Apparatus and method for treating process gas

Abstract

An apparatus for treating process gas from an industrial plant, comprising a main line, wherein a first end of the main line is connected to a process-gas outlet of the industrial plant for letting process gas to be treated out of the main line and a second end of the main line is connected to a process-gas inlet of the industrial plant for feeding the treated process gas into the industrial plant, and comprising an exhaust-gas branch for branching off part of the process gas from the main line into an exhaust-gas line, by way of which part of the process gas can therefore be discharged into the surroundings in the form of exhaust gas.

Description

[0001] Device and method for treating process gas

[0002] Description

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The present invention relates to a device, a method for treating process gas from an industrial plant, their use and a system.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Process gas from industrial plants can be used as a medium in certain process steps for the manufacture of products in order to achieve certain technical effects, such as drying, in a process step. These industrial processes include, for example, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, or solvent-processing processes. These industrial plants include, for example, workpiece processing plants, for example for drying and / or curing painted and / or coated and / or bonded workpieces (e.g., car bodies or body parts, electrodes, membranes, lithium-ion batteries, etc.). To improve the technical effect of the process gas in a process step, the process gas can be treated accordingly before use, for example to adapt the temperature and / or humidity of the process gas for the process step.

[0007] Conventional devices for treating process gas often contain a condenser, which cools and / or heats a large portion of the process gas. During a cooling process, for example, warm and humid air can be cooled through condensation, thereby reducing the humidity of the process gas. The temperature of the process gas after the cooling process can be lower than before. Therefore, the process gas is preferably additionally heated after the cooling process in combination with the cooling process to improve the drying properties of the process gas. However, the use of such a condenser with subsequent heating can result in comparatively high operating and acquisition costs, while also having an adverse energy balance.

[0008] Description of the invention

[0009] It is an object of the invention to create an improved system for treating process gas from an industrial plant / industrial process, which is economically advantageous and also ensures good treatment of the process gas while avoiding overly complex designs. In particular, it is an object of the invention to improve the treatment of the process gas of an industrial drying plant, preferably a plant for drying electrodes, preferably anodes, for capacitors, ultracapacitors or batteries, preferably lithium- or sodium-based batteries, which are manufactured or obtained using a solvent-based application process. The solvent can preferably be water. It is preferably an object of the invention to be able to supply or provide the process gas to the drying plant with the most favorable and / or stable properties possible, in particular with properties that are at least virtually independent of environmental conditions.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention with a device for treating process gas from an industrial plant according to claim 1. The device comprises a main line, wherein a first end of the main line is connected to a process gas outlet of the industrial plant for discharging process gas to be treated from the industrial plant, and a second end of the main line is connected to a process gas inlet of the industrial plant for feeding the treated process gas into the industrial plant; and an exhaust gas branch for branching a portion of the process gas from the main line into an exhaust gas line, via which a portion of the process gas can thus be discharged into the environment in the form of exhaust gas.

[0011] The inventors have discovered that it can be advantageous for the treatment of process gas to divert a portion of the process gas into an exhaust line for discharge into the environment and to feed the remainder back into the industrial plant via the process gas inlet. The process gas discharged from the industrial plant typically has a high temperature and high humidity. By diverting a portion of the hot and humid process gas, the volume flow in the main line after diverting becomes smaller. Accordingly, the amount of water contained in the process gas per unit time is also reduced. Since the volume flow discharged through the process gas outlet is greater than the volume flow supplied through the process gas inlet, the difference can be compensated for, in particular, by air flows from the environment that flow into the industrial plant separately from the main line.Under certain circumstances, the ambient air streams can be both cooler and have a lower absolute humidity than the process gas in the main line. By adding ambient air directly into the industrial plant, the relative humidity of the process gas can be reduced, its moisture absorption capacity increased, and, in particular, its drying properties improved. By diverting a portion of the process gas from the main line and treating the process gas in this way, the device can be kept technically simple and, in particular, space-saving. The use of operating fluids such as refrigerants or cooling water to treat the process gas can therefore be eliminated.

[0012] Humidity is preferably understood as absolute humidity, e.g., absolute air humidity, whereas relative humidity can be calculated based on other gas parameters. Absolute humidity is the mass of water vapor contained in a specific volume. At a certain temperature, for example, a maximum absolute air humidity exists, and the air cannot absorb any more moisture at this temperature. Relative humidity expresses the ratio between absolute air humidity and maximum air humidity.

[0013] In the context of this disclosure, "A" and "an" are to be read as indefinite articles unless expressly stated otherwise, and thus always as "at least one" or "at least one". A volume flow naturally also means a mass flow, whereby the density can be variable. However, when specifying the volume flow, it is preferred that the density be assumed to be constant for the purpose of describing and comparing the volume flow. In this case, the volume flow is therefore proportional to the mass flow. Directional terms such as "after" or "before" generally refer to the direction of flow. For example, the phrase "after the unit" or "before the unit" should be understood as "downstream of the unit" or "upstream of the unit", respectively. The "adjustment" of a gas parameter, for example a temperature, is to be understood in particular as both a direct and indirect controlled manipulation of the gas parameter.Adjusting a gas parameter can involve increasing, decreasing, or maintaining it at any level. In particular, adjusting can generally involve regulating or controlling.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a fresh gas line arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch, via which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment, can be supplied to the main line. Furthermore, the device comprises a mixer for mixing fresh gas from the fresh gas line with the process gas conducted in the main line, wherein the mixer is arranged upstream of the process gas inlet of the industrial plant. The fresh gas line can in particular be arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch of the main line, wherein fresh gas is supplied to the main line after the portion of the process gas from the main line is branched into the exhaust line at the exhaust gas branch.

[0015] Air from the environment of the main line can preferably be supplied through the fresh gas line arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch. The volume flow of the process gas in the main line downstream of the fresh gas line can be increased. The volume flow of the process gas downstream of the fresh gas line can preferably be adjusted to a volume flow of the process gas through the process gas outlet of the industrial plant. It is particularly preferred if the volume flow can be adjusted such that in the industrial plant, in particular in the areas where the process gas is carried, a predetermined negative pressure compared to an air pressure in the environment of the plant is ensured or can be adjusted. In particular, the (natural) gas properties of the fresh gas from the environment can be used to adjust a gas parameter of the process gas.Relevant gas parameters can include temperature, pressure, chemical composition, partial pressures, dew points, and / or humidity. If, for example, the temperature of the fresh gas is cooler than the process gas upon exiting the industrial plant, the temperature of the process gas can be lowered and simultaneously adjusted after the addition of fresh gas. If, in addition or alternatively, the ambient air has a lower humidity than the process gas upon exiting the industrial plant, the humidity of the process gas in the main line can be lowered and adjusted after the addition of fresh gas. In this way, the drying properties of the process gas can be positively influenced by the addition of fresh gas. The process gas can be conditioned in the main line, in particular, by the addition of fresh gas, before the process gas is fed to the industrial plant.The mixer for mixing fresh gas with the process gas allows a process gas stream with homogeneous gas properties to be formed in the main line, in particular a process gas stream with a uniform temperature profile across the flow cross-section. The mixer can, in particular, comprise a chamber with at least one respective inlet for the fresh and process gas and one outlet. The respective gas jet streams can flow into the chamber, for example, with different flow directions, allowing the fresh gas to mix with the process gas before the now mixed flow is discharged from the chamber into the main line.

[0016] The mixer can also be a simple piece of pipe in the main line to which the fresh gas line is connected. In particular, the cross-section of the mixer can be designed to be variable in the flow direction in order to set an advantageous flow velocity. For example, in the area of ​​the incoming fresh gas jet stream, the mixer can have a cross-section that increases in the flow direction of the main line in order to achieve a constant flow velocity upon exiting the mixer. Likewise, the mixer can also have a cross-section that narrows in the flow direction in order to achieve, for example, a higher flow velocity upon exiting the mixer. It is particularly advantageous to minimize the pressure loss through the mixer and at the same time achieve a flow with uniform gas properties, i.e., a homogeneous flow.

[0017] In particular, the mixer can also include internals for generating turbulent flow, such as fins, vanes, or vortex generators in general, to achieve a homogeneous flow while maintaining a compact design. At least parts of the internals can be designed as passive or active, particularly actively driven, components to promote or ensure the desired mixing of the gas jet streams.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a fresh gas line arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch, through which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment, can be supplied to the main line. Furthermore, the device has a unit for conditioning the fresh gas, wherein a gas parameter of the fresh gas, in particular a humidity, can be adjusted. As a result, a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a temperature and / or a humidity, can be adjusted by admixing the fresh gas. Preferably, the unit can further reduce the humidity of the fresh gas by removing water vapor from the fresh gas. After the fresh gas has been dehumidified, the fresh gas is preferably supplied to the main line. By admixing additionally dehumidified fresh gas, the humidity of the process gas in the main line can be further reduced or more precisely adjusted.This would have the advantage, especially when the humidity of the ambient air serving as the fresh gas fluctuates, that the humidity of the process gas in the main line can be adjusted over a wider range. The unit can, in particular, be a condenser, where the fresh gas is cooled to such an extent that water can be condensed out of the gas and removed.

[0019] Conditioning can, in particular, be humidification or dehumidification, or heating or cooling. The unit can therefore be a humidifier or dehumidifier. In particular, water can be injected or atomized into the process gas during conditioning. The unit can, for example, also be an electric heater or a heat exchanger (often also referred to as a heat transfer device). If the unit is a heat exchanger or includes one, this can - without being intended to be exhaustive - be designed, for example, as a gas-gas heat exchanger, in particular as a cross-cocurrent or cross-countercurrent heat exchanger, but also as a regenerative heat storage device, in particular a heat wheel, preferably a rotating heat wheel (often also referred to as a rotary heat exchanger).In a design as a heat wheel, thermal energy from a first gas flow is temporarily stored on a receiving side in a heat storage element, in particular a heat storage mass, which is then moved towards a discharge side in order to at least partially release the temporarily stored thermal energy to a second gas flow, e.g. process gas and / or the fresh gas.

