Apparatus and method for distributing a plurality of fluid flows through a plurality of chambers, particularly for carrying out adsorption processes

An apparatus for distributing a plurality of fluid flows through a plurality of chambers, the apparatus comprising:

• a plurality N of process chambers adapted to contain adsorbent material each chamber having a first and a second fluid lines coupled thereto;
• a first and a second flow distribution device each of said distribution devices comprising:
• a plurality P of fluid lines;
• a plurality X of synchronized distribution valves where X=P, each coupled to a plurality Y of fluid lines where Y=N, and a respective one of said plurality P of fluid lines, wherein said distribution valve is constructed to sequentially provide selective fluid coupling between the respective P line, and at least one of each of said Y lines;
• wherein said plurality X of distribution valves being operable simultaneously;
• a plurality Z of manifolds where Z=N, each having a plurality A of fluid lines where A=P, wherein each of said plurality A of fluid lines is coupled to the respective Y fluid line of each of said X distribution valves, and wherein the manifold provides fluid communication therebetween;
• wherein each of said first lines of said N process chambers is coupled to a respective manifold of said Z manifolds of said first distribution device, and each of said second lines of said N process chambers is coupled to a respective manifold Z of said second distribution device;
• and,
• wherein said first distribution device and said second distribution device are operated synchronously.

A method for purification of a gas flow containing polluting compounds, comprising the steps of:

• Providing an apparatus for distributing a plurality of fluid flows through a plurality of chambers, the apparatus comprising:
• a plurality N of process chambers adapted to contain adsorbent material each chamber having a first and a second fluid lines coupled thereto;
• a first and a second flow distribution device each of said distribution devices comprising:
• a plurality P of fluid lines;
• a plurality X of synchronized distribution valves where X=P, each coupled to a plurality Y of fluid lines where Y=N, and a respective one of said plurality P of fluid lines, wherein said distribution valve is constructed to sequentially provide selective fluid coupling between the respective P line, and at least one of each of said Y lines;
• wherein said plurality X of distribution valves being operable simultaneously;
• a plurality Z of manifolds where Z=N, each having a plurality A of fluid lines where A=P, wherein each of said plurality A of fluid lines is coupled to a respective Y fluid line of said X distribution valves, and wherein the manifold provides fluid communication therebetween;
• wherein each of said first lines of said N process chambers is coupled to a respective manifold of said Z manifolds of said first distribution device, and each of said second lines of said N process chambers is coupled to a respective manifold Z of said second distribution device;
• and,
• wherein said first distribution device and said second distribution device are operated synchronously;
• distributing, a plurality of separate gas flows, comprising an adsorption flow;
• at least one primary desorption flow, a secondary desorption flow and a cooling flow among the plurality N of process chambers for simultaneously carrying out an adsorption step, at least one primary desorption step in a closed circuit inert or stabilized gas, a secondary desorption step in an open circuit of inert or stabilized gas and a cooling step;
• said distribution being performed in parallel, utilizing said apparatus;
• wherein the number of beds where adsorption takes place is greater than the number of beds where primary desorption takes place;
• wherein the number of beds where secondary desorption takes place is smaller than the number of beds where primary desorption takes place,
• wherein the number of beds where cooling takes place is equal to or greater than the number of beds where secondary desorption takes place;
• wherein the distribution of said adsorption, desorption, secondary desorption and cooling flows is cyclically changed through N possible configurations;
• and,
• wherein the desorption flows are countercurrent to said adsorption and cooling flows.