Apparatus for powerful / rapid cooling and removal of suspended substances in gaseous fluid and method thereof

Abstract

A device for powerful / rapid cooling and removal of suspended substances in a gaseous fluid, the device comprising: i) a conveying device (2) for conveying the gaseous fluid; ii) a system (3) for alternately condensing / freezing or defrosting a substance present in a gaseous fluid, the system (3) comprising:-a first set of cooling or defrosting stages (31); -a second set of cooling or defrosting stages (32); -means (347) for collecting the substance; -the conveying device (2) comprises a first line (311) and a second line (321) operably arranged in parallel; iii) a heat exchanger (4) for pre-cooling the gaseous fluid upstream of the first group (31) or the second group (32); iv) the transport means (2) comprise means (5) for transporting the gaseous fluid present downstream of the first group (31) or the second group (32) to the heat exchanger (4) to remove heat from the gaseous fluid present upstream of the first group (31) or the second group (32) and passing through the heat exchanger (4); v) guiding means (6) for alternately guiding the fluid towards the first line (311) or towards the second line (321); and vi) a first fan (71) and a second fan (72) disposed along the conveying device (2); the volumetric flow rate of the gaseous fluid produced by the first fan (71) is greater than the air flow rate produced by the second fan (72).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for the intensive / rapid cooling and removal of substances suspended in a gaseous fluid, typically air.

[0002] For example, the substance is a pollutant (eg a solvent such as a volatile organic compound, aliphatic compound, hydrocarbon, oil, acid etc.) or even just moisture.

[0003] Specifically, the device can be used for low-temperature processing of strong cooling (for example, strong cooling of electronic components or semiconductors) or rapid cooling (for example, rapid cooling of fluids downstream of an exothermic process), and can also be used for condensing solvents or pollutants by separating them from gaseous fluids. Background Art

[0004] Various types of industrial applications (merely by way of example: plastics processing, printing, pickling, painting, the pharmaceutical industry, etc.) are known to utilize chemical substances. These chemicals, including solvents, are exhausted with the airflow from the work area. This airflow must be treated before release into the environment. In this regard, systems are known that require cooling the airflow in order to promote the condensation of these substances. These substances can be in various forms, such as vapor, gas, droplets, etc.

[0005] A disadvantage of this solution is that the operation is discontinuous. In fact, during operation, the contaminants are cooled and may freeze the path, gradually hindering correct operation. Therefore, for this reason, regular defrosting cycles are provided for a part of the refrigeration system or device.

[0006] Another disadvantage is that the known solutions (incinerators, activated carbon...) are often too expensive and sometimes even ineffective.

[0007] The disadvantages of this solution are related to the fact that, when using an evaporator-compressor-condenser-laminar cooling device, it is difficult to obtain temperatures below -100° C.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks by making available an apparatus and a method capable of separating at least one solvent or contaminant from a gaseous fluid at low cost and with a constant yield.

[0009] Another purpose is to easily recover the pollutants so that they can be easily stored and disposed of.

[0010] Another object is to provide a device for removing suspended matter in a gaseous fluid that allows maintenance operations to be made easier without compromising the continuity of operation.

[0011] Another purpose is to allow powerful and rapid cooling. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention relates to a device for intensive / rapid cooling and removal of suspended matter in a gaseous fluid, comprising:

[0013] i) a conveying device for conveying gaseous fluids;

[0014] ii) A system for alternately condensing / freezing or defrosting a substance present in a gaseous fluid, the system comprising:

[0015] - a first group of cooling or defrosting stages arranged in series along the section of the conveying device;

[0016] - a second group of cooling or defrosting stages arranged in series along the conveying device;

[0017] - a device for collecting matter;

[0018] - the delivery device comprises a first pipeline and a second pipeline operatively arranged in parallel; a first group of cooling or defrosting stages are positioned along the first pipeline; a second group of cooling or defrosting stages are positioned along the second pipeline;

[0019] iii) a heat exchanger for pre-cooling the gaseous fluid upstream of the first or second group;

