A purifier for helium recovery
By introducing a filter replacement mechanism and a regeneration fan into the helium recovery purifier, the leakage problem during filter element replacement was solved, enabling material recycling and efficient helium recovery, and reducing operating costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHONGQING RISING GAS
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing helium recovery and purification equipment is prone to helium leakage when replacing filter elements, and lacks an effective regeneration mechanism, resulting in resource waste and high operating costs.
A helium recovery purifier was designed, comprising a purification tank, a filter replacement mechanism, a regeneration fan, a heater, and a hydraulic cylinder. The regeneration area and the docking area are separated by a partition. The heater regenerates the saturated filter material, and the hydraulic cylinder drives the docking pipe to achieve a stable connection, avoiding leakage and enabling the recycling of materials.
It effectively prevents helium leakage, improves material utilization, reduces operating costs, and achieves continuous and efficient recovery of purified helium.
Smart Images
Figure CN224388427U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of helium recovery and purification technology, and in particular relates to a purifier for helium recovery. Background Technology
[0002] Helium, an important rare gas, has wide and irreplaceable applications in many fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, low-temperature superconductivity, and medical imaging. However, helium resources are relatively scarce on Earth and are mainly imported, making acquisition costly. Therefore, the recovery, purification, and reuse of used helium is of significant economic and strategic importance.
[0003] Currently, existing helium recovery and purification devices on the market have revealed some problems in practical applications. When the filter element or adsorbent in some purifiers becomes saturated and needs replacement, the exposed structure makes it highly susceptible to leakage of helium or other gases trapped within the filter element during the replacement process. This not only wastes resources but also poses a potential health hazard to operators from the leaked harmful gases. For example, a high-efficiency helium purification device described in Chinese utility model patent document CN221752722U, while allowing filter element (filter cartridge) replacement without shutting down the system, suffers from the aforementioned gas leakage risk. Furthermore, this purifier lacks an effective regeneration mechanism, meaning the filter and adsorbent materials can only be used once. This not only wastes resources but also significantly increases operating costs, hindering the long-term, efficient operation of helium recovery and purification.
[0004] Therefore, it is essential to invent a purifier for helium recovery. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a purifier for helium recovery, comprising a purification tank, a filter replacement mechanism, a collection top cover, a regeneration fan, an injection port, an exhaust port, a telescopic pipe, a docking pipe, a connecting plate, a hydraulic cylinder, a partition, and a heater. The filter replacement mechanism is installed inside the purification tank and is fixed to the output end of a drive component fixedly installed on the lower part of the purification tank. A regeneration fan is mounted on the collection top cover fixedly installed on the top of the purification tank. The purification tank has corresponding injection and exhaust ports, which are connected to corresponding docking pipes via telescopic pipes. A connecting plate installed on each docking pipe is fixed to the output end of a hydraulic cylinder fixedly installed inside the purification tank. A partition is installed inside the purification tank, and a heater is installed at the lower part of the interior.
[0006] Preferably, the filter replacement mechanism includes a support shaft, a replacement disc, a sealing plate, a mounting frame, and a purification cylinder. The support shaft is rotatably installed in the middle of the purification tank. Several sealing plates and mounting frames are arranged in a circular array on the replacement disc fixedly installed in the middle of the support shaft. Each mounting frame is fixedly installed with a purification cylinder.
[0007] Preferably, the interior of the purification tank is divided into a regeneration area and a docking area by two partitions in pairs, with one purification cylinder always located in the docking area of the purification tank and the other purification cylinders located in the regeneration area of the purification tank.
[0008] Preferably, each set of partitions has a spacing that allows the mounting bracket and purification tube to pass through, wherein the indirection between the partitions can be blocked by the sealing plate, and the sealing plate and mounting bracket are distributed in an alternating array.
[0009] Preferably, a heater is provided at the bottom of the regeneration area of the purification tank, and the regeneration area of the purification tank is connected to the collection cover installed on its top.
[0010] Preferably, the purification cylinder located in the purification tank docking area is situated between the two docking pipes, which are arranged on the same vertical line, and the docking pipes can be docked with the purification cylinder located in the purification tank docking area.
