Molecular sieve container for oxygen concentrator

Abstract

A container for a plurality of molecular sieve beds for use in a pressure swing oxygen concentrator. An extrusion defines at least two and preferably at least three passages extending between open ends of the extrusion. The extrusion ends are closed by first and second end caps secured to the extrusion. Two of the passages form separate molecular sieve containers and a third passage may form an accumulator for storing concentrated oxygen. In a preferred embodiment, the first end cap has separate inlet ports for each molecular sieve container and an outlet port for the accumulator. The second end cap has separate outlet ports for each molecular sieve container and an inlet port for the accumulator. Optionally, the second end cap may include a restricted passage allowing a limited oxygen flow between the outlet ports from the molecular sieve containers and the second end cap may include check valves and passages which allow pressurized oxygen to flow from each molecular sieve container outlet port to the accumulator inlet port. The first end cap may include a feed gas port and an exhaust gas port connected through a flow control valve to the molecular sieve container inlet ports.