Container for adsorber or reactor and gas treatment unit

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a container for an adsorber or reactor, comprising:-at least a first orifice and at least a second orifice, the first orifice being configured to receive and release a gas, the second orifice being configured to release and receive a gas, the first and second orifices defining a channel therebetween; -an adsorbent material or catalyst placed between the first orifice and the second orifice and configured to at least partially adsorb or trap at least one component of the received gas such that the released gas has an exit component different from the incoming component of the received gas; -at least a flexible compressible element arranged in the channel and configured to secure the sorbent material or catalyst in the channel, the flexible compressible element having a higher compressibility than the sorbent material or catalyst. By means of the present disclosure, the adsorbent material may be immobilized and, at the same time, the risk of fluidization and abrasion of the adsorbent material is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container for an air or gas processing unit. The present disclosure also relates to a method for using such a container. Background Art

[0002] In known containers of air or gas treatment units, the adsorbent material is, for example, in the form of beads. The gas passes through the container at high speed. A potential problem in such containers is the fluidization of the beads, where the beads no longer remain stationary in the container. This can lead to undesirable bead wear. Utility Model Content

[0003] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a container that can fix adsorbent material and reduce the risk of fluidization and abrasion. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, adsorbent material is fixed in an oxygen generator and has a reduced fire hazard. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a container that can prevent adsorbent material from escaping from the container.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a container for an adsorber or reactor is disclosed, the container comprising at least a first orifice and at least a second orifice, the first orifice being configured to receive and release gas, the second orifice being configured to release and receive gas, the first orifice and the second orifice defining a channel therebetween. The container also comprises an adsorbent material or catalyst placed between the first orifice and the second orifice, and at least a flexible compressible element arranged in the channel, the flexible compressible element being configured to fix the adsorbent material or catalyst in the channel. The adsorbent material or catalyst is configured to at least partially adsorb or capture at least one component of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst, so that the gas released from the adsorbent material or catalyst has a different exit component from the entry component of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst. The compressible element has a higher compressibility than the adsorbent material or catalyst.

[0005] Due to the flexible compressible element, the adsorbent material or catalyst is fixed in the channel of the container. When the container is in use, the chance that some of the adsorbent material or catalyst may vibrate is reduced. This in turn reduces the risk of wear of the adsorbent material and therefore increases its lifespan.

[0006] Additionally, by securing the adsorbent material or catalyst in the channels, the risk of some of the adsorbent material or catalyst escaping the vessel through one of the outlets is also reduced. Thus, the quality of the treated gas released from the outlet is improved.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the container may have one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0008] The flexible compressible element is porous and is disposed between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the second pores and / or between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the first pores.

[0009] The porosity of the compressible element allows gas to pass through the compressible element.Thus, the porous compressible element can be placed between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the one or more orifices.

[0010] At least one of the flexible compressible elements is capable of reducing its volume by at least 25%, preferably by at least 35%, more preferably by at least 50%, even more preferably by at least 85% under a pressure of 0.01 MPa-2 MPa.

[0011] The excellent compressibility of the compressible element allows it to act like a cushion. It can reduce the risk of breakage and abrasion of the adsorbent material or catalyst. The gas moving through the container moves the adsorbent beads. These adsorbent beads rub against the metal container wall and in some cases, the adsorbent beads rub against each other in the container. This will lead to abrasion of the beads. This risk is reduced by fixing the adsorbent bed and placing the compressible element between the beads and the metal plate in the container.

[0012] At least one of the flexible, compressible elements has a porosity in the uncompressed state greater than 80%, preferably greater than 95%.

[0013] The high porosity allows gas to pass through the porous compressible element with little pressure drop. Thus, energy losses caused by the compressible element are minimized.

[0014] At least one of the flexible compressible elements has a porosity between 23% and 70% when the volume of at least one of the flexible compressible elements is reduced by 85% compared to an uncompressed state.

[0015] The compressible element retains a certain porosity even when its volume has been greatly reduced. This means that even when the volume of the porous compressible element has been reduced and has become more compact, the energy losses caused by the gas when passing through the porous compressible element remain low.

[0016] At least one of the flexible compressible elements occupies the entire cross-section of the passageway such that gas passes through the compressible element.

[0017] In this event, any gas to be released from the outlet must pass through the compressible element. If the gas itself carries any adsorbent material or catalyst, the latter will have to pass through the porous compressible element. Since at least some of the adsorbent material or catalyst is retained by the filtering properties of the porous compressible element, the quality of the gas processed by the container is improved. The possibility of failure of the air or gas processing unit due to dusting of the adsorbent material or catalyst is also reduced.

[0018] At least one of the flexible, compressible elements has a melting temperature above 250°C, preferably above 300°C, more preferably above 320°C.

[0019] By having high resistance to thermal stress, the compressible element can have a wider range of applications. In particular, with the high melting temperature, the compressible element can be used in the oxygen generator without worrying about fire even if the temperature inside the oxygen generator is high, for example up to 60°C.

[0020] The flexible compressible element is configured to form a barrier between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the first orifice and / or between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the second orifice so as to prevent the adsorbent material or catalyst from escaping the container.

[0021] At least one of the one or more flexible, compressible elements is made of a woven material, a nonwoven material, a woven material, or a foam.

[0022] At least one of the one or more flexible, compressible elements forms a cushion or a cushion.

[0023] This form of the compressible element provides particularly good cushioning for the adsorbent material or catalyst. The impact absorbing properties of the compressible element are therefore particularly satisfactory.

[0024] The adsorbent material or catalyst comprises a first portion and a second portion, and the container further comprises an intermediate layer of a flexible, compressible material sandwiched between the first portion and the second portion of the adsorbent material or catalyst.

[0025] The first portion of the adsorbent material or catalyst may have different adsorption properties than the second portion of the adsorbent material or catalyst. By having two portions of adsorbent material or catalyst in a container, the container may have additional adsorption properties that are not possible with only one type of adsorbent material or catalyst. If the first portion and the second portion have different physical properties (e.g., hardness), an intermediate layer of compressible material may, for example, prevent the first portion of the adsorbent material or catalyst from crushing the second portion of the adsorbent material or catalyst.

[0026] The intermediate layer of flexible, compressible material is configured to reduce mixing of the first portion and the second portion of the sorbent material or catalyst.

