With Means For Regenerating Solid Sorbent Patents (Class 96/130)
  • Patent number: 8012446
    Abstract: NO2 may be removed from a carbon dioxide feed gas comprising NOx and at least one “non-condensable” gas as contaminants by passing the feed gas at a first elevated pressure through a first adsorption system that selectively adsorbs at least NO2 to produce at least substantially NO2-free carbon dioxide gas. The adsorption system is at least partially regenerated using a carbon dioxide-rich gas recovered from the substantially NO2-free carbon dioxide gas after purification. The invention has particular application in removing NOx and water from flue gas generated by oxyfuel combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew David Wright, Kevin Boyle Fogash, Vincent White, Jeffrey William Kloosterman, Timothy Christopher Golden, Paul Higginbotham
  • Publication number: 20110198055
    Abstract: Air treatment modules, systems and methods for removing contaminants from indoor air are provided. Device embodiments may include one or more air inlets, one or more air outlets and a plurality of inserts which each include at least one adsorbent material. The inserts may be arranged separate from each other to form a plurality of substantially parallel air flow paths between the one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets. The adsorbent material may be arranged for regeneration within the air treatment module using thermal swing desorption and/or pressure swing desorption. Related systems, methods and articles of manufacture are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Udi Meirav, Israel BIRAN
  • Patent number: 7972422
    Abstract: A system comprising a cylindrical housing containing a sorbent cartridge selective of one or more gases in a gaseous mixture. End caps on opposite ends of the housing seal to the ends of the cartridge and direct the flow of gas mixture through a portion of the cartridge. The first end cap has entrance and exit ports for the gas mixture and for a purging gas for cartridge regeneration. The second end cap includes a compartment to receive and return the gas mixture to the first cap exit port. The purging gas follows a similar pathway via the remaining portion of the cartridge. The cartridge is rotatable within the housing; thus, the exhausted portion of the medium may be rotated into position for regeneration while a regenerated portion of the medium is rotated into position for re-use, thus providing continuous adsorption from the gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Ballard, David J. Ranelli, Diane M. England, Malcolm James Grieve, Yee Ho Chia, Galen B. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20110154989
    Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide is removed from a hydrogen rich gas stream using adsorbents having a low loss of carbon dioxide adsorption capacity upon sulfur loading including high purity silica gels, titania or highly cross-linked, non-chemically reactive resins. The adsorbents may be used to adsorb both carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, or may be used as a guard bed upstream of a separate carbon dioxide adsorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Raymond Hufton, Timothy Christopher Golden, Robin Joyce Maliszewskyj, Edward Landis Weist, JR., Robert Quinn, Erin Marie Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7959720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to engineered structured adsorbent contactors for use in pressure swing adsorption and thermal swing adsorption processes. Preferably, the contactors contain engineered and substantially parallel flow channels wherein 20 volume percent or less of the open pore volume of the contactor, excluding the flow channels, is in the mesopore and macropore range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Harry W. Deckman, Ronald R. Chance, Edward W. Corcoran, Jr., David L. Stern
  • Publication number: 20110132191
    Abstract: An adsorption drying apparatus, in particular for drying a compressed gas, includes an adsorption chamber (11) having a plurality of adsorption conduits (101) containing an adsorption material (123), a first feeding line (106) and a first discharging line (109) disposed at a first end (111) of the adsorption chamber (11), and a second feeding line (108) and a second discharging line (107) disposed at a second end (112) of the adsorption chamber (11). The adsorption chamber (11) is rotatable with respect to the feeding and discharging lines (106, 107, 108, 109) so that the adsorption conduits may be fluidically connected in temporal alternation, wherein the gas is dried in a drying sector (102), and the adsorption material (123) is regenerated in the regeneration sector (103). The first feeding line (106) is configured such that the gas stream to be dried may be fed to the regeneration sector (103) as a full flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: KAESER KOMPRESSOREN GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas FREDENHAGEN, René MARTIN, Michael FEISTHAUER, Michael ROHDENBURG
  • Patent number: 7954490
