Radial adsorber, adsorption system and adsorption method

Abstract

A radial adsorber that can be configured to facilitate the utilization of different material layers. The radial adsorber, systems utilizing at least one radial adsorber, and methods utilizing embodiments of the radial adsorber can facilitate efficient operation of fluid purification processes while also being configured to minimize, if not completely avoid, susceptibility to fluidization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to adsorbers, radial adsorbers, adsorption systems utilizing radial adsorbers, and methods of making and using the same. Background Art

[0002] Temperature swing adsorption (TSA) is often used together with technologies such as pressure swing adsorption (PSA) as a pre-purification for low-temperature air distillation processes. The process is usually a combination of TSA and PSA processes (TPSA) that use pressure and temperature to regenerate the absorbent bed. The function of the adsorption system is to remove components with high freezing points (such as ambient moisture and carbon dioxide), which would otherwise freeze in the downstream processing and cause operability problems such as blockage. Nitrous oxide, hydrocarbons and other impurities can also be removed through front-end purification to avoid the accumulation of these impurities in the downstream process.

[0003] Historically, there have been three different common configurations of adsorbers: vertical, horizontal, and radial. Examples of these types of adsorbers can be found in U.S. Patents Nos. 4,472,178, 4,541,851, 4,784,672, 5,759,242, 5,846,295, 5,917,136, 6,086,659, 6,152,991, 6,506,236, 6,599,347, 6,866,075, 7,022,159, 7,285,154, 7,413,595, 8,206,669, Nos. 8,262,783, 8,268,044, 8,404,024, 8,518,356, 8,734,571, 8,814,985, 9,108,145, 9,199,190, 9,631,864, and 9,731,241, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0206581, 2011 / 0219950, and 2019 / 0291078, and Canadian Patent Publication No. 2,357,276A.

[0004] The selection of the type of adsorber vessel for a particular process depends largely on the process load relative to the flow channel surface area within the vessel. Flow channel surface area, in turn, is influenced by vessel size, which may be constrained by manufacturing and shipping limitations based on the project and manufacturer location.

[0005] Vertical and horizontal vessels are simpler in design than typical radial adsorbers. However, the adsorbent within these vessels is susceptible to fluidization.

[0006] In contrast, radial adsorbers generally do not have this concern. Unlike vertical and horizontal beds, where the process fluid typically enters the vessel at the inlet and exits the vessel at the outlet, the process fluid enters the radial bed from an outer ring, and the fluid flows in a radial direction toward the axis of the vessel, or from internal channels into the vessel shell, flowing through the adsorbent layer where separation occurs. Because the adsorbent is packed into the designated containment space by completely filling these compartments, the possibility of fluidization and curling effects is effectively eliminated. In traditional radial adsorbers, special bed supports and vessel heads are necessary additions to the radially configured vessels as they serve to secure the adsorbent compartments described above. Further, the adsorbent needs to be efficiently loaded into the compartments. These components, and the need for multiple adsorbents in some processes, increase the complexity and cost of the vessel. Summary of the Invention

[0007] We have determined that radial adsorbers having multiple adsorbent layers (e.g., two or more) within the same radial adsorber can have design complexity and cost implications. We have also determined that the use of three or more layers within a radial adsorber bed is often avoided in the art because, as the number of layers of different materials increases, there may not be enough space for the residence time of the individual layers to achieve their minimum layer length / contact time to provide sufficient adsorption of the target material in the fluid.

[0008] Compared to multi-layer adsorbent beds in vertical and horizontal configurations, radial bed designs for radial adsorbers are more complex because each layer of material can be separated by a mechanical filter that is subject to stress from multiple directions. The number of filters translates to cost and complexity. For example, we have found that addressing the stresses on the filters due to thermal variations is an important consideration when designing radial adsorbers. Another issue we have identified is that as the number of layers increases, the residence time of the fluid in a particular layer may not be sufficient to effectively process the fluid flowing through the layer due to the changes in layer size (and residence time) that may be required to accommodate the additional layers.

[0009] Further, the greater the number of filters included, the greater the design complexity, considering loading, manufacturing, and operation. We have found that such factors can impact the cost of owning and operating a radial adsorber due to the complex design criteria of radial adsorbers. For example, we have found that the design and operational complexity increases significantly when the adsorber has three or more layers of material (e.g., adsorbent material). Due to the design complexity, loading and / or replacing the layers of material can be a complex process that requires a significant amount of time and effort depending on how the layers are arranged in the container of the adsorber. This can have a significant impact on the operating cost of the adsorber because this work requires time and effort, and the adsorber may have to be taken offline for an extended period of time to complete this work.

[0010] We provide embodiments of radial adsorbers that may include a container having a chamber, an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber, and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. There may also be multiple material layers within the chamber. For example, the material layer may include a first material layer that may be positioned adjacent to a second material layer within the chamber. The first material layer may include a first material, and the second material layer may include a second material that is different from the first material. The container may also have at least one guide structure defined within or positioned within the chamber for guiding the fluid within the chamber and flowing through the material layers (e.g., the first material layer and the second material layer, etc.). The at least one guide structure may be configured to cause the fluid to flow from an external area of ​​the chamber to an internal area of ​​the chamber to flow through the material layers and / or from an internal area to an external area to flow through the material layers.

[0011] In some embodiments, the adsorber may include a container configured to allow a fluid having two or more stacked layers (e.g., the first and second material layers are stacked material layers) to have a Z-shaped flow. Each stacked layer may be positioned such that the fluid flow within the container chamber moves only in a radial direction, or the flow path is substantially radial (e.g., 80-90% of the fluid flow path, or more than 80% or more than 90% of the flow path is radial). Figure 2-7 An exemplary embodiment of such a container configuration is shown. Figure 2-7 It will be appreciated that each stacked material layer may have one or more concentric sub-layers of material (eg, one or more sub-layers of adsorbent material). Figure 2-5 An example of two stacked material layers is shown, each stacked material layer having one adsorbent sub-layer. Figure 6-7 An exemplary embodiment is shown having two stacked layers, the first having two concentric adsorbent sublayers and the second having one sublayer. Other embodiments may utilize more than two layers and / or may utilize layers having more than two sublayers (e.g., three sublayers, etc.).

[0012] Other embodiments of the adsorber can be configured such that there is a Z-shaped flow path for the fluid within the chamber and utilize two or more stacked layers (e.g., the first and second material layers are stacked material layers), wherein the flow path of the fluid flowing through the chamber of the container includes a combination of radial and axial flow segments (e.g., at least one radial flow segment and at least one axial flow segment of the flow path). Figure 8 and 9 An example of such an adsorber configuration is shown. At least one stacked layer may have flow in a radial direction (e.g., along the radius of the vessel), and at least one stacked layer may have flow in an axial direction (e.g., transverse to or perpendicular to the radial flow direction). Each stacked layer may have additional sublayers.

[0013] In some embodiments of the radial adsorber, the at least one flow-guiding structure may include one or more of the following:

[0014] (i) a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the inner side of the first material layer, and a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the outer side of the first material layer to direct the fluid to the outer side of the second material layer;

[0015] (ii) a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the inside of the first material layer, and a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the outside of the first material layer to direct the fluid to the outside of the second material layer, and a second inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inside of the second material layer to direct the fluid to the outlet of the container;

[0016] (iii) a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the outside of the first material layer, and a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inside of the first material layer to direct the fluid to the inside of the second material layer; and

[0017] (iv) a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the outside of the first material layer, a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inside of the first material layer to direct the fluid to the inside of the second material layer, and a second outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the outside of the second material layer and direct the fluid to the outlet of the container.

[0018] Some embodiments of the radial adsorber may have at least one flow-guiding structure comprising only (i), only (ii), only (iii), or only (iv). Other embodiments may utilize a combination of (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv). In some embodiments, the fluid flow through the first material layer may include flowing through multiple sublayers of different materials. For example, the first material layer may include a first sublayer having a first material and a second sublayer having a third material that is different from the first material and also different from the second material layer. When flowing through the first material layer, the fluid may flow through the first and second sublayers of the first material layer. Alternatively, some embodiments may have a second material layer comprising sublayers of materials. For example, the second material layer may include a first sublayer having a second material and a second sublayer having a third material that is different from the first material of the first material layer and also different from the second material of the first sublayer of the second material layer. When flowing through the second material layer, the fluid may flow through the first and second sublayers of material.

[0019] In yet other embodiments, the first and second material layers may each have sublayers of material. For example, the first material layer may include a first sublayer having a first material and a second sublayer having a third material that is different from the first material sublayer and also different from the second material of the first sublayer of the second material layer. These sublayers may be in close proximity to each other so that a fluid may flow through the first sublayer and then flow through the second material sublayer (e.g., the first and third materials flowing through those sublayers) when flowing through the first material layer. The second material layer may also include sublayers such as a first sublayer comprising the second material and a second sublayer comprising a fourth material. The fourth material may be different from the first material, the second material, and the third material. These sublayers may also be in close proximity to each other so that when a fluid flows through the second material layer, the fluid flowing through the second material layer may flow through the first sublayer of the second material layer and then flow through the second sublayer of the second material layer (e.g., the second and fourth materials flowing through the sublayer of the second material layer).

[0020] Some embodiments of the radial adsorber may include a third material layer comprising a third material. The third material may be different from the first material, and the third material may also be different from the second material. In yet other embodiments, there may be more than three material layers. In some embodiments, the material used for the material layer or sublayers of one or more material layers may be a combination of: molecular sieves, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide (e.g., silica gel), metal oxides, copper oxide-manganese oxide mixtures for carbon monoxide and hydrogen removal (CO / H2 removal), adsorbent materials or absorbent materials (e.g., catalysts) for removing nitrous oxide, adsorbent materials or absorbent materials (e.g., catalysts) for removing carbon monoxide, adsorbent materials or absorbent materials (e.g., catalysts) for removing carbon dioxide, adsorbent materials or absorbent materials (e.g., catalysts) for removing hydrogen, or adsorbent materials or absorbent materials (e.g., catalysts) for removing other target elements or combinations of target elements from a fluid (e.g., a gas having a mixture of gaseous compounds, air, etc.) flowing through the layer. Each material layer and / or each sublayer of the material layer may include different materials for removing one or more different target elements (e.g., CO, H2, water, etc.) of the target compound. The material of each layer may be a solid particulate material having pores to facilitate adsorption and / or absorption of one or more materials from a fluid (eg, a gas) flowing through the material.

[0021] In an embodiment of a radial adsorber using three or more material layers, at least one flow-guiding structure may include: (i) a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from an inlet and direct the fluid to the inner side of a first material layer, and a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the outer side of a second material layer to direct the fluid to the outer side of a third material layer; or (ii) a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from an inlet and direct the fluid to the outer side of the first material layer, and a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inner side of a second material layer to direct the fluid to the inner side of a third material layer.

[0022] In some embodiments of the adsorber, it includes (ii) a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and guide the fluid to the outside of the first material layer, a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inside of the second material layer to guide the fluid to the inside of the third material layer, and at least one flow-guiding structure may also include a second outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the outside of the third material layer and guide the fluid to the outlet of the container.

[0023] In some embodiments, the third material layer can be retained within the tapered receiving portion.The inner side of the third layer can be smaller in size than the outer side of the third material layer.

[0024] In some embodiments, the radial adsorber may include a container having a chamber, an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber, and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. There may also be multiple material layers located in the chamber. The material layers may include a first material layer positioned adjacent to a second material layer in the chamber. The first material layer may include a first material, and the second material layer may include a second material different from the first material. The container may also have at least one flow-guiding structure defined in or positioned in the chamber for guiding the fluid in the chamber and flowing through the material layers. The at least one flow-guiding structure may be configured to cause the fluid to flow through the chamber along a flow path. When the adsorber is in operation, the defined flow path may include one of the following fluid flow options:

[0025] (i) flowing from the inlet to the exterior region of the chamber to flow from the exterior region of the chamber to the interior region of the chamber by flowing over the first material layer in a first radial direction, and then flowing from the interior region of the chamber to the exterior region of the chamber to flow over the second material layer in a second radial direction before flowing out of the chamber via the outlet;

[0026] (ii) flowing from the inlet to the inner region to flow from the inner region to the outer region by flowing through the first material layer in a first radial direction, and then flowing from the outer region to the inner region to flow through the second material layer in a second radial direction before flowing out of the chamber via the outlet;

[0027] (iii) flowing from the inlet to an outer region of the chamber, to flowing from the outer region of the chamber to an inner region of the chamber by flowing in a first radial direction through the first material layer and also through the second material layer, and then flowing from the inner region to the outlet by flowing in an axial flow direction perpendicular to or transverse to the radial direction through a third material layer in the chamber downstream of the first and second layers;

[0028] (iv) flowing from the inlet to the inner region, to flowing from the inner region to the outer region by flowing in a first radial direction through the first material layer and also through the second material layer, and then flowing from the outer region toward the outlet by flowing in a second radial direction through a third material layer, the third material layer being located in the chamber downstream of the first and second material layers; and

[0029] (v) flowing from the inlet to the outer region of the chamber, to flowing from the outer region of the chamber to the inner region of the chamber by flowing through the first material layer and also flowing through the second material layer in a first radial direction, and then flowing from the inner region toward the outlet by flowing through a third material layer in a second radial flow direction, the third material layer being located in the chamber downstream of the first and second material layers.

