the thus separated and removed gas containing high concentrations of trace gas components, such as H.sub.2 S and NH.sub.3, is denitrated and desulfurized by the gas disposal apparatus 7 and then is discharged from the chimney 13 into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A rotary device including a plurality of vertical prismatic sectors mounted on a first annular plate comprising two arrays of gas passages which communicate with the outer and inner collectors of respective sectors, and interacting with a second plane annular plate on a housing defining a set of inner chambers. The second plate comprises two concentric arrays of apertures which communicate with corresponding chambers in the set of chambers, and are spread out along the path of the two gas passage arrays of the first plate. The device is particularly useful for producing oxygen.

Abstract: A sorption device for use in a cooling plant consists of a plurality of elongated sorption containers, which along part of their length are filled with sorbents, and in this part constitute a digester adsorber zone, and where the other part of their length constitutes a condensor evaporator zone. The sorption containers rotate in two coaxial housings on a circular path, and with the digester adsorber element (16) they are disposed in the one housing (11), and with the condensor evaporator element (30) in the other housing. The housing (11) enclosing the condensor adsorber elements (16) only has one inlet (13) and one outlet (14) for the gaseous heat transfer medium, so that on its flow path through the housing the heat transfer medium both withdraws heat from the digester adsorber elements (16) and supplies heat thereto. The arrangement ensures a particularly favorable energetic efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for producing high purity oxygen containing not more than 1 ppm by volume of hydrocarbons. An oxygen stream containing up to about 100 ppm by volume of hydrocarbons is subjected to cryogenic temperature swing adsorption in an adsorption bed containing calcium-exchanged type X zeolite, type 5A zeolite or 13X zeolite, for the removal of the hydrocarbons and any nitrogen present in the oxygen stream.

Abstract: In a method for purifying a carbon-containing adsorption medium used for treating flue gases within a flue gas scrubbing process the adsorption medium is introduced into an adsorption medium reactor where the adsorption medium adsorbs pollutants from the flue gas. The adsorption medium laden with pollutants is then removed from the adsorption medium reactor and conveyed into a thermal regeneration apparatus. At temperatures of 350.degree. to 650.degree. C. the pollutants are desorbed in the thermal regeneration apparatus, resulting in a desorption gas. In the desorbing step, pollutants in the form of heavy metals are vaporized and pollutants other than heavy metals are released from the adsorption medium and optionally decomposed. The desorption gas is then guided into an adsorption apparatus where the heavy metals are removed from the desorption gas by adsorption.

Abstract: In a regenerable collective protection system the turbine of an air cycle machine is driven by a potion of the clean air output of a pressure swing adsorber bed pair in the system. The beds in the pair are used alternately to cleanse contaminated air. They are then alternately purged of contaminant products. Valves are used to direct these alternate operations. The valve closures cause overpressures in the clean air output. The overpressures are predictable in relation to the valve actuation sequence and are removed by coordinating operation of a surge air bleed valve in the clean air output with valve actuation in the pressure swing adsorber bed pair.

Abstract: A system and method for removing volatile organic compounds (VOC's) from a circulating airstream utilizes first and second adsorption beds and first and second adsorption paths alternately coupling the circulating airstream to the respective first and second adsorption beds for removing VOC's during adsorption cycles. First and second desorption loops alternately couple a desorption inert gas through the respective first and second adsorption beds for desorption and regeneration and for recovering VOC's in a VOC condenser. System parameter sensors are distributed in the first and second adsorption paths and first and second desorption loops for sensing system parameters. A programmable controller is coupled to the system parameter sensors, to flow control valves, and to the inert gas heater for controlling the system in response to sensed system parameters. The system parameter sensors include a variety of temperature, O.sub.2, VOC, pressure, and differential pressure sensors.

Abstract: Device for drying a gas, consisting of a dryer (2) of the type using a pressure vessel (3) with a drying zone (4) and regeneration zone (5), with an adsorption and/or absorption medium (6) which is brought alternatively through the drying zone (4) and the regeneration zone (5); a main canalization (7) allowing that the gas to be dried is led through the drying zone (4) of the dryer (2); an auxiliary canalization (8) allowing that part of the gas to be dried is led through the regeneration zone (5) of the dryer (2) and taked up moisture herein; a cooler (9, 47, 53, 62, 66) providing in the cooling of the gas from the auxiliary canalization (8), whereby liquid excretion takes place; and a blending device (10) for adding the gas from the auxiliary canalization (8) back to the gas in the main canalization (7), characterized in that the blending device (10) is integrated in the dryer (2).