    Abstract: Concentrated oxygen product gas is produced and delivered to a patient. Product gas is produced by (a) introducing ambient air into a first end of a column containing an adsorbent material that preferentially adsorbs nitrogen and removes oxygen-rich product gas out a second end of the column; (b) evacuating the column through the first end to remove adsorbed gas from the column; (c) repressurizing the column by introducing ambient air into the first end of the column until the column is near 1.0 atmosphere; and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c). Product gas is delivered as needed to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Vbox, Incorporated
    Inventors: Theodore W. Jagger, Nicholas P. Van Brunt, John A. Kivisto, Perry B. Lonnes
  • Patent number: 7947120
    Abstract: The adsorption of CO2 from flue gas streams using temperature swing adsorption. Adsorbent contactors are used in the temperature swing adsorption unit that contain a plurality of substantially parallel channels comprised of or coated with an adsorbent material that is selective for adsorbing CO2 from flue gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Harry W. Deckman, Bruce T. Kelley, Frank Hershkowitz, Ronald R. Chance, Paul S. Northrop, Edward W. Corcoran, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110107914
    Abstract: The present invention relates to articles for extracting a component from a fluid stream, the article including a body portion having a plurality of bores extending therethrough, the bores facilitating the flow of the fluid stream through the body portion in use, wherein the body portion is formed from a mixture of a binder and at least one component selected from the group consisting of carbon fibres, carbon nanotubes and mixtures thereof. The present invention also relates to a method of forming such articles and methods and systems including same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Shi Su, Ramesh Thiruvenkatachari
  • Patent number: 7922790
    Abstract: Compressor device having a compressor (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4); a compressed air line (5) which connects the outlet (4) of the compressor (2) to a user network (6); a drier (7) which is incorporated in the compressed air line (5) and which includes at least two air receivers (13-16) which are each provided with an inlet (14) and an outlet (15) and which are filled with desiccant or drying agent, which air receivers (13-16) work alternately, such that while one air receiver (13) is drying the compressed gas, the other air receiver (16) is regenerated; and a blow-off device (28) for blowing off at least a part of the gas compressed by the compressor when the compressor (2) works in no-load or in partial load, characterized in that mechanisms are provided which make it possible to guide the part of the compressed gas which is blown off via the blow-off device (28) through the regenerating air receiver (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Airpower Naamloze Vennootschap
    Inventor: Danny Etienne Andrée Vertriest
  • Patent number: 7922789
    Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel compressor system which includes the use of free piston linear compressors so as to reduce power consumption, noise and vibration reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Inogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Frank Deane, Brenton Alan Taylor
  • Patent number: 7918925
    Abstract: A multi-chamber canister for a pressure swing absorption system within a general housing assembly. The chambers include a first molecular sieve chamber for receiving a first molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas and at least a second molecular sieve chamber disposed within the housing assembly for receiving a second molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas component. Furthermore, a supply chamber is disposed within the housing for receiving air from the ambient environment and for communicating air to either first or second molecular sieve chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph T. Dolensky, Robert J. Maddox, Jr., Robert W. Murdoch
  • Patent number: 7896958
    Abstract: Device for supplying domiciliary and ambulatory oxygen, comprising an oxygen filling station and a portable oxygen reserve that can be selectively connected to the filling station, the filling station comprising an oxygen concentrator intended to isolate gaseous oxygen from the air, a liquefier connected to one outlet of the concentrator to receive the isolated gaseous oxygen so that it can be liquefied, a transfer connector connected to one outlet of the liquefier and intended to be connected to an inlet connector of the reserve, the reserve comprising a tank connected to the inlet connector so that liquid oxygen can be transferred from the filling station to the tank, a delivery system comprising members for tapping off, heating and regulating the flow of the oxygen from the tank so as to deliver gaseous oxygen to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude Et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Eric Sermet, Eliette Ferre, Philippe Dodier, Joseph Mazoyer
  • Patent number: 7892323
    Abstract: The management of hydrogen in hydrogen-containing streams associated with petrochemical process units wherein the hydrogen-containing stream is subjected rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption to increase the concentration of hydrogen therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: David L. Stern, Bal K. Kaul, John Di-Yi Ou, Dana L. Pilliod
