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

Abstract: A device for separating at least one component from a gas mixture, comprising at least a pair of adsorber units, each adsorber unit comprising an envelope defining an inner volume having a lower end zone and an upper end zone. There is at least one adsorbent layer between the lower and upper end zones. A first conduit has one end communicating with the lower end zone, and a second conduit has one end communicating with the upper end zone. The adsorber units of the pairs are superposed and one of the first and second conduits of each adsorber includes a vertical central tube portion. The vertical central tube portions of the pair of adsorber units are mechanically interconnected in endwise abutting relationship. The adsorber units are superposed such that the envelopes of adjacent units leave an intermediate space therebetween. The first and second conduits each have an outer portion extending out of the envelope in the intermediate space.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption apparatus (10) is provided with actuator air via a reservoir (40) which draws its supply either from one or more of the process vessels (12) after it has been dried thereby or directly from the system compressor (32). Controls are provided to ensure actuator air is preferentially drawn from the dried source and for ensuring instrument air is available even on start up of the apparatus.

Abstract: A desiccant type air dryer assembly having an integral purge volume with a body assembly and a removable desiccant cartridge. A retention bolt is provided in the body assembly which serves the two-fold function of retaining the cartridge and body assembly in an assembled condition as well as providing a flow passageway for air moving through the air dryer.

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

Abstract: A process and system for removing contaminants from air comprises flowing a compressed air stream comprising water and carbon dioxide to a first adsorbent zone for contacting with a first adsorbent effective in the adsorption of water by flowing the air in a direction within the first adsorbent zone parallel with the axis of the first adsorbent zone to form a dry gas; flowing the dry gas from the first vessel to a second adsorbent zone comprising a second adsorbent disposed in a radial arrangement about the same axis to remove carbon dioxide. Regeneration of the adsorbent beds may be carried out independently.

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

Abstract: A vapor recovery apparatus is provided with an automatic flow control system. The apparatus includes first and second reaction vessels. Each reaction vessel holds a bed of adsorbent for adsorbing volatile liquid vapor and producing relatively volatile liquid vapor-free air. A vacuum pump is provided for regenerating the beds of adsorbent. A cooler and/or absorber tower is provided to recover volatile liquid vapor generated during bed regeneration. Conduits are provided for the passage of air-volatile liquid vapor mixture between the various components of the apparatus. A series of valves direct the flow of the air-volatile liquid vapor mixture through the conduits. The automatic flow control system includes a vacuum transmitter for monitoring air pressure within the apparatus at a selected point and a controller responsive to the sensed pressure for controlling the operation of the valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an organic-solvent vapor adsorbing apparatus which includes a rotor containing an adsorbent and having tubular draft passages arranged in a direction of the rotational axis thereof. Plate-like separators disposed along a radial direction of the rotor define a plurality of zones. A treatment zone is provided for removing organic solvent vapor from a gaseous stream passed therethrough and into the adsorbent. A regeneration zone is also provided for removing the organic solvent from the adsorbent by a heated air stream passed therethrough. Finally, a purge zone is provided for cooling the adsorbent with cool air. Air exiting the purge zone is merged with the heated air stream which is introduced into the regeneration zone.

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 rotary adsorption unit is disclosed wherein the desorb air is supplied by a regenerative thermal oxidizer. The system utilizes a closed desorb loop, with the desorb air being continuously cleaned at the regenerative thermal oxidizer and returned to the rotary adsorption unit. Fresh air is added into the desorb gas on the way to the regenerative thermal oxidizer, and an equal amount of air is bled off to maintain a constant air flow. The added air replaces oxygen that may be lost during cleaning of the desorb air.

Abstract: Fuel vapors leaving the fuel tank of a motor vehicle are recovered with a filter cartridge inserted between the tank and the intake manifold of the engine. An atmospheric connection duct of the cartridge can be selectively connected to the intake partial vacuum with a pneumatic distributor. The leaktightness of the device is thereby tested.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the selective recovery of solvents from solvent gas mixtures according to which the solvent gas mixture undergoes a sorption process, individual solvent gas fractions are fractionally desorbed from the sorption agent, condensed at staggered time intervals, measured to determine their composition, and collected separately.

