Adsorption dryer and method for operating an adsorption dryer

Abstract

The dryer (4) is provided with: a rotary adsorption rotor (11); a housing (14) rotatably supporting the adsorption rotor (11) and being divided into a first zone (21), a second zone (22), and a third zone (23); a first zone inlet flow path (31) supplying compressed air to the first zone (21); a first zone outlet flow path (32) supplying dry compressed air from the first zone (21) to the demand-side device (3); a third zone inlet flow path (35) supplying cooling gas to the third zone (23); a third zone outlet flow path (36) discharging the cooling gas from the third zone; a second zone inlet flow path (33) supplying regeneration gas to the second zone (22); and a second zone outlet flow path (34) discharging the regeneration gas from the second zone (22). The third zone inlet flow path (35) supplies a portion of the compressed air flowing in the first zone (21) as the cooling gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an adsorption dryer and a method for operating the adsorption dryer. Background Technology

[0002] Adsorption dryers are known to dry compressed air by adsorbing moisture from compressed air ejected by an oil-free compressor. For example, the adsorption dryer described in Patent Document 1 includes: a rotary adsorption rotor with an adsorption medium; and a housing formed into a cylindrical shape, which rotatably supports the adsorption rotor housed concentrically; the interior of the housing is divided around a central axis into a processing zone, a regeneration zone, and a cooling zone, which extend in the axial direction respectively.

[0003] In the above-mentioned adsorption dryer, the compressed air ejected from the oil-free compressor is cooled by the aftercooler and then supplied to the processing zone. After the portion of the adsorption rotor located in the processing zone adsorbs moisture (hereinafter also referred to as "dehumidification"), it is supplied to the demand side as dry compressed air (hereinafter referred to as "dry compressed air").

[0004] A portion of the compressed air supplied to the aftercooler is diverted and supplied to the regeneration zone. That is, since high-temperature compressed air is supplied as regeneration gas to the portion of the adsorption rotor located in the regeneration zone, the moisture adsorbed in this portion is released into the high-temperature compressed air with lower relative humidity. Thus, moisture is removed from the adsorption rotor, achieving regeneration.

[0005] A portion of the compressed air supplied to the processing zone before passing through the aftercooler is diverted and supplied to the cooling zone. That is, since the cooled compressed air is supplied as cooling gas to the portion of the adsorption rotor located in the cooling zone, the drying capacity is restored by cooling the adsorption medium located in that portion.

[0006] Generally, when the oil-free compressor is under load, the adsorption rotor rotates at a low speed (e.g., 6 rpm) within the housing. The various parts of the adsorption rotor move in a predetermined sequence through the treatment zone, regeneration zone, and cooling zone within the housing, where they are sequentially adsorbed by moisture from the compressed air in the treatment zone, removed from the adsorbed moisture in the regeneration zone, and cooled by the adsorption medium in the cooling zone. Thus, dry compressed air is continuously supplied from the adsorption dryer to the demand side of the equipment.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-031131 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] In the adsorption dryer of Patent Document 1, compressed air that has not been adsorbed before being supplied to the processing zone is supplied as a cooling gas to the cooling zone. Therefore, in the cooling zone, the dryness of the adsorbed rotor deteriorates due to the undried compressed air, resulting in a decline in the drying performance caused by the adsorption rotor in the processing zone.

[0012] The objective of this invention is to suppress the deterioration of drying performance caused by the cooling of the adsorption rotor in an adsorption dryer that dries compressed air ejected from an oil-free compressor and performs moisture adsorption, regeneration, and cooling.

[0013] Methods used to solve problems

[0014] This invention provides an adsorption dryer comprising: a rotary adsorption rotor, formed into a cylindrical shape, having multiple rotor flow paths extending axially, wherein each of the walls forming the multiple rotor flow paths is provided with an adsorption medium; a housing, formed into a cylindrical shape, rotatably supporting the adsorption rotor housed concentrically, and internally divided around a central axis into a processing zone, a regeneration zone, and a cooling zone extending in the axial direction; a processing zone inlet flow path for supplying compressed air to the processing zone; and a processing zone outlet flow path for supplying the compressed air flowing through the rotor flow paths in the processing zone. To the demand side; the cooling zone inlet flow path supplies cooling gas used to cool the aforementioned adsorption rotor to the aforementioned cooling zone; the cooling zone outlet flow path discharges the aforementioned cooling gas that flows through the aforementioned rotor flow path in the aforementioned cooling zone; the regeneration zone inlet flow path supplies regeneration gas used to regenerate the aforementioned adsorption rotor to the aforementioned regeneration zone; and the regeneration zone outlet flow path discharges the aforementioned regeneration gas that flows through the aforementioned rotor flow path in the aforementioned regeneration zone from the aforementioned housing; the aforementioned cooling zone inlet flow path supplies a portion of the aforementioned compressed air that flows through the aforementioned rotor flow path in the aforementioned processing zone as the aforementioned cooling gas.

[0015] According to the present invention, a portion of the compressed air after moisture has been adsorbed by the adsorption medium of the adsorption rotor in the processing zone is supplied to the cooling zone as a cooling gas. Therefore, compared to supplying a larger amount of moisture-containing compressed air to the cooling zone, the adhesion of moisture from the compressed air to the adsorption rotor is suppressed, thus preventing the deterioration of the drying performance of the adsorption rotor due to cooling. Consequently, the decline in the drying performance of the adsorption rotor can be suppressed, and dry compressed air can be continuously and stably supplied to the demand side.

[0016] Alternatively, it may also include: an outlet valve provided in the outlet flow path of the aforementioned processing zone to open and close the outlet flow path of the aforementioned processing zone; and a check valve provided in the inlet flow path of the aforementioned processing zone to allow the flow of compressed air only in the direction toward the aforementioned processing zone via the inlet flow path of the aforementioned processing zone; one end of the inlet flow path of the aforementioned regeneration zone branches off from the inlet flow path of the aforementioned processing zone on the processing zone side closer to the aforementioned processing zone than the aforementioned check valve; the outlet flow path of the aforementioned regeneration zone merges into the inlet flow path of the aforementioned processing zone on the processing zone side closer to the aforementioned processing zone than the aforementioned inlet flow path of the aforementioned regeneration zone; the cooling gas flowing through the aforementioned cooling zone merges into the regeneration gas flowing through the aforementioned regeneration zone; at the location where the outlet flow path of the aforementioned regeneration zone merges with the end of the inlet flow path of the aforementioned processing zone, an atmospheric open flow path is connected; the front end of the aforementioned atmospheric open flow path is open to the atmosphere, and an atmospheric open valve is provided along the path to open and close the aforementioned atmospheric open flow path.

