MULTIPLE VESSEL CASCADE GAS ENRICHMENT SYSTEM

摘要

A multple vessel cascade gas enrichment adsorber is provided herein. A first stage adsorption vessel is provided with a primary gas inflow means, a primary gas outflow means, and a mass of a suitable adsorbent material in the vessel disposed between the primary gas inflow means and the primary gas outflow means. At least one subsequent stage adsorption vessel is provided in cascading interconnection with the first stage adsorption vessel through an associated interstage loop line, each such subsequent stage adsorption vessel being provided with a first gas inlet means, a first gas outlet means and a mass of a suitable adsorption material disposed between the first inlet means and the first outlet means. The first outlet means which is associated with the subsequent stage adsorption vessel farthest downstream from the first stage adsorption vessel is provided with an outlet back pressure regulator and non-return valve. Each such associated interstage loop line includes a back pressure regulator and valve therein. Secondary gas outlet means lead to secondary gas outlet lines from each of the first stage adsorption vessel and the subsequent stage adsorption vessel, each such secondary gas outlet means including a plurality of vertically spaced-apart, horizontally extending collector means, disposed within each such first stage adsorption vessel and such subsequent stage adsorption vessel. Each such collector means is provided with a plurality of dispersed gas inlet ports. Diaphragm valves are associated with each such collector means. Means actuate the diaphragm valves for alternate cyclical operation for a production period, defined as the period wherein the diaphragm valves are closed (to provide a long adsorption path from the primary inflow means to the first outlet means), and an evacuation period, defined as the period wherein the diaphragm valves are opened (to provide a short desorption path through the secondary outlet means). The individual volumetric size of the subsequent stage vessel or vessels must be smaller than the volumetric size of the first stage vessel. The cascading of the adsorbers significantly decreases the time required for regeneration by increasing the tolerance for residual adsorbate on the major portion of the adsorbent. Despite the cyclic nature of the process, the flow of product, e.g., oxygen, is continuous.