[0020] Optionally or additionally, it may also be advantageous if a unit for conditioning the process gas remaining in the main line after the exhaust gas branch is provided downstream of the exhaust gas branch. This unit can preferably be arranged upstream of a fresh gas supply to the main line. This unit is preferably a humidifier and / or dehumidifier in order to advantageously adjust the humidity of the process gas to a favorable range before the fresh gas is supplied. In further advantageous embodiments, however, the unit can also comprise, have, or consist of a heating and / or cooling element, a compression unit, an expansion stage, a demister and / or an ionization device.By means of this unit, at least one gas parameter, for example humidity, temperature, pressure and / or droplet / particle loading of the process gas, can be set to a favorable value or value range before the supply of fresh gas.

[0021] For the purposes of the invention, a favorable value or value range of a gas parameter is understood to mean, in particular, a value or value range at which the process gas can or does perform its function in the industrial plant well, preferably almost optimally. Particularly for process gas in industrial drying plants, these would be values ​​of the gas parameter(s) at which the process gas in the drying plant can effectively and efficiently absorb emissions from the material being dried and transport them out of a drying chamber of the drying plant.

[0022] Adjusting a gas parameter, for example a temperature, can in particular also influence other gas parameters related to the gas, for example a humidity or a pressure. Adjusting a gas parameter can therefore also include adjusting several arbitrary, in particular related, gas parameters.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a first bypass line through which fresh gas is passed past a unit for conditioning the fresh gas, and / or a first adjustment device, wherein the first adjustment device adjusts a respective volume flow in the first bypass line and / or through the unit. In particular, a portion of the fresh gas originating from the environment and feedable to the main line can be passed past the unit for conditioning the fresh gas, parallel to the fresh gas line. In such an embodiment, a branch point can be arranged upstream of the unit, thereby splitting the fresh gas into two streams, with one portion of the fresh gas being fed to the unit and another portion of the fresh gas being passed past the unit. By passing part of the fresh gas past the unit, the conditioning of this portion of the fresh gas by the unit is thus eliminated.This allows the amount of conditioned fresh gas to be reduced or adjusted, even if the unit is operating at the same power output. In the preferred case where the unit is a dehumidifier, for example, less water vapor can be extracted from the fresh gas while maintaining the same dehumidification capacity of the unit by diverting a portion of the fresh gas past the dehumidifier in the first bypass line. This enables, for example, a precise and / or faster adjustment of the desired fresh gas humidity, especially when the dehumidification capacity cannot be increased or decreased quickly or precisely controlled.

[0024] In particular, the unit and the first bypass line can be arranged in a conditioning unit, preferably in a housing. Within the conditioning unit, for example, a portion of the fresh gas can be routed past a dehumidifier via the first bypass line. The conditioning unit can also be understood as a dehumidifier with an integrated bypass. The first bypass line can, in particular, be a flow channel, which can, for example, be structurally integrated into the housing of the conditioning unit.

[0025] The first adjustment device can optionally comprise the following: a first control unit, a first flap for adjusting a respective volume flow, a first sensor for measuring a gas parameter, in particular a humidity, wherein the first sensor is arranged upstream of the unit for conditioning the fresh gas and transmits gas parameter data to the first control unit, which uses the transmitted data for adjusting the flap.

[0026] For the purposes of this description, the transmission of data, in particular measurement data, by a sensor, such as the first sensor, should be understood not only to mean the active transmission of data but also to mean the storage of the data for retrieval. The transmission and / or retrieval of data can be implemented by means of wired, in particular wired, but also wireless communication between the sensor and a unit receiving the data (for example the first control unit). Wired transmission for the purposes of this description includes not only analog or digital electrical communication but also optical, fiber optic-based transmission. While wireless transmission can include or represent optical or acoustic transmission of data in addition to radio transmission.

[0027] The first flap can in particular be part of a first flap system, which can comprise several flaps. The first flap itself can also be understood as a flap system. A design of the first flap as a multi-part flap is also conceivable. Preferably, a further flap is arranged in the first bypass line, with one flap being arranged in a parallel fresh gas line. The first flap can, for example, be a control flap or a chamber for dividing gas flows, which is arranged at an interface between the fresh gas line and the second bypass line. Alternatively, at least individual flaps can also be designed as slides, orifices, or valves, without this changing the overall function of the adjustment device within the scope of the present invention. The term "flap" can therefore also be understood generally as a device and / or an element for flow control.

[0028] The first sensor can in particular comprise a plurality of sensors, which are, for example, part of a sensor system. The first sensor can, for example, be a humidity or temperature sensor that can measure the humidity or temperature of the fresh gas supplied to the unit. A sensor system forming the first sensor can also comprise a humidity, pressure, and / or temperature sensor. It can also be advantageous to provide a unit, device, or sensor for detecting a chemical composition or at least the proportion of at least one chemical component in the first sensor or corresponding sensor system. The first sensor can also be arranged downstream of the unit in the fresh gas line or in the first bypass line.

[0029] The first control unit can in particular be or comprise a computer or a computer program for adjusting the first flap based on the transmitted gas parameter data. Adjusting a flap can in particular comprise regulating or controlling. In a further preferred embodiment or development, the device has a fresh gas line arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch, through which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment, can be supplied to the main line. Furthermore, the device has a heat exchanger for adjusting a gas parameter of the fresh gas, in particular a temperature, wherein a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a temperature and / or humidity, can be adjusted by admixing the fresh gas.

[0030] Preferably, the heat exchanger is assigned to the fresh gas line, with the fresh gas being conducted from the fresh gas line to the heat exchanger. Particularly preferably, the heat exchanger is arranged downstream of a unit for conditioning the fresh gas, i.e., it is connected downstream of the unit for conditioning the fresh gas, with the unit being, in particular, a dehumidifier. The heat exchanger can transfer thermal energy to the flowing fresh gas, whereby a higher temperature of the fresh gas can be set downstream of the heat exchanger.

[0031] In another or additional embodiment, the heat exchanger is preferably assigned to the fresh gas line, with the fresh gas already tempered by the heat exchanger before it is fed to the process gas. By adding the fresh gas, a higher process gas temperature can be achieved. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can be assigned to the main line, with the process gas already being mixed with fresh gas before the process gas mixed with fresh gas is tempered by the heat exchanger arranged in the main line.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a second bypass line through which fresh gas, preferably from the environment, is passed past the heat exchanger, and / or a second adjusting device, wherein the second adjusting device adjusts a respective volume flow in the second bypass line or through the heat exchanger. In particular, a portion of the fresh gas originating from the environment and feedable to the main line can be passed past the heat exchanger parallel to the fresh gas line. In such an embodiment, a branch point can be arranged upstream of the heat exchanger and thereby divide the fresh gas into two streams, wherein part of the fresh gas is passed to the heat exchanger and another part of the fresh gas is passed past the heat exchanger.

[0033] The second adjustment device can adjust the volume flow of the fresh gas through a parallel fresh gas line and thus through the heat exchanger and / or through the second bypass line. The second adjustment device is preferably arranged downstream of a unit, in particular a dehumidifier, for conditioning the fresh gas. By directing a portion of the fresh gas past the heat exchanger, a portion of the fresh gas is not tempered by the heat exchanger. Thus, the fresh gas can be heated less overall by directing a portion of the fresh gas past the heat exchanger via the second bypass line. This enables, for example, the setting of a desired temperature of the fresh gas. In the case of an electric radiator, for example, the heating output can be increased or decreased. In such a case, the second bypass line may be omitted.It would also be conceivable to use an electric heater or electric heating element (e.g. an IR emitter, a ceramic heating element, resistance heating element, etc.) combined with a heat exchanger in order to be able to temper the fresh gas over an even wider temperature range.

[0034] In particular, the heat exchanger and the second bypass line can be arranged in a heat exchanger unit, in particular in a housing. Within the heat exchanger unit, for example, a portion of the fresh gas can be passed past the heat exchanger via the second bypass line. The heat exchanger unit can therefore also be understood as a heat exchanger with an integrated bypass. The first bypass line can, in particular, be a flow channel, which can, for example, be structurally integrated into the housing of the heat exchanger unit. In a heat exchanger unit, for example, several individual heat exchangers and several second bypass lines can be arranged, which can be arranged adjacent to one another, for example in series or parallel with respect to the main flow direction.

[0035] The second adjustment device may optionally further comprise the following: a second control unit, a second flap for adjusting a respective volume flow, a second sensor for measuring a gas parameter, in particular a temperature, wherein the second sensor is arranged in the main line and transmits gas parameter data to the second control unit, which adjusts the second flap based on the transmitted data.

[0036] The above statements regarding the first flap can apply analogously to the second flap. Thus, the second flap can also be part of a second flap system, which can comprise multiple flaps. Preferably, a second flap is arranged in a fresh gas line running parallel to the second bypass line, and a further second flap is arranged in the second bypass line. The second flap can, for example, be a control flap or a chamber for dividing gas flows, which is arranged at an interface between the fresh gas line and the second bypass line.

[0037] The second sensor can, in particular, comprise a plurality of sensors, which are, for example, part of a sensor system. The second sensor can, for example, be a humidity or temperature sensor, which can measure the humidity or the temperature of the process gas in the main line. A sensor system forming the second sensor can also comprise a humidity, pressure, and / or a temperature sensor. It can also be advantageous for a unit, device, or sensor to be provided for detecting a chemical composition or at least the proportion of at least one chemical component in the second sensor or corresponding sensor system. The second sensor is preferably arranged downstream of the heat exchanger and can particularly preferably measure the temperature of the process gas in the main line after the fresh gas is supplied to the process gas. The second sensor can also be arranged upstream of the heat exchanger or in the second bypass line.The second control unit can in particular be a computer or a computer program for adjusting the second flap based on the transmitted gas parameter data.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a fresh gas line arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch, through which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment, can be supplied to the main line, wherein a heat exchanger is provided for extracting thermal energy from the exhaust gas, wherein at least part of the extracted thermal energy can be transferred to the fresh gas in the fresh gas line and / or to the process gas in the main line downstream of the branch. Preferably, the heat exchanger is assigned to the exhaust gas line, wherein the exhaust gas is guided to the heat exchanger after branching off. The heat exchanger can be an air-to-air heat exchanger or a cross-flow heat exchanger, wherein the thermal energy from the exhaust gas stream is transferred to the fresh gas, which simultaneously flows through the heat exchanger.In particular, the thermal energy can be transferred indirectly to the process gas in the main line, for example, by admixing the fresh gas in the main line. A direct transfer of thermal energy from the exhaust gas to the process gas is also conceivable, by directing a portion of the process gas to the heat exchanger. Alternatively, a respective heat exchanger can be arranged in the fresh gas line and in the main line, with thermal energy from the exhaust gas stream being transferred to the fresh gas and the process gas by means of the respective heat exchanger.