[0020] the conveying means includes means for conveying the gaseous fluid present downstream of the first or second group to the heat exchanger to remove heat from the gaseous fluid present upstream of the first or second group and passing through the heat exchanger;

[0021] iv) a guiding device for guiding the fluid alternately toward the first pipeline or toward the second pipeline; and

[0022] vi) a first fan and a second fan positioned along the conveyor;

[0023] a first fan located upstream of the first and second groups of cooling or defrost stages, and a second fan located downstream of the first and second groups, and

[0024] The volume flow rate of the gaseous fluid generated by the first fan is greater than the air flow rate generated by the second fan.

[0025] Preferably, the first line and the second line merge into a connection area downstream of the first and second groups of cooling or defrosting stages; the first fan is upstream of the guide device and the second fan is downstream of the connection area.

[0026] Advantageously, the heat exchanger places the following areas in thermal communication:

[0027] - a first zone of the conveying device upstream of the first group of cooling or defrosting stages and the second group of cooling or defrosting stages, and

[0028] - a second zone in the conveying device downstream of the first group of cooling or defrosting stages and the second group of cooling or defrosting stages.

[0029] In a specific embodiment, the first group of cooling or defrost stages includes a first unit, a second unit, and a third unit, and the second group of cooling or defrost stages includes a first unit, a second unit, and a third unit, and each pair of units (i.e., the first unit pair, the second unit pair, and the third unit pair) includes a cooling circuit, which includes:

[0030] - an evaporator for the working fluid, located in each cell;

[0031] - a throttle valve for the working fluid, located in each unit;

[0032] - a condenser for the working fluid, located outside the cells and connected to each cell pair;

[0033] - A compressor for the working fluid, located outside the unit and connected to each pair of units.

[0034] Preferably, the third pair of units also comprises subcooling means, which advantageously comprise a further compressor and a heat exchanger.

[0035] Preferably, the device comprises cooling means for cooling the working fluid, said cooling means being interposed between the condenser and the throttle valve.

[0036] Advantageously, the cooling circuit comprises two receivers for the liquid-phase working fluid, which are connected in series with each other and are located downstream of the condenser and upstream of the throttle valve in the circulation direction of the working fluid in the cooling circuit.

[0037] In one embodiment, the cooling circuit comprises a cooling device for cooling the working fluid, said cooling device being interposed between the condenser and the throttle valve.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, the first pipeline and the second pipeline include:

[0039] - a chamber arranged along the gaseous fluid transport means, advantageously located after the first and second groups;

[0040] - a refrigerant channel in thermal communication with the chamber for cooling the gaseous fluid;

[0041] - a solid body located inside the chamber;

[0042] - an inlet port for the gaseous fluid to enter the chamber;

[0043] - an outlet port for the gaseous fluid to be discharged from the chamber.

[0044] Preferably, gaseous nitrogen is present in at least one section of the refrigerant channel in thermal contact with the chamber.

[0045] Preferably, the refrigerant passage comprises a coil passing through the interior of the chamber.

[0046] In a specific embodiment, the solid body occupies the space surrounding the coil.

[0047] Preferably, the solid body comprises a Raschig ring.

[0048] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a Stirling refrigerator located downstream of the connection area of ​​the first line and the second line.

[0049] Preferably, the Stirling refrigerator comprises:

[0050] - circulating fluid;

[0051] a radiator which dissipates the heat of the circulating fluid toward the outside of the Stirling refrigerator;

[0052] - a cold zone in thermal communication with the gaseous fluid;

[0053] - a pipeline connecting the radiator and the cold zone, through which the circulating fluid flows;

[0054] - Devices for compressing / expanding circulating fluids.

[0055] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for intensive / rapid cooling and removal of suspended matter in a gaseous fluid, the method comprising the following steps:

[0056] - conveying a fluid within a device comprising a first group of cooling or defrosting stages and a second group of cooling or defrosting stages, the first group of cooling or defrosting stages being located along a first line; the second group of cooling or defrosting stages being located along a second line, the first and second lines being operatively arranged in parallel;

[0057] - directing the fluid alternately towards the first line or towards the second line,

[0058] wherein a volume flow of gaseous fluid generated by a first fan located upstream of the first and second groups of cooling or defrost stages is greater than an air flow generated by a second fan located downstream of the first and second groups of cooling or defrost stages.

