초록 ▼

A rapid pressure swing adsorption oxygen concentrator is provided having a plurality of at least three sieve beds cycled in sequence such that each is pressurized during one segment of a cycle and depressurized during a plurality of segments of a cycle while the other sieve beds are being sequential

A rapid pressure swing adsorption oxygen concentrator is provided having a plurality of at least three sieve beds cycled in sequence such that each is pressurized during one segment of a cycle and depressurized during a plurality of segments of a cycle while the other sieve beds are being sequentially pressurized. Preferably, approximately six sieves are provided and pressurized in sequence, with each being pressurized for approximately 60.degree. of the cycle and depressurized for from about 270.degree. to 300.degree. of the cycle. Each sieve is thereby pressurized for about one to two seconds and depressurized for about five to ten seconds. By utilizing the ability of the sieve material to adsorb faster than it can desorb gas, high output of up to 96% pure oxygen results with a low sieve volume and low power consumption.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claim is :] [1.] A rapid pressure swing gas concentration method comprising the steps of:cycling a plurality of at least three molecular sieves in sequence in a cycle that includes a venting subcycle during which the inlet side of the sieve is vented substantially to atmospheric pressure a

[ What is claim is :] [1.] A rapid pressure swing gas concentration method comprising the steps of:cycling a plurality of at least three molecular sieves in sequence in a cycle that includes a venting subcycle during which the inlet side of the sieve is vented substantially to atmospheric pressure and which is longer than the entire remaining portion of the cycle, the remaining portion of the cycle being that portion during which the sieve is substantially not so vented to atmospheric pressure; andoperating each sieve through substantially all of such remaining portion of its cycle by pressurizing the sieve from its inlet side, by exchanging product rich gas at its outlet side with the outlet sides of other ones of the sieves and by delivering product rich gas from the outlet side; andwhile each sieve is in its venting subcycle, operating each other sieve through most of such remaining portion of its cycle by pressurizing the sieve from its inlet side, by exchanging product rich gas at its outlet side with the outlet sides of other ones of the sieves and by delivering product rich gas from the outlet side.