Two section gas purifier with Joule-Thompson cooling device
US6383259B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2258/0216
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention relates to an improved apparatus for thermal management in a gas purification process. As known in the prior art, a gas purification apparatus includes a two-section unitary vessel, wherein the primary section includes an impure gas inlet and a heating assembly and the secondary section includes a cooling device and an outlet for purified gas. Within the primary and secondary sections of the vessels are gas sorbing materials such as getters for removing impurities from the gas to be purified. A feature of the present invention is the continuous, serpentine shape of the gas purification vessel which allows for a longer residence time of the gas and a more efficient purification process. Another feature of the invention is a Joule-Thomson cooling device which divides the primary section of the vessel from the secondary section. The Joule-Thomson cooling device cools the secondary section of the vessel and the gas contained within it. The secondary section contains getter materials used to capture remaining hydrogen. An additional feature of the invention is the use of a heated high performance particle filter at a location near the outlet of the gas purification vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.