IMPROVED FLUID FRACTIONATOR

摘要

Improved apparatus for fractionating fluid mixtures, such as air, by pressure swing molecular adsorption employs a rotary distributor valve (10) and an array of adsorber columns (22). Columns (22) are, in one embodiment, contained within a product holding tank (9) or, in another embodiment, attached to a product tank (130). Valve (10) sequences to provide a quasi steady-state flow, allowing optimization of adsorption/desorption cycles, and eliminating most of the valves, switches und plumbing usually required.