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: A pressure swing adsorption process employs a simultaneous equalization and evacuation step followed by simultaneous feed and product gas repressurization steps, resulting in faster processing, and a reduction in power requirements, in the recovery of oxygen and argon from feed air.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for preventing and/or removing the condensation from the inside of the windshield, side windows, and rear windows of an automobile, truck, boat, aircraft, tractor, train, military vehicle, or similar vehicle cabin to provide clear visibility for the occupants. In addition to condensation removal, the system provides added benefits of enhanced cooling effects and comfort for the occupants by lowering the cabin humidity, and the operation and efficiency of the air-conditioning system is also improved due to the reduction in the humidity. A desiccant wheel system is used to perform the dehumidification. Automatic and manual controls prevent condensation from forming and may also be set to maintain a lower humidity level for the occupant comfort and cooling efficiency. The desiccant wheel is regenerated by hot air from a heat exchanger or other heat source using excess engine heat.

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 nitrogen PSA system uses a back-fill step only on start-up conditions or when a minor fault has caused the plant to temporarily lose purity. The plant utilizes an oxygen analyzer which controls valves allowing the initiation and cancellation of the back-fill step.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure, elevated temperature gas desorption apparatus which enables quanitiative analysis of impurities absorbed in or on the surface of a solid sample (semiconductor wafer, optical disc, etc.) is disclosed. The atmospheric pressure, elevated temperature gas desorption apparatus for desorbing impurities absorbed in or on the surface of a plate-like solid sample 18 into a carrier gas 19 in a chamber 6 under an atmospheric pressure while increasing the temperature of the solid sample 18 includes a desorption room 7A provided in the chamber 6 and connected through to a first gas supply system 1 for supplying the carrier gas 19, for desorbing impurities absorbed in or on the surface of the solid sample 18 into the carrier gas 19. A sample support room 7B is provided in the chamber 6 and is separated from the desorption room 7A by a partition member 6A. The solid sample 18 is in close contact with the partition member 6A.

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: There is disclosed a method for removing a volatile component from a feed or process stream comprising (1) absorbing or adsorbing the volatile component into an absorbent or adsorbent material in an equilibrium process, wherein feed is pumped through a mixture chamber of a device, wherein the device comprises the mixture chamber and a vapor chamber, wherein the mixture chamber comprises a plurality of films comprising absorbent or adsorbent materials, wherein the film is configured to have a first side communicating with the mixture chamber and a second side communicating with the vapor chamber, and (2) removing the volatile component from the absorbent or adsorbent material by applying heat to the mixture chamber and simultaneously applying a gas phase within the vapor chamber such that the volatile component is collected in a gaseous state in the vapor chamber.

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: For regenerating an exhaust gas particulate collecting filter, there is provided an exhaust gas particulate purifying process in which damage to the filter caused by a thermal action can be prevented and further electric power can be saved when an electric current supply to an electric heater attached to the filter is controlled. In the filter container (4), an electric heater (21) is provided on an end surface of the filter on an upstream side with respect to a regenerating gas flow, or provided at a position close to the end surface. Also, a temperature sensor (22) for measuring a temperature of the filter is provided inside the filter or at a position close to an end surface of the filter opposite to the aforementioned end surface.

Abstract: An air drying mechanism for a compressed air braking system includes a housing containing desiccant material, and a purge volume which stores air for backflowing through the desiccant to purge the latter of its moisture content. A flow regulating control valve is located between the purge volume and the desiccant to provide a constant flow rate of purge air through the desiccant during purging.

Abstract: A compressed air system includes an air dryer which dries compressed air before the compressed air is communicated to a reservoir. The air dryer includes a desiccant which is purged by using air stored in the reservoir. A pressure reference purge control valve is installed between the air dryer and the reservoir and includes a housing which defines a pressure reference volume. A pressure which is a function of the highest pressure level communicated to the reservoir is trapped in the reference volume. The valve permits purging only until a pressure is reached which is a predetermined pressure drop below the reference pressure level, whereupon purging is terminated.

