Drying system and method of controlling the same

Abstract

A drying system and a control method thereof, the drying system comprising a first adsorption tower, a second adsorption tower, a switching valve and a pneumatic discharge valve, the switching valve being used for alternately adsorbing and regenerating the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower, the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower each being provided with an air inlet and a bottom pipeline, the bottom pipeline being in communication with the air inlet, the pneumatic discharge valve being arranged on the bottom pipeline, comprising: liquid detection sensors arranged on the bottom pipelines at the bottoms of the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower respectively, and the liquid detection sensors being located between the air inlets and the pneumatic discharge valves, and being adapted to detect whether there is liquid water in the bottom pipelines, after the liquid detection sensors detect the liquid water, the switching valve acts to stop the adsorption of the adsorption tower in which the liquid water is detected and to carry out the adsorption of the other adsorption tower. The risk of liquid water accumulation eroding the adsorption tower to shorten the service life of the adsorption tower is reduced, and the performance and service life of the drying system are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of gas drying, and more particularly to a drying system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Gases have wide applications in industrial production, such as serving as power sources to drive equipment, acting as process media in production processes, and supplying various devices with gas. During the generation, transportation, and storage of gases, they typically contain a certain amount of moisture. To ensure gases meet usage requirements, they usually need to be dried to remove this moisture, reducing their moisture content and achieving the required degree of dryness. A drying system is equipment used to dry gases, removing moisture to achieve the necessary dryness and thus ensuring the normal operation of equipment, pipelines, or processes using the gas.

[0003] Adsorption drying is a commonly used method for gas drying. In adsorption drying, a gas containing moisture comes into contact with an adsorbent. The adsorbent adsorbs the moisture from the gas, thus drying the gas and obtaining the dried gas. However, the amount of water that the adsorbent can adsorb is limited. To ensure continuous use for gas drying, the adsorbent needs to be regenerated. Regeneration removes the adsorbed moisture, restoring the adsorbent's adsorption capacity and allowing it to be used again for gas drying. To ensure continuous gas drying, adsorption drying typically alternates between adsorption and regeneration, meaning adsorption and regeneration occur simultaneously. This ensures the continuity of gas drying and allows the drying system to continuously and stably output dried gas.

[0004] Currently, the performance and service life of drying systems still need to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a drying system and its control method, which improves the performance and service life of the drying system.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a drying system comprising a first adsorption tower, a second adsorption tower, a switching valve, and a pneumatic discharge valve. The switching valve is used to allow the first and second adsorption towers to alternately perform adsorption and regeneration. Both the first and second adsorption towers have an air inlet and a bottom pipe at their bottoms. The bottom pipe is connected to the air inlet. The pneumatic discharge valve is mounted on the bottom pipe and includes a liquid detection sensor, which is respectively mounted on the bottom pipes of the first and second adsorption towers. The liquid detection sensor is located between the air inlet and the pneumatic discharge valve and is suitable for detecting the presence of liquid water in the bottom pipe. When the liquid detection sensor detects liquid water, the switching valve actuates, causing the adsorption tower that detected liquid water to stop adsorption while the other adsorption tower begins adsorption. The pneumatic discharge valve then opens to discharge the liquid water.

[0007] Optionally, the drying system further includes a control device, wherein the liquid detection sensor, the switching valve, and the pneumatic discharge valve are all electrically connected to the control device. After the liquid detection sensor detects liquid water, it outputs a signal to the control device, and the control device controls the switching valve to operate and opens the pneumatic discharge valve.

[0008] Optionally, the bottom pipeline includes a main pipeline and a branch pipeline connected to the main pipeline, the liquid detection sensor is disposed on the main pipeline, and the pneumatic discharge valve is disposed on the branch pipeline.

[0009] Optionally, the drying system further includes: a top pipe, both located at the top of the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower, and a switching valve located on the bottom pipe and the top pipe.

[0010] Optionally, after the liquid detection sensor detects liquid water, the switching valves on the bottom and top pipes of the adsorption tower that detected liquid water are closed, and the switching valves on the bottom and top pipes of the other adsorption tower are opened.

[0011] Optionally, after the pneumatic discharge valve opens to discharge the liquid water, the adsorption tower that detects the liquid water enters regeneration.

[0012] Optionally, the control device is a programmable logic controller.

[0013] Optionally, the first adsorption tower is filled with one or two of activated alumina and molecular sieves; the second adsorption tower is filled with one or two of activated alumina and molecular sieves.

[0014] Accordingly, the present invention also provides a control method for a drying system, comprising: detecting whether liquid water exists in the bottom pipe; after the liquid detection sensor detects liquid water, controlling the switching valve to operate, causing the adsorption tower that detected liquid water to stop adsorption in the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower, while the other adsorption tower performs adsorption, and controlling the pneumatic discharge valve to open to discharge the liquid water.

