초록 ▼

Each adsorber (1, 2) is dimensioned in such a way that it operates in substantially adiabatic mode and its production dead volume (27), which is the free volume in permanent communication with the outlet side end of the mass of adsorbent (6), is between about 10% and 60% of the volume of the mass of

Each adsorber (1, 2) is dimensioned in such a way that it operates in substantially adiabatic mode and its production dead volume (27), which is the free volume in permanent communication with the outlet side end of the mass of adsorbent (6), is between about 10% and 60% of the volume of the mass of adsorbent. Oxygen may thus be produced from atmospheric air.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for treating a gas mixture by pressure-swing adsorption in which, in at least one vessel containing a mass of adsorbent, a cycle is implemented which comprises: (a) a production phase in which the mixture is circulated in a cocurrent direction from an inlet end to an outle

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for treating a gas mixture by pressure-swing adsorption in which, in at least one vessel containing a mass of adsorbent, a cycle is implemented which comprises: (a) a production phase in which the mixture is circulated in a cocurrent direction from an inlet end to an outlet end of the vessel, and (b) a regeneration phase in which the adsorbent is regenerated; the vessel having on its outlet side and beyond the mass of adsorbent in the cocurrent direction, a free production dead volume which is in permanent communication with the outlet side end of the mass of adsorbent, and on its inlet side, before the mass of adsorbent in the cocurrent direction, a free feed dead volume, which is in permanent communication with the inlet side end of the mass of adsorbent, whereinthe ratio S/V, where S denotes an external heat exchange surface area for an assembly consisting of the mass of adsorbent and the two dead volumes, and V is the volume of the same assembly, is selected at a value of less than 6 m.sup.-1 ; andthe production dead volume is selected at a value of between substantially 10% and substantially 60% of the volume of the mass of adsorbent.