[0011] Preferably, two hydraulic cylinders are fixedly installed above and below the docking area of the purification tank. The hydraulic cylinders can drive the docking pipe to perform linear reciprocating motion. The docking pipe is connected to the corresponding gas injection port or exhaust port through the corrugated telescopic pipe. The telescopic pipe is located within the docking area of the purification tank.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0013] The purification tank of this invention is equipped with a filter replacement mechanism, and the interior of the purification tank is divided by partitions. When the filter replacement mechanism is in operation, it effectively prevents the leakage of helium or other gases trapped in the filter elements (purification cylinders). Because only the purification cylinders located in the docking area are connected to the docking pipe for helium purification, while other purification cylinders are in a relatively enclosed regeneration area, the gas in the regeneration area will not leak to the outside when the filter elements are replaced, thus reducing resource waste and protecting the health of the operators.
[0014] This utility model's purification tank has a heater at the bottom of the regeneration zone and a regeneration fan at the top. When the filter or adsorbent material inside the purification cylinder reaches saturation due to impurities, it can be regenerated by heating with the heater, and the regeneration fan assists in discharging the desorbed impurity gas. Compared to purifiers that can only use filter and adsorbent materials once, this utility model greatly improves material utilization and effectively reduces operating costs.
[0015] The filter replacement mechanism of this invention has a bearing shaft rotatably mounted inside the purification tank. A circular array of replacement discs on the bearing shaft houses several sealing plates and mounting brackets, with a purification cartridge fixedly mounted on each bracket. At all times, one purification cartridge is located in the docking area for helium purification, while the others are prepared for regeneration in the regeneration area. This design allows for continuous purification, improving the efficiency of helium recovery and purification. Simultaneously, the docking pipeline is driven by a hydraulic cylinder to perform linear reciprocating motion and is connected to the injection and exhaust ports via a telescopic pipe, ensuring docking stability and sealing, further guaranteeing the efficient operation of the purification process. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the filter replacement mechanism of this utility model.
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the filter replacement mechanism of this utility model.
[0020] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the purification tank of this utility model.
[0021] In the picture:
[0022] Purification tank 1, filter replacement mechanism 2, bearing shaft 21, replacement plate 22, sealing plate 23, mounting frame 24, purification cylinder 25, collection top cover 3, regeneration fan 4, air injection port 5, exhaust port 6, telescopic pipe 7, docking pipe 8, connecting plate 9, hydraulic cylinder 10, partition plate 11, heater 12. Detailed Implementation
[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0024] In the description of the embodiments, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the present invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of the utility model, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0025] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 As shown:
[0026] This utility model provides a purifier for helium recovery, comprising a purification tank 1, a filter replacement mechanism 2, a collection top cover 3, a regeneration fan 4, an injection port 5, an exhaust port 6, a telescopic pipe 7, a docking pipe 8, a connecting plate 9, a hydraulic cylinder 10, a partition 11, and a heater 12. The filter replacement mechanism 2 is installed inside the purification tank 1 and is fixed to the output end of a drive component fixedly installed on the lower part of the purification tank 1. The regeneration fan 4 is mounted on the collection top cover 3 fixedly installed on the top of the purification tank 1. The purification tank 1 has corresponding injection ports 5 and exhaust ports 6, which are connected to the corresponding docking pipes 8 via telescopic pipes 7. The connecting plate 9 installed on each docking pipe 8 is fixed to the output end of the hydraulic cylinder 10 fixedly installed inside the purification tank 1. The purification tank 1 has a partition 11 installed inside and a heater 12 installed at the lower part of the interior.
[0027] Furthermore, the filter replacement mechanism 2 includes a support shaft 21, a replacement disc 22, a sealing plate 23, a mounting bracket 24, and a purification cylinder 25. The support shaft 21 is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and is rotatably mounted inside the purification tank 1 at the center via two high-strength bearings, ensuring smooth and durable rotation. The lower end of the support shaft 21 protrudes outwards and is fixed to the output end of the drive component fixedly mounted on the lower exterior of the purification tank 1. The replacement disc 22, fixedly mounted in the center of the support shaft 21, is made of high-strength aluminum alloy and is firmly connected to the support shaft 21 by welding. Several sealing plates 23 and mounting brackets 24 are evenly installed in a circular array on the replacement disc 22. The mounting brackets 24 are made of stainless steel and are welded to the replacement disc 22. Each mounting bracket 24 is fixedly mounted with a purification cylinder 25 by bolts. The purification cylinder 25 is filled with highly efficient adsorption and filtration materials, such as specially formulated activated carbon or molecular sieves, for purifying helium.
[0028] Furthermore, the interior of the purification tank 1 is divided into a regeneration area and a docking area by two partitions 11 arranged in pairs. The partitions 11 are made of high-temperature and corrosion-resistant ceramic fiber material and are fixed to the inner wall of the purification tank 1 by welding. During operation, one purification cylinder 25 is always located in the docking area of the purification tank 1, responsible for real-time purification of helium, while the other purification cylinders 25 are located in the regeneration area of the purification tank 1, preparing for subsequent regeneration processing.