[0015] Optionally, after controlling the pneumatic discharge valve to open to discharge the liquid water, the control method further includes: controlling the adsorption tower that detected the liquid water to enter regeneration.

[0016] Optionally, the drying system further includes: a top pipe, both located at the top of the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower; and a switching valve located on the bottom pipe and the top pipe. The step of controlling the switching valve after the liquid detection sensor detects liquid water includes: closing the switching valves on the bottom and top pipes of the adsorption tower where liquid water was detected, and opening the switching valves on the bottom and top pipes of the other adsorption tower.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages: The drying system provided by this invention, by installing a liquid detection sensor on the bottom pipe, can directly detect the presence of liquid water in the bottom pipe. This allows for timely detection when liquid water is present. Upon detection, the switching valve activates, stopping the adsorption tower that detected liquid water in the first and second adsorption towers while the other tower begins adsorption. This prevents the adsorption tower that detected liquid water from continuing to adsorb and being corroded by the liquid water, thus extending its service life. Simultaneously, the pneumatic discharge valve opens to drain the liquid water, promptly removing any accumulated liquid water from the bottom pipe and preventing its continuous accumulation. In summary, the drying system provided by this invention, through the coordinated operation of the liquid detection sensor, switching valve, and pneumatic discharge valve, achieves timely detection, switching, and discharge of liquid water, preventing corrosion of the adsorption towers, extending their service life, and reducing the risk of liquid water accumulation and corrosion that shortens their lifespan. This improves the performance and lifespan of the drying system.

[0018] The control method for the drying system provided by this invention detects the presence of liquid water in the bottom pipe, enabling timely detection upon its appearance. When the liquid detection sensor detects liquid water, it controls the switching valve to operate, stopping adsorption in the first and second adsorption towers while allowing the other tower to begin adsorption. This prevents the adsorption tower with detected liquid water from continuing to adsorb and being corroded by the water, thus extending its service life. Simultaneously, it controls the pneumatic discharge valve to open and discharge the liquid water, promptly removing accumulated liquid water from the bottom pipe and preventing the risk of continuous accumulation. In summary, the drying system provided by this invention, through the coordinated operation of the liquid detection sensor, switching valve, and pneumatic discharge valve, achieves timely detection, switching, and discharge of liquid water, preventing corrosion of the adsorption towers, extending their service life, and reducing the risk of liquid water accumulation and corrosion, thereby improving the performance and lifespan of the drying system. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the drying system of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the steps corresponding to an embodiment of the control method of the drying system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Currently, the performance and service life of drying systems still need to be improved.

[0021] Specifically, an adsorption drying system typically includes two adsorption towers, each filled with adsorbent. The two towers alternately perform adsorption and regeneration by switching valves, ensuring continuous drying of the gas. Traditional adsorption drying systems employ two regeneration control methods: time-based and dew-point-based. Time-based mode switches between adsorption and regeneration at pre-set intervals; dew-point mode switches based on the gas's dew point (a parameter indicating the dryness of a gas; a lower dew point means a drier gas). When the dew point reaches a set value, the tower in the adsorption state is regenerated.

[0022] Research has revealed that in dew point mode, regeneration is triggered only when the gas dew point reaches a set value. The gas dew point reflects the dryness of the gas after adsorption in the adsorption tower, and there is a certain lag between the gas dew point and the actual moisture content within the tower. By the time the dew point reaches the set value, liquid water may have already formed inside the tower. This liquid water accumulates at the bottom of the tower and continuously corrodes the adsorbent, leading to adsorbent failure and shortening the tower's lifespan, thus reducing the drying performance of the drying system. In time mode, regeneration occurs according to a set time cycle, making it impossible to regenerate in a timely manner based on the actual moisture content within the tower. Similarly, it is difficult to avoid the accumulation of liquid water at the bottom of the tower and its corrosion of the adsorbent, thereby affecting the performance and lifespan of the drying system.

[0023] To address the technical problem, this invention provides a drying system comprising a first adsorption tower, a second adsorption tower, a switching valve, and a pneumatic discharge valve. The switching valve is used to allow the first and second adsorption towers to alternately adsorb and regenerate. Both the first and second adsorption towers have an air inlet and a bottom pipe at their bottoms. The bottom pipe is connected to the air inlet. The pneumatic discharge valve is mounted on the bottom pipe and includes a liquid detection sensor, which is respectively mounted on the bottom pipes of the first and second adsorption towers. The liquid detection sensor is located between the air inlet and the pneumatic discharge valve and is suitable for detecting the presence of liquid water in the bottom pipe. After the liquid detection sensor detects liquid water, the switching valve actuates, causing the adsorption tower that detected liquid water to stop adsorbing while the other adsorption tower begins adsorption. The pneumatic discharge valve then opens to discharge the liquid water.

