Patent ID: 8317899
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: B01D,C01B

Abstract:
1. A system for providing dry, oil-free utility air and inert gas for use on a marine vessel, comprising: a) a compressor adapted to receive ambient air and to create a stream of pressurized air, b) means for conveying sea water from an environment of a marine vessel, and for bringing the sea water into heat exchange with said stream of pressurized air, c) means for drying said stream of pressurized air, wherein the drying means includes an outlet end, the system further comprising a conduit for conveying some dried air from said outlet end, wherein said conduit delivers a product stream of utility air for use on the vessel, and d) an air separation module comprising a polymeric membrane, the air separation module being connected to receive dried air from the drying means, wherein the air separation module has an output comprising a nitrogen-enriched stream which comprises a product inert gas.