Vessel for a gas processing unit and related methods

Abstract

A container (10) for an adsorber, comprising: at least one first opening (20) configured to receive and release a gas and at least one second opening (30) configured to receive and release a gas, the first opening (20) and the second opening (30) defining a passageway (40) therebetween; an adsorbent material or catalyst (50) disposed between the first and second openings (20, 30), the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) configured to at least partially adsorb or capture at least one component of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst (50); and at least one flexible compressible element (60) disposed within the passage (40) configured to secure an adsorbent material or catalyst (50) within the passage (40), the flexible compressible element (60) having a higher compressibility than the adsorbent material or catalyst (50).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The field of the invention relates to containers for air or gas treatment units. It also relates to methods for using such containers. [Background technology]

[0002] In known vessels of air or gas processing units, the adsorbent material takes the form of, for example, beads. Gas passes through the vessel at a high velocity. One potential problem in such vessels is fluidization of the beads, where the beads can no longer remain stationary within the vessel. This causes wasting of the beads, which can be an undesirable situation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 0820798 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a container that can secure the adsorbent material with reduced risk of fluidization and causing wastage of the adsorbent material. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the adsorbent material is secured within an oxygen generator with reduced risk of fire. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a container that can prevent the adsorbent material from leaking from the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vessel for an adsorber or reactor is disclosed, the vessel comprising at least one first opening configured to receive and release a gas and at least one second opening configured to receive and release a gas, the first and second openings defining a passageway therebetween. The vessel also comprises an adsorbent material or catalyst disposed between the first and second openings, and at least one flexible compressible element disposed within the passageway configured to secure the adsorbent material or catalyst within the passageway. 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, such that the gas released from the adsorbent material or catalyst has an outflow composition that differs from the inflow composition of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst. The compressible element has a higher compressibility than the adsorbent material or catalyst.

[0006] The flexible compressible element secures the sorbent material or catalyst in the passageway of the container, reducing the likelihood of any part of the sorbent material or catalyst vibrating when the container is in use, thereby reducing the risk of depletion of the sorbent material and therefore increasing its lifespan.

[0007] Additionally, by fixing the adsorbent material or catalyst within the passages, the risk of some of the adsorbent material or catalyst leaking out of the vessel through one outlet is reduced, thus improving the quality of the treated gas released through the outlet.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the container may have one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or according to any technically possible combination:

[0009] The flexible compressible element is porous and is disposed between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the second opening and / or between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the first opening.

[0010] The porosity of the compressible element allows gas to pass through it, and therefore the porous compressible element may be located between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the opening.

[0011] At least one of the flexible compressible elements can be reduced by at least 25% by volume, preferably at least 35% by volume, more preferably at least 50% by volume, and even more preferably at least 85% by volume under a pressure of 0.01 MPa to 2 MPa.

[0012] The excellent compressibility of the compressible element allows it to act like a cushion, which can reduce the risk of crushing and wasting the adsorbent material or catalyst. Gas moving through the vessel causes the adsorbent beads to move. These beads rub against the metal vessel walls and, in some cases, against each other within the vessel. This causes bead wastage. Such risks are reduced by fixing the adsorbent bed and placing the compressible element between the beads and a metal plate within the vessel.

[0013] At least one of the flexible compressible elements has a porosity in the uncompressed state of greater than 80%, preferably greater than 95%.

[0014] High porosity allows gas to pass through the porous compressible element with little pressure drop, and therefore energy losses caused by the compressible element are minimized.

[0015] At least one of the flexible compressible elements has a porosity of between 23% and 70% when its volume is reduced by 85% compared to its uncompressed state.

[0016] The compressible element maintains a constant porosity even when its volume is significantly reduced, which means that even when the porous compressible element reduces in volume and becomes even more compact, the energy loss caused by the gas passing through it remains low.

[0017] At least one of the flexible compressible elements occupies the entire cross section of the passageway such that gas passes through the compressible element.

[0018] If this is possible, the gas to be released from the outlet necessarily passes through the compressible element. If the gas entrains the adsorbent material or catalyst, the latter must necessarily pass through the porous compressible element. If at least a portion of the adsorbent material or catalyst is retained by the filtering properties of the porous compressible element, the quality of the gas treated by the vessel is improved. The likelihood of failure of the air or gas treatment unit due to powdering of the adsorbent material or catalyst is also reduced.

[0019] At least one of the flexible compressible elements has a melting temperature above 250°C, preferably above 300°C, more preferably above 320°C.

[0020] By having a high resistance to thermal stress, the compressible element may have a wider range of applications, in particular, its high melting temperature allows it to be used in oxygen generators without risk of fire, even when the temperature inside the oxygen generator is as high as, for example, 60°C.

[0021] The flexible compressible element is configured to form a barrier between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the first opening and / or between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the second opening to prevent the adsorbent material or catalyst from leaking from the container.

[0022] At least one of the flexible compressible elements is made from a knitted material, a nonwoven material, a woven material, or a foam.

[0023] At least one of the flexible compressible elements forms a pad or cushion.

[0024] This form of compressible element provides particularly good cushioning for the adsorbent material or catalyst. The shock-absorbing properties of the compressible element are therefore particularly satisfactory.

[0025] The adsorbent material or catalyst comprises a first portion and a second portion, and the container further comprises an intermediate layer of flexible compressible material sandwiched between the first and second portions of the adsorbent material or catalyst.

[0026] 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 placing two portions of the adsorbent material or catalyst within the container, the container may have additional adsorption properties not possible with just one type of adsorbent material or catalyst. The intermediate layer of compressible material can prevent the first portion of the adsorbent material or catalyst from crushing the second portion of the adsorbent material or catalyst, for example, when the first and second portions of the adsorbent material or catalyst have different physical properties, such as hardness.

[0027] The intermediate layer of flexible compressible material is configured to reduce intermixing of the first and second portions of the adsorbent material or catalyst.

