Patent ID: 6755895
Filing Date: 2004-06-29
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A method of performing pressure swing adsorption comprising the steps of:providing a valve manifold having a cavity, a passage and a channel, the cavity being fluidly connected to an opening of an adsorbent vessel, the passage connecting the channel to the cavity, wherein the valve manifold includes a valve provided within the passage, the valve being configured to selectively permit and restrict flow between the channel and the cavity via the passage, the valve comprising a non-return valve, a metering orifice provided in parallel with the non-return valve, and an on/off valve provided in series with the non-return valve and the metering orifice, wherein product gas flows out of the adsorbent vessel through the non-return valve, the metering orifice and the on/off valve during an adsorption stage, wherein the product gas flows through the on/off valve and the metering orifice and into the adsorbent vessel during a counter-current flow stage, and wherein flow to and from the adsorbent vessel ceases when the on/off valve is closed.