[0027] Thus, the first portion of the adsorbent material or catalyst can perform their adsorption function independently of the second portion. This is preferred, for example, if the gas component may significantly reduce the adsorption capacity of the second portion and must be reduced by the first portion before the gas passes through the second portion. According to some embodiments, the first portion is configured to adsorb moisture and / or carbon dioxide, and the second portion is configured to adsorb nitrogen. The intermediate layer of compressible material is, for example, configured to reduce mixing of the first portion of the adsorbent material or catalyst with the second portion if the first portion and the second portion have different physical properties (e.g. adsorbent bead size).

[0028] The channel is a vertical channel, preferably a substantially cylindrical channel.

[0029] The container further comprises at least one plate configured for compressing the compressible element against the adsorbent material or catalyst, the plate preferably being perforated.

[0030] The plate improves the fixation of the adsorbent material or catalyst by exerting a force on the adsorbent material. For example, when the gas velocity within the container is high and the force it exerts on the adsorbent material or catalyst is large, the reaction force from the plate ensures that the compressible element can resist potential movement of the adsorbent material or catalyst. According to some embodiments, the plate helps to evenly distribute the force over the cross-section of the adsorbent bed and / or keep the compressible element flat over the entire cross-section of the adsorbent bed.

[0031] The container further comprises one or more compression elements, such as one or more springs, and the plate is located between the one or more compression elements and the compressible element, such that the compression elements push the plate toward the compressible element.

[0032] The compression element exerts a force on the plate. Thus, the compressible element can resist even higher pressures due to the movement of the adsorbent material or catalyst. Furthermore, with the plate between the compressible element and the compression element, the pressure from the compression element can be spread over the surface of the compressible element, resulting in a more uniform pressure distribution on the compressible element. According to some embodiments, the force exerted on the plate by the one or more compression elements is strictly greater than the weight of the plate.

[0033] The plate and the container define at least a gap therebetween, and the compressible element is configured to fill the gap to prevent the adsorbent material or catalyst from escaping the container.

[0034] This also prevents the plates from rubbing against the metal container walls, which could create sparks.

[0035] The diameter of the channel is between 49 mm and 3000 mm.

[0036] The container includes a first mesh in the first aperture and / or a second mesh in the second aperture.

[0037] By having a mesh at the inlet and / or outlet, any adsorbent material or catalyst having a diameter greater than the mesh size of the first and / or second mesh can be prevented from leaving the container. Further damage caused by the adsorbent material or catalyst escaping to the outside of the container can be reduced.

[0038] The flexibility and / or compressibility of the compressible element can reduce breakage of the adsorbent material or catalyst.

[0039] The matrix of the porous flexible compressible element can enhance the distribution of gas passing therethrough over the cross-section of the channels.

[0040] The container further includes an additional compressible element located between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the first orifice and / or between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the second orifice.

[0041] In the case where there is an additional compressible element between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the first orifice and / or the second orifice, the adsorbent material or catalyst can be prevented from leaving the container because any adsorbent material or catalyst that leaves the container must pass through the compressible element or the additional compressible element. For example, in an embodiment where the additional compressible element is placed between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the second orifice, the additional compressible element is placed between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the first orifice and is complementary to the compressible element placed between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the second orifice. Therefore, any adsorbent material or catalyst that will leave the container must pass through the compressible element or the additional compressible element. No adsorbent material or catalyst can leave the container without passing through the compressible element or the additional compressible element. The likelihood of the adsorbent material or catalyst leaving the container is further reduced.

[0042] The pressure drop across the flexible, compressible element is less than 6 mbar absolute.

[0043] This feature ensures that energy losses caused by the compressible element are low.

[0044] The compressible element is arranged and constructed so that the adsorbent material or catalyst remains substantially stationary as a gas passes through it.

[0045] By substantially fixing the adsorbent material or catalyst, the problem of abrasion of the adsorbent material or catalyst is virtually eliminated. In addition, substantially no adsorbent material or catalyst will escape via one or more outlets.

[0046] At least one of the one or more flexible, compressible elements is impermeable.

[0047] One or more impermeable compressible elements may be used in addition to or in place of the porous compressible elements as described above. An impermeable compressible element does not allow any gas to pass through it. It also improves the fixation of the adsorbent material or catalyst through the plate.

[0048] At least one of the first orifice and the second orifice is sealed from an upper wall of the container to a top level of the adsorbent material or catalyst.

[0049] The compressible element is non-flammable in an environment of 60°C with 95% oxygen and 10 bar absolute pressure.

[0050] The excellent non-flammability of the compressible element makes it suitable for use in oxygen-rich environments, such as inside oxygen generators.

[0051] The compressible element is made of a material that is inert to the incoming gas received from at least the first orifice or from the at least second orifice and / or the outgoing gas released from at least the second orifice or from the at least first orifice, and / or a material that is inert to the material of the container, and / or a material that is inert to the adsorbent material or the catalyst, and / or a material that is inert to the material of the plate, and / or a material that is inert to the material of one or more compression elements.

[0052] By having an inert material, the compressible element will not change the composition of the gas passing through it. Furthermore, the chemical composition of the compressible element will not be changed by the gas passing through it, which prolongs the useful life of the compressible element. Additionally or alternatively, the compressible element does not react with the container and / or adsorbent material or catalyst and / or plates, thereby prolonging their useful life.

[0053] The flexible compressible element is made essentially of perfluoroalkoxyalkane, or polytetrafluoroethylene, or fluorinated ethylene propylene.

[0054] These materials have high melting and / or ignition temperatures, which makes them particularly suitable for use in oxygen generators.

[0055] The adsorbent material or catalyst is configured to adsorb at least one type of gas selected from the following list: carbon dioxide and / or moisture and / or nitrogen and / or oxygen and / or argon and / or hydrogen and / or hydrogen sulfide and / or mercaptans and / or paraffins and / or acid gases and / or silanes and / or mercury vapor and / or hydrocarbons and / or trace pollutants in air or gas (sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, nitrous oxide, ozone, hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, NOx, dust, radioactive rare gases, ammonia).