[0059] Advantageously, the first group comprises cooling stages and the second group comprises defrost stages.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the first group of cooling stages or the second group of cooling stages comprises at least a first stage, a second stage and a third stage, wherein:

[0061] - The first stage allows a temperature difference of about 10-30°C and allows the elimination of moisture;

[0062] - The second stage allows a temperature jump of about 40-50°C compared to the temperature of the first stage;

[0063] - The third stage allows a temperature jump of about 40°C compared to the temperature of the second stage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the approximate and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the device as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0065] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to the present invention;

[0066] - Figure 2 and Figure 3 Shown respectively Figure 1 Side view and plan view of the device in;

[0067] - Figure 4 and Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a cooling circuit according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] - Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a cooling circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] - Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a Stirling refrigerator according to the present invention;

[0070] - Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a chamber according to the present invention is shown.

[0071] In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes an apparatus for intensive / rapid cooling and removal of suspended matter in a gaseous fluid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] The device 1 allows the treatment of a gaseous fluid (preferably air to be cooled / condensed or otherwise treated) to separate and recover pollutants such as solvents (volatile organic compounds, aliphatics, hydrocarbons, oils, acids).

[0073] Apparatus 1 includes a conveying device 2 for conveying a gaseous fluid. Conveying device 2 typically comprises a set of pipes for conveying the gaseous fluid. Apparatus 1 includes a system 3 for condensing / freezing substances present in the gaseous fluid. System 3 is positioned along conveying device 2. Suitably, system 3 comprises a first set of cooling or defrosting stages 31 and a second set of cooling or defrosting stages 32, arranged consecutively along a section of conveying device 2.

[0074] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated solution, when operating in cooling mode, the first group of cooling stages 31 or the second group of cooling stages 32 comprises at least a first stage, a second stage and a third stage. The stages of the first group 31 extend sequentially in series.

[0075] Suitably:

[0076] - the first stage can allow a temperature difference of about 10-30°C and eliminate moisture (for example, the gaseous fluid can reach a temperature comprised between -5°C and -10°C);

[0077] - the second stage may allow a temperature jump of about 40-50°C compared to the temperature of the first stage (e.g. the gaseous fluid may reach a temperature of about -50°C);

[0078] - The third stage can allow a temperature jump of about 40°C compared to the temperature of the second stage (eg, the gaseous fluid can reach a temperature of about -100°C).

[0079] Additionally or alternatively, the cooling or defrosting stage may include various refrigerators described in detail below, but only a few examples are mentioned here: Stirling cycle, chamber with coils, Raschig rings, etc. Such refrigerators are typically used to bring gaseous fluids to very low temperatures. In certain configurations, the device 1 can also reach temperatures below -270°C.

[0080] System 3 also includes means 347 for collecting the material. In practice, the condensed material is subsequently collected for drainage. In at least one (but typically each) refrigeration stage, a separator is provided to separate the liquid droplets from the gaseous fluid; the separator may be of a turbulent flow type or other type. To facilitate the collection of the condensed material, a vacuum pump may be used to draw the condensed material into a collection tank. When ice is produced, a defrost cycle may be required to periodically drain the condensed product.

[0081] The apparatus 1 includes a heat exchanger 4 for precooling a gaseous fluid. The heat exchanger 4 is intended to precool the gaseous fluid upstream of a first group of cooling or defrosting stages 31 and a second group of cooling or defrosting stages 32. The heat exchanger 4 is an air-to-air (or more precisely, an air-to-air) exchanger. For example, the heat exchanger 4 may be a tube bundle heat exchanger 4 (in particular, the heat exchanger 4 may be a fin-tube heat exchanger).

