A rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption (RCPSA) air purification process, apparatus, and device for the removal of at least one of water, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and one or more hydrocarbons from a feed air stream prior to cryogenic air separation.

Disclosed herein are multi-bed rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption (RCPSA) processes for separating O.sub.2 from N.sub.2 and/or Ar, wherein the process utilizes at least five adsorption beds each comprising a kinetically selective adsorbent for O.sub.2 having an O.sub.2 adsorption rate (1/s) of at least 0.20 as determined by linear driving force model at 1 atma and 86 F.

A method and system for manufacturing and using a self-supporting structure in processing unit for adsorption or catalytic processes. The self-supporting structure has greater than 50% by weight of the active material in the self-supporting structure to provide an open-celled structure providing access to the active material. The self-supporting structures, which may be disposed in a processing unit, may be used in swing adsorption processes and other processes to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons.

Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for modulating fluid flow in a cyclical swing adsorption system that includes multiple adsorption bed vessels that are in fluid communication. When opening a valve to transition an adsorption bed vessel into a blowdown stage or a re-pressurization stage of a cyclical swing adsorption process, the valve is partially lifted from a closed position prior to being fully lifted. The valve includes a flow restriction aid positioned to restrict flow through the valve when the valve is in the partially lifted position.

The present disclosure describes the use of a specific adsorbent material in a rapid cycle swing adsorption to perform dehydration of a gaseous feed stream. The adsorbent material includes a zeolite 3A that is utilized in the dehydration process to enhance recovery of hydrocarbons.

Provided are apparatus and systems for performing a swing adsorption process. This swing adsorption process may involve performing dampening for fluctuations in the streams conducted away from the adsorbent bed unit. The process may be utilized for swing adsorption processes, such as rapid cycle TSA and/or rapid cycle PSA, which are utilized to remove one or more contaminants from a gaseous feed stream.

Lightweight, portable oxygen concentrators that operate using an ultra rapid, sub one second, adsorption cycle based on advanced molecular sieve materials are disclosed. The amount of sieve material utilized is a fraction of that used in conventional portable devices. This dramatically reduces the volume, weight, and cost of the device. Innovations in valve configuration, moisture control, case and battery design, and replaceable sieve module are described. Patients with breathing disorders and others requiring medical oxygen are provided with a long lasting, low cost alternative to existing portable oxygen supply devices.

An air changeover system for a metal hydride heat pump is disclosed. The system includes metal hydride reactor modules aligned and separated by a partition; a shell containing the reactor modules, the shell is compartmentalized to define separate insulated chambers for each of the reactor modules; and a bearing assembly supporting the modules at a location about the partition, wherein the bearing assembly rotates said modules about an axis during the absorption and the desorption mode. The system reduces thermal inertia and pressure drop in the heat transfer medium while flowing through the heat pump, to enhance the performance and conserve energy.

The present disclosure describes the use of a specific adsorbent material in a rapid cycle swing adsorption to perform dehydration of a gaseous feed stream. The adsorbent material includes a zeolite 3A that is utilized in the dehydration process to enhance recovery of hydrocarbons.

Lightweight, portable oxygen concentrators that operate using an ultra rapid, sub one second, adsorption cycle based on advanced molecular sieve materials are disclosed. The amount of sieve material utilized is a fraction of that used in conventional portable devices. This dramatically reduces the volume, weight, and cost of the device. Innovations in valve configuration, moisture control, case and battery design, and replaceable sieve module are described. Patients with breathing disorders and others requiring medical oxygen are provided with a long lasting, low cost alternative to existing portable oxygen supply devices.