Nitrogen making machine
By setting a semi-purified nitrogen outlet on the adsorption tank and controlling its opening and closing, the adsorption tank can work simultaneously, solving the problem of low nitrogen production in existing nitrogen generators, increasing nitrogen output, and meeting the gas supply needs of multiple devices.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511309834.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
AI Technical Summary
The existing nitrogen generators have low gas production capacity and cannot meet the gas demand of multiple devices operating simultaneously.
A semi-purified nitrogen outlet is set on the adsorption tank, and its opening and closing are controlled by a solenoid valve, so that the adsorption tank can carry out pressure adsorption and depressurization desorption simultaneously, thereby reducing the pressure on the molecular sieve and improving the working efficiency of the adsorption tank.
With the same equipment volume, the nitrogen production was increased, meeting the gas supply needs of multiple devices.
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Figure CN120939704A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of nitrogen generator technology, and more particularly to a nitrogen generator. Background Technology
[0002] A nitrogen generator is a device that uses physical methods to separate nitrogen from the air. Due to its advantages such as simple operation and relatively low cost, it has been widely used in many fields such as chemical, electronic, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
[0003] Currently, pressure swing adsorption (PSA) is one of the most commonly used technologies for nitrogen generators. Its core principle is to utilize the differences in adsorption characteristics of different gas molecules on the surface of an adsorbent (such as carbon molecular sieves). By periodically changing the pressure of the adsorption bed, the adsorption and desorption processes of impurity gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide by the adsorbent alternate, thereby achieving the separation of nitrogen from other gases. Specifically, under pressure, the adsorbent's adsorption capacity for impurity gases such as oxygen is enhanced, and nitrogen is enriched; under depressurization, the adsorbed impurity gases are desorbed and discharged, and the adsorbent regains its adsorption capacity for the next cycle.
[0004] However, existing pressure swing adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generators generally require two adsorption tanks to achieve continuous nitrogen filtration. When one adsorption tank is pressurized for adsorption, the other adsorption tank is depressurized for desorption. However, such equipment is often large in size. From the perspective of matching equipment size with gas production capacity, the gas production is low for the same equipment size, which often cannot meet the gas demand of multiple devices at the same time. Therefore, we propose a nitrogen generator to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing nitrogen generators, which generally suffer from low gas production, and to propose a nitrogen generator.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] A nitrogen generator includes an adsorption mechanism, the adsorption mechanism including at least one adsorption tank and a gas storage tank, the adsorption tank including a tank body and a molecular sieve disposed inside the tank body, the bottom end of the tank body is provided with an air inlet, the top end of the tank body is provided with a high-purity nitrogen outlet, and the middle part of the tank body is provided with a semi-purified nitrogen outlet.
[0008] A solenoid valve is installed on the semi-purified nitrogen outlet, which is used to control the opening and closing of the semi-purified nitrogen outlet.
[0009] Let the volume of the molecular sieve be V, the venting interval be T, and the single venting time be t. Then the venting interval T = mV + n, and the single venting time t = 1.5 + 0.1 × (V - 25), where m and n are constants, with m ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 and n ranging from 5 to 15.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the volume V of the molecular sieve is 25L, m=2 and n=10.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the molecular sieve is located in the middle of the tank, and activated alumina is provided at both the upper and lower ends of the molecular sieve. A diffuser is provided at both ends of the tank. The activated alumina is used to dry the air and remove moisture from the air to prevent moisture from affecting the adsorption performance of the molecular sieve.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diffuser includes a palm pad and a multi-layer filter screen, both of which are located at the outer end of the activated alumina. The palm pad and the multi-layer filter screen prevent molecular sieves or other contaminants from clogging the pipeline.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a four-way connector is installed at the top of the diffuser via a connecting flange, and a one-way valve is installed at one end of the four-way connector. The high-purity nitrogen outlet is located at the outlet end of the one-way valve. The one-way valve prevents the filtered nitrogen from flowing back into the tank.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the four-way connector is further connected to a nitrogen pressure gauge and a nitrogen pressure balancing valve. The nitrogen pressure gauge can monitor the nitrogen pressure value in the tank in real time and accurately, so that the operator can intuitively understand the pressure status in the system. The nitrogen pressure balancing valve can flexibly adjust the nitrogen pressure in the tank according to actual needs. When the pressure in the system fluctuates or needs to be adjusted to a specific pressure level, the pressure can be quickly stabilized within the target range by operating the balancing valve.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gas storage tank includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank, which are connected in series. The high-purity nitrogen outlet is connected to the first storage tank, and the nitrogen enters the second storage tank through the first storage tank. This design can reduce the pressure fluctuation in the second storage tank during laser welding and improve the stability of the internal pressure of the second storage tank, so as to facilitate the welding operation.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the volume ratio of the first storage tank to the second storage tank is 0.25:1. From the perspective of equipment layout and space utilization, such a ratio makes the installation of the two storage tanks more reasonable and their coordination with other equipment, thus optimizing the overall structural compactness and ease of operation of the device.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a nitrogen pressure gauge is installed on the second storage tank, and a safety valve is installed at the outlet of the second storage tank, so that the outlet of the second storage tank can be connected to an external laser welding device through the safety valve.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a frame, in which the adsorption mechanism is installed, and a display for displaying the values of the adsorption mechanism is provided on the frame. The bottom of the frame is provided with casters. By integrating the adsorption mechanism into the frame, it is convenient to move the entire nitrogen generator.