[0039] The heat exchanger can also be located outside the exhaust line, with a portion of the exhaust gas being routed to the heat exchanger via a line connected to the exhaust line. After flowing through the heat exchanger, the exhaust gas can be routed back to the exhaust line.

[0040] Optionally, a portion of the thermal energy extracted from the exhaust gas can be fed to another industrial process, in particular the industrial plant. For this purpose, for example, the heat exchanger can have an additional heat transfer line, i.e., an additional piping system or channel for the passage of a heat transfer medium suitable for the industrial process, a branch for discharging a portion of a heat transfer medium flowing through the heat exchanger for supply to the industrial process, and / or a further, additional heat exchanger can be provided for the extraction of thermal energy for supply to the industrial process.

[0041] The use of the heat exchanger associated with the exhaust line can be energetically advantageous by extracting thermal energy from the exhaust gas, which would otherwise be released into the environment as waste heat, and instead returning this energy to the process gas. In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises a third adjustment device for adjusting a volume flow in the exhaust line, in particular an exhaust fan associated with the exhaust line, wherein a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a humidity, can be adjusted depending on the volume flow set in the exhaust line.

[0042] Preferably, the third adjustment device is or comprises an exhaust gas blower arranged in the exhaust gas line. The exhaust gas blower can be used to adjust the volume flow, for example, via a blower characteristic curve in the exhaust gas line. According to the invention, the humidity of the process gas can preferably be adjusted depending on the volume flow set in the exhaust gas line. For example, it may be necessary to divert more process gas through the exhaust gas blower so that the humidity of the process gas in the main line downstream of the fresh gas line remains low.

[0043] In particular, the third adjustment device can alternatively or additionally comprise a flap at the exhaust branch or downstream of the exhaust line, for example a regulating or control flap, wherein a volume flow in the exhaust line can be adjusted by adjusting the flap. The flap advantageously allows the adjustment or control of a volume flow from the process gas of the main line discharged as exhaust gas at the exhaust branch. The flap can also be constructed as a single- or multi-stage flap system. Instead of this at least one flap, an orifice plate, a louvre flap, or a valve, in particular a gas valve, can also be used.

[0044] The third adjustment device can optionally comprise the following: a third control unit, a third flap for adjusting a respective volume flow, a third sensor for measuring a gas parameter, in particular a humidity, wherein the third sensor is arranged upstream of the unit for conditioning the fresh gas and transmits gas parameter data to the third control unit or makes it available to the third control unit, which uses the transmitted data to adjust the flap. Alternatively or additionally, the third sensor can also transmit the data determined during the measurement to the first and / or second control unit or make it available to them. The third flap can in particular be part of a third flap system, which can comprise several flaps. The third flap itself can also be understood as a flap system. A design of the third flap as a multi-part flap is also conceivable.Preferably, a further flap is arranged in a third bypass line, with one flap being arranged in a parallel exhaust gas line. The third flap can, for example, be a control flap or a chamber for dividing gas flows, which is arranged at an interface between the exhaust line and the third bypass line. Alternatively, at least individual flaps can also be designed as slides, orifices, or valves, without this changing the overall function of the adjustment device within the scope of the present invention. The term "flap" can therefore also be understood generally as a device and / or an element for flow control.

[0045] The third sensor can in particular comprise a plurality of sensors, which are, for example, part of a sensor system. The third sensor can, for example, be a humidity or temperature sensor, which can measure the humidity or temperature of the fresh gas supplied to the unit. A sensor system forming the third sensor can also comprise a humidity, pressure and / or temperature sensor. It can also be advantageous to provide a unit, device or sensor for detecting a chemical composition or at least the proportion of at least one chemical component in the third sensor or corresponding sensor system. The third sensor can also be arranged downstream of the unit in the exhaust line or in the third bypass line.

[0046] The third control unit can, in particular, be or comprise a computer or a computer program for adjusting the third flap based on the transmitted gas parameter data. Adjusting a flap can, in particular, comprise regulating or controlling it.

[0047] The present invention is further based on the object of providing an improved method for treating process gas from an industrial plant.

[0048] This object is achieved according to the invention with a method for treating at least a portion of process gas discharged from an industrial process, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: discharging the process gas to be treated from an industrial process into a main line and feeding the treated process gas from the main line into the industrial plant; and branching off a portion of the process gas from the main line into an exhaust gas line at an exhaust gas branch, via which a portion of the process gas is discharged into the environment in the form of exhaust gas. The treatment of process gas can comprise branching off process gas. The volume flow of the process gas supplied to the industrial process can therefore be reduced by the treatment compared to the process gas discharged from the industrial process.The industrial process can in particular comprise a start-up and an end-up of operation of an industrial process plant, for example the heating-up phase or cooling-down phase of a drying device.

[0049] With this method according to the invention, the same advantages as with the device described above can be achieved. Regarding the advantages and advantageous / preferred embodiments, reference is therefore also made to the above explanations in connection with the device according to the invention.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises supplying fresh gas, preferably ambient air, to the main line via a fresh gas line. The fresh gas line opens into the main line downstream of the exhaust branch, with the supplied fresh gas compensating for the discharged exhaust gas. A gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a temperature and / or humidity, is adjusted by admixing the fresh gas. In particular, the volume flow of the process gas in the main line can be greater after the supply of fresh gas than before.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment, the fresh gas is mixed with the process gas assigned to the main line upon feeding it into the main line, the respective gas streams being mixed with one another before the treated process gas is fed to the industrial process. Alternatively, the gas streams, i.e. the fresh gas stream and the process gas stream, can be mixed with one another further downstream of the main line before the process gas is fed to the industrial process. Particularly preferably, the process gas is mixed before the process gas is heated in a further process step in the industrial plant. In a further preferred embodiment, fresh gas, preferably air from the environment, is fed to the main line via a fresh gas line arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch.Furthermore, the gas is conditioned, wherein a gas parameter of the fresh gas, in particular a humidity, is adjusted, wherein a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a temperature and / or a humidity, is adjusted by means of the addition of the fresh gas.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, fresh gas, preferably ambient air, is supplied to the main line via a fresh gas line located downstream of the exhaust branch. Furthermore, a portion of the fresh gas is passed through a unit for conditioning the fresh gas, and a respective volume flow is adjusted. The first adjustment device adjusts the respective volume flow depending on a gas parameter, in particular a humidity, which is measured before conditioning the fresh gas.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, fresh gas, preferably ambient air, is supplied to the main line via a fresh gas line located downstream of the exhaust gas branch. Furthermore, a gas parameter of the fresh gas, in particular a temperature, is adjusted in a heat exchanger before being fed into the main line, with a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a temperature and / or humidity, being adjusted by admixing the fresh gas.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment, fresh gas, preferably air from the environment, is supplied to the main line via a fresh gas line arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch. Furthermore, a portion of the fresh gas is passed into a second bypass line past a heat exchanger for heating the fresh gas, and a respective volume flow is adjusted through the heat exchanger or through the second bypass line by means of a second adjustment device. The second adjustment device adjusts the respective volume flow depending on a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a temperature.

[0055] In a further preferred embodiment, fresh gas, preferably air from the environment, is supplied to the main line via a fresh gas line located downstream of the exhaust gas branch. Furthermore, thermal energy is extracted from the exhaust gas conducted through the exhaust gas line in a heat exchanger, with at least a portion of the thermal energy extracted from the exhaust gas being transferred to the fresh gas in the fresh gas line and / or process gas in the main line.

[0056] In a further preferred embodiment, a branched volume flow in the exhaust gas line is adjusted by means of a third adjusting device, in particular an exhaust gas blower assigned to the exhaust gas line, wherein a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a humidity, is adjusted depending on the volume flow adjusted in the exhaust gas line.

[0057] In a further optionally preferred embodiment, the following method steps are further carried out at the start of operation of the process gas treatment: a determination, in particular by means of a measurement (preferably by querying or reading at least one sensor, particularly preferably by regularly recurring or continuous querying of a sensor, wherein the querying / reading in the sense of the inventors also comprises an active provision of measured values ​​by the sensor), of the humidity of a fresh gas, preferably air from the environment, before entering the fresh gas line, wherein, depending on the measured humidity of the fresh gas, the fresh gas is humidified or dehumidified before the fresh gas is fed to the main line. For this purpose, the measured humidity is preferably related to or compared with a target humidity or a target humidity interval.The humidity of the fresh gas determined before it enters the fresh gas line can, in particular, correspond to an ambient humidity. In the case of high ambient humidity, i.e. a humidity which in particular exceeds a target humidity or a target humidity interval for the fresh gas to be supplied to the process gas, the fresh gas is preferably dehumidified before the fresh gas is supplied to the main line. The target humidity or the target humidity interval for the fresh gas to be supplied to the process gas can, in particular, depend on, be influenced, controlled and / or regulated by a humidity and / or another gas parameter (e.g. temperature and / or pressure) of the process gas upon entry into the main line or upstream of a supply of fresh gas to the process gas via the fresh gas line and / or upon exiting the main line or downstream of a supply of fresh gas to the process gas via the fresh gas line.The ambient humidity can also be determined indirectly by measuring other air parameters such as pressure or temperature. Transmission of the ambient humidity from an external data source is also conceivable. The ambient humidity may also be low, i.e., the humidity falls below the target humidity or the target humidity interval for the fresh gas to be supplied to the process gas. In this case, the fresh gas is preferably humidified before the fresh gas is fed into the main line. The process gas treatment system can be started up, for example, after maintenance or other downtime of the system.