Abstract: Removal NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x from the flue gas utilizing a transport line adsorber through which sorbent is transported by pressurized flue gas to cause the sorbent to absorb NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x from the flue gas while the flue gas is transporting the sorbent particles through the transport line adsorber. A plurality of interconnected cyclones may be utilized to contact sorbent saturated with NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x removed from the flue gas with a heated gas to heat the sorbent and remove the NO.sub.x from the sorbent and separate the sorbent and the heated gas to produce an off stream of heated gas carrying the removed NO.sub.x away; the heated gas and gravity combine to pass the sorbent through the plurality of cyclones and which cyclones are positioned vertically and successively downwardly with respect to each other. A plurality of interconnected cyclones is also utilized to contact heated sorbent having the NO.sub.x and SO.sub.

Abstract: A compressed air system includes an air drying subsystem which can be configured either in an intermittent mode, in which a separate purge volume intermittently purges the desiccant used by the air drying systems when the compressor goes off load, or in a continuous flow mode, in which the purge volume is replaced by a second desiccant cartridge and the two desiccant cartridges are alternatively purged and used to dry the compressed air.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for fractionating fluid mixtures by pressure swing molecular adsorption employing a rotary distributor valve and an array of adsorber columns. The columns are, in one embodiment, contained within a product holding tank or, in another embodiment, attached to a product tank. The valve sequences to provide a quasi steady-state flow, allowing optimization of adsorption/desorption cycles, and eliminating most of the valves, switches and plumbing usually required.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorber system includes a pneumatically driven booster compressor to increase the pressure of the output product gas. A pair of inlet valves controls feed air flow to the sieve beds and the drive cylinder of the booster compressor and are cycled so that one valve opens to pressurize one sieve bed before the other valve closes to allow the other sieve bed vent to atmosphere. During the time that both valves are open, the pressure in the two sieve beds and on opposite sides of the drive cylinder equalize and a portion of the gas in the pressurized sieve bed and drive cylinder side is captured rather than being vented to ambient. System efficiency is increased by selecting whether captured gas from the last pressurized sieve bed or drive cylinder side reaches the next to be pressurized sieve bed first.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering one or more condensable compounds from inert gas-condensable compound vapor mixture is provided. The inert gas-condensable compound vapor mixture is flowed through a first bed of solid adsorbent whereby the condensable compounds are removed from the mixture and a residue gas stream comprised of substantially condensable compound-free inert gas is produced and disposed of, e.g., vented to the atmosphere. A second bed of solid adsorbent is evacuated by vacuum pumping using a cooled liquid seal vacuum pump. As the resulting inert gas-condensable compound vapor mixture is contacted with the cooled seal liquid of the liquid seal vacuum pump, a major portion of the condensable compounds are condensed. The condensed compounds are recovered and a portion thereof are cooled and recycled as cooled seal liquid for the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A desiccant tower receives air at its air inlet and concentrates the oxygen in this air in order to provide a gas at its gas outlet which has a concentration of oxygen exceeding the concentration of oxygen normally found in air. A bypass conduit is coupled to the desiccant tower so as to syphon off gas from the desiccant tower at a point where the gas within the desiccant tower has a concentration of oxygen which is less than the concentration of oxygen in the gas at the gas outlet of the desiccant tower. The gases at the gas outlet of the desiccant tank and in the conduit are mixed so as to produce an output gas mixture having a desired concentration of oxygen. The desired concentration of oxygen is less than a desiccant tower can ordinarily provide but greater than the concentration of oxygen normally found in air.

Abstract: An operating system for dual-sieve oxygen concentrators, as used by invalids, provides a method and apparatus for controlling the purging and release of product gas and the cycling period in response to the pressure build-up in each sieve column. The cycling period is thereby self-adjusting to changes in the capacity of the columns. Restricting flow of product gas and purge gas to the higher-pressure part of the adsorption period provides product gas of higher purity and reduces the loss of oxygen in the purge.

Abstract: The gasification-combined power plant of the present invention has a structure wherein a fuel gas is generated by partially oxidizing a carbon-containing fuel 2 with an oxygen-containing gas 3 in the gasification apparatus 1, the sensible heat of the fuel gas is recovered by the heat exchanger 4, char and dust are removed from the fuel gas by the dust collector 5, trace gas components, such as H.sub.2 S and NH.sub.3, are simultaneously removed from the waste gas by the gas separation apparatus 6 based on dry physical adsorption of these components (for example, by a pressure swing adsorption method), the thus separated and removed gas containing high concentrations of trace gas components, such as H.sub.2 S and NH.sub.3, is denitrated and desulfurized by the gas disposal apparatus 7 and then is discharged from the chimney 13 into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for removal of contaminants from a fluid stream comprising adsorbing the contaminants with an adsorbent, contacting the resulting contaminant-laden adsorbent with a heated fluid, incinerating a portion of the contaminant-laden fluid, mixing at least a portion of the products of combustion with the remaining portion of contaminant-laden fluid, recirculating the mixture of contaminant-laden fluid and combustion products through the adsorbent to increase the concentration of contaminants in the mixture, and incinerating at least a portion of the recirculated mixture.

