Abstract:
A method of separating gases by means of multiple adsorption columns packed with adsorbents wherein a cycle involving a sequence of operations (adsorption, first pressure reduction, second pressure reduction, desorption, scrubbing and boosting) is repeated. In the adsorption step, gas mixture (G1) is introduced in column (A) so as to cause the adsorbents to adsorb unnecessary components, and product gas (G2) is led outside the column (Fig. 3A). In the first pressure reduction step, the internal pressure of column (C) is reduced by lead-out of gas (G3) (Fig. 3A). In the second pressure reduction step, the internal pressure of column (C) is further reduced by lead-out of gas (G3) (Fig. 3B). In the desorption step, unnecessary components are desorbed from the adsorbents, and gas (G4) is purged outside the column (C) (Fig. 3C). In the scrubbing step, introduction of gas (G3) and purging of gas (G4) are simultaneously carried out (Fig. 3A). In the boosting step, the internal pressure of column (B) is boosted by introduction of gas (G3) (Fig. 3B). The gas (G3) from the column (C) during the first pressure reduction step is led into the column (B) during the scrubbing step (Fig. 3A), and the gas (G3) from the column (C) during the second pressure reduction step is led into the column (B) during the boosting step (Fig. 3B).
Abstract:
A pressure swing adsorption system has a plurality of primary adsorbent beds and at least one secondary adsorbent bed. The feed gas stream flows to a primary adsorbent bed loaded with an adsorbent that will preferentially adsorb certain components in the feed gas. Non-preferentially adsorbed components flow from the adsorbent bed during this time. Upon saturation of the adsorbent with the adsorbed components, the flow of feed gas is ceased. The adsorbent is fully loaded with the preferentially adsorbed component and there is feed gas in the void space between the adsorbent particles. This primary adsorbent bed undergoes regeneration by partial depressurization through the secondary adsorbent bed followed by a complete depressurization to a final lower pressure. There can be two or more primary adsorbent beds and there will be at least one secondary adsorbent bed. The preferred separation is the separation of carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon containing stream.
Abstract:
A portable oxygen concentrator system weighing 4-20 pounds that is adapted to be readily transported by a user and deliver oxygen to the user includes a rechargeable energy source; a concentrator powered by said energy source and adapted to convert ambient air into concentrated oxygen gas for the user; an inspiration sensor that senses respiratory activity of the user, and produces a signal in response thereto; and a control unit that receives the signal in response to sensed respiratory activity, determines a breath rate based in part on the received signal in response to sensed respiratory activity and controls the portable oxygen concentrator system to deliver oxygen flow sufficient to meet oxygen demand of the user based at least in part on the determined breath rate.
Abstract:
A method of producing a carbon dioxide product stream (756) from a synthesis gas stream (18) formed within a hydrogen plant (1) having a synthesis gas reactor (10), a water-gas shift reactor (14), located downstream of the synthesis gas reactor to form the synthesis gas stream (18) and a hydrogen pressure swing adsorption unit (20) to produce a hydrogen product (22) recovered from the synthesis gas stream. In accordance with the invention, the carbon dioxide is separated from the synthesis gas stream in a vacuum pressure swing adsorption system (80) to produce a hydrogen-rich gas stream (76) and a crude carbon dioxide stream (82) and then purifying the crude carbon dioxide stream by a sub- ambient temperature distillation process thereby to produce the carbon dioxide product (756). A hydrogen synthesis gas feed stream (78) to the hydrogen pressure swing adsorption unit is formed at least in part from the hydrogen- rich stream.
Abstract:
An improved two stage pressure swing adsorption process is set forth for producing enriched-oxygen, wherein the process is used to separate nitrogen and oxygen from a feed air stream, the product can be oxygen or nitrogen or both of them. The process utilizes two-stage pressure swing adsorption plants which are serially connected. In the first stage, carbon dioxide, water and part of nitrogen are removed and nitrogen is concentrated. In the second stage nitrogen is further separated from the effluent intermediate gas from the adsorption step in the adsorption towers of the first stage and oxygen is concentrated to the desired concentration. In the first stage the adsorption towers go through the steps in turn in a cycle: Adsorption(A), Purge(P'), evacuation(VC), countercurrent pressure equalization rising of the second stage gas(2ER), purge gas pressurization(R'), final pressurization(FR); In the second stage the adsorption towers go through the steps in turn in a cycle: Adsorption(A), countercurrent pressure equalization falling(BD'), final pressurization (FR).
Abstract:
A three-bed (1, 2, 3) pressure swing adsorption system providing a constant continuous supply gas, preferably containing a hydrogen component, in a multistep and preferably in a twelve-step, process cycle that can produce a purified gas product, preferably hydrogen, on a constant flow.
Abstract:
A method for removing contaminants from natural gas streams. The natural gas stream is fed to a dryer, then a membrane module and a multibed, multilayer vacuum swing adsorption process for removal of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide from the natural gas stream. Alternatively when carbon dioxide is in relatively low concentration in the natural gas stream, the membrane module step is not employed.