Patent attributes
In various aspects, apparatuses and methods are provided for low pressure drop gas separations. In PSA processes, where there are large swings in pressure and corresponding swings in fluid velocity through the adsorbent, mechanical stresses during pressure cycling are of considerable concern. When that pressure is relieved in a lower pressure portion of the cycle, the high velocity of gas moving through the adsorbent bed can erode, strip away, or otherwise damage the channels within the adsorbent. Provided herein are methods which utilize flexible boundaries between adsorbent beds that are operated out of phase with one another. The flexible boundaries permit an increase in void space through the adsorbent during high pressure stages of the cycle and a decrease in void space through the adsorbent during low pressure stages of the cycle.