[0058] In a further preferred embodiment, the following is carried out at the end of operation of the process gas treatment: branching off a portion of the process gas at an exhaust gas branch from the main line into an exhaust gas line, via which portion of the process gas is discharged into the environment in the form of exhaust gas, wherein more than 50% of the process gas is transferred to the exhaust gas line; supplying fresh gas, preferably air from the environment, via a fresh gas line arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch into the main line, wherein a volume flow of the supplied fresh gas preferably corresponds to the exhaust gas volume flow. While it is possible to return a portion of the process gas conducted from the industrial process to the industrial process, it is preferred that the quantity of fresh gas supplied to the industrial process be significantly greater than the quantity of process gas returned.Preferably, at the end of operation, the industrial process is entirely supplied with ambient air, meaning that the process gas discharged from the industrial process is completely diverted into the exhaust line and discharged into the environment as exhaust air. The method according to the invention can be advantageous for preventing the formation of condensation.

[0059] In a further preferred embodiment, the treated process gas is further tempered with additional heat in a further process step before a material to be dried is exposed to the process gas. Preferably, the treated process gas is fed to the industrial plant for a drying process, wherein the process gas is heated in the industrial plant in a further process step. In particular, additional heat can be generated in the further process step by burning a fuel such as natural gas in a heating unit and transferring the resulting additional heat to the process gas via a further heat exchanger. Alternatively, the additional heat in the further process step can also be provided by an electric heater. The process gas can then be fed to a drying process in order to absorb moisture from the material to be dried.

[0060] Optionally, the industrial plant can have a drying system with multiple drying modules, with the treated process gas being distributed among the drying modules. Each drying module contains a heating unit that adds additional heat to the process gas. After the process gas is heated by the respective heating unit, the material to be dried can be exposed to the process gas. Dividing the process gas into multiple drying modules can ensure improved drying results.

[0061] The invention can fundamentally be used for any industrial plant and industrial process that utilizes process gas. The applications exemplified above in the technical background also apply to the devices and methods according to the invention. Advantageously, the device and method according to the invention can be used to treat a process gas from a dryer, particularly in a production plant for producing an electrical energy storage device, which is discharged from a drying system in which electrodes are dried after a coating process.

[0062] The invention is preferably used in the coating of electrodes for lithium-ion batteries, wherein water is used as the solvent.

[0063] Examples of implementation

[0064] The invention is explained in more detail below using several exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, it is clarified that the proposed solutions according to the invention can be applied to various different industrial processes. List of Figures

[0065] The drawings show:

[0066] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the invention for treating process gas from an industrial plant for drying an electrode coating;

[0067] Fig. 1a is a schematic representation of a method according to the invention for treating process gas from an industrial plant;

[0068] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of another device according to the invention with fresh gas supply for treating process gas from an industrial plant for drying an electrode coating;

[0069] Fig. 2a is a schematic representation of a method according to the invention for Fig. 2 with fresh gas supply for treating process gas from an industrial plant;

[0070] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of another device according to the invention with adjustment devices for treating process gas from an industrial plant;

[0071] Fig. 3a is a schematic representation of a method according to the invention for treating process gas from an industrial plant;

[0072] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an alternative device according to the invention with adjustment devices for treating process gas from an industrial plant;

[0073] Fig. 4a is a schematic representation of a method according to the invention for treating process gas from an industrial plant;

[0074] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an alternative device according to the invention with adjustment devices for treating process gas from an industrial plant;

[0075] Fig. 5a is a schematic representation of a method according to the invention for treating process gas from an industrial plant;

[0076] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a drying module for treating process gas from an industrial plant;

[0077] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a control method of the first adjustment device; Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a control method of the second adjustment device; and

[0078] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a control method of the third adjustment device;

[0079] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of another device according to the invention with adjustment devices for treating process gas from an industrial plant similar to Fig. 2 but with a heat wheel;

[0080] Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of another device according to the invention with adjustment devices for treating process gas from an industrial plant with an alternative arrangement of a heat wheel;

[0081] Fig. 11a is a schematic representation of a method according to the invention for Fig. 11 with fresh gas supply for treating process gas from an industrial plant;

[0082] Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of another device according to the invention with fresh gas supply for treating process gas from an industrial plant for drying an electrode coating;

[0083] Fig. 12a is a schematic representation of a method according to the invention for Fig. 12 with fresh gas supply for treating process gas from an industrial plant;

[0084] Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0085] In the industrial production of electrodes for lithium-ion batteries and the like, a wet coating—in the form of a slurry or paste—can be applied to at least one side of a carrier material. The carrier material used is preferably an electrically conductive, flat substrate, in particular a conductive or metallic foil. The wet coating preferably comprises components of fine powders mixed with a solvent. Water, in particular, can be considered as a solvent. According to the invention, this takes place in an industrial process, which in the example described is or includes a drying process and is carried out on an industrial scale in an industrial plant 2. In these cases, a wet coating is applied continuously or discontinuously to a moving carrier material and dried in an oven or dryer.During drying, the water is removed, solidifying the applied coating. In typical cases where, for example, both sides of the film are to be coated sequentially, a first coating is continuously applied to a moving substrate and dried in an oven or dryer, followed by the application of a second wet coating, which is subsequently dried in a second drying step.

[0086] In a particularly preferred embodiment for producing battery electrodes, the wet coating is applied to both sides of the carrier material and then dried in an oven or dryer. This arrangement is referred to as simultaneous double-sided coating and drying. In the case of the production of lithium-ion electrodes, this arrangement is particularly advantageous in terms of increasing productivity, as it requires only one drying step after applying the wet coating slurry to both sides. Furthermore, the drying result can be improved, in particular, more uniformed, due to a more uniform heat input on both coating sides, since each side is advantageously subjected to only one drying step. Referring to Fig.1 describes, by way of example, a first preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention for treating process gas from an industrial plant 2.

[0087] In the industrial plant 2, water is absorbed from the surface of the wet coating by means of a process gas. In particular, the water serving as a solvent from the wet coating is converted into a vapor phase, for example by the introduction of thermal energy, so that the resulting vapor is or can be absorbed by the process gas surrounding or flowing around the coated film. The process gas is then transported out of the industrial plant 2 via a process gas outlet 21. A first end of a main line 31 is connected to the process gas outlet 21 to receive the process gas from the industrial plant 2. A second end 22 of the main line 31 is connected to a process gas inlet 22 of the industrial plant 2 to introduce the treated process gas into the industrial plant 2.The process gas can be conveyed through the main line 31 by means of one or more fans (not shown) downstream and / or upstream of the industrial plant 2. In particular, the device can set a negative pressure compared to the ambient air in the industrial plant 2. A portion of the process gas is branched off from the main line 31 at an exhaust branch 41 into an exhaust line 42 downstream of the process gas inlet 22 and discharged as exhaust gas into the ambient air 32 or fed to at least one cleaning, conditioning, and / or further processing device. Due to the negative pressure prevailing in the industrial plant 2, ambient air 32 can flow into the industrial plant 2 via further inlets arranged on the housing of the industrial plant 2, here exemplified as ambient air inlet 22a. Such inlets can be arranged, in particular, where the film to be coated is introduced into the industrial plant and / or discharged from it.Such openings are typically called “web slots.”

[0088] Typically, the process gas discharged from the industrial plant has a temperature of approximately 120°C and a humidity of approximately 35 g per kg of dry air. The volume flow of the discharged process gas is approximately 40,000 Nm. 3per hour. The amount of water absorbed by the process gas in the industrial plant can, in this example, be around 800 kg per hour. By diverting a portion of the process gas, for example, amounting to 10% of the volume flow of the discharged process gas, tests have shown that the average humidity of the process gas involved in the drying process in the industrial plant can be reduced to around 17 g per kg of dry air under favorable atmospheric conditions at an outside temperature of 0 °C and 30% relative humidity. It has been shown that diverting a portion of the process gas can reduce the moisture returned to the industrial plant and this also offers an energetic advantage for the drying process. The figures serve only as an example to illustrate the idea of ​​the invention.

[0089] Fig. 1a illustrates, by way of example, a first method for treating the process gas S3a discharged from the industrial process S2, which method is carried out or can be carried out by the device of Fig. 1. The method according to Fig. 1a can also be carried out with devices that differ from Fig. 1, preferably with devices that are analogous or act analogously to the embodiment according to Fig. 1.

[0090] For the purposes of this description of embodiments of the invention, an analog or analogously acting device structure is understood to mean, in particular, a device structure that differs in at least one component from the specific example of the referenced figure. This deviation can consist in replacing this specific component with an element that functions essentially or almost identically, preferably at least identically (e.g., replacing a flap with a valve or controllable fan) and / or in further developing the specific component by supplementing, removing, and / or modifying individual subcomponents and / or adding further subcomponents to this specific component (e.g., a motor-operated flap could be further developed by adding a sensor, for example, for flow, temperature, and / or pressure measurement).

[0091] The first process gas treatment process S3a comprises the following process steps: S21 : Discharge of the process gas from the industrial process S2;

[0092] S41 : Diverting part of the process gas and discharging it into an environment;

[0093] S22: Feeding the treated process gas from the main line to the industrial process S2. The branched portion of the process gas is discharged into the environment 32 in process step S32a.

[0094] Fig. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a device for treating process gas from an industrial plant for drying an electrode coating. Furthermore, a heat exchanger 44, designed as a cross-flow heat exchanger, is arranged in the exhaust gas line 42. The exhaust gas is guided to the heat exchanger 44 after the exhaust gas branch 41. The exhaust gas, which has a temperature of approximately 120°C in this example, then flows through the heat exchanger 44, with the exhaust gas releasing some of its thermal energy. After the exhaust gas has flowed through the heat exchanger 44, the temperature of the exhaust gas upon exiting the heat exchanger 44 drops to, for example, approximately 85°C.