[0028] Thus, the first portion of the adsorbent material or catalyst can perform its adsorption function independently of the second portion. This is preferable, for example, when a gas component can significantly reduce the adsorption capacity of the second portion and must be depleted by the first portion before passing 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 configured to reduce intermixing between the first and second portions of the adsorbent material or catalyst, for example, when the first and second portions have different physical properties, such as adsorbent bead size.

[0029] The passage is a vertical passage, preferably a substantially cylindrical passage.

[0030] The vessel further comprises at least one plate configured to press the compressible element against the adsorbent material or catalyst, the plate preferably being perforated.

[0031] The plates improve the immobilization of the adsorbent material or catalyst by exerting a force on the adsorbent material. For example, when the gas velocity inside the vessel is high and exerts a large force on the adsorbent material or catalyst, the resistance force from the plates ensures that the compressible element can resist potential movement of the adsorbent material or catalyst. According to some embodiments, the plates help to distribute the force evenly over the cross-section of the adsorbent bed and / or help to keep the compressible element flat across the cross-section of the adsorbent bed.

[0032] The container further comprises one or more compression elements, such as one or more springs, and the plate is disposed between the compression elements and the compressible element such that the compression elements urge the plate towards the compressible element.

[0033] The compression element applies a force to the plate. Thus, the compressible element can resist the higher pressure caused by the movement of the adsorbent material or catalyst. Additionally, by using a plate between the compressible element and the compression element, the pressure from the compression element can be spread across the entire surface of the compressible element, thereby resulting in a more uniform pressure distribution on the compressible element. According to some embodiments, the force applied by the compression element to the plate is strictly greater than the weight of the plate.

[0034] The plate and the vessel define at least one gap therebetween, and the compressible element is configured to fill the gap so that the adsorbent material or catalyst does not leak out of the vessel.

[0035] This may also prevent the plate from rubbing against the metal can wall, which could cause sparks.

[0036] The passages have a diameter between 49 mm and 3000 mm.

[0037] The container includes a first mesh within the first opening and / or a second mesh within the second opening.

[0038] By providing a mesh at the inlet and / or outlet, it is possible to prevent the adsorbent material or catalyst having a diameter larger than the mesh size of the first mesh and / or the second mesh from escaping from the container, and further to reduce damage caused by the adsorbent material or catalyst leaking outside the container.

[0039] The flexibility and / or compressibility of the compressible element can reduce crushing of the adsorbent material or catalyst.

[0040] The matrix of porous flexible compressible elements may enhance the distribution of gas passing therethrough across the cross section of the passageway.

[0041] The vessel may further comprise an additional compressible element between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the first opening and / or between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the second opening.

[0042] Adding a compressible element between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the first opening and / or the second opening can prevent the adsorbent material or catalyst from exiting the vessel because the adsorbent material or catalyst must pass through either the compressible element or the additional compressible element. For example, in embodiments in which an additional compressible element is placed between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the second opening, the additional compressible element is placed between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the first opening and complements the compressible element placed between the adsorbent material or catalyst and the second opening. Thus, the adsorbent material or catalyst that exits the vessel must pass through either the compressible element or the additional compressible element. No adsorbent material or catalyst can exit the vessel without passing through either the compressible element or the additional compressible element. This further reduces the likelihood of the adsorbent material or catalyst exiting the vessel.

[0043] The pressure loss across the flexible compressible element is less than 6 mbar absolute.

[0044] This feature ensures that the energy losses caused by the compressible element are low.

[0045] The compressible element is positioned and configured so that the adsorbent material or catalyst remains substantially immobilized as gas passes through the element.

[0046] By substantially immobilizing the adsorbent material or catalyst, the problem of adsorbent material or catalyst depletion is virtually eliminated, and in addition, substantially no adsorbent material or catalyst is allowed to escape through the outlet.

[0047] At least one of the flexible compressible elements is impermeable.

[0048] The impermeable compressible element can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the porous compressible element described above. The impermeable compressible element does not allow any gas to pass through. This also improves the immobilization of the adsorbent material or catalyst by the plate.

[0049] At least one of the first opening and the second opening is sealed from the upper wall of the vessel to the top level of the adsorbent material or catalyst.

[0050] The compressible element is non-flammable in an environment of 60°C with 95% oxygen and 10 bar absolute pressure.

[0051] The excellent non-combustible properties of the compressible element make it suitable for oxygen-rich environments, such as inside an oxygen generator.

[0052] The compressible element is made from a material that is inert to the inlet gas received from the at least one first opening or from the at least one second opening and / or the outlet gas released from the at least one second opening or from the at least one first opening, and / or to the material of the container, and / or to the adsorbent material or catalyst, and / or to the material of the plates, and / or to the material of the compression element.

[0053] By having an inert material, the compressible element does not change the composition of the gas passing through it, and the chemical composition of the compressible element is not changed by the gas passing through it, extending the operational life of the compressible element. Additionally or alternatively, the compressible element does not react with the container and / or the adsorbent material or catalyst and / or plates, thereby extending their life.

[0054] The flexible compressible element is made essentially from perfluoroalkoxyalkane, or polytetrafluoroethylene, or fluorinated ethylene propylene.

[0055] These materials have high melting and / or ignition temperatures, which makes them particularly suitable for use in oxygen generators.

[0056] The adsorbent material or catalyst is configured to adsorb at least one gas selected from the list of 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 air or gas trace pollutants (sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, nitrous oxide, ozone, hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, NOx, dust, radioactive noble gases, ammonia).

[0057] The adsorbent material or catalyst comprises a metal-organic framework, and / or a carbon material (such as activated carbon, carbon molecular sieve, carbon fiber, etc.), 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 (types A, X, Y, mordenite, silicalite, chabazite, faujasite, clinoptilolite, and / or their various ion exchange materials, KA, 3A, 4A, 5A, 10A, Si-CHA, ITQ, ZSM, 13X, LiX, CaX, CA-LSX, Li-LSX, NaX, CaA).

