A multi-layer adsorption column oxygen generator

Abstract

A kind of multilayer adsorption tower oxygen generator, including adsorption tower tank body and connecting pipeline, multiple molecular sieve trays are arranged in vertical direction in adsorption tower tank body, molecular sieve tray is equipped with multiple vertical direction extension micro air flow channel, the micro air flow channel of adjacent molecular sieve tray is aligned, and molecular sieve particle is arranged in the upper end and lower end of micro air flow channel.Multiple molecular sieve trays can form multilayer structure, and the multilayer adsorption tower oxygen generator can be adjusted after a certain period of use, for example, the lowermost molecular sieve tray is moved to the upper side, or the uppermost molecular sieve tray is moved to the lowermost end, effectively avoiding the problem of reducing nitrogen adsorption efficiency when the lower molecular sieve fails.This structure design makes a large amount of nitrogen be adsorbed before entering the adsorption tower, reduces the gas flow resistance, significantly improves the nitrogen adsorption capacity, thereby solving the technical problems that the molecular sieve will fail in the prior art, and the oxygen concentration decreases with the change of use time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of gas separation technology, and in particular to a multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator. Background Technology

[0002] Existing oxygen generators can be divided into two categories based on their operating principles. One type compresses air at high density and then uses the different condensation points of the air components to achieve gas-liquid separation at a certain temperature, followed by distillation to separate oxygen and nitrogen. The other type also achieves separation through physical principles, such as using the adsorption properties of molecular sieves and a large-displacement oil-free compressor to separate nitrogen and oxygen from the air, ultimately obtaining high-concentration oxygen. The former can produce high-purity oxygen, but the equipment is larger and has higher manufacturing costs, while the latter can be miniaturized and has lower manufacturing costs.

[0003] However, existing molecular sieve oxygen generators still have the following problems: First, the molecular sieves in traditional adsorption towers gradually fail after long-term use, requiring frequent replacement, which increases maintenance costs and difficulty. Second, with extended use, partial failure of the molecular sieves leads to a gradual decrease in the concentration of separated oxygen, affecting the stability and effectiveness of the oxygen generator. Furthermore, the molecular sieve filling method in traditional adsorption towers is singular, making it difficult to achieve zoned management and directional replacement of the molecular sieves. When some molecular sieves fail, it is often necessary to replace all the molecular sieves in the adsorption tower, resulting in resource waste.

[0004] Chinese patent application CN117654205A discloses a molecular sieve rod for an oxygen generator, comprising a molecular sieve framework and molecular sieve particles. The molecular sieve framework includes a cylindrical body with multiple layers of equidistantly distributed support disks inside. Each support disk has uniformly distributed molecular sieve particles inserted through it and with an interference fit. Retention cavities are formed between adjacent support disks and the inner wall of the cylindrical body. The molecular sieve framework is made of elastic resin material. The molecular sieve rod, formed by assembling the molecular sieve framework and molecular sieve particles, includes a cylindrical body and vertically equidistantly distributed support disks within the cylinder, dividing it into multiple retention cavities. The interference fit between the support disks and the molecular sieve particles achieves multi-layered uniform assembly of the molecular sieve particles, ensuring that all airflow passing through the molecular sieve must flow through the molecular sieve particles on each support disk, preventing the escape of non-oxygen gases from the air. While this design can increase oxygen concentration, all air must pass through the molecular sieve, resulting in significant air resistance, low equipment efficiency, and high energy consumption. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator to at least solve the technical problem of oxygen concentration reduction in the prior art.

[0006] According to this application, a multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator is provided, including an adsorption tower tank and connecting pipes. The adsorption tower tank is provided with a plurality of molecular sieve disks arranged in a vertical direction. Each molecular sieve disk is provided with a plurality of vertically extending micro-airflow channels. The micro-airflow channels of adjacent molecular sieve disks are aligned. Molecular sieve particles are provided at the upper and lower ends of the micro-airflow channels.

