Process gas preparation device and method for preparing a process gas

Abstract

To provide a process gas preparation apparatus and a process gas preparation method that minimize large energy consumption and long cooling time for process gas.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to: a process gas preparation apparatus (1) for process gas (2) that processes a process material in process equipment (3); and a method for preparing the process gas (2) that processes a process material in the process equipment (3) during a dehydration step and a cooling step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a process gas preparation device for a process gas for treating a process material in a process equipment, the device having a process gas inlet and a process gas outlet in flow communication with the process equipment, the process gas flows in a preparation section extending from the process gas inlet to the process gas outlet, the device having a process gas dehumidifier formed as an apparatus component in the flow direction of the process gas, and a process gas temperature control device formed as an apparatus component arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidifier, the process gas dehumidifier having a dehumidifier inlet and a dehumidifier outlet, the process gas temperature control device having a temperature control device inlet and a temperature control device outlet, the process gas temperature control device having a temperature control unit inlet and a temperature control unit outlet, The process gas preparation device comprises a temperature control unit for the process gas formed as an apparatus component, a cooling unit for the process gas formed as an apparatus component having a cooling unit inlet and a cooling unit outlet, and a bypass unit formed as an apparatus component connected in parallel to the temperature control unit and having a bypass inlet and a bypass outlet, in which a valve mechanism for selectively passing through the temperature control unit or the bypass unit formed as an apparatus component is arranged, and which comprises a first measuring device having a relative humidity sensor for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas, the first measuring device being arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidification device and having a control device.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for preparing a process gas for treating a process material in a process equipment during a drying stage and a cooling stage, the method comprising: a process gas inlet and a process gas outlet in flow communication with the process equipment, the process gas flows in a preparation section extending from the process gas inlet to the process gas outlet, the method comprises a process gas dehumidifier formed as an apparatus component in the flow direction of the process gas, and a process gas temperature control device formed as an apparatus component arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidifier, the process gas dehumidifier having a dehumidifier inlet and a dehumidifier outlet, the process gas temperature control device having a temperature control device inlet and a temperature control device outlet, the process gas temperature control device having a temperature control unit inlet and a temperature control unit outlet, the process gas preparation device comprises a temperature control unit for the process gas formed as an installation component, a cooling unit for the process gas formed as an installation component having a cooling unit inlet and a cooling unit outlet, a bypass unit formed as an installation component and connected in parallel to the temperature control unit, having a bypass inlet and a bypass outlet, in which a valve mechanism for selectively passing through the temperature control unit or the bypass unit formed as an installation component is arranged, the process gas preparation device comprises a first measuring device having a relative humidity sensor for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas, the first measuring device being arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidification device and having a control device. [Background technology]

[0003] Process gas preparation devices are known, but in addition to high energy consumption they have long cooling times for the process gas. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a process gas preparation device and a method for preparing a process gas in such a way that the disadvantages of known process gas preparation devices, in particular the high energy consumption and the long cooling times for the process gas, are minimized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This problem is solved in a process gas preparation of the type mentioned at the beginning by the cooling unit being a component of the bypass unit. A process gas preparation of this type has the advantage of a significantly reduced energy consumption during the drying and cooling stages of the process material, as well as the further advantage that the cooling time, particularly for the process gas formed as ambient air, is shortened in the cooling stage of the process material following the drying stage by the arrangement of the cooling unit in the bypass unit. After the drying stage of the process material, the cooling stage of the process gas is started. The cooling stage is necessary in order to avoid the "seepage" of moisture, particularly in the form of water, from the treated process material, since otherwise this moisture (humidity) would condense and lead to undesirable coagulation of the process material in the process equipment. In the known process gas preparations, the cooling of the process gas takes place upstream or downstream of the process gas conditioning device. If cooling of the process gas takes place upstream or downstream of the process temperature control device, all system components are also passed through the cooling stage and are therefore temporarily cooled before the process material, which is very energy- and time-consuming, for example due to the inertial mass of the system components used.

[0006] In one development of the process gas preparation device in this respect, the process gas preparation device comprises a process device formed as a device component, which is suitably formed as a fluidization device or a coating device. The fluidization device is formed, for example, as a fluidized bed device or a spouted bed device. The coating device is, for example, a coater, in particular a drum coater.

[0007] The process gas preparation device preferably comprises a process gas conveying device formed as a device component. The advantage of such a configuration of the process gas preparation device is that the process gas is conveyed in the preparation section in an adjustable manner by a process gas conveying device, in particular a blower, a vacuum pump or the like. In this connection, the process gas conveying device is suitably arranged upstream and / or downstream of the process equipment.