[0058] The adsorbent material or catalyst may be in the form of beads, pellets, or a particular structure such as a foam, fabric, monolith, or laminate.

[0059] 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 noble gas removal unit, or a mercury vapor capture unit, or a deodorization and air purification unit, or a trace ammonia removal unit, or a hydrogen production unit, or a gas separation device, or an alcohol dehydrator, or a gas chromatograph, or a carbon dioxide and / or hydrogen sulfide and / or methane and / or ethane removal unit configured to remove at least a portion of components from gas received from at least one first opening and / or at least one second opening, comprising at least one vessel as described above, the vessel preferably configured to receive compressed gas having a pressure between 1.1 bar absolute and 30 bar absolute.

[0060] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is disclosed a method for using a container as described above, the method comprising: - receiving gas from at least one first opening (or respectively from at least one second opening); - 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 the flexible compressible element compresses the adsorbent material or catalyst; - releasing gas from the at least one second opening (or from the at least one first opening, respectively).

[0061] The gas released from the adsorbent material or catalyst has an effluent composition that differs from the influent composition of the gas accepted by the adsorbent material or catalyst.

[0062] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may have one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or according to any technically possible combination:

[0063] The gas passes through the flexible compressible element.

[0064] The adsorbent material or catalyst remains substantially immobilized as gas passes through it.

[0065] The gas received by the at least one first opening or the at least one second opening and / or the gas released from the at least one second opening or the at least one first opening has a pressure of 0.1 Nm 3 / h to 16000Nm 3 / h.

[0066] The above and further aspects of the present disclosure are explained in more detail below on the basis of a number of embodiments that are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the description of which is set forth below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0067] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the container includes an adsorbent material, a compressible element, and two meshes within two openings, the compressible element being disposed between the adsorbent material and the second opening that serves as an outlet for the container when gas flows axially through the container from the first opening to the second opening. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the container includes the components of FIG. 1 plus a perforated plate above the compressible element. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the container includes the components of FIG. 2 plus four compression elements between the plate and the second opening. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the container includes the components of FIG. 3 plus a porous compressible element disposed between two portions of adsorbent material. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the vessel includes the components of FIG. 4 plus an additional compressible element between the first opening (which serves as the inlet to the vessel as gas flows axially through the vessel from the first opening to the second opening) and the adsorbent material. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure where gas flows radially through a container from a first opening to a second opening, the container comprising an adsorbent material, an impermeable flexible compressible element positioned above the adsorbent material, and a porous compressible element placed within at least one opening and / or sandwiched between two portions of the adsorbent material. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which, in addition to the components of FIG. 6, the container includes seals within first and second openings from the upper wall of the container to the top of the adsorbent material. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which, in addition to the components of FIG. 7, the container comprises a solid plate on the impermeable compressible element. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure that, in addition to the components of FIG. 8, further includes eight compression elements between the upper wall of the container and the plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068] FIG. 1 illustrates a vessel 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The vessel 10 may be, for example, a gas adsorber or gas reactor, or an air or gas processing unit. The gas processing unit may be, for example, an oxygen, nitrogen, or hydrogen generator, or an air or gas drying device, or a desulfurization unit, or a solvent vapor recovery unit, or a silane removal unit, or a trace radioactive noble gas removal unit, or a mercury vapor capture unit, or a deodorization and air purification unit, or a trace ammonia removal unit, or a hydrogen production unit, or a gas separation device, or an alcohol dehydrator, or a gas chromatograph, or a carbon dioxide and / or hydrogen sulfide and / or methane and / or ethane removal unit, as described below. The air or gas processing unit is configured to remove at least a portion of components from gas received through at least one first opening 20 and / or at least one second opening 30 of the vessel 10.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the vessel 10 is configured to receive compressed gas having a pressure between 1.1 and 30 bar absolute, preferably between 2 and 16 bar absolute, which is the case, for example, when the gas flows axially through the vessel 10 from bottom to top.

[0070] The container 10 includes at least one first opening 20 and at least one second opening 30. The first opening 20 and the second opening 30 define a passageway 40 therebetween. The passageway 40 is configured to allow gas to flow between the first opening 20 and the second opening 30.

[0071] The vessel 10 also includes an adsorbent material or catalyst 50 disposed between the first opening 20 and the second opening 30. The vessel 10 also includes at least one flexible compressible element 60 disposed within the passageway 40.

[0072] Vessel 10 is typically used in a pressure swing adsorption process. A cocurrent flow typically enters vessel 10 through first opening 20 and exits vessel 10 through second opening 30. In this case, at least one first opening 20 is configured to receive an inflowing gas having a gaseous composition, and at least one second opening 30 is configured to discharge an outflowing gas having a gaseous composition. A countercurrent flow typically enters vessel 10 through second opening 30 and exits vessel 10 through first opening 20. In this case, at least one second opening 30 is configured to receive an inflowing gas having a gaseous composition, and at least one first opening 20 is configured to discharge an outflowing gas having a gaseous composition. The first opening 20 is located, for example, at the bottom of vessel 10. The second opening 30 is located, for example, at the top of vessel 10.

[0073] In the following description, unless otherwise indicated, first opening 20 corresponds to a cocurrent inlet to vessel 10. Vessel 10 has a cocurrent flow when operating in adsorption mode. Second opening 30 corresponds to a cocurrent outlet from vessel 10. Consequently, first opening 20 is a countercurrent outlet from vessel 10. Vessel 10 has a countercurrent flow when operating in desorption mode. Second opening 30 corresponds to a countercurrent inlet into vessel 10.

