US3849089A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Process, system and apparatus and components thereof for the separation of gaseous components
Assignee: ALBERTA OPPORTUNITY COMPANY A CORP OF ALBERTA
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Filing: 1973-01-04
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Granted: 1974-11-19
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Expires: 1993-01-04
Abstract
Abstract Improved cyclic process, system and apparatus embodiments, as well as components thereof are provided for separating and recovering a selected gas from a mixture of at least two gases. The improved process includes passing the gas mixture, while under a positive pressure condition of up to about 60 p.s.i.g., through a first adsorption zone containing an adsorbent material which is more selective to one gas than to the selected gas in that gaseous mixture, the adsorption zone also including primary inlet means, and primary outlet means. The gas mixture is caused to travel a relatively long adsorption path from the inlet means, through the adsorbent and out through the primary outlet means. By this means the gas which is more strongly adsorbed is retained in the adsorption zone and the gas which is less strongly adsorbed by the adsorbent is withdrawn from the adsorption zone through the primary outlet zone which is substantially free of adsorbent material. The adsorption step is then discontinued and, while it is so discontinued, adsorbent is regenerated and the more strongly adsorbed gas is removed from the adsorbent by positively urging the adsorbed gases to travel along a relatively short, direct desorbing path to a first distinct zone substantially free of adsorbent disposed within the adsorbent zone, the first distinct zone being subjected to the influence of subatmospheric gaseous pressure, and removing the desorbed gas from the first distinct zone through a secondary outlet zone which is substantially free of adsorbent material. The adsorption-desorption steps are cyclically repeated. In this way the desorbed gas travels a relatively short, direct, desorption path from the adsorbent to the distinct zone and then is removed through a secondary outlet connected to the distinct zone. A system and an apparatus for carrying out such process are also described.
Inventors
- 👤 R Ritter
- 👤 D Turnbull
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:31
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D53/00; B01D53/02; B01D53/04; B01D53/0407; B01D53/0446; B01D2256/00; B01D2256/12; B01D2256/16; B01D2257/00; B01D2257/70; B01D2257/702
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 76
Claim 1
Independent Claim
260 words
A CYCLIC PROCESS FOR SEPARATING AND RECOVERING ONE SELECTED GAS FROM A MIXTURE OF AT LEAST TWO GASES, WHICH PROCESS COMPRISES: PREFERENTIALLY ADSORBING ONE GAS FROM THE GAS MIXTURE BY PASSING THE GAS MIXTURE, WHILE UNDER A POSITIVE PRESSURE CONDITION OF UP TO 60 P.S.I.G., IN A LENGTHWISE DIRECTION THROUGH AN ELONGATED FIRST ADSORPTION ZONE HAVING A LENGTH/ WIDTH RATIO GREATER THAN ONE, SAID FIRST ADSORPTION ZONE CONTAINING AN ADSORBENT MATERIAL WHICH IS MORE SELECTIVELY TO ONE GAS THEN TO SAID SELECTED GAS IN THAT GASEOUS MIXTURE THE ADSORPTION ZONE ALSO INCLUDING PRIMARY INLET MEANS AND PRIMARY OUTLET MEANS; CAUSING THE GAS MIXTURE TO TRAVEL AT A RELATIVELY ALONG ADSORPTION PATH ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE FIRST ADSORP TION ZONE FROM THE INLET MEANS, THROUGH THE ADSORBENT AND OUT THE PRIMARY OUTLET MEANS; WITHDRAWING SAID SELECTED GAS, WHICH IS LESS STRONGLY ADSORBED, FROM SAID ADSORPTION ZONE THROUGH A PRIMARY OUTLET ZONE, WHICH IS SUBSTANTIALLY FREE OF ADSORBENT MATERIAL; DISCONTINUING THE ADSORPTION STEP; AND WHILE SAID ADOSRBING STEP IS DISCONTINUED, REGENERATING THE ADSORBENT BY POSITIVELY URGING THE ADSORBED GASES TO TRAVEL ALONG A RELATIVELY SHORT, DIRECT, DESORBING PATH TRANSVERSE TO THE ADSORPTION PATH TO A FIRST DISTINCT ZONE SUBSTANTIALLY FREE O ADSORBENT, DISPOSED WITHIN SAID ADSORBENT ZONE, SAID FIRST DISTINCT ZONE BEING DISPOSED ALONG THE ENTIRE LENGHT OF THE FIRST SOPRTION ZONE, AND FURTHER BEING SUBJECTED TO THE INFLUENCE OF A SUBATMOSPHERIC GASEOUS PRESSURE; REMOVING SAID DESORBED GAS FROM SAID FIRST DISTINCT ZONE THROUGH A SECONDARY OUTLET ZONE WHICH IS SUBSTANTIALLY FREE OF ADSORBENT MATERIAL AND CYCLICALLY REPEATING SAID ADSORPTION-DESORPTION STEPS.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
260 words