[0017] According to this structure, when the compressor operates under no-load conditions, by opening the atmospheric open valve, the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the casing and atmospheric pressure can be easily utilized to allow the compressed air, cooling gas, and regeneration gas inside the casing to be discharged from the casing through the atmospheric open flow path. Specifically, the compressed air retained in the processing zone flows to the cooling zone through the cooling zone inlet flow path, and the cooling gas in the cooling zone and the regeneration gas in the regeneration zone are discharged from the casing to the atmospheric open flow path side.

[0018] This prevents leakage of compressed air, especially regenerated gas, trapped inside the housing from other areas, and also suppresses the deterioration of the dew point caused by the cooling of the compressed air trapped inside the housing. Therefore, compressed air with reduced dew point deterioration is supplied to the demand side when switching to load operation. In addition, in this specification, "deterioration of dew point" means "high relative humidity (without drying)".

[0019] In addition, it may also include: a first scavenging flow path, which connects the portion of the aforementioned processing zone outlet flow path located on the demand side, which is closer to the aforementioned outlet valve, to the aforementioned regeneration zone inlet flow path; and a first scavenging valve, which is provided in the aforementioned first scavenging flow path to open and close the aforementioned first scavenging flow path.

[0020] According to this structure, when the compressor is operating without load, by opening the atmospheric opening valve and then opening the first scavenging valve, dry compressed air is supplied from the demand side to the regeneration zone via the first scavenging flow path from the upstream side, which can scaveng the regeneration zone with regeneration gas and replace the regeneration zone with dry compressed air.

[0021] This suppresses the dew point deterioration caused by the cooling of the regenerated gas remaining in the regeneration zone. Therefore, when switching to load operation, it suppresses the adhesion of moisture in the regeneration zone to the adsorption rotor, and compressed air with suppressed dew point deterioration is supplied to the demand side.

[0022] In addition, it may also include: a second scavenging flow path, which connects the portion of the aforementioned processing zone outlet flow path located on the demand side closer to the aforementioned outlet valve to the aforementioned processing zone inlet flow path; and a second scavenging valve, which is provided in the aforementioned second scavenging flow path to open and close the aforementioned second scavenging flow path.

[0023] According to this structure, when the compressor is operating without load, by closing the outlet valve and opening the atmospheric vent valve, and then opening the second scavenging valve, dry compressed air is supplied from the demand side to the processing zone from the upstream side via the second scavenging flow path, which can sequentially scaveng the processing zone and the cooling zone, replacing the processing zone and the cooling zone with dry compressed air.

[0024] This suppresses the dew point deterioration caused by the cooling of compressed air remaining in the processing and cooling zones. Therefore, when switching to load operation, it suppresses the adhesion of moisture in the processing and cooling zones to the adsorption rotor, and the compressed air with reduced dew point deterioration is supplied to the demand side.

[0025] In addition, a pressure boosting device may also be provided, which is installed in the inlet flow path of the aforementioned processing area to boost the pressure of the aforementioned compressed air flowing in the inlet flow path of the aforementioned processing area.

[0026] According to this structure, the pressure of the compressed air in the processing zone can be increased compared to the pressure of the regeneration gas in the regeneration zone. This suppresses leakage of regeneration gas from the regeneration zone into the processing zone from the upstream and downstream regions of the adsorption rotor within the housing. Consequently, it suppresses the deterioration of drying performance caused by leakage of more moisture-containing regeneration gas into the processing zone.

[0027] Another technical solution of the present invention provides a method for operating an adsorption dryer, which is a method for drying compressed air compressed by a compressor and supplying it to the demand side. When the compressor is operating under load, an adsorption rotor is rotated concentrically within a cylindrical housing having a processing zone, a cooling zone, and a regeneration zone divided in the circumferential direction, while the following are performed in parallel: In the processing zone, moisture is adsorbed from the axially supplied compressed air by means of the portion of the adsorption rotor located in the processing zone and supplied to the demand side; in the cooling zone, the portion of the adsorption rotor located in the cooling zone is cooled by means of the cooling gas supplied in the axial direction; and in the regeneration zone, the portion of the adsorption rotor located in the regeneration zone is regenerated by means of the regeneration gas supplied in the axial direction; and a portion of the compressed air after moisture is adsorbed by the adsorption rotor in the processing zone is supplied to the cooling zone as the cooling gas.

[0028] Alternatively, when the compressor is operating without load, the supply of dried compressed air to the demand side can be cut off by the outlet valve, and the cooling gas ejected from the cooling zone and the regeneration gas ejected from the regeneration zone can be opened to the atmosphere respectively; and at the same time as or after the cut-off, at least one of the following can be implemented: the dried compressed air is supplied from the demand side of the outlet valve to the upstream side of the processing zone, and the dried compressed air is supplied from the demand side of the outlet valve to the upstream side of the regeneration zone.

[0029] Invention Effects

[0030] According to the present invention, since compressed air, after being dried by the adsorption of moisture in the processing zone by the adsorption rotor, is supplied to the portion of the housing located in the cooling zone, the deterioration of the drying performance of the adsorption rotor due to cooling is suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a compressed air supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is the front view of an adsorption dryer.

[0033] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view along line III-III.

[0034] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram that roughly represents the flow path in the shell of an adsorption dryer.

[0035] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a compressed air supply system.

[0036] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the flow of compressed air in a compressed air supply system when operating under no-load conditions.

[0037] Figure 7 It is a follow-up Figure 6 The diagram shows the flow of compressed air in a compressed air supply system.

