A nitrogen generator

Abstract

This utility model relates to a nitrogen generator, including an adsorption tower, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a pressure equalization pipe. The adsorption tower has a hollow inner cavity, the upper end of which is divided into an upper gas chamber by a perforated plate. The inlet pipe is located at the lower end of the adsorption tower, and the outlet pipe communicates with the upper gas chamber, with its head extending into the upper gas chamber, so that the inlet of the outlet pipe head is located within the upper gas chamber. A filter cover is installed at the inlet, and the filter cover is fitted over the head of the outlet pipe to filter at least a portion of the gas entering the outlet pipe. A guide plate is installed above the perforated plate to guide the gas entering the upper gas chamber to flow along the inner wall. A feeding pipe is located at the center of the upper gas chamber, and a baffle ring is installed on the outer wall of the feeding pipe to ensure that the powdered particles flowing along the inner wall reach above the baffle ring. Both the guide plate and the filter cover are made of breathable material. This utility model has a simple structure and can effectively prevent molecular sieve powder from entering the outlet pipe with the airflow, extending the service life of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of gas separation technology, and more particularly to a nitrogen generator. Background Technology

[0002] Nitrogen generators mainly include pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and cryogenic air separation. Compared to cryogenic air separation, PSA can be performed at room temperature, has a simpler process, lower energy consumption, lower operating costs, and is easier to operate and maintain, making it the most widely used type. PSA increases air pressure and uses carbon molecular sieves as the adsorbent under high pressure. Utilizing the selective adsorption capacity of carbon molecular sieves for oxygen and nitrogen in the air, adsorption is performed under pressure, and decompression regenerates the molecular sieves, allowing for the separation of oxygen and nitrogen to produce nitrogen gas at room temperature. The optimal adsorption pressure of carbon molecular sieves is relatively high, resulting in a high gas density in the nitrogen generation system and significant impact energy during adsorption and desorption. This impact during PSA causes a large amount of carbon molecular sieve to settle, leaving the top of the adsorption tower relatively loose, further leading to the pulverization of a large amount of molecular sieve. These pulverized particles enter the outlet pipe with the airflow, requiring a filtration system that needs regular replacement to ensure its smooth operation. The downtime required for filter replacement consumes significant time.

[0003] Chinese patent application CN209771755U discloses an anti-powdering clamping device for a high-volume nitrogen generator, relating to the field of nitrogen generator technology. It includes a fixedly connected adsorption tower head and adsorption tower neck. The adsorption tower neck has a perforated plate inside. Molecular sieves are filled below the perforated plate and inside the adsorption tower head. An outlet pipe runs through the center of the perforated plate. A flange is provided at the opening of the adsorption tower neck. A flange cover, fixedly connected to the flange, is provided above the adsorption tower neck. A clamping cylinder is provided above the flange cover. Several evenly distributed clamping screws run through the flange cover. The bottom of the clamping screws abuts against the perforated plate. This design increases the screw structure, requiring frequent tightening of the screws, thus incurring significant maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a nitrogen generator to at least solve the technical problem of pulverized molecular sieves entering the gas outlet pipe in the prior art.

[0005] According to this application, a nitrogen generator is provided, including an adsorption tower, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a pressure equalization pipe. The adsorption tower has a hollow inner cavity, and the upper end of the inner cavity is divided into an upper gas chamber by a mesh plate. The inlet pipe is located at the lower end of the adsorption tower, and the outlet pipe is connected to the upper gas chamber. The head of the outlet pipe extends into the upper gas chamber, so that the inlet of the outlet pipe head is located in the upper gas chamber. The inlet is provided with a filter cover, which is fitted onto the head of the outlet pipe so that at least part of the gas entering the outlet pipe is filtered by the filter cover.

[0006] Compared with existing technologies, the nitrogen generator of this application has the following advantages:

[0007] By installing a filter cover, a large amount of dust can be blocked, preventing dust from entering the exhaust pipe in large quantities, increasing the burden on other filters, reducing the frequency of filter maintenance, and enabling the nitrogen generator to work stably for a long time.