A CYCLIC PROCESS FOR SEPARATING AND RECOVERING ONE SELECTED GAS FROM A MIXTURE OF AT LEAST TWO GASES, WHICH PROCESS COMPRISES: PREFERENTIALLY ADSORBING ONE GAS FROM THE GAS MIXTURE BY PASSING THE GAS MIXTURE, WHILE UNDER A POSITIVE PRESSURE CONDITION OF UP TO 60 P.S.I.G., IN A LENGTHWISE DIRECTION THROUGH AN ELONGATED FIRST ADSORPTION ZONE HAVING A LENGTH/ WIDTH RATIO GREATER THAN ONE, SAID FIRST ADSORPTION ZONE CONTAINING AN ADSORBENT MATERIAL WHICH IS MORE SELECTIVELY TO ONE GAS THEN TO SAID SELECTED GAS IN THAT GASEOUS MIXTURE THE ADSORPTION ZONE ALSO INCLUDING PRIMARY INLET MEANS AND PRIMARY OUTLET MEANS; CAUSING THE GAS MIXTURE TO TRAVEL AT A RELATIVELY ALONG ADSORPTION PATH ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE FIRST ADSORP TION ZONE FROM THE INLET MEANS, THROUGH THE ADSORBENT AND OUT THE PRIMARY OUTLET MEANS; WITHDRAWING SAID SELECTED GAS, WHICH IS LESS STRONGLY ADSORBED, FROM SAID ADSORPTION ZONE THROUGH A PRIMARY OUTLET ZONE, WHICH IS SUBSTANTIALLY FREE OF ADSORBENT MATERIAL; DISCONTINUING THE ADSORPTION STEP; AND WHILE SAID ADOSRBING STEP IS DISCONTINUED, REGENERATING THE ADSORBENT BY POSITIVELY URGING THE ADSORBED GASES TO TRAVEL ALONG A RELATIVELY SHORT, DIRECT, DESORBING PATH TRANSVERSE TO THE ADSORPTION PATH TO A FIRST DISTINCT ZONE SUBSTANTIALLY FREE O ADSORBENT, DISPOSED WITHIN SAID ADSORBENT ZONE, SAID FIRST DISTINCT ZONE BEING DISPOSED ALONG THE ENTIRE LENGHT OF THE FIRST SOPRTION ZONE, AND FURTHER BEING SUBJECTED TO THE INFLUENCE OF A SUBATMOSPHERIC GASEOUS PRESSURE; REMOVING SAID DESORBED GAS FROM SAID FIRST DISTINCT ZONE THROUGH A SECONDARY OUTLET ZONE WHICH IS SUBSTANTIALLY FREE OF ADSORBENT MATERIAL AND CYCLICALLY REPEATING SAID ADSORPTION-DESORPTION STEPS.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
The process of claim 1 which involves separating one dry gas from a mixture of dry gases, wherein said positive urging is carried out substantially entirely by a reduction in gaseous pressure within said secondary outlet zone, said secondary outlet zone being disposed in said first adsorption zone to provide dry desorbed gas; and withdrawing said desorbed gas through said secondary outlet zone.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
first storage means operatively connected to said compressor means for temporarily storing said mixture of gases under pressure;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
first storage means operatively connected to said compressor means for temporarily storing said mixture of gases under pressure;
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
146 words
a first pair of adsorption-desorption vessels operatively connected to said storage means by gas inlet lines, each said vessel including a. an adsorption zone, b. primary inlet means To said adsorption zone, c. primary outlet means from said adsorption zone, d. secondary inlet means to said adsorption zone, e. secondary outlet means from said adsorption zone, said secondary outlet means including a first distinct desorption zone disposed within said adsorption zone and providing a plurality of inlet means from said adsorption zone to said first distinct desorption zone, and also providing outlet means from said first distinct desorption zone, and f. valve means actuatable selectively to open one set only of said primary inlet means and said primary outlet means whereby said system operates in its adsorption mode or said secondary inlet means and said secondary outlet means, whereby said system operates in its desorption mode;
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
146 words
a first pair of adsorption-desorption vessels operatively connected to said storage means by gas inlet lines, each said vessel including a. an adsorption zone, b. primary inlet means To said adsorption zone, c. primary outlet means from said adsorption zone, d. secondary inlet means to said adsorption zone, e. secondary outlet means from said adsorption zone, said secondary outlet means including a first distinct desorption zone disposed within said adsorption zone and providing a plurality of inlet means from said adsorption zone to said first distinct desorption zone, and also providing outlet means from said first distinct desorption zone, and f. valve means actuatable selectively to open one set only of said primary inlet means and said primary outlet means whereby said system operates in its adsorption mode or said secondary inlet means and said secondary outlet means, whereby said system operates in its desorption mode;
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
65 words
The process of claim 1 which involves drying wet gases, wherein said positive urging is carried out by a reduction in gaseous pressure in said secondary outlet zone and by passing dry desorbent gas through said first adsorbent zone via a secondary inlet zone substantially free of adsorbent material, to provide wet desorbent gas; and withdrawing said wet desorbent gas through said secondary outlet zone.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The process of claim 3 wherein said second inlet zone is disposed within said first adsorption zone; wherein said second outlet zone is disposed within said first adsorption zone; and wherein said secondary outlet zone is subjected to said subatmospheric pressure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
primary gas withdrawal lines leading from said primary outlet means of each vessel of said first pair of adsorption-desorption vessels;
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
primary gas withdrawal lines leading from said primary outlet means of each vessel of said first pair of adsorption-desorption vessels;
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