[0038] Figure 8 The variations involve the same principles as those in the example. Figure 7 The same diagram.

[0039] Figure 9 This is another variation involving the same Figure 7 The same diagram.

[0040] Figure 10 This refers to an adsorption dryer according to another embodiment. Figure 4 The same diagram.

[0041] Figure 11 It is a general indication of having Figure 10 The diagram shows the structure of the compressed air supply system for an adsorption dryer. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Hereinafter, a compressed air supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 This schematically illustrates a compressed air supply system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the compressed air supply system 1 includes: a compressor 2 that ejects compressed air; and a dryer 4 that dries the ejected compressed air and supplies it to the demanding equipment 3. The compressor 2 is an oil-free helical rotating machine that compresses and ejects air by means of a pair of helical rotors (not shown).

[0044] Dryer 4 is an adsorption dryer that dries compressed air by adsorbing moisture from it. Dryer 4 includes: dryer body 10, which adsorbs moisture from compressed air; flow path 30, which connects dryer body 10 to compressor 2 and demand equipment 3; and control device 50, which controls the operation of dryer 4.

[0045] Reference Figures 2-4 The dryer body 10 will be described. Figure 2 This is a front view of the dryer body 10. (Example) Figure 2As shown, the dryer body 10 includes a rotary adsorption rotor 11 and a housing 14, which is formed into a cylindrical shape and rotatably supports the adsorption rotor 11, which is concentrically housed within it. Furthermore, the dryer body 10 is a longitudinal dryer in which the central axis O1 of the adsorption rotor 11 extends in the vertical direction.

[0046] The adsorption rotor 11 is formed into a cylindrical shape and has a plurality of axially penetrating, fine rotor flow paths 12 (see reference). Figure 3 The wall surface constituting the rotor flow path 12 has an adsorption medium 13 (refer to...). Figure 3 For example, the adsorption rotor 11 can be constructed using a honeycomb structure material obtained by chemically synthesizing an adsorption medium 13 such as silica gel with ceramics. The adsorption rotor 11 is connected to the motor 5 (see reference). Figure 1 The output shaft is supported by shaft 6, which is connected to the motor 5. Figure 3 The rotation is driven by the direction indicated by arrow A.

[0047] The housing 14 includes: a cylindrical portion 14a having an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the adsorption rotor 11; a cover portion 14b closing the upper part of the cylindrical portion 14a; and a bottom portion 14c closing the lower part of the cylindrical portion 14a. The cover portion 14b forms an upper closed space 15 between itself and the upper end face of the adsorption rotor 11. The bottom portion 14c forms a lower closed space 16 between itself and the lower end face of the adsorption rotor 11.

[0048] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A horizontal sectional view of the upper closed space 15 along line III-III. (See attached image.) Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of partitions 17 are formed in the cover portion 14b, extending radially inward and dividing the upper closed space 15 around the central axis O1. Among the plurality of partitions 17 are a first partition 17a, a second partition 17b, and a third partition 17c. The upper closed space 15 is divided into an upper first closed space 15a between the first partition 17a and the second partition 17b, an upper second closed space 15b between the second partition 17b and the third partition 17c, and an upper third closed space 15c between the third partition 17c and the first partition 17a. The upper first closed space 15a, the upper second closed space 15b, and the upper third closed space 15c are arranged sequentially along the rotation direction A.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view that roughly represents the flow path within the housing 14. (Example) Figure 1As shown, a plurality of partitions 18 extending radially inward are also formed in the lower closed space 16. Among the plurality of partitions 18 are a first partition 18a, a second partition 18b, and a third partition 18c. The lower closed space 16 is divided into a lower first closed space 16a between the first partition 18a and the second partition 18b, a lower second closed space 16b between the second partition 18b and the third partition 18c, and a lower third closed space 16c between the third partition 18c and the first partition 18a. The lower first closed space 16a, the lower second closed space 16b, and the lower third closed space 16c are arranged sequentially along the rotation direction A.

[0050] The lower first closed space 16a, the lower second closed space 16b and the lower third closed space 16c are located in the same circumferential range around the central axis O1 relative to the upper first closed space 15a, the upper second closed space 15b and the upper third closed space 15c, respectively.

[0051] Since the adsorption rotor 11 has multiple fine rotor flow paths 12 extending in the axial direction, inside the housing 14, the first region 21 is formed by the upper first closed space 15a, the lower first closed space 16a and the multiple rotor flow paths 12 located between them in the vertical direction, the second region 22 is formed by the upper second closed space 15b, the lower second closed space 16b and the multiple rotor flow paths 12 located between them in the vertical direction, and the third region 23 is formed by the upper third closed space 15c, the lower third closed space 16c and the multiple rotor flow paths 12 located between them in the vertical direction.

[0052] That is, the interior of the housing 14 is divided around the central axis O1 to have a first region 21, a second region 22, and a third region 23 extending in the direction of the axis. As will be described later, the first region 21 is configured as the processing region according to the present invention, the second region 22 is configured as the regeneration region according to the present invention, and the third region 23 is configured as the cooling region according to the present invention.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover portion 14b is provided with a first connecting port 21a, a second connecting port 22a, and a third connecting port 23a, which communicate with and are connected to the flow path 30 in the first to third zones 21 to 23, respectively. Similarly, the bottom portion 14c is also provided with a first connecting port 21b, a second connecting port 22b, and a third connecting port 23b, which communicate with and are connected to the flow path 30 in the first to third zones 21 to 23, respectively.

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 1The flow path 30 is described below. The flow path 30 has a first zone inlet flow path (processing zone inlet flow path) 31 connected to the bottom first connection port 21b, a first zone outlet flow path (processing zone outlet flow path) 32 connected to the cover first connection port 21a, a second zone inlet flow path (regeneration zone inlet flow path) 33 connected to the cover second connection port 22a, a second zone outlet flow path (regeneration zone outlet flow path) 34 connected to the bottom second connection port 22b, a third zone inlet flow path (cooling zone inlet flow path) 35 connected to the cover third connection port 23a, and a third zone outlet flow path (cooling zone outlet flow path) 36 connected to the bottom third connection port 23b.