[0082] In this respect, the conveying device 2 also includes means 5 for conveying the gaseous fluid present downstream of the first group of cooling or defrosting stages 31 or the second group of cooling or defrosting stages 32 to the heat exchanger 4. In this way, heat is removed from the gaseous fluid present upstream of the first group of cooling or defrosting stages 31 or the second group of cooling or defrosting stages 32 and passing through the exchanger 4. In the exchanger 4, the gaseous fluid present downstream of the first group 31 or the second group 32 is slightly heated before being released into the atmosphere (through the chimney). This allows energy recovery.

[0083] In the heat exchanger 4, the gaseous fluid present upstream of the first or second group 31, 32 and the gaseous fluid present downstream of the first or second group 31, 32 desirably do not mix (although thermal contact occurs).

[0084] However, suitably, the heat exchanger 4 places the following areas in thermal communication:

[0085] a first zone 21 of the conveying device 2 , which is situated upstream of the first group of cooling or defrosting stages 31 and / or the second group of cooling or defrosting stages 32 ,

[0086] A second zone 22 of the conveying device 2 , which is situated downstream of the first group of cooling or defrosting stages 31 and / or the second group of cooling or defrosting stages 32 .

[0087] The delivery device 2 actually comprises a first pipeline 311 and a second pipeline 321 arranged operatively in parallel. A first group of cooling or defrosting stages 31 is located along the first pipeline 311. A second group of cooling or defrosting stages 32 is located along the second pipeline 321. Specifically, the first pipeline 311 and the second pipeline 321 have the same structure.

[0088] The device 1 comprises guiding means 6 for guiding the fluid alternately towards the first line 311 or towards the second line 321. The guiding means 6 comprises means for guiding the gaseous fluid towards the first line 311 or towards the second line 321, such as one or more valves, preferably two valves 340, 341.

[0089] The innovative presence of two lines 311 , 321 in parallel, wherein the defrosting operation takes place in one of the lines and the operation of cooling the gaseous fluid takes place in the other, allows ensuring the operational continuity of the entire device 1 .

[0090] like Figure 1As illustrated in FIG, the device 1 includes a first fan 71 and a second fan 72 arranged along the fluid conveying device 2. Preferably, the first fan 71 is located upstream of the first group of stages 31 and the second group of stages 32. The second fan 72 is located downstream of the first group of cooling or defrosting stages 31 and the second group of cooling or defrosting stages 32. In at least one operating mode, the volume flow rate of the gaseous fluid generated by the first fan 71 is greater than the air flow rate generated by the second fan 72. In this regard, the device 1 may include a control device (not shown) for controlling the first fan 71 and the second fan 72. Specifically, the control device can independently adjust the operation of the first fan 71 and the second fan 72. This difference in air flow rate can produce an overpressure in the gaseous fluid.

[0091] The control device is used to control and regulate fans 71, 72, which are connected to appropriate sensors to control the parameters of the fluid flow (for example, temperature, speed, pressure, humidity), thereby appropriately adjusting the fans used to move the fluid flow (rotation speed, pitch of the blades or other), taking into account the volume changes of the gaseous fluid in the device during the various operating steps (ignition, transient, normal operation).

[0092] For example, the control device may adjust the rotation speed or driving torque or blade pitch of the first fan 71 and / or the second fan 72. Typically, the first fan 71 and / or the second fan 72 are centrifugal fans.

[0093] like Figure 1 As shown in the example, the first line 311 and the second line 321 merge into a connection area 300 located downstream of the first and second groups of stages 31 and 32, passing through the chamber 8 and the pair of end valves 342 and 343. The first fan 71 is located upstream of the guide device 6. The second fan 72 is located downstream of the connection area 300.