[0024] The drying system provided by this invention, by installing a liquid detection sensor on the bottom pipe, can directly detect the presence of liquid water in the bottom pipe. This allows for timely detection when liquid water is present. Upon detection, the switching valve activates, stopping the adsorption tower that detected liquid water in the first and second adsorption towers while the other tower begins adsorption. This prevents the adsorption tower that detected liquid water from continuing to adsorb and being corroded by the liquid water, thus extending its service life. Simultaneously, the pneumatic discharge valve opens to drain the liquid water, promptly removing any accumulated liquid water from the bottom pipe and preventing its continuous accumulation. In summary, the drying system provided by this invention, through the coordinated operation of the liquid detection sensor, switching valve, and pneumatic discharge valve, achieves timely detection, switching, and discharge of liquid water, preventing corrosion of the adsorption towers, extending their service life, and reducing the risk of liquid water accumulation and corrosion that shortens their lifespan. This improves the performance and lifespan of the drying system.

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] in, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the drying system of the present invention.

[0027] The drying system includes a first adsorption tower 100, a second adsorption tower 101, a switching valve 160, and a pneumatic discharge valve 112. The switching valve 160 is used to allow the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 to alternately perform adsorption and regeneration. Both the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 have an air inlet 150 and a bottom pipe at their bottom. The bottom pipe is connected to the air inlet 150. The pneumatic discharge valve 112 is mounted on the bottom pipe and includes a liquid detection sensor 110, which is respectively mounted on the first adsorption tower 100. The liquid detection sensor 110 is located on the bottom pipe of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, and is located between the air inlet 150 and the pneumatic discharge valve 112. It is suitable for detecting whether there is liquid water in the bottom pipe. After the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, the switching valve 160 is activated, so that the adsorption tower that detected liquid water in the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 stops adsorption and the other adsorption tower starts adsorption. The pneumatic discharge valve 112 is opened to discharge the liquid water.

[0028] Specifically, by installing a liquid detection sensor 110 on the bottom pipe, the presence of liquid water in the bottom pipe can be directly detected, thus ensuring timely detection when liquid water appears. After the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, the switching valve 160 is activated, causing the adsorption tower that detected liquid water in the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 to stop adsorption, while the other adsorption tower begins adsorption. This prevents the adsorption tower that detected liquid water from continuing to adsorb in the presence of liquid water and being corroded by the liquid water, thereby extending the service life of the adsorption tower. At the same time, the pneumatic discharge valve 112 is opened to discharge the liquid water, promptly draining the liquid water accumulated in the bottom pipe and preventing the liquid water from continuously accumulating in the bottom pipe. In summary, the drying system provided by this invention, through the coordinated operation of the liquid detection sensor 110, the switching valve 160, and the pneumatic discharge valve 112, achieves timely detection, switching, and discharge of liquid water, avoiding the erosion of the adsorption tower by liquid water, extending the service life of the adsorption tower, and reducing the risk of liquid water accumulation eroding the adsorption tower and shortening its service life, thereby improving the performance and service life of the drying system.

[0029] It should be noted that the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 are used to dry the gas. The gas containing water molecules enters the first adsorption tower 100 or the second adsorption tower 101 through the air inlet 150. After adsorption is completed in the first adsorption tower 100 or the second adsorption tower 101, the dried gas is obtained.

[0030] Specifically, the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 alternately perform adsorption and regeneration. When one adsorption tower is adsorbing, the other adsorption tower is regenerating, so that the drying system can continuously dry the gas and avoid interruption of drying due to the regeneration process.

[0031] In this embodiment, the alternating adsorption and regeneration of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 means that the switching valve 160 keeps the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 in an adsorption state and a regeneration state at different times, and switches the adsorption state and regeneration state of the two adsorption towers to each other.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first adsorption tower 100 is filled with one or two of activated alumina and molecular sieve.

[0033] Specifically, activated alumina and molecular sieves are used to adsorb moisture (i.e., water that needs to be removed from the gas) carried in the gas entering the first adsorption tower 100, thereby drying the gas flowing through the first adsorption tower 100. Both activated alumina and molecular sieves have the ability to adsorb moisture. By filling the first adsorption tower 100 with one or both of the activated alumina and molecular sieves, the first adsorption tower 100 has the ability to adsorb and dry the gas. After the gas enters the first adsorption tower 100 through the inlet 150, the moisture in the gas is adsorbed by the adsorbent to obtain dried gas, which is discharged from the top of the first adsorption tower 100.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second adsorption tower 101 is filled with one or two of activated alumina and molecular sieve.

[0035] It should be noted that the second adsorption tower 101 is also filled with one or two of the activated alumina and the molecular sieve, so that the second adsorption tower 101, like the first adsorption tower 100, contains the adsorbent, thereby having the ability to adsorb and dry the gas.