[0055] The first inlet flow path 31 connects the bottom first connection port 21b to the outlet port 2a of the compressor 2, supplying compressed air ejected from the compressor 2 to the first zone 21. In the first inlet flow path 31, a check valve 31a, an aftercooler 31b, and an air injector 31c are arranged sequentially from the compressor 2 toward the first zone 21.

[0056] The check valve 31a allows compressed air to flow only in the direction toward zone 21. The aftercooler 31b is a heat exchanger that cools the compressed air ejected from the compressor 2. The air injector 31c, which forms part of the flow path as a throttling orifice, is configured to increase and reduce the flow velocity and pressure of the compressed air toward zone 21 within the zone 1 inlet flow path 31, thereby introducing compressed air from the zone 2 outlet flow path 34 as described later.

[0057] The first outlet flow path 32 connects the first connection port 21a of the cover to the inlet 3a of the demand device 3, and supplies the dry compressed air after the moisture is adsorbed by the adsorbed rotor 11 in the first zone 21 to the demand device 3.

[0058] An outlet valve 32a is provided in the outlet flow path 32 of Zone 1, configured to open and close the flow path. When the compressed air supply system 1 is operating under load, the outlet valve 32a is opened, and compressed air is supplied to the demanding device 3. On the other hand, when the compressed air supply system 1 is operating without load, the outlet valve 32a is closed, the supply of compressed air to the demanding device 3 is cut off, and the flow of compressed air in the flow path 30 stops.

[0059] The second inlet flow path 33 connects the first inlet flow path 31 to the second connection port 22a of the cover. Specifically, the second inlet flow path 33 branches off between the check valve 31a and the aftercooler 31b in the first inlet flow path 31. A regulating valve 33a is provided in the second inlet flow path 33.

[0060] The pressure and amount of compressed air diverted from the inlet flow path 31 of zone 1 to the inlet flow path 33 of zone 2 are adjusted by regulating valve 33a. Regulating valve 33a is adjusted so that the pressure of the compressed air in zone 22 is lower than the pressure of the compressed air in zone 11. This suppresses leakage of compressed air from zone 22 to zone 11 through the vertical gap between the partitions 17 and 18 and the adsorption rotor 11.

[0061] The second zone outlet flow path 34 connects the bottom second connection port 22b to the air injector 31c. As described above, compressed air ejected from the second zone 22 is introduced into the first zone inlet flow path 31 via the air injector 31c. A bypass cooler 34a is provided in the second zone outlet flow path 34. The bypass cooler 34a is a heat exchanger that cools the compressed air ejected from the second zone 22.

[0062] The third zone inlet flow path 35 connects the first zone outlet flow path 32 to the third connection port 23a of the cover. Specifically, the third zone inlet flow path 35 branches off from the portion of the first zone outlet flow path 32 located closer to the first zone 21 than the outlet valve 32a. That is, a portion of the compressed air ejected from the first zone 21 is diverted from the first zone outlet flow path 32 and introduced into the third zone inlet flow path 35.

[0063] The third zone outlet flow path 36 connects the middle section of the second zone outlet flow path 34 to the bottom third connection port 23b. Specifically, the third zone outlet flow path 36 is connected upstream of the bypass cooler 34a in the second zone outlet flow path 34.

[0064] Furthermore, in the compressed air supply system 1 according to this embodiment, the flow path 30 also has an atmospheric open flow path 37, a first scavenging flow path 38, and a second scavenging flow path 39.

[0065] One end of the atmospheric open flow path 37 is connected to the outlet flow path 34 of the second zone, and the other end is open to the atmosphere. Specifically, the atmospheric open flow path 37 branches off between the air injector 31c and the bypass cooler 34a in the outlet flow path 34 of the second zone. An atmospheric open valve 41 is provided in the atmospheric open flow path 37 to open and close the flow path. If the atmospheric open valve 41 is opened, the outlet flow path 34 of the second zone is opened to the atmosphere via the atmospheric open flow path 37.

[0066] The first scavenging flow path 38 connects the second zone inlet flow path 33 with the first zone outlet flow path 32. Specifically, the first scavenging flow path 38 connects the portion of the second zone inlet flow path 33 located on the side of the regulating valve 33a closer to the second zone 22 with the portion of the first zone outlet flow path 32 located on the side of the outlet valve 32a closer to the demand-side equipment 3.

[0067] In the first scavenging flow path 38, a first scavenging valve 42 is provided to open and close the flow path. If the first scavenging valve 42 is opened, the second zone inlet flow path 33 is connected to the demand side equipment 3 via the first scavenging flow path 38.

[0068] The second scavenging flow path 39 connects the first zone inlet flow path 31 and the first scavenging flow path 38. Specifically, the second scavenging flow path 39 connects the portion of the first zone inlet flow path 31 located on the side of the first zone 21 closer to the air injector 31c with the portion of the first scavenging flow path 38 located on the side of the first scavenging valve 42 closer to the demand-side equipment 3.

[0069] In the second scavenging flow path 39, a second scavenging valve 43 is provided to open and close the flow path. If the second scavenging valve 43 is opened, the first zone inlet flow path 31 is connected to the demand side equipment 3 via the first scavenging flow path 38 and the second scavenging flow path 39.

[0070] In this embodiment, the atmospheric release valve 41, the first scavenging valve 42, and the second scavenging valve 43 are configured as solenoid valves that are electrically controlled by the control device 50 for opening and closing.

[0071] The control unit 50 consists of a storage unit 51 such as a hard disk, an arithmetic processing unit (CPU) 52 that controls the operation of the dryer 4, a known computer equipped with memory and input / output devices, and software installed on the computer. The arithmetic processing unit 52 drives and controls these devices based on the operating parameters of the compressed air supply system 1 during load operation and no-load operation, stored in the storage unit 51, for the motor 5, the atmospheric release valve 41, the first scavenging valve 42, and the second scavenging valve 43.

[0072] Specifically, when the compressed air supply system 1 is in a loaded operating state, the processing unit 52 controls the motor 5 to rotate at a low speed (e.g., 6 rph) and controls the atmospheric opening valve 41, the first scavenging valve 42 and the second scavenging valve 43 to close.