[0030] The method of flowing fluid through a radial adsorber may also utilize these flow paths to flow fluid through a layer of material within a chamber of an adsorber vessel.Other embodiments may include arrangements of at least one flow directing structure to define other types of flow paths within the chamber as well.

[0031] Embodiments of radial adsorbers comprising three or more layers may include a first anti-bypass mechanism located between the third material layer and the first material layer and / or a second anti-bypass mechanism located between the third material layer and the second material layer. The first anti-bypass mechanism may include at least one first spring and a first extendable member defining at least a portion of the first compartment. The at least one first spring may be located in the first compartment. The first end of the first spring may engage and / or contact the first material layer, and the second end of the first spring may engage and / or contact the third material layer, such that the first extendable member extends via the at least one first spring in response to a sedimentation effect, the sedimentation effect being caused by the fluid flowing through the first material layer and the third material layer, causing the first material and / or the third material to become more densely packed. The second anti-bypass mechanism may include at least one second spring and a second extendable member defining at least a portion of the second compartment. The at least one second spring may be located in the second compartment. The first end of the second spring can engage and / or contact the second material layer, and the second end of the spring can engage and / or contact the third material layer, so that the second extendable member extends via at least one second spring in response to a sedimentation effect, and the sedimentation effect is caused by the fluid flowing through the second material layer and the third material layer, causing the second material and / or the third material to become more densely packed.

[0032] In an embodiment of a radial adsorber utilizing at least a first and a second material layer, the adsorber may include a first anti-bypass mechanism located between the first material layer and the second material layer. The first anti-bypass mechanism may include at least one spring and a first extendable member positioned to at least partially define a compartment. At least one spring may be located in the compartment. A first end of each spring may contact and / or engage the first material layer, and a second end of the spring may contact and / or engage the third material layer, such that the first extendable member extends via the at least one spring in response to a sedimentation effect, the sedimentation effect being caused by the first material and / or the second material becoming more densely packed due to the flow of fluid through the first material layer and the second material layer.

[0033] An adsorption system is also provided. An embodiment of the adsorption system may include a first adsorber and a second adsorber arranged to operate in parallel, such that when the first adsorber is in operation, the second adsorber is in deactivated, and when the second adsorber is in operation, the first adsorber is in deactivated. The first adsorber may be configured to purify the fluid flowing through the first adsorber when in the operation state of the first adsorber. The first adsorber may also be configured to receive a regeneration fluid flow for adsorbent regeneration when in the deactivated state of the first adsorber. The second adsorber may be configured to purify the fluid flowing through the second adsorber when in the operation state of the second adsorber, and may be configured to receive a regeneration fluid flow for adsorbent regeneration when in the deactivated state of the second adsorber. The first adsorber and the second adsorber may each be an embodiment of a radial adsorber comprising two or more material layers (e.g., at least a first and a second material layer) and at least one flow-guiding structure located within a chamber of the container. Each radial adsorber may also include at least one anti-bypass mechanism. Each anti-bypass mechanism may be connected between different material layers.

[0034] Embodiments of apparatus are also provided. Embodiments of the apparatus may include embodiments of an adsorption system that may utilize at least one embodiment of a radial adsorber. Embodiments of the apparatus may also include other structures and mechanisms, such as automated process control equipment, compressors for compressing fluid to supply the fluid to the adsorption system, coolers, heat exchangers, conduit structures, vessels, and fluid handling equipment, among other apparatus components.

[0035] Embodiments of methods of flowing a fluid through a radial adsorber are also provided. Embodiments of the methods may include:

[0036] (a) passing fluid from the inlet of the radial adsorber vessel to one of the following:

[0037] (i) a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet such that the first inner conduit directs the fluid to an inner side of the first material layer within the container, and

[0038] (ii) a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to an inner side of a first material layer within the container;

[0039] (b) flowing a fluid through the first material layer;

[0040] (c) causing the fluid in the container to flow through the first material layer, thereby causing the fluid to flow through one of the following:

[0041] (i) an inlet opening from the inner side of the first material layer to the first inner conduit within the container, and

[0042] (ii) from the first material layer to a second material layer within the container so as to flow through the second material layer to an inlet opening of a first inner conduit within the container;

[0043] (iii) from the first material layer to a second material layer within the container so as to flow through the second material layer to the inlet opening of the first outer conduit within the container; and

[0044] (iv) an inlet opening from the outside of the first material layer to the first outer conduit within the container; and

[0045] (d) directing the fluid so that one of:

[0046] (i) fluid flows from the first inner conduit to the second material layer in the container,

[0047] (ii) fluid flows from the first inner conduit to a third material layer within the container, and

[0048] (iii) the fluid flows from the first outer conduit to the outside of the second material layer within the container so as to flow through the second material layer, and

[0049] (iv) the fluid flows from the first outer conduit to the third material layer so as to flow through the third material layer; and

[0050] (e) allowing the fluid to flow out of the outlet of the container after the fluid has flowed through at least the first material layer and the second material layer.

[0051] Embodiments of the method can be configured to cause a fluid to flow through a container such that a fluid having two or more stacked layers (e.g., the first and second material layers are stacked material layers) exhibits a zigzag flow. The fluid can flow through a container chamber such that the fluid moves only in a radial direction, or the flow path is substantially radial (e.g., 80-90% of the fluid flow path, or more than 80% or more than 90% of the flow path is radial).

[0052] Other embodiments of the method can be configured such that a Z-shaped flow path for the fluid exists within the chamber of the adsorber, utilizing two or more stacked layers (e.g., the first and second material layers are stacked material layers), wherein the flow path for the fluid within the chamber of the container has a combination of radial flow and axial flow. At least one stacked layer can be arranged such that there is at least one flow segment of the flow path in which the fluid flows in a radial direction (e.g., along the radius of the container) for flowing the fluid through the layer, and at least one stacked layer can be arranged such that there is at least one flow segment of the fluid flow path in which the fluid flows in an axial direction (e.g., transverse to or perpendicular to the radial flow direction) for flowing through the layer. Each stacked layer can have multiple sublayers or only a single sublayer.

[0053] Additional details, objects, and advantages of adsorbers, radial adsorbers, systems utilizing radial adsorbers, and methods of making and using the same will become apparent as the following description of certain exemplary embodiments thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Exemplary embodiments of adsorbers, radial adsorbers, systems utilizing radial adsorbers, and methods of making and using the same are shown in the drawings included herein. It should be understood that like reference numerals used in the drawings may identify like components.

[0055] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus utilizing an exemplary embodiment of an adsorber system.

[0056] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of a radial adsorber that may be included in the adsorption system 107 of the apparatus 100 .

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of a radial adsorber that may be included in the adsorption system 107 of the apparatus 100 .

[0058] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a third exemplary embodiment of a radial adsorber that may be included in the adsorption system 107 of the apparatus 100 .

[0059] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a radial adsorber that may be included in the adsorption system 107 of the apparatus 100 .

[0060] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a radial adsorber that may be included in the adsorption system 107 of the apparatus 100 .

[0061] Figure 7is a schematic diagram of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a radial adsorber that may be included in the adsorption system 107 of the apparatus 100 .

[0062] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a radial adsorber that may be included in the adsorption system 107 of the apparatus 100 .

[0063] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an eighth exemplary embodiment of a radial adsorber that may be included in the adsorption system 107 of the apparatus 100 .

[0064] Figure 10 It shows that it can be used for Figure 1-9 Schematic diagram of an exemplary anti-bypass mechanism in an embodiment of a radial adsorber shown in The layer separator may be located between adjacent adsorbent layers in a first position, which may be considered a compressed or retracted position.

[0065] Figure 11 is similar to Figure 10 Schematic diagram of an exemplary anti-bypass mechanism that can be positioned between adjacent layers in a second position, which can be considered an extended state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] refer to Figure 1-11 , the apparatus 100 can be configured as a cryogenic air distillation system for producing one or more output streams to provide one or more desired products (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen, argon, etc.). In other embodiments, the apparatus can be configured to process other fluids to produce one or more other desired product streams.

[0067] The apparatus 100 can be configured to include an adsorption system 107, which can include a system of adsorbers 200. The adsorbers of the adsorption system 107 can include a first adsorber 107a and a second adsorber 107b. Any number of additional adsorbers can be present. The first adsorber and the second adsorber can be configured as radial adsorbers. The adsorption system 107 can utilize an arrangement of adsorbers such that they are configured to utilize a temperature swing adsorption process (e.g., a TSA or TPSA process) and / or a pressure swing adsorption process, or any other process known in the art.

[0068] Each adsorber of the adsorption system 107 can include a layer of adsorbent material. Each adsorber of the adsorption system can also include one or more layers of material (eg, catalyst material) that can remove one or more target elements from a fluid via absorption.

[0069] The first radial adsorber and the second radial adsorber can be arranged within the adsorption system 107 so that they operate in parallel. When the first adsorber is operating to perform a purification process by adsorbing one or more target materials from a fluid stream supplied to the adsorption system 107, the second adsorber can be deactivated to perform the purification process so that it can be regenerated to regenerate the adsorbent bed of the adsorber. Additionally, when the second adsorber is operating to perform a purification process by adsorbing one or more target materials from a fluid stream supplied to the adsorption system 107, the first adsorber can be deactivated so that it can be regenerated to regenerate the adsorbent bed of the adsorber. The adsorption system 107 can be configured so that the fluid input to the first or second adsorber can be changed (e.g., via a valve position change, etc.) to switch between an operating state and an inactive state of the parallel adsorbers (e.g., when the first adsorber is operating, the second adsorber can be deactivated, and vice versa).

[0070] In some embodiments, there may be multiple first adsorbers operating in series, multiple second adsorbers operating in series, or another type of arrangement to purify the fluid. Figure 1 The schematic representation provided in the schematic diagram of the first adsorber and the second adsorber in FIG. For such embodiments, the plurality of first adsorbers can be arranged so that the fluid flows through each first adsorber one after another, or so that a split portion of the fluid to be purified by the adsorption system 107 flows through the corresponding first adsorber when they are in an operating state. Similarly, the plurality of second adsorbers can be arranged so that the fluid flows through each second adsorber one after another, or so that a split portion of the fluid to be purified by the adsorption system 107 flows through the corresponding second adsorber when they are in an operating state. Such an arrangement of the first and second adsorbers can be configured to allow the first adsorber to be in an operating state while the second adsorber is in an inactive state, or vice versa.

[0071] Each adsorber (e.g., a first adsorber, a second adsorber, etc.) of the adsorption system 107 can include a bed of material held within a container, the bed of material being layered with an adsorbent. When the adsorber is in operation, the first adsorbent layer of the first bed can be configured via composition and / or structure to selectively remove ambient moisture, and the second adsorbent layer of the first bed can be configured via composition and / or structure to selectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (N2O), heavy hydrocarbons, and / or other fluid components from a fluid (e.g., air feed) supplied to the adsorption system 107.

[0072] Each adsorber may also include at least one anti-bypass mechanism located within the chamber of the adsorber's container 301 between adjacent layers of material. The anti-bypass mechanism 900 may be configured to improve the operating efficiency of the adsorber and help prevent a portion of the fluid flowing through the container from bypassing the material located within the chamber of the container.

[0073] It should be understood that when an adsorber is in an inactive state, it may undergo a regeneration process to regenerate one or more layers of material within the adsorber. When returned to an active state, the adsorber may operate at a higher efficiency than before regeneration due to the regeneration of the one or more layers of material (e.g., adsorbent material), as the regeneration of the material may return the material to a condition close to or at the initial state of adsorbing the target material from the fluid stream.

[0074] For at least some embodiments, when the adsorber is in an operating state, the regeneration fluid flow can flow through the vessels of the adsorber along a flow path opposite to the fluid flow path through the vessels of the adsorber. For such embodiments, the inlet 202 of the vessel can serve as the outlet for the regeneration fluid during the operating state, while the outlet 210 of the vessel can serve as the inlet for the regeneration fluid during the operating state.