[0007] Compared with existing technologies, the multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator of this application has the following advantages:

[0008] Multiple molecular sieve disks can form a multi-layer structure. This multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator can effectively avoid the problem of reduced nitrogen adsorption efficiency due to the failure of the lower molecular sieves by adjusting the position of the molecular sieve disks after a certain period of use, such as moving the bottom molecular sieve disk to the top or the top molecular sieve disk to the bottom. This structural design allows a large amount of nitrogen to be adsorbed in the early stage of entering the adsorption tower, reducing gas flow resistance and significantly improving nitrogen adsorption capacity. This solves the technical problems of existing technologies where molecular sieves fail after long-term use and need to be replaced frequently, and where oxygen concentration decreases with the change of usage time.

[0009] In one embodiment, elastic gaskets are provided between the molecular sieve disks. These gaskets have pores that correspond to the micro-airflow channels. When the molecular sieve is installed, its lower end contacts the molecular sieve disk, and its upper end contacts the elastic gasket. When the pressure difference is large, the molecular sieve can move upwards and compress the elastic gasket, widening the gap between the molecular sieve and the molecular sieve disk. When the pressure difference is small, the gap between the molecular sieve and the molecular sieve disk is small, allowing some gas to pass directly through or permeate the molecular sieve, resulting in better nitrogen adsorption. The pressure difference changes in real time according to the airflow on both sides. This design allows for more stable airflow; that is, it can release pressure when the pressure difference is large and accumulate pressure when the pressure difference is small.

[0010] In one embodiment, the molecular sieve disk is provided with a concave gasket groove, and the gasket groove is provided with a guide groove that matches the protrusion of the elastic gasket. This allows the elastic gasket to be installed accurately, so that the pores are aligned and connected with the micro-airflow channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, a support frame is provided below the molecular sieve disk, which can improve the support performance of the molecular sieve disk and prevent the molecular sieve disk from deforming.

[0012] In one embodiment, the support frame is triangular with a threaded hole at the apex and guide ramps at the upper and lower ends. This design reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the support frame and reduces air resistance.

[0013] In one embodiment, a sealing ring is provided on the outer periphery of the molecular sieve disk. The outer side of the sealing ring is in contact with the adsorption tower tank body, and the inner side of the sealing ring is located between two adjacent upper and lower molecular sieve disks, which can increase the sealing performance between the molecular sieve disk and the adsorption tower tank body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the molecular sieve disk has a through hole in the center, a positioning rod is provided in the through hole, and a lifting part is provided at the upper end of the positioning rod. This design facilitates the movement and replacement of the molecular sieve disk.

[0015] In one embodiment, the positioning rod is provided with external threads, and multiple molecular sieve discs are fixed on the positioning rod by threaded sleeves, which facilitates the fixing of the molecular sieve discs.

[0016] In one embodiment, the threaded sleeve includes an upper threaded sleeve and a lower threaded sleeve. The upper threaded sleeve is fixed to the upper end of the positioning rod, and the lower threaded sleeve is fixed to the lower end of the positioning rod, thus enabling disassembly from both ends of the upper and lower covers.

[0017] In one embodiment, the adsorption tower tank is provided with a top cover at the top, and the top cover is provided with a filter layer, so as to prevent dust from entering the oxygen buffer tank.

[0018] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this application, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this application. Other features of this application will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of this application will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of this application are illustrated in the drawings by way of example and not limitation, in which:

[0020] In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the composition and structure of a multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the molecular sieve disk assembly state of the multilayer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the molecular sieve disk assembly state of the multilayer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0024] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the molecular sieve disk disassembly state of the multilayer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 5 A half-sectional schematic diagram of a multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0026] Figure 6 This shows when the pressure difference is small. Figure 5Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 7 This shows when the pressure difference is large. Figure 5 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0028] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0029] 1. Adsorption tower tank; 2. Connecting pipe; 3. Molecular sieve disc; 4. Molecular sieve particles; 5. Oxygen buffer tank; 6. Air buffer tank; 7. Desiccant; 8. Elastic gasket; 9. Support frame; 10. Sealing ring; 11. First adsorption tower tank; 12. Second adsorption tower tank; 13. Top cover; 14. Filter layer; 21. Inlet pipe; 22. Outlet pipe; 30. Micro-flow channel; 31. Gasket groove; 32. Guide groove; 33. Through hole; 34. Positioning rod; 35. Lifting part; 36. Threaded sleeve; 37. Upper threaded sleeve; 38. Lower threaded sleeve; 80. Air hole; 81. Protrusion; 90. Threaded hole; 92. Guide slope. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator includes an adsorption tower tank 1 and a connecting pipe 2. The adsorption tower tank 1 is provided with a plurality of molecular sieve disks 3 arranged in a vertical direction. The molecular sieve disks 3 are provided with a plurality of vertically extending micro-airflow channels 30. The micro-airflow channels 30 of adjacent molecular sieve disks 3 are aligned. Molecular sieve particles 4 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the micro-airflow channels 30.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator adopts the principle of pressure change adsorption. It selectively adsorbs nitrogen from the air through molecular sieve particles 4 within the adsorption tower tank 1, thereby obtaining high-purity oxygen. The adsorption tower tank 1 includes a first adsorption tower tank 11 and a second adsorption tower tank 12, both made of stainless steel, possessing excellent pressure resistance and corrosion resistance, and capable of withstanding pressure changes during oxygen production. The adsorption tower tank 1 has a height of 1800 mm, a diameter of 600 mm, and a wall thickness of 10 mm, and can withstand a working pressure of at least 1.8 MPa.

[0033] like Figure 1and Figure 5 As shown, the connecting pipe 2 is used to control the connection of the pipeline or to connect the adsorption tower tank 1 to the external air source air buffer tank 6 and the gas collection device, i.e., the oxygen buffer tank 5. The connecting pipe 2 is made of stainless steel, with a diameter of 40mm and a wall thickness of 5mm. The connecting pipe 2 includes an inlet pipe 21 and an outlet pipe 22. The inlet pipe 21 is connected to the lower part of the adsorption tower tank 1 and is used to transport the compressed air from the air buffer tank 6 into the adsorption tower tank 1. The outlet pipe 22 is connected to the upper part of the adsorption tower tank 1 and is used to transport the produced oxygen to the oxygen buffer tank 5, and then to the gas storage tank or directly to the user.

[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the adsorption tower tank 1 contains 54 molecular sieve disks 3 arranged vertically, with a spacing of 2 mm between them. The molecular sieve disks 3 are made of aluminum alloy, with a diameter of 190 mm and a thickness of 10 mm. The outer diameter of the molecular sieve disks 3 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the adsorption tower tank 1 to facilitate installation and disassembly. A desiccant 7, which can also be a water-absorbing molecular sieve, is provided at the bottom of the adsorption tower tank 1.

[0035] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the molecular sieve disk 3 is provided with multiple vertically extending micro-airflow channels 30, each with a diameter of 2 mm. 1600 micro-airflow channels 30 are evenly distributed on each molecular sieve disk 3. The micro-airflow channels 30 of adjacent molecular sieve disks 3 are aligned to form a continuous airflow channel penetrating multiple molecular sieve disks 3, allowing the gas to flow from bottom to top within the adsorption tower tank 1.

[0036] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, molecular sieve particles 4 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the micro-airflow channel 30. The molecular sieve particles 4 are zeolite molecular sieves with a particle size of 3 mm, filling the upper and lower ends of the micro-airflow channel 30. The molecular sieve particles 4 have the characteristic of selectively adsorbing nitrogen. When compressed air passes through the micro-airflow channel 30, the molecular sieve particles 4 can adsorb nitrogen in the air, thereby increasing the oxygen concentration.