[0008] According to another development of the process gas preparation apparatus, the process dehumidifier comprises a condensation dehumidification unit formed as an apparatus component with a condensation dehumidification unit inlet and a condensation dehumidification unit outlet and / or an adsorption dehumidification unit formed as an apparatus component with an adsorption dehumidification unit inlet and an adsorption dehumidification unit outlet. Advantageously, both the condensation dehumidification unit and the adsorption dehumidification unit are suitable for dehumidifying the process gas, and the use of the condensation dehumidification unit and the adsorption dehumidification unit in the process gas dehumidifier allows an improved and precisely adjustable dehumidification of the process gas. Both apparatus components or a combination thereof are used depending on the amount of humidity to be removed from the process gas.

[0009] Expediently, the condensation dehumidification unit is configured as a fluid-cooled condenser, and cooling water, for example from the surrounding water area, is used as the fluid. The condensation dehumidification unit configured as a condenser is preferably dimensioned to cool the process gas to about 8° C. with the cooling water. This reduces the relative humidity of the process gas, which is thereby dried.

[0010] Condensing dehumidification units formed as condensers are sufficiently dimensioned for the majority of methods of preparing process gases.

[0011] If the process gas dehumidification device has a condensation dehumidification unit and an adsorption dehumidification unit, the condensation dehumidification unit is expediently arranged upstream of the adsorption dehumidification unit in the preparation section, so that the relative humidity of the process gas can be precisely adjusted by the adsorption dehumidification unit after it has flowed through the condensation dehumidification unit, the adsorption dehumidification unit being preferably configured as a drying wheel.

[0012] In particular, the adsorption dehumidification unit has a regeneration unit formed as an apparatus component with a regeneration unit inlet and a regeneration unit outlet, and the regeneration gas is conveyed by a regeneration gas conveying device formed as an apparatus component with a regeneration gas conveying device inlet and a regeneration gas conveying device outlet in a regeneration section extending from the regeneration unit inlet to the regeneration unit outlet, and in the flow direction of the regeneration gas, flows through a regeneration gas heating device formed as an apparatus component with a regeneration gas heating device inlet and a regeneration gas heating device outlet, and through an adsorption dehumidification unit with a regeneration gas inlet and a regeneration gas outlet. Expediently, a thermal regeneration of the adsorption dehumidification unit is performed. During the thermal regeneration, for regeneration of the drying means of the adsorption dehumidification unit, the regeneration gas is heated, for example to a temperature of 160° C. or more, and is guided through the adsorption dehumidification unit to be regenerated. The hot regeneration gas removes the moisture received from the process gas from the drying means and preferably expels it at the regeneration unit outlet, preferably to the environment. In this respect, the regeneration section is preferably formed as a closed circuit. Correspondingly, such a closed circuit has the advantage that the regeneration of the adsorption dehumidification unit can take place independently of the ambient conditions, ie, for example, without sucked-in ambient air.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the process gas preparation device, the process dehumidifier comprises a preheating unit formed as a device component, which has a preheating unit inlet and a preheating unit outlet, and which is expediently arranged upstream of the condensation dehumidification unit and / or the adsorption dehumidification unit. The preheating unit is used in particular as an "anti-frost heater" for the condensation dehumidification unit. If the regeneration section is formed as a closed circuit, the moisture absorbed during the regeneration of the adsorption dehumidification unit is condensed from the regeneration gas in the preheating unit.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the preheating unit is also assigned to the regeneration unit, which is arranged upstream of the regeneration gas heating device and downstream of the regeneration gas conveying device in a regeneration section designed as a closed circuit, so that the process gas is heated when flowing through the preheating unit and the regeneration gas is cooled when flowing through the preheating unit. The integration of the preheating unit designed as a heat source further increases the economic efficiency of drying the process gas.

[0015] Furthermore, the regeneration gas conveying device is preferably arranged downstream of the adsorption / dehumidification unit in the regeneration section, which allows a favorable negative pressure to be generated in the regeneration section.

[0016] Furthermore, a first measuring device is preferably arranged upstream of the process gas temperature regulation device. Advantageously, the relative humidity in the process gas is measured by means of the first measuring device and transmitted to the control device as a sensor signal.