secondary gas discharge lines leading from said secondary outlet means of each vessel of said first pair of adsorption-desorption vessels to a source of subatmospheric pressure; and
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
secondary gas discharge lines leading from said secondary outlet means of each vessel of said first pair of adsorption-desorption vessels to a source of subatmospheric pressure; and
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the gas mixture is first compressed, cooled and passed, under a pressure of 25 - 60 p.s.i.g. through said first adsorption zone.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of claim 3 wherein said selected gas which is less strongly adsorbed is dried to a dew point of less than -50*F.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
46 words
control means for cyclically and alternately operating one of said adsorption-desorption vessels under adsorption conditions, where only its primary inlet and primary outlet are functional, while the other said adsorption-desorption vessel is operated under desorption conditions, where only its secondary inlet and secondary outlet are functional.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
46 words
control means for cyclically and alternately operating one of said adsorption-desorption vessels under adsorption conditions, where only its primary inlet and primary outlet are functional, while the other said adsorption-desorption vessel is operated under desorption conditions, where only its secondary inlet and secondary outlet are functional.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
second storage means for temporarily storing said gas which has been withdrawn from said first adsorption zone through said primary gas withdrawal lines under subatmospheric pressure;
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
second storage means for temporarily storing said gas which has been withdrawn from said first adsorption zone through said primary gas withdrawal lines under subatmospheric pressure;
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
45 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the primary inlet means and the secondary inlet means are each provided with a valve-controlled aperture means, said valve being operated by fluid under pressure, said fluid under pressure being a portion of the gas mixture being selectively separated.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the wet feed gas mixture is passed to a first storage zone under positive pressure prior to being dried.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
140 words
a second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels operatively connected to said second storage means, by gas inlet lines, each said vessel including a. an adsorption zone, b. primary inlet means to said adsorption zone, c. primary outlet means from said adsorption zone, d. secondary outlet means from said adsorption zone, said secondary outlet means including a first distinct desorption zone disposed within said adsorption zone and providing a plurality of inlet means from said adsorption zone to said first distinct desorption zone, and also providing outlet means from said first distinct desorption zone, e. valve means actuatable selectively to open one only of said primary inlet means and said primary outlet means, whereby said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels operates in its adsorption mode or said secondary outlet means, whereby said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels operate in its desorption mode;
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
140 words
a second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels operatively connected to said second storage means, by gas inlet lines, each said vessel including a. an adsorption zone, b. primary inlet means to said adsorption zone, c. primary outlet means from said adsorption zone, d. secondary outlet means from said adsorption zone, said secondary outlet means including a first distinct desorption zone disposed within said adsorption zone and providing a plurality of inlet means from said adsorption zone to said first distinct desorption zone, and also providing outlet means from said first distinct desorption zone, e. valve means actuatable selectively to open one only of said primary inlet means and said primary outlet means, whereby said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels operates in its adsorption mode or said secondary outlet means, whereby said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels operate in its desorption mode;
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
primary gas withdrawal lines leading from said primary outlet means of each vessel of said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels;
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
primary gas withdrawal lines leading from said primary outlet means of each vessel of said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels;
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 2 wherein the dried feed gas mixture is passed to a second storage zone under positive pressure prior to being selectively separated.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
