Temperature-based monitoring and control of compressed gas dryers

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for determining a rotational state of a rotor in a compressed gas dryer system, the compressed gas dryer system including a compressed gas inlet configured to receive compressed gas to be dried from a compressed gas source, a regeneration gas inlet configured to receive regeneration gas from a regeneration gas source, a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regeneration zone, a drive configured to rotationally drive a rotor disposed within the pressure vessel in a predetermined rotational direction, at least a first temperature sensor configured to obtain first temperature data indicative of a first temperature at a first location within the pressure vessel, and a controller configured to receive the first temperature data and determine a rotational state of the rotor based on the first temperature data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring and controlling compressed gas dryers, and more particularly to methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the efficiency of a rotary drum dryer of a compressed gas system, based in particular on temperature information within the compressed gas system. [Background technology]

[0002] Dry compressed air is used in a wide range of applications, including, but not limited to, food processing, chemical and pharmaceutical processes, pneumatic tools, HVAC and HVAC control systems, polishing blasting, injection molding, airbrushing, and manufacturing, such as the production of electronic components. In the food industry, dry air is used to dry grains, dairy products, vegetables, and cereals. In the electronics industry, dry compressed air is used, for example, to remove desalinated water and cleaning solvents from silicon devices and circuit boards.

[0003] The atmosphere contains water vapor, and this must be taken into account when generating compressed air. For example, if you compress air at 20°C and 80% relative humidity with a compressor operating at 7 bar and a capacity of 200 liters / second, 10 liters / hour of water will be released into the compressed air line.

[0004] Water and moisture in compressed air systems can cause erosion, corrosion, and biological effects, potentially leading to product damage, equipment failure, and system failure. For example, in compressed air lines, water is turbulently liquefied into an aerosol mist, and droplets are propelled at high speed until they collide with obstacles in the path, such as pipe elbows, valve discs, orifice plates, or pneumatic motor blades. As a result, repeated collisions cause pitting. Furthermore, depressions created by high-speed water aerosol mist become havens for salt ions and acids, which further corrode the surface through chemical reactions. Weakened surfaces become susceptible to stress corrosion due to mechanical vibration and bending. Corrosion can be suppressed by removing liquid aerosols and particles from the air and removing water vapor that could condense and form droplets from the compressed air system. Therefore, in equipment where compressed air lines are exposed to low temperatures and prone to condensation, it is important to dry the air to a dew point below the lowest temperature.

[0005] In addition to erosion, moisture in compressed air systems can cause corrosion and destructive biological effects. Water vapor and oil vapor can be removed by adsorption processes. Liquid aerosols can be removed from the airflow by means such as combined filters. Moisture corrosion in compressed air systems is particularly invasive due to the absorption of corrosive agents from the air. Pure liquid water itself is not corrosive, but when water combines with salt particles or acidic gases, highly corrosive solutions are produced. Corrosion is known to be suppressed by drying the air to the lowest possible dew point.

[0006] Furthermore, moisture in compressed air systems is harmful because humid air allows bacteria, fungi, and mold to thrive, producing acidic waste that promotes corrosion of the compressed air system. Microorganisms can also accumulate in instrumentation tubes and pneumatic motor bearings, potentially causing malfunctions, excessive wear, and seizure. Therefore, to mitigate these harmful biological effects, it is advantageous to dry the air to a dew point where the relative humidity is below 10%.

[0007] In addition, moisture in compressed air can cause product contamination through direct and indirect means. Water droplets and water vapor can be absorbed by the product in direct contact processes, such as chemical mixing and paint spraying applications. Water absorption can adversely affect the chemical and physical properties of the product.

[0008] In applications of dry compressed air, such as manufacturing, air with a dew point between -40°F and -100°F is often used, making it advantageous to utilize a drying process that dries the air to the lowest possible dew point. For example, compressed air used in analytical instruments needs to be extremely pure and contain minimal levels of water vapor. Infrared analyzers and gas chromatographs used to analyze air for environmental chambers and physiological respiration tests typically require air of stable quality and a dew point level below -60°F. Such high-purity air, sometimes called "zero air," is also beneficial in extending the lifespan of delicate components, preventing contamination of test samples, and preventing undesirable side reactions during analysis.

[0009] The required degree of drying is generally determined by an analysis of the individual compressed air system, and the air drying system needs to be designed to reduce the water vapor content to the lowest dew point level.

[0010] Compressed gas drying systems are known, such as rotary drum dryers, which have a pressure vessel containing a drying zone and a regeneration zone. Such systems often also include a cooling zone. Inside the pressure vessel is a rotary drum containing a regenerative desiccant.

[0011] The pressure vessel includes an inlet for supplying compressed gas to dry the drying zone and an outlet for discharging the dried gas. Warm regeneration gas is supplied to the regeneration zone for regenerating the desiccant. The dryer further includes a drive mechanism for rotating a drum so that the desiccant moves continuously between the drying zone and the regeneration zone (and optionally a cooling zone).

[0012] The removal of moisture from the air supply stream can be considered to depend on a plurality of factors, including the flow rate of the gas stream, the adsorption rate of the moisture, and the moisture content of the adsorbent, as well as the temperature and pressure of the air within the bed.

[0013] To accurately predict the contamination level of the gas stream flowing out of the adsorption sector and optimize the performance and separation efficiency of the rotary drum adsorption system, known methods are provided, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,527,836. Such methods include, for example, providing a complex set of proposed design and operating parameters and initial operating conditions of the drum dryer, as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,527,836; calculating the predicted dew point under such conditions; determining temperature information from the regeneration and cooling sectors; and displaying the sector temperature profile and discharge temperature at the predicted dew point for evaluation by an engineer to provide optimal performance of the system and achieve the lowest outlet dew point. Such known methods include determining the average or mixed concentration discharged across the surface of the adsorption sector and the discharge temperature of the mixed stream flowing out of the cooling sector. The average or mixed discharge concentration of the adsorption sector is determined using the following standard adsorption equation. J0 = 0.5[1 - erf{(N) 1 / 2 -(NT) 1 / 2}] (nearly linear isotherm) (1) J0 = 0.5[1 - erf{(N) 1 / 2 -(NT) 1 / 2}] (nearly constant linear isotherm) (2) Here, J0 = c1 / c0 (3) N = L / H d (4) T = (c0 - c1)(μ0τ - V ε ) / [(n - n i )ρ a LA x (5) c1: Outlet contaminant concentration c0: Inlet contaminant concentration N: Mass transfer unit number, dimensionless T: Material balance ratio, solute adsorption amount per adsorbent capacity L: Length of the adsorbent bed H d : Height of the mass transfer unit u0: Mass flow rate in the adsorption sector τ: Time in the adsorption sector V: Volume of the adsorbent bed in the adsorption sector ε: Void fraction of the adsorption bed n: Equilibrium capacity per unit weight of the adsorption bed n i : Initial concentration of the adsorption bed ρ a : Adsorbent bed density A x : Cross-sectional surface area of the adsorption section

[0014] In such known methods, the above formula (1) is used for adsorbents characterized by approximately linear isotherms, such as silica gel and activated alumina, for example. The above formula (2) is used for adsorbents characterized by approximately constant isotherms, such as molecular sieves, zeolites, activated titanium dioxide, etc. In the cooling sector, formula (1) is used to determine the temperature profile, and the discharge temperature of the mixed flow is obtained by integrating this formula. Each term of formula (1) is defined from the perspective of heat transfer. J0=(t - t0) / (t1 - t0) (6) N = L / H (7) T = c p (τ c u c -V ε / (c pa ρ<00000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0015] In these methods, the time τc in the cooling sector is equal to (φc / 2π) / rpm, where φc is the cooling sector angle in radians.

[0016] In known methods, it is assumed that two thermal fronts are established in the regeneration sector before entering the cooling sector. The first thermal front approaches the equilibrium temperature at which desorption occurs, and the second lagging front approaches the elevated inlet temperature. Known methods, such as U.S. Patent No. 6,527,836, show the period during which the two thermal fronts and the regeneration sector are at equilibrium temperatures in a regeneration temperature versus time graph. This graph shows a double-hump temperature curve that can be used to analyze the performance of a rotary drum adsorption system. After the first hump, there is a period during which the temperature of the regeneration sector remains constant at the equilibrium temperature. According to U.S. Patent No. 6,527,836, this temperature remains constant as long as moisture remains in the regeneration sector. When the second hump begins, a given flute of the adsorbent drum is considered to have been regenerated. Known methods, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,527,836, allow a user to adjust various inlet conditions such as inlet temperature, system pressure, flow rate, regeneration inlet temperature, regeneration flow rate, and / or drum rotation speed, and to easily generate graphs of regeneration temperature versus time under various conditions, showing the performance changes of a rotary drum adsorption system in response to such adjustments.

[0017] Furthermore, using computerized methods, users can control the operating conditions of the rotary drum adsorption system to improve its performance and achieve the lowest possible outlet dew point. This is achieved by generating various graphical representations of data such as cooling temperature versus time, cooling temperature versus flute length, dew point versus inlet temperature, dew point versus regeneration temperature, dew point versus regeneration flow rate, dew point versus motor rotation speed, and dew point versus flow rate.

[0018] Furthermore, known methods for accurately predicting the contamination level of the gas flow leaving the adsorption sector and optimizing the performance and fractionation efficiency of rotary drum adsorption systems, such as the method described in U.S. Patent No. 6,527,836, provide means for displaying sector temperature profiles and exhaust temperatures, as well as other system conditions, for evaluation to improve the design of rotary drum adsorption systems and achieve optimal performance. In these known methods, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,527,836, the process steps, equations, and calculations of the computerized method are embodied in a proprietary computer program, providing detailed system knowledge for accurately predicting the performance of the rotary drum adsorption process and system and controlling its operation based on a proposed set of system parameters, initial operating conditions, various operating characteristics and performance levels of rotary drums of different sizes, and other variations of system design parameters under any number of different operating conditions. The computer program is specifically designed to quickly and easily generate graphical displays of sector temperature profiles, exhaust temperatures, and other system data for evaluation to achieve maximum system performance and an optimized product.