[0074] According to some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 1-5, the first opening 20 comprises a first mesh 150. Additionally or alternatively, the second opening 30 comprises a second mesh 160. The first mesh 150 and / or the second mesh 160 can have a US mesh size ranging from 20 to 50.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the passageway 40 is a vertical passageway, preferably a substantially cylindrical passageway. According to one embodiment, the passageway 40 has an inner diameter between 49 mm and 3000 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 2000 mm. According to one embodiment, the passageway 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.

[0076] The cross section of the container 10 is typically strictly larger than the diameter of the first opening 20 and the diameter of the second opening 30 .

[0077] The adsorbent material or catalyst 50 is configured to at least partially adsorb or capture 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 effluent composition that differs from the influent composition of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst 50.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the sorbent material 50 is configured to adsorb at least one gas selected from the list of 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 air or gas trace pollutants (sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, nitrous oxide, ozone, hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, NOx, dust, radioactive noble gases, ammonia).

[0079] According to some embodiments, the adsorbent material 50 comprises a metal-organic framework, and / or a carbon material (such as activated carbon, carbon molecular sieve, carbon fiber, etc.), 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 (types A, X, Y, mordenite, silicalite, chabazite, faujasite, clinoptilolite, and / or their various ion exchange materials, KA, 3A, 4A, 5A, 10A, Si-CHA, ITQ, ZSM, 13X, LiX, CaX, CA-LSX, Li-LSX, NaX, CaA).

[0080] 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 through the first opening 20 and / or the second opening 30. The adsorbent can form a physical bond 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 different composition than the composition 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 through the first opening 20 and / or the second opening 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 an outflow composition that is different from the inflow composition of the gas received by the catalyst. The catalyst forms a chemical bond with at least one component of the gas. The chemical bond with the catalyst is typically stronger than the physical bond with the adsorbent. More generally, where an adsorbent material is referred to herein, a catalyst may replace the adsorbent material.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the adsorbent material 50 is in the form of beads, pellets, or a particular structure such as a foam, fabric, monolith, or laminate. For example, the adsorbent material 50 is an adsorbent bead having an average diameter of less than 4 mm.

[0082] According to embodiments such as those shown in Figures 4-9, 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 differs from the second portion 180 of adsorbent material, for example, in terms of its average diameter or in terms of 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 a different gaseous component).

[0083] At least one flexible compressible element 60 is configured to secure the sorbent material 50 within the passageway 40 .

[0084] According to some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 1-9, the at least one flexible compressible element comprises a porous compressible element 60, 100. The porous compressible element 60, 100 is disposed between the sorbent material 50 and the second opening 30 and / or between the sorbent material 50 and the first opening 20.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the container 10 is as disclosed in EP 0 820 798 A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. According to some embodiments, the second opening 30 of the container 10 opens to a central passage 190 of the container 10, as can be seen in Figures 6-9.

[0086] According to some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 6-9, the at least one flexible compressible element also includes at least one impermeable compressible element 110. The impermeable compressible element 110 is typically present in a radial gas flow vessel 10, such as those shown in Figures 6-9. According to some embodiments, the impermeable compressible element 110 is made from the same material as the porous compressible element 60. The impermeable compressible element 110 is described in more detail below.

[0087] At least one of the porous and / or impermeable compressible elements 60, 110 has a higher compressibility than the sorbent material 50. According to some embodiments, the porous compressible element 60 and / or the impermeable compressible element 110 can be reduced by at least 25% by volume, preferably at least 35% by volume, more preferably at least 50% by volume, even more preferably at least 85% by volume, and even more preferably at least 90% by volume under a pressure of 0.01 MPa to 2 MPa. For example, under a pressure of 0.01 MPa, the compressible element 60 can be reduced by at least 25% by volume, preferably at least 35% by volume, more preferably at least 50% by volume, and even more preferably at least 85% by volume. For example, under a pressure of 2 MPa, the compressible element 60 can be reduced by at least 25% by volume, preferably at least 35% by volume, more preferably at least 50% by volume, and even more preferably at least 85% by volume. The pressure of 0.01 MPa to 2 MPa is applied, for example, in a direction in which the compressible element 60 has its smallest dimension when the compressible element 60 is in an uncompressed state.

[0088] According to some embodiments, the compressible element 60 has a porosity of greater than 80%, preferably greater than 90%, and more preferably greater than 95% in the uncompressed state. The porosity of the compressible element 60 was measured via a direct method, i.e., first the bulk volume of the porous sample was obtained, and then the volume of the scaffold material without micropores was obtained.

[0089] According to some embodiments, compressible element 60 still has a porosity of between 23% and 70% even when its volume is reduced by 85% compared to its uncompressed state.

[0090] When gas flow within vessel 10 is axial, according to some embodiments, porous compressible element 60 occupies the entire cross section of passageway 40 such that gas passes through porous compressible element 60. Some of these embodiments are depicted in Figures 1-5.

[0091] When gas flow within vessel 10 is radial, according to some embodiments, porous compressible element 60 occupies the entire height of adsorbent material 50 such that gas passes through porous compressible element 60. Some of these embodiments are depicted in Figures 7-9.

[0092] When gas flow within the vessel 10 is radial, according to some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 7-9 , the porous compressible element 100 occupies only a portion of the first opening 20, and the porous compressible element 60 occupies only a portion of the second opening 30. The remaining portions of the first opening 20 and / or the remaining portions of the second opening 30 are sealed by an impermeable seal 130. As can be seen in FIGS. 7-9 , under some embodiments, the impermeable seal 130 extends from the upper wall of the vessel 10 to the height level of the top of the adsorbent material 50. In this manner, the impermeable seal 130 has approximately the same height as the impermeable compressible element 110, as measured perpendicular to the gas flow direction in a radial layout of the vessel 10, also known in the art as a radial bed. This layout helps achieve plug flow in a radial bed and reduce backmixing. This reduces the likelihood of gas flowing towards the impermeable compressible element 110 and ensures that gas flows only within the sorbent material.

[0093] According to some other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6, the porous compressible element 100 covers the entire first opening 20 and / or the porous compressible element 60 covers the entire second opening 30.