[0073] On the other hand, when the compressed air supply system is in an unloaded operating state, the processing unit 52 controls the motor 5 to stop and controls the atmospheric opening valve 41, the first scavenging valve 42 and the second scavenging valve 43 to open in a predetermined sequence and close them after a predetermined time.

[0074] The working method of the compressed air supply system 1 described above will be explained. First, refer to... Figure 1 The operation of the compressed air supply system 1 under load operation is explained. As described above, under load operation, the control device 50 controls the motor 5 to rotate and closes the atmospheric vent valve 41, the first scavenging valve 42, and the second scavenging valve 43. At this time, if... Figure 1 As indicated by the arrows, the compressed air ejected from the compressor 2 is directed into the inlet flow path 31 of the first zone. After being cooled by the aftercooler 31b, it is supplied to the first zone 21 via the air injector 31c.

[0075] Compressed air is introduced into the first zone 21 from the bottom first connection port 21b, passes through the lower first closed space 16a, the adsorption rotor 11 and the upper first closed space 15a in sequence in the first zone, and is ejected from the cover first connection port 21a to the outlet flow path 32 of the first zone.

[0076] In zone 21, compressed air is placed in the adsorption medium 13 of the adsorption rotor 11 to adsorb moisture and dry it. Therefore, zone 21 is configured as a processing zone for adsorbing moisture from compressed air (also known as dehumidification). The dried compressed air ejected from the first connection port 21a of the cover is supplied to the demand side equipment 3 via the outlet flow path 32 of zone 21.

[0077] Furthermore, a portion of the compressed air ejected from compressor 2 is diverted from the first zone inlet flow path 31 to the second zone inlet flow path 33. The compressed air diverted to the second zone inlet flow path 33 has its pressure and quantity regulated by regulating valve 33a and is introduced into the second zone 22 from the second connection port 22a of the cover. In the second zone 22, the compressed air passes downwards sequentially through the upper second closed space 15b, the adsorption rotor 11, and the lower second closed space 16b, and is ejected from the bottom second connection port 22b to the second zone outlet flow path 34.

[0078] The compressed air supplied to zone 22, since it is not cooled by the aftercooler 31b, has a higher temperature and dew point compared to the compressed air supplied to zone 21. Therefore, by releasing moisture from the adsorption rotor 11, which has adsorbed more moisture from the compressed air in zone 21, the dryness of the adsorption rotor 11 is increased, thereby increasing the amount of moisture it can adsorb, thus enabling regeneration. Therefore, zone 22 is configured as a regeneration zone for regenerating the adsorption rotor 11, and the compressed air supplied to zone 22 functions as the regeneration gas according to the present invention.

[0079] The compressed air ejected from the bottom second connection port 22b is cooled in the bypass cooler 34a via the second zone outlet flow path 34, and then reaches the air injector 31c, from which it is introduced into the first zone inlet flow path 31.

[0080] Furthermore, a portion of the dry compressed air ejected into the first zone outlet flow path 32 is diverted to the third zone inlet flow path 35 and introduced into the third zone 23 from the third connection port 23a of the cover. In the third zone 23, the dry compressed air passes downwards sequentially through the upper third closed space 15c, the adsorption rotor 11, and the lower third closed space 16c, and is ejected from the bottom third connection port 23b into the third zone outlet flow path 36.

[0081] The dry compressed air supplied to zone 3 23 is cooled by passing through aftercooler 31b, thus lowering the temperature of the adsorption rotor 11, which has risen in temperature in zone 2 22 due to the high-temperature regeneration gas, thereby improving the adsorption performance provided by the adsorption medium 13. Therefore, zone 3 23 is configured as a cooling zone for cooling the adsorption medium 13, and the dry compressed air supplied to zone 3 23 functions as the cooling gas according to the present invention. The dry compressed air supplied to zone 3 is dried because it has been adsorbed by the adsorption rotor 11 in zone 1 21. Therefore, the deterioration of the dryness of the adsorption rotor 11 due to cooling by the dry compressed air in zone 3 23 is prevented.

[0082] The dry compressed air ejected from the bottom third connection port 23b merges into the second zone outlet flow path 34, is cooled in the bypass cooler 34a, and then reaches the air injector 31c, through which it is introduced into the first zone inlet flow path 31.

[0083] Therefore, when the compressed air supply system 1 is operating under load, the compressed air ejected from the compressor 2 is dried by the dryer 4 and supplied to the demand-side equipment 3. At this time, in the dryer body 10, while the adsorption rotor 11 is rotating, the adsorption of moisture from the compressed air to the adsorption rotor 11 in zone 1 21, the regeneration of the adsorption rotor 11 in zone 22, and the cooling of the adsorption rotor 11 in zone 3 are carried out in parallel.

[0084] A portion of the compressed air in zone 1 21, which has absorbed moisture from the adsorption medium 13 of the adsorption rotor 11, is supplied to zone 3 23 as cooling gas. This suppresses the adhesion of moisture from the compressed air to the adsorption rotor 11 compared to supplying more moisture-containing compressed air to zone 3 23, thus preventing a decrease in the drying performance of the adsorption rotor 11 due to cooling. Consequently, the decline in the drying performance of the adsorption rotor 11 can be suppressed, ensuring a continuous and stable supply of dry compressed air to the demand-side equipment 3.

[0085] Next, the operation method of the compressed air supply system 1 under no-load operation will be explained. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the compressed air supply system 1 when switching from a loaded operation state to an unloaded operation state. For example... Figure 5As shown, initially, the compressed air supply system 1 operates under load (i.e., load operation) conditions (step S001). At this time, as... Figure 1 As shown, outlet valve 32a is opened, and atmospheric venting valve 41, first scavenging valve 42 and second scavenging valve 43 are closed.

[0086] Next, if the compressed air supply system 1 becomes unloaded (i.e., unloaded) in operation, the outlet valve 32a is closed. As a result, the supply of dry compressed air to the demand-side equipment 3 is cut off, and the flow of compressed air within the compressed air supply system 1 stops (step S002). In this state, compressed air is retained in zone 1 21, regenerated gas is retained in zone 22, and cooling gas is retained in zone 3 23.