[0056] The adsorbent material or catalyst comprises a metal organic framework and / or a carbon material (e.g. activated carbon, carbon molecular sieve, carbon fiber) and / or a resin and / or a polymer and / or a clay and / or a silica gel and / or an activated alumina and / or a natural or synthetic zeolite (type A, X, Y, mordenite, silicalite, chabazite, faujasite, clinoptilolite and / or their ion exchange types: KA, 3A, 4A, 5A, 10A, Si-CHA, ITQ, ZSM, 13X, LiX, CaX, CA-LSX, Li-LSX, NaX, CaA).

[0057] The adsorbent material or catalyst is in the form of beads, pellets or in the form of a specific structure such as a foam, fabric, monolith or laminate.

[0058] The present disclosure also relates to an air or gas treatment unit, preferably an oxygen or nitrogen generator, or an air or gas dryer, or a desulfurization unit, or a solvent vapor recovery unit, or a silane removal unit, or a trace radioactive rare gas removal unit, or a mercury vapor capture unit, or a deodorization and air freshening unit, or a trace ammonia removal unit, or a hydrogen production unit, or a gas separator, or an alcohol dehydrator, or a gas chromatograph, or a carbon dioxide and / or hydrogen sulfide and / or methane and / or ethane removal unit, wherein the air or gas treatment unit is configured to remove at least part of the components from the gas received from at least the first orifice and / or from at least the second orifice, and the air or gas treatment unit includes at least one container as described above, which is configured to preferably receive a compressed gas having a pressure between 1.1 bar absolute pressure and 30 bar absolute pressure.

[0059] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for using the container as described above is disclosed, comprising the following steps:

[0060] - receiving gas from said at least first orifice (or respectively from said at least second orifice),

[0061] - the adsorbent material or catalyst at least partially adsorbs or captures at least one component of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst while one or more of the flexible compressible elements are pressed against the adsorbent material or catalyst,

[0062] - releasing gas from said at least second orifice (or respectively from said at least first orifice).

[0063] The gas released from the adsorbent material or catalyst has an exit composition that is different from the entry composition of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst.

[0064] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may have one or more of the following features taken individually or according to any technically possible combination: gas passes through a flexible compressible element.

[0065] As the gas passes through the adsorbent material or catalyst, the adsorbent material or catalyst remains substantially immobilized.

[0066] The gas received by the at least first orifice or the at least second orifice and / or the gas released from the at least second orifice or the at least first orifice has a relative humidity of 0.1 Nm 3 / h and 16000Nm 3 / h flow rate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will be explained in more detail below based on a number of embodiments, which will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0068] Figure 1 An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, the container includes an adsorbent material, a compressible element and two meshes in two orifices. The compressible element is located between the adsorbent material and the second orifice, and when the gas flows from the first orifice to the second orifice in the axial direction of the container, the second orifice serves as an outlet of the container;

[0069] Figure 2 The embodiments of the present disclosure are shown except that Figure 1 In addition to the components in the container, the container also includes a perforated plate above the compressible element;

[0070] Figure 3 The embodiments of the present disclosure are shown except Figure 2 In addition to the components in the container, the container also includes four compression elements between the plate and the second orifice;

[0071] Figure 4 An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, except that Figure 3 In addition to the components in the container, the container also includes a porous compressible element located between the two portions of the adsorbent material;

[0072] Figure 5 An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, except that Figure 4 In addition to the components in the embodiment of the present invention, the container further comprises an additional compressible element between the first orifice (when the gas flows from the first orifice to the second orifice in the axial direction of the container, the first orifice serves as an inlet of the container) and the adsorbent material;

[0073] Figure 6 An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein gas flows from a first orifice to a second orifice in a radial direction of a container, the container comprising an adsorbent material, an impermeable flexible compressible element placed above the adsorbent material, a porous compressible element placed in at least one of the orifices and / or sandwiched between two portions of the adsorbent material;

[0074] Figure 7 An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, in which, in addition to Figure 6 In addition to the components in the container, the container also includes seals in the first and second openings from the upper wall of the container to the top of the adsorbent material;

[0075] Figure 8 An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, in which, in addition to Figure 7 In addition to the components in the container, the container also includes a solid plate placed on the impermeable compressible element;

[0076] Fig. 9 An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, in which, in addition to Figure 8 In addition to the components in the container, the container also includes eight compression elements between the upper wall of the container and the plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Figure 1 A container 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The container 10 is used, for example, in a gas adsorber or a gas reactor, or an air or gas processing unit. The gas processing unit is, for example, an oxygen or nitrogen or hydrogen generator, or an air or gas dryer, or a desulfurization unit, or a solvent vapor recovery unit, or a silane removal unit, or a trace radioactive rare gas removal unit, or a mercury vapor capture unit, or a deodorization and air freshening unit, or a trace ammonia removal unit, or a hydrogen production unit, or a gas separator, or an alcohol dehydrator, or a gas chromatograph, or a carbon dioxide and / or hydrogen sulfide and / or methane and / or ethane removal unit. The air or gas processing unit is configured to remove at least part of the components from the gas received from at least the first orifice 20 and / or at least the second orifice 30 of the container 10, as will be explained below.

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment, the container 10 is configured to receive compressed gas having a pressure between 1.1 bar absolute and 30 bar absolute, preferably between 2 bar absolute and 16 bar absolute. This is the case, for example, when the gas flows in the axial direction of the container 10 from the bottom to the top.

[0079] The container 10 includes at least a first aperture 20 and at least a second aperture 30. The first aperture 20 and the second aperture 30 define a passage 40 therebetween. The passage 40 is configured to allow gas to flow between the first aperture 20 and the second aperture 30.

[0080] The container 10 also includes an adsorbent material or catalyst 50 disposed between the first orifice 20 and the second orifice 30. The container 10 also includes at least a flexible compressible element 60 disposed in the channel 40.

[0081] The vessel 10 is typically used in a pressure swing adsorption process. The cocurrent flow typically enters the vessel 10 through the first orifice 20 and leaves the vessel via the second orifice 30. In this case, at least the first orifice 20 is configured to receive a gas having an entering gas composition, and at least the second orifice 30 is configured to release a gas having an exiting gas composition. The countercurrent flow typically enters the vessel 10 via the second orifice 30 and leaves the vessel 10 via the first orifice 20. In this case, at least the second orifice 30 is configured to receive a gas having an entering gas composition, and at least the first orifice 20 is configured to release a gas having an exiting gas composition. The first orifice 20 is, for example, located at the bottom of the vessel 10. The second orifice 30 is, for example, located at the top of the vessel 10.

