초록 ▼

A gas separation process incorporating the invention combines use of an adsorbent having high intrinsic diffusivity with a low pressure ratio PSA cycle. Further enhancements to the process are derived from the use of fast cycles, shallow beds and small particles--especially in a radial bed configura

A gas separation process incorporating the invention combines use of an adsorbent having high intrinsic diffusivity with a low pressure ratio PSA cycle. Further enhancements to the process are derived from the use of fast cycles, shallow beds and small particles--especially in a radial bed configuration. The combination of low pressure ratio, high rate adsorbents and fast cycles has been found to result in an unexpected simultaneous reduction in bed size factor (BSF) and power consumption. These benefits have been achieved while minimizing a decline in product recovery through use of the high rate adsorbent. The net result is a significant reduction in product cost.

대표청구항 ▼

A gas separation process incorporating the invention combines use of an adsorbent having high intrinsic diffusivity with a low pressure ratio PSA cycle. Further enhancements to the process are derived from the use of fast cycles, shallow beds and small particles--especially in a radial bed configura

A gas separation process incorporating the invention combines use of an adsorbent having high intrinsic diffusivity with a low pressure ratio PSA cycle. Further enhancements to the process are derived from the use of fast cycles, shallow beds and small particles--especially in a radial bed configuration. The combination of low pressure ratio, high rate adsorbents and fast cycles has been found to result in an unexpected simultaneous reduction in bed size factor (BSF) and power consumption. These benefits have been achieved while minimizing a decline in product recovery through use of the high rate adsorbent. The net result is a significant reduction in product cost. d further comprising a guidewire directable through the hollow needle. 15. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein said elongate member-redirecting surface is located at the separation guide. 16. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the elongate member-redirecting surface is a curved surface. 17. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the elongate member-redirecting surface is configured to cause the angle to be about 30° to 60°. 18. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the elongate member delivery assembly comprises a proximal end adapter at the proximal end of the body. 19. The assembly according to claim 18 wherein the proximal end adapter comprises means for adjustably limiting the distance the elongate member can move distally relative to the elongate body. 20. The assembly according to claim 18 wherein the elongate member comprises an elongate member stop element at a proximal portion thereof. 21. The assembly according to claim 20 wherein: the proximal end adapter comprises a front handle to which a rear handle is movably mounted, the front and rear handles defining a through hole through which the elongate member passes; a chosen one of the front and rear handles comprising a stop surface engagable by the elongate member stop element; and the effective length of the through hole being adjustable by a user adjusting the position of at least one of the front and rear handles relative to the other. 22. The assembly according to claim 21 wherein the rear handle is threadably mounted to the front handle. 23. The assembly according to claim 20 wherein the proximal end adapter comprises a user-positionable stop surface engagable by a user so to permit a user to limit the distal movement of the elongate member. 24. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the layer-separation guide is movable between a laterally-retracted state and a laterally-extended state to permit the assembly to be used percutaneously. 25. The assembly according to claim 24 wherein the layer-separation guide is biased towards said laterally-extended state. 26. The assembly according to claim 25 further comprising means for moving the layer-separation guide from the laterally-extended state to the laterally-retracted state. 27. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the elongate member comprises a hollow needle and said tip comprises a sharpened tip. 28. An assembly for use with a tubular body structure of the type having a wall with layers, comprising: an elongate member delivery assembly comprising: an elongate body having proximal and distal ends and defining an axis; and a laterally-extending, layer-separation guide at the distal end, the guide sized and shaped to guide the distal end of the delivery assembly between layers of a wall of a tubular body structure; a flexible elongate member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion passable along the elongate body, the distal portion comprising a tip; the assembly further comprising a elongate member-redirecting surface positioned and oriented to cause the distal portion of a distally moving elongate member to be redirected to move in a direction at an angle to the axis; the elongate body comprising a hollow outer sheath, from which the guide extends, and an elongate member support element housed within the outer sheath and at least partly defining an elongate member pathway, said elongate member support element comprising said elongate member-redirecting surface; and whereby the distal portion may be directed by the assembly into a wall of the tubular body structure, along the tubular body structure between layers of the wall of the tubular body structure, past a position in the tubular body structure, and back through at least one of the layers to enter the tubular body structure distally of the position. 29. The assembly according to claim 28 wherein said guide has a semicircular cross-sectional shape. 30. The assembly according t