[0094] According to some embodiments, compressible element 60 occupies only a portion of the cross section of passageway 40 .

[0095] According to some embodiments, the porous compressible element 60 is made from a knitted material, a nonwoven material, a woven material, or a foam. The porous compressible element 60 includes, for example, a knitted mesh. The knitted mesh includes, for example, multiple layers.

[0096] According to some embodiments, the compressible element 60 has a flexural modulus greater than 200 MPa, preferably greater than 400 MPa, more preferably greater than 500 MPa. According to some embodiments, the compressible element 60 has a tensile strength greater than 10 MPa, preferably greater than 15 MPa, more preferably greater than 20 MPa. By having high resistance to thermal and / or chemical and / or mechanical stress, the compressible element may have wider applications.

[0097] According to some embodiments, the porous compressible element 60 and / or the impermeable compressible element 110 are made essentially from perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or e-PTFE), or fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP).

[0098] According to some embodiments, the compressible element 60 forms a pad or cushion.

[0099] As depicted in Figures 4, 5, and 6-9, when the sorbent material 50 includes at least one first portion 170 and a second portion 180, the container 10 preferably further includes an intermediate layer 120 of porous compressible material 60 sandwiched between the first portion 170 and the second portion 180 of the sorbent material. According to some embodiments not shown in the figures, instead of having an intermediate layer 120 of compressible material between the first portion 170 and the second portion 180 of the sorbent material, the container 10 includes a mesh between the first portion 170 and the second portion 180 of the sorbent material.

[0100] The intermediate layer 120 of flexible compressible material is, for example, made from the same material as the flexible compressible elements 60. Alternatively, the intermediate layer 120 of flexible compressible material is made from a different material than the material of the flexible compressible elements 60.

[0101] When gas flow within the vessel 10 is axial, preferably, the intermediate layer 120 of porous compressible material occupies the entire cross section of the passageway 40, as depicted in FIGS.

[0102] When gas flow within the vessel 10 is radial, preferably, the intermediate layer 120 of porous compressible material occupies the entire height of the adsorbent material 50, as depicted in Figures 6-9.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the intermediate layer 120 of the porous compressible material 60 is configured to reduce intermixing of the first portion 170 and the second portion 180 of the adsorbent material. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the first portion 170 of the adsorbent material is different from the second portion 180 of the adsorbent material.

[0104] According to some embodiments, the pressure drop across at least one of compressible elements 60, 100, and 120 is less than 6 mbar absolute, where the compressible element is typically porous, such as the porous flexible compressible elements described in this application.

[0105] 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 adsorbent material 50, for example, crushing by the porous compressible element 60 and / or the impermeable compressible element 110.

[0106] According to some embodiments, the porosity of compressible elements 60, 100, and 120 can redistribute gas passing therethrough, for example, across the cross-section of passageway 40. For example, when a flux of gas enters through first opening 20 and / or second opening 30, compressible element 100 can spread the gas across the entire cross-section of passageway 40. This is because porous compressible element 100 is essentially a matrix of complex flow paths through which gas flows. These flow paths are spread across the entire cross-section of passageway 40. This, in turn, improves gas flow distribution across the surface of adsorbent material 50.

[0107] According to some embodiments, the porous compressible element 100 is configured to form a barrier between the sorbent material 50 and the first opening 20, and / or the porous compressible element 60 is configured to form a barrier between the sorbent material 50 and the second opening 30, thereby preventing the sorbent material 50 from leaking out of the container 10.

[0108] According to one embodiment, at least one of the porous compressible elements 60, 120, or 100 may include several layers, e.g., several separate cushions, placed on top of one another. For example, the layer of the porous compressible element intended to be in contact with the adsorbent material 50 when the adsorbent material 50 includes adsorbent beads is finer than the layer of the porous compressible element 60 intended to be near the outlet of the vessel 10. This can reduce the overall cost of the porous compressible element 60 while retaining and / or enhancing other desired capabilities, resulting in a lower pressure drop, retaining the adsorbent beads within the vessel 10, and / or avoiding entrapment of the adsorbent beads within the matrix of the porous compressible element.

[0109] According to some embodiments not shown in the figures, the flexible compressible element 60 is also present in the first opening 20 and / or the second opening 30 .

[0110] In addition to, or as an alternative to, embodiments having at least a porous compressible element 60, the flexible compressible element may include at least one impermeable (non-porous) compressible element 110. Figures 6-9 show the container 10 with the impermeable compressible element 110 positioned above the sorbent material 50.

[0111] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 6-9, the container 10 comprises a porous compressible element 100 between the first opening 20 and the sorbent material 50. The container 10 comprises a porous compressible element 60 between the second opening 30 and the sorbent material 50. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 6-9, the container 10 comprises a first portion of sorbent material 170 and a second portion of sorbent material 180. The container 10 also comprises an intermediate layer 120 of porous flexible compressible element sandwiched between the first portion 170 and the second portion 180 of sorbent material.

[0112] According to some embodiments not shown, the radial bed configuration may include only impermeable compressible elements 110.

[0113] According to some embodiments, at least one of the impermeable compressible elements 110 has a higher compressibility than the sorbent material 50. According to some embodiments, the impermeable compressible elements 110 can be reduced by at least 25% by volume, preferably at least 35% by volume, more preferably at least 50% by volume, even more preferably at least 85% by volume, and even more preferably at least 90% by volume under a pressure of 0.01 MPa to 2 MPa.

[0114] The impermeable compressible element 110 is inert to the components it comes into contact with in the air or gas handling unit.