[0017] Humidity describes the proportion of water vapor in the process gas, excluding liquid water. Relative humidity describes the maximum possible saturation, 100% means that the process gas can no longer absorb water vapor. Absolute humidity describes the amount of water vapor per cubic meter of process gas. The higher the temperature, the more water vapor the process gas, especially air, can absorb.

[0018] Relative humidity can be converted to absolute humidity using an approximation formula. For this purpose, there are various approximations known in the literature. A "simple" approximation formula for calculating absolute humidity f in g / cm3 from relative humidity and temperature is

[0019]

number

[0020] This gives an accuracy with a maximum deviation of 0.1% in the temperature range from -30°C to 35°C and standard atmospheric pressure, where the temperature T is stated in °C, the relative humidity rh in %, and e is the base of the natural logarithm, 2.71828. The further the temperature deviates from the abovementioned temperature range, the less accurate the result of the conversion will be.

[0021] The conversion of the relative humidity into absolute humidity requires the temperature of the process gas, for which reason the first measuring device further comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the process gas, which is expediently also measured and transmitted to the control device as a sensor signal.

[0022] Preferably, the relative humidity sensor and the temperature sensor of the first measuring device are formed as a structural unit.

[0023] Expediently, the temperature and the relative humidity of the process gas, which are transmitted as sensor signals to the control device, make it possible to calculate a temperature-independent absolute humidity. The conversion to the actual absolute humidity value takes place in the first measuring device or in the control device.

[0024] According to another development of the process gas preparation device, the temperature control unit comprises a heating device formed as a device component, which has a heating device inlet and a heating device outlet. Advantageously, the heating device is suitable for preparing the process gas by cooling or heating in the drying stage of the processing of the process material. This makes it possible to set a suitable temperature in the range of 5 to 250 ° C of the process gas, in particular in the form of ambient air.

[0025] In accordance with a further development of the process gas preparation device, the process gas conveying device is arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidifier and upstream of the process gas temperature adjustment device. By this arrangement of the process gas conveying device downstream of the process gas dehumidifier, a favorable underpressure in the preparation section is generated.

[0026] In addition, in one development of the process gas preparation device, a second measuring device having a relative humidity sensor for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas is arranged upstream of the process gas dehumidification device. Advantageously, the relative humidity in the process gas is measured at the process gas inlet by means of the first measuring device and transmitted to the control device as a sensor signal. This allows a closed-loop and / or open-loop control of each individual device component independently of the other device components.

[0027] The conversion of the relative humidity to absolute humidity requires the temperature of the process gas. For this purpose, the second measuring device further comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the process gas. In particular, the temperature of the process gas measured in the second measuring device is also transmitted to the control device as a sensor signal.

[0028] The relative humidity sensor and the temperature sensor of the second measuring device are also expediently designed as a structural unit.

[0029] The temperature and relative humidity measured in the second measuring device are used for closed-loop and / or open-loop control of the individual device components in the form of turning the device components off and / or on. Thus, in particular, the condensation dehumidification unit, the adsorption dehumidification unit, the preheating unit and / or the humidification device are correspondingly closed-loop and / or open-loop controlled. Surprisingly, this modern, innovative and forward-thinking closed-loop control technology leads to significant energy savings and achieves an improved preparation of the process gas.

[0030] In another configuration of the process gas preparation device, the process gas preparation device is arranged, in particular, downstream of the process gas dehumidifier and upstream of the process gas temperature adjustment device, and comprises a humidifier device formed as a device component, which humidifier device has a humidifier inlet and a humidifier outlet. By means of the humidifier device, the process gas can be humidified and it is also possible to set a humidity of the process gas that is quantitatively higher than the humidity of the process gas entering the process gas preparation device at the process gas inlet. For this purpose, the process gas is heated by a preheating unit to a temperature that allows the process gas to absorb humidity.

[0031] Furthermore, the above object is achieved in a method of the type mentioned at the beginning, in that the cooling unit is a component of the bypass unit, and during the processing of the process material in the process equipment, the temperature control unit is passed through in the drying phase and the bypass unit with the cooling unit is passed through in the cooling phase. A method for regulating the process gas in a process gas preparation device configured in this way, besides the advantage of a significantly reduced energy consumption during the drying phase and the cooling phase of the process material, further has the advantage that the cooling time, in particular for the process gas formed as ambient air, is shortened in the cooling phase of the process material following the drying phase by the arrangement of the cooling unit in the bypass unit. After the drying phase of the process material, a cooling phase of the process gas is started. The cooling phase is necessary in order to avoid "seeping out" of moisture, in particular in the form of water (condensation), from the processed process material, since otherwise this moisture (humidity) would condense and lead to undesirable coagulation of the process material in the process equipment 3. In the known process gas preparation devices, the cooling of the process gas takes place upstream or downstream of the process gas temperature control device. If the cooling of the process gas is carried out upstream or downstream of the process temperature control device, all the device components are also passed through the cooling stage and are therefore temporarily cooled before the process material, which is very energy- and time-consuming, for example due to the inertial mass of the device components used.With the method, the process gas temperature control device is not passed through in the cooling stage, which makes the method significantly more energy-efficient than known methods.