[0019] Such known systems allow input of information including main flow rate (SCFM), inlet temperature (Fahrenheit), regeneration temperature (Fahrenheit), system pressure (psig), regeneration flow rate (SCFM), inlet relative humidity, drive motor speed (rpm), and blower flow rate (SCFM). Furthermore, the computer program used in such methods allows selection of a rotary drum system model. The selection of the drum model determines the diameter and length of the adsorbent drum. For example, the diameters and lengths of different models can be 14.5 inches and 200 mm, 14.5 inches and 400 mm, 18.5 inches and 400 mm, or 24.5 inches and 400 mm. Furthermore, the computer program used in these methods allows selection of a specific manufacturer of the adsorbent drum. Preferred computer programs of known methods include selection of Nichias (silica gel or GX7 model) and Siebu Giken (silica gel or molecular sieve). By selecting a model number, specific information about the physical properties of the rotating drum can be obtained, such as the height and width of the flute triangle, the thickness of the silica-holding medium, the approximate seal width, the angle of the adsorption sector, and the angle of the regeneration sector.

[0020] Using input information including initial operating conditions and drum design parameters, a computer program of known methods, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 6,527,836, then calculates various information related to the product flow, regeneration sector, and cooling sector. For the product flow, the program can determine the predicted outlet pressure dew point (Fahrenheit) and outlet temperature (Fahrenheit). In the regeneration sector, the computer program can determine the equilibrium temperature (Fahrenheit), final flute outlet temperature (Fahrenheit), mean outlet temperature (Fahrenheit), and flow rate (SCFM). In the cooling sector, the computer program can determine the final flute outlet temperature (Fahrenheit), mean outlet temperature (Fahrenheit), and flow rate (SCFM). In addition, the computer program provides the condenser inlet temperature (Fahrenheit), usable capacity [#H2O / 100#Dscc], and water load [#H2O]. Thus, computer programs used in these known methods provide system information and graphical displays as needed or desired to evaluate and / or control the performance of rotary drum adsorption processes and systems in order to achieve maximum performance and optimized product.

[0021] Furthermore, the graphical representation of the information that can be provided by the computerized method is generated using the following main initial operating conditions and system parameters: main flow rate = 450 SCFM; inlet temperature = 100°F; regeneration temperature = 300°F; system pressure = 100 psig; regeneration flow rate = 200 SCFM; blower head = 30 WC; rotating drum = RDD450 model. In addition, the following conditions are also included: inlet relative humidity = 85%, drive motor speed = 1.2 RPM, blower temperature = 100°F, blower flow rate = 225 SCFM. The initial operating conditions and system parameters presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and can be modified as appropriate by the user of the computerized method.

[0022] Using this input information, a computer program of a known method, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 6,527,836, calculates the product flow pressure outlet dew point as 1.3°F, the product flow outlet temperature as 125.3°F, and determines the following information related to the regeneration sector 40: the equilibrium temperature is 156.9°F, the final flute outlet temperature is 299.2°F, the average outlet temperature is 166.7°F, and the flow rate is 200 SCFM. In the cooling sector 42, the computer program calculates the final flute outlet temperature as 127.5°F, the average outlet temperature as 264.3°F, and the flow rate as 28.5 SCFM. In addition, the computer program determines that the condenser inlet temperature is 178.9°F, the useful capacity [#H2O / 100#Dscc] is 9.4, and the water load [#H2O] is 0.53.

[0023] Known methods, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,527,836, are described as accurately predicting the level of contamination in the gas stream leaving the adsorption sector and optimizing the performance and fractionation efficiency of rotary drum adsorption systems. However, such methods and systems are highly complex and require considerable computational power and time delays due to such calculations.

[0024] Accordingly, the inventors of this disclosure recognize the need for efficient and reliable adsorption processes and systems for increasing the purity of the air supply flow and achieving the lowest possible outlet dew point, as well as simpler methods for designing, monitoring, and controlling such adsorption processes and systems. In addition, as described above, it is necessary to reduce the moisture content in the compressed air system, but this must be done in an efficient manner while balancing the need to provide a drying process that dries the air to the lowest possible dew point, and at the same time reducing energy consumption in the process and unnecessary wear of the air drying system.

[0025] The inventors of this application have found that known calculations and optimizations are actually unnecessary and ineffective, and require more time and processing power than necessary. Furthermore, the inventors of this application have found a robust and efficient method and system for accurately predicting the level of contamination of the gas flow exiting the adsorption sector while controlling and optimizing the performance efficiency of a rotary drum absorption system using limited temperature-based parameters.

[0026] Finally, in rotary drum dryer systems, it is crucial to ensure that the drum rotates properly, including that it is rotating and in the correct direction. Rotor stagnation or rotation in the wrong direction, for example, the drum rotating clockwise when the system is configured to rotate counterclockwise, can cause significant damage to components if such stagnation or incorrect movement is not detected and addressed promptly. Currently, sensors are used within the motor to continuously monitor the drum's rotation and direction. However, these sensors occupy considerable space within current cubicles and pin connectors, and known sensors cannot provide correct feedback in the event of a malfunction in the mechanical connection (pin) between the rotor and the motor.

[0027] Furthermore, the robust and efficient methods and systems disclosed herein enable the monitoring and detection of the rotation of a rotating drum more accurately and quickly and at a lower cost, using a limited number of temperature-based parameters. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0028] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,527,836 [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0029] A compressed gas dryer system is provided, the dryer system comprising: a compressed gas inlet configured to receive compressed gas to be dried from a compressed gas source; a regenerating gas inlet configured to receive regenerating gas from a regenerating gas source; a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regenerating zone, wherein the drying zone has an inlet into which compressed gas to be dried is received and an outlet out which dried compressed gas exits the drying zone, and the regenerating zone has an inlet into which regenerating gas is received and an outlet out which regenerating gas exits the regenerating zone; a drive unit configured to rotate a rotor provided within the pressure vessel in a predetermined rotational direction; a first temperature sensor configured to acquire first temperature data indicating a first temperature at a first location within the pressure vessel and a second temperature sensor configured to acquire second temperature data indicating a second temperature at a second location within the pressure vessel; and a controller configured to receive the first and second temperature data and determine the rotational state of the rotor based thereon.

[0030] A temperature-based method is provided for determining the rotational state of a rotor in a compressed gas dryer system. The compressed gas system includes a compressed gas source that supplies compressed gas to be dried, a regenerated gas source that supplies regenerated gas, and a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regenerated zone, wherein the drying zone has an inlet into which the compressed gas to be dried is received and an outlet out which the dried compressed gas exits the drying zone, and the regenerated zone has an inlet into which the regenerated gas is received and an outlet out which the regenerated gas exits the regenerated zone, and further includes a drive device configured to rotate a rotor provided in the pressure vessel in a predetermined rotational direction. The method includes: receiving first temperature data of a first signal acquired by a first temperature sensor, wherein the first temperature data indicates a first temperature at a first location in the pressure vessel; receiving second temperature data of a second signal acquired by a second temperature sensor, wherein the second temperature data indicates a second temperature at a second location in the pressure vessel; and determining the rotational state of the rotor by a controller based on the first temperature data acquired from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature data acquired from the second temperature sensor.

[0031] A hardware storage device or memory storage device that stores computer executable instructions thereon, which are executed by one or more processors of a computing system, and which configure the computing system as follows: The computing system is configured to receive first temperature data of a first signal acquired by a first temperature sensor indicating a first temperature at a first position in a pressure vessel; to receive second temperature data of a second signal acquired by a second temperature sensor indicating a second temperature at a second position in a pressure vessel; and to determine the rotation state of the rotor of a compressed gas dryer system based on the first temperature data acquired from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature data acquired from the second temperature sensor.

[0032] A compressed gas dryer system is provided, the dryer system comprising: a compressed gas inlet configured to receive compressed gas to be dried from a compressed gas source; a regenerated gas inlet configured to receive regenerated gas from a regenerated gas source; a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regenerated zone, wherein the drying zone has an inlet into which compressed gas to be dried is received and an outlet out which dried compressed gas exits the drying zone, and the regenerated zone has an inlet into which regenerated gas is received and an outlet out which regenerated gas exits the regenerated zone; a drive unit configured to rotate a rotor provided within the pressure vessel in a predetermined rotational direction; a first temperature sensor configured to acquire first temperature data indicating a first temperature at a first position within the pressure vessel; and a controller configured to receive the first temperature data and second temperature data and to determine the rotational state of the rotor based thereon.

[0033] A temperature-based method is provided for determining the rotational state of a rotor in a compressed gas dryer system. The compressed gas system includes a compressed gas source that supplies compressed gas to be dried, a regenerative gas source that supplies regenerative gas, and a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regenerative zone, wherein the drying zone has an inlet into which the compressed gas to be dried is received and an outlet out which the dried compressed gas exits the drying zone, and the regenerative zone has an inlet into which the regenerative gas is received and an outlet out which the regenerative gas exits the regenerative zone, and further includes a drive device configured to rotate a rotor provided in the pressure vessel in a predetermined rotational direction. The method includes the steps of: receiving first temperature data of a first signal acquired by a first temperature sensor, wherein the first temperature data indicates a first temperature at a first location in the pressure vessel; and determining the rotational state of the rotor by a controller based on the first temperature data acquired from the first temperature sensor.

[0034] A hardware storage device or memory storage device that stores computer executable instructions thereon, which are executed by one or more processors of a computing system, and which configure the computing system as follows: the computing system is configured to receive first temperature data of a first signal obtained by a first temperature sensor indicating a first temperature at a first position in a pressure vessel; and to determine the rotation state of the rotor of a compressed gas dryer system based on the first temperature data obtained from the first temperature sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] A first embodiment of a compressor system including a dryer system is shown. [Figure 2] Another embodiment of a compressor system including a dryer system is shown. [Figure 3] Another embodiment of the compressor installation, including a dryer system, is shown. [Figure 4] Another embodiment of the compressor installation, including a dryer system, is shown. [Figure 5] Another embodiment of the compressor installation, including a dryer system, is shown. [Figure 6] Another embodiment of the compressor installation, including a dryer system, is shown. [Figure 7A] One embodiment is shown from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6. [Figure 7B] One embodiment is shown from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6. [Figure 7C] Further details from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6 are provided. [Figure 7D] Further details from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6 are provided. [Figure 7E] The processing of sensor signals from embodiments 1 to 6 is shown. [Figure 7F] The processing of sensor signals from embodiments 1 to 6 is shown. [Figure 8A]The embodiments of the start and stop control devices that can be used to drive the drum in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6 are illustrated. [Figure 8B] The embodiments of the start and stop control devices that can be used to drive the drum in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6 are illustrated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] The drawings are included to enable a better understanding of the components and are not intended to limit the scope, but rather to provide illustrative examples.