[0029] Furthermore, each set of partitions 11 has a spacing between them that allows the mounting bracket 24 and purification cartridge 25 to pass through. This spacing is precisely designed according to the dimensions of the mounting bracket 24 and purification cartridge 25 to ensure they can pass through smoothly. The gaps between the partitions 11 can be sealed by sealing plates 23, which are made of the same aluminum alloy as the switching plate 22 and are connected to the switching plate 22 by welding. The sealing plates 23 and the mounting brackets 24 are arranged in an alternating array, which effectively prevents the gas from flowing between the regeneration area and the docking area when the switching filter mechanism 2 rotates, ensuring the independence of the functions of each area.
[0030] Furthermore, a heater 12 is installed at the bottom of the regeneration zone of the purification tank 1. The heater 12 is made of stainless steel heating tube and is fixed to the bottom of the regeneration zone of the purification tank 1 with bolts. The regeneration zone of the purification tank 1 is connected to the collection cover 3 installed on its top. The collection cover 3 is made of stainless steel and is connected to the top of the purification tank 1 by welding. When the purification cylinder 25 in the regeneration zone is heated and regenerated, the desorbed impurity gas can be discharged through the collection cover 3 for centralized treatment.
[0031] Furthermore, the purification cylinder 25, located in the docking area of purification tank 1, is situated between two docking pipes 8, which are aligned vertically. The docking pipes 8 are made of stainless steel and have sealing rubber rings installed at their ends, ensuring a tight connection with the purification cylinder 25 in the docking area of purification tank 1 and preventing helium leakage during transmission.
[0032] Furthermore, two hydraulic cylinders 10 are fixedly installed at the upper and lower ends of the docking area of the purification tank 1. These hydraulic cylinders 10 are made of high-strength carbon steel and are bolted to the upper and lower ends of the docking area of the purification tank 1. The hydraulic cylinders 10 drive the docking pipe 8 to perform linear reciprocating motion. The docking pipe 8 is connected to the corresponding gas injection port 5 or exhaust port 6 via a corrugated telescopic pipe 7. The telescopic pipe 7 is made of stainless steel corrugated pipe and is located within the docking area of the purification tank 1. This ensures the connection stability of the docking pipe 8 during movement and accommodates the displacement changes of the docking pipe 8, ensuring smooth helium transmission.
[0033] The working principle is as follows: First, the solenoid valves (not shown in the figure) installed on the gas injection port 5 and the exhaust port 6 are opened. Gas enters through the gas injection port 5, passes through the corrugated telescopic tube 7, and reaches the docking pipe 8. Before this, the purification cylinder 25 located in the docking area of the purification tank 1 is tightly docked with the docking pipe 8 under the drive of the upper and lower hydraulic cylinders 10. The sealing rubber ring at the port of the docking pipe 8 ensures the sealing of the connection and prevents helium leakage.
[0034] The mixed gas to be purified enters the purification cylinder 25 through the docking pipe 8. The specially made activated carbon or molecular sieve and other high-efficiency adsorption and filtration materials filled inside the purification cylinder 25 begin to function, adsorbing and filtering impurities in the mixed gas, thereby purifying the helium. The purified helium flows out through another docking pipe 8, then through the corrugated telescopic pipe 7, and finally exits from the exhaust pipe 6.
[0035] As time progresses, the adsorption filter material inside the purification cylinder 25 in the docking area gradually reaches saturation, and its adsorption capacity decreases. At this time, driven by the upper and lower hydraulic cylinders 10, the docking pipe 8 is no longer tightly docked with the purification cylinder 25, and the drive component on the lower part of the purification tank 1 is activated, causing the bearing shaft 21 to rotate. Since the bearing shaft 21 is fixedly connected to the switching plate 22, the switching plate 22 rotates accordingly.
[0036] During the rotation of the switching disc 22, the mounting bracket 24 and the sealing plate 23 mounted on it also rotate. Because each set of partitions 11 has a spacing that allows the mounting bracket 24 and purification cartridge 25 to pass through, and the sealing plate 23 and mounting bracket 24 are arranged in an alternating array, when rotated to the appropriate position, a new unsaturated purification cartridge 25 will enter the docking area, while the saturated purification cartridge 25 that was previously in the docking area will enter the regeneration area. Furthermore, the sealing plate 23 will promptly seal the gaps between the partitions 11 to prevent gas from flowing between the subsequent regeneration area and the docking area.