[0075] The adsorption system 107 can be configured to receive an input stream via at least one conduit to be purified (e.g., via adsorption) from at least one upstream device. For example, the apparatus 100 can be configured such that a stream of ambient air is compressed by a compressor 103. The air compressed by the compressor 103 can optionally be refrigerated by at least one cooler 105 fluidly connected to the compressor 103 via at least one conduit (e.g., a direct contact aftercooler, a mechanical chiller, another type of heat exchanger in which heat from the compressed gas is used to heat at least one other fluid flowing through the heat exchanger to cool the compressed gas, etc.).

[0076] In some embodiments, the compressed fluid stream may then be supplied to the adsorption system 107 via at least one conduit extending from the compressor 103 or the cooler 105 for purification of the fluid via one or more operating adsorbers of the adsorption system 107 .

[0077] Undesirable components in the fluid stream (such as ambient moisture, CO 2 , N 2 O, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, heavy hydrocarbon components, etc.) can be completely or partially removed as the feed fluid stream (e.g., a feed air stream of air compressed via compressor 103) flows through the adsorbent bed of each operating adsorber of the adsorption system 107. The purified fluid can be output from the adsorption system 107 to be supplied to at least one downstream system 110 via at least one adsorber output conduit connecting the adsorption system 107 to the downstream system 110 to process the purified fluid stream and produce one or more product streams.

[0078] Other devices 111 from downstream systems 110 and / or equipment (in Figure 1The one or more output fluid streams (shown as dashed lines in FIG. 1 ) may be free of target components, such as ambient moisture, CO2, N2O, and heavy hydrocarbons. These output fluid streams may be supplied to a heater 112 via at least one conduit. The heater 112 may heat the output fluid from the downstream system 110 and / or other devices 111 of the apparatus to a preselected regeneration fluid temperature or a preselected regeneration fluid temperature range (e.g., heated to at least 150° C., heated to 150-220° C., etc.) such that when one or more operating adsorbers of the adsorption system 107 are in their operating state, the regeneration fluid may be supplied to at least one inactive adsorber of the adsorption system 107 to facilitate regeneration of the material within the adsorber bed.

[0079] The heater 112 can be a heat exchange device (e.g., an electric heater, a steam heater, a gas heater, etc.). The heater 112 can heat one or more fluid streams to produce a heated regeneration fluid stream for supplying the deactivated adsorber of the adsorption system to regenerate one or more material layers within the container of the adsorber by desorbing the adsorbent trapped within the material through thermal swing and / or pressure swing effects. The regeneration fluid with the desorbed material can be output from the adsorber for treatment in a downstream waste removal system 115, which can utilize a distillation column, a wash column, or other treatment device to treat the desorbed material. At least a portion of the output regeneration fluid can also (or alternatively) be combined with the input air stream to be recycled to the adsorption system 107 for treatment via one or more operating adsorbers of the adsorption system 107.

[0080] Removing the adsorbate via the regeneration fluid can regenerate the adsorbent material layer of the bed and any adsorbent material layer of the bed (e.g., catalyst layer) so that when the adsorber is switched back to its operational state, the adsorber can operate with increased efficiency. After regeneration, the inactive adsorber can be switched back to its operational state. Simultaneously, the active adsorbers can be switched to their inactive state for regeneration. The active and inactive adsorbers of the adsorption system operating in parallel can be repeatedly switched between their operational and inactive states in this manner for several cycles.

[0081] Each adsorber container 301 may have one or more flow-guiding structures (e.g., duct structures or other types of flow-guiding structures) defined and / or positioned within a chamber of the container 301 for guiding the fluid within the chamber and flowing through the material layer along a flow path. The one or more flow-guiding structures may be configured to cause the fluid to flow from an outer region of the chamber to an inner region of the chamber to flow through the material layer and / or from an inner region to an outer region to flow through the material layer. In some embodiments, the flow path of the fluid may be defined such that the fluid flows back and forth multiple times from the inner region to the outer region in a double-stacked Z-shaped flow pattern.

[0082] For example, in some embodiments, the inner cavity of the container 301 can be arranged so that the fluid flows in a "double Z-stack flow" so that the fluid flows between the inner and outer regions of the container and passes through the material layers multiple times (for example, (i) flowing from the outer region to the inner region to flow through at least the first layer by passing through the layer in a first radial direction, and then from the inner region to the downstream outer region, and then from the downstream outer region to the further downstream inner region to flow through at least the second layer by flowing in a second radial direction, (ii) flowing from the inner region to the outer region to flow through at least one material layer in a first radial direction, and then from the outer region to the downstream inner region, and then from the downstream inner region to the further downstream outer region to flow through at least one material layer in a second radial direction, etc.).

[0083] The interior region of a container chamber or cavity can be considered to be a more central region (e.g., the middle region of a container between the opposing heads of the container). The exterior region of a container can be considered to be the region between the exterior walls of the container that define its chamber and the interior region. The exterior region can surround or enclose the interior region within the chamber of the container 301. Examples of such flow-guiding structures within a container chamber (also referred to as a container cavity) for fluid to flow between the interior and exterior regions of the chamber to flow through a material layer are herein referred to. Figure 2-9 Discuss in more detail.

[0084] It should be understood that the adsorber can have a flow path defined therein for a fluid that can flow through the container 301 of the adsorber. When the adsorber is in an operational state, the flow path of the fluid can have a first flow direction as the fluid flows through the adsorber. When the adsorber is in an inactive state for regeneration, the flow path of the regeneration fluid that can flow through the container can have a second flow direction, which is opposite to the first direction of the operational flow path when the adsorber is in an inactive state and undergoing regeneration. When the adsorber is in an operational state, the inlet 202 for the operational flow path can serve as an outlet for the regeneration fluid flow when the adsorber is in an inactive state. When the adsorber is in an inactive state, the outlet 210 for the operational flow path can serve as an inlet for the regeneration fluid flow when the adsorber is in an inactive state.

[0085] In some embodiments, the adsorber can have a container that is configured such that there is a Z-shaped flow with 2 or more stacked layers, and each stacked layer has a fluid flow that moves only in a radial direction, or a fluid flow whose flow path is substantially radial (e.g., 80-90% of the fluid flow path or more than 80% or more than 90% of the flow path is radial). Figure 2-7 An exemplary embodiment of such a container configuration for an adsorber is shown. Figure 2-7 It will be appreciated that each stacked material layer may have one or more concentric adsorbent sub-layers. Figure 2-5An example of two stacked material layers is shown, each stacked material layer having one adsorbent sub-layer. Figure 6-7 An exemplary embodiment is shown having two stacked layers, the first having two concentric adsorbent sublayers and the second having one sublayer.

[0086] Other embodiments of the adsorber may be configured so that there is a Z-shaped flow path for the fluid with two or more stacked layers. Figure 8 and 9 An example of such an adsorber configuration is shown. At least one stacked layer may have flow in a radial direction (e.g., along the radius of the vessel), and at least one stacked layer may have flow in an axial direction (e.g., transverse to or perpendicular to the radial flow direction). Each stacked layer may have additional sublayers. Figure 8-9 An example using two stacked layers is shown. The first has two sub-layers through which the fluid flows radially. The second stack has one sub-layer through which the fluid flows perpendicularly in the axial direction.

[0087] refer to Figure 2-11 The radial adsorbers of the adsorption system 107 can have different configurations. For example, the radial adsorber can be configured to be vertically oriented such that the length L between the opposing heads of the adsorber's vessels extends vertically and defines the height of the vessel, and the width of the vessel is the extent to which the vessel extends horizontally (e.g., defined by the diameter D of the vessel). In other embodiments, the vessel can be configured such that the radial adsorber's vessels are horizontally oriented such that their length extends horizontally, and the height of the vessel can be defined by the diameter D of the vessel.

[0088] The vessel of the radial adsorber may include an inlet 202 for receiving the fluid to be purified via adsorption and an outlet 210. The inlet 202 may be located on a side of the vessel or at the inlet end of the vessel 301 at the head of the vessel 301 (shown in dotted lines). The outlet 210 may be located at one end of the vessel or on a side of the vessel (at Figure 2 shown by dotted lines).

[0089] The radial adsorber vessel 301 may also include an inner conduit structure 307 positioned within a chamber or cavity of the vessel and within a first outer annular conduit structure 303 and a second outer annular conduit structure 308. The inlet 202 may be in fluid communication with the first outer annular conduit structure 303 of the vessel, and the outlet 210 may be in fluid communication with the second outer annular conduit structure 308. The vessel 301 may be configured such that a fluid flows through the vessel along a defined flow path 306 to flow between the interior and exterior regions of the chamber of the vessel 301, thereby flowing through the material layer.

[0090] refer to Figure 2 and 3The embodiments shown in , which are examples of radial adsorbers, may be configured to allow complete removal of any intermediate screen elements (eg, intermediate screen elements) of a radial adsorber having a bed comprising two layers of material.

[0091] for Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG, when operating in a run state, the flow path 306 defined within the vessel 301 of the adsorber may include:

[0092] (i) the fluid flows from the inlet 202 into the container 301 along the first flow segment of the flow path 306,

[0093] (ii) then flows through the first outer annular conduit structure 303 defining an initial fluid supply path for the fluid along a second flow segment of the flow path 306,

[0094] (iii) then flowing through the first material layer 305 along a third flow segment of the flow path 306,

[0095] (iv) then enters the inner conduit structure 307 for transport along a fourth flow segment of the flow path 306 to a second layer of material 309 downstream of the first layer (e.g., above the first layer for a vertically oriented container, or downstream of the first layer for a horizontally oriented container),

[0096] (v) then flowing the second material laminar flow out along a fifth flow segment of the flow path 306 to the second outer annular conduit structure 308, and

[0097] (vi) Then along a sixth flow segment of flow path 306 from second outer annular conduit structure 308 to outlet 210 for outputting purified fluid from container 301 after the fluid has flowed through and contacted the first and second layers of material.

[0098] The adsorber vessel may further include a diverter plate 304, which may be positioned within a chamber or cavity of the vessel adjacent the inlet 202 to direct fluid from the inlet 202 to the first material layer through the first outer annular conduit structure 303. Other flow distribution elements may also be provided (e.g., located within the vessel 301, defined within a cavity of the vessel 301, etc.) to help direct the fluid within the vessel 301 along the flow path 306.

[0099] The first outer annular conduit structure 303 may have at least one inlet opening for receiving fluid from the inlet 202 and at least one outlet opening adjacent to the outside of the first material layer for fluid to flow from the first outer annular conduit structure 303 to the first material layer.

[0100] The first inner annular conduit structure 307 can be a conduit having an internal passageway that is in fluid communication with one or more openings on the inner side adjacent to the first material layer for receiving fluid from that layer, and in fluid communication with one or more openings on the inner side adjacent to the second material layer for delivering fluid to the second material layer. The distal opposite end of the first inner annular conduit structure can be closed to facilitate driving the fluid within the internal passageway of the first inner annular conduit structure 307 along the flow path 306.

[0101] The second outer annular conduit structure 308 can have at least one opening adjacent to the outer side of the second material layer for receiving fluid from the second material layer so that the fluid flows through the second outer annular conduit structure 308, thereby delivering the fluid to the outlet 210. The second outer annular conduit structure 308 can have at least one opening in fluid communication with the outlet 210, through which the purified fluid can be output from the container 301.

[0102] It should be understood that the first inner annular conduit structure 307 and the first outer annular conduit structure 303 and the second outer annular conduit structure 308 can each be configured as a conduit-type structure within a container cavity, which can each define a channel for a fluid to guide the fluid along a flow segment of a flow path within the container cavity or chamber. For example, the first outer annular conduit structure 303 can be defined as an annular shape extending between the inlet 202 and the outside of the first material layer to guide the fluid from the inlet to the first material layer. The second outer annular conduit structure 308 can be an outer conduit positioned to guide the fluid from the outside of the second material layer to the outlet 210. The first inner annular conduit structure can be a first inner conduit that guides the fluid from the inside of the first material layer to the inside of the second material layer.

[0103] A first material layer may be located within the first receptacle of container 301 and include a first material that is different from a second material of a second material layer held within the second receptacle of container 301. When the adsorber is operating in an operational state, the first material layer may be considered an upstream layer UL, and the second material layer may be considered a downstream layer DL. An anti-bypass mechanism may be located between these layers.