[0037] The invention concept of this disclosure will be described below with reference to embodiments and drawings. However, the claimed invention is not limited thereto. The drawings are schematic and non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale, for the sake of illustration. Dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to practical embodiments of the invention.

[0038] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequential or chronological order. These terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and embodiments of the present invention may be carried out in an order other than that described or illustrated herein.

[0039] Furthermore, terms such as “top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “downward” in this specification and the claims are used for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily used to describe relative positions. These terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and embodiments of the present invention described herein may be carried out in orientations other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0040] Furthermore, the various embodiments that can be described as "preferred embodiments" should be interpreted as merely illustrating methods and modes for carrying out the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0041] The terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having” used in the claims should not be construed as limiting to means or steps described thereafter. These terms should be interpreted as identifying the presence of a mentioned feature, element, step, or component, but not as excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Accordingly, the expression “apparatus or device comprising means A and B” should not be interpreted as limiting to an apparatus or device consisting solely of components A and B. For the purposes of this disclosure, only components A and B of the device are intended to be specifically referred to, but the claims should be further interpreted to include equivalents of these components.

[0042] Generally, the compressed gas drying system of this disclosure comprises a pressure vessel including a drying zone and a regeneration zone, and a rotating part or rotor, such as a rotating drum, within the pressure vessel. The rotor or drum is a multi-chamber adsorbent fractionator containing an adsorbent medium that functions as a regenerative desiccant. A cooling zone may also be included.

[0043] In the first embodiment of the compressed gas dryer system shown in Figure 1, a dryer 10 for the compressed gas system is provided for a compressed gas source 60. The compressed gas source 60 can be, for example, a compressor. However, the dryer system including the dryer 10 may include other compressed gas sources such as a pre-compressed gas tank, reservoir, or supply pipe or line. Furthermore, multiple dryers 10 can be provided within the compressed gas system or along a compressed gas line or pipe. The dryer 10 includes a pressure vessel 11, which has a rotationally symmetric section in which a drying zone 12, a regeneration zone 13, and optionally a cooling zone 29 are defined. A rotor, for example, a drum 14, is provided in the rotationally symmetric section and includes a multi-chamber adsorbent fractionator that contains an adsorbent medium that functions as a regenerative desiccant. The adsorbent medium may include silica gel, activated alumina, molecular sieves, activated titanium dioxide, or activated carbon. A drive unit 114 or drive means is provided to rotate the drum around an axis X relative to a rotationally symmetric part, i.e., to rotate the drum 14 with respect to a rotationally symmetric part, or to rotate the rotationally symmetric part around a stationary drum, so that the desiccant moves continuously between the drying zone and the regeneration zone. The drive unit 114 may include an electric motor. The illustrated drive unit 114 is shown schematically. In Figure 1, the drive unit 114 is provided along the rotation axis X of the drum 14, but this is not mandatory. The drive unit 114 may be provided at an offset position from the rotation axis of the drum 14. The motor of the drive unit 114 is controllable and can be variable speed or controllable only by on / off. The drive unit 114 may further rotate the drum 14 by a drive means, which may include a power transmission device, gears, pulleys, belts, chains, and / or other means of transmitting rotation from a drive shaft, or a motor or engine to cause the drum to rotate. Furthermore, the drive unit 114 can be located within the pressurized volume of the dryer or outside the pressurized volume of the dryer.

[0044] The drying compressed gas is supplied to the drying zone 12 in the pressure vessel 11 by a main line 18 that supplies the drying compressed gas to the inlet 15 of the drying zone. The dried compressed gas flows out of the drying zone at an outlet 16, which is connected to the rest of the downstream portion (not shown) of the compressed gas system. Regeneration gas is supplied to the regeneration zone 13 in the pressure vessel 11 by a connecting line 17 that supplies regeneration gas or air from a regeneration gas source 67 to the inlet 25 of the regeneration zone 13. The regeneration air leaves the regeneration zone 13 at an outlet 26 to a connecting line 19, which can be returned to the regeneration air source 67 through a supply line (not shown), as described in the various embodiments presented below, or can be used further. As described herein, the regeneration gas source 67 can be supplied with compressed gas from a compressed gas source 60, for example, by a compressor. Alternatively, the regeneration gas source 67 can be supplied with regeneration air or gas from an entirely different source, for example, another compressor or another pipe, line, or compressed gas system. Coolant can be supplied to the cooling zone 29 by a separate cooling supply line (not shown).

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the following temperature sensors may be provided to measure the temperature of each compressed gas flow: namely, temperature sensor T1 at the inlet 15 of the drying zone 12, temperature sensor T2 at the outlet 16 of the drying zone 12, temperature sensor T3 at the inlet 25 of the regeneration zone 13, and temperature sensor T4 at the outlet 26 of the regeneration zone 13. Temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, T4, and / or any other temperature sensors in the dryer 10 may include one or more thermocouples, liquid or gas thermometers, such as electrical resistance thermometers, silicon diodes, bimetallic devices, light bulbs and capillary sensors, sealed bellows, and / or radiation thermometer devices, or any other type of temperature sensing device.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a control unit or controller 100 is provided. The controller 100 comprises a processor 150, such as a microprocessor, a memory storage device 160, an output interface 170, and an input interface 180. The controller 100 receives input signals via the input interface 180, which can be received via wired or wireless means, and processes the received sensor signals acquired from sensors in the dryer system 10. For example, the controller 100 receives temperature signals from temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, and T4, and can also receive temperature signals from other temperature sensors, including temperature sensors T21, T22, T41, and T42, which will be described later. As described herein, the controller 100 outputs control signals to components of the dryer system via the output interface 170. Based on the received sensor signals acquired from the sensors of the dryer system 10, as will be described in more detail below, the controller 100 sends control signals to adjust the operating parameters of the dryer system. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the controller 100 is configured to send a control signal 101 to the drive unit 114 and adjust the drum rotation speed of the drive unit or turn the drive unit 114 on or off in response to an input configured to be received by the drive unit 114.

[0047] In the embodiment of the compressed gas dryer system shown in Figure 2, the dryer 10 for compressed gas comprises a compressed gas source, such as a compressor 60. Although a compressor 60 is shown in Figure 1, the dryer system including the dryer 10 may include other compressed gas sources, such as pre-compressed gas. Furthermore, multiple dryers 10 may be provided within the compressed gas system. The dryer 10 may comprise a pressure vessel 11 and a drum 14, the pressure vessel 11 comprising a rotationally symmetric section from which drying zones 12 and regeneration zones 13 are defined, and the drum 14 comprising a multi-chamber adsorbent fractionator provided in the rotationally symmetric section and containing an adsorbent medium that functions as a regenerative desiccant. The adsorbent medium may include silica gel, activated alumina, molecular sieves, activated titanium dioxide, or activated carbon. The drive unit 114 rotates the drum around axis X relative to the rotationally symmetric section, i.e., rotates the drum 14 with respect to the rotationally symmetric section, or rotates the rotationally symmetric section around a stationary drum, so that the desiccant moves continuously between the drying zone and the regeneration zone.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the rotationally symmetrical portion is cylindrical. However, this is not mandatory, and other rotationally symmetrical shapes are also possible. The dryer further includes an inlet 15 connected to the inlet side of the drying zone of the pressure vessel 11 for supplying the compressed gas to be dried, and an outlet 16 connected to the outlet side of the drying zone of the pressure vessel 11 for discharging the dried compressed gas. The gas to be dried can be supplied by a compressed gas source, for example, a compressor 60. The compressor 60 may comprise a first compression stage 61, a second compression stage 62, and a cooler (intercooler, IC) 63 positioned between them.

[0049] Elements similar to those shown in the embodiment of Figure 1 are also included in the embodiments of Figures 2 to 6, where Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 show dryers 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90, respectively. In each case, the dryer comprises: a pressure vessel 11 having a rotationally symmetric section from which a drying zone 12 and a regeneration zone 13 are defined; a drum 14 provided in the rotationally symmetric section and containing a regenerative desiccant; and a drive device 114 for rotating the drum relative to the rotationally symmetric section, i.e., rotating the drum 14 in the rotationally symmetric section, or rotating the rotationally symmetric section around a stationary drum, wherein the desiccant moves continuously between the drying zone and the regeneration zone (not shown in Figure 2-4). Preferably, the rotationally symmetric section is cylindrical, but this is not mandatory, and other rotationally symmetric shapes are possible. The dryer further includes an inlet 15 connected to the inlet side of the drying zone of the pressure vessel 11 for supplying compressed gas to be dried, and an outlet 16 connected to the outlet side of the drying zone of the pressure vessel 11 for discharging the dried compressed gas. The drying gas is supplied by a compressor 60, which may comprise a first compression stage 61, a second compression stage 62, and a cooler (intercooler, IC) 63 positioned between them. As shown in the embodiment of Figure 5, in the delivery line from the compressor 60 to the inlet 15, the compressed gas can pass through a heat exchanger (heat exchanger HE) 64 and / or a cooling device (aftercooler AC) 65.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a control unit or controller 100 is provided. The controller 100 receives and processes sensor signals within the dryer system, and in particular, the controller 100 receives temperature signals from temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, and T4, and can also receive temperature signals from other temperature sensors, including temperature sensors T21, T22, T41, and T42, which will be described later. Based on the received sensor signals obtained from the sensors of the dryer system 10, as will be described in more detail below, the controller 100 sends control signals to adjust the operating parameters of the dryer system. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the controller 00 is configured to send a control signal 101 to the drive unit 114, which adjusts the rotational speed of the drum of the drive unit or turns the drive unit 114 on or off in response to an input that the drive unit 114 is configured to receive and adjust.