[0115] The porous flexible compressible element 60, optionally with a perforated strainer plate 70 and / or compression element 90, if present, is preferably positioned and configured in a vessel 10 with axial gas flow, such as that shown in Figures 1-5, such that the adsorbent material 50 remains substantially immobilized as gas passes through the adsorbent material 50. Additionally, the impermeable flexible compressible element 110, optionally with a (perforated or non-perforated) strainer plate 140 and / or compression element 90, is preferably positioned and configured in a vessel 10 with radial gas flow, such as that shown in Figures 6-9, such that the adsorbent material 50 remains substantially immobilized as gas passes through the adsorbent material 50. For example, in a vessel 10 with axial gas flow, such as that shown in Figures 1-5, the porous compressible element 60, optionally in conjunction with a perforated strainer plate 70 and / or a compression element 90, immobilizes the adsorbent material 50 within the passage 40 by applying a force generally opposite the gas flow direction.

[0116] In adsorber and / or reactors with radial gas flow, such as those shown in Figures 6-9, impermeable compressible element 110, optionally in conjunction with (perforated or non-perforated) strainer plate 140 and / or compression element 90, immobilizes adsorbent material 50 by applying a force generally perpendicular to the gas flow direction. In the embodiment of Figures 6-9, gas flow is horizontal between first opening 20 and second opening 30, and the immobilizing force is applied vertically.

[0117] According to some embodiments, at least one of the porous or impermeable compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 has a melting temperature above 250°C, preferably above 300°C, more preferably above 320°C.

[0118] According to some embodiments, at least one of the porous or impermeable compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 has an ignition temperature greater than 165°C, preferably greater than 200°C, more preferably greater than 300°C, even more preferably greater than 400°C, and even more preferably greater than 500°C.

[0119] According to some embodiments, at least one of the porous or impermeable compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 is non-flammable in an environment containing 95% oxygen at 60° C. and having an absolute pressure of 10 bar.

[0120] According to some embodiments, at least one of the porous compressible elements 60, 100, 120 maintains its structural integrity when gas flows through it at a pressure between 0.1 bar and 10 bar absolute, and in particular, at least one of the compressible elements 60, 100, 120 does not rupture when gas passes through it at a pressure between 0.1 bar and 10 bar absolute.

[0121] 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 within the container 10 is within the range of 0.1 bar to 10 bar absolute. In particular, at least one of the porous or impermeable compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 does not rupture when the pressure within the container 10 is within the range of 0.1 bar to 10 bar absolute.

[0122] According to some embodiments, a peripheral portion of at least one of the compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 is free of metal components, and preferably at least one of the compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 is completely free of metal components. Because at least one of the porous or impermeable compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 is in contact with the walls of the container 10, which are often made of metal, a metal-free compressible element 60, 100, 110, 120 may be less likely to generate sparks when rubbing against the interior walls of the container 10.

[0123] According to some embodiments, the vessel 10 further includes a plate 70, as depicted in FIGS. 2-5, or a plate 140, as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. These plates can be metallic or non-metallic. According to some embodiments, in cases where gas flows axially within the vessel 10, such as those depicted in FIGS. 2-5, the plate 70 is perforated, such as a perforated strainer. The perforated strainer is disposed, for example, between the porous compressible element 60 and the second opening 30. According to some embodiments in which gas flows radially within the vessel 10, such as those depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the plate 140 can be a solid or perforated strainer plate. According to some embodiments, the plate 140 is disposed between the impermeable compressible element 110, the upper wall of the vessel 10, and / or the compression element 90.

[0124] According to some embodiments, plates 70 and 140 have shapes that complement the shapes of the corresponding flexible compressible elements 60 and 110, respectively. This can be seen particularly in Figures 8 and 9.

[0125] According to some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 3-5 and 9, the vessel 10 further includes at least one compression element 90, such as one or more springs, configured to cause the strainer plate 70, 140 to compress the flexible compressible element 60, 110. The flexible compressible element 60, 110 compresses the sorbent 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 provide a generally uniform distribution of the force exerted by the compression element 90 across the entire cross-section of the flexible compressible element 60, 110, and thereby across the sorbent material 50.

[0126] According to some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 3-5, the compression element 90 is disposed between the plate 70 and the second opening 30. According to some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 9, the compression element 90 is disposed between the plate 140 and the upper wall of the container 10.

[0127] When gas flows axially, plate 70 preferably includes a fine mesh sandwiched between two, preferably identical, perforated strainer plates. Such an arrangement can reduce or eliminate leakage of adsorbent material 50 through the perforated strainer plates. This also allows for uniform distribution of gas across the entire cross-section of adsorbent material 50, as gas tends to pass through all of the holes in the fine mesh and / or perforated strainer plates. Depending on the required strength, the thickness of each such perforated strainer plate can preferably be 1 mm to 20 mm. Each hole in such a perforated strainer plate can preferably have a diameter in the range of 20 mm to 100 mm. The fine mesh sandwiched between two of such perforated strainer plates can have a U.S. mesh size in the range of 20 to 50.

[0128] Depending on the strength required, the thickness of the solid strainer plate 140 may preferably be between 1 mm and 20 mm.

[0129] According to some embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-5, the perforated plate 70 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the passageway 40. According to some embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the plate 140 has a size smaller than the size of the container 10 when viewed from above. The plate 70 avoids direct contact with the interior wall of the container 10, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of the plate rubbing against the interior wall of the container 10 and potentially generating sparks. In this manner, the plate and the interior 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 to prevent the sorbent material 50 from leaking out of the container 10 through the gap 80. Such an arrangement also reduces or eliminates the risk of the plate rubbing against the interior wall of the container 10.

[0130] According to one embodiment, plate 70 is in direct contact with porous flexible compressible element 60. According to one embodiment, plate 140 is in direct contact with impermeable flexible compressible element 110.

[0131] According to some embodiments, at least one of the flexible compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 is made from a material that is inert to components exposed within the container 10. For example, at least one of the flexible compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 is inert to the inlet gas received from the at least one first opening 20 or from the at least one second opening 30, and / or the outlet gas released from the at least one second opening 30 or from the at least one first opening 20, and / or to the material of the container 10, and / or to the material of the adsorbent material 50, and / or to the material of the perforated plate 70 and / or the solid plate 140.

