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Title: Method and apparatus for thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption

Abstract

The present invention provides compact adsorption systems that are capable of rapid temperature swings and rapid cycling. Novel methods of thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption are also described. In some aspects of the invention, a gas is passed through the adsorbent thus allowing heat exchangers to be very close to all portions of the adsorbent and utilize less space. In another aspect, the adsorption media is selectively heated, thus reducing energy costs. Methods and systems for gas adsorption/desorption having improved energy efficiency with capability of short cycle times are also described. In another aspect, the apparatus or methods utilize heat exchange channels of varying lengths that have volumes controlled to provide equal heat fluxes. Methods of fuel cell startup are also described. Advantages of the invention include the ability to use (typically) 30-100 times less adsorbent compared to conventional systems.

Inventors:
; ; ; ;
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1174885
Patent Number(s):
6746515
Application Number:
10/135,891
Assignee:
Battelle Memorial Institute (Richland, WA)
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B01 - PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL B01D - SEPARATION
C - CHEMISTRY C01 - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY C01B - NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS
DOE Contract Number:  
AC06-76RL01830
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
42 ENGINEERING; 32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION

Citation Formats

Wegeng, Robert S., Rassat, Scot D., TeGrotenhuis, Ward E., Drost, Kevin, and Vishwanathan, Vilayanur V. Method and apparatus for thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption. United States: N. p., 2004. Web.
Wegeng, Robert S., Rassat, Scot D., TeGrotenhuis, Ward E., Drost, Kevin, & Vishwanathan, Vilayanur V. Method and apparatus for thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption. United States.
Wegeng, Robert S., Rassat, Scot D., TeGrotenhuis, Ward E., Drost, Kevin, and Vishwanathan, Vilayanur V. Tue . "Method and apparatus for thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1174885.
@article{osti_1174885,
title = {Method and apparatus for thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption},
author = {Wegeng, Robert S. and Rassat, Scot D. and TeGrotenhuis, Ward E. and Drost, Kevin and Vishwanathan, Vilayanur V.},
abstractNote = {The present invention provides compact adsorption systems that are capable of rapid temperature swings and rapid cycling. Novel methods of thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption are also described. In some aspects of the invention, a gas is passed through the adsorbent thus allowing heat exchangers to be very close to all portions of the adsorbent and utilize less space. In another aspect, the adsorption media is selectively heated, thus reducing energy costs. Methods and systems for gas adsorption/desorption having improved energy efficiency with capability of short cycle times are also described. In another aspect, the apparatus or methods utilize heat exchange channels of varying lengths that have volumes controlled to provide equal heat fluxes. Methods of fuel cell startup are also described. Advantages of the invention include the ability to use (typically) 30-100 times less adsorbent compared to conventional systems.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {2004},
month = {6}
}

Works referenced in this record:

Hollow-fiber-based adsorbers for gas separation by pressure-swing adsorption
journal, July 1998


A New Laboratory Gas Circulation Pump for Intermediate Pressures
journal, October 1971


Development of a metal hydride compressor
journal, February 1983