[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:
[0020] This invention adds a semi-purified nitrogen outlet to the adsorption tank. During operation, the semi-purified nitrogen outlet is opened intermittently via a solenoid valve, allowing the semi-purified nitrogen and oxygen in the adsorption tank to be discharged simultaneously. This depressurizes and desorbs the molecular sieve, reducing its pressure and enabling the adsorption tank to continuously filter nitrogen. Consequently, the nitrogen production is increased within the same equipment volume, allowing for the simultaneous supply of nitrogen to multiple devices. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a nitrogen generator proposed in this invention;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of the adsorption mechanism inside a nitrogen generator according to the present invention;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the adsorption tank in a nitrogen generator proposed in this invention;
[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an adsorption tank in a nitrogen generator proposed in this invention;
[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.
[0026] In the diagram: 1. Frame; 2. Adsorption mechanism; 21. Adsorption tank; 211. Tank body; 212. Air inlet; 213. Semi-purified nitrogen outlet; 214. Diffuser; 215. Four-way connector; 216. Check valve; 217. High-purity nitrogen outlet; 218. Molecular sieve; 219. Activated alumina; 220. Palm pad; 221. Filter screen; 222. Connecting flange; 22. First storage tank; 23. Second storage tank. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0028] Reference Figure 1-5 A nitrogen generator includes a frame 1, an adsorption mechanism 2 is installed inside the frame 1, and a display for displaying the values of the adsorption mechanism 2 is provided on the frame 1. The bottom of the frame 1 is provided with casters. By integrating the adsorption mechanism 2 into the frame 1, it is easy to move the nitrogen generator as a whole.
[0029] The adsorption mechanism 2 includes at least one adsorption tank 21 and a gas storage tank. The adsorption tank 21 includes a tank body 211 and a molecular sieve 218 disposed inside the tank body 211. The molecular sieve 218 is located in the middle of the tank body 211, and activated alumina 219 is disposed at both the upper and lower ends of the molecular sieve 218. The activated alumina 219 is used to dry the air, remove moisture from the air, and prevent moisture from affecting the adsorption performance of the molecular sieve 218. Diffusers 214 are disposed at both ends of the tank body 211 to uniformly diffuse the incoming air, so that the air can come into more full contact with the subsequent adsorption material.
[0030] The diffuser 214 includes a palm pad 220 and a multi-layer filter screen 221. Both the palm pad 220 and the multi-layer filter screen 221 are located at the outer end of the activated alumina 219. The palm pad 220 and the multi-layer filter screen 221 prevent the molecular sieve 218 or other dirt from clogging the pipeline. The top of the diffuser 214 is equipped with a four-way connector 215 through a connecting flange 222. One-way valve 216 is installed at one end of the four-way connector 215. The high-purity nitrogen outlet 217 is located at the outlet end of the one-way valve 216. The one-way valve 216 is designed to prevent the filtered nitrogen from flowing back into the tank 211.
[0031] The four-way connector 215 is also connected to a nitrogen pressure gauge and a nitrogen pressure balancing valve. The nitrogen pressure gauge can monitor the nitrogen pressure value in the tank 211 in real time and accurately, so that the operator can intuitively understand the pressure status in the system. The nitrogen pressure balancing valve can flexibly adjust the nitrogen pressure in the tank 211 according to actual needs. When the pressure in the system fluctuates or needs to be adjusted to a specific pressure level, the pressure can be quickly stabilized within the target range by operating the balancing valve.
[0032] The bottom of the tank 211 is provided with an air inlet 212, and the top of the tank 211 is provided with a high-purity nitrogen outlet 217. The middle part of the tank 211 is provided with a semi-purified nitrogen outlet 213. A solenoid valve is provided on the semi-purified nitrogen outlet 213. The solenoid valve is used to control the opening and closing of the semi-purified nitrogen outlet 213.
[0033] Let the volume of molecular sieve 218 be V, the venting interval be T, and the single venting time be t. Then, the venting interval T = mV + n, and the single venting time t = 1.5 + 0.1 × V - 25, where m and n are constants. The value of m ranges from 1.5 to 2.5, and the value of n ranges from 5 to 15. Under different operating conditions and differences in the performance of molecular sieve 218, m and n will fluctuate within the corresponding range to adapt to different application scenarios. Multiple valves on the adsorption mechanism 2 are adjusted multiple times. When the volume V of molecular sieve 218 is 25L, m = 2 and n = 10. At this time, it is in a relatively standard operating condition, that is, the valve is opened to vent every 60 seconds, and the venting time is 1.5 seconds. At the same time, for every 5L increase in the volume of molecular sieve 218, the venting interval is increased by 10 seconds, that is, venting every 70 seconds.