[0132] According to some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 5-9 , in addition to the compressible element 60 between the sorbent material 50 and the second opening 30, the vessel 10 further comprises an additional flexible compressible element 100 between the sorbent material 50 and the first opening 20. The additional compressible element 100 is porous. In one embodiment, the additional flexible compressible element 100 is made from the same material as the porous compressible element 60. According to another embodiment, the additional flexible compressible element 100 is made from a material different from that of the flexible porous compressible element 60. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , for a vessel with axial gas flow, the compressible element 60 between the sorbent material 50 and the outlet of the vessel 10 is essential to this embodiment when the vessel receives a co-flowing gas (shown as the second opening 30 above the first opening 20). An additional compressible element 100 between the adsorbent material 50 and the inlet of the vessel when the vessel accepts co-flow (shown as first opening 20 below second opening 30) is optional for this embodiment.

[0133] In the embodiments shown in Figures 6-9, for vessels in which gas flow is radial, preferably the vessel 10 comprises a porous compressible element 100 between the adsorbent material 50 and the first opening 20, and / or the vessel 10 comprises a porous compressible element 60 between the adsorbent material 50 and the second opening 30.

[0134] According to some embodiments, the additional compressible element 100 is configured to minimize, and preferably eliminate, leakage of the sorbent material 50 from the first opening 20 .

[0135] According to some embodiments, the gas processing unit is a desiccant instead of 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 vessel 10.

[0136] The present disclosure also relates to a method for using the vessel 10 as disclosed above. In the adsorption step of this process, a feed gas is received through at least one first opening 20. Typically, the pressure of such received gas is greater than 1 bar absolute, and such gas flows from the first opening 20 to the second opening 30. At least one component of the received gas is at least partially adsorbed by the adsorbent material 50 or captured by the catalyst 50. Thus, the gas released through the second opening 30 is lean with respect to the adsorbed component. Desorption is a step (not shown) during which at least one of the adsorbed components is at least partially removed from the adsorbent material 50. In the desorption step of the process, a recycle gas is fed through the second opening 30, and a tail gas is discharged through the first opening 20. Typically, the pressure of such tail gas is lower than that of the feed gas, and the tail gas is discharged from the adsorption system through the first opening 20. Depending on the process application, the pressure at the first opening 20 can reach as high as 30 bar absolute in the adsorption step, whereas the pressure at the first opening 20 can reach as low as 0.1 bar absolute in the desorption step.

[0137] When the compressed feed gas flows inside the passages 40 and reaches the adsorbent material 50 or 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 catalyst. Simultaneously, the porous flexible compressible element 60 compresses the adsorbent material 50 or catalyst in axial beds (FIGS. 1-5), and the impermeable compressible element 110 compresses the adsorbent material 50 or catalyst in radial beds (FIGS. 6-9). When the compressible element includes a porous compressible element 60, the gas passes through the porous compressible element 60.

[0138] Preferably, the adsorbent material 50 remains substantially immobilized as gas passes through it.

[0139] Because of adsorption by the adsorbent material 50 or capture by the catalyst, the gas released from the adsorbent material 50 or catalyst has an effluent composition that differs from the influent composition of the gas received by the adsorbent material 50 or catalyst.

[0140] The gas received by the at least one first opening 20 or the at least one second opening 30 and / or the gas released from the at least one second opening 30 or the at least one first opening 20 has a pressure of 0.1 Nm 3 / h~16000Nm 3 / h, preferably 2 Nm 3 / h~1000Nm 3 / h, more preferably 2 Nm 3 / h~30Nm 3 / h. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 10 containers 20 First opening 30 Second Opening 40 Passage 50 Adsorbent materials or catalysts 60 flexible compressible element 60, 100 Porous compressible elements 60, 100, 110, 120 Porous or impermeable compressible elements 70 Perforated strainer plate 80 gap 90 compression elements 100 flexible compressible element 110 Impermeable compressible element 130 Impermeable Seal 140 (perforated or non-perforated) strainer plate 150 First Mesh 160 Second Mesh 170 First Part 180 Second Part 190 Central aisle

Claims

1. A vessel (10) for an adsorber or reactor, comprising: at least one first opening (20) configured to receive and release gas, and at least one second opening (30) configured to release and receive gas, said first and second openings (20, 30) defining a passageway (40) therebetween; an adsorbent material or catalyst (50) disposed between the first and second openings (20, 30), the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) configured to at least partially adsorb or capture at least one component of a gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) such that the gas released from the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) has an outflow composition that differs from the inflow composition of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst (50); - at least one flexible compressible element (60, 110) disposed within said passage (40) configured to fix said adsorbent material or catalyst (50) within said passage (40), said flexible compressible element (60, 110) having a higher compressibility than said adsorbent material or catalyst (50).

2. 2. The container (10) of claim 1, wherein the flexible compressible element (60, 100) is porous and is disposed between the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) and the second opening (30) and / or between the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) and the first opening (20).

3. 3. The container (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the flexible compressible elements (60, 100, 110, 120) can be reduced by at least 25% by volume, preferably at least 35% by volume, more preferably at least 50% by volume, and even more preferably at least 85% by volume under a pressure of 0.01 MPa to 2 MPa.

4. 4. The container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the flexible compressible elements (60, 100, 120) has a porosity in the uncompressed state of more than 80%, preferably more than 95%.

5. 5. The container (10) of claim 1, wherein at least one of the flexible compressible elements (60, 100, 120) has a porosity of between 23% and 70% when its volume is reduced by 85% compared to its uncompressed state.

6. 6. The container (10) of claim 1, wherein at least one of the flexible compressible elements (60, 100, 120) occupies the entire cross section of the passage (40) so that gas passes through the compressible element (60, 100, 120).

