Gas adsorption device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a gas adsorption device. The purpose of the present invention is to promote desorption of gas molecules adsorbed on an adsorption layer with little energy loss. According to one embodiment, a gas adsorption device (10) is provided with: a housing (12); an adsorption layer (16) which is housed in the housing (12) and contains an adsorbent that adsorbs a specific gas component in the mixed gas introduced into the housing (12); and a heating device (20) disposed in the housing (12), and the adsorption layer (16) is configured so as to be capable of moving within the housing (12), moves in a direction away from the heating device (20) when adsorbing the gas component, and moves in a direction close to the heating device when desorbing the gas component.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technology disclosed in the present application relates to a gas adsorption device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A gas adsorption device that uses an adsorption layer housed in a housing to adsorb a specific gas component in a mixed gas is known. For example, the adsorption device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-147269 uses zeolite that can adsorb carbon dioxide as an adsorbent that constitutes the adsorption layer, and is suitable for removing carbon dioxide from natural gas.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-147269 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] Gas molecules adsorbed to the adsorption layer are generally desorbed using purge gas. In order to promote this desorption, a heating device is sometimes provided in the vicinity of the adsorption layer, and the adsorption layer is heated during the desorption operation and is cooled by turning off the heating device during the adsorption operation. However, in this method, heating and cooling of the adsorption layer are repeated every time the adsorption and desorption cycle is completed, and therefore, the loss of thermal energy is large. In particular, in the case where there is an adiabatic member with a large heat capacity around, the energy loss is significant. In addition, if the frequency of switching between adsorption and desorption is reduced in order to suppress the loss, the amount of adsorbent that constitutes the adsorption layer needs to be increased, and the size and manufacturing cost of the adsorption device increase. Therefore, it is desirable to promote the desorption of adsorbed gas molecules in a method with less energy loss.

[0008] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0009] One aspect of the present technology is a gas adsorption device including a housing, an adsorption layer housed in the housing and containing an adsorbent that adsorbs a specific gas component in a mixed gas introduced into the housing, and a heating device disposed in the housing, the adsorption layer being configured to be movable within the housing, moving in a direction away from the heating device when adsorbing the gas component, and moving in a direction approaching the heating device when desorbing the gas component. Thus, by moving the adsorption layer, heating and cooling of the adsorption layer can be performed, and therefore, the loss of thermal energy accompanying the adsorption and desorption cycle can be reduced.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the gas adsorption device includes a mixed gas introduction port formed in the housing for introducing the mixed gas, and a purge gas introduction port formed in the housing for introducing a purge gas for desorbing the gas component adsorbed to the adsorbent, the adsorption layer moving in a direction away from the heating device under the pressure of the mixed gas flowing from the mixed gas introduction port at the time of adsorption, and moving in a direction close to the heating device under the pressure of the purge gas flowing from the purge gas introduction port at the time of desorption. Thus, the adsorption layer can be moved without providing a drive source separately.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the gas adsorption device includes a first force applying member applying force to the adsorption layer in a direction away from the heating device, and a second force applying member applying force to the adsorption layer in a direction close to the heating device. Thus, the adsorption layer is reliably held from both sides, and the movement of the adsorption layer becomes smooth. In addition, the degree of freedom of the orientation in which the gas adsorption device is disposed is increased.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the housing is cylindrical, the mixed gas introduction port is provided at one end of the housing, the purge gas introduction port is provided at the other end of the housing, and the adsorption layer moves linearly between the mixed gas introduction port and the purge gas introduction port. Thus, the adsorption layer can be moved in a simple configuration.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the gas adsorption device further includes a magnet provided on the outside of the housing in a movable manner, an actuator driving the magnet, and a magnetic material provided to the adsorption layer, the adsorption layer being moved by the magnetic force of the magnet driven by the actuator. Thus, the adsorption layer can be reliably moved.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the gas adsorption device further includes a solenoid coil provided on the outside of the housing, and a magnetic material provided to the adsorption layer, the adsorption layer being moved by the magnetic force of the solenoid coil. Thus, the adsorption layer can be reliably moved.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the specific gas component is ammonia. Thus, the adsorption and desorption of ammonia can be performed in a method with less energy loss. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the gas adsorption device of an embodiment at the time of operation in an adsorption mode.

[0017] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the gas adsorption device of an embodiment at the time of operation in a desorption mode.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0019] 10. Gas adsorption device; 12. Housing; 13. Mixed gas inlet; 14. Mixed gas outlet (purge gas inlet); 16. Adsorption layer; 18, 19. Pressing component; 20. Heating device; 21. Heated area; 22. Non-heated area; 24. Insulation component; 26, 27. Stop component; 28, 29. Compression spring. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] [Gas Adsorption Device]

[0022] As one implementation method, Figure 1 The gas adsorption device 10 shown is used to adsorb molecules of specific gaseous components from a mixed gas. For example, it can be used to adsorb residual ammonia from a mixed gas obtained from the decomposition of ammonia, adsorb carbon dioxide from exhaust gas from a combustion engine, and adsorb fuel vapor from residual gas generated in a fuel tank. The gas adsorption device 10 receives a mixed gas containing the gaseous component to be adsorbed (e.g., ammonia) from a supply source not shown, and discharges a gas from which the gaseous component has been sufficiently removed. The discharged gas is sent to an apparatus or facility not shown that uses or stores the gas.

