Pressure swing adsorption process for large capacity oxygen production

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to large capacity (e.g., greater than 350 tons/day O 2 ) vacuum pressure adsorption (VPSA) systems and processes that employ a single train including four beds, at least one feed compressor feeding two beds simultaneously at any given instant in time, and a single vacuum pump. The compressor(s) and the vacuum pump can be utilized 100% of the time. Use of product quality gas for purging is avoided, with about 10-20% improvement in O 2 productivity and 5-10% reduction in capital cost expected.

1 - 40 . (canceled) 
   
   
       41 . A vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) system for separating a feed supply gas containing at least one more strongly adsorbable component and at least one less strongly adsorbable product gas component, the system comprising:
 four adsorption beds in a single train configured such that a feed supply gas can be continuously fed into feed input ends of two of the adsorbtion beds;   at least one feed compressor configured to supply the feed supply gas to the adsorption beds; and   a vacuum pump.   
   
   
       42 . The vacuum pressure swing adsorption system of  claim 41 , wherein the at least one feed compressor comprises two feed compressors. 
   
   
       43 . The vacuum pressure swing adsorption system of  claim 42 , wherein one feed compressor is a Roots compressor and one feed compressor is a centrifugal compressor. 
   
   
       44 . The vacuum pressure swing adsorption system of  claim 41 , wherein the vacuum pump is a Roots type blower. 
   
   
       45 . The vacuum pressure swing adsorption system of  claim 41 , wherein the at least one feed compressor and the vacuum pump can be utilized 100% of the time of operation of the system. 
   
   
       46 . The vacuum pressure swing adsorption system of  claim 41 , wherein the system is configured to produce at least 350 tons/day O2. 
   
   
       47 . The vacuum pressure swing adsorption system of  claim 41 , wherein each adsorption bed contains an N2 selective adsorbent. 
   
   
       48 . The vacuum pressure swing adsorption system of  claim 47 , wherein the adsorbent comprises at least one of: Li—X zeolite, 5A, 13X, CaX, and mixed cations zeolites. 
   
   
       49 . The vacuum pressures swing adsorption system of  claim 48 , wherein the adsorbent comprises a LiX adsorbent.