[0094] Suitably, the first group of cooling or defrosting stages (31) comprises a first unit (301a), a second unit (302a) and a third unit (303a), and the second group of cooling or defrosting stages (32) comprises a first unit (301b), a second unit (302b) and a third unit (303b), each pair of units (first unit pair, second unit pair, third unit pair) comprising a cooling circuit (33) comprising:

[0095] - an evaporator (331, 338) of the working fluid, located in each unit (301a, 301b, 302a, 302b, 303a, 303b);

[0096] - a throttle valve (334, 339) for the working fluid, located in each unit (301a, 301b, 302a, 302b, 303a, 303b);

[0097] - a condenser (333) of the working fluid, located outside the cells and connected to each cell pair;

[0098] - A compressor (332) of the working fluid, located outside the cells and connected to each cell pair.

[0099] Advantageously, the third pair of units (303a, 303b) also comprises subcooling means, which advantageously comprise a further compressor (344) and a heat exchanger (345).

[0100] Preferably, a working fluid circulates in the cooling circuit 33. The working fluid may be Freon or other refrigerants.

[0101] Advantageously, one of the two groups of cooling or defrosting stages 31, 32 acts as a cooler for the gaseous fluid, while the other group of cooling or defrosting stages 31, 32 is frozen and defrosted after the cooling operation. These operations are carried out in parallel.

[0102] Figure 4 A specific embodiment of the cooling circuit 33 is illustrated showing a first pair of cells 301a, 301b and a second pair of cells 302a, 302b.

[0103] refer to Figure 4 When the gaseous fluid is cooled in the cooling or defrosting stage group 32, the working fluid circulating in the cooling circuit 33 of the first unit pair 301a, 301b and the second unit pair 302a, 302b enters the compressor 332 as a low-pressure liquid and is discharged as a hot gas (for example, at a pressure of 32 bar). This hot gas then flows into the condenser 333. The pressure of the working fluid gas is slightly reduced (for example, to 28 bar) and is slightly cooled.

[0104] Preferably, the cooling circuit 33 includes two receivers 336 for the liquid-phase working fluid, which are connected in series and located downstream of the condenser 333 and upstream of the throttle valve 339 along the circulation direction of the working fluid in the cooling circuit 33. The receivers 336 prevent liquid hammer from occurring in the compressor 332.

[0105] The condensation of the gas results in the formation of liquid droplets, which are stored in two receivers 336. After flowing into the condenser 333, the gas is directed toward the throttle valve 339, where it is throttled to a lower pressure (e.g., 0.6 bar). As a result, the fluid upstream of the throttle valve 339 is cooled, thereby enhancing the performance of subsequent throttling.

[0106] The working fluid flows into the evaporator 338 where it meets the gaseous fluid to be purified. The gaseous fluid cools while the working fluid heats up. The evaporator 338 removes heat from the gaseous fluid traveling along the conveyor 2, which causes the working fluid gas to transition to a liquid phase.

[0107] The working fluid flows into the compressor 332 and undergoes the same cycle.

[0108] In parallel, another set of cooling or defrosting stages 31 is frozen and defrosted. The working fluid is compressed in compressor 332 and then flows into branch 337 to reach throttle valve 334. At throttle valve 334, the working gas fluid is throttled, reducing its pressure. The working gas flows into evaporator 331 to defrost the evaporator. During this process, the frozen material is liquefied and collected in a material collection device 347. The working fluid gas is liquefied in evaporator 331 and then flows back into compressor 332.

[0109] Figure 5 A cooling unit 33 is shown included in a third unit pair 303a, 303b, wherein one group 31 of cooling or defrosting stages is frozen and undergoes defrosting. The working fluid circulates in a similar manner to that described above by being compressed into a compressor 332 and then flowing into a branch 337 to reach a throttle valve 334. At the throttle valve 334, the working fluid is throttled and its pressure is reduced. The working fluid flows into the evaporator 331 to defrost it, thereby defrosting the material. The working fluid then flows back into the compressor 332. The working fluid flows into a heat exchanger 345 (preferably a plate heat exchanger) where it comes into contact with a second working fluid that is circulated into the subcooling system.

[0110] The second working fluid circulates in the subcooling system, which includes the compressor 344 and the condenser 333. Preferably, the type of the second working fluid is different from the type of the working fluid compressed in the compressor 332.