[0095] A fresh gas line 51 is further connected to a mixer 6 arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch 41, which in this example is designed as a flow chamber. Air from the ambient air 32 is introduced into the mixer 6 via the fresh gas line through a secondary inlet 6a. The mixer 6 is also arranged at an interface between the main line 31 and the fresh gas line 51, this interface being arranged upstream of the process gas inlet 22 of the industrial plant 2. Downstream of the exhaust gas branch 41, the process gas is introduced into the mixer 6. In the mixer 6, the fresh gas is mixed with the process gas and discharged from the mixer 6 into the main line 31. The two gas streams are preferably mixed in the mixer 6 such that the most homogeneous flow possible is formed.

[0096] Provided in the fresh gas line 51 is a unit for conditioning the fresh gas, which here is designed as a dehumidifier 52 for adjusting the humidity of the fresh gas, in particular a maximum humidity. The heat exchanger 44 is arranged downstream of the dehumidifier 52. After the fresh gas is introduced from the environment 32 into the fresh gas line 51, the fresh gas is guided to the dehumidifier 52 and dehumidified. The fresh gas cools in the dehumidifier 52 from, for example, 30 °C to approximately 5 °C. In the dehumidifier 52, water is condensed out of the fresh gas and discharged from the dehumidifier 52, whereby the moisture content of the fresh gas is reduced from, for example, 20 g / kg to approximately 5 g / kg. Downstream of the dehumidifier 52, the fresh gas is guided to the heat exchanger 44, through which the fresh gas flows.Fresh gas and exhaust gas flow through the heat exchanger 44, preferably in spatially separated lines and / or channels of the heat exchanger 44 that are in a heat-transfer relationship with one another. The fresh gas absorbs the thermal energy extracted from the exhaust gas and heats up, for example, to approximately 45°C before being fed to the main inlet 61 of the mixer 6. By admixing the fresh gas, the process gas, upon leaving the mixer 6, in this example, has a substantially uniformly set temperature of 65°C and a substantially uniformly set moisture content of 11 g / kg of air. Alternatively or additionally, a dehumidifier based on a regenerable hygroscopic working fluid could be used, which could reduce or even prevent cooling of the fresh gas.

[0097] Fig. 2a illustrates, by way of example, a second method performed or capable of being performed by the device of Fig. 2 for treating the process gas S3b discharged from the industrial process S2, a first exhaust gas treatment method S4a, and a first fresh gas treatment method S5a. The method according to Fig. 2a can also be implemented with devices different from Fig. 2, preferably with devices analogous to the embodiment according to Fig. 2 or acting analogously.

[0098] In the second process gas treatment process S3b, process step S6 follows process step S41 in addition to process step S3a, whereby the fresh gas from the fresh gas treatment process S5a is mixed with the process gas in the mixer 6. After process step S6, the treated process gas is fed to the industrial process S2 in process step S22.

[0099] The first exhaust gas treatment process S4a comprises the following process steps: S44a: Transfer of thermal energy from the exhaust gas to the heat exchanger 44; S32a: Discharge of the exhaust gas into the environment 32.

[0100] The first fresh gas treatment process S5a comprises the following process steps: S32b: Supplying fresh air from the environment into the fresh gas line 51;

[0101] S52: Dehumidification of fresh gas; S44b: Transfer of heat energy from the heat exchanger 44 to the fresh gas.

[0102] The additional treatment steps in the initial fresh gas treatment process can have a positive impact on the reliability of the device's operation. Tests have shown that, for example, the process gas can be tempered to a temperature of 65 °C and a humidity of 11 g per kg of dry air upon entering the industrial plant, even in warm and humid ambient air.

[0103] Fig. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of a device for treating process gas from an industrial plant for drying an electrode coating. In addition to the second embodiment, the device has a first bypass line 53 and a first adjusting device 7, which can adjust a respective volume flow through the first bypass line 56 or through the dehumidifier 52. At least a portion of the fresh gas that is fed to the dehumidifier 52 is passed past the dehumidifier 52 parallel to the fresh gas line 51 or can be passed past the dehumidifier 52. The first adjusting device 7 also comprises a first flap system comprising a first flap 71 and a further first flap 74, wherein the first flap 71 or the further first flap 74 can adjust the flow to the dehumidifier or in the first bypass line 53.A first humidity sensor 72 is arranged upstream of the first flap 71 in the fresh gas line 51, so that the humidity of the fresh gas is measured before dehumidification. The data measured by the first humidity sensor 72 can be transmitted to a first control unit 73, which in turn adjusts the first flap 71 or the further first flap 74 depending on the measured data. According to the invention, the first control unit 73 comprises the following control logic for adjusting the first flap system:

[0104] • If the humidity of the fresh gas measured upstream of the dehumidifier 52 falls below a certain value F1, the fresh gas can be dehumidified to a lesser extent, and accordingly, the first flap 71 is closed, while the other first flap 74 is opened. The volume flow of the fresh gas is thus bypassed by the dehumidifier 52. Preferably, the dehumidifier 52 is also turned down or off.

[0105] • If the humidity of the fresh gas measured upstream of the dehumidifier 52 exceeds a certain value F2, the fresh gas is dehumidified and the further first flap 74 is closed, while the first flap 71 is opened. The volume flow of the fresh gas is then passed through the dehumidifier 52. In particular, F1 or F2 can be a setpoint or limit value; these form a target humidity interval for the fresh gas. In certain cases, F1 and F2 can be identical, so this can be referred to as a target humidity of the fresh gas.

[0106] The established control logic of the first flap system is not exhaustive, so any flap position can be set for a correspondingly measured humidity. In particular, it is conceivable that, via intermediate positions of the first flap 71 and / or the further first flap 74, a volume flow of fresh gas suitable for setting a desired target humidity is supplied to or bypassed by the dehumidifier 52.

[0107] The first adjustment device 7 has the advantage of being able to reduce the humidity of the fresh gas as needed and of being able to more effectively adjust the target humidity of the process gas both in hot and simultaneously humid ambient air and in cold and dry ambient air. In particular, the process gas can be dehumidified to a lesser extent, even if the dehumidification capacity per volume flow of the dehumidifier 52 remains unchanged, because the volume flow passed through the dehumidifier 52 can be reduced by means of the first adjustment device 7.

[0108] Downstream of the dehumidifier 52, in this example, a second bypass line 56 and a second adjusting device 8 are arranged, which can adjust a respective volume flow through the second bypass line 56 or through the heat exchanger 44. A portion of the fresh gas that is fed to the heat exchanger 44 is guided past the heat exchanger 44 parallel to the fresh gas line 51. The second adjusting device 8 further comprises a second flap system comprising a second flap 81 and a further first flap 84, wherein the second flap 81 or the further second flap 84 can adjust the flow to the heat exchanger 44 or in the second bypass line 56. A temperature sensor 82 is arranged in the main line 31 downstream of the mixer 6, wherein the temperature sensor 82 can measure a temperature of the process gas admixed with fresh gas.The data measured by the temperature sensor 82 can be transmitted to a second control unit 83, which in turn adjusts the second flap 81 or the further second flap 84 depending on the measured data.

[0109] According to the invention, the second control unit 83 for adjusting the second flap system comprises the following control logic:

[0110] • If the temperature of the process gas measured in the main line 31 by the temperature sensor 82 falls below a certain value F3, the fresh gas can be heated less and, accordingly, the second flap 81 is closed while the further second flap 84 is opened. The volume flow of the fresh gas is thus bypassed by the heat exchanger 44.

[0111] • If the temperature of the process gas measured in the main line 31 by the temperature sensor 82 exceeds a certain value F4, the fresh gas is heated and the second flap 84 is closed, while the second flap 81 is opened. The volume flow of the fresh gas is then passed through the heat exchanger 44. In particular, F3 or F4 can be a setpoint or limit value; these form a target temperature interval for the fresh gas. In certain cases, F3 and F4 can be identical, so this can be referred to as a target temperature for the fresh gas.

[0112] The control logic of the second flap system is also not exhaustive, so any flap position can be set for a correspondingly measured temperature. In particular, it is conceivable that, via intermediate positions of the second flap 81 and / or the further second flap 84, a volume flow of fresh gas suitable for setting a desired target humidity is supplied to or bypassed by the heat exchanger 44.

[0113] The second adjustment device 8 offers the additional advantage of increasing the total heat energy transferred to the process gas, for example in cold ambient air, and reducing heating in warmer ambient air.

[0114] Furthermore, Fig. 3 shows, in addition to the second embodiment, a third adjusting device 9, which has an exhaust fan 43 arranged in the exhaust line 42, with which a volume flow through the exhaust line 42 is adjusted. In addition to the exhaust fan 43, the third adjusting device 9 has a second humidity sensor 92 and a third control unit 91. The second humidity sensor 92 is connected to the exhaust fan 43 via the third control unit 91. The second humidity sensor 92 is arranged in the main line 31 for measuring a humidity of the process gas. The data from the second humidity sensor 92 is transmitted to the third control unit 91, whereupon the control unit 91 controls the exhaust fan 43 to adjust a volume flow through the exhaust line 42 depending on the measured humidity.If the humidity measured in the main line exceeds a certain setpoint, a higher volume flow through the exhaust line 42 is set by means of the exhaust fan 43, with the discharged exhaust gas in turn being compensated by a higher volume flow of fresh gas. In particular, the control units can communicate with at least one computer unit that can evaluate the measured data and / or monitor the air parameters. For example, the control units can be part of a central computer.

[0115] In particular, the computer unit or the central computer can carry out and further optimize the evaluations by incorporating “big data” and / or artificial intelligence.

[0116] Fig. 3a illustrates, by way of example, another method performed or capable of being performed by the device of Fig. 3 for treating the process gas S3b discharged from the industrial process S2, a second exhaust gas treatment method S4b, and a second fresh gas treatment method S5b. The method according to Fig. 3a can also be implemented with devices differing from Fig. 3, preferably with devices analogous to the embodiment according to Fig. 3 or acting analogously to it.