[0036] Since both the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 are filled with the adsorbent, both adsorption towers can independently complete the adsorption and drying of the gas. Thus, when the switching valve 160 causes the two adsorption towers to alternately perform adsorption and regeneration, the adsorption towers in the adsorption state can fully dry the gas, ensuring the continuity and reliability of the drying system during the switching process.

[0037] It should be noted that the pneumatic discharge valve 112 is installed on the bottom pipe and is used to open when liquid water is detected to discharge the liquid water accumulated in the bottom pipe.

[0038] In this embodiment, the pneumatic discharge valve 112 is pneumatically driven and can be automatically opened and closed. After the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, the pneumatic discharge valve 112 opens to discharge the liquid water, thereby eliminating the liquid water accumulated in the bottom pipe in a timely manner and preventing the liquid water from continuously accumulating in the bottom pipe and causing corrosion to the adsorption tower.

[0039] Specifically, the air inlet 150 is located at the bottom of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, and is used to supply gas into the adsorption tower.

[0040] In this embodiment, the air inlet 150 is specifically located at the junction of the adsorption tower and the bottom pipe. The bottom pipe is connected to the adsorption tower through the air inlet 150. During the adsorption process, the gas containing water molecules enters the adsorption tower through the bottom pipe and the air inlet 150. When liquid water is generated in the adsorption tower, the liquid water flows downward to the bottom of the adsorption tower under the action of gravity, and flows into the bottom pipe connected to the air inlet 150 through the air inlet 150, so that the liquid water accumulated at the bottom of the adsorption tower can flow into the bottom pipe.

[0041] In this embodiment, the bottom pipe is located at the bottom of the adsorption tower and is connected to the air inlet 150.

[0042] It should be noted that the bottom pipe serves two purposes: firstly, it acts as a channel for gas to enter the adsorption tower, meaning that the gas to be dried enters the adsorption tower through the bottom pipe and the air inlet 150; secondly, when liquid water appears in the adsorption tower, the liquid water flows into the bottom pipe through the air inlet 150 and accumulates in the bottom pipe. The bottom pipe provides a place for the accumulated liquid water to be contained and flow. At the same time, the bottom pipe provides a location for the liquid detection sensor 110 and the pneumatic discharge valve 112, enabling the liquid detection sensor 110 to detect the presence of liquid water in the bottom pipe, and the pneumatic discharge valve 112 to discharge the liquid water in the bottom pipe, thereby realizing the detection and discharge of liquid water.

[0043] In this embodiment, the bottom pipeline includes a main pipeline 170 and a branch pipeline 171 connected to the main pipeline 170.

[0044] Specifically, the main pipeline 170 is the main pipeline in the bottom pipe that is directly connected to the air inlet 150, and the branch pipeline 171 is a branch pipeline in the bottom pipe that is connected to the main pipeline 170. By setting the bottom pipe to include the main pipeline 170 and the branch pipeline 171, the gas and liquid water mainly flow in the main pipeline 170, while the liquid water is discharged through the branch pipeline 171.

[0045] It should be noted that the liquid detection sensor 110 is used to detect whether there is liquid water in the bottom pipe. Liquid water accumulates in the bottom pipe. By setting the liquid detection sensor 110 on the bottom pipe, the presence of liquid water in the bottom pipe can be directly detected, so that liquid water can be detected in time when it appears. After the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, it provides a basis for the action of the switching valve 160 and the opening of the pneumatic discharge valve 112, thereby realizing timely detection and timely treatment of liquid water.

[0046] In this embodiment, the liquid detection sensor 110 is respectively disposed on the bottom pipes of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, that is, the liquid detection sensor 110 is disposed on the bottom pipes of the first adsorption tower 100 and the bottom pipes of the second adsorption tower 101.

[0047] Specifically, regardless of whether the first adsorption tower 100 or the second adsorption tower 101 is in an adsorption state, as long as liquid water appears in its bottom pipe, it can be detected by the liquid detection sensor 110 installed on the bottom pipe of the adsorption tower, thereby achieving comprehensive detection of liquid water in the bottom pipes of the two adsorption towers and avoiding the omission of detection of liquid water in the other adsorption tower due to only one liquid detection sensor 110 being installed.

[0048] In this embodiment, the liquid detection sensor 110 is located between the air inlet 150 and the pneumatic discharge valve 112, that is, on the bottom pipe. When liquid water in the adsorption tower flows into the bottom pipe through the air inlet 150, it first flows past the location of the liquid detection sensor 110, allowing the sensor to detect the liquid water promptly. Only then does the liquid water reach the pneumatic discharge valve 112. This ensures that the liquid water is detected by the liquid detection sensor 110 before reaching the valve, thus triggering the switching valve 160 and opening the pneumatic discharge valve 112 before a large amount of liquid water accumulates, allowing the liquid water to be discharged promptly and preventing continuous accumulation without detection.

[0049] In this embodiment, the liquid detection sensor 110 is disposed on the main path 170, and the pneumatic discharge valve 112 is disposed on the branch path 171.