[0037] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, elastic gaskets 8 are provided between the molecular sieve disks 3. The elastic gaskets 8 are made of silicone rubber, with a thickness of 2mm and a diameter the same as the molecular sieve disks 3. The elastic gaskets 8 have pores 80, each with a diameter of 2mm, which are correspondingly positioned to correspond to the micro-airflow channels 30. The elastic gaskets 8 have a certain degree of elasticity, which limits the movement of the molecular sieve particles 4 while ensuring that gas can only flow through the micro-airflow channels 30. Figure 6As shown, when the pressure difference between the two ends of the molecular sieve particle 4 is small, the molecular sieve particle 4 adheres tightly to the molecular sieve disk 3, such as... Figure 7 As shown, when the pressure difference between the two ends of the molecular sieve particle 4 is large, the molecular sieve particle 4 adheres tightly to the elastic gasket 8 and squeezes the elastic gasket 8. At this time, the gap between the molecular sieve particle 4 and the molecular sieve disk 3 expands. Preferably, elastic gaskets 8 can be provided on both sides of the molecular sieve disk 3.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the molecular sieve disk 3 has a recessed gasket groove 31 with a depth of 2mm. The gasket groove 31 is the same shape as the elastic gasket 8 and is located on the lower surface of the molecular sieve disk 3. The gasket groove 31 has a guide groove 32 that matches the protrusion 81 of the elastic gasket 8. The guide groove 32 has a depth of 2mm and is semi-circular. The semi-circular protrusion 81 of the elastic gasket 8 has a thickness of 2mm and precisely matches the guide groove 32, ensuring that the elastic gasket 8 can be accurately positioned on the molecular sieve disk 3 and preventing the elastic gasket 8 from shifting during installation. In addition, more holes can be provided to position the elastic gasket 8 and ensure its position.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a support frame 9 is provided below the molecular sieve disk 3. The support frame 9 is made of stainless steel and has a height of 30mm. The support frame 9 is triangular, with three support points evenly distributed on the lower surface of the molecular sieve disk 3. The three support points of the support frame 9 are in contact with the molecular sieve disk 3, supporting the weight of the molecular sieve disk 3. A threaded hole 90 with a diameter of 8mm and a thread specification of M8 is provided at the apex of the support frame 9 for fixing the support frame 9.

[0040] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the upper and lower ends of the support frame 9 are provided with guide slopes 92, with an inclination angle of 45 degrees. The guide slopes 92 can guide the airflow smoothly through the support frame 9, reduce airflow resistance, and improve the uniformity of gas flow. The design of the support frame 9 can not only bear the weight of the molecular sieve disk 3, but also ensure the smooth flow of gas in the adsorption tower tank 1.

[0041] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, a sealing ring 10 is provided on the outer periphery of the molecular sieve disk 3. The sealing ring 10 is made of fluororubber, which has good temperature and pressure resistance. The outer side of the sealing ring 10 is in contact with the adsorption tower tank 1, and the inner side of the sealing ring 10 is located between two adjacent upper and lower molecular sieve disks 3. The function of the sealing ring 10 is to prevent gas from leaking from the edge of the molecular sieve disk 3, ensuring that the gas can only flow through the micro-flow channel 30, thereby improving oxygen production efficiency.

[0042] like Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the molecular sieve disk 3 has a through hole 33 at its center, with a diameter of 15mm. A positioning rod 34, made of stainless steel, is installed inside the through hole 33, with a diameter of 14.5mm and a length of 1600mm. The upper end of the positioning rod 34 has a lifting part 35, which is either annular or has a through hole, facilitating lifting and used for installing and disassembling the molecular sieve disk 3 assembly. The function of the positioning rod 34 is to fix the position of multiple molecular sieve disks 3, ensuring the stability of the molecular sieve disks 3 within the adsorption tower tank 1.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the positioning rod 34 has an external thread with an M12 specification and a pitch of 1.5mm. Multiple molecular sieve discs 3 are fixed to the positioning rod 34 by threaded sleeves 36, which include an upper threaded sleeve 37 and a lower threaded sleeve 38. The upper threaded sleeve 37 is fixed to the upper end of the positioning rod 34, and the lower threaded sleeve 38 is fixed to the lower end of the positioning rod 34. Both the upper threaded sleeve 37 and the lower threaded sleeve 38 are made of stainless steel, with an inner diameter of 12mm, an outer diameter of 20mm, and a height of 15mm. The inner walls of the upper threaded sleeve 37 and the lower threaded sleeve 38 have internal threads that match the external threads of the positioning rod 34. By rotating the upper threaded sleeve 37 and the lower threaded sleeve 38, the spacing and clamping force between the molecular sieve discs 3 can be adjusted.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the adsorption tower tank 1 has a top cover 13 at its upper end. The top cover 13 is made of stainless steel, with a thickness of 10mm and a diameter the same as that of the adsorption tower tank 1. The top cover 13 is connected to the adsorption tower tank 1 via a flange with 12 evenly distributed bolt holes of M10 bolts. The top cover 13 has a filter layer 14, which is made of sintered stainless steel mesh with a pore size of 0.5mm and a thickness of 2mm. The function of the filter layer 14 is to filter impurities and dust in the gas, preventing impurities from entering the adsorption tower tank 1 and protecting the molecular sieve particles 4 from contamination.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the working principle of the multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator in this embodiment is as follows: Compressed air enters the bottom of the adsorption tower tank 1 through the inlet pipe 21, and then flows upward through the micro-airflow channels 30 on multiple molecular sieve disks 3. During the flow, nitrogen in the air is selectively adsorbed by the molecular sieve particles 4 at the upper and lower ends of the micro-airflow channels 30, while oxygen continues to flow upward and finally flows out from the outlet pipe 22. When the molecular sieve particles 4 are saturated with adsorption, the pressure inside the adsorption tower tank 1 is reduced to desorb the adsorbed nitrogen, which is then discharged from the adsorption tower tank 1, completing the regeneration process. By having two or more adsorption towers work alternately, continuous oxygen production can be achieved.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the upper end of the adsorption tower tank 1 is provided with a filter layer 14 to prevent impurities from entering the adsorption tower tank 1 and extend the service life of the molecular sieve particles 4.