[0117] In the second exhaust gas treatment process S4b, after process step S44a, process step S43 is performed in addition to process step S4a. The exhaust gas is directed to the exhaust gas blower 43, whose speed is adjusted to establish a volume flow. After process step S43, the treated process gas is discharged into the environment 32 in process step S32a.

[0118] The second fresh gas treatment method S5b comprises the following process steps: S32b: Supplying fresh air from the environment into the fresh gas line 51; S7: Adjusting a volume flow by means of the first adjustment device 7 to the dehumidifier 52 or through the first bypass line 53;

[0119] S52: Optional dehumidification of fresh gas by opening or closing the first flap 71;

[0120] S53: Optionally conducting fresh gas in the first bypass line 53 to bypass the dehumidification in step S52 by opening or closing the further first flap 74;

[0121] S8: Setting a volume flow by means of the second setting device 8 to the heat exchanger 44 or through the second bypass line 56;

[0122] S44b: Optional transfer of heat energy from the heat exchanger 44 to the fresh gas by opening or closing the second flap 81;

[0123] S56: Optionally conducting fresh gas in the second bypass line 56 to bypass the process step S44b by opening or closing the further second flap 84, whereby the fresh gas is heated;

[0124] Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the fresh gas in the fresh gas line 51, after being introduced from the environment 32, flows through the dehumidifier 52 and is then guided to the second adjustment device 8. The second adjustment device 8 comprises a control flap 85, which adjusts a respective volume flow through the second bypass line 56 and through the heat exchanger 44. The control flap 85 is connected via the second control unit 83 to the temperature sensor 82 in the main line 31, wherein the control flap 85 is adjusted by the second control unit 83 depending on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 82. In this embodiment, the fresh gas can first be dehumidified before being guided in the fresh gas line 51 to the heat exchanger 44, in which the temperature of the fresh gas is adjusted.

[0125] Fig. 4a illustrates an exemplary further method for treating the process gas S3b discharged from the industrial process S2, the first exhaust gas treatment method S4a, and a third fresh gas treatment method S5c, which is carried out or can be carried out by the device from Fig. 4. The method according to Fig. 4a can also be carried out with devices that differ from Fig. 4, preferably with devices that are analogous or act analogously to the embodiment according to Fig. 4. The third fresh gas treatment method S5c has the following method steps: S32b: Supplying fresh air from the environment 32 into the fresh gas line 51;

[0126] S7: Setting a volume flow by means of the first setting device 7 to the dehumidifier 52 or through the first bypass line 53;

[0127] S52: Dehumidification of fresh gas;

[0128] S8: Setting a volume flow by means of the control flap 85 to the heat exchanger or through the second bypass line 56;

[0129] S44b: Optional transfer of heat energy from the heat exchanger 44 to the fresh gas by means of the control valve 85;

[0130] S56: Optionally conducting fresh gas in the second bypass line 56 to bypass process step S44b by means of the control valve 85, whereby the fresh gas is heated.

[0131] Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein the fresh gas in the fresh gas line 51, after being introduced from the environment 32, flows through a HEPA filter 54 and is then guided to the second adjustment device 8. In contrast to Figures 2 to 4, no dehumidifier 52 is provided in the fresh gas line before the fresh gas is guided to the heat exchanger 44. Such an embodiment can preferably be used where a comparatively low average ambient humidity is to be expected. After being introduced from the environment 32, the fresh gas is guided to a filter 54, which here is designed as a high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter. The filter 54 optionally has at least one pressure sensor (not shown here), with which a pressure difference upstream and downstream of the filter 54 can be determined.The determined pressure difference can serve as an indicator of the loading level of the filter 54 to indicate an impending replacement. After the filter 54, the fresh gas is guided to the heat exchanger 44, wherein a portion of the fresh gas can be bypassed by the heat exchanger 44 into the second bypass line 56 by means of a second adjusting device 8, whereby the bypassed portion is therefore not heated by the heat exchanger 44. The second adjusting device 8 adjusts a respective volume flow, for example by means of flaps (second flap 81 or further second flap 84) through the second bypass line 56 or through the heat exchanger 44. A flap 85a is arranged in the main line 31, which can adjust the volume flow after the exhaust gas branch 41 such that no process gas is guided to the mixer 6, i.e. no process gas is returned to the industrial plant 2.Instead, preferably only fresh gas is fed through the fresh gas line 51 via the mixer 6 into the main line 31 and then to the industrial plant 2. The flap 85a is preferably designed as a manual flap, although an electric flap is also conceivable.

[0132] A further blower 43a is arranged in the main line downstream of the mixer 6 and can both transport the process gas through the main line and introduce fresh gas from the environment through the fresh gas line into the main line.

[0133] The device 1 has a system of flow sensors 101 to 105 arranged at various locations on the device 1. The flow sensor 103 measures the fresh gas volume flow downstream of the filter 54, which is introduced from the environment into the fresh gas line 51. Another flow sensor 105 is arranged in the second bypass line 56 and measures the bypass volume flow that is passed past the heat exchanger 44. By subtracting the bypass volume flow from the heat exchanger (from the fresh gas volume flow), the volume flow flowing through the heat exchanger 44 can be determined.

[0134] Flow sensor 102 is located in the main line after exhaust branch 41 and can measure the recirculated process gas in the main line. Together with flow sensor 103, the volume flow directed to the industrial plant can be determined by adding the fresh gas volume flow. Optionally, the total volume flow directed to the industrial plant can also be measured directly using a flow sensor 101.

[0135] The following section further explains the interaction of the sensors using a system of humidity and temperature sensors as an example. Furthermore, all sensors can be integrated into a network, with the measured data being evaluated in one or more computer units.

[0136] In this exemplary embodiment, the exhaust gas volume flow is measured by a flow sensor 104, whereby the exhaust gas volume flow can be adjusted by an exhaust gas fan 43. The exhaust gas fan 43 is adjusted by the second humidity sensor 92. If the measured humidity is too high, the power of the exhaust gas fan 43 can be increased so that more process gas is diverted as exhaust gas. The process gas fan 43a can adjust the volume flow in the main line to a constant level using a differential pressure sensor 401. Consequently, the fresh gas volume flow can be increased and the process gas humidity in the main line 31 can decrease.

[0137] In the main line, the humidity sensor 301 and the temperature sensor 201 can be used to measure the humidity and temperature of the process gas to be treated, which is fed from the industrial plant 2 into the main line 31. In the fresh gas line, the ambient air parameters are measured using the temperature sensor 202 and the first humidity sensor 72. A computer unit (not shown) can perform pre-control based on the measured ambient parameters and cause the exhaust gas blower 43, process gas blower 43a, and, using the second adjustment device 8, the volume flow through the heat exchanger 44 to be adjusted. Using the temperature sensor 204, the exhaust gas temperature can be measured after flowing through the heat exchanger 44, and by comparing it with the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 201 and the volume flow from the flow sensor 104, the heat energy transferred in the heat exchanger 44 can be determined.

[0138] Fig. 5a illustrates, by way of example, another method performed or capable of being performed by the device of Fig. 5 for treating the process gas S3b discharged from the industrial process S2, the first exhaust gas treatment method S4a, and a fourth fresh gas treatment method S5d. The method according to Fig. 5a can also be implemented with devices differing from Fig. 5, preferably with devices analogous to the embodiment according to Fig. 5 or acting analogously.

[0139] The fourth fresh gas treatment process S5d comprises the following process steps: S32b: Supplying fresh air from the environment 32 into the fresh gas line 51;

[0140] S7: Setting a volume flow using the first setting device 7 to the dehumidifier 52 or through the first bypass line 53; S8: Setting a volume flow using the control flap 85 to the heat exchanger or through the second bypass line 56;

[0141] S44b: Optional transfer of heat energy from the heat exchanger 44 to the fresh gas by means of the control valve 85;

[0142] S56: Optionally conducting fresh gas in the second bypass line 56 to bypass process step S44b by means of the control valve 85, whereby the fresh gas is heated.

[0143] In comparison to the third fresh gas treatment method S5c, the embodiment according to Fig. 5a omits the dehumidification of the fresh gas (step S52 in the embodiment according to Fig. 4a).

[0144] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a drying module 15 of the industrial plant 2. The treated process gas is fed through the process gas inlet 22 into the industrial plant 2 to a preheating heat exchanger 12, wherein the process gas is additionally tempered as it flows through the preheating heat exchanger 12 in a further process step for preheating, wherein the preheating heat exchanger 12 is supplied with additional heat from a heating unit 11. The heating unit 11 is connected to a natural gas source 17 via a natural gas line 13 and is supplied with fresh air from the environment 32 via an air line 13a, wherein natural gas is burned in the heating unit 11 to generate the additional heat. After flowing through the preheating heat exchanger 12, the additionally tempered process gas is brought into contact with a wet coating to be dried via air nozzles 16 in a drying module 15, in which drying module the drying process takes place.After the drying process, the process gas is fed to the process gas outlet 21 of the industrial plant 2 to the main line 31. As described above, the device according to the invention also comprises the objects arranged in the industrial plant. The design of a drying module shown in Fig. 5 is not exhaustive, at least with regard to the actual drying unit (15a), in that the drying unit (15a) can also be designed, for example, as a so-called "floatation dryer" or flotation dryer, without changing the essential features of the invention. (Adapt Fig. 5 accordingly).

[0145] Fig. 7 illustrates a control method of the first adjustment device 7', wherein a respective volume flow to the dehumidifier 52 or through the first bypass line 53 is adjusted in method step S7. The first humidity sensor 72 measures the humidity of the fresh gas upstream of the dehumidifier 52 according to method S72, and the measured data is transmitted to the first control unit 73. The first control unit 73 has a switching method S73 which compares the measured data with a freely selectable value F5. If the measured humidity is greater than the value F5, method S73a is executed, in which the first flap 71 is closed according to method S71a and the further first flap 74 is opened according to method S74b. The fresh gas is now passed completely through the dehumidifier 52.In the case where the measured humidity is lower than the value F5, process S73b is executed, in which the respective damper (71, 74) is switched in the opposite direction compared to process S73a. In particular, F5 can be a setpoint or limit value.