[0082] In the following description, unless otherwise indicated, the first orifice 20 corresponds to the inlet of the co-current flow into the container 10. When the container 10 is operated in the adsorption mode, it has the co-current flow. The second orifice 30 corresponds to the outlet of the co-current flow out of the container 10. Therefore, the first orifice 20 is the outlet of the counter-current flow out of the container 10. When the container 10 is operated in the desorption mode, it has the counter-current flow. Therefore, the second orifice 30 corresponds to the inlet of the counter-current flow into the container 10.

[0083] According to some embodiments, for example Figure 1-5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first orifice 20 includes a first mesh 150. Additionally or alternatively, the second orifice 30 includes a second mesh 160. The first mesh 150 and / or the second mesh 160 may have a US mesh size of 20 to 50.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the channel 40 is a vertical channel, preferably a substantially cylindrical channel. According to one embodiment, the channel 40 has an inner diameter between 49 mm and 3000 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 2000 mm. According to one embodiment, the channel 40 has a diameter between 150 mm and 1600 mm. According to some other embodiments, the cross section of the container 10 is oval or square.

[0085] The cross-section of the container 10 is typically strictly larger than the diameter of the first orifice 20 and the diameter of the second orifice 30 .

[0086] The adsorbent material or catalyst 50 is configured to at least partially adsorb or trap at least one component of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst 50 so that the gas released from the adsorbent material or catalyst 50 has an exiting composition that is different from the entering composition of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst 50.

[0087] According to some embodiments, the adsorbent material 50 is configured to adsorb at least one type of gas selected from the following list: carbon dioxide and / or moisture and / or nitrogen and / or oxygen and / or argon and / or hydrogen and / or hydrogen sulfide and / or mercaptans and / or alkanes and / or acid gases and / or silanes and / or mercury vapor and / or hydrocarbons and / or trace pollutants in air or gas (sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, nitrous oxide, ozone, hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, NOx, dust, radioactive rare gases, ammonia).

[0088] According to some embodiments, the adsorbent material 50 includes a metal-organic framework and / or a carbon material (e.g., activated carbon, carbon molecular sieve, carbon fiber) and / or a resin and / or a polymer and / or a clay and / or a silica gel and / or an activated alumina and / or a natural or synthetic zeolite (type A, X, Y, mordenite, silicalite, chabazite, faujasite, clinoptilolite and / or their ion exchange types: KA, 3A, 4A, 5A, 10A, Si-CHA, ITQ, ZSM, 13X, LiX, CaX, CA-LSX, Li-LSX, NaX, CaA).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the adsorbent material or catalyst 50 is an adsorbent configured to physically adsorb at least one component of the gas received from the first orifice 20 and / or the second orifice 30. The adsorbent is capable of physically bonding with at least one component of the gas. For example, the adsorbent 50 is configured to at least partially adsorb at least one component of the gas passing through the adsorbent 50, so that the gas released from the adsorbent 50 has a component different from the component of the received gas. According to another embodiment, the adsorbent material or catalyst 50 is a catalyst configured to chemically react with at least one component of the gas received from the first orifice 20 and / or the second orifice 30. The catalyst at least partially captures at least one component of the gas received by the catalyst 50, so that the gas released from the catalyst 50 has a different exit component from the incoming component of the gas received by the catalyst. The catalyst is chemically bonded to at least one component of the gas. The chemical bond with the catalyst is generally stronger than the physical bond with the adsorbent. More generally, where the present specification refers to an adsorbent material, the catalyst may be substituted for the adsorbent material there.

[0090] According to some embodiments, the adsorbent material 50 is in the form of beads, pellets or a specific structure such as foam, fabric, monolith or laminate. For example, the adsorbent material 50 is an adsorbent bead having an average diameter of less than 4 mm.

[0091] according to Figure 4-9In the illustrated embodiment, the adsorbent material 50 includes a first portion 170 of adsorbent material and a second portion 180 of adsorbent material that is different from the first portion 170 of adsorbent material. The first portion 170 of adsorbent material is different from the second portion 180 of adsorbent material, for example, in its average diameter or its chemical composition (e.g., the first portion 170 is configured to adsorb one gaseous component, and the second portion 180 is configured to adsorb another gaseous component).

[0092] At least the flexible compressible element 60 is configured to secure the sorbent material 50 in the channel 40 .

[0093] According to some embodiments, for example Figure 1-9 As shown in FIG. 1 , at least one flexible compressible element comprises a porous compressible element 60 , 100 . The porous compressible element 60 , 100 is disposed between the adsorbent material 50 and the second orifice 30 , and / or between the adsorbent material 50 and the first orifice 20 .

[0094] According to some embodiments, the container 10 is as disclosed in EP0820798A2, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. According to some embodiments, the second opening 30 of the container 10 opens to the central channel 190 of the container 10, such as Figure 6-9 Visible in.

[0095] According to some embodiments, for example Figure 6-9 As shown in FIG, at least the flexible compressible element further comprises at least one impermeable compressible element 110. The impermeable compressible element 110 is generally present in a container 10 where gas flows in a radial direction, such as Figure 6-9 According to some embodiments, impermeable compressible element 110 is made of the same material as porous compressible element 60. Impermeable compressible element 110 will be described in more detail below.

[0096] At least one of the porous and / or impermeable compressible elements 60, 110 has a higher compressibility than the adsorbent material 50. According to some embodiments, the porous compressible element 60 and / or the impermeable compressible element 110 is capable of reducing the volume by at least 25%, preferably by at least 35%, more preferably by at least 50%, even more preferably by at least 85%, even more preferably by at least 90% under a pressure of 0.01 MPa-2 MPa. For example, at a pressure of 0.01 MPa, the compressible element 60 is capable of reducing the volume by at least 25%, preferably by at least 35%, more preferably by at least 50%, even more preferably by at least 85%, even more preferably by at least 90%. For example, at a pressure of 2 MPa, the compressible element 60 is capable of reducing the volume by at least 25%, preferably by at least 35%, more preferably by at least 50%, even more preferably by at least 85%. For example, when the compressible element 60 is in an uncompressed state, a pressure of 0.01 MPa to 2 MPa is applied in a direction in which the compressible element 60 has a smallest dimension.