[0034] The gas storage tank includes a first storage tank 22 and a second storage tank 23, which are connected in series. The high-purity nitrogen outlet 217 is connected to the first storage tank 22, and the nitrogen enters the second storage tank 23 through the first storage tank 22. This design can reduce the pressure fluctuation in the second storage tank 23 during laser welding and improve the stability of the internal pressure of the second storage tank 23, so as to facilitate the welding operation. The volume ratio of the first storage tank 22 to the second storage tank 23 is 0.25:1. From the perspective of equipment layout and space utilization, this ratio makes the installation of the two storage tanks more reasonable and their coordination with other equipment, thus optimizing the overall structural compactness and operational convenience of the device.
[0035] Furthermore, a nitrogen pressure gauge is installed on the second storage tank 23, and a safety valve is installed at the outlet of the second storage tank 23, through which the outlet of the second storage tank 23 is connected to an external laser welding device.
[0036] In this embodiment, compressed air enters the tank 211 through the air inlet 212, first passes through the diffuser 214, and the airflow is evenly dispersed. Then it passes through the activated alumina 219, where the moisture in the air is adsorbed and dried. The dried air then comes into full contact with the molecular sieve 218, where impurities such as oxygen in the air are adsorbed by the molecular sieve 218. Nitrogen flows into the first storage tank 22 through the high-purity nitrogen outlet 217, and then flows into the second storage tank 23 for storage. When the second storage tank 23 is full, it is stored again by the first storage tank 22.
[0037] During the adsorption process of molecular sieve 218, the semi-purified nitrogen outlet 213 is opened every 60 seconds by the solenoid valve, and the semi-purified nitrogen and oxygen in the adsorption tank 21 are discharged simultaneously. This depressurizes and desorbs the molecular sieve 218, reducing its pressure and allowing the adsorption tank 21 to continuously filter nitrogen. It eliminates the need for two adsorption tanks 21 to work alternately, thus allowing two adsorption tanks 21 to perform adsorption operations simultaneously within the same equipment volume, increasing nitrogen production and meeting the needs of supplying gas to multiple devices at the same time.
[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0039] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0040] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.
Claims
1. A nitrogen generator, comprising an adsorption mechanism (2), characterized in that, The adsorption mechanism (2) includes at least one adsorption tank (21) and a gas storage tank. The adsorption tank (21) includes a tank body (211) and a molecular sieve (218) disposed inside the tank body (211). The bottom end of the tank body (211) is provided with an air inlet (212), the top end of the tank body (211) is provided with a high-purity nitrogen outlet (217), and the middle part of the tank body (211) is provided with a semi-purified nitrogen outlet (213). A solenoid valve is provided on the semi-purified nitrogen outlet (213), which is used to control the opening and closing of the semi-purified nitrogen outlet (213). Let the volume of the molecular sieve (218) be V, the venting interval be T, and the single venting time be t. Then the venting interval T = mV + n, and the single venting time t = 1.5 + 0.1 × (V - 25), where m and n are constants, with m ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 and n ranging from 5 to 15.
2. A nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the volume V of the molecular sieve (218) is 25L, m=2 and n=10.
3. A nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The molecular sieve (218) is located in the middle of the tank (211), and active alumina (219) is provided at both the upper and lower ends of the molecular sieve (218), and diffusers (214) are provided at both ends of the tank (211).
4. A nitrogen generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diffuser (214) includes a palm pad (220) and a multi-layer filter (221), both of which are located at the outer end of the activated alumina (219).
5. A nitrogen generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top of the diffuser (214) is fitted with a four-way connector (215) via a connecting flange (222). One end of the four-way connector (215) is fitted with a one-way valve (216). The high-purity nitrogen outlet (217) is located at the outlet end of the one-way valve (216).
6. A nitrogen generator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The four-way connector (215) is also connected to a nitrogen pressure gauge and a nitrogen pressure balancing valve.
7. A nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas storage tank includes a first storage tank (22) and a second storage tank (23), which are connected in series, and the high-purity nitrogen outlet (217) is connected to the first storage tank (22).
8. A nitrogen generator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The volume ratio of the first storage tank (22) to the second storage tank (23) is 0.25:
1.
9. A nitrogen generator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second storage tank (23) is equipped with a nitrogen pressure gauge, and the outlet of the second storage tank (23) is equipped with a safety valve.
10. A nitrogen generator according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, It also includes a frame (1), the adsorption mechanism (2) is installed in the frame (1), and the frame (1) is provided with a display for displaying the value of the adsorption mechanism (2), and the bottom of the frame (1) is provided with casters.