[0146] Fig. 8 illustrates a control method of the second adjustment device S8' analogous to Fig. 9, wherein a respective volume flow to the heat exchanger 44 or through the second bypass line 56 is set in method step S8. According to method S82, the temperature of the process gas in the main line 31 downstream of the mixer 6 is measured (cf. Fig. 3), and the measured data is transmitted to the second control unit 83. In the switching method S83, the measured data is also compared with a freely selectable value F6. If the value F6 is exceeded, method S83b is executed, in which the second flap 81 is closed according to method S81b and the further second flap 84 is opened according to method S84a. The fresh gas is now completely bypassed by the heat exchanger 44 through the second bypass line 56.Analogous to process S83b, the respective flaps (81, 84) are switched in the opposite direction when the value F6 is undershot according to process S83a. In particular, F6 can be a setpoint or limit value.

[0147] Fig. 9 illustrates a control method S9' of the third adjustment device 9, in which the volume flow through the exhaust line 42 is adjusted by means of the exhaust fan 43 depending on the measured humidity of the process gas. According to method S92, the humidity of the process gas in the main line 31 downstream of the mixer 6 is measured (cf. Fig. 3), and the measured data are transmitted to the third control unit 91. In the switching method S91, the measured data are compared with a freely selectable value F7. If the value F7 is exceeded, method S91a is executed, in which the speed of the exhaust fan 91 is increased according to method S43a and a higher volume flow through the exhaust line 42 is set. If the value falls below F7, method S91b is executed, in which the speed of the exhaust fan 91 is reduced according to method S43b.In this case, a lower volume flow through the exhaust line 42 is set. In particular, F7 can be a target or limit value.

[0148] Fig. 10 illustrates a further embodiment of a device for treating process gas from an industrial plant for drying an electrode coating, wherein this embodiment takes up and modifies the design according to Fig. 2. Therefore, only the modification will be described in detail below, while with regard to the unchanged components of the device and its basic functioning, reference is made to the relevant description in Fig. 2.

[0149] Contrary to the embodiment according to Fig. 2, a heat exchanger designed as a heat wheel 44A is arranged in the exhaust gas line 42. The heat wheel 44A is preferably a regenerative rotary heat exchanger in which heat energy can be absorbed in a segment, preferably a circular segment, of a regenerative heat storage element, preferably a circular, toroidal, or cylindrical heat storage device. The heat energy-absorbing segment is located in a first position with respect to a circumferential or peripheral direction of the heat storage device. By means of a rotational movement, the heat storage device is moved or rotated in a direction of rotation such that the segment which absorbed heat energy from the exhaust gas in the first position is brought into a second position.In this second position, a fresh gas now flows through said segment of the heat accumulator, absorbing part of the thermal energy stored in this segment and thus being heated. For this purpose, the fresh gas line 51 is arranged at or at least near the second position on the heat wheel 44A such that the fresh gas can flow or does flow through the part of the heat accumulator located at the second position. In this way, the heat wheel 44A in embodiment 10 effectively functions like the heat exchanger 44 of the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2. The cycle-related offset between the thermal energy absorption from the exhaust gas at the first position and the thermal energy release to the fresh gas at the second position is of secondary importance. It has a particular effect when starting up from or shutting down the device in the cold state, resulting in a slight, additional delay.

[0150] For the purposes of the disclosure, a position - be it, for example, the first or second position - is not necessarily to be understood as just a point or a radial ray through a cross-section of the circular, toroidal or cylindrical heat accumulator, but rather also as an angular range or section, in particular in the sense of a pie slice or angular segment of the circular, toroidal or cylindrical heat accumulator.

[0151] A second modification compared to the embodiment according to Fig. 2 can be found in the example according to Fig. 10 in the arrangement of a unit for conditioning the process gas in the main line 31 downstream of the exhaust gas branch 41. The unit in this example is designed as a humidifier unit 62, with which water, preferably in the form of spray mist and / or steam, can be added to the process gas, preferably before the fresh gas is added in the mixer 6, and thus the humidity of the process gas can be increased to a desired value if necessary. In alternative or supplementary embodiments, the aforementioned unit can comprise or consist of a dehumidifier, a heating and / or cooling device.

[0152] In addition to or as an alternative to the unit for conditioning 62 of the process gas in the main line 31, it may also be advantageous to provide a unit for conditioning the fresh gas in the fresh gas line 51, as is provided in the embodiment according to Fig. 2, this variant not being shown in Fig. 10.

[0153] Fig. 11 illustrates a further embodiment of a device for treating process gas from an industrial plant for drying an electrode coating, this embodiment taking up the design according to Fig. 10 and modifying it with regard to the arrangement and integration of the heat wheel (44B in Fig. 11).

[0154] Contrary to the embodiment according to Fig. 10, in the embodiment according to Fig. 11, a heat wheel 44B is integrated into the flow path of the process gas in such a way that heat energy is extracted from the process gas leaving the industrial plant 2 at the process gas outlet 21 and can be or is transferred at least in part to the process gas before entering the industrial plant 2 at the process gas inlet 22. According to the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 11, for this purpose, the main line 31 leading downstream from the process gas outlet 21 is coupled to the heat wheel 44B at a first position before the exhaust gas branch 41 in such a way that (analogous to Fig. 10) heat energy is or can be transferred to a segment of the heat accumulator located at the first position by means of process gas flow or other heat transfer from the process gas to the said segment.Further along the main line 31, this is in turn coupled downstream of the mixer 6, i.e. preferably after the supply of fresh gas, at a second position to the heat wheel 44B in such a way that heat energy is or can be transferred from a segment of the heat accumulator located at the second position by means of process gas flowing through it or by other heat transfer to the process gas from this segment. The segment at the second position was charged with heat energy in a previous cycle, in which it was located at the first position. By means of continuous or discontinuous rotation of the heat accumulator of the heat wheel 44B, a heat shift is achieved within the process gas, whereby in particular the processes in the unit 61, the mixer 6 and the demister 61 can take place at a reduced temperature, while the process gas can again reach the process gas inlet 21 at a desired, higher temperature level.

[0155] Fig. 11a illustrates a method, carried out or executable by the device from Fig. 11, for treating the process gas S3c discharged from the industrial process S2, a first exhaust gas treatment method S4c, and a first fresh gas treatment method S5e. The method is based on a modified process sequence according to Fig. 2a, so that only the differing process steps are discussed below and reference is made to the description of Fig. 2a. The method according to Fig. 11a can also be carried out with devices differing from Fig. 11, preferably with devices analogous to the embodiment according to Fig. 11 or acting analogously.

[0156] In contrast to the process gas treatment method S3a shown in Fig. 2a, in the process gas treatment method S3c, thermal energy is extracted from the process gas in step S44Ba, prior to process step S41. In a step S44Bb following steps S41 and S6 of the process gas treatment method S3c, at least a portion of the thermal energy extracted from the process gas in step S44Ba is returned to the process gas before it is fed to the industrial process S2 in step S22.

[0157] Furthermore, in the exemplary method according to Fig. 11a, no removal of heat energy from the exhaust gas takes place in the exhaust gas treatment method S4c, as is provided in the exhaust gas treatment method S4a according to Fig. 2a in step S44a.

[0158] Also, in the fresh gas treatment process S5e according to Fig. 11a, the fresh gas is not exposed to any supply of thermal energy downstream of the conditioning step, in particular the dehumidification step S52, as is provided in the fresh gas treatment process S5a according to Fig. 2a in step S44b.

[0159] In particular, in the process according to Fig. 11a, no heat energy extracted from the exhaust gas is transferred to the fresh gas.

[0160] Due to the changed heat transfer or the shift of heat energy occurring or resulting via steps S44Ba and S44Bb between section-wise or process-phase-wise partial flows of the process gas, a simplification in the other process steps, in particular S41 and / or S6 and / or the requirements for step S52 can occur or result.

[0161] Fig. 12 illustrates a further embodiment of a device for treating process gas from an industrial plant for drying an electrode coating, wherein this embodiment takes up and modifies the design according to Fig. 2. Therefore, only the modification will be described in detail below, while with regard to the unchanged components of the device and its basic mode of operation, reference is made to the relevant description in Fig. 2.

[0162] In a first modification, a process gas blower 43b, unlike the embodiment according to Fig. 2, is arranged downstream of the process gas outlet 21 of the industrial plant 2, but upstream of the exhaust gas branch 41. As a result, all components through which process gas flows but which are arranged downstream of the process gas blower 43b, in particular the exhaust gas branch 41 and the mixer 6, are operated on the pressure side, i.e., the process gas is supplied to these components at an overpressure, whereas in the embodiment according to Fig. 2, the process gas is sucked through these components by means of the process gas blower 43a. By means of the modified embodiment according to Fig. 12, it can advantageously be achieved that an exhaust gas blower 43 can be dispensed with, since the process gas enters the exhaust gas branch 41 at increased pressure and flows further in both outflow directions - into the exhaust gas line 42 and into the further part of the main line 31, in particular the part leading to the mixer 6.By forming a flow-induced negative pressure at the secondary inlet 6a of the mixer 6, it can also be achieved that fresh gas enters the mixer 6 via the fresh gas line 51 in order to be mixed there with the process gas.

[0163] As a further modification, the embodiment according to Fig. 12 takes up the idea of ​​heat energy extraction from the process gas before the exhaust gas branch 41 in the heat exchanger or heat wheel 44B from the embodiment according to Fig. 11. However, in contrast to this, the heat energy is again released to the fresh gas in the fresh gas line upstream of the mixer 6. In the example according to Fig. 12, this is achieved in that the heat exchanger 44C, in particular a first channel of the heat exchanger 44C, is integrated downstream of the process gas outlet 21 but upstream of the exhaust gas branch 41 in the main line 31, through which the process gas leaving the industrial plant 2 at an increased temperature flows or can flow.