[0023] [case]

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the gas adsorption device 10 includes a housing 12 and an adsorption layer 16 housed within the housing 12. A mixed gas inlet 13 and a mixed gas outlet 14 are provided on the housing 12. In one embodiment, the housing 12 is cylindrical, with the mixed gas inlet 13 located at the upper end of the housing 12 and the mixed gas outlet 14 located at the lower end of the housing 12. The housing 12 is formed, for example, from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or quartz glass.

[0025] [Adsorption layer]

[0026] An adsorption layer 16 is disposed within the housing 12. The adsorption layer 16 may contain, for example, an adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing specific gaseous components such as carbon dioxide. The adsorbent is a substance that is easily heated. The adsorbent may contain, for example, solid substances capable of adsorbing molecules of the target gaseous component, such as zeolite, silica gel, activated carbon, or combinations thereof, and may also contain other components such as a binder. The adsorption layer 16 may be, for example, an aggregate of adsorbents in discrete forms such as granules, flakes, or powder. As another embodiment, the adsorption layer 16 may also be an integral structure with numerous pores or pathways, such as a honeycomb structure.

[0027] [Pressing component]

[0028] The adsorption layer 16, composed of a discrete aggregate of adsorbents, is held from both sides by pressing members 18 and 19, such as a resin plate having numerous pores (not shown) smaller than the particle size of the adsorbent. As another embodiment (not shown), a breathable filter made of polyurethane foam, nonwoven fabric, quartz fiber sheet, etc., may be disposed between the adsorption layer 16 and the pressing members 18 and 19. In this case, the pressing members 18 and 19 can, for example, be resin plates having pores larger than the particle size of the adsorbent.

[0029] [Heating device]

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, in the gas adsorption device 10, a heating device 20 (heater) is disposed inside or outside the housing 12. The heating device 20 is configured to create a heated region 21 and a non-heated region 22 within the housing 12. The non-heated region 22 is a region that is not actively heated by the heating device 20 or a region where the influence of the heating device 20 is minimal and a near-room temperature is achieved. For example, the heating device 20 is disposed near the mixed gas inlet 13 on the outside of the housing 12, and a heated region 21 is formed near the mixed gas inlet 13 inside the housing 12.

[0031] A heat insulation element 24 can be disposed on the outside of the housing 12. The heat insulation element 24 is disposed, for example, adjacent to the heating device 20 on the outside of the heating device 20. Furthermore, it is possible to omitrate the location corresponding to the non-heated area 22 without any heat insulation element (especially a material with a large heat capacity).

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the adsorption layer 16 is configured to move between the heated area 21 and the non-heated area 22 within the housing 12 while being held by the pressing members 18 and 19. For example, the pressing members 18 and 19 can be made into a circular plate with thickness, and the housing 12 can be made into a cylindrical shape, allowing the pressing members 18 and 19 to slide inside the housing 12. The movable range of the adsorption layer 16 can also be limited by providing stop members 26 and 27 in the form of ribs or the like protruding from the inner surface of the housing 12.

[0033] The adsorption layer 16 is elastically supported on the housing 12 by compression springs 28 and 29 while being held by pressing members 18 and 19. Specifically, the compression spring 28, which applies force to the adsorption layer 16 in the direction away from the heating device 20 (towards the non-heated area 22), is positioned between the adsorption layer 16 and the mixed gas inlet 13. Furthermore, another compression spring 29, which applies force to the adsorption layer 16 in the direction closer to the heating device 20 (towards the heated area 21), is positioned between the adsorption layer 16 and the mixed gas outlet 14. When the gas adsorption device 10 is not operating, i.e., when there is no flow within the housing 12, the adsorption layer 16 is in a neutral position (not shown).

[0034] [Adsorption and desorption of gaseous components]

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, in adsorption mode, a mixed gas containing specific gas components to be adsorbed is introduced from a supply source into the housing 12 via a mixed gas inlet 13. During the passage of the mixed gas through the adsorption layer 16, molecules of the specific gas components are adsorbed onto the adsorption layer 16. Furthermore, the pressure of the mixed gas flowing in from the mixed gas inlet (the force acting on the pressing member 18 and the adsorbent) causes the adsorption layer 16 to move away from the heating device 20. The adsorption layer 16 eventually enters the non-heated region 22. Figure 1 The mixture is cooled to a temperature suitable for adsorption (e.g., room temperature). Additionally, the mixed gas passes through the heating zone 21 before reaching the adsorption layer 16, but due to the short passage time, the mixed gas is hardly heated. The remaining mixed gas, having sufficiently removed specific gas components, is then discharged from the mixed gas outlet 14.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, molecules of a specific gas component adsorbed on the adsorbent can be desorbed by causing the purge gas to flow in the opposite direction to adsorption. The purge gas is introduced into the housing 12 from a supply source not shown via a mixed gas outlet 14 (purge gas inlet) and passes through the adsorption layer 16. At this time, gas molecules adsorbed on the adsorbent begin to desorb. Furthermore, the pressure of the purge gas flowing in from the purge gas inlet (the force acting on the pressing member 19 and the adsorbent) causes the adsorption layer 16 to move towards the heating device 20. The adsorption layer 16 eventually enters the heating zone 21 (…). Figure 2 The temperature at which the adsorbed gas molecules are desorbed (in a specific state) becomes the temperature that promotes the desorption of the adsorbed gas molecules. In a particular embodiment, when ammonia is adsorbed onto zeolite, the adsorption layer 16 is heated to approximately 350°C. The desorbed gas molecules are discharged together with the purge gas from the mixed gas inlet 13 (purge gas outlet). In another embodiment not shown, the purge gas inlet and purge gas outlet may also be provided independently of the mixed gas outlet 14 and the mixed gas inlet 13.