[0032] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method, the humidity of the process gas flowing through the process gas preparation device is closed-loop controlled, in particular at least during the drying phase, which can be controlled both by means of relative humidity and by means of absolute humidity, but preferably by means of absolute humidity, since the latter is independent of the temperature of the process gas, unlike the relative humidity.

[0033] Preferably, for this purpose, the first measuring device comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the process gas, and a first absolute humidity comparison between the absolute humidity setpoint and the absolute humidity actual value is performed in the control device, the absolute humidity actual value being determined on the basis of a relative humidity value measured by a relative humidity sensor of the first measuring device and a temperature value measured by an associated temperature sensor. The absolute humidity actual value determination is expediently performed in the first measuring device or in the control device. For closed-loop control of the absolute humidity of the process gas, the control device transmits an absolute humidity control quantity to the process gas dehumidifier and / or humidifier taking into account the first absolute humidity comparison. Expediently, the humidity is adjusted within an error range of ±3% of the setpoint.

[0034] In this regard, the process gas is humidified by a humidifier, which is arranged in particular downstream of the process gas dehumidifier and upstream of the process gas temperature adjustment device. By means of the humidifier, the process gas can be humidified and it is also possible to set a humidity of the process gas that is quantitatively higher than the humidity of the process gas entering the process gas preparation device at the process gas inlet. For this purpose, the process gas is heated by a preheating unit to a temperature that allows the process gas to absorb humidity. The humidifier makes the method of conditioning the process gas for the treatment of process materials in process equipment, in particular in fluidization equipment or coating equipment, more flexible.

[0035] According to another development of the method, the process gas dehumidification device comprises an adsorption dehumidification unit with a regeneration unit, which is at least partially regenerated by the regeneration unit. In this connection, the regeneration unit comprises a regeneration gas heating device for heating the regeneration gas, so that the regeneration gas absorbs moisture when flowing through the adsorption dehumidification unit, whereby the adsorption dehumidification unit is at least partially dried and thus regenerated. The adsorption dehumidification unit dehumidifies the process gas in such a way that the setpoint values ​​stored in the control device are achieved, regardless of whether a condensation dehumidification unit is connected upstream or not. This is achieved in particular by precise adjustment of parameters important for this, such as the temperature and relative humidity of the process gas. In particular, the control device therefore controls the regeneration gas heating device in a closed loop and / or an open loop based on a comparison of actual and setpoint values. The regeneration gas regenerates the adsorption dehumidification unit in such a way that the adsorption dehumidification unit can absorb the exact amount of humidity in order to correspondingly dry the process gas in order to achieve the setpoint values ​​stored in the control device. In this case, the regeneration gas preferably flows through the adsorption dehumidification unit in a counterflow to the process gas.

[0036] Furthermore, the process gas dehumidification device has a preheating unit, which is expediently arranged upstream of the condensation dehumidification unit and heats the process gas entering the process gas preparation device via the process gas inlet in order to prevent freezing of the condensation dehumidification unit or to heat the process gas for humidification of the process gas. The preheating unit is used in particular as an "anti-frost heater" for the condensation dehumidification unit. If the regeneration section is designed as a closed circuit, the moisture absorbed during the regeneration of the adsorption dehumidification unit is condensed from the regeneration gas in the preheating unit.

[0037] According to a further development of the method, the respective device components of the process gas preparation device can be switched on and / or off. For this purpose, a second measuring device having a relative humidity sensor for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the process gas is arranged upstream of the process gas dehumidification device, and in the control device a second absolute humidity comparison between the absolute humidity setpoint value and the absolute humidity actual value is performed, the absolute humidity actual value being determined on the basis of the relative humidity value measured by the relative humidity sensor of the second measuring device and the temperature value measured by the associated temperature sensor. Expediently, the absolute humidity actual value determination is performed in the second measuring device or in the control device. For this purpose, in order to switch on and / or switch off the respective device components of the process gas preparation device, the control device can transmit an absolute humidity control quantity to the respective device components taking into account the second absolute humidity comparison.