  • Publication number: 20110030556
    Abstract: An oxygen generating system includes an oxygen generating unit including a housing having disposed therein i) at least two sieve beds, ii) a piston disposed between and operatively connected to the sieve beds, and iii) at least one magnet operatively disposed on the piston. A coil is wrapped around an exterior surface of the housing and is in operative communication with the magnet(s). The coil is configured to drive the piston along a length of the housing between the sieve beds during at least one stage of an oxygen generating cycle. The driving of the piston is accomplished via an electromagnetic field formed between the coil and the magnet(s). Also disclosed herein is a method for generating an oxygen-enriched gas using the oxygen generating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: DANA G. PELLETIER, MICHAEL S. McCLAIN
  • Publication number: 20110011264
    Abstract: A fuel vapor processor has a fuel tank, a canister, a vapor pipe, a recovery pipe, an air pipe, a suction device, a vapor pipe valve, an air pipe valve, and a pressure regulator. The vapor pipe leads fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank to the canister for trapping the fuel vapor in the canister. The recovery pipe recoveries the fuel vapor desorbed from the canister into the fuel tank. The air pipe communicates the canister with the atmosphere. The suction device is disposed on the recovery pipe for desorbing the fuel vapor trapped in the canister. The pressure regulator is communicated with the air pipe between the air pipe valve and the canister in order to allow gas flow from the atmosphere toward the canister. During desorption of the fuel vapor due to the suction device, the vapor pipe valve and the air pipe valve are closed, and negative pressure is kept in the canister such that the fuel vapor is desorbed from the canister and fresh air is led into the canister via the pressure regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuhiko MAKINO, Masanobu SHINAGAWA, Hideki TESHIMA, Takashi MANI
  • Patent number: 7867320
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual feed and dual vacuum four bed VPSA process for selectively adsorbing a component from a feed stream, e.g., nitrogen from air, to produce an oxygen-enriched gas stream using a multi-port indexing drum valve, a system comprising a multi-port indexing drum valve and method for operating such a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Safdar Allie Baksh, Michael S. Manning, Ashwin Desai, Preeti Chandra, Paul William Belanger
  • Patent number: 7862645
    Abstract: Method for argon recovery that comprises (a) providing a feed gas mixture comprising argon and nitrogen; (b) contacting at least a portion of the feed gas mixture with a nitrogen-selective adsorbent in a cyclic pressure swing adsorption process and adsorbing at least a portion of the nitrogen on the adsorbent in a first pressure range above 100 psia to provide a purified argon product and an adsorbent comprising adsorbed nitrogen; and (c) desorbing the adsorbed nitrogen in one or more regeneration steps effected in a second pressure range between atmospheric pressure and a super-atmospheric pressure below any pressure in the first pressure range, inclusive; wherein the cyclic pressure swing adsorption process is effected at an average operating temperature of at least about 0° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Dean Whitley, Edward Landis Weist, Jr., Annemarie Ott Weist, Steven Ray Auvil
  • Publication number: 20100331584
    Abstract: Recovery of a halogenated hydrocarbon is performed by removing the halogenated hydrocarbon from an accompanying gas and/or temporarily storing the halogenated hydrocarbon on sorption filters, and releasing the halogenated hydrocarbon in targeted manner. The halogenated hydrocarbon serves for removal of an expiration gas using a steam carrier. A flow of the halogenated hydrocarbon takes place through two sorbents, (1) a hydrophobic carbon molecular sieve and (2) a hydrophobic zeolite, in two sorbent beds, spatially following one another. Air mixed with steam or steam has a temperature of the gases between 90° C. and 100° C. at normal pressure. In a filter for carrying out theabove recovery method, two filter beds are disposed to spatially follow one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: ZeoSys GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Stach
  • Publication number: 20100326275
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a pressure swing adsorber vessel. The pressure swing adsorber vessel can include one or more walls. Generally, the one or more walls contain an adsorbent bed having a first side and a second side and at least one spacer forming a cusp. Usually, the one or more walls and the adsorbent bed define at least one void volume adjacent to the adsorbent bed, and the cusp of the at least one spacer may be positioned in the at least one void volume. The cusp can be positioned opposing an incoming feed stream or a desorbent stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Paul A. Sechrist