[0037] Once the saturated purification cartridge 25 enters the regeneration zone, the heater 12, installed at the bottom of the regeneration zone of the purification tank 1, is activated. The heater 12, made of stainless steel heating tubes, heats the regeneration zone. Under heating, impurity molecules adsorbed on the filter material inside the purification cartridge 25 gain energy, overcome the adsorption force, and desorb from the surface of the adsorbent material.
[0038] Simultaneously, the regeneration fan 4 installed on the collection top cover 3 is activated. The airflow generated by the regeneration fan 4 discharges the desorbed impurity gas through the collection top cover 3 into the purification tank 1, facilitating centralized treatment of the impurity gas. After a period of regeneration, the adsorption filter material in the purification cylinder 25 regains its adsorption capacity, ready to enter the docking area again to continue helium purification.
[0039] By continuously switching the working area of the purification cylinder 25, the purifier for helium recovery achieves continuous and efficient purification of helium and regeneration of the adsorption filter material, thereby improving the efficiency and economy of helium recovery and purification.
[0040] Any technical solution that achieves the above-mentioned technical effects by utilizing the technical solution described in this utility model, or by designing a similar technical solution inspired by the technical solution described in this utility model, falls within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A purifier for helium recovery, characterized in that, The purification tank (1), the filter replacement mechanism (2), the collection top cover (3), the regeneration fan (4), the air injection port (5), the exhaust port (6), the telescopic pipe (7), the docking pipe (8), the connecting plate (9), the hydraulic cylinder (10), the partition plate (11), and the heater (12) are included. The filter replacement mechanism (2) is installed inside the purification tank (1), and the filter replacement mechanism (2) is fixed to the output end of the drive component fixedly installed on the lower part of the outside of the purification tank (1). The collection top cover (3) is fixedly installed on the top of the purification tank (1). A regeneration fan (4) is provided on the purification tank (1); an air injection port (5) and an exhaust port (6) are provided on the purification tank (1), and the air injection port (5) and the exhaust port (6) are respectively connected to the corresponding docking pipe (8) through a telescopic pipe (7). The connecting plate (9) installed on each docking pipe (8) is fixed to the output end of the hydraulic cylinder (10) fixedly installed inside the purification tank (1); a partition (11) is installed inside the purification tank (1), and a heater (12) is installed at the bottom inside.
2. The purifier for helium recovery as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The filter replacement mechanism (2) includes a bearing shaft (21), a replacement disc (22), a sealing plate (23), a mounting bracket (24), and a purification cylinder (25). The bearing shaft (21) is rotatably installed in the middle of the purification tank (1) and fixed to the output end of the drive component fixedly installed on its lower exterior. Several sealing plates (23) and mounting brackets (24) are installed in a circular array on the replacement disc (22) fixedly installed in the middle of the bearing shaft (21). Each mounting bracket (24) is fixedly installed with a purification cylinder (25).
3. A purifier for helium recovery as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The purification tank (1) is divided into a regeneration area and a docking area by two partitions (11) in pairs. At all times, one purification cylinder (25) is located in the docking area of the purification tank (1), and the other purification cylinder (25) is located in the regeneration area of the purification tank (1).
4. A purifier for helium recovery as described in claim 3, characterized in that: Each set of partitions (11) has a spacing between them that allows the mounting bracket (24) and purification tube (25) to pass through, wherein the indirection between the partitions (11) can be blocked by the sealing plate (23), and the sealing plate (23) and mounting bracket (24) are distributed in an alternating array.
5. A purifier for helium recovery as described in claim 4, characterized in that: A heater (12) is provided at the bottom of the regeneration area of the purification tank (1), and the regeneration area of the purification tank (1) is connected to the collection cover (3) installed on its top.
6. A purifier for helium recovery as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The purification tube (25) located in the docking area of the purification tank (1) is located between the two docking pipes (8), and the two docking pipes (8) are arranged on the same vertical line. The docking pipes (8) can dock with the purification tube (25) located in the docking area of the purification tank (1).
7. A purifier for helium recovery as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Two hydraulic cylinders (10) are fixedly installed on the upper and lower docking areas of the purification tank (1). The hydraulic cylinders (10) can drive the docking pipe (8) to make linear reciprocating motion. The docking pipe (8) is connected to the corresponding gas injection port (5) or exhaust port (6) through the corrugated telescopic pipe (7). The telescopic pipe (7) is located in the docking area of the purification tank (1).