[0038] Based on the absolute humidity comparison, the control device determines which system components of the process gas conditioning device are turned on and / or off to dehumidify the process gas. The following are absolute humidity target values ​​that are actually used during operation of the process gas conditioning device: -8g / cm 3 Dehumidification via the condensation dehumidifier only at or above the absolute humidity target value; the adsorption dehumidifier unit, if present, is switched off; -8g / cm 3 Dehumidification via the adsorption dehumidifier only at or below the absolute humidity target value; the condensation dehumidifier is switched off when present; -8g / cm 3 The absolute humidity target value is below 6g / cm and the absolute humidity actual value is between the absolute humidity target value and the absolute humidity target value. 3 Dehumidification via condensation dehumidification units and adsorption dehumidification units at the above difference; - Humidification via a humidifier if the actual absolute humidity value is less than the target absolute humidity value.

[0039] The absolute humidity target values ​​stated above are empirical values ​​that may differ from the absolute humidity target values ​​stated above.

[0040] The process gas preparation device comprises a process gas conveying device formed as a device component, which conveys the process gas in a preparation section extending from a process gas inlet to a process gas outlet. The advantage of such a configuration of the method is that the process gas is conveyed in the preparation section in an adjustable manner by a process gas conveying device, in particular a blower, a vacuum pump or the like.

[0041] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a process gas preparation apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the process gas preparation apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 illustrates a third embodiment of the process gas preparation apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the process gas preparation apparatus. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the process gas preparation apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the process gas preparation apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 illustrates a seventh embodiment of the process gas preparation apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Unless stated otherwise, the following description relates to all embodiments shown in the drawings of preferred process gas preparation devices 1 for a process gas 2 for treating a process material in a process device 3 and for a method for preparing (recycling, regenerating) a process gas 2 for treating a process material in a process device 3. The process gas preparation device 1 here expediently comprises a process device 3 configured as an apparatus component 4, which is in particular configured as a fluidization device 5 or a coating device 6.

[0044] The process preparation device 1 has a process gas inlet 7 and a process gas outlet 10 in fluid communication with a process device 3 with a process device inlet 8 and a process device outlet 9. The process gas inlet 7 and the process gas outlet 10 are preferably formed as a connecting pipe section, on which a leading or further passage section 11, expediently formed as a pipe, can be arranged or is arranged. For better differentiation of respectively identical objects, the objects are designated below with the reference numbers a, b, c, etc., such as, for example, passage sections 11a, 11b, 11c.

[0045] The process gas 2 is conveyed by a process gas conveying device 12 formed as a system component 4 in a preparation section 13 extending from a process gas inlet 7 to a process gas outlet 10. The process gas conveying device 12 with a process gas conveying device inlet 14 and a process gas conveying device outlet 15 is expediently formed as a vacuum pump 16 or as a blower 17. The process gas conveying device inlet 14 and the process gas conveying device outlet 15 are preferably formed as connecting pipe sections, on which respectively leading or further passage sections 11 can be or are arranged, which passage sections 11 are in particular formed as pipes.

[0046] The process gas preparation device 1 comprises, in the flow direction of the process gas 2, a process gas dehumidifier 18 formed as a device component 4 and a process gas temperature regulation device 19 arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidifier 18 and formed as a device component 4. Preferably, the process gas conveying device 12 is arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidifier 18 and upstream of the process gas temperature regulation device 19.

[0047] The process gas dehumidifier 18 has a dehumidifier inlet 20 and a dehumidifier outlet 21, and the process gas temperature regulator 19 has a temperature regulator inlet 22 and a temperature regulator outlet 23. Preferably, the dehumidifier inlet 20, the dehumidifier outlet 21, the temperature regulator inlet 22 and the temperature regulator outlet 23 are also formed as connecting pipe sections, in which the leading or further passage sections 11 can be or are arranged, in particular in the form of piping. Advantageously, the process gas dehumidifier 18 can enable a precisely adjustable dehumidification of the process gas 2.