  • Patent number: 7854790
    Abstract: A method of processing a volatile organic compound is provided, wherein a volatile organic compound contained in gas to be treated is adsorbed in an adsorbent; the thus-adsorbed volatile organic compound is desorbed with the aid of steam and mixed in the steam; and the steam containing the volatile organic compound is combusted. This method further includes: separating a vessel for the adsorption and desorption into an inner side room and an outer side room by means of a separation member part of which is formed of the adsorbent; thermally retaining the vessel for the adsorption and desorption; at the time of adsorption, supplying the gas to be treated to the inner side room and therefrom to the outer side room; and at the time of desorption, supplying the steam to the outer side room and therefrom to the inner side room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Uji, Masahito Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7854793
    Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption system comprising two or more vessels, each having a feed end, a product end, and adsorbent material adapted to adsorb one or more components from a multi-component feed gas mixture; piping adapted to (1) introduce the feed gas mixture into the feed ends, withdraw a product gas from the product ends, and withdraw a waste gas from the feed ends of the vessels, and (2) place the product ends of any pair of vessels in flow communication; a feed pipe adapted to supply the feed gas mixture to the system; a product pipe adapted to withdraw the product gas from the system; and a waste gas pipe adapted to withdraw the waste gas from the system. An indexed rotatable multi-port valve is adapted to place the product end of each vessel in sequential flow communication with the product end of each of the other vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventors: David Lester Rarig, Roger Dean Whitley, Matthew James LaBuda
  • Patent number: 7846237
    Abstract: The concentration of adsorbate in the feed gas to an on-stream bed of a cyclical swing adsorption process is monitored and the data processed to predict the time required to complete the on-stream mode of that bed and the purge flow rate and/or other regeneration mode operating condition of the concurrently off-stream bed is modified in response to changes in said predicted time whereby the regeneration mode of the off-steam bed is completed at the same time as the on-stream mode of the concurrent on-stream bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew David Wright, Mohammad Ali Kalbassi, Timothy Christopher Golden, Christopher James Raiswell
  • Publication number: 20100294130
    Abstract: A hydrogen gas separation method utilizing PSA process employs a plurality of adsorption towers A, B, C loaded with an adsorbent for separating the hydrogen gas from a hydrogen-containing gas mixture, and a cycle including introducing the gas mixture into the adsorption tower, adsorbing unnecessary gas in the gas mixture by the adsorbent, leading out product gas having high hydrogen concentration from the adsorption tower, desorbing the unnecessary gas from the adsorbent, and leading out desorbed gas containing the unnecessary gas and residual gas in the adsorption tower from the adsorption tower, is repeated. The adsorbent includes an activated carbon-based first adsorbent D located on the upstream side of the flow direction of the gas mixture in the adsorption tower with an filling ratio of 60 to 80%, and a zeolite-based second adsorbent E located on the downstream side of the flow direction with filling ratio of 40 to 20%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEMICALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuo Haruna, Masanori Miyake, Hiroaki Sasano, Mayumi Fukushima
  • Patent number: 7837771
    Abstract: A rotary cylinder valve comprises a valve body, a valve cylinder rotationally mounted within the valve body, and first, second, third and fourth valve seats coupled to the valve body. The valve cylinder has a first position in which dual independent flow paths connect the first valve seat with the second valve seat, and connect the third valve seat with the fourth valve seat. The valve cylinder is rotatable to a second position in which the dual independent flow paths connect the first valve seat with the fourth valve seat, and connect the third valve seat with the second valve seat. The valve seats form seals against the valve cylinder, such that no flow path connects the first valve seat with the third valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Barone
  • Patent number: 7837765
    Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and/or fuel cell systems including the same. The PSA assemblies include, or are utilized with, combustion fuel stream supply systems that are adapted to regulate the flow of a byproduct stream from the PSA assembly for delivery to a heating assembly for use as a combustible fuel stream, such as to maintain at least a hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing system at a hydrogen-producing temperature or range of temperatures. In some embodiments, the combustion fuel stream supply system is configured to ensure that the supply of combustible fuel from the PSA assembly to the heating assembly contains at least a sufficient fuel value, such as to maintain at least the hydrogen-producing region at or within a predetermined hydrogen-producing temperature or range of temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventors: Patton M. Adams, Travis A. Bizjak, James A. Givens