[0104] Each material layer can be held in a receptacle having one or more apertures to allow fluid to enter and exit the receptacle. In some embodiments, the one or more apertures can be defined by one or more filter screen elements of the receptacle. Each receptacle that holds a material layer can include one or more filters, meshes, at least one plate having a plurality of apertures, or at least one perforated membrane of material having a specific preselected geometric shape to define at least a portion of the receptacle. Each receptacle can also be another type of receptacle structure that can hold a material layer in a desired position within container 301 while still allowing fluid to enter and exit the layer.

[0105] The materials of the first layer and the second layer can be different types of materials. For example, the first layer and the second layer can each include different components or combinations of components from the following options: molecular sieves, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide (e.g., silica gel), metal oxides, copper oxide-manganese oxide mixtures for carbon monoxide and hydrogen removal (CO / H2 removal), adsorbent materials or absorbent materials (e.g., catalysts) for removing nitrous oxide, adsorbent materials or absorbent materials (e.g., catalysts) for removing carbon monoxide, adsorbent materials or absorbent materials (e.g., catalysts) for removing carbon dioxide, adsorbent materials or absorbent materials (e.g., catalysts) for removing hydrogen, or adsorbent materials or absorbent materials (e.g., catalysts) for removing other target elements or combinations of target elements from a fluid (e.g., a gas having a mixture of gaseous compounds, air, etc.) flowing through the layers.

[0106] When the adsorber is in an idle state and may be undergoing regeneration, the flow path within vessel 301 may be reversed. Regeneration fluid may flow into the vessel via outlet 210, which serves as the regeneration fluid inlet. The regeneration fluid may then flow through the canister along a reverse flow path and then exit vessel 301 via inlet 202, which serves as the regeneration fluid outlet.

[0107] refer to Figure 3 , the radial adsorber vessel can include different internal configurations to define different flow paths 406 within the vessel 301. For example, the vessel 301 can include a first inner annular conduit structure 403 and a second inner annular conduit structure 404 and a first outer annular conduit structure 407 that define a fluid flow path 406 within the vessel 401. It should be understood that the first inner annular conduit structure, the second inner annular conduit structure, and the first outer annular conduit structure can each be configured as a conduit-type structure within the vessel cavity, which can each define a passage for a fluid to direct the fluid along a flow segment of a flow path within a cavity or chamber of the vessel 301. For example, the first inner annular conduit structure and the second inner annular conduit structure can be inner conduits, and the first outer annular conduit structure can be an outer annular conduit that is positioned to extend between the outer sides of the first material layer 405 and the second material layer 408.

[0108] For example, the first inner annular conduit structure can be a conduit having an internal passageway in fluid communication with an opening on the inner side adjacent to the first material layer, for delivering fluid received from the inlet 202 to the first material layer via at least one inlet at the upstream end of the structure. The downstream end of the first annular conduit structure can be closed to help drive fluid received from the inlet 202 adjacent to the first head of the container into the first material layer, which can be located within a receptacle having one or more apertures such that the first material layer is in fluid communication with the first inner annular structure and can receive fluid from the first inner annular structure. The receptacle of the first material layer can be positioned to enclose at least a portion of the first inner annular structure.

[0109] The downstream end of the first inner annular conduit structure can be closed to help drive the fluid within the internal passage of the first inner annular conduit structure along the flow path 406 within the container for introducing the fluid into the first material layer. There can be one or more openings in the first annular conduit structure that communicate with its internal passage, which is adjacent to the inside of the first material layer, so that the fluid can flow out of the first inner annular structure and into the first material layer.

[0110] The first outer annular conduit structure can have at least one inlet opening adjacent to the outside of the first material layer to receive fluid from the layer via one or more apertures in the receptacle of the container 401 that holds the first material layer. The one or more apertures and the one or more apertures located on the inside of the first receptacle that holds the first material layer on its outside can be perforations, tortuous channels defined in a filter screen, or other types of apertures.

[0111] The first outer annular conduit structure may further define a channel communicating with one or more inlet openings to direct or deliver fluid to at least one outlet opening adjacent to the outer side of the second material layer held within the second containment portion of the vessel 301. The second containment portion may have at least one aperture on its outer side and at least one aperture on its inner side to provide a fluid communication connection between the first annular outer structure and the second inner annular structure. The one or more apertures on the outer side and the one or more apertures on the inner side of the second containment portion may be perforations, tortuous channels defined in a filter screen, or other types of apertures.

[0112] The first and second receptacles for holding the first and second material layers can each be defined by or include one or more filter screens, meshes, at least one plate having a plurality of holes, at least one porous material membrane, or other types of receptacle structures that can hold the material layers in a desired position within the container 301 while also allowing fluid to enter and exit the layers.

[0113] It should be understood that when the container 301 is in its operating state, the first material layer can be considered as the upstream material layer UL, and the second material layer can be considered as the downstream material layer DL. An anti-bypass mechanism can be located between these layers.

[0114] The second inner annular conduit structure may include an inner passageway in fluid communication with at least one inlet opening adjacent the inner side of the second material layer to receive fluid from the second material layer and flow the fluid toward the outlet 210. The outlet end of the second inner annular conduit structure may be in fluid communication with the outlet 210 such that after the fluid flows through the first and second material layers, the purified fluid may flow out of the container 301.

[0115] There may be a flow path 406 of the container 301 configured to flow fluid between the interior and exterior regions of the chamber of the container 301 to flow through the material layer. It will be appreciated that the flow path 406 of the container 301 in operation may include:

[0116] (i) the fluid flows from the inlet 202 into the container 301 along the first flow segment of the flow path 406,

[0117] (ii) then flows through a first inner annular conduit structure defining an initial fluid supply path for the fluid along a second flow segment of the flow path 406,

[0118] (iii) then flowing through the first material layer along a third flow segment of flow path 406,

[0119] (iv) then enters the first outer conduit structure for transport along a fourth flow segment of flow path 406 to a second layer of material downstream of the first layer (e.g., above the first layer for a vertically oriented container, or downstream of the first layer for a horizontally oriented container),

[0120] (v) then flowing the second material laminar flow out along a fifth flow segment of flow path 406 to the second inner annular conduit structure, and

[0121] (vi) Flow then follows a sixth flow segment along flow path 406 from the second inner annular structure to outlet 210 for outputting the purified fluid from container 301 after the fluid has flowed through and contacted the first and second material layers.

[0122] In embodiments of the radial adsorber, including those discussed herein and shown in the accompanying drawings, the first material of the first layer (e.g., the first layer) can be a silica gel and / or alumina particulate material configured to remove water from a fluid (e.g., via a composition and pore structure of the particulate material to facilitate removal of water from the fluid via adsorption) and the second material of the second layer (e.g., the second layer) can be 13X zeolite particles configured to remove CO2 from a fluid (e.g., via a composition and pore structure of the particulate material to facilitate removal of CO2 via adsorption).

[0123] The first material layer in embodiments of the radial adsorber may also include particles having an average particle size that is different from the average particle size of the second material layer. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the first and second material layers may have the same average particle size or similar average particle sizes.

[0124] Embodiments of radial adsorbers may also be configured to include more than two layers of material. Figure 4-9 An example of a radial adsorber container 301 is shown, which may be configured for more than two material layers. Figure 4 and 5 The embodiments shown in , which are examples of radial adsorbers, can be configured to allow complete removal of any intermediate screen elements (e.g., intermediate screen elements) of radial adsorbers having a bed comprising three material layers. Figure 7 、 8 and 9, which are examples of radial adsorbers that can utilize a reduced number of intermediate filter elements for an adsorber having a bed using three or more layers of material.

[0125] Figure 4 The radial adsorber includes a container 301 including a first material layer 505, a second material layer 509, and a third material layer 511. A first inner conduit 504 can be positioned to receive fluid from the inlet 202 of the container 301 so that the fluid flows to the first material layer. The first inner conduit can include an inlet for receiving the fluid from the inlet 202 and at least one outlet opening adjacent to the inner side of the first material layer. The first material layer can be held in a first receiving portion of the container, the first receiving portion including one or more openings adjacent to at least one outlet of the first inner conduit 504, and one or more openings on the outer side thereof adjacent to the first outer annular conduit 503 so that the fluid can flow from the first layer to the at least one inlet opening of the first outer conduit.

[0126] The first outer conduit can define a channel through which fluid can flow from the first material layer to the second material layer. The at least one outlet opening of the first outer conduit can be adjacent to the outside of the second material layer so that fluid can flow into the second layer. The second layer can be held in a second holder of the container 301 having at least one opening on its outside and at least one opening on its inside to fluidly connect the first outer conduit to the second inner conduit 506 so that fluid can flow through the second material layer and into the second inner conduit.

[0127] The second inner conduit may include at least one inlet opening adjacent to the inner side of the second material layer, allowing fluid to flow into the second inner conduit. The second inner conduit may also include at least one outlet opening adjacent to the inner side of the third material layer, allowing fluid to be directed through the second inner conduit and into the third material layer. The third material layer may be held within a third receptacle of the container, the third receptacle having at least one opening on its inner side and at least one opening on its outer side, allowing fluid to flow through the third material layer into the second outer conduit 507.

[0128] The first, second and third containers for holding the first, second and third material layers can each include a filter screen, a mesh, a plate with multiple holes, a porous material membrane, or some other type of container structure that is constructed to hold the material layers in the desired position within the container 301 while also allowing fluid to enter and exit the layers.

[0129] The second outer conduit 507 can receive fluid via at least one inlet opening of the second outer conduit 507, which is adjacent to the outer side of the third material layer. The outlet end of the second outer conduit 507 can be in fluid communication with the outlet 210 of the container for conveying the purified fluid out of the container after the fluid has flowed through the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer.

[0130] It should be understood that the first inner conduit 504, the second inner conduit, the first outer conduit and the second outer conduit 507 can each be constructed as a conduit-type structure within a container cavity or a container cavity, which can each define a channel for guiding the fluid within the cavity of the container along a flow segment of the flow path.

[0131] There may be a flow path 516 of the container 301 configured to flow fluid between the interior and exterior regions of the chamber of the container 301 to flow through the material layer. It should be understood that the flow path 516 of the container 301 in an operational state may include:

[0132] (i) the fluid flows from the inlet 202 into the container 301 along the first flow segment of the flow path 516,

[0133] (ii) then flows through the first inner conduit 504 defining an initial fluid supply path for the fluid along a second flow segment of the flow path 516,

[0134] (iii) then flowing through the first material layer along a third flow segment of flow path 516,

[0135] (iv) then enters the first outer conduit for transport along a fourth flow segment of flow path 516 to a second layer of material downstream of the first layer (e.g., above the first layer for a vertically oriented container, or downstream of the first layer for a horizontally oriented container),

[0136] (v) then flowing the second material layer out along a fifth flow segment of flow path 516 to the second inner conduit,

[0137] (vi) then flows from the second inner conduit along a sixth flow segment of flow path 516 to a third layer of material downstream of the second layer (e.g., above the second layer for a vertically oriented container, or downstream of the second layer for a horizontally oriented container),

[0138] (vii) then flows out of the third material layer along the seventh flow segment of the flow path 516 to the second outer conduit 507, and

[0139] (viii) then flows along an eighth flow segment of flow path 516 from second outer conduit 507 to outlet 210 of container 301 for outputting purified fluid from container 301 after the fluid has flowed through and contacted the first, second, and third material layers.

[0140] It should be understood that when container 301 is in its operating state, the first material layer can be considered the upstream material layer UL, and the second material layer can be considered the downstream material layer DL relative to the first material layer. The first anti-bypass mechanism can be located between these layers. The second anti-bypass mechanism can also be located between the third material layer and the second material layer. The second material layer can be considered the downstream material layer DL, and the third material layer can be considered the upstream material layer UL for the anti-bypass mechanism.

[0141] Examples of materials for the different layers may include a first material layer comprising alumina and / or silica gel for removing moisture from a fluid, a second material layer comprising 13X zeolite for removing CO2 from a fluid, and a third material layer comprising calcium X zeolite for removing N2O from a fluid. Other examples of materials for the different layers include different types of materials suitable for removing different target elements or removing different combinations of target elements.

[0142] It should be understood that the first, second, and third material layers may include other material combinations. For example, in other embodiments, the first material layer may include silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, a molecular sieve such as 13X, and the second material layer may include a molecular sieve such as 13X and CaX, and the third material layer may include a molecular sieve (such as 13X and CaX), a metal oxide, or a copper oxide-manganese oxide mixture for carbon monoxide and hydrogen removal (CO / H2 removal).

