Nitrogen outlet back flushing mechanism of nitrogen generator

By designing a nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism for the nitrogen generator, and utilizing connectivity and an automatic filtration mechanism, the problem of production interruption during adsorption tower replacement was solved, achieving efficient utilization and purity assurance of nitrogen.

CN224474841UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-10SUZHOU HAIYU SEPARATION TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SUZHOU HAIYU SEPARATION TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-23
Publication Date
2026-07-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing nitrogen generator requires disassembling the decapsulation cover when replacing the adsorption tower, which interrupts production and makes it difficult to achieve thermal switching, resulting in low nitrogen utilization and affecting purity.

Method used

A nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism for a nitrogen generator was designed, including a pipe body, valves, a filter mechanism, and a drive mechanism. The connectivity design enables rapid isolation of maintenance areas, and the use of U-shaped branch pipes to form a temporary circulation path ensures production continuity. The drive mechanism automatically adjusts the direction of the filter cotton to prevent impurities from entering the adsorption tower.

Benefits of technology

This allows the nitrogen generator to operate without shutdown during maintenance, maintaining continuous production, improving nitrogen utilization and purity, and avoiding the risk of impurities penetrating due to reverse airflow.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a nitrogen outlet back flushing mechanism of nitrogen making machine relates to back flushing technical field, including the tubulature, both ends of tubulature all are fixedly connected with first valve, both ends of two first valve all are fixedly connected with filter mechanism, filter mechanism includes the connecting pipe, be provided with drive mechanism on the connecting pipe, drive mechanism includes fixedly and clamps, one end of connecting pipe is fixedly connected with second valve, one side of second valve is fixedly connected with first input pipe, and the opposite side second valve's one side is fixedly connected with second input pipe, the utility model discloses setting tubulature, first valve, filter mechanism and drive mechanism, through closing the first valve and second valve of target filter mechanism both sides, directly cut off the airflow of the section to be maintained, utilize the connectivity of tubulature and branch pipe, realize the quick isolation of maintenance area, avoid the whole system shutdown, ensure that nitrogen making machine still can depressurization operation during maintenance, guarantee production continuity.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of backflushing technology, specifically to a nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism for a nitrogen generator. Background Technology

[0002] Nitrogen generators are key equipment in industries such as chemical, electronics, and metallurgy. Their core function is to separate nitrogen from the air using pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or membrane separation technology. Nitrogen generators are widely used in chemical, food, electronics, and metallurgical industries. Backflushing devices are mainly used in air separation equipment. In existing technologies, the equipment operates by exchanging gases. During one adsorption cycle, the gas in the other adsorption tower will be completely discharged. When switching adsorption towers, some nitrogen will be directly lost, resulting in insufficient nitrogen utilization and a significant impact on purity. Therefore, by collecting the nitrogen and introducing it into the other adsorption tower through an exchange pipe for purging, the utilization rate of nitrogen can be improved.

[0003] However, existing exchange pipes and pipeline flanges are rigidly connected by bolts. When replacing them, the cover needs to be disassembled and production needs to be interrupted, making it difficult to achieve "hot switching". Although some improvement solutions introduce quick-release structures, which can reduce replacement time, they still cannot maintain use when replacing. Therefore, a nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism for nitrogen generators is needed to solve the existing shortcomings. Utility Model Content

[0004] Technical problems to be solved

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to solve the technical problem that it is difficult to achieve "hot switching" because the cover needs to be disassembled and production is interrupted when changing the cover. This utility model provides a nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism for a nitrogen generator.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism for a nitrogen generator, comprising a pipe body, with a first valve fixedly connected to both ends of the pipe body, and a filter mechanism fixedly connected to both ends of the two first valves. The filter mechanism includes a connecting pipe, and a driving mechanism is provided on the connecting pipe. The driving mechanism includes a fixing clamp. A second valve is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting pipe, a first input pipe is fixedly connected to one side of the second valve, and a second input pipe is fixedly connected to one side of the opposite side of the second valve. A first branch pipe is provided between the pipe body and the first input pipe, and a second branch pipe is provided between the pipe body and the second input pipe. A first pressure probe is fixedly fixed through the top of the connecting pipe, and a second pressure probe is fixedly fixed through the top of the pipe body.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that one end of the first branch pipe is connected to the pipe body, and the other end of the first branch pipe is connected to the first input pipe; one end of the second branch pipe is connected to the pipe body, and the other end of the second branch pipe is connected to the second input pipe.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that the filtering mechanism includes a rotating frame, symmetrically arranged outer mesh, sealing strip, gear, and filter cotton. The rotating frame and the connecting pipe are rotatably connected, and the two sides of the rotating frame are respectively fixedly connected to the edges of the symmetrically arranged outer mesh. The edge of the rotating frame is fixedly connected to one side of the sealing strip, and the outer edge of the sealing strip abuts against the inner wall of the connecting pipe. The top of the rotating frame is fixedly connected to the bottom of the gear, and the filter cotton is filled between the rotating frame and the outer mesh.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that the driving mechanism includes a rack, a hydraulic rod, and a fixing frame, one end of the fixing frame is fixedly connected to one side of the fixing clamp, and the top of the fixing frame is fixedly connected to one end of the hydraulic rod, and the movable end of the hydraulic rod is fixedly connected to one side of the rack.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that the fixing clamp is sleeved and fixed to the outer wall of the connecting pipe, and the rack and gear are meshed and connected.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that the fixing frame is arranged in an L-shape, and the fixing frame and the external support are fixedly connected by bolts.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that a third valve is provided on both the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, and both the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe are U-shaped structures.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism of this nitrogen generator has the following advantages:

[0015] I. This utility model, by setting up a pipe body, a first valve, a filter mechanism and a drive mechanism, directly cuts off the airflow of the section to be repaired by closing the first and second valves on both sides of the target filter mechanism. By utilizing the connectivity between the pipe body and the branch pipe, the maintenance area can be quickly isolated, avoiding the shutdown of the entire system. After opening the third valve, nitrogen gas bypasses through the first or second branch pipe of the U-shaped structure, forming a temporary circulation path, ensuring that the nitrogen generator can still operate with reduced pressure during maintenance, thus ensuring production continuity.

[0016] Second, by setting up a filtration mechanism, when the direction of the backflush airflow changes, the drive mechanism forces the rotating frame to rotate 180° through gear-rack transmission, so that the outer net always faces the direction of the incoming airflow, ensuring that the filter cotton effectively intercepts impurities and preventing the reverse airflow from carrying impurities into the adsorption tower.

[0017] Third, by setting up a drive mechanism, when the direction of the back-blowing airflow is switched, the hydraulic rod pushes the rack to precisely drive the gear to rotate, causing the rotating frame and the outer mesh to rotate 180° synchronously, realizing the automatic direction adjustment of the filter surface. Without manual intervention, it can ensure that the filter cotton is always facing the direction of the incoming airflow, completely avoiding the risk of impurities penetrating due to reverse airflow.

[0018] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination or study, or may be taught from the practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the tube body and the filtration mechanism of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the tube body and the filtration mechanism of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This utility model Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating frame of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded three-dimensional structure of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Pipe body; 2. First valve; 3. Filtering mechanism; 4. Drive mechanism; 5. Second valve; 6. First input pipe; 7. Second input pipe; 8. First branch pipe; 9. Second branch pipe; 10. First air pressure probe; 11. Second air pressure probe; 12. Third valve; 301. Connecting pipe; 302. Rotating frame; 303. Outer mesh; 304. Sealing strip; 305. Gear; 306. Filter cotton; 401. Fixing clamp; 402. Rack; 403. Hydraulic rod; 404. Fixing bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] like Figure 1-6 As shown, this utility model provides a technical solution: a nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism for a nitrogen generator, including a pipe body 1, with first valves 2 fixedly connected to both ends of the pipe body 1, and filter mechanisms 3 fixedly connected to both ends of the two first valves 2, including a connecting pipe 301, on which a drive mechanism 4 is provided, symmetrically distributed at both ends of the pipe body 1 to achieve bidirectional filtration function. The filter mechanism 3 includes the connecting pipe 301, on which the drive mechanism 4 is provided, and the drive mechanism 4 includes a fixing clamp 401, which fixes the mechanism to the outer wall of the connecting pipe 301. The rotating frame 302 is controlled to flip by a hydraulic rod 403 and a rack 402. A second valve 5 is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting pipe 301, and the first valves 2 and the second valve 5 switch in coordination. The airflow path achieves heat repair and uninterrupted operation through the pipe body 1. The first input pipe 6 is fixedly connected to one side of the second valve 5, and the second input pipe 7 is fixedly connected to one side of the opposite side of the second valve 5. A first branch pipe 8 is set between the pipe body 1 and the first input pipe 6, and a second branch pipe 9 is set between the pipe body 1 and the second input pipe 7. The first branch pipe 8 and the second branch pipe 9 are respectively connected to the pipe body 1 and the first input pipe 6 and the second input pipe 7, forming a bypass channel with the third valve 12. A first air pressure probe 10 is fixedly fixed through the top of the connecting pipe 301, and a second air pressure probe 11 is fixedly fixed through the top of the pipe body 1. The first air pressure probe 10 and the second air pressure probe 11 form a differential pressure detection module to determine the blockage status of the filter cotton 306 in real time.