[0008] In one embodiment, a guide plate is provided above the mesh plate. The guide plate guides the gas entering the upper air chamber to flow along the inner wall of the upper air chamber. A feeding pipe is provided in the center of the upper air chamber, and a baffle ring is provided on the outer wall of the feeding pipe. This allows the pulverized particles to flow along the inner wall of the upper air chamber and reach the baffle ring. With this design, larger pulverized particles will fall onto the baffle ring under the action of gravity, reducing the particles entering the air outlet pipe.

[0009] In one embodiment, the deflector is made of a breathable material, allowing some gas to flow directly through the deflector. This design reduces the resistance to gas flow and effectively blocks impurity particles.

[0010] In one embodiment, the filter cover is made of a breathable material, allowing some gas to flow directly through the filter cover. There is a gap between the filter cover and the head of the outlet pipe, allowing some gas to bypass the filter cover and enter the inlet pipe after multiple turns. This design can generate a large airflow when the air pressure changes rapidly, quickly stabilize the air pressure, and avoid the filter cover being subjected to large pressure.

[0011] In one embodiment, the head of the air outlet extends upward so that the air inlet faces upward, and the filter cover is cylindrical with a downward opening. The filter cover is fitted onto the head of the air outlet from top to bottom, which causes the airflow to change direction and uses centrifugal force to throw off the powdered particles, thus preventing a large number of powdered particles from entering the air outlet.

[0012] In one embodiment, the guide plate includes a baffle extending horizontally and an upper cylindrical plate extending vertically upward or a lower cylindrical plate extending downward, so that the guide plate is correspondingly arranged with the mesh plate, which can effectively filter the gas and reduce the gas flow resistance.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lower cylinder plate is positioned close to the inner wall of the upper air chamber, and the upper cylinder plate is positioned close to the filter cover, so that the gas flow undergoes a more dramatic turn, using inertia to separate the pulverized particles.

[0014] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the filter cover is provided with spiral blades, which can generate centrifugal force when the gas flows in a spiral motion, thereby separating the powdered particles from the gas.

[0015] In one embodiment, the exhaust pipe has at least two heads, so that the inner cavity has at least two air inlets, thus reducing gas flow resistance and making gas flow more uniform.

[0016] In one embodiment, the lower end of the inner cavity is provided with a ceramic ball cavity and a drying cavity, which bulge upward to form an arch shape, thereby adsorbing moisture and impurities and extending the service life of the molecular sieve.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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, wherein:

[0019] In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the composition and structure of the nitrogen generator of Embodiment 1 of this application is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A half-sectional schematic diagram of the nitrogen generator of Embodiment 1 of this application is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the filter cover of the nitrogen generator according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the guide plate of the nitrogen generator according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0025] Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram of point A of the nitrogen generator in Embodiment 2 of this application is shown;

[0026] Figure 7 An enlarged schematic diagram of point A of the nitrogen generator in Embodiment 3 of this application is shown.

[0027] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0028] 1. Adsorption tower; 2. Inlet pipe; 3. Outlet pipe; 4. Pressure equalizing pipe; 5. Filter cover; 6. Guide plate; 7. Cylinder; 8. Pressing plate; 9. Hydraulic valve; 10. Inner cavity; 11. Mesh plate; 12. Upper air chamber; 13. Inner wall; 14. Baffle ring; 15. Feed pipe; 16. Ceramic ball cavity; 17. Drying chamber; 18. First adsorption tower; 19. Second adsorption tower; 31. Head; 32. Inlet; 51. Spiral blade; 52. Mounting lug; 61. Baffle; 62. Upper cylinder plate; 63. Lower cylinder plate; 64. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0029] 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.

