Gas separation
AssigneeBOC Limited
InventorsJohn W. Armond, Devasihamani J. G. Sebastian
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process and apparatus for separating gaseous mixtures by a pressure swing adsorption technique. One or more adsorbent beds are employed which operate on a cycle comprising the successive steps of adsorption, vacuum regeneration, and backfilling. The pressure in the bed(s) during backfilling is sensed, backfilling is ceased when such pressure reaches a predetermined level, and the regeneration step is controlled to occupy a constant period of time. The described process is able to maintain a substantially constant output flow and product purity despite the changes in adsorption capacity of the bed(s) which occur under fluctuating ambient temperatures.
Claims9
A pressure swing adsorption process for increasing the proportion of a selected gas in a gaseous mixture comprising repeating a cycle of operation which includes the successive steps of:
- contacting the mixture with a bed of adsorbent material which preferentially adsorbs one or more other components of the mixture;
- regenerating the bed by applying a vacuum thereto;
- and backfilling the bed;
- wherein the pressure in the bed during backfilling is sensed and backfilling is ceased when such pressure reaches a predetermined level whereby optimum backfill pressure is reached generally irrespective of temperature variations, and regeneration of the bed is controlled to occupy a substantially constant period of time.
Pressure swing adsorption apparatus for increasing the proportion of a selected gas in a gaseous mixture, comprising:
- a bed of adsorbent material which preferentially adsorbs one or more other components of the mixture;
- means for contacting the mixture with said bed;
- a vacuum pump for regenerating the bed;
- means for passing product quality backfill gas into the bed from the outlet end thereof;
- means sensitive to the pressure in the bed during said passage of product quality backfill gas into the bed;
- and means for ceasing such backfill gas passage in response to a signal from said pressure sensitive means when such pressure reaches a predetermined level whereby optimum backfill pressure is reached irrespective of temperature variations.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.