135 words
The process of claim 1 which includes (I) a drying stage wherein said positive urging is carried out by a reduction in gaseous pressure in said secondary outlet zone and by passing dry desorbent gas through said first adsorbent zone via a secondary inlet zone substantially free of adsorbent material, to provide wet desorbent gas; and withdrawing said wet desorbent gas through said secondary outlet zone, the outlet from the primary outlet zone providing dry feed gas, the dry feed gas then being fed to (II) a separating stage, wherein said positive urging is carried out substantially entirely by a reduction in gaseous pressure within said secondary outlet zone, said secondary outlet zone being disposed in said first adsorption zone to provide dry desorbed gas; and withdrawing said desorbed gas through said secondary outlet zone.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
33 words
secondary gas discharge lines leading from said secondary outlet means of each vessel of said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels to an associated secondary inlet means of said first pair of adsorption-desorption vessels;
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
secondary gas discharge lines leading from said secondary outlet means of each vessel of said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels to an associated secondary inlet means of said first pair of adsorption-desorption vessels;
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
46 words
control means for cyclically and alternately operating one of said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels under adsorption conditions, where only its primary inlet and primary outlet are functional, while the other said adsorption-desorption vessel is operated under desorption conditions where only its secondary outlet is functional.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
46 words
control means for cyclically and alternately operating one of said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels under adsorption conditions, where only its primary inlet and primary outlet are functional, while the other said adsorption-desorption vessel is operated under desorption conditions where only its secondary outlet is functional.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
76 words
The process of claim 3 wherein said dry desorbent gas fed via said secondary inlet zone is provided by desorbed gas removed through the secondary outlet zone in a process wherein said positive urging is carried out substantially entirely by a reduction in gaseous pressure within said secondary outlet zone, said secondary outlet zone being disposed in said first adsorption zone to provide dry desorbed gas; and withdrawing said desorbed gas through said secondary outlet zone.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
80 words
The process of claim 10 wherein the wet desorbent gas withdrawn via the secondary outlet zone is used as wet feed gas in a process wherein said positive urging is carried out by a reduction in gaseous pressure in saiD secondary outlet zone and by passing dry desorbent gas through said first adsorbent zone via a secondary inlet zone substantially free of adsorbent material, to provide wet desorbent gas; and withdrawing said wet desorbent gas through said secondary outlet zone.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
76 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said dry selected gas withdrawn via said primary outlet zone of said drying stage is used as dry feed gas in a separation stage wherein said positive urging is carried out substantially entirely by a reduction in gaseous pressure within said secondary outlet zone, said secondary outlet zone being disposed in said first adsorption zone to provide dry desorbed gas; and withdrawing said desorbed gas through said secondary outlet zone.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
78 words
The process of claim 13 wherein said dry selected gas withdrawn via said primary outlet zone of said separation stage is used as dry feed gas in a second stage separation stage wherein said positive urging is carried out substantially entirely by a reduction in gaseous pressure within said secondary outlet zone, said secondary outlet zone being disposed in said first adsorption zone to provide dry desorbed gas; and withdrawing said desorbed gas through said secondary outlet zone.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
40 words
The process of claim 10 wherein said drying stage (I) is carried out in a pair of cyclically, alternately operated adsorption-regeneration zones, and wherein said separation step (II) is carried out in a pair of cyclically, alternately operated adsorption-regeneration zones.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
39 words
The process of claim 15 wherein the dry feed gas from the primary outlet zone of each said adsorption-regeneration zones of said drying stage (I) are combined and are used as dry feed gas for said separation stage (II).
