Development of PSA 99% Oxygen Generator

Currently all oxygen used in USAF, Navy and US Army is produced by means of either cryogenic distillation (liquid oxygen) or pressure swing adsorption (PSA). Both methods have significant disadvantages. Currently employed PSA systems, in particular, are limited to 90-95% purity of oxygen produced. The intent of this proposed investigation is to develop a PSA process and system capable of efficiently producing 99% oxygen, which will eliminate the problems associated with the use of low purity oxygen. To develop and demonstrate the process, a fully automated and controlled laboratory PSA pilot plant will be built. Fundamental properties of the adsorbents, applicable for the O2/N2 and O2/Ar separations, will be investigated. The separation process will be tested and optimized at a wide range of operating parameters and conditions and a variety of cycles will be investigated to ensure optimal performance. Development of a theory of PSA processes for the production of 99% oxygen will provide the foundation necessary to create oxygen generators in various sizes and configurations. Based upon the process optimized in the proposed Phase I efforts, preliminary mechanical designs of commercial prototypes will be developed.