[0037] As described above, by moving the adsorption layer 16 between the heated region 21 and the unheated region 22, heating and cooling of the adsorption layer 16 can be achieved, thus reducing the heat loss associated with the adsorption-desorption cycle. In particular, even when a heat-insulating member with a large heat capacity is disposed outside the heating device 20, the adsorption and desorption modes can be switched quickly without being affected by the heat absorption or generation of the insulation member. Furthermore, since the frequency of mode switching can be increased, the amount of adsorbent constituting the adsorption layer can be reduced, potentially enabling miniaturization of the gas adsorption device 10. In one embodiment, the heating device 20 can be turned off in the desorption mode; however, in another embodiment, the heating device 20 can be kept on continuously during operation of the gas adsorption device 10.

[0038] [Utilization of drive sources other than gases]

[0039] As an alternative embodiment not shown, in addition to utilizing the pressure of gas flow, the adsorption layer can be reliably moved by providing a driving source on the outside of the housing. In one specific embodiment, magnetic materials can be disposed on the adsorption layer and the housing containing the adsorption layer, and the adsorption layer can be moved using magnetic force from the outside of the housing. For example, a magnet can be disposed on the outside of the housing and attracted to the magnetic material, and the magnet can be driven using a suitable actuator, thereby moving the adsorption layer between heated and unheated areas. In another embodiment, a solenoid coil can be disposed on the outside of the housing instead of a (permanent) magnet. In this case, a reset spring is disposed between the adsorption layer and the housing. When the solenoid coil is energized, the magnetic material is attracted, and the adsorption layer moves in one direction against the spring. If the energization of the solenoid coil is de-energized, the adsorption layer moves in the opposite direction due to the force of the spring. In yet another embodiment, the adsorption layer can also be moved in the opposite direction to the gas flow without utilizing the pressure of gas flow.

[0040] [Non-linear movement of the adsorption layer]

[0041] In the above embodiments, the case where the adsorption layer moves linearly between the mixed gas inlet 13 and the mixed gas outlet 14 within the cylindrical shell is described. However, as in other embodiments not shown, the shell may also be a non-linear shape such as a U-shape, and the adsorption layer may also move between the heated and unheated areas by non-linear movement such as rotation around a certain axis.

[0042] The various implementation methods have been described above, but the scope of this technology is not limited to these implementation methods. Those skilled in the art can make various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, and improvements.

Claims

1. A gas adsorption device, characterized in that, The gas adsorption device includes: case; An adsorption layer, contained within the housing, comprising an adsorbent for adsorbing specific gaseous components of a mixed gas introduced into the housing; and A heating device is disposed in the housing; The adsorption layer is configured to move within the housing, moving away from the heating device when adsorbing the gas components, and moving closer to the heating device when desorbing the gas components.

2. The gas adsorption device according to claim 1, characterized in that, This gas adsorption device has the following features: A mixed gas inlet, formed in the housing, for introducing the mixed gas; and A purge gas inlet, formed in the housing, is used to introduce purge gas for desorbing the gaseous components adsorbed on the adsorbent. During adsorption, the adsorbed layer moves away from the heating device under the pressure of the mixed gas flowing in from the mixed gas inlet; during desorption, the adsorbed layer moves towards the heating device under the pressure of the purge gas flowing in from the purge gas inlet.

3. The gas adsorption device according to claim 2, characterized in that, This gas adsorption device has the following features: The first force-applying component applies force to the adsorption layer in a direction away from the heating device; and The second force-applying component applies force to the adsorption layer in a direction closer to the heating device.

4. The gas adsorption device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing is cylindrical, with the mixed gas inlet located at one end and the purge gas inlet located at the other end. The adsorption layer moves linearly between the mixed gas inlet and the purge gas inlet.

5. The gas adsorption device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas adsorption device also features: A magnet is movably disposed on the outside of the housing; An actuator that drives the magnet; and Magnetic material, which is disposed in the adsorption layer, The adsorption layer is moved by the magnetic force of the magnet driven by the actuator.

6. The gas adsorption device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas adsorption device also features: A solenoid coil, which is disposed on the outside of the housing; and Magnetic material, which is disposed in the adsorption layer, The adsorption layer moves using the magnetic force of the solenoid coil.

7. The gas adsorption device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The specific gaseous component is ammonia.

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