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
79 words
The process of claim 15 wherein the dry feed gas from the primary outlet zone of one of said adsorption-regeneration zones of said drying stage (I) is used as dry feed gas for one adsorption-regeneration zone for said separation stage (II); and the dry feed gas from the primary outlet zone of the other said adsorption-regeneration zone of said drying stage (I) is used as dry feed gas for the other said adsorption-regeneration zone for said separation stage (II).
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said compressed gases are first cooled to the desired processing temperature.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 3 wherein said wet desorbent gas withdrawn via the secondary outlet zone of said drying stage is recovered as second product.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
76 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said desorbed gas withdrawn via said secondary outlet zone of said separation stage is used as feed gas in a second stage separation process wherein said positive urging is carried out substantially entirely by a reduction in gaseous pressure within said secondary outlet zone, said secondary outlet zone being disposed in said first adsorption zone to provide dry desorbed gas; and withdrawing said desorbed gas through said secondary outlet zone.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
80 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said selected gas withdrawn via said primary outlet zone of said separation stage is blended with fresh feed gas, and is used in a second stage separation process wherein said positive urging is carried out substantially entirely by a reduction in gaseous pressure within said secondary outlet zone, said secondary outlet zone being disposed in said first adsorption zone to provide dry desorbed gas; and withdrawing said desorbed gas through said secondary outlet zone.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
An adsorption-desorption system for selectively separating one gas from a mixture of gases which comprises:
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
An adsorption-desorption system for selectively separating one gas from a mixture of gases which comprises:
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 22 including heat exchanger means disposed between, and operatively connected to, said compressor means and said storage means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 22 wherein said subatmospheric pressure at source (5) is generated by a vacuum pump.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 22 wherein said actuatable valve means (3) (f) comprise valves operated by fluid under pressure.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 25 wherein said fluid under pressure is bled off from said first storage means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 22 including means to reduce the pressure in the line leading between the first temporary storage means and the first pair of adsorption-desorption vessels.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
7 words
The system of claim 22 further including:
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
60 words
The system of claim 28 wherein the secondary gas discharge lines leading from said secondary outlet means of each vessel of said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels merge, to combine said gases, and said merged line bifurcates then, each fork leading to an associated one of said secondary inlet means of said vessels of said first pair of adsorption-desorption vessels.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
92 words
The system of claim 28 wherein one secondary gas discharge line leading from one said secondary outlet means of one vessel of said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels leads to one of said secondary inlet means of one vessel of said first pair of adsorption-desorption vessels; and wherein the secondary gas discharge line leading from the other said secondary outlet means of the other vessel of said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels leads to the other of said secondary inlet means of the other vessel of the first pair of adsorption-desorption vessels.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 28 including a third temporary storage vessel operatively connected to said primary gas withdrawal lines of said second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 28 including gas discharge lines from said third temporary storage vessel and gas compressor means connected thereto for compressing gas to be discharged thereby.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 28 wherein said actuatable valve means (8) (e) comprises valves operated by fluid under pressure.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 28 wherein said actuatable valve means (8) (e) comprises valves operated by fluid under pressure and wherein said fluid under pressure is bled off from said storage means.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 28 including means to reduce the pressure in the line leading between the secondary temporary storage means and the second pair of adsorption-desorption vessels.