PRODUCT GAS CONCENTRATOR AND METHOD ASSOCIATED THEREWITH

摘要

Various equipment and methods associated with providing a concentrated product gas are provided. In one embodiment, the equipment includes an input device first and second sieve tanks, a variable restrictor, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) selecting a desired output setting for the concentrated product gas from a plurality of output settings, b) separating one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized source gaseous mixture via first and second sieve tanks in alternating and opposing pressurization and purging cycles to form the concentrated product gas, and c) selectively controlling a variable restrictor based at least in part on the desired output setting to selectively provide flow between the first and second sieve tanks such that the flow for at least one output setting is different from the flow for at least one other output setting in relation to corresponding pressurization cycles.

主权项

1. An apparatus for providing a concentrated product gas, comprising:
an input device to select a first desired output setting for the concentrated product gas; a product gas source to provide the concentrated product gas for dispensing; a pressure sensor monitoring a pressure of the concentrated product gas; a conserver valve comprising an output connection associated with a user, a vent connection associated with a vent port, and a gas connection associated with the concentrated product gas, wherein the output connection is switched from the vent connection to the gas connection and vice versa; and a controller in operative communication with the input device and pressure sensor to selectively switch the conserver valve to selectively dispense a bolus of concentrated product gas based at least in part on the selected output setting and monitored pressure; wherein the controller is configured to compare a pressure summation to a pressure summation threshold associated with the bolus.