7. 7. The container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the flexible compressible elements (60, 100, 110, 120) has a melting temperature above 250°C, preferably above 300°C, more preferably above 320°C.

8. 8. The container (10) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the flexible compressible element (60) is configured to form a barrier between the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) and the second opening (30) and / or the flexible compressible element (100) is configured to form a barrier between the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) and the first opening (20), thereby preventing the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) from leaking out of the container (10).

9. Container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of said flexible compressible elements (60, 100, 120) is made from a knitted material, a nonwoven material, a woven material, or a foam.

10. Container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of said flexible compressible elements (60, 100, 110, 120) forms a pad or cushion.

11. 11. The container (10) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) comprises a first portion (170) and a second portion (180), and the container (10) further comprises an intermediate layer (120) of flexible compressible material (60) sandwiched between the first portion (170) and the second portion (180) of the adsorbent material or catalyst (50).

12. 12. The container (10) of claim 11, wherein the intermediate layer (120) of the flexible compressible material (60) is configured to reduce intermixing of the first portion (170) and the second portion (180) of the adsorbent material or catalyst (50).

13. A container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passage (40) is a vertical passage, preferably a substantially cylindrical passage.

14. 14. The vessel (10) of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising at least one plate (70, 140) configured to press the compressible element (60, 110) against the adsorbent material or catalyst (50), the plate (70) preferably being perforated.

15. 15. The container (10) of claim 14, further comprising one or more compression elements (90), such as one or more springs, and wherein the plate (70, 140) is disposed between the compression elements (90) and the compressible element (60, 110) such that the compression elements (90) urge the plate (70, 140) toward the compressible element (60, 110).

16. 16. The vessel (10) of claim 14, wherein the plate (70, 140) and the vessel (10) define at least one gap (80) therebetween, and the compressible element (60, 110) is configured to fill the gap (80) to prevent the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) from leaking out of the vessel (10).

17. The container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passage (40) has a diameter between 49 mm and 3000 mm.

18. Container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a first mesh (150) within the first opening (20) and / or a second mesh (160) within the second opening (30).

19. The container (10) of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the flexibility and / or compressibility of the compressible element (60, 110) can reduce crushing of the adsorbent material or catalyst (50).

20. 20. The container (10) of claim 2 in combination with any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the matrix of porous flexible compressible elements (60, 100, 120) is capable of enhancing the distribution of gas passing therethrough over the cross section of the passage (40).

21. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure drop across the flexible compressible element (60, 100, 120) is less than 6 mbar absolute.

22. 22. The vessel (10) of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the compressible element (110) is positioned and configured such that the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) remains substantially immobilized when gas passes therethrough.

23. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said flexible compressible elements (110) is impermeable.

24. 24. The vessel (10) of claim 23, wherein at least one of the first opening (20) and the second opening (30) is sealed from an upper wall of the vessel (10) to a top level of the adsorbent material or catalyst (50).

25. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressible element (60, 100, 110, 120) is non-flammable in an environment of 60°C with 95% oxygen and 10 bar absolute pressure.

26. 26. The container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the compressible element (60, 100, 110, 120) is made from a material that is inert to inlet gases received from the at least one first opening (20) or from the at least one second opening (30) and / or outlet gases released from the at least one second opening (30) or from the at least one first opening (20), and / or to a material of the container (10), and / or to a material of the adsorbent material or catalyst (50), and / or to a material of the plates (70, 140), and / or to a material of the compression element (90).

27. Container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the flexible compressible element (60, 100, 110, 120) is made essentially from perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or e-PTFE), or fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP).

28. 28. The container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) is configured to adsorb at least one of the following gases selected from the list of 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 air or gas trace pollutants (sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, nitrous oxide, ozone, hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, NOx, dust, radioactive noble gases, ammonia).

29. 29. The vessel (10) of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) comprises a metal-organic framework, and / or a carbon material (such as activated carbon, carbon molecular sieve, carbon fiber, etc.), 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 (types A, X, Y, mordenite, silicalite, chabazite, faujasite, clinoptilolite, and / or their various ion exchange materials, KA, 3A, 4A, 5A, 10A, Si-CHA, ITQ, ZSM, 13X, LiX, CaX, CA-LSX, Li-LSX, NaX, CaA).

30. The container (10) of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) is in the form of beads, pellets, or a particular structure such as a foam, fabric, monolith, or laminate.

31. 31. An air or gas treatment unit (4), 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 noble gas removal unit, or a mercury vapor capture unit, or a deodorization and air purification unit, or a trace ammonia removal unit, or a hydrogen production unit, or a gas separation device, or an alcohol dehydrator, or a gas chromatograph, or a carbon dioxide and / or hydrogen sulfide and / or methane and / or ethane removal unit configured to remove at least a portion of components from gas received from the at least one first opening (20) and / or the at least one second opening (30), comprising at least one vessel (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 30, said vessel (10) being preferably configured to receive compressed gas having a pressure between 1.1 bar absolute and 30 bar absolute.

32. A method for using a container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 31, comprising: - receiving gas from said at least one first opening (20) (or respectively from said at least one second opening (30)); - the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) at least partially adsorbs or captures at least one component of a gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst (50), while the flexible compressible element (60, 110) compresses the adsorbent material or catalyst (50), and the gas released from the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) has an outflow composition that differs from the inflow composition of the gas received by the adsorbent material or catalyst (50); - releasing gas from said at least one second opening (30) (or respectively from said at least one first opening (20)).

33. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein gas passes through the flexible compressible element (60, 100, 120).

34. 34. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the adsorbent material or catalyst (50) remains substantially immobilized as gas passes through it.

35. The gas received by the at least one first opening (20) or the at least one second opening (30) and / or the gas released from the at least one second opening (30) or the at least one first opening (20) has a pressure of 0.1 Nm ３ / h to 16,000 Nm ３ 35. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the process has a flux of between 1000 and 10000 kJ / h.

Images