[0087] Next, the control device 50 (processing unit 52) ​​stops the motor 5 and opens the atmospheric vent valve 41 (step S003). Thus, as... Figure 6 As shown, zones 22 and 33 are connected to the atmosphere via zone 2 outlet flow path 34 and zone 3 outlet flow path 36, respectively, and then via atmospheric open flow path 37. Here, regenerated gas and cooling gas with pressures higher than atmospheric pressure are retained in zones 22 and 33. Therefore, the regenerated gas in zone 22 and the cooling gas in zone 3 flow to zone 2 outlet flow path 34 and zone 3 outlet flow path 36, respectively, due to the pressure difference with atmospheric pressure, and some or all of them are released into the atmosphere via atmospheric open flow path 37.

[0088] Furthermore, since Zone 1 21 is connected to Zone 3 23 via Zone 1 outlet flow path 32 and Zone 3 inlet flow path 35, the compressed air in Zone 1 21 has a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure and is introduced into Zone 3 23 along with the flow of cooling gas in Zone 3 23. The compressed air introduced into Zone 3 23 flows to Zone 2 2 outlet flow path 34 and Zone 3 36 by means of the pressure difference with atmospheric pressure, as described above, and is released into the atmosphere.

[0089] Therefore, when the compressed air supply system 1 is operating without load, by opening the atmospheric opening valve 41, the compressed air, cooling gas, and regenerated gas inside the housing 14 can be easily discharged from the housing 14 through the atmospheric opening flow path 37 by utilizing the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the housing 14 and the atmospheric pressure. Specifically, the compressed air retained in zone 1 21 flows to zone 3 23 through zone 3 inlet flow path 35, and the compressed air in zone 3 23 and the regenerated gas in zone 2 22 are discharged from the housing 14 to the atmospheric opening flow path 37.

[0090] As a result, leakage of compressed air, especially regenerated gas, retained in the second zone 22 into other zones is suppressed, and the dew point deterioration caused by cooling of the compressed air retained in the housing 14 is suppressed. Therefore, compressed air with suppressed dew point deterioration is supplied to the demand side equipment 3 when switching to load operation.

[0091] Next, after a first predetermined time T1 elapses from the opening of the atmospheric vent valve 41 (step S004), the control device 50 opens the first scavenging valve 42 and the second scavenging valve 43 (step S005). The first predetermined time T1 is set as the time required for the compressed air in the first zone 21, the second zone 22, and the third zone 23 to flow due to the pressure difference with atmospheric pressure, and in this embodiment, it is set to 20 seconds for example.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, if the first scavenging valve 42 is opened, the portion of the second zone inlet flow path 33 connected to the portion of the first zone outlet flow path 32 located on the demand side of the equipment 3, closer to the outlet valve 32a. As described above, the regenerated gas in the second zone 22 is introduced into the second zone outlet flow path 34, thus at a lower pressure than the dry compressed air in the first zone outlet flow path 32. Consequently, dry compressed air is supplied from the demand side of the equipment 3 to the second zone 22 via the first scavenging flow path 38 and the second zone inlet flow path 33, and the second zone 22 is scavenged with dry compressed air and ultimately replaced by dry compressed air.

[0093] By opening the atmospheric opening valve 41 and then opening the first scavenging valve 42, dry compressed air is supplied from the demand side of equipment 3 to the second zone 22 from the upstream side via the first scavenging flow path 38. This allows regenerated gas to be scavenged from the second zone 22, replacing the second zone with dry compressed air. At this time, the flow of compressed air in the second zone 22 is the same as during load operation, from top to bottom.

[0094] This suppresses the dew point deterioration caused by the cooling of the regenerated gas remaining in Zone 22. Therefore, when switching to load operation, the adhesion of moisture in Zone 22 to the adsorption rotor 11 is suppressed, and compressed air with suppressed dew point deterioration is supplied to the demand side.

[0095] On the other hand, if the second scavenging valve 43 is opened, the portion of the first zone inlet flow path 31 and the first zone outlet flow path 32 located on the demand side of the outlet valve 32a is connected. As described above, since the compressed air in the first zone 21 is introduced into the third zone 23, its pressure is lower than that of the dry compressed air in the first zone outlet flow path 32. As a result, dry compressed air is supplied from the demand side of the third zone to the first zone 21 via the first zone outlet flow path 32, and the first zone 21 is scavenged with dry compressed air and eventually replaced by dry compressed air.

[0096] The compressed air supplied to Zone 1 21 is then supplied to Zone 3 23 via Zone 3 inlet flow path 35, and Zone 3 23 is also replaced with dry compressed air.

[0097] By opening the atmospheric opening valve 41 and then opening the second scavenging valve 43, dry compressed air is supplied from the demand side of equipment 3 to zone 21 from the upstream side via the first scavenging flow path 38 and the second scavenging flow path 39, scavenging zone 21 and zone 23 sequentially, thereby replacing zone 21 and zone 23 with dry compressed air. At this time, the flow of compressed air in zone 21 is from bottom to top, just as it is during load operation, and the flow of compressed air in zone 23 is from top to bottom, just as it is during load operation.

[0098] As a result, the dew point deterioration caused by the cooling of compressed air retained in Zone 1 21 and Zone 3 23 is suppressed. Therefore, when switching to load operation, the adhesion of moisture in Zone 1 21 and Zone 3 23 to the adsorption rotor 11 is suppressed, and compressed air with suppressed dew point deterioration is supplied to the demand side equipment 3.

[0099] Next, after a second predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the first scavenging valve 42 and the second scavenging valve 43 were opened (step S006), the control device 50 closes the atmospheric opening valve 41, the first scavenging valve 42, and the second scavenging valve 43 (step S007). Thus, zones 1 21, 22, and 3 23 are replaced with dry compressed air, and the scavenging process, performed using dry compressed air supplied from the demand side of the equipment 3, is completed.