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for separating one gas from at least one other gas in a mixture of gases, said apparatus comprising: a main chamber which is adapted to contain adsorbent material; primary inlet means to said chamber; primary outlet means from said chamber; secondary outlet means from said chamber; a perforated wall structure within the chamber; an elastomeric diaphragm associated with said perforated wall structure; and means selectively actuatable to urge the diaphragm into engagement with the perforated wall structure to seal the perforations in said wall structure, thereby selectively to make either the primary outlet or the secondary outlet functional.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for separating one gas from at least one other gas in a mixture of gases, said apparatus comprising: a main chamber which is adapted to contain adsorbent material; primary inlet means to said chamber; primary outlet means from said chamber; secondary outlet means from said chamber; a perforated wall structure within the chamber; an elastomeric diaphragm associated with said perforated wall structure; and means selectively actuatable to urge the diaphragm into engagement with the perforated wall structure to seal the perforations in said wall structure, thereby selectively to make either the primary outlet or the secondary outlet functional.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 36 including secondary inlet means to said chamber.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the said adsorption vessels have the cross-sectional shape of a right circular cylinder.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
109 words
An apparatus for separating one gas from at least one other gas in a mixture of gases, said apparatus comprising: a main chamber which is adapted to contain adsorbent material; primary inlet means to said chamber; primary outlet means from said chamber; secondary inlet means to said chamber; secondary outlet means from said chamber; perforated tube structures within the chamber; elastomeric tubular diaphragms associated with said perforated tube structures; and means selectively actuatable to urge the diaphragms into engagement with the perforated tube structures to seal the perforations in said tube structures, thereby selectively to make either the primary inlet and outlet or the secondary inlet and outlet functional.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
109 words
An apparatus for separating one gas from at least one other gas in a mixture of gases, said apparatus comprising: a main chamber which is adapted to contain adsorbent material; primary inlet means to said chamber; primary outlet means from said chamber; secondary inlet means to said chamber; secondary outlet means from said chamber; perforated tube structures within the chamber; elastomeric tubular diaphragms associated with said perforated tube structures; and means selectively actuatable to urge the diaphragms into engagement with the perforated tube structures to seal the perforations in said tube structures, thereby selectively to make either the primary inlet and outlet or the secondary inlet and outlet functional.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
179 words
The apparatus of claim 39 including: an upper secondary inlet manifold; an upper secondary outlet manifold; a vertically disposed adsorption vessel communicating with said upper manifolds; two perforated tubes extending through the adsorption vessel and terminating one within each manifold; elastomeric tubular diaphragms disposed within the perforated tubes; a hollow concentric core within each tubular diaphragm; a port connecting the hollow cores to a source of fluId pressure whereby the annuli between the hollow cores and the elastomeric tubular diaphragms may be placed under the influence of a positive pressure to urge the elastomeric tubular diaphragms into perforation-sealing engagement with the perforated tubes; an intermittently perforated primary inlet tube extending through the adsorption vessel; an intermittently perforated primary outlet tube extending through the adsorption vessel; two tubular diaphragm valves to control flow in the primary inlet and outlet tubes; a control system to permit passage of fluid under pressure in a selected fashion to the elastomeric tubular diaphragms within the perforated tubes during adsorption and to the tubular diaphragm valves connected to the primary inlet and outlet during regeneration/desorption.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
126 words
The apparatus of claim 36 in the form of a cyclically operable, cross-flow purgeable, vacuum regeneratable, dual path adsorber/desorber drier, including: means for obstructing the perforations in the tubes, thereby to provide an adsorbent chamber which is a sealed column open only to the perforated primary inlet and outlet tubes; means to release the fluid pressure in the vessel and also to establish a vacuum in the first upper manifold; means to enable a purge or regeneration gas to enter the adsorbent zone from the second upper manifold, to flow through the adsorbent in a short contact path, carrying desorbed water with it; and means to draw the purge gas along with its carried water vapor to the first upper manifold, and for subsequent withdrawal therefrom.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
130 words
