Non-cryogenic nitrogen generators and methods of use
This invention relates to gas generators and methods for their use. In some embodiments, the invention relates to devices and methods of generating a gas enriched in a specific component. In other embodiments, the devices are configured to pressurize and regulate the temperature of atmospheric air prior to passing said air through a selectively permeable gas membrane. In further embodiments, a device is also configured to preheat said selectively permeable gas membrane.
1. A device comprising:
i) a compressor configured to compress feed air into a first compartment providing compressed air at an elevated temperature relative to said feed air;
ii) a membrane bank comprising a casing and a plurality of selectively permeable gas membranes positioned between said first compartment and a second compartment;
iii) a valve configured to divert a portion of said compressed air at said elevated temperature from said first compartment to pass around said membrane bank casing; and
iv) a steel framework for housing said device comprising at least one open side consisting of a plurality of attached vertical and horizontal members, and a solid support attached to said plurality of horizontal members.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein said compressor compresses said feed air at a pressure above 10 psig and below 1000 psig.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein said heated gas membranes are at a temperature equal to or above said compressed air.
4. A method of generating a component enriched gas comprising:
a) providing a device comprising:
i) a compressor configured to compress feed air into a first compartment providing compressed air at an elevated temperature relative to said feed air;
a membrane bank comprising a casing and a plurality of selectively permeable gas membranes positioned between said first compartment and a second compartment;
iii) a valve configured to divert a portion of said compressed air at said elevated temperature from said first compartment to pass around said membrane bank casing, and;
iv) a steel framework for housing said device comprising at least one open side consisting of a plurality of attached vertical and horizontal members, and a solid support attached to said plurality of horizontal members; and
b) compressing said feed air into said first compartment so as to create said compressed air at an elevated temperature relative to said feed air;
c) diverting said portion of said compressed air from said first compartment to said membrane bank casing under conditions such that said gas permeable membranes are heated to a temperature of at least said compressed air;
d) moving said compressed air through said heated selectively permeable gas membranes without condensate formation thereby providing a component enriched gas to said second compartment.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein said component enriched gas is nitrogen gas.
6. The method of claim 4 , wherein said method further comprises the step of cooling said first compartment.
7. The method of claim 4 , wherein said compressed air is above 10 and below 1000psig.