[0100] Furthermore, the second predetermined time T2 is preferably set to the time during which the first zone 21, the second zone 22, and the third zone 23 are completely replaced with dry compressed air, for example, it is set to 40 seconds in this embodiment.

[0101] Therefore, the compressed air supply system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, by using dry compressed air for cooling gas in zone 23 during load operation, achieves the effect of suppressing the deterioration of the drying performance of the adsorption rotor 11. On the other hand, by discharging the compressed air retained in the housing 14 and replacing it with dry compressed air during no-load operation, it achieves the effect of suppressing the supply of compressed air with a dew point deterioration to the demand-side equipment 3 during load operation.

[0102] In addition to the above-described embodiments, a booster device 60 may also be provided, such as in... Figure 1 The compressed air flowing through the first zone inlet flow path 31, as indicated by the double-dotted line, is pressurized.

[0103] According to the booster device 60, the pressure of the compressed air in zone 1 21 can be increased compared to the pressure of the regeneration gas in zone 22. This suppresses leakage of the regeneration gas from zone 22 into zone 11 within the upper closed space 15 and lower closed space 16 of the adsorption rotor 11 within the housing 14. Consequently, the deterioration in drying performance caused by leakage of more moisture-containing regeneration gas into zone 21 can be suppressed.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the example described is that both the first scavenging valve 42 and the second scavenging valve 43 are opened after a first predetermined time T1 following the opening of the atmospheric venting valve 41 during no-load operation, but the method is not limited to this. For example, it may also be as follows: Figure 8 As shown, simply opening the first scavenging valve 42 is also possible. Figure 9 Only the second scavenging valve 43 is opened as shown. Alternatively, the first scavenging valve 42 and / or the second scavenging valve 43 may be opened simultaneously with the atmospheric opening valve 41.

[0105] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, both the aftercooler 31b and the bypass cooler 34a have drain sections for discharging moisture generated during heat exchange. Each drain section has a drain valve that is operated by the control device 50 to open and close. The drain valve is normally closed, but the control device 50 controls it to periodically open and close during load operation, and maintains it closed after opening it once during no-load operation.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the motor 5 is configured to stop during no-load operation, but this is not a limitation; the motor 5 may also rotate during no-load operation. However, during no-load operation, since the flow of compressed air stops, the adsorption of moisture from the compressed air, the regeneration of the adsorption rotor 11, and the cooling of the adsorption rotor 11 cannot be performed. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing air trapped in each zone from flowing into other zones, it is preferable to stop the rotation of the motor 5.

[0107] Figure 10 This is a schematic representation of the housing 114 of an adsorption dryer 104 according to another embodiment (see reference). Figure 11 A 3D diagram of the flow path in ) Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating the compressed air supply system 101 according to another embodiment of the dryer 104. The same reference numerals are used for parts shared with the compressed air supply system 1, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0108] like Figure 10As shown, the dryer 104, while having a second partition wall 17b and a third partition wall 17c that divide the upper closed space 15, differs from the dryer 4 in that it lacks a first partition wall 17a. Therefore, the upper second closed space 15b is divided between the second partition wall 17b and the third partition wall 17c in the rotation direction A, and the upper first closed space 15a and the upper third closed space 15c are integrally divided between the third partition wall 17c and the second partition wall 17b in the rotation direction A. In other words, the upper first closed space 15a and the upper third closed space 15c are not separated but are interconnected.

[0109] On the other hand, while dryer 104 has a first partition wall 18a and a second partition wall 18b that divide the lower closed space 16, it differs from dryer 4 in that it does not have a third partition wall 18c. Therefore, the lower closed space 16 is divided into a lower first closed space 16a between the first partition wall 18a and the second partition wall 18b in the direction of rotation A, and a lower second closed space 16b and a lower third closed space 16c are integrally divided between the second partition wall 18b and the first partition wall 18a in the direction of rotation A. In other words, the lower second closed space 16b and the lower third closed space 16c are not separated but are interconnected.

[0110] like Figure 11 As shown, the dryer 104 differs from the housing 14 in that the housing 114 does not have a third connection port 23a at the cover and a third connection port 23b at the bottom. In another embodiment, the third zone inlet flow path 35 is configured in the upper closed space 15 of the housing 114 as a flow path from the upper first closed space 15a to the upper third closed space 15c. Furthermore, the third zone outlet flow path 36 is configured in the lower closed space 16 of the housing 114 as a flow path from the lower third closed space 16c to the lower second closed space 16b.

[0111] Furthermore, the dryer 104 replaces the control device 50 with a relay panel 150. The relay panel 150 has multiple relays (not shown), which, in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, control the operation of the motor 5, the atmospheric release valve 41, the first scavenging valve 42, and the second scavenging valve 43 in a predetermined order.

[0112] The flow of compressed air in the dryer 104 is explained. The flow of compressed air in zones 1 21 and 22 is the same as in the previous embodiment. On the other hand, in zone 3 23, a portion of the compressed air in zone 1 that passes upward through the adsorption rotor 11 and is discharged into the upper first closed space 15a is directly diverted to the upper third closed space 15c, and flows downward in the adsorption rotor 11 in zone 3 23 to reach the lower third closed space 16c. Since the lower third closed space 16c is connected to the lower second closed space 16b, the compressed air discharged into the lower third closed space 16c is discharged into the second zone outlet flow path 34 via the lower second closed space 16b.

[0113] Therefore, in the dryer 104, a portion of the dried compressed air after the moisture is adsorbed by the adsorption rotor 11 in zone 1 21 is supplied to zone 3 23 as cooling gas. In addition, the cooling gas after the adsorption rotor 11 is cooled in zone 3 23 is combined with the regeneration gas after the adsorption rotor 11 is regenerated in zone 2 22 and discharged from the housing 114 through the zone 2 outlet flow path 34.

[0114] Therefore, according to another embodiment, the dryer 104 can be constructed with a simpler structure compared to the previous embodiment.

[0115] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described form and can be implemented in various ways within the scope of the invention.

