Adsorbent System for Removal of Gaseous Contaminants

Abstract

This invention relates to an adsorbent system, adsorbent cartridge, and external canister for removing gaseous contaminants from air or another gas.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A removable adsorbent cartridge for removal of gaseous contaminants comprising:
 a plurality of parallel, non-wound adsorbent surfaces, mechanically spaced so as to allow gas flow between each surface in the plurality; and   one or more fasteners, wherein the one or more fasteners secures the plurality of said surfaces together; wherein the cartridge does not further comprise a rigid shell encasing the cartridge.   
     
     
         2 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the non-wound adsorbent surfaces are planar. 
     
     
         3 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more fasteners are disposed within the adsorbent cartridge. 
     
     
         4 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more fasteners comprise one or more fasteners independently selected from stakes, staples, wires, rods, cords, plastic bands, elastic bands, and rivets. 
     
     
         5 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more fasteners comprise one or more rigid stakes disposed within the cartridge, entering the cartridge from the top or bottom sheet. 
     
     
         6 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 5 , wherein the rigid stakes are arranged perpendicular to the gas flow. 
     
     
         7 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 5 , wherein the rigid stakes are arranged at an angle to the gas flow. 
     
     
         8 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 5 , wherein the one or more fasteners comprise a plurality of rigid stakes arranged within the adsorbent cartridge to fasten the adsorbent surfaces such that no additional external mechanical support is required during use when the adsorbent cartridge is subjected to a gas flow. 
     
     
         9 . The absorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the fasteners secure the absorbent surfaces together for transport, but additional mechanical support is required during use when the absorbent cartridge is subjected to gas flow. 
     
     
         10 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the adsorbent surfaces are spaced by ribs disposed on the adsorbent surfaces. 
     
     
         11 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the adsorbent surfaces are spaced by separating screens between the adsorbent surfaces. 
     
     
         12 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , further comprising a polymer foam that seals the outer surface of the cartridge along the sides that are not in the inlet or outlet flow stream. 
     
     
         13 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , further comprising a polymer sleeve surrounding the outer surface of the cartridge along the sides that are not in the inlet or outlet flow stream. 
     
     
         14 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the cartridge comprises square adsorbent sheets arranged into a cube. 
     
     
         15 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the cartridge comprises rectangular adsorbent sheets arranged into a rectangular stack. 
     
     
         16 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the cartridge comprises round or oval adsorbent sheets arranged into a cylinder. 
     
     
         17 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the cartridge comprises triangular or trapezoidal sheets. 
     
     
         18 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein said gaseous contaminant is carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         19 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein said gaseous contaminant is carbon monoxide, chemical or biological toxins, volatile organic carbons, moisture, acid gases or other impurities in the feed gas stream. 
     
     
         20 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the adsorbent is selected from the group consisting of calcium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide. 
     
     
         21 . The adsorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the adsorbent is molecular sieves, activated carbon, or an oxidation catalyst. 
     
     
         22 . The absorbent cartridge of  claim 1 , comprising:
 a plurality of parallel, non-wound adsorbent surfaces, mechanically spaced by ribs along the absorbent surfaces so as to allow gas flow between each surface in the plurality; and   one or more rigid stakes disposed within the cartridge to secure the plurality of said surfaces together; wherein the stakes enter the plurality of absorbent surfaces from the top or bottom sheet;   wherein said cartridge does not further comprise a rigid shell encasing the cartridge.   
     
     
         23 . A gaseous contaminant removal system comprising:
 (1) a removable adsorbent cartridge comprising:   a plurality of parallel, non-wound adsorbent surfaces, mechanically spaced so as to allow gas flow between each surface in the plurality; and   one or more fasteners, wherein the one or more fasteners secures the plurality of said surfaces together; wherein the cartridge does not further comprise a rigid shell encasing the cartridge; and   (2) a canister comprising:   an inlet through which gas can flow to contact the adsorbent cartridge;   an outlet for gas flow; and   a plurality of support structures disposed on the interior walls of the canister, which provide mechanical stability to the adsorbent cartridge by restricting movement of the cartridge within the canister during use;   wherein the cartridge is placed in the canister such that the gas flow from the inlet of the canister can flow between the adsorbent surfaces in said cartridge.   
     
     
         24 . A removable adsorbent cartridge for removal of gaseous contaminants comprising:
 a plurality of parallel, non-wound adsorbent surfaces, mechanically spaced so as to allow gas flow between each surface in the plurality; and   an adhesive used to secure the plurality of said surfaces together;   wherein the cartridge does not further comprise a rigid shell encasing the cartridge.