[0051] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 4, at the outlet of the compressor 60, a portion of the compressed gas to be dried (having a temperature increased by compression) is branched off and sent to a regeneration zone for regeneration. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, this is done via a connecting line 17 without further heating of this partial flow. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the partial flow is first further heated by an active heating device 31, such as an electric heating device. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, this partial flow 51 is first further divided into a first partial flow 52 and a second partial flow 53, with only the first partial flow 52 being further heated by a heating device 54. As shown, the first partial flow 52 and the second partial flow 53 are introduced into different regions of the regeneration zone 13, respectively.

[0052] In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, connection lines 77 and 97 are provided on the outlet side of the dryer to branch off a portion of the dry compressed gas. The portion of the dry compressed gas is sent through the heat exchanger 64 to be heated by the heat present in the feed stream as a result of compression, and then further sent to the regeneration zone 13.

[0053] In each embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 6, the regeneration sub-flow is returned via the connecting line 19 to the main line 18 for the supply flow of compressed gas to be dried. This is done by a venturi ejector 21 or other controllable device to create a pressure difference and maintain the regeneration sub-flow, as will be further described herein. One or more cooling devices, for example, the illustrated aftercooler 65 (aftercooler AC) and / or regeneration cooler 20 (regeneration cooler RC) and / or process cooler 91 (process cooler PC), may be provided in the connecting line 19 and / or the main line 18 and / or the inlet 15 (after confluence), and each cooler is provided to cool its respective gas flow with a coolant such as cooling water or ice water.

[0054] Similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 6 can be provided with the following temperature sensors to measure the temperature of each compressed gas flow: namely, a temperature sensor T1 at the inlet 15 of the drying zone 12, a temperature sensor T2 at the outlet 16 of the drying zone 12, a temperature sensor T3 at the inlet 25 of the regeneration zone 13, and a temperature sensor T4 at the outlet 26 of the regeneration zone 13.

[0055] In addition, temperature sensors can be provided within each zone of the pressure vessel 11. For example, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, at least a first regeneration zone temperature sensor T41 can be provided at a first position within the regeneration zone 13 on the outlet side of the regeneration zone 13. Furthermore, a second regeneration zone temperature sensor T42 can be provided at a second position within the regeneration zone 13 on the outlet side of the regeneration zone 13. In a preferred embodiment, the first regeneration zone temperature sensor T41 can be provided within, on the stator housing of the pressure vessel, or coupled to the stator housing at the first position on the outlet side of the regeneration zone 13. Also in a preferred embodiment, the second regeneration zone temperature sensor T42 can be provided within, on the stator housing of the pressure vessel, or coupled to the stator housing at the second position on the outlet side of the regeneration zone 13. The regeneration zone 13 may also include additional temperature sensors.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, at least a first drying zone temperature sensor T21 may be provided at a first location within the drying zone 12. A second drying zone temperature sensor T22 may be provided at a second location within the drying zone 12. In a preferred embodiment, the first drying zone temperature sensor T21 may be provided in, on, or coupled to the stator housing of the pressure vessel at the first location within the drying zone 12. Also in a preferred embodiment, the second drying zone temperature sensor T22 may be provided in, on, or coupled to the stator housing of the pressure vessel at the second location within the drying zone 12. The drying zone 12 may include additional temperature sensors. Different temperature sensors may also be provided at different locations within the cooling zone 29, although these are not shown.

[0057] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, the following additional temperature sensors may be provided to measure the temperature of each compressed gas: namely, a temperature sensor T5 on the outlet side of the compressor (on the inlet side of the heat exchanger 64 or aftercooler 65), a temperature sensor T6 on the main line 18 (between the aftercooler 65 and the venturi ejector 21), a temperature sensor T7 on the connecting line 19 (between the regenerative cooler 20 and the venturi ejector 21), and a temperature sensor T8 on the outlet side of the heat exchanger 64. The output signals or data from the temperature sensors T5 to T8 are sent to the control unit or controller 100 via either wiring or wireless communication, and can be further used by the controller 100 to adjust or modify other operating parameters of the dryer 10.

[0058] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, pressure sensors can be provided to measure the pressure difference of each compressed gas flow on each element, as follows, to provide measured values ​​for each gas flow in each case. • dP21: Pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference across the venturi ejector 21 (see also Figure 6). ·d PREG : Pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference between the outlet side of drying zone 12 and the inlet side of regeneration zone 13 ·dP HEhot A pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference generated by the heat exchanger 64 in the supply flow of the compressed gas to be dried supplied by the compressor 60. ·dP HEcold : Pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference generated by the heat exchanger 64 in a branched partial flow for regeneration

[0059] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, the following additional sensors can be provided. • "RPM": A sensor for measuring the rotational speed of the compressor 60, providing a measurement of the flow rate of the supply gas to be dried. • "PDP": Pressure dew point sensor for measuring the pressure dew point of outlet 16 ·T ACin and T ACout : Temperature sensors for measuring the coolant (cooling water) temperature at the inlet and outlet of the aftercooler 65 ·T RCin and T RCout : Temperature sensors for measuring the coolant (cooling water) temperature at the inlet and outlet of the regeneration cooler 20 ·T PCin and T PCout : Temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the coolant (cooling water) at the inlet and outlet of the process cooler 91

[0060] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, a control unit 100 is provided in each case. Each of the sensors may be equipped with means for communicating with the control unit 100. The communication connection may be wireless or wired, but is not shown in Figures 1 to 6 for clarity. The respective output signals or data from these sensors are sent to the control unit or controller 100 via either wiring or wireless communication, and can be further used by the controller 100 to adjust or modify other operating parameters of the dryer 10 (or dryers 30, 50, 70, and 90).

[0061] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 6, in each case, a confluence means for merging at least a partial flow for regeneration with the main flow of the drying supply gas is designed as a controllable device 21, 121. A control unit 100 may be positioned to process at least one measurement provided by the sensor, to determine a control signal for the controllable device based on at least one measurement, and to apply the control signal to the controllable device. The controllable means may include, for example, a venturi ejector 21 having a controllable opening (see Figure 6). The controllable device may further comprise a blower having a blower speed control device, or a plurality of small venturi ejectors or nozzles arranged in parallel, each having its own control device for opening and closing. This has the advantage that the size of the controllable device can be smaller than that of a single venturi ejector, and therefore can be better integrated into a pressure vessel. Alternatively, the controllable device may include a venturi ejector with a controllable bypass around it. Other controllable devices are also possible.

[0062] Next, temperature-based control of the control unit or controller 100 will be described. First, the controller 00 can provide temperature-based monitoring of the rotation of the drum of a rotary drum dryer. In a rotary drum dryer, it is extremely important to ensure that the drum is always rotating. Furthermore, it is important that the drum is always rotating in the correct direction. For example, the drum 14 in the embodiment of Figure 1 is configured to rotate counterclockwise, as indicated by the rotation note. In the examples described herein, the drum or rotor is shown to be configured to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above. However, the inventive concepts described herein should not be limited thereto, and the dryer system may include a pressure vessel and internal rotor configured to rotate clockwise when viewed from above, although this may not be very common in this industry.

[0063] If the rotating drum 14 stops rotating or starts rotating in the wrong direction, and the non-rotation or mis-rotation is not detected and corrected promptly, serious damage may occur to the components of the dryer 10 (or dryers 30, 50, 70, 90) and the compressed air system. As described above, this problem is typically addressed by sensors located in the motor, in the rotating drum, or on the rotating drum, or in some part of the dryer system, to directly measure the position or rotation vector of the rotating drum, the axis of the rotating drum, or the motor itself. For example, such rotation sensors may include a Hall effect sensor or a set of Hall effect sensors associated with one or more magnets. Other sensors are known to directly / physically measure the position of the rotating drum or associated rotating components. However, such sensors occupy additional space in the dryer system, require additional components and hardware, require the use of additional current cubicles and pin connectors, and require additional input signal processing and analysis. Furthermore, additional sensors are susceptible to failure and misreading and cannot provide correct feedback if there is a malfunction in the mechanical connection (pin) between the rotor and the motor.

[0064] In this disclosure, the shortcomings of rotation sensors or position sensors are addressed by monitoring the position or direction of rotation and speed on a temperature basis based on signals sent from temperature sensors in the dryer system. In practice, the position, direction of rotation, and speed of rotation can be determined and monitored based solely on temperature information obtained from temperature sensors in the dryer system. The inventors of this disclosure have found that, based solely on temperature information, the cessation of drum rotation can be detected and identified within one minute of the actual cessation of drum rotation.

[0065] Figures 7A and 7B show another embodiment of the dryer 10 (or dryers 30, 50, 70, and 90) which includes a pressure vessel 11 having an inlet 25 and an outlet 26 as the regeneration zone.

[0066] Figure 7C schematically shows top views of each zone of the dryer 10 (or dryers 30, 50, 70, and 90) in the embodiments of Figures 7A and 7B or Figures 1-6, including the drying zone 12, the regeneration zone 13, and the cooling zone 29. In the embodiment of Figure 7C, the regeneration zone 13 extends around approximately 90° of the circle defining the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum, with the starting point or origin of the circle beginning at the position indicated as 0°, and the regeneration zone extending to the position indicated as 90°. Thus, if the regeneration zone extends around 90° of the circle defining the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum, the regeneration zone extends around or occupies approximately 1 / 4 of the volume defining the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. However, the regeneration zone 13 can extend around its perimeter more than 90° or less than 90°. For example, the regeneration zone 13 can extend within a range of 10° to 270° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. In embodiments, the regeneration zone extends around 180° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum, and the regeneration zone occupies half of the volume of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. Preferably, the regeneration zone 13 extends within a range of 45° to 135° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. More preferably, the regeneration zone 13 extends within a range of 75° to 105° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum.

[0067] The cooling zone 29 extends within a range of 5° to 45° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. More preferably, the cooling zone 29 extends circumferentially within a range of 10° to 30° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. More preferably, the cooling zone 29 extends circumferentially within a range of 10° to 20° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. Typically, the cooling zone 29 extends circumferentially about 15° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum, from the portion indicated from 90° to 105°, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 7C.