  • Publication number: 20100288121
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for compressing and drying a gas flow rich in carbon dioxide, for example containing more than 50 mol % of carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Dominique Antonio, Arthur Darde, Christophe Michel, Jean-Francois Rauch, Jean-Pierre Tranier
  • Patent number: 7833326
    Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies with purge control systems, and hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same. The PSA assemblies are operated according to a PSA cycle to produce a product hydrogen stream and a byproduct stream from a mixed gas stream. The byproduct stream may be delivered as a fuel stream to a heating assembly, which may heat the hydrogen-producing region that produces the mixed gas stream. The PSA assemblies may be adapted to regulate the flow of purge gas utilized therein, such as according to a predetermined, non-constant profile. In some embodiments, the flow of purge gas is regulated to maintain the flow rate and/or fuel value of the byproduct stream at or within a determined range of a threshold value, and/or to regulate the flow of purge gas to limit the concentration of carbon monoxide in a heated exhaust stream produced from the byproduct stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventor: Travis A. Bizjak
  • Patent number: 7833311
    Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies with temperature-based breakthrough detection systems, as well as to hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same, and to methods of operating the same. The detection systems are adapted to detect a measured temperature associated with adsorbent in an adsorbent bed of a PSA assembly and to control the operation of at least the PSA assembly responsive at least in part thereto, such as responsive to the relationship between the measured temperature and at least one reference temperature. The reference temperature may include a stored value, a previously measured temperature and/or a temperature measured elsewhere in the PSA assembly. In some embodiments, the reference temperature is associated with adsorbent downstream from the adsorbent from which the measured temperature is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventor: James A. Givens
  • Patent number: 7828877
    Abstract: An inventive adsorptive gas separation process is provided capable of producing a purified methane product gas as a light non-adsorbed product gas as opposed to a heavy desorbed exhaust gas component, from a feed gas mixture comprising at least methane, and carbon dioxide. In an embodiment of the invention, the feed gas mixture may comprise at least about 10% carbon dioxide, and the purified methane product gas may be desirably purified to contain less than about 5000 ppm carbon dioxide. In another embodiment of the invention, the feed gas mixture may comprise at least about 50% carbon dioxide, and the purified methane product gas may be desirably purified to contain less than about 5000 ppm carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Xebec Adsorption, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Sawada, Matthew L. Babicki, Amy Chiu, Andre Boulet, Surajit Roy, Edward J. Rode
  • Patent number: 7819948
    Abstract: A rotary valve is disclosed having a rotor and stator that utilizes at least one compression spring to provide contact between the rotor and stator. The spring(s) is configured to oppose the pressure forces that urge the rotors and stators apart and reduce the amount of torque necessary to turn the rotors in the valve while preventing leakage from between the rotor and stator. The spring(s) may be positioned within the valve by a spring locating features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Paul Wagner
  • Patent number: 7815713
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for separating and purifying a landfill gas stream. In one embodiment, the method includes a step of collecting a crude landfill gas stream which includes at least methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen gases. The method also includes a step of separating the crude landfill gas stream into at least an intermediate landfill gas stream and a first waste gas stream using a membrane separation unit, wherein the intermediate landfill gas stream is enriched in methane and depleted in carbon dioxide relative to the crude landfill gas stream. The method further includes a step of separating the intermediate landfill gas stream into at least a final landfill gas stream and a second waste gas stream using a pressure swing adsorption separation unit, wherein the final landfill gas stream is enriched in methane and depleted in carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen relative to the intermediate landfill gas stream. In some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Manufactured Methane Corp.
