Variable area molecular sieve container having a thermal control system

Abstract

A fluid separator apparatus having a control member for allowing a source of pressurized fluid mixture to flow in a first direction through a bed of adsorption material to produce a product fluid and for allowing a purge fluid to regenerate the bed of adsorption material by flowing in a second direction substantially opposite to the flow of the fluid mixture. The bed of adsorption material has a variable cross-sectional area corresponding to a substantially uniform and optimum rate of adsorption of an element in the fluid mixture by the individual particles of adsorption material. A shroud which surrounds the bed of adsorption material directs the purge fluid over the bed of adsorption material to retain any heat generated during adsorption within the bed of adsorption material. A sensor located within the shroud operates a heater to maintain the temperatures of the fluid mixture and the adsorption beds within a predetermined temperature range to assure that the optimum rate of adsorption by the particles is not changed by temperature variations in the supply of pressurized fluid mixture and in the ambient environment.