[0111] The second working fluid flows through compressor 344 and then into condenser 333, where it is cooled. It then flows into receiver 336, located downstream of condenser 333. The fluid then enters heat exchanger 345, where it cools the working fluid from compressor 332. The second working fluid then flows back into compressor 344, further cooling the gas in evaporator 338.

[0112] The cooled working fluid flows into the receiver 336 and then flows into the evaporator 338 to cool the gaseous fluid to be processed.

[0113] exist Figure 6 In another embodiment of the present invention shown, the cooling circuit comprises a cooling device 335 for cooling the working fluid, said cooling device 335 being interposed between the condenser 333 and the throttle valves 334 , 339 .

[0114] The cooling device 335 allows the portion of the working fluid that is in the gas phase to be liquefied.The working fluid is then fed into the compressor 332 and undergoes the same cycle as described above.

[0115] In a specific embodiment, the first pipeline 311 and the second pipeline 321 include:

[0116] - a chamber 8 placed along the gaseous fluid transport device 2 , advantageously after the first group ( 31 ) and the second group ( 32 );

[0117] - a refrigerant channel 83 , which is in thermal communication with the chamber 8 , in order to cool the gaseous fluid;

[0118] Gaseous nitrogen is present in at least one section of the refrigerant channel 83 that is in thermal contact with the chamber 8;

[0119] Suitably, the refrigerant passage 83 comprises a coil 84 passing inside the chamber 8;

[0120] a solid body 85 located inside the chamber 8 , suitably occupying the space surrounding the coil 84 ;

[0121] - an inlet port 81 for admitting gaseous fluid into the chamber 8;

[0122] an outlet port 82 for venting the gaseous fluid from the chamber 8 .

[0123] Advantageously, the solid body 85 comprises a Raschig ring 850. Preferably, the solid body increases the contact surface between the liquid and gaseous phases of the fluid.

[0124] Figure 8 Only a portion of the solid body 85 is shown.

[0125] Chamber 8 is the last refrigeration stage of the first group 31 and the second group 32. Therefore, chamber 8 is the stage closest to the connection area 300 where the first line 311 and the second line 321 are connected.

[0126] In a specific embodiment, the apparatus 1 includes a Stirling refrigerator 9. The Stirling refrigerator 9 is located downstream of the connection area between the first pipeline 311 and the second pipeline 321. Specifically, the Stirling refrigerator 9 is located downstream of the connection area 300 between the first pipeline 311 and the second pipeline 321. Therefore, the Stirling refrigerator 9 is located downstream of the area where the first pipeline 311 and the second pipeline 321 are connected.

[0127] The Stirling refrigerator 9 includes a circulating fluid, such as helium or other fluids. The circulating fluid does not undergo changes of state (phase change) within the Stirling refrigerator 9.

[0128] like Figure 7 As illustrated in FIG, the Stirling refrigerator 9 further comprises a radiator 91 which dissipates heat of the circulating fluid toward the outside of the Stirling refrigerator 9. Suitably, the radiator 91 is a heat exchanger which dissipates heat toward external air or water, for example.

[0129] The Stirling refrigerator 9 also includes a cold zone 92 in thermal communication with the gaseous fluid.

[0130] The Stirling refrigerator 9 further includes a pipeline 95 connecting the radiator 91 and the cold zone 92. A circulating fluid moves in the pipeline 95.

[0131] The Stirling refrigerator 9 further comprises means 93 for compressing / expanding the circulating fluid.

[0132] The compression / expansion device 93 is a device that moves the circulating fluid alternately along the connecting line 95. The device 93 is able to compress the fluid near the radiator 91 and expand the fluid in the cold zone 92. Preferably, the compression / expansion device 93 comprises two due pistons.

[0133] A connecting line 95 extends between the compression / expansion device 93 and the cold zone 92. A radiator 91 is provided along the line 95.