[0068] The drying zone 12 extends around the remaining angle not covered by the regeneration zone or a combination of the regeneration zone and the cooling zone. Thus, in the example of the embodiment in Figure 7C, the drying zone extends around the remaining 255° of the cross-sectional circle around the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum. Also, as shown in the example of the embodiment in Figure 7C, the temperature in the drying zone 12 (or the adsorption zone (ADS) otherwise) can be approximately 60 degrees Celsius on average. The temperature in the drying zone 12 can range from 20 degrees Celsius to 80 degrees Celsius. The temperature in the cooling zone 29 can also range from 20 degrees Celsius to 80 degrees Celsius. In comparison, the temperature in the regeneration zone (REG) 13 can reach a maximum of 150 degrees Celsius.

[0069] One example of rotational state monitoring based on rotor or drum temperature can be based on temperature information obtained by temperature sensors located within each zone of the pressure vessel. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7D, the various sections can be considered to include sections 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75 of roughly equal size, extending around a cross-sectional circle about the axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel or drum, starting at a position where the starting point or origin of the circle is labeled 0°, and overlapping at least a portion of the regeneration zone 13 and the cooling zone 29.

[0070] As shown in Figures 1 and 7D, at least a first temperature sensor T41 is provided at a first location within the regeneration zone 13, and a second regeneration zone temperature sensor T42 is provided at a second location within the regeneration zone 13. In a preferred embodiment, the first regeneration zone temperature sensor T41 is provided in, on, or coupled to the stator housing of the pressure vessel at the first location within the regeneration zone 13. Also in a preferred embodiment, the second regeneration zone temperature sensor T42 is provided in, on, or coupled to the stator housing of the pressure vessel at the second location within the regeneration zone 13. As described herein, monitoring the rotational state of the rotor or rotating drum may include determining the rotational position of the rotor, the rotational speed of the rotor, whether the rotor is stopped or not, in other words, whether the rotor is rotating relative to the pressure vessel or not, and the direction of rotation of the rotor or rotating drum.

[0071] Figure 7D shows a diagram determined by the inventors of this disclosure to show a typical temperature progression across a regeneration outlet area that extends around a total of approximately 105° (90° + 15° = 105°) of circles defining a cylindrical pressure vessel or drum, from the origin or starting position labeled 0° to the position labeled 105°. Since the regeneration gas or regeneration air is supplied at a higher temperature than the compressed gas or compressed air used for drying in the drying zone, the temperature in the regeneration area rises, and the temperature at a second position detected by the second regeneration zone temperature sensor T42 is higher than at a first position detected by the first regeneration zone temperature sensor T41. In a preferred embodiment, the first regeneration zone temperature sensor T41 is located in the preceding part of the regeneration zone 13 (closer to the 0° starting point or origin), between approximately 0° and 45°, preferably 5° and 40°, more preferably 10° and 40°, and even more preferably 20° and 25°, from the 0° origin in the regeneration zone 13. The second regeneration zone temperature sensor T42 is located at a second position, downstream of the regeneration zone, away from the origin 0°, within the regeneration zone 13, between approximately 50° and 90° from the origin 0°, more preferably between 70° and 90° from the origin 0°, even more preferably between 85° and 90° from the origin 0°, and even more preferably between 0° and approximately 88°.

[0072] In addition, a third temperature sensor T43 may be included in a third location within the regeneration zone 13, for example, within section 74. The temperature sensor T43 is not essential or may not be required. However, temperature data obtained from the third temperature sensor T43 is provided herein to enable a better understanding of temperature changes in different parts of the regeneration zone 13 for the pressure vessel 11 when the rotor is rotating properly and when the rotor is stopped.

[0073] Figure 7E shows the temperature sensor signals received by the controller 100 from temperature sensors T41 and T42, and temperature sensor T43. The rotation or stopping of the rotor relative to the pressure vessel is shown at the bottom of Figure 7E. The signals and data obtained from temperatures T41 and T42 are particularly important because the stopping of the drum's rotation can be detected by a rapid rise in temperature sensed by temperature sensor T41. When the rotor is rotating, the temperature sensed by T41 is typically the lowest temperature sensed by sensors T41, T42, or T43, while when the rotor is stopped, the temperature sensed by T41 is typically the highest temperature sensed by sensors T41, T42, or T43. Stopping also causes a significant drop in the temperature of temperature sensor T42, which is usually the highest temperature sensed by sensors T41, T42, or T43 during normal rotation of the rotating drum. However, when the rotor is stopped, the temperature of T42 becomes the lowest among the temperatures sensed by sensors T41, T42, or T43 due to interaction with the adjacent cooling flow in the cooling zone 29. In other words, the temperature at the location of sensor T42 becomes lower as the temperature sensor T42 is closer to the cooling zone 29.

[0074] In another embodiment, the correct direction of rotation of the rotating drum or the stopping of the rotating drum's rotation can be efficiently and effectively determined by the following equation: If T42 - T41 < 0, then RPH = 0. Otherwise, T42-T41>0 That is the case.

[0075] Figure 7F shows additional information regarding the rotations per hour (RPH) of the rotating drum, determined by the temperature sensor signals received from temperature sensors T41 and T42 in the controller 100. Similar to Figure 7E, the rotation or stoppage of the rotor relative to the pressure vessel is shown at the bottom of Figure 7F, along with the actually measured RPH of the rotor. The dashed line "- - - -" represents the calculation of subtracting the normal minimum temperature at sensor T41 (the first half of the regeneration zone) from the normal maximum temperature at sensor T42 (the second half of the regeneration zone relative to the rotor's rotation). The respective temperatures of T42(- - -) and T41(- · -) are also shown in the graphed data in Figure 7F. Thus, it is possible to know when the rotor has stopped relative to the pressure vessel, as indicated when the dashed line "- - - -" becomes zero or less, which correlates with a known stop (RPH=0), as shown in the measured RPH indicated at the bottom of the graph. Similarly, if the rotating drum is rotating in the opposite direction, the temperatures at the two respective locations will be reversed compared to when the drum is rotating in the correct direction (counterclockwise), and this can also be detected by analyzing the temperature data received from sensors T41 and T42.

[0076] Therefore, monitoring rotational position, speed, or direction on a temperature basis based on temperature readings obtained from temperature sensors in the dryer system and sent to controller 100 for monitoring and analysis provides a cheaper, faster, and "bullet-proof" solution to the problem of identifying drum stoppage or inaccurate rotation, while freeing up space in the motor or dryer system, reducing current pin connections, and lowering costs. In addition, the methods and systems of the present disclosure do not require additional position sensors such as Hall effect sensors, thus reducing the risk of sensor failure in the system.

[0077] Based on temperature-based monitoring of the rotor's proper rotation, the controller 100 can send notifications or alarms to the system operator or user. Alternatively, the controller 100 can take corrective measures to prevent damage to the system due to improper rotation of the rotor relative to the pressure vessel (stopping or rotating in the wrong direction).

[0078] In the above embodiment shown in Figures 7C and 7D, three temperature sensors T41, T42, and T43 are shown located in the regeneration zone 13. In a preferred embodiment, the dryer system includes two temperature sensors, a first temperature sensor T41 and a second temperature sensor T42, the first temperature sensor T41 being located at a first position between 20° and 25° from the origin 0° within the regeneration zone 13, and the second temperature sensor T42 being located at a second position between 85° and 90° from the origin 0°, and approximately 88° from the origin, so that the regeneration zone extends around the rotor from 0° to approximately 90°, as described above, particularly accurate rotation monitoring and determination of stopping or rotation in the wrong direction can be made.

[0079] However, the inventive concept of this disclosure should not be understood as being limited to or requiring two temperature sensors T41 and T42, as described above. For example, only a single temperature sensor in the regeneration zone may be used. For example, temperature fluctuations at the relative positions of sensors T41 or T42 can be considered individually and independently to monitor the proper rotation of the rotor, based on the data shown, for example, in Figure 7E. In addition, in the embodiments described above, the temperature sensors are described as being located inside the pressure vessel. However, this is not essential. For example, the temperature sensors can rather be located outside the pressure vessel. Examples include thermocouples that measure the temperature of the pressure vessel at a certain location, or infrared analyzers that obtain temperature readings outside the pressure vessel. The important thing is that the obtained temperature data indicates the temperature inside the pressure vessel and within a given region or volume of the rotor.

[0080] As mentioned with respect to sensor T43, the regeneration zone 13 may include additional or alternative temperature sensors. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, at least a first drying zone temperature sensor T21 may be provided at a first location within the drying zone 12. Furthermore, a second drying zone temperature sensor T22 may be provided at a second location within the drying zone 12. Further temperature sensors may be included within the drying zone 12. Also, although not shown, different temperature sensors may be provided at different locations within the cooling zone 29. Similar to the analysis presented above for the temperature sensors provided in the regeneration zone, the stopping or reverse movement of the rotating drum is detected in these embodiments by analysis of temperature data received by the controller 100 from sensors T21 and T22, or temperature sensor T21 alone or temperature sensor T22 alone, within the drying zone or optionally within the cooling zone 29.

[0081] Furthermore, while temperature sensors installed within the pressure vessel, such as sensors T41 and T42, are exemplified as being located near the bottom or outlet of the regeneration zone, this is not necessarily required. Each temperature sensor within the pressure vessel can be located on a side wall or any side within the zone being measured. Also, the temperature sensors used should not be located in the same zone within the pressure vessel. Rather, temperature comparison or temperature measurement at a single location can be used to determine the rotation or non-rotation state of the rotating drum, or the direction of rotation of the rotating drum.