[0050] It should be noted that the liquid detection sensor 110 is disposed on the main channel 170, that is, the liquid detection sensor 110 is located on the main channel 170 where liquid water accumulates, and can directly detect the liquid water flowing through the main channel 170; the pneumatic discharge valve 112 is disposed on the branch channel 171, that is, the pneumatic discharge valve 112 is located on the branch channel 171 connected to the main channel 170, and the liquid water in the main channel 170 can flow into the branch channel 171 and be discharged through the pneumatic discharge valve 112 disposed on the branch channel 171.

[0051] In this embodiment, the drying system further includes a top pipe, which is disposed at the top of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101.

[0052] Specifically, the top pipe is located at the top of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, and communicates with the top of the adsorption tower, serving as a channel for the dry gas to flow out of the adsorption tower from the top of the adsorption tower.

[0053] During the adsorption process, the gas containing water molecules that enters the adsorption tower through the inlet 150 is adsorbed and then dried, which is discharged from the top of the adsorption tower through the top pipe. The top pipe cooperates with the bottom pipe, allowing the gas to enter from the bottom of the adsorption tower, be adsorbed, and then be discharged from the top. Simultaneously, the top pipe also provides a location for the switching valve 160, enabling the switching valve 160 to control the passage at the top of the adsorption tower.

[0054] It should be noted that the switching valve 160 is used to enable the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 to alternately perform adsorption and regeneration. That is, the switching valve 160 controls the opening and closing of the respective passages of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, so that the two adsorption towers are in the adsorption state and the regeneration state at different times, thereby realizing the alternating adsorption and alternating regeneration of the two adsorption towers.

[0055] In this embodiment, the switching valve 160 is disposed on the bottom pipe and the top pipe.

[0056] Specifically, the switching valve 160 is installed on both the bottom and top pipes, meaning that the switching valve 160 is installed on both the bottom and top pipes of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101. The switching valve 160 on the bottom pipe controls the gas flow into the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, and the switching valve 160 on the top pipe controls the gas flow out of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101. This controls the connection and disconnection of the bottom and top passages of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, thereby switching between the adsorption and regeneration states of the first and second adsorption towers 100 and 101.

[0057] In this embodiment, the switching valve 160 can be any type of valve capable of controlling the opening and closing of the gas passage, such as a butterfly valve, ball valve, solenoid valve, or pneumatic valve.

[0058] When the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, it indicates that liquid water has accumulated in the bottom pipe of the adsorption tower. If the adsorption tower continues to adsorb at this time, the liquid water will continue to erode the adsorbent in the adsorption tower, causing the adsorbent to fail, shortening the service life of the adsorption tower, and affecting the adsorption and drying capacity of the adsorption tower for gas. Therefore, after the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, the switching valve 160 needs to be activated to stop the adsorption of the adsorption tower that detected liquid water, thereby preventing the adsorption tower from continuing to adsorb and being further eroded by the liquid water in the presence of liquid water. At the same time, since the drying system needs to continuously dry the gas, after the adsorption tower that detected liquid water stops adsorbing, another adsorption tower needs to adsorb to ensure that the drying process is not interrupted.

[0059] In this embodiment, after the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, the switching valve 160 on the bottom and top pipes of the adsorption tower that detected liquid water is closed, and the switching valve 160 on the bottom and top pipes of the other adsorption tower is opened.

[0060] It should be noted that after the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, in the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, the switching valve 160 on the bottom pipe and the top pipe of the adsorption tower that detected liquid water is closed, thereby cutting off the bottom passage and the top passage of the adsorption tower, and the adsorption tower stops adsorption; at the same time, the switching valve 160 on the bottom pipe and the top pipe of the other adsorption tower is opened, thereby connecting the bottom passage and the top passage of the other adsorption tower, and the other adsorption tower performs adsorption.

[0061] It should also be noted that by closing the switching valve 160 on the bottom and top pipes of the adsorption tower that detects liquid water, and opening the switching valve 160 on the bottom and top pipes of the other adsorption tower, a switching process is achieved whereby the adsorption tower that detects liquid water stops adsorption and the other adsorption tower begins adsorption. This ensures that the adsorption tower that detects liquid water stops adsorption in a timely manner to protect the adsorbent inside, while the other adsorption tower begins adsorption in a timely manner to maintain the continuous drying of the drying system.

[0062] In this embodiment, the drying system further includes a control device. The liquid detection sensor 110, the switching valve 160, and the pneumatic discharge valve 112 are all electrically connected to the control device. After the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, it outputs a signal to the control device. The control device controls the switching valve 160 to operate and opens the pneumatic discharge valve 112.