Abstract: An expanding apparatus continuously expands a material, e.g., a tobacco material and supplies gaseous carbon dioxide as an expanding agent to an impregnating vessel by an expanding agent supply to maintain a predetermined impregnating pressure. The material is continuously supplied to the impregnating vessel by a material supply while increasing the pressure of the material. The material is continuously discharged from the impregnating vessel by a material discharge while decreasing the pressure of the material. The expanding agent supply has a heat exchanger to perform heat exchange between carbon dioxide to be supplied to the impregnating vessel and a coolant, thereby cooling carbon dioxide. The state of carbon dioxide to be supplied to the impregnating vessel is controlled in accordance with the temperature or the like of the tobacco material discharged from the impregnating vessel, so that carbon dioxide is effectively impregnated and no dry ice is formed in the material discharge or the like.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for concentrating/purifying a chlorine gas are disclosed in which a pressure swing adsorption method for alternately repeating an adsorbing operation and a desorbing operation employing one or more adsorption towers packed with an adsorbent for adsorbing the chlorine gas are used to obtain a high-purity concentrated/purified chlorine gas and an exhaust gas containing virtually no chlorine gas is obtained from the chlorine gas containing impurities by terminating the adsorption operation when the rate of temperature rise near the outlet end of an adsorption tower due to adsorption of chlorine therein rises above a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Adsorbers used to dry air frequently contain 4A or 13X molecular sieve zeolites, which are intermittently reactivated by thermal regeneration. When the air pressure in a thermally regenerated adsorber is increased, such as during start-up, after adsorbent reloading, after apparatus repair, maintenance or inspection, or after repressurization following thermal regeneration, nitrogen adsorbs preferentially relative to oxygen in activated 4A and 13X molecular sieve zeolites. This produces an oxygen-enriched, high pressure gas within the adsorber vessel which emerges immediately after the adsorber is brought on line. The oxygen-enriched, high pressure gas can cause fires, explosions, and other deleterious effects in and downstream of such adsorber vessels. This invention provides thermally regenerated air driers and air drying processes using adsorbent compositions that do not adsorb nitrogen preferentially to oxygen.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for fractionating fluid mixtures by pressure swing molecular adsorption employing a rotary distributor valve and an array of adsorber columns. The columns are, in one embodiment, contained within a product holding tank or, in another embodiment, attached to a product tank. The valve sequences to provide a quasi steady-state flow, allowing optimization of adsorption/desorption cycles, and eliminating most of the valves, switches and plumbing usually required.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption plant for the separation of gas mixtures includes at least one pressure vessel containing an adsorbent bed that is able preferentially to adsorb at least one component of the gas mixture. The pressure vessel has an inlet at its top for the feed gas mixture, an outlet at its bottom for non-adsorbed gas and at least one heat conductive member containing a liquid medium arranged within the bed such that, in operation, heat is able to be conducted by convection through the liquid from a region of maximum temperature at or near the bottom of the bed to a region of minimum temperature at or near the top of the bed.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for the production of a purified product gas at a user specified product gas demand from a feed gas containing impurities which includes at least one treatment zone having an inlet and outlet region, a sensing device for detecting a change in product gas demand, a device for generating a first signal, a device for translating the first signal and comparing the same to a standard, and a device for converting the translated signal to a second signal which operates a valve to vary the feed rate of the gas entering the system.

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

Abstract: A pressure-swing adsorption type gas separator system includes two adsorption vessels and a switching valve for placing each of the adsorption vessels alternately in communication with a raw gas source and an exhaust gas line so that a pressurized adsorption process and a reduced-pressure desorption process are sequentially carried out in each of the vessels. The switching valve is a four-port rotary valve having four ports connected to the adsorption vessels, a raw gas source and an exhaust gas line and is driven by a rotary drive. Preferably, the rotary drive is a drive motor for a pressurizing pump provided in a raw gas line, and the four-port rotary valve is connected to the drive motor via a speed reducer.

Abstract: Enriched oxygen from a pressure swing adsorption system and air are blended to provide oxygen enriched air of desired purity, particularly for use at flow rates between those for which liquid oxygen and on-site cryogenic air separation plants are desirable.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for fractionating fluid mixtures by pressure swing molecular adsorption employing a rotary distributor valve and an array of adsorber columns. The columns are contained within a product holding tank. The valve sequences to provide a quasi steady-state flow, allowing optimization of adsorption/desorption cycles, and eliminating most of the valves, switches and plumbing usually required.