[0164] The embodiment according to Fig. 12 is particularly advantageous when a secondary use of thermal energy extracted or extractable from the industrial plant 2 is or appears to be more advantageous than pure heat utilization within the device. It is namely possible to provide a second extraction channel on the heat exchanger 44C, parallel and / or sequential to a fresh gas channel, for the flow of a heat transfer fluid. By means of the heat transfer fluid, a portion of the thermal energy extracted from the process gas can then be discharged from the device to a secondary process or secondary process device. Fig. 12a illustrates an example method carried out or capable of being carried out by the device from Fig. 12 for treating the process gas S3d discharged from the industrial process S2, a further exhaust gas treatment method S4c, and a further fresh gas treatment method S5f. The method is based, like the method according to Fig.11a is also based on a modified process sequence according to Fig. 2a, so that only the differing process steps are discussed below, and reference is otherwise made to the description of Fig. 2a. The process according to Fig. 12a can also be carried out with devices that differ from Fig. 12, preferably with devices that are analogous or act analogously to the embodiment according to Fig. 12.

[0165] In contrast to the process gas treatment method S3a according to Fig. 2a, in the process gas treatment method S3d, heat energy is extracted from the process gas in step S44Ca before the process step S41.

[0166] In contrast to the fresh gas treatment process S5e of Fig. 11a, in the fresh gas treatment process S5f of Fig. 12a, at least a portion of the thermal energy extracted from the process gas in step S44Ca of the process gas treatment process S3d is transferred to the fresh gas in step S44Cb. Step S44Cb is preferably provided downstream of the conditioning step, in particular the dehumidification step S52, in the fresh gas treatment process S5f of Fig. 12a.

[0167] Excess heat energy resulting from this heat transfer between steps S44Ca and S44Cb can be supplied or provided to a secondary process using a method according to Fig. 12a. Alternatively or additionally, this excess heat energy can also be supplied, at least in part, to the process gas in an optional step S44Cc (shown in dashed lines in Fig. 12a) downstream of the mixing of fresh gas and process gas in step S6.

[0168] The invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed in the previous examples. Rather, the skilled person will obtain further alternative embodiments of the invention encompassed by the scope of protection by transferring or combining individual features, in particular arrangements or designs of components (e.g., heat exchangers, blowers, mixers, and / or units for conditioning fresh gas and / or process gas) from individual exemplary embodiments illustrated in figures and described in detail.

[0169] The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will be able to recognize further embodiments of a device and a method according to the invention based on modifications and / or combinations of features of the above-described embodiments. In particular, for example, the control units can be interconnected so that the adjustment of the respective adjustment devices takes place depending on the other adjustment devices and, if necessary, the respective adjustment method is optimized.

Claims

CLAIMS Device for treating process gas from an industrial plant (2), comprising: a main line (31), wherein a first end of the main line (31) is connected to a process gas outlet (21) of the industrial plant (2) for discharging process gas to be treated from the industrial plant (2), and a second end of the main line (31) is connected to a process gas inlet (22) of the industrial plant for feeding the treated process gas into the industrial plant (2), and an exhaust gas branch (41) for branching off part of the process gas from the main line (31) into an exhaust gas line (31), via which part of the process gas can thus be discharged in the form of exhaust gas into an environment (32).Device according to claim 1, which has a fresh gas line (51) arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch (41), via which fresh gas, preferably air from an environment (32), can be supplied to the main line (31) and further has a mixer (6) for mixing fresh gas from the fresh gas line (51) with the process gas assigned to the main line, wherein the mixer (6) is arranged upstream of the process gas inlet (22) of the industrial plant (2).Device according to one of the preceding claims, with a fresh gas line (51) arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch (41), through which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment (32), can be supplied to the main line (31); further comprising a unit (52) for conditioning the fresh gas, wherein a gas parameter of the fresh gas, in particular a humidity, is adjustable, whereby a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a temperature and / or a humidity, can be adjusted by means of the admixture of the fresh gas. Device according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises a first bypass line (53) through which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment (32), (51) is passed past a unit (52) for conditioning the fresh gas and / or a first adjusting device (7), wherein the first adjusting device (7) adjusts a respective volume flow in the first bypass line (53) or through the unit (52). Device according to one of the preceding claims, with a fresh gas line (51) arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch (41), through which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment (32), can be supplied to the main line (31); further comprising a heat exchanger (44) for adjusting a gas parameter of the fresh gas, in particular a temperature, whereby a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a temperature and / or humidity, can be adjusted by means of the admixture of the fresh gas.Device according to one of the preceding claims, which has: a second bypass line (56) through which fresh gas is passed past the heat exchanger (44) and / or a second adjusting device (8), wherein the second adjusting device (8) adjusts a respective volume flow in the second bypass line (56) or through the heat exchanger (44). Device according to one of the preceding claims, with a fresh gas line (51) arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch (41), through which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment (32), can be supplied to the main line (31), wherein a heat exchanger (44) is provided for extracting thermal energy from the exhaust gas, wherein at least a portion of the extracted thermal energy can be transferred to the fresh gas in the fresh gas line (51) and / or to the process gas in the main line (31) downstream of the exhaust gas branch (41). Device according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises a third adjustment device (9) for adjusting a volume flow in the exhaust line (42), in particular an exhaust fan (43) associated with the exhaust line (42) and / or an exhaust flap, preferably a controllable and / or regulatable exhaust flap, wherein a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a humidity, can be adjusted depending on the volume flow set in the exhaust line (42). A method for treating process gas discharged from an industrial process (S2), the method comprising the following method steps: Discharging (S21) the process gas to be treated from the industrial process (S2) into a main line (31), supplying (S22) the treated process gas from the main line (31) to the industrial process (S2), and branching (S41) a portion of the process gas at an exhaust gas branch (41) from the main line (31) into an exhaust gas line (42), via which a portion of the process gas is discharged (S32a) into the environment in the form of exhaust gas. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Supplying fresh gas, preferably air from an environment (32), to the main line (31) via a fresh gas line (51) which opens into the main line (31) downstream of the exhaust gas branch (41), wherein the supplied fresh gas compensates for the discharged exhaust gas, whereby a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a temperature and / or a humidity, is adjusted by means of the admixture of the fresh gas. Method according to claim 9 or 10, in which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment, is supplied to the main line (31), and the fresh gas is mixed (S6) with the process gas, in particular in a mixer (6), wherein the respective gas streams are mixed with one another (S6) before treated process gas is supplied to the industrial process (S22). Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, in which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment, is further supplied to the main line (31) via a fresh gas line (51) arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch (41); the fresh gas is conditioned (S52) in a unit (52) for conditioning the fresh gas, wherein a gas parameter of the fresh gas, in particular a humidity, is adjusted, whereby a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a temperature and / or a humidity, is adjusted by means of the admixture of the fresh gas.Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, in which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment, is further supplied (S32b) to the main line (31) via a fresh gas line (51) arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch (41); a portion of the fresh gas is passed (S53) into a first bypass line (53) past a unit (52) for conditioning the fresh gas (S52); a respective volume flow in the first bypass line (53) or through the unit (52) is set (S7) by means of a first setting device (7), wherein the first setting device (7) sets the respective volume flow as a function of a gas parameter, in particular a humidity, which is measured before the conditioning of the fresh gas.Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein fresh gas, preferably air from the environment (32), is further supplied to the main line (31) via a fresh gas line (51) arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch (41); a gas parameter of the fresh gas, in particular a temperature, is adjusted in a heat exchanger (44) before being fed into the main line (31), whereby a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a temperature and / or a humidity, is adjusted by means of the admixture of the fresh gas. Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, in which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment (32), is further supplied to the main line (31) via a fresh gas line (51) arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch (41); a portion of the fresh gas is passed (S56) into a second bypass line (56) past a heat exchanger (44) for heating the fresh gas (S44b); a respective volume flow through the heat exchanger or through the second bypass line (56) is adjusted (S8) by means of a second adjusting device (8), wherein the second adjusting device (8) adjusts the respective volume flow as a function of a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a temperature. Method according to one of claims 9 to 15, in which fresh gas, preferably air from the environment (32), is supplied to the main line (31) via a fresh gas line (51) arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch (41); Thermal energy is extracted (S44a) from the exhaust gas conducted through the exhaust line (42) in a heat exchanger (44), wherein at least a portion of the thermal energy extracted from the exhaust gas is transferred (S44b) to the fresh gas in the fresh gas line (51) and / or process gas in the main line (31). Method according to one of claims 9 to 16, wherein a branched volume flow in the exhaust line (42) is adjusted (S9) by means of a third adjusting device (9), in particular an exhaust fan (43) associated with the exhaust line (42), wherein a gas parameter of the process gas, in particular a humidity, is adjusted depending on the volume flow adjusted in the exhaust line (43). Method according to one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the following is carried out at the end of the process gas treatment operation: Branching (S41) of a part of the process gas at an exhaust gas branch (41) from the main line (31) into an exhaust gas line (42), via which a Part of the process gas is discharged into the environment in the form of exhaust gas (S32a), with more than 50% of the process gas being transferred into the exhaust gas line as exhaust gas volume flow; Supplying fresh gas, preferably air from the environment (32), via a fresh gas line (51) arranged downstream of the exhaust gas branch (41) into the main line (31), wherein a volume flow of the supplied fresh gas preferably corresponds to the exhaust gas volume flow. Method according to one of claims 9 to 18, wherein the treated process gas is further tempered with additional heat in a further process step before a material (14) to be dried is exposed to the process gas. Use of the device according to one of claims 1 to 8 or of the method according to one of claims 9 to 19 for treating a process gas of a dryer. System comprising an industrial plant (2), in particular a dryer, preferably a dryer of a manufacturing plant for the production of electrodes and / or separators, in particular for secondary batteries or fuel cells, and further comprising a device according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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