[0143] Figure 5 The radial adsorber includes a container 301 including a first material layer, a second material layer, and a third material layer. A first outer conduit can be positioned to receive fluid from an inlet 202 of the container 301 so that the fluid flows to the first material layer. A diverter plate 304 can be positioned to divert the fluid flowing into the container 301 via the inlet 202 so that the fluid flows along the first outer conduit along a desired flow path 517 along the opposite outer side of the container cavity. The first outer conduit can include an inlet for receiving fluid from the inlet 202 and at least one outlet opening adjacent to the outer side of the first material layer. The first material layer can be retained in a first receptacle of the container, the first receptacle including one or more openings adjacent to at least one outlet of the first outer conduit and one or more openings on its inner side adjacent to a first inner conduit 504 so that the fluid can flow from the first layer to the at least one inlet opening of the first inner conduit 504. For some embodiments, the first inner conduit 504 can be an annular space, an annular conduit, a channel or tubular structure, a pipe, or a defined channel within the container.

[0144] The first inner conduit 504 can define a passage through which fluid can flow from the first material layer to the second material layer. The at least one outlet opening of the first inner conduit 504 can be adjacent to the inner side of the second material layer so that fluid can flow into the second layer. The second layer can be held in a second holder of the container 301 having at least one opening on its outer side and at least one opening on its inner side to fluidically connect the first inner conduit 504 to the second outer conduit 507 so that fluid can flow through the second material layer and into the second inner conduit.

[0145] The second outer conduit 507 may include at least one inlet opening adjacent to the outside of the second material layer, so that fluid can flow into the second outer conduit 507. The second outer conduit 507 may also include at least one outlet opening adjacent to the outside of the third material layer, so that fluid can be directed through the second outer conduit 507 and into the third material layer. The third material layer may be held within a third receptacle of the container, the third receptacle having at least one opening on its inside and at least one opening on its outside, so that fluid can flow through the third material layer into the second inner conduit.

[0146] The first, second and third containers for holding the first, second and third material layers can each include a filter screen, a mesh, a plate with multiple holes, a porous material membrane, or some other type of container structure that is constructed to hold the material layers in the desired position within the container 301 while also allowing fluid to enter and exit the layers.

[0147] The second inner conduit can receive fluid via at least one inlet opening of a second inlet conduit, the second inlet conduit being adjacent to the inner side of the third material layer so as to receive fluid flowing through at least one opening on the inner side of the receiving portion of the third material layer and into the second inner conduit. The outlet end of the second inner conduit can be in fluid communication with the outlet 210 of the container for conveying the purified fluid out of the container after the fluid has flowed through the first, second, and third layers.

[0148] There may be a flow path 517 of the container 301 configured to flow fluid between the interior and exterior regions of the chamber of the container 301 to flow through the material layer. It will be appreciated that when operating in a run state, the flow path 517 of the container 301 may include:

[0149] (i) the fluid flows from the inlet 202 into the container 301 along the first flow segment of the flow path 517,

[0150] (ii) then flows through a first outer conduit defining an initial fluid supply path for the fluid along a second flow segment of flow path 517,

[0151] (iii) then flowing through the first material layer along a third flow segment of flow path 517,

[0152] (iv) then enters the first inner conduit 504 for transport along a fourth flow segment of the flow path 517 to a second layer of material downstream of the first layer (e.g., above the first layer for a vertically oriented container, or downstream of the first layer for a horizontally oriented container),

[0153] (v) then flowing out of the second material layer along the fifth flow segment of the flow path 517 to the second outer conduit 507,

[0154] (vi) then flows from the second outer conduit 507 along a sixth flow segment of the flow path 517 to a third layer of material downstream of the second layer (e.g., above the second layer for a vertically oriented container, or downstream of the second layer for a horizontally oriented container),

[0155] (vii) then flows out of the third material layer along the seventh flow segment of flow path 517 to the second inner conduit, and

[0156] (viii) then flows along an eighth flow segment of flow path 517 from the second inner conduit to the outlet 210 of the container 301 for outputting the purified fluid from the container 301 after the fluid has flowed through and contacted the first, second, and third material layers.

[0157] It should be understood that when container 301 is in its operating state, the first material layer can be considered the upstream material layer UL, and the second material layer can be considered the downstream material layer DL relative to the first material layer. The first anti-bypass mechanism can be located between these layers. The second anti-bypass mechanism can also be located between the third material layer and the second material layer. The second material layer can be considered the downstream material layer DL, and the third material layer can be considered the upstream material layer UL for the anti-bypass mechanism.

[0158] Used for Figure 5 Examples of materials for the different layers of embodiments may include a first material layer comprising alumina and / or silica gel for removing moisture from a fluid, a second material layer comprising 13X zeolite for removing CO2 from a fluid, and a third material layer comprising calcium X zeolite for removing N2O from a fluid. Other examples of materials for the different layers include different types of materials suitable for removing different target elements or removing different combinations of target elements.

[0159] It should be understood that the first, second, and third material layers may include other material combinations. For example, in other embodiments, the first material layer may include silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, a molecular sieve such as 13X, and the second material layer may include a molecular sieve such as 13X and CaX, and the third material layer may include a molecular sieve (such as 13X and CaX), a metal oxide, or a copper oxide-manganese oxide mixture for carbon monoxide and hydrogen removal (CO / H2 removal).

[0160] refer to Figure 6In an embodiment, container 301 may include an inner cavity having a diverter plate 304 to divert fluid received via inlet 202 so that the fluid flows along flow path 616. The fluid may first be diverted via diverter plate 304 so that the fluid from inlet 202 flows into an inlet of a first outer annular conduit 603. The first outer annular conduit has at least one outlet opening adjacent to the outside of a first material layer 605 held within a first container. The first container has at least one hole on its interior and at least one hole on its exterior, allowing the fluid to flow from the outlet of the first outer annular conduit through the first material layer and into a second material layer 609. The second material layer may be held within a second container, which is located within the first material layer within container 301. The second container may have at least one hole on its exterior adjacent to the interior of the first material layer and at least one hole on its interior adjacent to the first inner conduit 604, allowing the fluid to flow from the first layer through the second layer and into the first inner conduit via the at least one inlet opening of the first inner conduit adjacent to the interior of the second material layer.

[0161] The first inner conduit can be positioned to direct fluid from the second layer to the inside of a third material layer 611 held within a third receptacle of the container, the third receptacle having at least one aperture on its inside to receive fluid from at least one outlet of the first inner conduit adjacent to the inside of the third material layer. The third receptacle holding the third material layer can also have at least one aperture on its outside adjacent to the inlet of the second outer conduit 607, so that fluid can flow along a flow path 616 through the third material layer and then into the second outer conduit 607 via the inlet of the second outer conduit 607 adjacent to the outside of the third material layer. The second outer conduit 607 can be in fluid communication with the outlet 210 of the container, so that after the fluid has flowed through the first, second, and third material layers, the fluid can be output from the container 301 for purification.

[0162] It should be understood that the first inner conduit, the first outer conduit and the second outer conduit 607 can each be constructed as a container cavity or a conduit-type structure within a container cavity, which can each define a channel for guiding the fluid within the cavity of the container along a flow segment of the flow path.

[0163] There may be a flow path 616 of the container 301 that is configured to flow fluid between the interior and exterior regions of the chamber of the container 301 to flow through the material layer. The container 301 may be configured such that the flow path 616 is defined such that when operating in the run state, the flow path 616 includes the following flow segments:

[0164] (i) fluid flows from the inlet 202 into the container 301 along the first flow segment of the flow path 616,

[0165] (ii) then flows through a first outer conduit defining an initial fluid supply path for the fluid along a second flow segment of flow path 616,

[0166] (iii) then flowing through the first material layer along a third flow segment of flow path 616,

[0167] (iv) then flowing along a fourth flow segment of flow path 616 through a second layer of material adjacent to the first layer, the second layer of material being located interior to the first layer and closer to the center of the container than the first layer,

[0168] (v) then flowing the second material layer out along a fifth flow segment of flow path 616 to the first inner conduit,

[0169] (vi) then flows from the first inner conduit along a sixth flow segment of flow path 616 to a third layer of material downstream of the second layer (e.g., above the second layer for a vertically oriented container, or downstream of the second layer for a horizontally oriented container),

[0170] (vii) then flows out of the third material layer along the seventh flow segment of the flow path 616 to the second outer conduit 607, and

[0171] (viii) then flows along an eighth flow segment of flow path 616 from second outer conduit 607 to outlet 210 of container 301 for outputting purified fluid from container 301 after the fluid has flowed through and contacted the first, second, and third material layers.

[0172] The first, second and third containers for holding the first material layer, the second material layer and the third material layer can each include one or more filter screens, meshes, one or more plates with multiple holes, at least one porous material membrane, or some other type of container structure that is constructed to hold the material layers in the desired position within the container 301 while also allowing fluid to enter and exit the layers.

[0173] For example, first and second receptacles for retaining the first and second layers can be defined within the cavity of the container via a filter assembly. There can be a first outer filter 621, a second inner filter 622, and a third intermediate filter 623 positioned between the first outer and second inner filters. In some embodiments, these filters can define an annular structure to retain the material, thereby defining at least two layers of material. We have discovered that this arrangement of filters can reduce the number of intermediate filters compared to conventional radial adsorbers utilizing three layers of material, while still providing each layer with a sufficient size for adequate purification of the fluid by removing at least one target element from the fluid.

[0174] It should be understood that when container 301 is in its operating state, the first material layer can be considered the upstream material layer UL, and the third material layer can be considered the downstream material layer DL relative to the first material layer. The first anti-bypass mechanism can be located between these layers. The second anti-bypass mechanism can also be located between the third material layer and the second material layer. The second material layer can be considered the downstream material layer DL, and the third material layer can be considered the upstream material layer UL for the second anti-bypass mechanism.

[0175] In other embodiments, the anti-bypass mechanism may be positioned such that it has a first side extending between the first material layer and the third material layer and a second side extending between the second material layer and the third material layer.

[0176] The first material layer, the second material layer, and the third material layer may comprise different materials. One of these layers may comprise silica gel and / or alumina, one layer may comprise calcium X zeolite, and another layer may comprise 13X zeolite. Other examples of materials for the different layers include different types of materials suitable for removing different target elements or removing different combinations of target elements. For example, one of the layers may comprise a metal oxide material that removes hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) from a fluid, which is another suitable choice of material that can be used for any of the first, second, and third layers.

[0177] refer to Figure 7 In the embodiment shown in , container 301 may include an inner cavity having an inner cavity configuration such that fluid received via inlet 202 flows along flow path 617. Fluid may flow from inlet 202 to an inlet of a first inner conduit having at least one outlet opening adjacent to container inlet 202 in fluid communication and at least one outlet in fluid communication with the interior of a first material layer held within a first receptacle, the first receptacle having at least one aperture on its interior and at least one aperture on its exterior such that fluid may flow from the outlet of the first inner conduit through the first material layer and into a second material layer. The second material layer may be held within a second receptacle located outside the first material layer within container 301. The second receptacle may have at least one aperture on its interior adjacent to the exterior of the first material layer and also at least one aperture on its exterior adjacent to the first inner conduit such that fluid may flow from the first layer through the second layer and into the first outer conduit via at least one inlet opening of a first outer conduit adjacent to the exterior of the second material layer.

[0178] The first outer conduit can be positioned to direct fluid from the second layer to the outside of the third material layer held within a third receptacle of the container, the third receptacle having at least one aperture on its outside to receive fluid from at least one outlet of the first outer conduit adjacent to the outside of the third material layer. The third receptacle holding the third material layer can also have at least one aperture on its inside, adjacent to the inlet of the second inner conduit or the inside of the downstream outlet of the second inner conduit 606, so that fluid can flow through the third material layer along flow path 617 and then into the second inner conduit 606. The second inner conduit 606 can be in fluid communication with the outlet 210 of the container so that after the fluid has flowed through the first, second, and third material layers, the fluid can be output from the container 301 for purification.

[0179] It should be understood that the first inner conduit, the second inner conduit 606 and the first outer conduit can each be constructed as a conduit-type structure within a container cavity or a container cavity, which can each define a channel for guiding the fluid within the cavity or chamber of the container along a flow segment of the flow path.