    Inventors: Cary V. Sorensen, Jeffrey R. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20100247393
    Abstract: A multiple-stage granular moving bed apparatus comprises a first integrated moving bed unit, a second integrated moving bed unit and at least one granular material. The first integrated moving bed unit, having a first inlet part for providing a raw gas flowing therein, a first outlet part for providing a partially cleaned gas flowing thereout, and a plurality of first flow-corrective elements disposed therebetween for defining two channels. The second integrated moving bed unit, coupled to the first integrated moving bed unit, having a second inlet part for providing the partially cleaned gas flowing therein, a second outlet part for providing a completely cleaned gas flowing thereout, and a plurality of second flow-corrective elements disposed therebetween for defining two channels. The at least one granular material flows through the two channels respectively and then passes through the two channels respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: YAU-PIN CHYOU, JIRI SMID, SHU-SAN HSIAU
  • Publication number: 20100242724
    Abstract: A system and method of purifying gaseous carbon dioxide from a gaseous mixture obtained at low pressure from a flue gas by passing the gaseous mixture through a vacuum swing adsorption unit and then a gas purification unit to produce carbon dioxide having a purity of approximately 97% by volume or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Yudong CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100239373
    Abstract: A soil remediation system comprises an in-ground extraction well and separation apparatus connected to receive extracted soil vapors from the extraction well. The separation apparatus comprises plural pressure swing adsorption (PSA) components, respective ones of the PSA components containing a respective adsorption medium adapted to adsorb a respective species contained in the extracted soil vapors, the plural PSA components being connected in a serial succession to provide respective desorbed species flow streams of the respective species from the respective PSA components, some of the species being re-injected into the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Delta Environmental Consultants, Inc.
    Inventor: Marsaili Gillecriosd
  • Patent number: 7799117
    Abstract: A thermal sink is used to recover heat from a product gas leaving an adsorption vessel in a thermal swing adsorption process. Heat that is recovered from the product gas is used to heat a regeneration gas during the subsequent regeneration of the adsorbent material within the adsorption vessel. The step in which the regenerated bed of adsorbent material is cooled prior to returning to adsorption mode is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Lin Li, Mark E. Schott, Andrew S. Zarchy, Bradley P. Russell
  • Patent number: 7789942
    Abstract: Method for drying gas coming from a compressor (2), which is directed through a drier (5) of the type which consists of an air receiver (6) and a drying element (9) in the form of a rotor in which has been provided an adsorption and/or absorption medium (10) which is alternately guided through a drying zone (7) and a regeneration zone (8) of the air receiver (6), whereby during periods of standstill or of idle running of the compressor (2) a gas flow is guided counterflow through the adsorption and/or absorption medium (10) in the drying zone (7), i.e. in a flow direction (P) from the outlet (22) to the inlet (15) of the drying zone (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER, naamloze vennootschap
    Inventors: Bart Etienne Agnes Vanderstraeten, Reinoud Luk Herwig Neefs
  • Patent number: 7789938
    Abstract: Device for drying a compressed gas which consists of a compressed gas supply (2), two pressure vessels (33 and 34) which are provided with an input (37, respectively) and an output (39, 40 respectively) and a take-up point (32) for users of compressed dried gas, whereby at least two layers of desiccant (35 and 36) are provided in the pressure vessels (33 and 34), a first layer (35) made of a waterproof desiccant and a second layer (36) which is not necessarily made of a waterproof desiccant respectively, and whereby the pressure vessels (33 and 34) are provided with a second input (41, 42 respectively) for the supply of compressed gas to regenerate desiccant from the first layer (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Airpower, naamloze vennootschap
    Inventor: Filip Gustaaf M. Huberland
  • Patent number: 7785548
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream. In one embodiment, the fuel filter comprises at least one column comprising an adsorbent. In one exemplary embodiment the adsorbent is capable of removing sulfur containing compounds, especially sulfur containing aromatic compounds, from fuels used in internal combustion engines, especially diesel fuels. Also disclosed is an apparatus for extending the life cycle of a post combustion emission control device. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream and an emission control device. Finally, a method for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Rohrbach, Peter D. Unger, Gary B. Zulauf, Daniel E. Bause, Russ Johnson, David R. Rockwell
  • Patent number: 7780769
    Abstract: A multi-chamber canister for a pressure swing absorption system within a general housing assembly. The chambers include a first molecular sieve chamber for receiving a first molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas and at least a second molecular sieve chamber disposed within the housing assembly for receiving a second molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas component. Furthermore, a supply chamber is disposed within the housing for receiving air from the ambient environment and for communicating air to either first or second molecular sieve chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Ric Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph T. Dolensky, Robert J. Maddox, Jr., Robert W. Murdoch
  • Patent number: 7771510