[0030] Example 1:

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a nitrogen generator includes an adsorption tower 1, an inlet pipe 2, an outlet pipe 3, and a pressure equalization pipe 4. The adsorption tower 1 has a hollow inner cavity 10. The upper end of the inner cavity 10 is divided into an upper gas chamber 12 by a mesh plate 11. The inlet pipe 2 is located at the lower end of the adsorption tower 1. The outlet pipe 3 is connected to the upper gas chamber 12. The head 31 of the outlet pipe 3 extends into the upper gas chamber 12, so that the inlet 32 ​​of the head 31 of the outlet pipe 3 is located in the upper gas chamber 12. The inlet 32 ​​is provided with a filter cover 5. The filter cover 5 is fitted on the head 31 of the outlet pipe 3 so that at least part of the gas entering the outlet pipe 3 is filtered by the filter cover 5.

[0032] Pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generators typically have a first adsorption tower 18 and a second adsorption tower 19. The first adsorption tower 18 and the second adsorption tower 19 are designed symmetrically. The air flow direction of the inlet pipe 2, outlet pipe 3 and equalizing pipe 4 is controlled by a hydraulic valve 9, a pneumatic valve or a solenoid valve, so that the first adsorption tower 18 and the second adsorption tower 19 can work alternately.

[0033] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, the perforated plate 11 has multiple air holes, and a guide plate 6 is provided above the perforated plate 11. The guide plate 6 guides the gas entering the upper air chamber 12 to flow along the inner wall 13 of the upper air chamber 12. A feeding pipe 15 is provided at the center of the upper air chamber 12, and a baffle ring 14 is provided on the outer wall of the feeding pipe 15, so that the pulverized particles flowing along the inner wall 13 of the upper air chamber 12 can reach above the baffle ring 14. The carbon molecular sieve can enter the inner chamber 10 through the feeding pipe 15. A cylinder 7 is provided above the feeding pipe 15, and the cylinder 7 can drive the pressing plate 8 to move.

[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the guide plate 6 is made of a breathable material, allowing some gas to flow directly through the guide plate 6. The breathable material can be synthetic fiber material or glass fiber material. In addition, aluminum alloy, engineering plastic or steel can be used to make the support structure. The guide plate 6 can be directly installed on the side of the feed pipe 15.

[0035] In one embodiment, the filter cover 5 is made of a breathable material, allowing some gas to flow directly through it. The breathable material can be synthetic fiber or glass fiber, such as polypropylene or polyester nonwoven fabric. Additionally, the supporting structure can be made of aluminum alloy, engineering plastics, or steel, giving the filter cover a certain strength and rigidity. A gap exists between the filter cover 5 and the head 31 of the outlet pipe 2, allowing some gas to bypass the filter cover 5 and directly enter the inlet pipe 2 after multiple detours.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the head 31 of the air outlet pipe 3 extends upward so that the air inlet 32 ​​faces upward, and the filter cover 5 is cylindrical and has a downward opening. The filter cover 5 is fitted onto the head 31 of the air outlet pipe 3 from top to bottom.

[0037] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the guide plate 6 includes a baffle 61 extending horizontally, an upper cylindrical plate 62 extending vertically upward, and a lower cylindrical plate 63 extending downward. A through hole 64 is pre-drilled at the center of the guide plate 6 for the installation position of the feed pipe 15. The inner diameter of the upper cylindrical plate 62 is larger than the outer diameter of the filter cover 5, and the outer diameter of the lower cylindrical plate 63 is smaller than the inner diameter of the adsorption tower 1.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one possible embodiment, the lower cylinder plate 63 is disposed near the inner wall 13 of the upper air chamber 12, and the upper cylinder plate 62 is disposed near the filter cover 5.