[0180] There may be a flow path 617 of the container 301 that is configured to flow fluid between the interior and exterior regions of the chamber of the container 301 to flow through the material layer. The container 301 may be configured such that the flow path 617 is defined such that when operating in the run state, the flow path 617 includes the following flow segments:

[0181] (i) the fluid flows from the inlet 202 into the container 301 along the first flow segment of the flow path 617,

[0182] (ii) then flows through a first inner conduit defining an initial fluid supply path for the fluid along a second flow segment of flow path 617,

[0183] (iii) then flowing through the first material layer along a third flow segment of flow path 617,

[0184] (iv) then flowing along a fourth flow segment of flow path 617 through a second layer of material adjacent to the first layer, the second layer of material being located exterior to the first layer and further from the center of the container than the first layer,

[0185] (v) then flowing the second material layer out along the fifth flow segment of flow path 617 to the first outer conduit,

[0186] (vi) then flows from the first outer conduit along a sixth flow segment of flow path 617 to a third layer of material downstream of the second layer (e.g., above the second layer for a vertically oriented container, or downstream of the second layer for a horizontally oriented container),

[0187] (vii) then flows the third material layer out along the seventh flow segment of the flow path 617 to the second inner conduit 606 or the downstream portion of the first inner conduit, and

[0188] (viii) then flows along the eighth flow segment of the flow path 617 from the second inner conduit 606 or the downstream portion of the first inner conduit to the outlet 210 of the container 301 for outputting the purified fluid from the container 301 after the fluid has flowed through and contacted the first material layer, the second material layer and the third material layer.

[0189] The first, second and third containers for holding the first material layer, the second material layer and the third material layer can each include one or more filter screens, meshes, one or more plates with multiple holes, at least one porous material membrane, or some other type of container structure that is constructed to hold the material layers in the desired position within the container 301 while also allowing fluid to enter and exit the layers.

[0190] For example, first and second receptacles for retaining the first and second layers can be defined within the cavity of the container via a filter assembly. There can be a first outer filter, a second inner filter, and a third intermediate filter positioned between the first outer filter and the second inner filter. In some embodiments, these filters can help define an annular structure to retain the material, thereby defining multiple layers of material. Compared to conventional radial adsorbers utilizing three layers of material, this arrangement can reduce the number of intermediate filters while still providing each layer with a sufficient size for adequate purification of the fluid by removing at least one target element from the fluid.

[0191] When container 301 is in its operating state, the first material layer can be considered the upstream material layer UL, and the third material layer can be considered the downstream material layer DL relative to the first material layer. A first anti-bypass mechanism can be located between these layers. A second anti-bypass mechanism can also be located between the third material layer and the second material layer. The second material layer can be considered the downstream material layer DL, and the third material layer can be considered the upstream material layer UL for the second anti-bypass mechanism.

[0192] In other embodiments, the anti-bypass mechanism can be positioned such that it has a first side in which an extensible material (e.g., extensible member 904) extends between a first material layer and a third material layer, and a second side having an extensible material (e.g., extensible member 904) extending between a second material layer and a third material layer.

[0193] The first material layer, the second material layer, and the third material layer may comprise different materials. One of these layers may comprise silica gel and / or alumina, one layer may comprise calcium X zeolite, and another layer may comprise 13X zeolite. Other examples of materials for the different layers include different types of materials suitable for removing different target elements or removing different combinations of target elements. For example, one of the layers may comprise a metal oxide material (e.g., a copper oxide-manganese oxide mixture) to remove H2 and CO from the fluid, as another suitable choice of material that may be used for any of the first, second, and third layers.

[0194] refer to Figure 8 , the vessel 301 can include radial beds having three or more material adsorbent types and utilize a reduced number of intermediate filters compared to conventional radial adsorbers. The vessel 301 can include an inner chamber having a diverter plate 304 to divert the fluid received via the inlet 202 so that the fluid flows along a flow path 716. The fluid can first be diverted via the diverter plate 304 so that the fluid from the inlet 202 flows into the inlet of a first outer annular conduit 703, which has at least one outlet opening adjacent to the outside of a first material layer 705 held within a first container, the first container having at least one hole on its inner side and at least one hole on its outer side so that the fluid can flow from the outlet of the first outer annular conduit through the first material layer and into the second layer. The second material layer 709 can be held within a second container, which is located within the first material layer within the vessel 301. The second receiving portion may have at least one hole on its outer side adjacent to the inner side of the first material layer, and also have at least one hole on its inner side adjacent to the first inner conduit 704, so that the fluid can flow from the first layer through the second layer and flow into the first inner conduit 704 via at least one inlet opening of the first inner conduit 704 on the inner side adjacent to the second material layer.

[0195] The first inner conduit 704 can be positioned to direct fluid from the second layer to the inside of a third material layer 711 held within a third receptacle of the container, the third receptacle having at least one aperture on its inlet side to receive fluid from at least one outlet of the first inner conduit 704 adjacent to the inlet side of the third material layer. The third receptacle holding the third material layer can also have at least one aperture on its outlet side adjacent to the inlet of the second outer conduit 707, allowing fluid to flow through the third material layer along a flow path 716 and then into the second outer conduit 707 via the inlet of the second outer conduit 707 adjacent to the outlet side of the third material layer.

[0196] The third material layer can have one or more baffles or other types of flow diverting devices positioned therein so that fluid from the second material layer can be directed within the third material layer for contact with a substantial portion or the entire bed of material within the third material layer. The use of a flow diverting mechanism within the third material layer can help improve the efficiency of the operation of the third material layer by preventing some outer areas of the third material layer from having little or no contact with the fluid as the fluid flows through the third material layer.

[0197] The second outer conduit 707 can be in fluid communication with the outlet 210 of the container so that after the fluid has flowed through the first, second, and third layers of material, the fluid can be output from the container 301 for purification.

[0198] It should be understood that the first inner conduit 704, the first outer conduit and the second outer conduit 707 can each be constructed as a conduit-type structure within a container cavity or a container cavity, which can each define a channel for the fluid within the cavity or cavity of the container, and be used to guide the fluid along the flow section of the flow path within the container.

[0199] There may be a flow path 716 of the container 301 that is configured to flow fluid between the interior and exterior regions of the chamber of the container 301 to flow through the material layer. The container 301 may be configured such that the flow path 716 is defined such that when operating in the run state, the flow path 716 includes the following flow segments:

[0200] (i) fluid flows from the inlet 202 into the container 301 along the first flow segment of the flow path 716,

[0201] (ii) then flows through a first outer conduit defining an initial fluid supply path for the fluid along a second flow segment of flow path 716,

[0202] (iii) then flowing through the first material layer along a third flow segment of flow path 716,

[0203] (iv) then flowing along a fourth flow segment of flow path 716 through a second layer of material adjacent to the first layer, the second layer of material being located interior to the first layer and closer to the center of the container than the first layer,

[0204] (v) then flowing the second material layer out along the fifth flow segment of the flow path 716 to the first inner conduit 704,

[0205] (vi) then flows from the first inner conduit 704 along a sixth flow segment of the flow path 716 to a third layer of material downstream of the second layer (e.g., above the second layer for a vertically oriented container, or downstream of the second layer for a horizontally oriented container),

[0206] (vii) then flows out of the third material layer along the seventh flow segment of the flow path 716 to the second outer conduit 707, and

[0207] (viii) then flows along an eighth flow segment of flow path 716 from second outer conduit 707 to outlet 210 of container 301 for outputting purified fluid from container 301 after the fluid has flowed through and contacted the first, second, and third material layers.

[0208] The first and second receptacles for holding the first and second layers can be defined within the cavity of the container via a filter assembly. There can be a first outer filter, a second inner filter, and a third intermediate filter positioned between the first outer filter and the second inner filter. In some embodiments, these filters can define an annular structure (e.g., a tube, etc.) to facilitate holding the material, thereby defining multiple layers of material. This arrangement can allow for a reduction in the number of intermediate filters compared to conventional radial adsorbers utilizing three layers of material, while still providing each layer of sufficient size for adequate purification of the fluid by removing at least one target element from the fluid.

[0209] Figure 8 The third layer of the embodiment shown in FIG can be held within the third housing portion via supports from the third housing portion. The supports from the third housing portion can be upper supports for a vertically oriented container or lateral supports for a horizontally oriented container 301. The supports from the third housing portion can be attached to the first, second, and third filter screens to provide support for these filter screens and help maintain their position.

[0210] It should be understood that when container 301 is in its operating state, the first material layer can be considered the upstream material layer UL, and the third material layer can be considered the downstream material layer DL relative to the first material layer. The first anti-bypass mechanism can be located between these layers. The second anti-bypass mechanism can also be located between the third material layer and the second material layer. The second material layer can be considered the downstream material layer DL, and the third material layer can be considered the upstream material layer UL for the second anti-bypass mechanism.

[0211] In other embodiments, the anti-bypass mechanism can be positioned such that it has a first side in which an extensible material (e.g., extensible member 904) extends between the first material layer and the third material layer, and a second side having an extensible material 904 (e.g., extensible member 904) extending between the second material layer and the third material layer.

[0212] The first material layer, the second material layer, and the third material layer may comprise different materials. One of these layers may comprise silica gel and / or alumina, one layer may comprise calcium X zeolite, and another layer may comprise 13X zeolite. Other examples of materials for the different layers include different types of materials suitable for removing different target elements or removing different combinations of target elements. For example, one layer may comprise a copper oxide-manganese oxide mixture to remove hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) from a fluid, which is another suitable choice of material that can be used for any of the first, second, and third layers.

[0213] refer to Figure 9 , the vessel 301 may include an internal cavity having an internal cavity configuration such that fluid received via the inlet 202 flows along a flow path 816. The vessel 301 may include radial beds having three or more material adsorbent types and also utilize a reduced number of intermediate filters compared to conventional radial adsorbers.

[0214] Figure 9 The container 301 of the embodiment shown in FIG3 may include an inner chamber having a diverter plate 304 to divert fluid received via the inlet 202 so that the fluid flows along a flow path 816. The fluid may first be diverted via the diverter plate 304 so that the fluid from the inlet 202 flows into the inlet of a first outer annular conduit 803. The first outer annular conduit has at least one outlet opening adjacent to the outside of a first material layer 805 held within a first container. The first container has at least one hole on its interior and at least one hole on its exterior, allowing the fluid to flow from the outlet of the first outer annular conduit through the first material layer and into the second layer. A second material layer 809 may be held within a second container, which is located within the first material layer within the container 301. The second container may have at least one hole on its exterior adjacent to the interior of the first material layer and at least one hole on its interior adjacent to the first inner conduit 804, allowing the fluid to flow from the first layer through the second layer and into the first inner conduit 804 via the at least one inlet opening of the first inner conduit 804 adjacent to the interior of the second material layer.

[0215] The first inner conduit 804 can be positioned to direct fluid from the second layer to the inlet side of a third material layer 811 held within a third receptacle of the container, the third receptacle having at least one aperture on its inlet side (e.g., inlet side 812) to receive fluid from at least one outlet of the first inner conduit 804 adjacent to the inlet side of the third material layer. The third receptacle holding the third material layer can also have at least one aperture on its outlet side (e.g., outlet side 813) adjacent to the inlet of the second outer conduit 807, so that fluid can flow through the third material layer along a flow path 816 and then into the second outer conduit via the inlet of the second outer conduit adjacent to the outlet side of the third material layer. The second outer conduit can be in fluid communication with the outlet 210 of the container, so that after the fluid has flowed through the first, second, and third material layers, the fluid can be output from the container 301 for purification.

[0216] The third material layer can be retained within a tapered structure 814 defining a third receptacle. The tapered structure can have an inlet side 812 and an outlet side 813. Fluid can be output from the outlet side 813 for flow into an external conduit and / or through the outlet 210 of the container in fluid communication with the outlet side 813. In such a configuration, the outlet side 813 can be larger than the inlet side 812. It is contemplated that other embodiments of the third receptacle can be configured such that the outlet side 813 is the same or similar size as the inlet side 812, or that the inlet side 812 can be larger than the outlet side 813.

[0217] It should be understood that the first inner conduit 804, the first outer conduit and the second outer conduit can each be constructed as a conduit-type structure within a container cavity or a container cavity, which can each define a channel for the fluid within the cavity of the container to guide the fluid along a flow section of the flow path within the container 301.

[0218] There may be a flow path 816 of the container 301 that is configured to flow fluid between the interior and exterior regions of the chamber of the container 301 to flow through the material layer. The container 301 may be configured such that the flow path 816 is defined such that when operating in the run state, the flow path 816 includes the following flow segments:

[0219] (i) fluid flows from the inlet 202 into the container 301 along the first flow segment of the flow path 816,

[0220] (ii) then flows through a first outer conduit defining an initial fluid supply path for the fluid along a second flow segment of flow path 816,

[0221] (iii) then flowing through the first material layer along a third flow segment of flow path 816,

[0222] (iv) then flowing along a fourth flow segment of flow path 816 through a second layer of material adjacent to the first layer, the second layer of material being located interior to the first layer and closer to the center of the container than the first layer,

[0223] (v) then flowing the second material layer out along the fifth flow segment of the flow path 816 to the first inner conduit 804,

[0224] (vi) then flows from the first inner conduit 804 along a sixth flow segment of flow path 816 to a third layer of material downstream of the second layer (e.g., above the second layer for a vertically oriented container, or downstream of the second layer for a horizontally oriented container),

[0225] (vii) then flowing the third material layer out along the seventh flow segment of flow path 816 to the second outer conduit, and

[0226] (viii) Then flows along an eighth flow segment of flow path 816 from the second outer conduit to the outlet 210 of the container 301 for outputting the purified fluid from the container 301 after the fluid has flowed through and contacted the first, second, and third material layers.

