In place regeneration of adsorbents using microwaves

Abstract

Apparatus for selectively regenerating at least one portion of an adsorbent bed in an adsorption system with a movable microwave device while the remainder of the bed is still being used. The adsorbent bed is held by a frame which divides the bed into a plurality of sections, each section holding a portion of the adsorbent. At least one movable regeneration carriage assembly which moves from section to section is provided. The carriage assembly supports a microwave heating device which heats the adsorbent in the section adjacent to the carriage assembly. Each section can be isolated from the others in turn and be regenerated while the remaining sections continue the adsorption function. The isolated section is swept by a purge gas which is conveyed to and from the section by flexible cords connected to the carriage assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.