[0134] Stirling refrigerator 9 includes a heat accumulator 94 between radiator 91 and cold zone 92. Heat accumulator 94 exchanges heat with the circulating fluid. Specifically, heat accumulator 94 absorbs heat and then returns it to the circulating fluid. Stirling refrigerator 9 also includes a displacer 96 between radiator 91 and cold zone 92. Specifically, displacer 96 and heat accumulator 94 are integrated into the same mobile body. Displacer 96 can be shaped like a piston.

[0135] Suitably, the heat sink 91 is interposed between the device 93 and the displacer 96. The displacer 96 is interposed between the heat sink 91 and the cold zone 92.

[0136] During operation, compression / expansion device 93 compresses the circulating fluid, causing it to heat up. However, the circulating fluid transfers heat to the outside via radiator 91 and is partially cooled. Therefore, the circulating fluid passes through displacer 96 / heat accumulator 94 and reaches cold zone 92.

[0137] The circulating fluid transfers some of its heat to the heat accumulator 94 as it passes through it. The compression / expansion device 93 cyclically expands the circulating fluid in the cold zone 92, further cooling it. The compression / expansion device 93 then withdraws the circulating fluid, which then picks up some of the heat it previously transferred as it passes through the heat accumulator 94.

[0138] Thus, the circulating fluid in the cold zone 92 removes heat from the gaseous fluid. A displacer 96 is positioned along the connecting line 95. The displacer 96 moves within a seat 97, with the cold zone 92 located at one end of the seat 97. The Stirling refrigerator 9 also includes an elastic device 98 that pulls the displacer 96 toward a predetermined position.

[0139] The present invention achieves important advantages.

[0140] First, it facilitates maintenance and proper operation of the system. Indeed, periodically, first line 311 needs to be defrosted; in this case, second line 321 can be operated, and vice versa. Similarly, positioning the precooling system upstream of the separation point between the first and second lines allows for component optimization and avoids unnecessary redundancy. Consequently, the distribution of the various cooling components was studied to achieve specific synergistic effects.

[0141] Thanks to chamber 8 and two parallel lines 311 and 321 that can be activated alternately, the device can operate continuously without interruption, at temperatures reaching -176°C, and at a lower cost than prior art solutions. All details of the invention can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. All materials used and all dimensions can be selected as desired in practice.

Claims

1. A device for intensive / rapid cooling and removal of suspended matter from a gaseous fluid, the device comprising: i) a conveying device (2) for conveying the gaseous fluid; ii) a system (3) for alternately condensing / freezing or defrosting said substances present in said gaseous fluid, said system (3) comprising: - a first group of cooling or defrosting stages (31) arranged in series along the section of the conveying device (2); - a second group of cooling or defrosting stages (32) arranged in series along the conveying device (2); - means for collecting said substance (347); - the delivery device (2) comprises a first pipeline (311) and a second pipeline (321) operatively arranged in parallel; the first group of cooling or defrosting stages (31) is positioned along the first pipeline (311); the second group of cooling or defrosting stages (32) is positioned along the second pipeline (321); iii) a heat exchanger (4) for pre-cooling the gaseous fluid upstream of the first group (31) or the second group (32); iv) the conveying means (2) comprises means (5) for conveying the gaseous fluid present downstream of the first group (31) or the second group (32) to the heat exchanger (4) in order to remove heat from the gaseous fluid present upstream of the first group (31) or the second group (32) and passing through the heat exchanger (4); v) a guiding device (6) for guiding the fluid alternately toward the first pipeline (311) or toward the second pipeline (321); and vi) a first fan (71) and a second fan (72) positioned along the conveying device (2); The first fan (71) is located upstream of the first group (31) and the second group (32), the second fan (72) is located downstream of the first group (31) and the second group (32), and The volume flow rate of the gaseous fluid generated by the first fan (71) is greater than the air flow rate generated by the second fan (72).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first pipeline (311) and the second pipeline (321) merge into a connection area (300) located downstream of the first group of cooling or defrosting stages (31) and the second group of cooling or defrosting stages (32); the first fan (71) is located upstream of the guide device (6), and the second fan (72) is located downstream of the connection area (300).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The heat exchanger (4) places the following areas in thermal communication: - a first zone (21) of the conveying device (2) upstream of the first group of cooling or defrosting stages (31) and the second group of cooling or defrosting stages (32), and - a second zone (22) in the conveying device (2) downstream of the first group of cooling or defrosting stages (31) and the second group of cooling or defrosting stages (32).