[0227] The first and second receptacles for holding the first and second layers can be defined within the cavity of the container via a filter assembly. There can be a first outer filter, a second inner filter, and a third intermediate filter positioned between the first outer filter and the second inner filter. In some embodiments, these filters can define an annular structure (e.g., a tube, etc.) to facilitate holding the material, thereby defining multiple layers of material. Compared to conventional radial adsorbers utilizing three layers of material, this arrangement can allow for a reduction in the number of intermediate filters while still providing each layer with sufficient size to allow the fluid to have sufficient residence time in each layer to adequately purify the fluid by removing at least one target element from the fluid.

[0228] Figure 9 The third layer of the embodiment shown in FIG can be retained within the third container via third container supports 810. The third container supports can be upper supports for a vertically oriented container or lateral supports for a horizontally oriented container 301. The third container supports 810 can be attached to the first, second, and third filter screens to provide support for these filter screens and help maintain their position within the container chamber.

[0229] It should be understood that when container 301 is in its operating state, the first material layer can be considered the upstream material layer UL, and the third material layer can be considered the downstream material layer DL relative to the first material layer. The first anti-bypass mechanism can be located between these layers. The second anti-bypass mechanism can also be located between the third material layer and the second material layer. The second material layer can be considered the downstream material layer DL, and the third material layer can be considered the upstream material layer UL for the second anti-bypass mechanism.

[0230] In other embodiments, the anti-bypass mechanism can be positioned such that it has a first inner side in which an extensible material 904 (e.g., an extensible member 904) extends between the first material layer and the third material layer and / or the support 810, and a second side having an extensible material (e.g., an extensible member 904) extending between the second material layer and the third material layer and / or the support 810.

[0231] The first material layer, the second material layer, and the third material layer may comprise different materials. One of these layers may comprise silica gel and / or alumina, one layer may comprise calcium X zeolite, and another layer may comprise 13X zeolite. Other examples of materials for the different layers include different types of materials suitable for removing different target elements or removing different combinations of target elements. For example, one layer may comprise a copper oxide-manganese oxide mixture to remove hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) from a fluid, which is another suitable choice of material that can be used for any of the first, second, and third layers.

[0232] When the adsorber bed of an embodiment of a radial adsorber is placed into operation, the material layer may experience material settling. This may reduce the size of the layer (e.g., the length of a horizontally oriented container layer or the height of a vertically oriented layer). This settling effect may occur due to the flow of fluid through these layers causing the accumulation of material to become more dense. It is conceivable that the adsorbent compartments (e.g., the holding portions) of the layers of the container 301 in all of the embodiments discussed herein may be susceptible to this phenomenon, which may create a bypass problem in which portions of the fluid may bypass the layer due to the sedimentation effect which may cause the size of the layer to be reduced. This is a problem both for the fluid purge flow when the adsorber is in operation and for the regeneration flow that may flow through the container when the adsorber is in an inactive state.

[0233] from Figure 2-9 It will be appreciated that we have developed an anti-bypass mechanism to address this issue and to avoid this type of bypass problem, which can be utilized in all embodiments discussed herein to avoid this type of problem or at least significantly mitigate this type of problem. Exemplary embodiments of an anti-bypass mechanism that can be used in radial adsorber embodiments can be found in: Figure 10-11 Get the preferred understanding.

[0234] refer to Figure 10-11 The bypass prevention mechanism may be located between the downstream material layer DL and the upstream material layer UL in the chamber or cavity of the container 301 (e.g., also as Figure 2-9 ). In some vertically oriented containers, the downstream layer DL may be above the upstream layer UL.

[0235] The anti-bypass mechanism can be configured as a layer separator including at least one spring 903 that is biased to extend outward (e.g., a coil spring that can be compressed to a shorter length and biased to extend to a longer length, an elongated elastic spring that can be elastically compressed along its length and biased to extend outward to a longer length, etc.). The anti-bypass mechanism can also include at least one extendable side member 904 on its inner and outer sides opposite the inner spring 903 to define a compartment 901 in which each spring 903 is located between the upstream and downstream layers of materials UL and DL.

[0236] The extendable member 904 can be composed of a flexible metal, a high temperature rubber material sheet, a high temperature elastic material sheet, a flexible material sheet (such as a rubber pad, a rubber sheet, an elastic sheet, etc.), a foldable metal that can be configured to fold into a compressed configuration and unfold into an extended configuration, or other types of foldable materials or stretchable materials. When the spring 903 is extended from the compressed position, it can extend from a retracted position to an extended position and also withstand the operating conditions within the container 301.

[0237] In some embodiments, the extendable member 904 can be an annular member. For example, in some embodiments, each extendable member 904 can be an O-ring or have a ring or annular structure (e.g., an annular hexagonal structure, etc.). In other embodiments, each extendable member 904 can be a piece of material or a piece of folded material that can be stretched into a smaller folded state or an expanded state when the member is extended. In other embodiments, there can be multiple extendable members 904, which are positioned to define different sides of the compartment 901 (e.g., the inside and outside of the compartment 901).

[0238] A first end of each spring can engage the upstream layer UL, and a second, opposite end of the spring 903 can engage the downstream layer DL within the compartment 901 defined by the at least one extendable member 904. For example, the first end of each spring 903 can engage (e.g., contact) a first side of a filter or receptacle of the upstream layer UL, and the second end of each spring 903 can engage (e.g., contact) a first side of a filter or receptacle of the downstream layer DL that faces the upstream layer UL.

[0239] After the material is filled into the upstream layer UL and the downstream layer DL, the weight of the material and the positioning of the receptacles and / or filters for these material layers will cause the spring 903 and the extendable member 904 to retract to the retracted position, as shown. Figure 10 . In this position, the upstream layer UL and the downstream layer DL may be separated by a first distance FD. In this retracted position, the extendable member 904 may be in a folded or retracted state. When the adsorber is first installed and used in a facility, the retracted position of the extendable member 904 and the spring 903 may be the initial position of the layers and the bypass prevention mechanism.

[0240] After the fluid flows through the adsorber, the material of the downstream layer DL and the upstream layer UL settles and becomes more densely packed due to the sedimentation effect. The one or more springs 903 and the one or more extendable members 904 can act to prevent bypass problems by extending in response to this effect, because each spring is biased to extend from its retracted position to a more extended position, and the one or more extendable members 904 can extend from a folded or retracted position to a more extended position with less folding. The extension of the extendable members 904 driven by the springs 903 can cause the size of the compartment 901 to expand to fill the space that can be created by the settling of the material. At this position, the upstream layer UL and the downstream layer DL can be separated by a second distance SD that is greater than the distance that the layers were apart at. Figure 10 The extendable member 904 is laterally extended to a more extended position driven by the extension of the spring 903, which blocks the fluid and ensures that the fluid flows through the material and does not bypass the material layer.

[0241] The extendable member 904 can extend between different layers and / or between supports (e.g., supports 810) and layers. In some embodiments, the periphery of the compartment 901 in which the at least one spring 903 is located can be defined by an annular extendable member extending from the same downstream layer DL to the same upstream layer UL. In other embodiments, the first inner side can have a first annular extendable member 904 extending from the downstream layer DL to the upstream layer UL and / or the support (e.g., supports 810) of the upstream layer, and the second outer side of the compartment 901 can have a second annular extendable member 904 extending from a different downstream layer DL to the same upstream layer UL or the support (e.g., supports 810) of the upstream layer.

[0242] It will be appreciated that the anti-bypass mechanism may have multiple extension positions to account for dynamic changes in the dimensions of the layers that may change due to settling effects. This may allow the bypass mechanism to continuously extend in response to the layers becoming more densely packed during operation, thereby continuously mitigating bypass flow that may occur due to material settling effects during operation of the adsorber.

[0243] refer to Figure 1-9The vessel 301 may also include drain outlets 321 for different layers to allow a portion of the fluid flowing through the vessel to be discharged from the vessel 301 after the fluid has only flowed through fewer than all layers of material within the vessel (e.g., one layer of material when there are two layers, or 1-2 layers of material when there are three layers, etc.). For example, at least one drain outlet 321 (shown in dashed lines) may be positioned to discharge a portion of the fluid after flowing through only the first layer, or after flowing through the first and second layers (but not yet through the third layer). This portion of the treated fluid may then be directed from the drain outlet 321 along the drain output fluid stream 121 to an equipment device in which the fluid does not need to be more fully purified by flowing through other layers held in the vessel 301. The use of one or more drain outlets 321 may allow the adsorber to be used to process input fluids from multiple different process streams having different fluid composition requirements, thereby providing greater operational flexibility to the equipment operator.

[0244] The bleed outlet 321 may include a valve or other type of switching mechanism that allows the bleed outlet 321 to be opened or closed to generate the bleed output fluid stream 121 when needed. For example, the bleed outlet 321 may be closed during the regeneration phase and may be opened when the adsorber is operated in the operating phase to distribute the bleed output fluid stream 121. The bleed outlet 321 may also be used to supply additional regeneration gas at a specific temperature during the regeneration phase.

[0245] The materials of the material layers of the adsorber bed (e.g., the first, second, and third layers, etc.) can be different types of materials. For example, the first, second, and / or third layers can each include a different component or combination of components from the following: molecular sieves, alumina, silica (e.g., silica gel), metal oxides, a copper oxide-manganese oxide mixture for carbon monoxide and hydrogen removal (CO / H2 removal), an adsorbent material or absorbent material (e.g., a catalyst) for nitrous oxide removal, an adsorbent material or absorbent material (e.g., a catalyst) for carbon monoxide removal, an adsorbent material or absorbent material (e.g., a catalyst) for carbon dioxide removal, an adsorbent material or absorbent material (e.g., a catalyst) for hydrogen removal, or an adsorbent material or absorbent material (e.g., a catalyst) for removing other target elements or combinations of target elements from a fluid (e.g., a gas having a mixture of gaseous compounds, air, etc.) flowing through the layers. The material of each layer can be a solid particulate material having pores to facilitate adsorption and / or absorption of one or more materials from a fluid (e.g., a gas) flowing through the material.

[0246] It should be understood that embodiments of the radial adsorber can be configured such that the flow path of the fluid flowing through the chamber flows through different material layers in different radial directions (e.g., a first radial direction and a second radial direction). The first radial direction of fluid flow can be a flow segment of the flow path, wherein the fluid flows from an outer region to an inner region of the chamber as it flows through one or more material layers. The second radial direction of fluid flow can be a flow segment of the flow path, wherein the fluid flows from an inner region to an outer region of the chamber as it flows through one or more material layers. In other embodiments, the first radial direction of fluid flow can be a flow segment of the flow path, wherein the fluid flows from an inner region to an outer region of the chamber as it flows through one or more material layers, and the second radial direction of fluid flow can be a flow segment of the flow path, wherein the fluid flows from an outer region to an inner region of the chamber as it flows through one or more material layers.

[0247] In some embodiments, the chamber of the container can be defined such that when the fluid flows from the inlet 202 to the outlet 210 within the chamber, at least one flow segment of the flow path can flow in an axial direction that is transverse or perpendicular to the first radial direction and / or the second radial direction (e.g., such as Figure 8 and 9 Flow vertically through at least one material layer in the embodiment shown in FIG).

[0248] Embodiments of radial adsorbers, such as the embodiments discussed herein, can be configured to avoid or reduce the use of intermediate screen elements that are complex in design and difficult to manufacture. Removing the intermediate screen elements (or reducing the number of such elements that may be required) can significantly simplify the design of the radial adsorber and greatly reduce the manufacturing and operating costs of the radial adsorber. For example, the stresses acting on the intermediate screen elements of conventional radial adsorbers are no longer a problem in embodiments of our radial adsorber that avoid the use of such elements. Such stresses can also be more easily addressed in embodiments that allow for a reduction in the number of intermediate screens required.