[0063] The control device is electrically connected to the liquid detection sensor 110, the switching valve 160, and the pneumatic discharge valve 112. After the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, it outputs a signal to the control device. After receiving the signal output by the liquid detection sensor 110, the control device controls the switching valve 160 to operate, causing the adsorption tower that detected liquid water to stop adsorption and another adsorption tower to start adsorption, and causes the pneumatic discharge valve 112 to open to discharge the liquid water.

[0064] In this embodiment, the control device is a programmable logic controller.

[0065] Specifically, the control device is a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC can receive the signal output by the liquid detection sensor 110 and control the switching valve 160 and the pneumatic discharge valve 112 according to preset logic, thereby reliably realizing the automatic control process of stopping the adsorption tower that detects liquid water and allowing another adsorption tower to adsorb after liquid water is detected, and opening the pneumatic discharge valve 112 to discharge liquid water.

[0066] In this embodiment, after the pneumatic discharge valve 112 opens to discharge the liquid water, the adsorption tower that detects the liquid water enters regeneration.

[0067] It should be noted that after the pneumatic discharge valve 112 opens to discharge the liquid water, the adsorption tower that detects the liquid water enters regeneration. That is, after the adsorption tower stops adsorption and discharges the liquid water accumulated in its bottom pipe, it no longer performs adsorption, but enters the regeneration process. Through regeneration, the adsorbent inside is restored to its adsorption capacity so that it can adsorb again in the future.

[0068] In this embodiment, the drying system further includes a heater 140, a blower 141, an intercooler 142, and a temperature sensor 146. The heater 140, the blower 141, the intercooler 142, and the temperature sensor 146 are adapted to regenerate the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101.

[0069] Specifically, the heater 140, the blower 141, the intercooler 142, and the temperature sensor 146 are adapted to regenerate the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101.

[0070] The heater 140 is used to heat the regeneration gas (i.e., the gas used for regeneration), the blower 141 is used to transport the regeneration gas, the intercooler 142 is used for cooling, and the temperature sensor 146 is used to detect the temperature to control the heating and cooling during the regeneration process. Through the cooperation of the heater 140, the blower 141, the intercooler 142, and the temperature sensor 146, the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 can be regenerated, so that the water adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption tower is removed, thereby restoring the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent.

[0071] It should be noted that after the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, it outputs a signal to the control device. The control device then controls the switching valve 160 to close the switching valves 160 on the bottom and top pipes of the adsorption tower that detected liquid water, and open the switching valves 160 on the bottom and top pipes of the other adsorption tower. This causes the adsorption tower that detected liquid water to stop adsorption, while the other adsorption tower begins adsorption. Subsequently, the control device controls the pneumatic discharge valve 112 to open, discharging the liquid water accumulated in the bottom pipe of the adsorption tower that detected liquid water. After the pneumatic discharge valve 112 opens and discharges the liquid water, the adsorption tower that detected liquid water enters regeneration. The control device controls the adsorption tower that detects liquid water to enter the regeneration process. The blower 141 delivers the regeneration gas, the heater 140 heats the regeneration gas, and the heated regeneration gas is introduced into the adsorption tower that detects liquid water to remove the water adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption tower. The intercooler 142 cools the tower, and the temperature sensor 146 detects the temperature and controls the heating of the heater 140 and the cooling of the intercooler 142 according to the detected temperature, thereby completing the regeneration of the adsorption tower and restoring the adsorbent's adsorption capacity. After regeneration is completed, the adsorption tower can resume adsorption under the switching action of the switching valve 160.

[0072] Accordingly, the present invention also provides a control method for the drying system provided by the present invention. Wherein, Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the steps corresponding to an embodiment of the control method of the drying system of the present invention.

[0073] Step S1: Detect whether there is liquid water in the bottom pipe; Step S2: After the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, it controls the switching valve 160 to stop adsorption in the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, while the other adsorption tower performs adsorption. It also controls the pneumatic discharge valve 112 to open and discharge the liquid water.

[0074] Specifically, by detecting the presence of liquid water in the bottom pipe, the system can detect liquid water as soon as it appears. When the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, it controls the switching valve 160 to operate. In the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, the adsorption tower that detected liquid water stops adsorption, while the other adsorption tower begins adsorption. This prevents the adsorption tower that detected liquid water from continuing to adsorb and being corroded by the liquid water, thus extending the service life of the adsorption tower. Simultaneously, the pneumatic discharge valve 112 is opened to discharge the liquid water, promptly removing the liquid water accumulated in the bottom pipe and avoiding the risk of continuous accumulation of liquid water in the bottom pipe. In summary, the drying system provided by this invention, through the coordinated operation of the liquid detection sensor 110, the switching valve 160, and the pneumatic discharge valve 112, achieves timely detection, switching, and discharge of liquid water, preventing liquid water from corroding the adsorption tower, extending the service life of the adsorption tower, and reducing the risk of liquid water accumulation corroding the adsorption tower and shortening its service life. This improves the performance and service life of the drying system.