[0116] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0117] 1 Compressed air supply system

[0118] 2. Compressor

[0119] 3. Demand-side equipment

[0120] 4. Dryer

[0121] 5 motors

[0122] 10. Dryer body

[0123] 11 Adsorption rotor

[0124] 12 Rotor Flow Path

[0125] 13 Adsorption medium

[0126] 14. Shell

[0127] 21st District

[0128] 22nd District

[0129] 23rd District

[0130] 30 flow path

[0131] 31. Entrance flow path of Zone 1

[0132] 32 Zone 1 Exit Flow Path

[0133] 32a outlet valve

[0134] Entrance flow path of Zone 2, Section 33

[0135] 34. Exit flow path of Zone 2

[0136] 35. Entrance flow path of Zone 3

[0137] 36. Exit flow path of Zone 3

[0138] 37 Atmospheric Open Flow Path

[0139] 38 First Sweep Airflow Path

[0140] 39 Second sweep airflow path

[0141] 41 Atmospheric Opening Valve

[0142] 42 First scavenging valve

[0143] 43 Second scavenging valve

[0144] 50 Control devices

[0145] 60 booster unit

Claims

1. An adsorption dryer, characterized in that, have: The rotary adsorption rotor is formed into a cylindrical shape and has multiple rotor flow paths that run through it in the axial direction. Each of the walls formed by the multiple rotor flow paths has an adsorption medium. The housing is formed in a cylindrical shape to rotatably support the aforementioned adsorption rotor that is concentrically housed, and the interior is divided around the central axis into a processing zone, a regeneration zone and a cooling zone that extend in the axial direction respectively. The inlet flow path of the processing area supplies compressed air to the aforementioned processing area; The compressed air that flows through the aforementioned rotor flow path in the aforementioned processing area is supplied to the demand side in the outlet flow path of the processing area. The cooling gas used to cool the aforementioned adsorption rotor is supplied to the aforementioned cooling zone through the inlet flow path of the cooling zone. The cooling gas that has passed through the aforementioned rotor flow path in the aforementioned cooling zone is discharged from the cooling zone outlet flow path; The inlet flow path of the regeneration zone supplies the regeneration gas used to regenerate the aforementioned adsorption rotor to the aforementioned regeneration zone; and The regeneration gas that has passed through the aforementioned rotor flow path in the aforementioned regeneration zone is discharged from the aforementioned housing. The aforementioned cooling zone inlet flow path supplies a portion of the aforementioned compressed air flowing through the aforementioned rotor flow path in the aforementioned processing zone as the aforementioned cooling gas. It also has: An outlet valve is installed in the outlet flow path of the aforementioned processing area to open and close the outlet flow path of the aforementioned processing area; and A check valve is installed in the inlet flow path of the aforementioned processing zone, allowing compressed air to flow only in the direction toward the aforementioned processing zone via the inlet flow path of the aforementioned processing zone; One end of the aforementioned regeneration zone inlet flow path branches off from the aforementioned processing zone inlet flow path on the processing zone side, which is closer to the aforementioned processing zone than the aforementioned check valve. The aforementioned regeneration zone outlet flow path merges into the aforementioned processing zone inlet flow path, with one end of the aforementioned regeneration zone inlet flow path being closer to the aforementioned processing zone side; The cooling gas flowing through the aforementioned cooling zone merges into the regeneration gas flowing through the aforementioned regeneration zone; At the outlet flow path of the aforementioned regeneration zone, at the end side that merges with the inlet flow path of the aforementioned processing zone, which is closer to the location where the cooling gas merges than the aforementioned location, an open atmospheric flow path is connected. The aforementioned open atmospheric flow path is open to the atmosphere at its front end, and an open atmospheric valve is installed along the path to open and close the aforementioned open atmospheric flow path.

2. The adsorption dryer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: The first scavenging flow path connects the portion of the aforementioned processing zone outlet flow path located on the demand side, which is closer to the aforementioned outlet valve, to the aforementioned regeneration zone inlet flow path. as well as The first scavenging valve is installed in the aforementioned first scavenging flow path to open and close the aforementioned first scavenging flow path.

3. The adsorption dryer as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also has: The second scavenging flow path connects the portion of the aforementioned processing zone outlet flow path located on the demand side, closer to the aforementioned outlet valve, to the aforementioned processing zone inlet flow path; and The second scavenging valve is installed in the aforementioned second scavenging flow path to open and close the aforementioned second scavenging flow path.

4. The adsorption dryer as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a pressurization device, which is installed in the inlet flow path of the aforementioned processing area to pressurize the aforementioned compressed air flowing in the inlet flow path of the aforementioned processing area.

5. A method for operating an adsorption dryer, wherein compressed air compressed by a compressor is dried and supplied to the demand side, characterized in that, When the aforementioned compressor is operating under load, The adsorption rotor rotates concentrically within a cylindrical housing that has circumferentially defined processing, cooling, and regeneration zones, while the following processes are performed in parallel: In the aforementioned processing zone, the portion of the aforementioned adsorption rotor located in the aforementioned processing zone adsorbs moisture from the compressed air supplied in the axial direction and supplies it to the demand side. In the aforementioned cooling zone, the portion of the aforementioned adsorption rotor located in the aforementioned cooling zone is cooled by means of cooling gas supplied in the axial direction; as well as In the aforementioned regeneration zone, the portion of the aforementioned adsorption rotor located in the aforementioned regeneration zone is regenerated by means of regeneration gas supplied in the axial direction; A portion of the compressed air after the moisture is adsorbed by the adsorption rotor in the aforementioned processing zone is supplied to the aforementioned cooling zone as the aforementioned cooling gas. When the aforementioned compressor is operating without load, The supply of dried compressed air to the demand side is cut off by the outlet valve, and the cooling gas ejected from the cooling zone and the regeneration gas ejected from the regeneration zone are respectively opened to the atmosphere; and, Simultaneous with or following the aforementioned truncation, The process involves supplying the dried compressed air from the demand side of the aforementioned outlet valve to the upstream side of the aforementioned processing zone, and supplying the dried compressed air from the demand side of the aforementioned outlet valve to the upstream side of the aforementioned regeneration zone, at least one of the following:

Images