[0028] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, one end of the first branch pipe 8 is connected to the pipe body 1, and the other end of the first branch pipe 8 is connected to the first input pipe 6. One end of the second branch pipe 9 is connected to the pipe body 1, and the other end of the second branch pipe 9 is connected to the second input pipe 7. When a certain filter mechanism 3 is closed, the third valve 12 of the corresponding branch pipe is opened, and nitrogen gas flows around through the U-shaped branch pipe to ensure that the system maintains a stable gas supply in the pressure reduction operation mode. The U-shaped branch pipe can be installed with different diameters as needed to meet specific requirements.

[0029] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the filter mechanism 3 also includes a rotating frame 302, symmetrically arranged outer mesh 303, sealing strip 304, gear 305, and filter cotton 306. The rotating frame 302 and the connecting pipe 301 are rotatably connected, and the two sides of the rotating frame 302 are fixedly connected to the edges of the symmetrically arranged outer mesh 303 respectively. The edge of the rotating frame 302 is fixedly connected to one side of the sealing strip 304, and the outer edge of the sealing strip 304 abuts against the inner wall of the connecting pipe 301. The sealing strip 304 is made of wear-resistant rubber material and maintains airtightness in both rotating and stationary states. The top of the rotating frame 302 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the gear 305. The filter cotton 306 is filled between the rotating frame 302 and the outer mesh 303. When the airflow direction changes, the drive mechanism 4 forces the rotating frame 302 to rotate, so that the windward side of the outer mesh 303 always faces the airflow, preventing impurities from penetrating.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, the drive mechanism 4 also includes a rack 402, a hydraulic rod 403, and a fixing frame 404. One end of the fixing frame 404 is fixedly connected to one side of the fixing clamp 401, and the top of the fixing frame 404 is fixedly connected to one end of the hydraulic rod 403. The movable end of the hydraulic rod 403 is fixedly connected to one side of the rack 402. The fixing clamp 401 is sleeved and fixed to the outer wall of the connecting pipe 301. The rack 402 and the gear 305 are meshed and connected. The stroke of the hydraulic rod 403 matches the number of teeth of the gear 305 to ensure precise synchronization of the flipping action. The fixing clamp 401 and the L-shaped fixing frame 404 are connected to the external bracket by bolts, which supports quick disassembly and maintenance and can improve the overall structural strength at the same time.

[0031] like Figure 5 As shown, the fixed frame 404 is set in an L-shaped structure. The L-shaped structure disperses the vibration energy when the hydraulic rod 403 is actuated, reducing equipment fatigue wear. The fixed frame 404 and the external support are fixedly connected by bolts. Vertical installation saves horizontal space and is suitable for compact industrial scenarios.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, a third valve 12 is provided on both the first branch pipe 8 and the second branch pipe 9. Both the first branch pipe 8 and the second branch pipe 9 are U-shaped structures. The first valve 2 and the second valve 5 on both sides of the target filter mechanism 3 are closed, and the third valve 12 of the corresponding branch pipe is opened at the same time to form a nitrogen bypass path. The system pressure sensor automatically adjusts the gas supply pressure to maintain the continuity of nitrogen production.

[0033] Working principle: First, the two adsorption towers (A / B) alternately adsorb oxygen and release nitrogen through pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology. Pipe 1 serves as the main channel for backflushing nitrogen. The first input pipe 6 and the second input pipe 7 are respectively connected to the recovery ports of the two adsorption towers. The second valve 5 controls the nitrogen to enter pipe 1 through the filter mechanisms 3 on both sides.

[0034] When nitrogen flows through the filter mechanism 3, the filter cotton 306 intercepts impurities. The rotating frame 302 is forced to rotate by the drive mechanism 4 to ensure that the windward side of the outer mesh 303 always faces the airflow to prevent impurities from penetrating. The first pressure probe 10 (located at the inlet of the filter mechanism 3) and the second pressure probe 11 are located in the middle of the tube 1 to detect the pressure difference in real time. If the pressure difference exceeds the threshold, the external controller will send a signal indicating that the filter cotton 306 is clogged and needs to be replaced.