The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said adsorption chamber includes an upper inlet port; a lower outlet port; an upper manifold; a secondary outlet port leading from said upper manifold; a plurality of desorption/regeneration tubes disposed therewithin, each regeneration tube extending from a dead-end at the bottom of the chamber to said upper manifold above the chamber and including a main perforated outer shell, a tubular elastomeric diaphragm disposed within said tube and secured therewithin both at said dead-end bottom and at said upper manifold, said diaphragm being expandible as far as the perforated outer shell of the regeneration tube; means for introducing fluid under pressure into the zone interiorly of the expandible tubular diaphragm, said zone communicating with said upper manifold; and an outlet port from said upper manifold.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
101 words
The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said desorption/regeneration tube is a right circular cylinder including a main perforated outer shell, a central concentric hollow core, a tubular elastomeric diaphragm secured to the hollow core to the bottom at said dead-end and to the top adjacent the upper manifold, said diaphragm being expandible as far as the perforated outer shell of the tube, and a tube for the admission of fluid under pressure leading into the hollow core and communicating with an annular zone defined between the hollow core and the expandible tubular diaphragm, said upper manifold communicating with such annular zone.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 42 wherein the tubular elastomeric diaphragm is secured to the hollow core by means of conical clamps.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
96 words
The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said plurality of perforated tubes is located at a preselected maximum distance to the vessel wall or the adjacent tube; varying from less than 2 inches to 3 or more feet; wherein the upper manifold is provided with means to maintain it at an absolute pressure of 0.2 - 0.8 inch Hg; and wherein means are provided to feed high pressure fluid within the diaphragm to seal the perforations in the tubes, said high pressure fluid being about 15 to 20 p.s.i. greater than the pressure in the adsorbent chamber.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
132 words
An improved diaphragm valve comprising: a hollow casing provided with a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port; a hollow sleeve disposed within said casing, said hollow sleeve including gas impermeable sealed ends and a central gas permeable portion; a pair of perforated members disposed one at each end of said hollow sleeve, each said member extending outwardly from the hollow sleeve member to the interior wall of the hollow casing; an elastomeric tubular diaphragm secured to the ends of said sleeve and enveloping the central, gas permeable zone of the sleeve; means for introducing fluid under pressure into the interior of said sleeve whereby the diaphragm expands to come into sealing engagement with the perforated members to prevent the flow of fluid between the gas inlet and gas outlet ports.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
132 words
An improved diaphragm valve comprising: a hollow casing provided with a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port; a hollow sleeve disposed within said casing, said hollow sleeve including gas impermeable sealed ends and a central gas permeable portion; a pair of perforated members disposed one at each end of said hollow sleeve, each said member extending outwardly from the hollow sleeve member to the interior wall of the hollow casing; an elastomeric tubular diaphragm secured to the ends of said sleeve and enveloping the central, gas permeable zone of the sleeve; means for introducing fluid under pressure into the interior of said sleeve whereby the diaphragm expands to come into sealing engagement with the perforated members to prevent the flow of fluid between the gas inlet and gas outlet ports.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
44 words
The diaphragm valve of claim 46 wherein the hollow casing is a right circular cylinder provided with two closed ends; wherein the hollow sleeve is a right circular cylinder concentrically disposed within the hollow casing; and wherein said perforated members are of frusto-conical shape.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
28 words
The diaphragm valve of claim 47 wherein the fluid introducing means comprises a tube penetrating one closed end of the hollow casing and terminating within the hollow sleeve.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
18 words
The diaphragm valve of claim 47 wherein both the inlet port and the outlet port are radially extending.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
18 words
The diaphragm valve of claim 47 wherein both the inlet port and the outlet port are axially extending.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
23 words
The diaphragm valve of claim 47 wherein one of the inlet or outlet ports is axially extending, and the other is radially extending.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-18 | 1978-05-20 | 1978-11-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-18 | 1982-05-20 | 1982-11-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-18 | 1986-05-20 | 1986-11-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |