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US 4,817,391 AGranted
Method and apparatus for producing a controlled atmosphere
OwnerElman Roe, William R. Ash +2inventors
InventorsElman Roe, William R. Ash, Terry Campbell, Steve Forney
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for producing a controlled atmosphere in an area. The method includes the intermittent removal of oxygen, carbon dioxide water vapor and ethylene from the area. An apparatus to practice the method is disclosed that includes a compressor to increase the pressure of the gases present which are then separated by diffusion across membranes.
Claims19
An apparatus for producing a controlled atmosphere in a preselected area;
- comprising,
- an inlet for accepting exhaust gases from said area where the controlled atmosphere is desired;
- and,
- a compressor having an entrance and an exit with said entrance connected to said inlet for increasing the pressure of the gases received from said inlet;
- and,
- gas separation means connected to the exit of said compressor for removing gases selected from the group of carbon dioxide, oxygen, ethylene, water vapor from the gases received from said compressor;
- and,
- an outlet connected to said gas separation means for releasing gases into said area where the controlled atmosphere is desired.
5 more elements
A method for producing a controlled atmosphere in an area comprising the steps of;
- removing the gases from the area on an intermittent basis;
- and,
- compressing the gases removed;
- and,
- separating the nitrogen from the oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor and ethylene in the gas mixture, by diffusion;
- and,
- reintroducing said nitrogen into the area.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.