摘要 |
<p>A process for separating air to obtain oxygen-enriched air through pressure swing adsorption uses an adsorbent which is capable of selectively adsorbing nitrogen. Three columns A, B and C containing the adsorbent are employed. With reference to Column A, adsorption of nitrogen from the feed air takes place in steps (viii), (i) and (ii). In step (iii) gas is passed from the feed end of Column A to the feed end of Column B (which has previously in step (ii) been pressurised from its effluent end with product gas from Column A) to the pressures there between are substantially equalised. In step (iv) gas is passed from the effluent end of Column A and used to purge Column C. In steps (v) and (vi) the Column A is regenerated by being subjected to a vacuum. In step (vii) regeneration is completed by pressurising the column from its effluent end with product gas from Column C. In step (viii) the feed gas is augmented with oxygen enriched air taken from the feed end of Column C. This sequence of steps is repeatedly performed with Column A while analogous sequences are performed in appropriate time relationship with Columns B and C.</p> |