[0082] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the second control signal 102 can be determined based on at least the RPM sensor (compressor RPM: supply flow rate of compressed gas) and the dP21 sensor (pressure drop across the venturi ejector 21: flow rate of the partial flow), that is, at least the flow rate of the partial flow branched for regeneration is controlled based on these two measurements. The control unit or controller 100 may be further configured to determine the application of a third control signal relating to one or more cooling means that will be input to the aftercooler 65, for example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0083] In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, the control unit may be configured to determine and apply control signal 101, a second control signal 102 and / or at least one third control signal 103, 104, 105. These control signals may be determined by the control unit 100 based on one or more measurements from the following sensors: namely, the RPM sensor (compressor RPM: flow rate of compressed gas), the dP21 sensor (pressure drop across the venturi ejector 21: flow rate of partial flow), and the dP21 sensor. REG (Pressure drop between the outlet side of drying zone 12 and the inlet side of regeneration zone 13), dP HEhot (Pressure drop in the main flow across the heat exchanger 64), dP HEcold (Pressure drop of the flow branch across the heat exchanger 64), one or more of T1 to T8, pressure dew point sensor PDP.

[0084] In further embodiments (not shown), the control unit 100 can be further communicated to a remote computer system for, for example, remote monitoring, control, adjustment and / or software updates, and the data obtained by the control unit 100 and the operating parameters sent by the control unit 100 as control signals can be sent to the remote computer system or data storage device for further analysis and / or processing.

[0085] Although not shown, the venturi ejector 21 may have a controllable opening driven by a drive rod using a gear drive. The pressure drop in the main flow 18 of the drying gas caused by the controllable opening can be measured by pressure sensors P1 and P2 communicating with the control unit 100. Based on this, the control unit 100 determines a control signal 102 to be applied to the drive unit 121. By changing the position of the controllable opening, the pressure drop, and consequently the attractive force on the regeneration subflow 19, is changed. In this way, the flow of the regeneration subflow can be controlled.

[0086] As described above, in each embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, a drive device 114 is provided for rotating the drum 14 relative to the rotationally symmetric portion of the pressure vessel 11. The drive means may include a motor, preferably an electric motor. The electric motor may be configured to drive the rotor in the pressure vessel at speeds of 0 revolutions per hour or more and less than 100 revolutions per hour (RPH). A typical rotational speed of the rotor in the pressure vessel is less than 10 RPH. Also, a typical rotational speed of the rotor in the pressure vessel is about 5 RPH. The electric motor may have a variable speed controller or a start / stop controller. The speed of the electric motor, or the starting or stopping of the electric motor, is controlled by a first control signal 101 from the control unit 100.

[0087] A start / stop controller is positioned to switch the motor on and off, thereby enabling an adjustable average rotational speed of the drum relative to a rotationally symmetric section. More specifically, the start / stop controller is provided to switch the motor on and off during the dryer's preferably continuous operation, on the one hand, a continuous flow of compressed gas is supplied to the drying zone for drying, and on the other hand, a continuous (partial) flow of compressed gas for drying is directed to a regeneration zone for regenerating the desiccant. Economically, a start / stop controller is more advantageous than, for example, frequency control for adjusting the rotational speed of an electric motor, and therefore may result in cost savings in terms of investment costs. Furthermore, a start / stop controller may be less complex and require fewer control electronics. In detail, the start / stop controller simply needs to switch the motor on and off according to a desired duty cycle (in terms of on / off ratio) to provide a desired average rotational speed of the drum. In addition, the start / stop controller can, for example, rotate the drum in stages relative to the rotationally symmetrical section to precisely move a section (or part thereof) corresponding to the size of the regeneration zone each time, and then stop the movement of that section for a predetermined time. Another advantage of the start / stop controller is that the range of average rotational speed is wider than when frequency control is employed, and more specifically, the average rotational speed can be adjusted from 0 to the maximum speed of the motor.

[0088] Figures 8A and 8B show some examples of start / stop controllers. In Figure 8A, the average rotational speed is the maximum motor rotational speed v max It is 1 / 3, and the average rotational speed in Figure 8B is the maximum rotational speed of the motor v in (1). max The answer is 2 / 3. The duty cycle has a period T, and the average speed can be varied by changing the amount of time the motor is on during period T. Alternatively, the average speed can also be varied by keeping the motor on time constant and changing the amount of time the motor is off, which means that the length of the duty cycle T is variable.

[0089] In another embodiment that may be included in the above, a relatively hot and saturated gas, such as air, is supplied to the inlet 15 for the gas to be dried. Since the gas being at a relatively high temperature T1 means the gas has a relatively high moisture content, the drying drum 14 needs to remove more moisture from the gas, which means more regeneration is required, and therefore a higher flow rate of regenerated gas is needed. For example, by measuring the temperature T1, which may vary depending on the ambient temperature of the compressor equipment, a measurement of the moisture load of the gas supplied to the inlet 15 can be obtained. The control unit 100 can control the flow rate of the regeneration flow (a diversion for regeneration) in accordance with T1, specifically, as T1 increases, the control unit increases the flow rate according to, for example, a predetermined table or characteristic control curve. The normal operation of the dryer can be monitored by feedback provided by measurements from the pressure dew point sensor "PDP" at the outlet 16.

[0090] In another embodiment that may be included in the description herein, when the flow rate of the regenerated flow changes (for example, to maintain the pressure dew point PDP stably or within a certain range, or to change it in a manner dependent on pressure fluctuations), it is preferable to adjust the cooling of the outflowing regenerated flow 19 and / or the rotational speed of the drum 14 in a manner dependent on the flow rate of the regenerated flow. A measurement of the regenerated flow rate can be obtained by measuring the pressure drop across the venturi ejector 21. The control unit 100 can, for example, control the flow rate of cooling water flowing through the cooling device 20 for cooling the outflowing regenerated flow, or control the flow rate of cooling water flowing through the cooling device 91 for cooling the confluence (regenerated flow and the supply flow of the drying gas), thereby avoiding a situation where there is insufficient cooling caused by an increase in the regenerated flow rate. In conjunction with or independently of this, the control unit 100 can control the rotational speed of the drum 14 in accordance with the regenerated flow rate and optimize the ratio between them. In this way, the control unit can take into account the lifespan of the desiccant and further adjust the drum speed to accommodate the decrease in the desiccant's regeneration or absorption capacity over time.

[0091] In the parameters described above, it should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, T1 is based on the mixture supplied in the embodiments of Figures 2 to 6, and the partial flow for regeneration is returned to the main line 18 for the supply flow of compressed gas to be dried via the connecting line 19. This can be done by a controllable device such as a venturi ejector 21 to create a pressure difference and maintain the partial flow for regeneration.

[0092] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include or utilize a computing system that communicates with or in particular a control unit or controller 100, in addition to a special-purpose or general-purpose computer system, or computer hardware such as a processor 150 or two or more processors 150 and system memory 160, as will be described in more detail below. The controller 100 may be located relatively close to the pressure vessel 11 and the drive unit 114 and receive hardwired or wireless signals from and send hardwired or wireless signals to other components of the dryer system. Alternatively, the controller 100 may be located remotely from the other components of the dryer system and receive signals from one or more temperature sensors that provide temperature data indicating one or more temperatures in the pressure vessel, and send signals to other components of the dryer system via a network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or any other network.

[0093] Furthermore, embodiments within the scope of this disclosure include physical and other computer-readable media for transmitting or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media may be any available media accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. A computer-readable medium that stores computer-executable instructions and / or data structures is a computer storage medium. A computer-readable medium that transmits computer-executable instructions and / or data structures is a transmission medium. Thus, as an example, embodiments of this disclosure may include at least two different types of computer-readable media, namely computer storage media and transmission media.

[0094] Computer storage media are physical storage media for storing computer executable instructions and / or data structures. Physical storage media include computer hardware such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid-state drives ("SSD"), flash memory, phase-change memory ("PCM"), optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage devices that can be used to store program code in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures, which may be included in or accessed by a controller 100, a general-purpose computer system or a special-purpose computer system to implement the functions disclosed in this disclosure.

[0095] A transmission medium may be used to transmit program code in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures, and may include networks and / or data links that can be accessed by general-purpose computer systems or special-purpose computer systems. “Network” may be defined as one or more data links that enable the transmission of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transferred to or provided to a computer system via a network or other communication connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired and wireless), the computer system may consider that connection to be a transmission medium. Furthermore, any combination thereof shall be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0096] Furthermore, upon reaching various computer system components, program code in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures can be automatically transferred from the transmission medium to the computer storage medium (and vice versa). For example, computer executable instructions or data structures received via a network or data link are buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a "NIC") and ultimately transferred to the computer system's RAM and / or less volatile computer storage medium. Therefore, it should be understood that computer storage medium can be included in computer system components that also utilize (or primarily utilize) the transmission medium.

[0097] Computer executable instructions may include instructions and data that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a general-purpose computer system, a special-purpose computer system, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a specific function or set of functions. Computer executable instructions can be, for example, binary instructions, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or source code.

[0098] This disclosure can be implemented in network computing environments having many types of computer system configurations, including, but is not limited to, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile phones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, and the like. Furthermore, this disclosure can be implemented in distributed system environments where both local and remote computer systems, linked over a network (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or a combination of hardwired and wireless data links), perform tasks. Thus, in a distributed system environment, the computer system may include multiple configuration computer systems. In a distributed system environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0099] This disclosure can also be implemented in a cloud computing environment. The cloud computing environment may, but is not required, be distributed. If distributed, the cloud computing environment may be internationally distributed within an organization and / or have components held across multiple organizations. In this specification and the following claims, “cloud computing” is defined as a model that enables on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The definition of “cloud computing” is not limited to any of the many other benefits that can be obtained from such a model when properly deployed.

[0100] Cloud computing models can be comprised of various characteristics, including on-demand self-service, extensive network access, resource pooling, high-speed scalability, and measured services. Cloud computing models may also be offered in the form of various service models, such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Furthermore, cloud computing models can be deployed using different deployment models, such as private clouds, community clouds, public clouds, and hybrid clouds.

[0101] Some embodiments, such as cloud computing environments, may include a system comprising one or more hosts, each capable of running one or more virtual machines. While running, a virtual machine emulates an operational computing system, supporting an operating system and possibly one or more other applications. In some embodiments, each host includes a hypervisor that emulates virtual resources related to the virtual machine using physical resources abstracted so as not visible to the virtual machine. The hypervisor also enables proper isolation between virtual machines. Thus, from the perspective of any virtual machine, the hypervisor gives the illusion that the virtual machine is interfaced with physical resources, even though the virtual machine is merely interfaced with the appearance of physical resources (e.g., virtual resources). Examples of physical resources include processing power, memory, disk space, network bandwidth, and media drives.