[0249] Further, the positioning of the individual material layers can be provided so that the layers are of sufficient size to allow the layers to significantly or completely remove one or more desired target components of the fluid (e.g., water, CO2, N2O, H2, CO, etc.) by the fluid flowing through the layers and contacting the solid particulate material of the layers. This helps avoid the increased manufacturing, maintenance, and operating costs that may be associated with addressing such thermal variations and stress issues of multi-layered conventional radial adsorbers with intermediate filters, while also providing improved purification operation of the adsorber, which can avoid adverse fluidization effects. Such effects and impacts can be further enhanced by using the embodiments of the anti-bypass mechanism discussed herein.

[0250] It should be understood that the embodiments explicitly shown and discussed herein can be modified to meet a particular set of design objectives or a particular set of design criteria. For example, the arrangement of valves, pipes, and other conduit elements (e.g., conduit connections, pipes, seals, etc.) used to interconnect different units of the device for fluid communication of fluid flows between different units can be arranged to meet a particular device layout design that meets the available area of ​​the device, the size of the device, and other design considerations. As another example, the flow rate, pressure, and temperature of the fluid flowing through the radial adsorber and through other device elements can be varied to meet different device design configurations and other design criteria. As yet another example, the number of radial adsorbers in the adsorption system 107 and their arrangement can be adjusted to meet a particular set of design criteria. As yet another example, the material composition of the radial adsorbers, the adsorption system 107, and the different structural components of the device 1 can be any type of suitable material required to meet a particular set of design criteria.

[0251] It should be understood that embodiments of the apparatus 1 can be configured as an air separation apparatus or other type of apparatus in which at least one radial adsorber can be utilized. The apparatus, adsorption system, and radial adsorber can each be configured to include process control elements positioned and configured to monitor and control operations (e.g., temperature and pressure sensors, flow sensors, an automated process control system having at least one workstation including a processor, non-transitory memory, and at least one transceiver for communicating with the sensor elements, valves, and controllers, for providing a user interface for the automated process control system that can be run on the workstation and / or another computer device of the apparatus, etc.).

[0252] As another example, it is contemplated that certain features described, either alone or as part of an embodiment, may be combined with other individually described features or parts of other embodiments. Thus, elements and acts of the various embodiments described herein may be combined to provide further embodiments. Thus, while certain exemplary embodiments of radial adsorbers, adsorption systems, apparatus having adsorption systems utilizing one or more radial adsorbers, and methods of making and using the same have been shown and described above, it should be clearly understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A radial adsorber comprising: a container having a chamber, an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber, and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber; a first material layer positioned adjacent to a second material layer within the chamber, the first material layer comprising a first material and the second material layer comprising a second material different from the first material; The container further comprises at least one flow guiding structure, the flow guiding structure being defined in or positioned in the chamber and being used to guide the fluid in the chamber and through the material layer, the at least one flow guiding structure being configured to allow the fluid to pass from an outer region of the chamber to an inner region of the chamber to pass through the material layer and / or from the inner region to the outer region to pass through the material layer; The at least one flow guiding structure comprises one of the following: (i) a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the inner side of the first material layer, and a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the outer side of the first material layer to direct the fluid to the outer side of the second material layer; (ii) a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the inside of the first material layer, and a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the outside of the first material layer to direct the fluid to the outside of the second material layer, and a second inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inside of the second material layer to direct the fluid to the outlet of the container; (iii) a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the outside of the first material layer, and a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inside of the first material layer to direct the fluid to the inside of the second material layer; as well as (iv) a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the outside of the first material layer, a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inside of the first material layer to direct the fluid to the inside of the second material layer, and a second outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the outside of the second material layer and direct the fluid to the outlet of the container, The radial adsorber comprises a first anti-bypass mechanism, wherein the first anti-bypass mechanism is positioned between the first material layer and the second material layer. The first anti-bypass mechanism comprises at least one spring and a first extendable member, wherein the first extendable member is positioned to at least partially define a compartment, the at least one spring is positioned in the compartment, the first end of each spring engages the first material layer, and the second end of the spring engages the second material layer, so that the first extendable member extends via the at least one spring in response to a sedimentation effect, wherein the sedimentation effect is caused by the fluid passing through the first material layer and the second material layer causing the first material and / or the second material to become more densely packed.

2. The radial adsorber according to claim 1, wherein the at least one flow-guiding structure comprises: The first inner conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the inner side of the first material layer, and the first outer conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the outer side of the first material layer to direct the fluid to the outer side of the second material layer.

3. The radial adsorber of claim 1 , wherein the at least one flow-guiding structure comprises: The first inner conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the inner side of the first material layer, the first outer conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the outer side of the first material layer to direct the fluid to the outer side of the second material layer, and the second inner conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the inner side of the second material layer to direct the fluid to the outlet of the container.

4. The radial adsorber of claim 1 , wherein the at least one flow-guiding structure comprises: The first outer conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the outside of the first material layer, and the first inner conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the inside of the first material layer to direct the fluid to the inside of the second material layer.

5. The radial adsorber of claim 1 , wherein the at least one flow-guiding structure comprises: The first outer conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the outside of the first material layer, the first inner conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the inside of the first material layer to direct the fluid to the inside of the second material layer, and the second outer conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the outside of the second material layer and direct the fluid to the outlet of the container.

6. A radial adsorber comprising: a container having a chamber, an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber, and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber; a material layer positioned within the chamber, the material layer comprising a first material layer positioned adjacent to a second material layer within the chamber, the first material layer comprising a first material and the second material layer comprising a second material, the second material being different from the first material, the material layer further comprising a third material layer positioned within the chamber, the third material layer comprising a third material being different from the first material and also different from the second material; The container further comprises at least one flow guiding structure, the flow guiding structure being defined in or positioned in the chamber and being used to guide the fluid in the chamber and through the material layer, the at least one flow guiding structure being configured to allow the fluid to pass from an outer region of the chamber to an inner region of the chamber to pass through the material layer and / or from the inner region to the outer region to pass through the material layer; The at least one flow guiding structure comprises one of the following: (i) a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the inner side of the first material layer, and a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the outer side of the second material layer to direct the fluid to the outer side of the third material layer to pass the fluid through the third material layer; as well as (ii) a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the outside of the first material layer, and a first inner conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inside of the second material layer to direct the fluid to the inside of the third material layer so as to pass the fluid through the third material layer, The radial adsorber comprises: a first anti-bypass flow mechanism, the first anti-bypass flow mechanism being positioned between the third material layer and the first material layer; and / or a second anti-bypass flow mechanism, the second anti-bypass flow mechanism being positioned between the third material layer and the second material layer. wherein the first anti-bypass mechanism comprises at least one first spring and a first extendable member, the first extendable member defining at least a portion of a first compartment, the at least one first spring being positioned in the first compartment, a first end of the first spring engaging the first material layer, and a second end of the first spring engaging the third material layer, such that the first extendable member extends via the at least one first spring in response to a settling effect resulting from the first material and / or the third material becoming more densely packed as a result of fluid passing through the first and third material layers, The second anti-bypass mechanism includes at least one second spring and a second extendable member, the second extendable member defines at least a portion of a second compartment, the at least one second spring is positioned in the second compartment, the first end of the second spring engages the second material layer, and the second end of the second spring engages the third material layer, so that the second extendable member extends via the at least one second spring in response to a sedimentation effect, wherein the sedimentation effect is caused by the fluid passing through the second material layer and the third material layer, causing the second material and / or the third material to become more densely packed.

7. The radial adsorber of claim 6, wherein the at least one flow-guiding structure comprises: The first inner conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the inner side of the first material layer, and the first outer conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the outer side of the second material layer to direct the fluid to the outer side of the third material layer.

8. The radial adsorber of claim 6, wherein the at least one flow-guiding structure comprises: The first outer conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the outer side of the first material layer, and the first inner conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the inner side of the second material layer to direct the fluid to the inner side of the third material layer.

9. The radial adsorber of claim 6, wherein the at least one flow-guiding structure comprises: The first outer conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to the outside of the first material layer, the first inner conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the inside of the second material layer to direct the fluid to the inside of the third material layer, and the second outer conduit is positioned to receive fluid from the outside of the third material layer and direct the fluid to the outlet of the container.

10. The radial adsorber of claim 6, wherein the third material layer is held within a conical receiving portion. 11 . The radial adsorber of claim 10 , wherein the inner side of the third material layer is smaller in size than the outer side of the third material layer.

12. An adsorption system comprising a first adsorber and a second adsorber, the first adsorber and the second adsorber being arranged to operate in parallel such that when the first adsorber is in an operating state, the second adsorber is in an inactive state, and when the second adsorber is in an operating state, the first adsorber is in an inactive state; The first adsorber is configured to purify a fluid passing through the first adsorber when in the operating state of the first adsorber, and the first adsorber is configured to receive a regeneration flow of fluid for adsorbent regeneration when in the deactivated state of the first adsorber; the second adsorber being configured to purify a fluid passing through the second adsorber when in the operating state of the second adsorber, the second adsorber being configured to receive a regeneration flow of fluid for adsorbent regeneration when in the deactivated state of the second adsorber; The first adsorber is a radial adsorber as claimed in claim 1, and The second adsorber is also the radial adsorber according to claim 1 .

13. An apparatus comprising the adsorption system of claim 12, further comprising: A compressor is used to compress the fluid to supply the fluid to the adsorption system.

14. An adsorption system comprising a first adsorber and a second adsorber, the first adsorber and the second adsorber being arranged to operate in parallel such that when the first adsorber is in an operating state, the second adsorber is in an inactive state, and when the second adsorber is in an operating state, the first adsorber is in an inactive state; The first adsorber is configured to purify a fluid passing through the first adsorber when in the operating state of the first adsorber, and the first adsorber is configured to receive a regeneration flow of fluid for adsorbent regeneration when in the deactivated state of the first adsorber; the second adsorber being configured to purify a fluid passing through the second adsorber when in the operating state of the second adsorber, the second adsorber being configured to receive a regeneration flow of fluid for adsorbent regeneration when in the deactivated state of the second adsorber; The first adsorber is a radial adsorber as claimed in claim 6, and The second adsorber is also the radial adsorber according to claim 6.

15. An apparatus comprising the adsorption system of claim 14, further comprising: A compressor is used to compress the fluid to supply the fluid to the adsorption system.

16. A method of passing a fluid through a radial adsorber, the method comprising: (a) passing a fluid from the inlet of the radial adsorber vessel to one of the following: (i) the first inner conduit being positioned to receive fluid from the inlet such that the first inner conduit directs the fluid to an inner side of a first layer of material within the container, and (ii) a first outer conduit positioned to receive fluid from the inlet and direct the fluid to an inner side of a first material layer positioned within the container; (b) passing a fluid through the first material layer; (c) passing the fluid within the container through the first material layer, thereby passing the fluid through one of: (i) an inlet opening from the inner side of the first material layer to a first inner conduit within the container, and (ii) from the first material layer to a second material layer within the container so as to reach an inlet opening of a first inner conduit within the container through the second material layer; (iii) from the first material layer to a second material layer within the container so as to reach an inlet opening of a first outer conduit within the container through the second material layer; as well as (iv) an inlet opening from the outside of the first material layer to a first outer conduit within the container; as well as (d) directing the fluid so that one of: (i) the fluid passes from the first inner conduit to the second material layer in the container, (ii) the fluid passes from the first inner conduit to a third material layer within the container, and (iii) the fluid passes from the first outer conduit to the outside of the second material layer in the container so as to pass through the second material layer, and (iv) the fluid passes from the first outer conduit to the third material layer so as to pass through the third material layer; as well as (e) causing the fluid to flow out of an outlet of the container after the fluid has passed through at least the first material layer and the second material layer, The radial adsorber comprises: a first anti-bypass flow mechanism, the first anti-bypass flow mechanism being positioned between the third material layer and the first material layer; and / or a second anti-bypass flow mechanism, the second anti-bypass flow mechanism being positioned between the third material layer and the second material layer. wherein the first anti-bypass mechanism comprises at least one first spring and a first extendable member, the first extendable member defining at least a portion of a first compartment, the at least one first spring being positioned in the first compartment, a first end of the first spring engaging the first material layer, and a second end of the first spring engaging the third material layer, such that the first extendable member extends via the at least one first spring in response to a settling effect resulting from the first material and / or the third material becoming more densely packed as a result of fluid passing through the first and third material layers, The second anti-bypass mechanism includes at least one second spring and a second extendable member, the second extendable member defines at least a portion of a second compartment, the at least one second spring is positioned in the second compartment, the first end of the second spring engages the second material layer, and the second end of the second spring engages the third material layer, so that the second extendable member extends via the at least one second spring in response to a sedimentation effect, wherein the sedimentation effect is caused by the fluid passing through the second material layer and the third material layer, causing the second material and / or the third material to become more densely packed.

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