[0097] According to some embodiments, compressible element 60 has a porosity greater than 80%, preferably greater than 90%, more preferably greater than 95% in an uncompressed state. The porosity of compressible element 60 is measured via a direct method: first, the total volume of the porous sample is obtained, and then the volume of the framework material without pores is obtained.

[0098] According to some embodiments, compressible element 60 still has a porosity between 23% and 70% even when its volume is reduced by 85% compared to its uncompressed state.

[0099] When the gas flow in the container 10 is in the axial direction, according to some embodiments, the porous compressible element 60 occupies the entire cross-section of the channel 40, so that the gas passes through the porous compressible element 60. Figure 1-5 Shown in.

[0100] When the gas flow in the container 10 is in a radial direction, according to some embodiments, the porous compressible element 60 occupies the entire height of the adsorbent material 50, so that the gas passes through the porous compressible element 60. Figure 7-9 Shown in.

[0101] When the airflow in the container 10 is in the radial direction, according to some embodiments, for example Figure 7-9 In the illustrated embodiment, porous compressible element 100 occupies only a portion of first aperture 20, and porous compressible element 60 occupies only a portion of second aperture 30. The remainder of first aperture 20 and / or the remainder of second aperture 30 are sealed by impermeable seal 130. Figure 7-9 As shown, in some embodiments, the impermeable seal 130 extends from the upper wall of the container 10 to the height level of the top of the adsorbent material 50. In this way, the impermeable seal 130 has approximately the same height as the impermeable compressible element 110. Here, the height is measured perpendicular to the gas flow direction in the radial layout (also known as a radial bed in the art) of the container 10. This layout helps to achieve plug flow in the radial bed and reduce back mixing. This reduces the chance of gas flowing to the impermeable compressible element 110 and ensures that the gas flows only in the adsorbent material.

[0102] According to some other embodiments, for example Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the porous compressible element 100 covers the entire first aperture 20 , and / or the porous compressible element 60 covers the entire second aperture 30 .

[0103] According to some embodiments, compressible element 60 occupies only a portion of the cross-section of channel 40 .

[0104] According to some embodiments, porous compressible element 60 is made of a woven material, a nonwoven material, a woven material or a foam. Porous compressible element 60, for example, comprises a woven mesh. The woven mesh, for example, comprises several layers.

[0105] According to some embodiments, the compressible element 60 has a flexural modulus higher than 200 MPa, preferably higher than 400 MPa, more preferably higher than 500 MPa. According to some embodiments, the compressible element 60 has a tensile strength higher than 10 MPa, preferably higher than 15 MPa, more preferably higher than 20 MPa. By having high heat resistance and / or chemical resistance and / or mechanical stress resistance, the compressible element can have a wider range of applications.

[0106] According to some embodiments, porous compressible element 60 and / or impermeable compressible element 110 are made essentially of perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or e-PTFE), or fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP).

[0107] According to some embodiments, compressible element 60 forms a cushion or a cushion.

[0108] like Figure 4 , 56-9, when the adsorbent material 50 includes at least a first portion 170 and a second portion 180, the container 10 preferably also includes an intermediate layer 120 of a porous compressible material 60 sandwiched between the first portion 170 and the second portion 180 of the adsorbent material. According to some embodiments not shown in the drawings, instead of having an intermediate layer 120 of a compressible material between the first portion 170 and the second portion 180 of the adsorbent material, the container 10 includes a mesh between the first portion 170 and the second portion 180 of the adsorbent material.

[0109] The intermediate layer 120 of flexible, compressible material is, for example, made of the same material as the flexible, compressible element 60. Alternatively, the intermediate layer 120 of flexible, compressible material is made of a different material than the flexible, compressible element 60.

[0110] When the air flow in the container 10 is in the axial direction, preferably, the middle layer 120 of the porous compressible material occupies the entire cross-section of the channel 40, such as Figure 4 and 5 shown.

[0111] When the airflow in the container 10 is in the radial direction, preferably, the middle layer 120 of the porous compressible material occupies the entire height of the adsorbent material 50, such as Figure 6-9 shown.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the middle layer 120 of the porous compressible material 60 is configured to reduce mixing of the first portion 170 of the sorbent material with the second portion 180. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the first portion 170 of the sorbent material is different from the second portion 180 of the sorbent material.

[0113] According to some embodiments, the pressure drop across at least one of the compressible elements 60, 100 and 120 is less than 6 mbar absolute. The one or more compressible elements herein are typically porous, such as the porous flexible compressible elements described in this application.

[0114] According to some embodiments, the flexibility and / or compressibility of the porous compressible element 60 and / or the impermeable compressible element 110 can reduce crushing of the sorbent material 50 , for example, by reducing crushing of the porous compressible element 60 and / or the impermeable compressible element 110 .

[0115] According to some embodiments, the porosity of compressible elements 60, 100, and 120 can redistribute the gas passing through it, for example, across the cross-section of channel 40. For example, when gas flows from first orifice 20 and / or from second orifice 30, compressible element 100 can spread the gas across the entire cross-section of channel 40. This is because porous compressible element 100 is essentially a matrix of complex channels through which gas flows. These channels are spread across the entire cross-section of channel 40. This in turn improves the gas flow distribution across the entire surface of adsorbent material 50.

[0116] According to some embodiments, the porous compressible element 100 is configured to form a barrier between the adsorbent material 50 and the first orifice 20 , and / or the porous compressible element 60 is configured to form a barrier between the adsorbent material 50 and the second orifice 30 to prevent the adsorbent material 50 from escaping from the container 10 .

[0117] According to one embodiment, at least one of the porous compressible elements 60, 120, or 100 may include several layers, for example, several individual cushions stacked one on top of another. The layers of the porous compressible element(s) intended to be in contact with the adsorbent material 50 (e.g., when the adsorbent material 50 includes adsorbent beads) are finer than the layers of the porous compressible element 60 intended to be near the outlet of the container 10. This may reduce the overall cost of the porous compressible element 60 while maintaining and / or enhancing its other desired properties, such as resulting in a lower pressure drop, retaining the adsorbent beads within the container 10, and / or avoiding the adsorbent beads from being trapped within the matrix of the porous compressible element(s).