[0102] Throughout this specification and the claims, certain terms are used to refer to specific methods, features, or components. Different persons may use different names for the same method, feature, or component, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. This disclosure is not intended to distinguish between methods, features, or components that have different names but function the same. Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Certain features and components in this specification may be shown at an exaggerated scale or in a somewhat schematic form, and some details of prior art elements may not be illustrated or described for clarity and brevity.

[0103] This disclosure provides various examples, embodiments, and features, which should be understood to be combinable with other examples, embodiments, or features described herein unless expressly stated or mutually exclusive.

[0104] In addition to the above, further embodiments and examples include the following:

[0105] 1. The compressed gas dryer system is A compressed gas inlet configured to receive compressed gas for drying from a compressed gas source, A regenerative gas inlet configured to receive regenerative gas from a regenerative gas source, A pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regeneration zone, wherein the drying zone has an inlet into which compressed gas to be dried is received and an outlet out which dried compressed gas is discharged from the drying zone, and the regeneration zone has an inlet into which regeneration gas is received and an outlet out which regeneration gas is discharged from the regeneration zone, A drive device configured to rotate a rotor located inside a pressure vessel in a predetermined rotational direction, A first temperature sensor configured to acquire first temperature data indicating a first temperature at a first location within a pressure vessel, and a second temperature sensor configured to acquire second temperature data indicating a second temperature at a second location within a pressure vessel, A controller configured to receive first temperature data and second temperature data and to determine the rotation state of the rotor based on them, It is equipped with.

[0106] 2. A dryer system comprising one of the above 1 or 3 to 10 below, or a combination of two or more of them, wherein the first temperature sensor is located at a first position in the regeneration zone within the pressure vessel, and the second temperature sensor is located at a second position in the regeneration zone within the pressure vessel.

[0107] 3. A dryer system according to one of the above 1-2 or 4-10 or a combination thereof, wherein the second temperature sensor is located in a second position further rearward within the regeneration zone than the first temperature sensor in relation to the rotation of the rotor.

[0108] 4. A dryer system comprising one or more combinations of any 1-3 or 5-10 described above, wherein the first temperature sensor is located in a first position within the regeneration zone between 0° and 5° to 40° from the origin, and the second temperature sensor is located in a second position within the regeneration zone between 50° and 90°.

[0109] 5. A dryer system comprising one or more combinations of 1-4 above or 6-10 below, wherein the second temperature sensor is located at a second position between 0° and 85°-90° from the origin within the regeneration zone.

[0110] 6. A dryer system comprising one or more of the above 1-5 or 7-10, or a combination of two or more of them, wherein a second temperature sensor is located at a second position between 0° and 20° to 25° from the origin within the regeneration zone.

[0111] 7. A dryer system comprising one or more combinations of any 1-6 above or 8-10 below, wherein the first temperature sensor is located at a first position within the drying zone in the pressure vessel, and the second temperature sensor is located at a second position within the drying zone in the pressure vessel.

[0112] 8. A dryer system according to any one or two or more combinations of 1-7 above or 9-10 below, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the rotor is stopped based on the first and second temperature data received.

[0113] 9. A dryer system according to any one or two or more combinations of items 1-8 above or item 10 below, wherein the controller is configured to determine the rotation state of the rotor based only on the first and second temperature data received.

[0114] 10. A dryer system comprising one or two or more combinations of any of the above 1-9, wherein the compressed gas source is a compressor and the regenerated gas source is a portion of the flow of compressed gas output from the compressor.

[0115] 11. A temperature-based method for determining the rotational state of a rotor in a compressed gas drying system, the compressed gas system comprising a compressed gas source for supplying compressed gas to be dried, a regenerative gas source for supplying regenerative gas, and a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regenerative zone, wherein the drying zone has an inlet into which the compressed gas to be dried is received and an outlet out which the dried compressed gas exits the drying zone, and the regenerative zone has an inlet into which the regenerative gas is received and an outlet out which the regenerative gas exits the regenerative zone, and further comprises a drive device configured to rotate a rotor provided in the pressure vessel in a predetermined rotational direction, the method being: A step of receiving first temperature data of a first signal acquired by a first temperature sensor, wherein the first temperature data indicates a first temperature at a first position in a pressure vessel. A step of receiving second temperature data of a second signal acquired by a second temperature sensor, wherein the second temperature data indicates a second temperature at a second location within the pressure vessel. The controller includes the step of determining the rotation state of the rotor based on first temperature data obtained from a first temperature sensor and second temperature data obtained from a second temperature sensor.

[0116] 12. A method comprising the steps of providing a first temperature sensor at a first location on the outlet side of the regeneration zone in a pressure vessel, and providing a second temperature sensor at a second location on the outlet side of the regeneration zone in a pressure vessel, or any one of the above 11 or 13-20, or a combination of two or more of them.

[0117] 13. A method according to one or more of the above 11-12 or the following 14-20, or a combination of two or more, further comprising the step of providing a second temperature sensor at a second position located further rear of the regeneration zone than the first temperature sensor, in light of the rotation of the rotor.

[0118] 14. A method comprising the steps of placing a first temperature sensor at a first position between 0° and 5° to 40° from the origin in the regeneration zone, and further the steps of placing a second temperature sensor at a second position between 0° and 50° to 90° from the origin in the regeneration zone, according to one or two or more combinations of the above 11-13 or the following 15-20.

[0119] 15. A method according to one or two or more of the above 11-14 or the following 16-20, further comprising the step of locating a second temperature sensor at a second position between 0° and 85°-90° from the origin in the regeneration zone.

[0120] 16. A method according to one or two or more of the above 11-15 or the following 17-20, further comprising the step of locating a second temperature sensor at a second position between 0° and 20° and 25° from the origin in the regeneration zone.

[0121] 17. A method comprising the steps of providing a first temperature sensor at a first location in the drying zone within a pressure vessel, and providing a second temperature sensor at a second location in the drying zone within a pressure vessel, further comprising one or more of the steps described in 11-16 or 18-20 below, or a combination of two or more of them.

[0122] 18. The step of determining whether the rotor is stopped is by any one or two or more combinations of the methods described in 11-17 above or 19-20 below, based on the received first and second temperature data.

[0123] 19. The step of determining the rotational state of the rotor is by any one or two or more combinations of the methods described in items 11-18 above or item 20 below, based solely on the first and second signals received.

[0124] 20. A method comprising any one, two, or more combinations of the above 11-19, wherein the compressed gas source is a compressor and the regenerated gas source is a portion of the flow of compressed gas output from the compressor.

[0125] 21. A hardware storage device that stores computer executable instructions thereon, which, when executed by one or more processors of a computer system, configures the computing system to execute any one or two or three or more of the methods described in items 11-20 above.

[0126] 22. Compressed gas dryer system, A compressed gas inlet configured to receive compressed gas from a compressed gas source for drying, A regenerative gas inlet configured to receive regenerative gas from a regenerative gas source, A pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regeneration zone, The drying zone has an inlet into which the compressed gas to be dried is received, and an outlet out which the dried compressed gas exits the drying zone. The regeneration zone has an inlet where regenerated gas is received and an outlet where regenerated gas leaves the regeneration zone. pressure vessel and A drive device configured to rotate a rotor located inside a pressure vessel in a predetermined rotational direction, A first temperature sensor configured to acquire first temperature data indicating a first temperature at a first position inside a pressure vessel, A controller configured to receive first temperature data and second temperature data and to determine the rotation state of the rotor based on them, It is equipped with.

[0127] 23. A dryer system according to one or more of the above 22 or 24-33, or a combination of two or more of them, further comprising a second temperature sensor configured to acquire second temperature data indicating a second temperature at a second position within a pressure vessel.

[0128] 24. A dryer system comprising one or more combinations of the above 22-23 or 25-33, wherein the first temperature sensor is located at a first position in the regeneration zone within the pressure vessel.

[0129] 25. A dryer system comprising one or more combinations of the above 22-24 or 26-33, wherein the second temperature sensor is located at a second position in the regeneration zone within the pressure vessel.

[0130] 26. A dryer system according to one or more combinations of 22-25 or 27-33 below, wherein the second temperature sensor is located in a second position further rearward within the regeneration zone than the first temperature sensor, in light of the rotation of the rotor.

[0131] 27. A dryer system according to one or more combinations of any two or three of the above 22-26 or the following 28-33, wherein a first temperature sensor is located at a first position between 0° and 5° to 40° from the origin in the regeneration zone, and / or a second temperature sensor is located at a second position between 0° and 50° to 90° from the origin in the regeneration zone.

[0132] 28. A dryer system comprising one or more combinations of the above 22-27 or 29-33, wherein the second temperature sensor is located at a second position between 85° and 90° from the origin within the regeneration zone.

[0133] 29. A dryer system comprising one or more combinations of the above 22-28 or 30-33, wherein the first temperature sensor is located at a first position between 0° and 20° to 25° from the origin within the regeneration zone.

[0134] 30. A dryer system according to one or more combinations of any two or more of the above 22-29 or the following 31-33, wherein a first temperature sensor is located at a first position in the drying zone within the pressure vessel, and a second temperature sensor is located at a second position in the drying zone within the pressure vessel.

[0135] 31. A dryer system according to one or more combinations of 22-30 or 32-33 above, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the rotor is stopped based on the first temperature data received.

[0136] 32. A dryer system according to one or more combinations of any two or three of the above 22-31 or 33 below, wherein the controller is configured to determine the rotation state of the rotor based solely on the first temperature data received.

[0137] 33. A dryer system comprising any one, two, or more combinations of the above 22-32, wherein the compressed gas source is a compressor and the regenerated gas source is a portion of the flow of compressed gas output from the compressor.