[0075] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the following description is provided in conjunction with... Figure 1 The control method of the drying system of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0076] It should be noted that the description of the drying system will not be repeated here; please refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments.

[0077] Step S1: Detect whether there is liquid water in the bottom pipe.

[0078] Specifically, the liquid detection sensor 110 is installed on the bottom pipe and located between the air inlet 150 and the pneumatic discharge valve 112. When liquid water is generated in the adsorption tower, the liquid water flows into the bottom pipe through the air inlet 150 under the action of gravity and accumulates in the bottom pipe. The liquid detection sensor 110 can directly detect the liquid water flowing through its location, thereby detecting whether there is liquid water in the bottom pipe. By detecting whether there is liquid water in the bottom pipe, it can be detected in time when the liquid water just appears and has not accumulated in large quantities, thus providing a basis for controlling the action of the switching valve 160 and controlling the opening of the pneumatic discharge valve 112 in the subsequent step S2, realizing timely detection and timely treatment of liquid water.

[0079] In this embodiment, the drying system further includes: a top pipe, both disposed at the top of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, and a switching valve 160 disposed on the bottom pipe and the top pipe.

[0080] Specifically, the top pipe is located at the top of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, and communicates with the top of the adsorption tower, serving as a channel for the dry gas to flow out of the adsorption tower from the top of the adsorption tower.

[0081] During the adsorption process, the gas containing water molecules that enters the adsorption tower through the inlet 150 is adsorbed and then dried, which is discharged from the top of the adsorption tower through the top pipe. The top pipe cooperates with the bottom pipe, allowing the gas to enter from the bottom of the adsorption tower, be adsorbed, and then be discharged from the top. Simultaneously, the top pipe also provides a location for the switching valve 160, enabling the switching valve 160 to control the passage at the top of the adsorption tower.

[0082] Specifically, the switching valve 160 is installed on both the bottom and top pipes, meaning that the switching valve 160 is installed on both the bottom and top pipes of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101. The switching valve 160 on the bottom pipe controls the gas flow into the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, and the switching valve 160 on the top pipe controls the gas flow out of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101. This controls the connection and disconnection of the bottom and top passages of the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, thereby switching between the adsorption and regeneration states of the first and second adsorption towers 100 and 101.

[0083] Step S2: After the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, it controls the switching valve 160 to stop adsorption in the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 where liquid water is detected, and the other adsorption tower begins adsorption. It also controls the pneumatic discharge valve 112 to open and discharge the liquid water.

[0084] It should be noted that after the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, it outputs a signal to the control device. The control device controls the switching valve 160 to operate, causing the adsorption tower that detects liquid water to stop adsorption in the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101, while the other adsorption tower performs adsorption. The control device also controls the pneumatic discharge valve 112 to open and discharge the liquid water.

[0085] It should also be noted that when the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, it indicates that liquid water has accumulated in the bottom pipe of the adsorption tower where liquid water was detected. If the adsorption tower continues to adsorb, the liquid water will continue to erode the adsorbent in the adsorption tower, shortening the service life of the adsorption tower. Therefore, after detecting liquid water, the switching valve 160 is controlled to stop the adsorption of the adsorption tower where liquid water was detected, thereby preventing the adsorption tower from continuing to adsorb and being further eroded by the liquid water in the presence of liquid water. At the same time, another adsorption tower is started to adsorb, so as to ensure that the drying system continuously dries the gas. In addition, the pneumatic discharge valve 112 is controlled to open to discharge the liquid water accumulated in the bottom pipe.

[0086] In this embodiment, after the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, the step of controlling the switching valve 160 to operate includes: controlling the switching valve 160 on the bottom pipe and top pipe of the adsorption tower that detected liquid water to close, and controlling the switching valve 160 on the bottom pipe and top pipe of the other adsorption tower to open.

[0087] Specifically, by controlling the closing of the switching valve 160 on the bottom and top pipes of the adsorption tower that detects liquid water, both the bottom and top passages of the adsorption tower are cut off, and no gas flows through the adsorption tower, thus stopping adsorption. At the same time, by controlling the opening of the switching valve 160 on the bottom and top pipes of another adsorption tower, both the bottom and top passages of the other adsorption tower are connected, allowing gas to enter from the bottom of the other adsorption tower, be adsorbed, and then be discharged from its top, thus being adsorbed by the other adsorption tower.

[0088] Step S3: Control the adsorption tower that detects liquid water to switch to regeneration.

[0089] It should be noted that after the pneumatic discharge valve 112 is opened to discharge the liquid water, the adsorption tower that detects the liquid water is controlled to enter regeneration.

[0090] In this embodiment, the drying system further includes a heater 140, a blower 141, an intercooler 142, and a temperature sensor 146. The heater 140, the blower 141, the intercooler 142, and the temperature sensor 146 are adapted to regenerate the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101.