[0118] According to some embodiments not shown in the figures, a flexible compressible element 60 is also present in the first orifice 20 and / or in the second orifice 30 .

[0119] In addition to or as an alternative to embodiments having at least one porous compressible element 60 , the flexible compressible element may include at least an impermeable (non-porous) compressible element 110 . Figure 6-9 The container 10 is shown with the impermeable compressible element 110 placed above the sorbent material 50 .

[0120] according to Figure 6-9 In the illustrated embodiment, the container 10 includes a porous compressible member 100 between the first orifice 20 and the adsorbent material 50. The container 10 includes a porous compressible member 60 between the second orifice 30 and the adsorbent material 50. Figure 6-9In the illustrated embodiment, the container 10 includes a first portion 170 of adsorbent material and a second portion 180 of adsorbent material. The container 10 also includes an intermediate layer 120 of a porous flexible compressible element sandwiched between the first portion 170 and the second portion 180 of adsorbent material.

[0121] According to some embodiments not shown in the figures, the radial bed configuration may contain only the impermeable compressible element 110 .

[0122] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more impermeable compressible elements 110 has a higher compressibility than the adsorbent material 50. According to some embodiments, the impermeable compressible element 110 is capable of reducing its volume by at least 25%, preferably by at least 35%, more preferably by at least 50%, even more preferably by at least 85%, even more preferably by at least 90%, under a pressure of 0.01 MPa-2 MPa.

[0123] The impermeable compressible element 110 is inert to components that come into contact therewith in the air or gas handling unit.

[0124] In the container 10 where the air flow is in the axial direction, for example Figure 1-5 Those shown, the porous flexible compressible element 60, optionally together with the perforated filter plate 70 and / or the compression element 90 (if present), is preferably arranged and configured so that the adsorbent material 50 remains substantially stationary as the gas passes through the adsorbent material 50. In addition, in the container 10 where the gas flow is in the radial direction, e.g. Figure 6-9 As shown, the impermeable flexible compressible element 110, optionally together with a (perforated or non-perforated) filter plate 140 and / or a compression element 90, is preferably arranged and configured so that the adsorbent material 50 remains substantially stationary as the gas passes through the adsorbent material 50. For example, in a container 10 where the gas flow is in the axial direction, e.g. Figure 1-5 As shown, the porous compressible element 60 , optionally in conjunction with a perforated filter plate 70 and / or a compression element 90 , holds the adsorbent material 50 in place by exerting a force in the channel 40 that is generally opposite to the direction of gas flow.

[0125] In adsorbers and / or reactors, where the gas flow is in radial direction, e.g. Figure 6-9 As shown, the impermeable compressible element 110, optionally in conjunction with a (perforated or non-perforated) filter plate 140 and / or a compression element 90, holds the adsorbent material 50 in place by applying a force approximately perpendicular to the direction of gas flow. Figure 6-9 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the air flow flows between the first orifice 20 and the second orifice 30 in the horizontal direction, and the fixing force is applied in the vertical direction.

[0126] According to some embodiments, at least one of the porous or impermeable compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 has a melting temperature higher than 250°C, preferably higher than 300°C, more preferably higher than 320°C.

[0127] According to some embodiments, at least one of the porous or impermeable compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 has an ignition temperature above 165°C, preferably above 200°C, more preferably above 300°C, even more preferably above 400°C, even more preferably above 500°C.

[0128] According to some embodiments, at least one of the porous or impermeable compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 is non-combustible in a 60°C environment with 95% oxygen and 10 bar absolute pressure.

[0129] According to some embodiments, when a gas at an absolute pressure of 0.1 to 10 bar flows through at least one of the porous compressible elements 60, 100, 120, the at least one porous compressible element maintains its structural integrity. In particular, when a gas at an absolute pressure of 0.1 to 10 bar passes through at least one of the compressible elements 60, 100, 120, the at least one compressible element does not tear.

[0130] According to some embodiments, at least one of the porous or impermeable compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 maintains its structural integrity when the pressure in the container 10 is in the range of 0.1 to 10 bar absolute pressure. In particular, at least one of the porous or impermeable compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 does not tear when the pressure in the container 10 is in the range of 0.1 to 10 bar absolute pressure.

[0131] According to some embodiments, at least the peripheral portion of at least one of the compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 does not contain any metal parts, preferably, at least one of the compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 does not contain any metal parts (in their entirety). Since at least one of the porous or impermeable compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 is in contact with the wall of the container 10, which is generally made of metal, the compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 without any metal parts can reduce the chance of sparks when they rub against the inner wall of the container 10.

[0132] According to some embodiments, the container 10 further includes: Figure 2-5 The plate 70 shown or Figure 8 and 9 The plates 140 are shown. These plates can be metallic or non-metallic. According to some embodiments (e.g., Figure 2-5 In the embodiment shown), the plate 70 is perforated, such as a perforated filter. The perforated filter is, for example, located between the porous compressible element 60 and the second orifice 30. According to some embodiments (such as Figure 8 and 9 The plate 140 may be a solid or perforated filter plate. According to some embodiments, the plate 140 is located between the impermeable compressible element 110, the upper wall of the container 10 and / or the compression element 90.

[0133] According to some embodiments, plates 70 and 140 have shapes that complement the shapes of their corresponding flexible compressible elements 60 and 110, respectively. Figure 8 and 9 Especially visible in.

[0134] According to some embodiments, for example Figure 3-5 9, the container 10 further comprises at least one compression element 90, such as one or more springs, configured to compress the filter plate 70, 140 against the flexible compressible element 60, 110. The flexible compressible element 60, 110 is pressed against the adsorbent material 50. The plate 70, 140 helps to uniformly flatten the porous and / or impermeable flexible compressible element 60, 110. The plate 70 also helps to distribute the force applied by the one or more compression elements 90 nearly uniformly across the cross-section of the flexible compressible element 60, 110 and thus the adsorbent material 50.

[0135] According to some embodiments, for example Figure 3-5 In the embodiment shown, the compression element 90 is located between the plate 70 and the second orifice 30. According to some embodiments, for example Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown, the compression element 90 is located between the plate 140 and the upper wall of the container 10 .