[0138] 34. A temperature-based method for determining the rotational state of a rotor in a compressed gas drying system, wherein the compressed gas system includes a compressed gas source for supplying compressed gas to be dried, a regenerative gas source for supplying regenerative gas, and a pressure vessel defining a drying zone and a regenerative zone, the drying zone having an inlet into which the compressed gas to be dried is received and an outlet out which the dried compressed gas exits the drying zone, the regenerative zone having an inlet into which the regenerative gas is received and an outlet out which the regenerative gas exits the regenerative zone, and further comprising a drive device configured to rotate a rotor provided in the pressure vessel in a predetermined rotational direction, the method is as follows: A step of receiving first temperature data of a first signal acquired by a first temperature sensor, wherein the first temperature data indicates a first temperature at a first location in a pressure vessel. The controller determines the rotation state of the rotor based on first temperature data obtained from a first temperature sensor. Includes.

[0139] 35. A method comprising the steps of receiving second temperature data of a second signal acquired by a second temperature sensor, wherein the second temperature data indicates a second temperature at a second position in a pressure vessel; and determining the rotation state of a rotor by a controller based on first temperature data acquired from a first temperature sensor and second temperature data acquired from a second temperature sensor, or a combination of any one, two or more of the above 34 or the following 36-44.

[0140] 36. A method comprising the steps of providing a first temperature sensor at a first location on the outlet side of the regeneration zone in a pressure vessel, and / or providing a second temperature sensor at a second location on the outlet side of the regeneration zone in a pressure vessel, either one or two or more of the steps described in 34-35 or 37-44 below.

[0141] 37. A method according to one or two or more of the above 34-36 or the following 38-44, further comprising the step of providing a second temperature sensor at a second position located further rear of the regeneration zone than the first temperature sensor, in light of the rotation of the rotor.

[0142] 38. A method comprising the steps of providing a first temperature sensor at a first position between 0° and 5° to 40° from the origin in the regeneration zone, and providing a second temperature sensor at a second position between 0° and 50° to 90° from the origin in the regeneration zone, wherein the method is one or more combinations of any two or three of the above steps 34-37 or the following steps 39-44.

[0143] 39. A method according to one or two or more of the above 34-38 or the following 40-44, further comprising the step of locating a second temperature sensor at a second position between 0° and 85° and 90° from the origin within the regeneration zone.

[0144] 40. A method according to one or two or more of the above 34-39 or the following 41-44, further comprising the step of locating a second temperature sensor at a second position between 20° and 25° from the origin in the regeneration zone.

[0145] 41. A method comprising one or more combinations of any two or more of the above 34-40 or the following 42-44, further comprising the steps of: providing a first temperature sensor at a first location in the drying zone within a pressure vessel; and providing a second temperature sensor at a second location in the drying zone within a pressure vessel.

[0146] 42. The step of determining whether the rotor is stopped is by any one or two or more combinations of the methods described in 34-41 above or 43-44 below, based on the received first and second temperature data.

[0147] 43. The step of determining the rotational state of the rotor is a method by any one or two or more combinations of the methods described in 34-42 above or 44 below, based solely on the first and second signals received.

[0148] 44. A method according to any one, two, or more combinations of the above 34-43, wherein the compressed gas source is a compressor and the regenerated gas source is a portion of the flow of compressed gas output from the compressor.

[0149] 45. A hardware storage device that stores computer executable instructions thereon, which, when executed by one or more processors of a computer system, constitute a computing system that performs any one or two or more of the methods described in 34-44 above.

[0150] 46. ​​A drying system comprising any one, two or more combinations of the above 1-10, further comprising a compressed gas source for supplying compressed gas for drying.

[0151] 47. A dryer system comprising one or two or more of the above 1-10 or 46, further comprising a regenerative gas supply source for supplying regenerative gas.

[0152] 48. A dryer system comprising any one, two or more combinations of the above 22-33, further comprising a compressed gas source for supplying compressed gas for drying.

[0153] 49. A dryer system comprising one or more of the above items 22-33 or 48, or a combination of two or more items thereof, further comprising a regenerative gas supply source for supplying regenerative gas.

[0154] While various exemplary embodiments are described in detail in this specification, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the concepts of this disclosure. Such modifications are therefore intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, while many specific details are included in this disclosure, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure or the appended claims, but merely as providing information relating to one or more specific embodiments that may be included within this disclosure and the appended claims. Any described features from the various embodiments disclosed can be used in combination. In addition, other embodiments of this disclosure that fall within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims can be conceived. Any additions, deletions, and modifications to the meaning and scope of the claims and embodiments within that scope are incorporated into the claims.

[0155] Certain embodiments and features may be described using sets of numerical upper and lower limits. Unless otherwise specified, it should be understood that ranges are intended to include any combination of two values, e.g., any combination of a lower limit and an upper limit, any combination of two lower limits, and / or any combination of two upper limits. Specific lower limits, upper limits, and ranges may be described in one or more of the following claims. Any numerical values ​​are given as "approximately" or "about," taking into account experimental errors and variability expected by those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 11. Cylindrical pressure vessel 12 Dry Zone 13 Regeneration Zone 60 Compressed gas source 67 Regenerative gas sources 100 controllers 114 Drive unit T41 First temperature sensor T42 Second temperature sensor

Claims

1. A compressed gas drying system, A compressed gas inlet configured to receive compressed gas from a compressed gas source for drying, A regenerative gas inlet configured to receive regenerative gas from a regenerative gas source, A cylindrical pressure vessel (11) that defines a drying zone (12) and a regeneration zone (13), The drying zone (12) has an inlet (15) into which the compressed gas to be dried is received, and an outlet (16) out of the drying zone (12). The regeneration zone (13) has an inlet (25) into which the regenerated gas is received, and an outlet (26) into which the regenerated gas is discharged from the regeneration zone. A cylindrical pressure vessel (11) and A drive device (114) configured to rotate a rotor provided inside the pressure vessel (11) in a predetermined rotational direction, A first temperature sensor (T41) is positioned at a first location within the regeneration zone (13) in the pressure vessel (11) and configured to acquire first temperature data indicating a first temperature, A controller (100) configured to receive the first temperature data and determine the rotation state of the rotor based on the first temperature data, Equipped with, The first position is within a range of 5° to 40° from the starting position of the regeneration zone (13) in the predetermined rotation direction of the dryer system.

2. The dryer system according to claim 1, further comprising a second temperature sensor (T42) configured to acquire second temperature data indicating a second temperature at a second position within the cylindrical pressure vessel (11).

3. The dryer system according to claim 2, wherein the second position is located within the regeneration zone (13) in the pressure vessel (11).

4. The dryer system according to claim 2, wherein the second position is located further rearward within the regeneration zone (13) than the first temperature sensor (T41) in the predetermined rotation direction.

5. The dryer system according to claim 2, wherein the second position is within a range of 50° to 90° from the starting position of the regeneration zone (13) in the predetermined rotation direction.

6. The second position is located within the regeneration zone (13), and the second position is located within a range of 85° to 90° from the starting position of the regeneration zone (13) in the predetermined rotation direction, and / or The dryer system according to claim 2, wherein the first position is within a range of 20° to 25° from the starting position of the regeneration zone (13) in the predetermined rotation direction.

7. The dryer system according to claim 2, wherein the controller (100) is configured to determine whether or not the rotor is stopped by comparing the rate of change of the received first temperature data, or the controller (100) is configured to determine whether or not the rotor is stopped by comparing the received first temperature data and the second temperature data.

8. The dryer system according to claim 1, wherein the compressed gas source is a compressor, and the regenerated gas source (67) is a part of the flow of compressed gas output from the compressor.

9. A temperature-based method for determining the rotational state of a rotor in a compressed gas dryer system, wherein the compressed gas dryer system includes a compressed gas source for supplying compressed gas to be dried, a regeneration gas source (67) for supplying regeneration gas, and a cylindrical pressure vessel (11) defining a drying zone (12) and a regeneration zone (13), the drying zone (12) having an inlet (15) into which the compressed gas to be dried is received and an outlet (16) out which the dried compressed gas exits the drying zone (12), the regeneration zone (13) having an inlet (25) into which the regeneration gas is received and an outlet (26) out which the regeneration gas exits the regeneration zone (13), and further comprising a drive device (114) configured to rotate a rotor provided in the pressure vessel (11) in a predetermined rotational direction, the method is as follows: A step of receiving first temperature data of a first signal acquired by a first temperature sensor (T41), wherein the first temperature data indicates a first temperature at a first location within the regeneration zone (13) in the pressure vessel (11), The controller (100) determines the rotation state of the rotor based on the first temperature data obtained from the first temperature sensor (T41), Includes, Furthermore, the method includes the step of providing the first temperature sensor (T41) at the first position, wherein the first position is within a range of 5° to 40° from the starting position of the regeneration zone (13) in the predetermined rotational direction.

10. A step of receiving second temperature data of a second signal acquired by a second temperature sensor (T42), wherein the second temperature data indicates a second temperature at a second location within the pressure vessel (11). The controller (100) determines the rotation state of the rotor based on the first temperature data obtained from the first temperature sensor (T41) and the second temperature data obtained from the second temperature sensor (T42), The method according to claim 9, further comprising:

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing the second temperature sensor (T42) at the second position on the outlet side of the regeneration zone (13) in the pressure vessel (11), and / or the second position on the outlet side of the regeneration zone (13) in the pressure vessel (11).

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing the second temperature sensor (T42) at the second position located further rearward in the regeneration zone (13) than the first temperature sensor (T41) in the predetermined rotation direction.

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing the second temperature sensor (T42) at the second position, wherein the second position is within a range of 50° to 90° from the starting position of the regeneration zone (13) in the predetermined rotational direction.

14. The step of providing the second temperature sensor (T42) at the second position, wherein the second position is within a range of 85° to 90° from the starting position of the regeneration zone (13) in the predetermined rotational direction, and / or, The method according to claim 10, wherein the first position is within a range of 20° to 25° from the starting position of the regeneration zone (13) in the predetermined rotation direction.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of determining the rotational state of the rotor includes the step of determining whether the rotor is stopped by comparing the rate of change of the received first temperature data, or the step of determining whether the rotor is stopped by comparing a combination of the received first temperature data and the received second temperature data.

16. A hardware storage device that stores computer executable instructions thereon, which, when executed by one or more processors of the computing system, constitute a computing system to perform the method according to claim 9.

Images