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixed bed hypersorber having moving ports for injecting and withdrawing fluids which can be used for fractionation of gaseous mixtures in a fixed bed filled with absorbents/adsorbents, where separation is brought about by contacting gaseous mixture in a counter-current fashion. The moving ports may take the form of pistons or pairs of tubes arranged concentrically, where one of the tubes has a straight slot and the other tube has a helical slot. Rotation of the tubes with respect to each other produces the moving port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignees: Gail (India) Limited, India Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Bojanki Satya Govinda Ramaprasad, Davuluri Prahlada Rao
  • Patent number: 7771511
    Abstract: The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM <9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Ric Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph T. Dolensky
  • Patent number: 7766996
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing or elimination pressure pulsations and noise created by blowers in a gas separation plant. The method employs two identical and 180° out of phase blowers synchronized together to provide both a large flow of air and active noise cancellation to eliminate pressure pulsations. The two blowers are synchronized in such a way that pressure pulses created by one blower will actively be cancelled by the pulses generated by the other blower. At the same time, both blowers will work together to force a large quantity of gas flow in or out of the plant. The twin set of blowers can be used for feed or vacuum applications in the plant. This way large tonnage plant capital costs can be reduced by eliminating the need for an expensive silencer and a single large custom-made blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cem E. Celik, James Smolarek
  • Patent number: 7766010
    Abstract: A method of providing concentrated oxygen product gas to a patient. The method comprises producing product gas by a vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) process with an oxygen concentrator comprising a plurality of separation columns connected to a vacuum source driven by a motor. Separated product gas is then pumped to a product reservoir. The pressure of the reservoir is monitored and used to adjust the speed of the motor based on the reservoir pressure. The separated gas is then delivered to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: VBOX, Incorporated
    Inventors: Theodore W. Jagger, Nicholas P. Van Brunt, John A. Kivisto, Perry B. Lonnes
  • Patent number: 7763100
    Abstract: Novel polybed VPSA process and system to achieve enhanced O2 recovery are disclosed. The VPSA process comprises using three or more adsorber beds; providing a continuous feed supply gas using a single feed blower to one bed, wherein at any instant during the process, two beds are in an evacuation step and only one bed is in a feed mode; and purging the adsorber beds using two purge gases of different purity. The VPSA cycle may further comprise utilizing a storage device (e.g., a packed or empty equalization tank) to capture void gases during co-current depressurization step of the VPSA cycle, which is used at a later stage for purging and repressurization of the bed. In addition, the VPSA process employs a single feed compressor and two vacuum pumps at 100% utilization. Furthermore, the use of the storage device minimizes the use of product quality gas for purging. About 10-20% improvement in O2 productivity is realized in the new VPSA process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Safdar Allie Baksh, Andrew Chester Rosinski
  • Patent number: 7763103
    Abstract: The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM<9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ric Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph T. Dolensky, Marvin Zeigler
  • Patent number: 7758672
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for oxygen concentration that makes possible the production of highly purified concentrated oxygen by modifying the structure of the adsorption bed and with various valves coupled thereto, and which can increase purity of the oxygen produced and reduce mechanical energy and consumption of electricity of the air compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Oxus Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Soo Lee, Yoon Sun Choi, Yong Duck Kim
  • Patent number: 7753996
    Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel single ended column design in which all flow paths and valves can be co-located on a single integrated manifold. The apparatus also can be used in conjunction with a satellite conserver and a mobility cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Inogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Frank Deane, Brenton Alan Taylor, Chung Ming Li
  • Patent number: 7740687
    Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption method for separating gas components includes pressurizing an adsorption bed to an adsorption pressure using a first gas component of a feed gas, the adsorption bed including an adsorbent for substantially adsorbing a second gas component of a feed gas; introducing the feed gas to the pressurized adsorption bed, wherein the first gas component of the feed gas substantially passes through the pressurized adsorption bed and the second gas component of the feed gas substantially adsorbs onto the adsorbent; and depressurizing the pressurized adsorption bed to recover at least a portion of the second gas component of the feed gas in the pressurized adsorption bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: IACX Energy LLC
    Inventor: Herbert E. Reinhold, III
  • Patent number: 7736416
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide (CO2) removal system includes a first sorbent bed and a second sorbent bed. Each of the first and second sorbent beds has a molecular sieve sorbent for adsorbing or desorbing CO2. One of the sorbent beds adsorbs CO2 and the other of the sorbent beds desorbs CO2. The first and second sorbent beds are thermally connected to transfer heat between the sorbent beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Nalette, Tony Rector