[0136] In the case where the gas flows in the axial direction, preferably, the plate 70 comprises a fine mesh sandwiched between two preferably identical perforated filter plates. This arrangement can reduce or eliminate the escape of the adsorbent material 50 through the perforated filter plates. This will also allow the gas to be evenly distributed over the entire cross-section of the adsorbent material 50, as the gas tends to pass through all the orifices of the fine mesh and / or perforated filter plates. Depending on the required strength, the thickness of each such perforated filter plate may preferably be between 1 mm and 20 mm. The diameter of the holes in each such perforated filter plate may preferably be between 20 mm and 100 mm. The fine mesh sandwiched between two such perforated filter plates may have a US mesh size in the range of 20 to 50.

[0137] The thickness of the solid filter plate 140 may preferably be between 1 mm and 20 mm, depending on the required strength.

[0138] according to Figure 2-5 In some embodiments, the diameter of the perforated plate 70 is smaller than the diameter of the channel 40. Figure 8 and 9 10, the dimensions of the plate 140 are smaller than the dimensions of the container 10 when viewed from above the container 10. The plate 70 avoids direct contact with the inner wall of the container 10, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of the plate rubbing against the inner wall of the container 10 and possibly generating sparks. In this way, the plate and the inner wall of the container 10 define a gap 80 therebetween. According to some embodiments, at least one of the porous compressible element 60 and the impermeable compressible element 110 is configured to fill the gap 80 so as to prevent the adsorbent material 50 from escaping from the container 10 through the gap 80. This arrangement also reduces or eliminates the risk of the plate rubbing against the inner wall of the container 10.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the plate 70 is in direct contact with the porous flexible compressible element 60. According to one embodiment, the plate 140 is in direct contact with the impermeable flexible compressible element 110.

[0140] According to some embodiments, at least one of the flexible compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 is made of a material that is inert to the components to which it is exposed in the container 10. For example, at least one of the flexible compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 is inert to the incoming gas received from at least the first orifice 20 or from at least the second orifice 30, and / or is inert to the outgoing gas released from at least the second orifice 30 or from at least the first orifice 20, and / or is a material inert to the material of the container 10, and / or is a material inert to the adsorbent material 50, and / or is a material inert to the material of the perforated plate 70 and / or the solid plate 140.

[0141] According to some embodiments, Figure 5-9 As shown, in addition to the compressible element 60 between the adsorbent material 50 and the second orifice 30, the container 10 also includes an additional flexible compressible element 100 between the adsorbent material 50 and the first orifice 20. The additional compressible element 100 is porous. In one embodiment, the additional flexible compressible element 100 is made of the same material as the porous compressible element 60. According to another embodiment, the additional flexible compressible element 100 is made of a different material than the flexible porous compressible element 60. Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, for a container with gas flow in the axial direction, the compressible element 60 between the adsorbent material 50 and the outlet of the container 10 (shown as the second orifice 30 above the first orifice 20) is essential to this embodiment when the container receives co-directional flow. The additional compressible element 100 between the adsorbent material 50 and the inlet of the container (shown as the first orifice 20 below the second orifice 30) is optional for this embodiment when the container receives co-directional flow.

[0142] exist Figure 6-9 In the illustrated embodiment, for a container in which the gas flow is in a radial direction, preferably, the container 10 includes a porous compressible element 100 located between the adsorbent material 50 and the first orifice 20, and / or the container 10 includes a porous compressible element 60 located between the adsorbent material 50 and the second orifice 30.

[0143] According to some embodiments, the additional compressible element 100 is configured to minimize, preferably eliminate, the escape of the sorbent material 50 from the first orifice 20 .

[0144] According to some embodiments, the gas processing unit is a dryer rather than an oxygen or nitrogen generator. In these embodiments, the adsorbent material 50 is a desiccant configured to at least partially adsorb moisture in the gas flowing through the container 10.

[0145] The present disclosure also relates to a method of using the container 10 as disclosed above. During the adsorption step of the process, a feed gas is received from at least the first orifice 20 .

[0146] Typically, the pressure of this received gas is above 1 bar absolute and the flow of this gas is from the first orifice 20 to the second orifice 30. At least one of the components of the received gas is adsorbed by the adsorbent material 50 or at least partially captured by the catalyst 50. Therefore, the gas released through the second orifice 30 is lean in terms of the adsorbed component. Desorption is a step (not shown) when at least one of the adsorbed components is at least partially removed from the adsorbent material 50. During the desorption step of the process, the recirculated gas is fed at the second orifice 30 and the exhaust gas is discharged via the first orifice 20. Typically, the pressure of the exhaust gas is lower than the feed gas pressure and it is discharged from the adsorption system via the first orifice 20. Depending on the process application, during the adsorption step, the pressure at the first orifice 20 can reach up to 30 bar absolute. On the other hand, during the desorption step, the pressure at the first orifice 20 can reach as low as 0.1 bar absolute.

[0147] When the compressed feed gas flows in the channel 40 and reaches the adsorbent material 50 or the catalyst, the adsorbent material 50 adsorbs or the catalyst at least partially captures at least one component of the gas received by the adsorbent material 50 or the catalyst. Figure 1-5 ) is pressed against the adsorbent material 50 or catalyst, and the impermeable compressible element 110 is in the radial bed ( Figure 6-9 ) is pressed against the adsorbent material 50 or the catalyst. If the compressible element comprises one or more porous compressible elements 60, the gas passes through the one or more porous compressible elements 60.

[0148] Preferably, as the gas passes through the adsorbent material 50 it remains substantially immobilized.

[0149] Due to adsorption by the adsorbent material 50 or capture by the catalyst, the gas released from the adsorbent material 50 or catalyst has an exit composition that is different from the entry composition of the gas received by the adsorbent material 50 or catalyst.

[0150] The gas received by at least the first orifice 20 or at least the second orifice 30, and / or the gas released from at least the second orifice 30 or at least the first orifice 20 has a relative humidity of 0.1 Nm 3 / h-16000Nm 3 / h, preferably 2Nm 3 / h-1000Nm 3 / h, more preferably between 2Nm 3 / h-30Nm 3 / h of flux.

