Hybrid membrane—PSA system for separating oxygen from air
US7875101B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC01B2210/0082
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A portable, non-cryogenic, oxygen generation system capable of delivering oxygen gas at purities greater than 98% and flow rates of 15 L/min or more is described. The system consists of two major components. The first component is a high efficiency membrane capable of separating argon and a portion of the nitrogen content from air, yielding an oxygen-enriched permeate flow. This is then fed to the second component, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit utilizing a commercially available, but specifically formulated zeolite compound to remove the remainder of the nitrogen from the flow. The system is a unique gas separation system that can operate at ambient temperatures, for producing high purity oxygen for various applications (medical, refining, chemical production, enhanced combustion, fuel cells, etc . . . ) and represents a significant advance compared to current technologies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.