Abstract: A system for controlling the atmosphere of a container for use in the storage and/or transportation of perishable goods which includes adsorption apparatus for the selective adsorption in whole or in part and in a predeterminded order of any water vapor, carbon dioxide, oxygen or ethylene contained within the atmosphere, a blower for urging the atmosphere to the adsorption apparatus, and a conduiting for returning the controlled atmosphere to the container.

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: 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: 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 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 gas drying device (30) in which wet gas (31) is introduced into a chamber (36) containing desiccant (38) in which the desiccant (38) adsorbs moisture from the wet gas (31) to dry the wet gas (31) and in which energy is utilized to energize and to remove the moisture from the desiccant (38) to dry and to regenerate the desiccant (38) for reuse to dry wet gas (31) includes a microwave generator (52) and an antenna member (48) in communication with microwaves (50) generated by the microwave generator (52) in which at least a portion of the antenna (48) is disposed within the chamber (46).

Abstract: The removal of components from fluid mixtures in aircraft utilizes an adsorbent bed which is regenerated by passing dry ambient air through the adsorbent bed when the aircraft reaches a height at which such dry ambient air is available. An example of mixtures that can be treated in this way are water/oil mixtures, air/water vapor mixtures and air/odor mixtures. By periodically regenerating the adsorbent bed in this way, an adsorbent bed of small size can be used but yet have a substantial life.

Abstract: A device (10) for removing contaminants from truck air systems or the like includes an assembly including a desiccant canister (100), a carrier (46), and a bottom closure (28) vertically removable in a passage (14) of a collar (12) mounted to the truck. The carrier (46) includes a horizontal plate (48) which divides the passage (14) into a coalescing chamber having a horizontally orientated, tubular coalescing filter (98) extending vertically above and diametrically over the sump including an electrically actuated purge valve (42) of the bottom closure (28). Air is directed vertically downward from the filter (98) by vertical legs (62) extending down from the horizontal plate (48) and on opposite sides of the filter (98). A follower plate (118) is biased in the canister (100) against the desiccant beads (116) by a wave spring (140) sandwiched thereagainst by a slideable retainer (142) fixed in the side wall (104) of the canister (100).

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: A single bed, air separation PSA system utilizes an external product surge tank to supply product oxygen and purge gas to the adsorbent bed. An equalization tank supplies void space gas to the bed for repressurization purposes.

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 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: A canister includes a casing, a fuel reserve well defined at the bottom of the casing, an adsorbent layer provided in the casing for adsorbing fuel vapor, the adsorbent layer communicating with the fuel reserve well at a region of its lower portion and communicating with an atmosphere at its upper portion, a first communication passage defined so that the fuel reserve well communicates with a fuel system of an engine, and a second communication passage defined so that the fuel reserve well communicates with an intake system o f the engine.

Abstract: An air dryer for compressed air braking systems includes a desiccant canister which is provided with a double helix insert which cooperates with the walls of the canister to define a pair of intertwined, serpentine, pneumatically isolated flow paths. The flow paths extend through the canister between the end walls and are filled with a desiccant material. A single center line valve mechanism is provided to switch between the flow paths so that one of the flow paths is purged at the same time that the other flow path is pressurized.

Abstract: An evaporation loss control device provided with a polymer chamber filled with polymer absorbent, a charcoal chamber filled with charcoal, introduction and purging pipes for connecting the polymer chamber with a fuel tank and an engine intake passage, respectively, an air pipe for ventilation connected to the charcoal chamber, and a vapor passage, which has various forms. For example, the vapor passage may be formed in spiral to encircle the polymer chamber, or provided between the polymer and charcoal chambers, thus allowing the evaporated fuel to pass therethrough. The vapor passage is constructed to prevent the evaporated fuel trapped by the polymer absorbent from flowing into the charcoal chamber, and also to prevent the liquid fuel from being absorbed by the charcoal.

Abstract: A heat recouperator having a rotary wheel heat and moisture exchanger uses a random matrix media comprising a plurality of small diameter heat-retentive fibrous material which provides high thermal efficiency in exchanging heat and moisture between inlet and exhaust air streams.