[0047] The molecular sieve disc 3 can also be made of stainless steel, the sealing ring 10 is made of silicone rubber or EPDM rubber, the elastic gasket 8 is made of nitrile rubber, the upper threaded sleeve 37 and the lower threaded sleeve 38 can be made of copper alloy, the filter layer 14 is made of polypropylene with a pore size of 0.3mm and a thickness of 3mm. Different materials can be used for the components, and the most suitable material can be selected according to actual needs to improve the performance and service life of the equipment.

[0048] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to rearrange, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in this application can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this application can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0049] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0050] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator, characterized in that: The adsorption tower tank (1) and connecting pipe (2) are provided. The adsorption tower tank (1) is provided with a plurality of molecular sieve disks (3) arranged in a vertical direction. The molecular sieve disks (3) are provided with a plurality of vertically extending micro airflow channels (30). The micro airflow channels (30) of adjacent molecular sieve disks (3) are aligned. Molecular sieve particles (4) are provided at the upper and lower ends of the micro airflow channels (30).

2. The multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: An elastic gasket (8) is provided between the molecular sieve disks (3), and the elastic gasket (8) is provided with air holes (80), which are correspondingly arranged with the micro airflow channel (30).

3. The multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The molecular sieve disk (3) is provided with a concave gasket groove (31), and the gasket groove (31) is provided with a guide groove (32) that matches the protrusion (81) of the elastic gasket (8).

4. The multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A support frame (9) is provided below the molecular sieve disk (3).

5. The multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The support frame (9) is triangular, and the support frame (9) has a threaded hole (90) at the top corner, and the support frame (9) has a guide slope (92) at the upper and lower ends.

6. The multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing ring (10) is provided on the outer periphery of the molecular sieve disk (3). The outer side of the sealing ring (10) is in contact with the adsorption tower tank (1), and the inner side of the sealing ring (10) is located between two adjacent upper and lower molecular sieve disks (3).

7. The multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The molecular sieve disk (3) has a through hole (33) in the center, and a positioning rod (34) is provided in the through hole (33). The upper end of the positioning rod (34) is provided with a lifting part (35).

8. The multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The positioning rod (34) is provided with external threads, and the plurality of molecular sieve discs (3) are fixed on the positioning rod (34) by threaded sleeves (36).

9. The multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to claim 8, characterized in that: The threaded sleeve (36) includes an upper threaded sleeve (37) and a lower threaded sleeve (38). The upper threaded sleeve (37) is fixed to the upper end of the positioning rod (34), and the lower threaded sleeve (38) is fixed to the lower end of the positioning rod (34).

10. The multi-layer adsorption tower oxygen generator according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The adsorption tower tank (1) is provided with a top cover (13) at the upper end, and the top cover (13) is provided with a filter layer (14).

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