Importance

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Abstract

A pressure swing adsorption process and system for generating gaseous streams which are high in oxygen purity and high in nitrogen purity utilize a first adsorption zone adapted to principally adsorb oxygen from a feed stream containing oxygen, nitrogen and argon via kinetic separation techniques and a second adsorption zone adapted to adsorb nitrogen from a feed stream containing oxygen and nitrogen via equilibrium separation techniques. Following a step in the process operation involving a directing of a feed stream into the first adsorption zone, the first adsorption zone is purged in a desorption step so that a purge stream exits the inlet of the first adsorption zone. During the initial moments of this desorption step, the purge stream is vented to the atmosphere, and during the latter moments of this desorption step, the gaseous purge stream is conducted to the inlet of the second adsorption zone so that a gaseous stream which is high in oxygen purity exits the outlet of the second adsorption zone. The second adsorption zone is subsequently purged so that a gaseous desorption stream exists the second adsorption zone and is supplied otthe inlet of the first adsorption zone as part of the feed stream.

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First Claim