[0091] Specifically, the heater 140, the blower 141, the intercooler 142, and the temperature sensor 146 are adapted to regenerate the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101.

[0092] The heater 140 is used to heat the regeneration gas (i.e., the gas used for regeneration), the blower 141 is used to transport the regeneration gas, the intercooler 142 is used for cooling, and the temperature sensor 146 is used to detect the temperature to control the heating and cooling during the regeneration process. Through the cooperation of the heater 140, the blower 141, the intercooler 142, and the temperature sensor 146, the first adsorption tower 100 and the second adsorption tower 101 can be regenerated, so that the water adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption tower is removed, thereby restoring the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent.

[0093] It should be noted that after the liquid detection sensor 110 detects liquid water, it outputs a signal to the control device. The control device then controls the switching valve 160 to close the switching valves 160 on the bottom and top pipes of the adsorption tower that detected liquid water, and open the switching valves 160 on the bottom and top pipes of the other adsorption tower. This causes the adsorption tower that detected liquid water to stop adsorption, while the other adsorption tower begins adsorption. Subsequently, the control device controls the pneumatic discharge valve 112 to open, discharging the liquid water accumulated in the bottom pipe of the adsorption tower that detected liquid water. After the pneumatic discharge valve 112 opens and discharges the liquid water, the adsorption tower that detected liquid water enters regeneration. The control device controls the adsorption tower that detects liquid water to enter the regeneration process. The blower 141 delivers the regeneration gas, the heater 140 heats the regeneration gas, and the heated regeneration gas is introduced into the adsorption tower that detects liquid water to remove the water adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption tower. The intercooler 142 cools the tower, and the temperature sensor 146 detects the temperature and controls the heating of the heater 140 and the cooling of the intercooler 142 according to the detected temperature, thereby completing the regeneration of the adsorption tower and restoring the adsorbent's adsorption capacity. After regeneration is completed, the adsorption tower can resume adsorption under the switching action of the switching valve 160.

[0094] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A drying system, comprising a first adsorption tower, a second adsorption tower, a switching valve, and a pneumatic discharge valve, wherein the switching valve is used to alternately adsorb and regenerate the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower, each of the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower having an air inlet and a bottom pipe at its bottom, the bottom pipe communicating with the air inlet, and the pneumatic discharge valve being disposed on the bottom pipe, characterized in that, include: Liquid detection sensors are respectively installed on the bottom pipes at the bottom of the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower, and the liquid detection sensors are located between the air inlet and the pneumatic discharge valve. They are suitable for detecting whether there is liquid water in the bottom pipes. After the liquid detection sensor detects liquid water, the switching valve is activated, causing the adsorption tower that detected liquid water to stop adsorption and the other adsorption tower to start adsorption. The pneumatic discharge valve is opened to discharge the liquid water.

2. The drying system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drying system further includes a control device, wherein the liquid detection sensor, the switching valve, and the pneumatic discharge valve are all electrically connected to the control device. After the liquid detection sensor detects liquid water, it outputs a signal to the control device. The control device controls the switching valve to operate and opens the pneumatic discharge valve.

3. The drying system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom pipeline includes a main road and branch roads connected to the main road; The liquid detection sensor is located on the main line, and the pneumatic discharge valve is located on the branch line.

4. The drying system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drying system further includes: top pipes, all of which are located at the top of the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower; The switching valve is installed on the bottom pipe and the top pipe.

5. The drying system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, After the liquid detection sensor detects liquid water, it closes the switching valves on the bottom and top pipes of the adsorption tower where liquid water was detected, and opens the switching valves on the bottom and top pipes of the other adsorption tower.

6. The drying system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After the pneumatic discharge valve opens and discharges the liquid water, the adsorption tower for liquid water is detected to enter regeneration.

7. The drying system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The control device is a programmable logic controller.

8. The drying system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first adsorption tower is filled with one or two of activated alumina and molecular sieves; The second adsorption tower is filled with one or both of activated alumina and molecular sieves.

9. A control method for a drying system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, include: Detect whether there is liquid water inside the bottom pipe; After the liquid detection sensor detects liquid water, it controls the switching valve to stop adsorption in the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower, while the other adsorption tower begins adsorption. It also controls the pneumatic discharge valve to open and discharge the liquid water.

10. The control method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, After controlling the pneumatic discharge valve to open and discharge the liquid water, the control method further includes: controlling the adsorption tower that has detected the liquid water to enter regeneration.

11. The control method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The drying system further includes: a top pipe, which is located at the top of the first adsorption tower and the second adsorption tower; and a switching valve is located on the bottom pipe and the top pipe. After the liquid detection sensor detects liquid water, the steps for controlling the switching valve include: closing the switching valves on the bottom and top pipes of the adsorption tower where liquid water has been detected, and opening the switching valves on the bottom and top pipes of the other adsorption tower.

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