Claims

1. A container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor, It is characterized in that include: - at least a first orifice (20) and at least a second orifice (30), the first orifice being configured to receive and release a gas, the second orifice being configured to release and receive a gas, the first orifice (20) and the second orifice (30) defining a passage (40) therebetween; - an adsorbent material or catalyst (50) disposed between the first orifice (20) and the second orifice (30), the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) being configured to at least partially adsorb or trap at least one component of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) such that the gas released from the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) has an exiting composition that is different from an entering composition of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst (50); - at least a flexible compressible element (60, 110) arranged in the channel (40) and configured to fix the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) in the channel (40), the flexible compressible element (60, 110) having a higher compressibility than the adsorbent material or catalyst (50).

2. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The flexible compressible element (60, 100) is porous and is arranged between the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) and the second orifice (30), and / or between the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) and the first orifice (20).

3. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 110, 120) is capable of reducing its volume by at least 25% under a pressure of 0.01 MPa-2 MPa.

4. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 3, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 110, 120) is capable of reducing its volume by at least 35% under a pressure of 0.01 MPa-2 MPa.

5. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 3, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 110, 120) is capable of reducing its volume by at least 50% under a pressure of 0.01 MPa-2 MPa.

6. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 3, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 110, 120) is capable of reducing its volume by at least 85% under a pressure of 0.01 MPa-2 MPa.

7. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 120) has a porosity greater than 80% in an uncompressed state.

8. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 7, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 120) has a porosity greater than 95% in an uncompressed state.

9. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that When the volume of at least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 120) is reduced by 85% compared to an uncompressed state, the at least one flexible, compressible element has a porosity between 23% and 70%.

10. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 120) occupies the entire cross-section of the channel (40), so that gas passes through one or more of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 120).

11. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 110, 120) has a melting temperature above 250°C.

12. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 11, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 110, 120) has a melting temperature above 300°C.

13. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 11, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 110, 120) has a melting temperature above 320°C.

14. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The flexible compressible element (60) is configured to form a barrier between the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) and the second orifice (30), and / or the flexible compressible element (100) is configured to form a barrier between the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) and the first orifice (20) so as to prevent the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) from escaping from the container (10).

15. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 120) is made of a woven material, a nonwoven material, a woven material or a foam.

16. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (60, 100, 110, 120) forms a cushion.

17. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The adsorbent material or catalyst (50) includes a first portion (170) and a second portion (180), and the container (10) further includes an intermediate layer of a flexible compressible material sandwiched between the first portion (170) and the second portion (180) of the adsorbent material or catalyst (50).

18. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 17, It is characterized in that The intermediate layer of flexible, compressible material is configured to reduce mixing of the first portion (170) and the second portion (180) of the sorbent material or catalyst (50).

19. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The channel (40) is a vertical channel.

20. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 19, It is characterized in that The channel (40) is a cylindrical channel.

21. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Also included is at least one plate (70, 140) configured to compress the flexible, compressible element (60, 110) against the adsorbent material or catalyst (50).

22. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 21, It is characterized in that The plate (70) is perforated.

23. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 21, It is characterized in that One or more compression elements (90) are also included, and the plate (70, 140) is located between the one or more compression elements (90) and the flexible compressible element (60, 110), so that the compression elements (90) push the plate (70, 140) toward the flexible compressible element (60, 110).

24. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 23, It is characterized in that The one or more compression elements (90) are one or more springs.

25. A container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to any one of claims 21 to 24, It is characterized in that The plate (70, 140) and the container (10) define at least a gap (80) therebetween, the flexible compressible element (60, 110) being configured to fill the gap (80) so as to prevent the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) from escaping from the container (10).

26. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The channel (40) has a diameter between 49 mm and 3000 mm.

27. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that Also included is a first net (150) in the first orifice (20), and / or a second net (160) in the second orifice (30).

28. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The flexibility and / or compressibility of the flexible, compressible element (60, 110) can reduce the breakage of the adsorbent material or catalyst (50).

29. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The porous matrix of the flexible, compressible element (60, 100, 120) can enhance the distribution of gas passing therethrough over the cross-section of the channel (40).

30. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The pressure drop across the flexible, compressible element (60, 100, 120) is less than 6 mbar absolute.

31. A container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The compressible element (110) is arranged and configured so that the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) remains stationary as gas passes through it.

32. A container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that At least one of the flexible, compressible elements (110) is impermeable.

33. The container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 32, in, At least one of the first orifice (20) and the second orifice (30) is sealed from the upper wall of the container (10) to the top level of the adsorbent material or catalyst (50).

34. A container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The flexible compressible element (60, 100, 110, 120) is non-flammable in a 60°C environment with 95% oxygen and 10 bar absolute pressure.

35. A container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to any one of claims 21 to 24, It is characterized in that The flexible compressible element (60, 100, 110, 120) is made of a material that is inert to incoming gas received from the at least first orifice (20) or from the at least second orifice (30), and / or a material that is inert to outgoing gas released from the at least second orifice (30) or from the at least first orifice (20), and / or a material that is inert to the material of the container (10), and / or a material that is inert to the adsorbent material or catalyst (50), and / or a material that is inert to the material of the plate (70, 140), and / or a material that is inert to the material of one or more of the compression elements (90).

36. A container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The adsorbent material or catalyst (50) is in the form of beads, pellets or a structure of foam, fabric, monolith or laminate.

37. A gas processing unit (4), It is characterized in that The gas treatment unit is configured to remove at least some components from the gas received from at least the first orifice (20) and / or from at least the second orifice (30), and the gas treatment unit comprises at least one container (10) for an adsorber or a reactor according to any of the preceding claims 1-36.

38. The gas processing unit (4) according to claim 37, It is characterized in that The gas processing unit is an oxygen or nitrogen generator, or a gas dryer, or a desulfurization unit, or a solvent vapor recovery unit, or a silane removal unit, or a trace radioactive rare gas removal unit, or a mercury vapor capture unit, or a deodorization and air freshening unit, or a trace ammonia removal unit, or a hydrogen production unit, or a gas separator, or an alcohol dehydrator, or a gas chromatograph, or a carbon dioxide and / or hydrogen sulfide and / or methane and / or ethane removal unit.

39. The gas processing unit (4) according to claim 37, It is characterized in that The container (10) is configured to receive compressed gas having a pressure between 1.1 bar absolute and 30 bar absolute.

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