Method and apparatus for controlled heating of adsorbent materials

A method for heating a mass of adsorbent material comprising the steps:

• (a) providing a vessel having a first electrode of predetermined size therein;
• (b) providing a second electrode having a size approximately 50% smaller than said predetermined size in said vessel spaced from said first electrode;
• (c) directing a mass of adsorbent material into said vessel in contact with said first and second electrodes;
• (d) connecting said electrodes to a controllable electrical power source;
• and
• (e) controlling the electrical power applied to said electrodes to establish a predetermined temperature in said material.

Method for heating a mass of adsorbent material comprising the steps:

• (a) providing a vessel having a first and a second electrode spaced from each other;
• (b) providing a passive conductive element positioned between said first and second electrodes;
• (c) directing a mass of adsorbent material into said vessel in contact with said first and second electrodes and in contact with said passive conductive element;
• and
• (d) applying a voltage between said electrodes to establish a current in and heat said material.

Method for heating a mass of adsorbent comprising the steps:

• (a) providing a vessel having a first and a second electrode therein spaced from each other;
• (b) providing a passive conductive element positioned between said first and second electrodes;
• (c) directing a mass of adsorbent material into said vessel in contact with said first and second electrodes and in contact with said passive conductive element;
• (d) connecting said electrodes to a controllable electrical power source;
• (e) controlling the electrical power applied to said electrodes to establish a predetermined temperature in said material;
• and
• (f) detecting the temperature of said material.