[0039] like Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the inner wall of the filter cover 5 is provided with spiral blades 51. The spiral blades 51 can be strip-shaped threaded protrusions that can guide airflow. In some devices, the filter cover 5 has a large space inside, which can accommodate multiple independent blade structures in the shape of fan blades. The filter cover 5 has mounting ears 52 on both sides that can be mounted onto the guide plate 6.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the air outlet pipe 3 is provided with at least two heads 31 such that the inner cavity 10 is provided with at least two air inlets 32. In some embodiments, three or four air inlets 32 may also be provided.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the lower end of the inner cavity 10 is provided with a ceramic ball cavity 16 and a drying cavity 17. The ceramic ball cavity 16 and the drying cavity 17 protrude upward to form an arch shape. The arch structure facilitates the uniform flow of air in all directions. If the space is large, it can also be designed as a planar structure, in which case there will be certain differences in the airflow in each direction.

[0042] Example 2:

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the guide plate 6 includes a baffle 61 extending horizontally and a lower cylinder plate 63 extending downward, with the lower end of the lower cylinder plate 63 close to the mesh plate 11.

[0044] Example 3:

[0045] like Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the guide plate 6 includes a baffle 61 extending horizontally and an upper cylindrical plate 62 extending vertically upward. The upper cylindrical plate 62 can form a semi-enclosed structure, and the upper cylindrical plate 62 and the feed pipe 15 together surround the filter cover 5.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 nitrogen generator characterized by: The device includes an adsorption tower (1), an inlet pipe (2), an outlet pipe (3), and a pressure equalization pipe (4). The adsorption tower (1) has a hollow inner cavity (10). The upper end of the inner cavity (10) is divided into an upper air chamber (12) by a mesh plate (11). The inlet pipe (2) is located at the lower end of the adsorption tower (1). The outlet pipe (3) is connected to the upper air chamber (12). The head (31) of the outlet pipe (3) extends into the upper air chamber (12), so that the inlet (32) of the head (31) of the outlet pipe (3) is located in the upper air chamber (12). The inlet (32) is provided with a filter cover (5). The filter cover (5) is fitted on the head (31) of the outlet pipe (3) so that at least part of the gas entering the outlet pipe (3) is filtered by the filter cover (5).

2. The nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A guide plate (6) is provided above the perforated plate (11). The guide plate (6) guides the gas entering the upper air chamber (12) to flow along the inner wall (13) of the upper air chamber (12). A feeding pipe (15) is provided in the center of the upper air chamber (12). A baffle ring (14) is provided on the outer wall of the feeding pipe (15), so that the pulverized particles can reach the baffle ring (14) above the inner wall (13) of the upper air chamber (12).

3. The nitrogen generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide plate (6) is made of breathable material, allowing some gas to flow directly through the guide plate (6).

4. The nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter cover (5) is made of breathable material so that some gas flows directly through the filter cover (5). There is a gap between the filter cover (5) and the head (31) of the outlet pipe (3) so that some gas can bypass the filter cover (5) and directly enter the inlet pipe (2) after multiple turns.

5. The nitrogen generator according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that: The head (31) of the air outlet pipe (3) extends upward so that the air inlet (32) faces upward. The filter cover (5) is cylindrical and has a downward opening. The filter cover (5) is fitted from top to bottom onto the head (31) of the air outlet pipe (3).

6. The nitrogen generator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The guide plate (6) includes a baffle (61) extending horizontally and an upper cylinder plate (62) extending vertically upward or a lower cylinder plate (63) extending downward.

7. The nitrogen generator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lower cylinder plate (63) is disposed near the inner wall (13) of the upper air chamber (12), and the upper cylinder plate (62) is disposed near the filter cover (5).

8. The nitrogen generator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner wall of the filter cover (5) is provided with spiral blades (51).

9. The nitrogen generator according to claim 8, characterized in that: The air outlet pipe (3) is provided with at least two heads (31) such that the inner cavity (10) is provided with at least two air inlets (32).

10. The nitrogen generator according to claim 9, characterized in that: The lower end of the inner cavity (10) is provided with a ceramic ball cavity (16) and a drying cavity (17), and the ceramic ball cavity (16) and the drying cavity (17) bulge upward to form an arch shape.

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