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first group of cooling or defrosting stages (31) comprises a first unit (301a), a second unit (302a) and a third unit (303a), the second group of cooling or defrosting stages (32) comprises a first unit (301b), a second unit (302b) and a third unit (303b), each pair of units (first unit pair, second unit pair, third unit pair) comprises a cooling circuit (33), the cooling circuit (33) comprising: - an evaporator (331, 338) of the working fluid, said evaporator (331, 338) being located in each unit (301a, 301b, 302a, 302b, 303a, 303b); - a throttle valve (334, 339) for the working fluid, said throttle valve (334, 339) being located in each unit (301a, 301b, 302a, 302b, 303a, 303b); - a condenser (333) for the working fluid, said condenser (333) being located outside the cells and connected to each cell pair; - a compressor (332) of the working fluid, said compressor (332) being external to the unit and connected to each pair of units.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The third pair of units (303a, 303b) also comprises subcooling means, which advantageously comprise a further compressor (344) and a heat exchanger (345).

6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The cooling circuit (33) includes two receivers (336) for liquid-phase working fluid, which are connected in series and are located downstream of the condenser (333) and upstream of the throttle valves (334, 339) along the circulation direction of the working fluid in the cooling circuit (33).

7. The device according to claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The cooling circuit (33) includes a cooling device (335) for cooling the working fluid, and the cooling device (335) is interposed between the condenser (333) and the throttle valve (334, 339).

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first pipeline (311) and the second pipeline (321) include: a chamber (8) located after the first group (31) and the second group (32) along the gaseous fluid transport device (2); - a refrigerant channel (83) in thermal communication with the chamber (8) for cooling the gaseous fluid; - a solid body (85) located inside said chamber (8); - an inlet port (81) for the gaseous fluid to enter the chamber (8); - an outlet port (82) for the discharge of the gaseous fluid from the chamber (8).

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The solid body (85) comprises a Raschig ring.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device comprises a Stirling refrigerator (9) located downstream of a connection area (300) of the first pipeline (311) and the second pipeline (321).

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The Stirling refrigerator (9) comprises: - circulating fluid; - a radiator (91) which dissipates the heat of the circulating fluid toward the outside of the Stirling refrigerator (9); - a cold zone (92) in thermal communication with the gaseous fluid; - a pipeline (95) connecting the radiator (91) and the cold zone (92), wherein the circulating fluid moves in the pipeline (95); - means (93) for compressing / expanding said circulating fluid.

12. A method for intensive / rapid cooling and removal of suspended matter from a gaseous fluid, comprising the steps of: - conveying a fluid in an apparatus comprising a first group of cooling or defrosting stages (31) and a second group of cooling or defrosting stages (32), the first group of cooling or defrosting stages (31) being positioned along a first line (311); the second group of cooling or defrosting stages (32) being positioned along a second line (321), the first line (311) and the second line (321) being operatively arranged in parallel; - directing the fluid alternately towards the first line (311) or towards the second line (321), wherein the volume flow of the gaseous fluid generated by a first fan (71) located upstream of the first group of cooling or defrosting stages (31) and the second group of cooling or defrosting stages (32) is greater than the air flow generated by a second fan (72) located downstream of the first group of cooling or defrosting stages (31) and the second group of cooling or defrosting stages (32).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first group (31) comprises cooling stages, while the second group (32) comprises defrost stages.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first group of cooling stages (31) or the second group of cooling stages (32) comprises at least a first stage, a second stage and a third stage, characterized in that: - The first stage allows a temperature difference of about 10-30°C and allows the elimination of moisture; - the second stage allows a temperature jump of about 40-50°C compared to the temperature of the first stage; - The third stage allows a temperature jump of about 40°C compared to the temperature of the second stage.

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