[0035] When adsorption tower A reaches adsorption saturation, the exhaust process is started to recover most of the nitrogen and the backflushing process is started. The nitrogen remaining in adsorption tower A enters the backflushing circuit through the first input pipe 6 instead of being directly discharged. The nitrogen is blown back into adsorption tower B through the first input pipe 6, the second valve 5 connected to the first input pipe 6, the filter mechanism 3 connected to the second valve 5, the first valve 2, the pipe body 1, the first valve 2 connected to the other side of the pipe body 1, the filter mechanism 3 connected to the first valve 2 on the other side, and the second input pipe 7 connected to the filter mechanism 3 on the other side, to remove the residual oxygen in tower B and improve the nitrogen purity in the next cycle.

[0036] When the airflow direction is switched from the first input pipe 6 to the second input pipe 7, the drive mechanism 4 is activated. The hydraulic rod 403 pushes the rack 402, which drives the gear 305 to rotate 180°, causing the rotating frame 302 and the outer mesh 303 to flip synchronously, keeping the filter surface facing the wind. The sealing strip 304 moves with the rotating frame 302 and fits tightly against the inner wall of the connecting pipe 301 to ensure airtightness and prevent leakage.

[0037] If the filter cotton 306 needs to be replaced, close the first valve 2 and the second valve 5 on both sides of the target filter mechanism 3 to cut off the airflow, and open the corresponding third valve 12 to allow nitrogen to bypass through the first branch pipe 8 or the second branch pipe 9. At the same time, the system enters the pressure reduction operation mode to maintain the continuity of nitrogen production.

[0038] Then loosen the fixing clamp 401, remove the outer screen 303, and directly replace the clogged filter cotton 306, thereby achieving maintenance without stopping the machine.

[0039] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 this utility model. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "fixed," "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "installed" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "connected" can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; "linked" can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism for a nitrogen generator, comprising a pipe body (1), characterized in that: Both ends of the pipe body (1) are fixedly connected to a first valve (2), and both ends of the two first valves (2) are fixedly connected to a filter mechanism (3). The filter mechanism (3) includes a connecting pipe (301). A drive mechanism (4) is provided on the connecting pipe (301). The drive mechanism (4) includes a fixing clamp (401). One end of the connecting pipe (301) is fixedly connected to a second valve (5). One side of the second valve (5) is fixedly connected to a first input pipe (6), and one side of the second valve (5) on the opposite side is fixedly connected to a second input pipe (7). A first branch pipe (8) is provided between the pipe body (1) and the first input pipe (6), and a second branch pipe (9) is provided between the pipe body (1) and the second input pipe (7). A first air pressure probe (10) is fixedly inserted through the top of the connecting pipe (301), and a second air pressure probe (11) is fixedly inserted through the top of the pipe body (1).

2. The nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism of the nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the first branch pipe (8) is connected to the pipe body (1), and the other end of the first branch pipe (8) is connected to the first input pipe (6). One end of the second branch pipe (9) is connected to the pipe body (1), and the other end of the second branch pipe (9) is connected to the second input pipe (7).

3. The nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism of the nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filtering mechanism (3) further includes a rotating frame (302), a symmetrically arranged outer mesh (303), a sealing strip (304), a gear (305), and filter cotton (306). The rotating frame (302) and the connecting pipe (301) are rotatably connected, and the two sides of the rotating frame (302) are fixedly connected to the edges of the symmetrically arranged outer mesh (303). The edge of the rotating frame (302) is fixedly connected to one side of the sealing strip (304), and the outer edge of the sealing strip (304) abuts against the inner wall of the connecting pipe (301). The top of the rotating frame (302) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the gear (305), and the filter cotton (306) is filled between the rotating frame (302) and the outer mesh (303).

4. The nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism of the nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive mechanism (4) further includes a rack (402), a hydraulic rod (403), and a fixing frame (404). One end of the fixing frame (404) is fixedly connected to one side of the fixing clamp (401), and the top of the fixing frame (404) is fixedly connected to one end of the hydraulic rod (403). The movable end of the hydraulic rod (403) is fixedly connected to one side of the rack (402).

5. The nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism of the nitrogen generator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing clamp (401) is sleeved and fixed to the outer wall of the connecting pipe (301), and the rack (402) and gear (305) are meshed and connected.

6. The nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism of the nitrogen generator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing frame (404) is arranged in an L-shape, and the fixing frame (404) and the external support are fixedly connected by bolts.

7. The nitrogen outlet backflushing mechanism of the nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A third valve (12) is provided on both the first branch pipe (8) and the second branch pipe (9), and both the first branch pipe (8) and the second branch pipe (9) are U-shaped structures.