Multiple vessel cascade gas enrichment system
US4321069A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 1979 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2259/40083
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A multiple vessel cascade gas enrichment adsorber is provided herein. Two sets of adsorption chambers are provided, each comprising one primary vessel and one secondary vessel, and optionally also a tertiary or further vessel, and each containing a suitable adsorbent, e.g., 5 A molecular sieve adsorbent for air separation, the vessels being connected in a cascading connection through an interstage loop line. Specially designed collector means is provided within each vessel. The individual volumetric size of the subsequent stage vessel or vessels must be smaller than the volumetric size of the first stage vessel. While one adsorber set is engaged in the production of, e.g., oxygen-enriched air, the other is experiencing regeneration through removal of the various adsorbed gases and vapors, including, e.g., nitrogen. The cascading of the adsorbers significantly decreases the time required for regeneration by increasing the tolerance for residual adsorbate on the major portion of the adsorbent. Despite the cyclic nature of the process, the flow of product, e.g., oxygen, is continuous.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.