[0048] The process dehumidification device 18 here comprises a condensation dehumidification unit 26 formed as an apparatus component 4 with a condensation dehumidification unit inlet 24 and a condensation dehumidification unit outlet 25 and / or an adsorption dehumidification unit 29 formed as an apparatus component 4 with an adsorption dehumidification unit inlet 27 and an adsorption dehumidification unit outlet 28. Preferably, the condensation dehumidification unit inlet 24 and the condensation dehumidification unit outlet 10 as well as the adsorption dehumidification unit inlet 27 and the adsorption dehumidification unit outlet 28 are formed as connecting pipe sections, in which leading or further passage sections 11, expediently formed as pipes in each case, can be or are arranged.

[0049] Besides the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 of the process gas preparation apparatus 1, in which the process gas dehumidifier 18 only comprises a condensation dehumidifier unit 26, and the embodiment shown in Figure 2, in which the process gas dehumidifier 18 only comprises an adsorption dehumidifier unit 29, the process gas dehumidifier 18 in all other embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 7 each comprises a condensation dehumidifier unit 26 and an adsorption dehumidifier unit 29 which is arranged downstream of the condensation dehumidifier unit 26 in the preparation section 13. Preferably, the condensation dehumidifier unit 26 is configured as a fluid-cooled condenser 30 and the adsorption dehumidifier unit 29 is configured as a dryer wheel 31.

[0050] In the fluid-cooled condenser 30, in particular cooling water is used as the fluid. The condenser 30 is then dimensioned in particular to cool the process gas 2 to about 8° C. when using cooling water, thereby removing the humidity (moisture) of the process gas 2. Such a condenser is sufficiently dimensioned for the majority of the processes for preparing the process gas 2 to be carried out. The cooling of the process gas 2 can also take place to other temperatures. The abovementioned 8° C. is an empirical value found by the operator of the process gas preparation device 1 when using cooling water from a cooling water network.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, an adsorption dehumidification unit 29 configured as a process gas dehumidification device 18 is shown in the form of a desiccant wheel 31. By means of the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 configured as a desiccant wheel 31, the humidity of the process gas 2 can be precisely adjusted.

[0052] In the embodiment according to Figures 3 to 6, the humidity of the process gas 2 can also be precisely adjusted by means of an adsorption dehumidification unit 29 configured as a drying wheel 31. For this purpose, the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 has a regeneration unit 34 configured as an apparatus component 4 in the embodiment according to Figures 2 to 6 with a regeneration unit inlet 32 ​​and a regeneration unit outlet 33. The regeneration unit inlet 32 ​​and the regeneration unit outlet 33 are preferably configured as connecting pipe sections, in which leading or further passage sections 11, expediently configured as pipes in each case, can be or are arranged.

[0053] For the regeneration of the adsorption dehumidification unit 29, in particular the drying wheel 31, the regeneration gas 35 is conveyed in a regeneration section 36 extending from the regeneration unit inlet 32 ​​to the regeneration unit outlet 33 by a regeneration gas conveying device 39 formed as an apparatus component 4 with a regeneration gas conveying device inlet 37 and a regeneration gas conveying device outlet 38. Expediently, the regeneration gas conveying device inlet 37 and the regeneration gas conveying device outlet 38 are also formed as connecting pipe sections, on which leading or further passage sections 11, for example formed as pipes, can be arranged or are arranged. In the flow direction of the regeneration gas 35, a regeneration gas heating device 41 formed as an apparatus component 4 with a regeneration gas heating device inlet 40 and a regeneration gas heating device outlet 41 and the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 with a regeneration gas inlet 43 and a regeneration gas outlet 44 then flow through. As the regeneration gas heating device 42, in particular a heat exchanger or an electric heater is suitable. Preferably, the regeneration gas heater inlet 40 and the regeneration gas heater outlet 41 as well as the regeneration gas inlet 43 and the regeneration gas outlet 44 are formed as connecting pipe sections, on which leading or further passage sections 11, in particular formed as piping, can be arranged or are arranged. Expediently, the regeneration gas conveying device 39 is arranged downstream of the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 in the regeneration section 36 and is also preferably arranged at the same time upstream of the process gas temperature adjustment device 19, so that preferably a negative pressure can be created or is created in the regeneration section 36.

[0054] Expediently, a thermal regeneration of the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 is performed. During thermal regeneration, in order to regenerate the drying means of the adsorption dehumidification unit 29, the regeneration gas 35 is heated, for example to a temperature of 160° C., and guided through the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 to be regenerated. The hot regeneration gas 35 removes the moisture it has received from the process gas 2 from the drying means and expediently discharges it at the regeneration unit outlet 33 to the environment.

[0055] 3, a portion of the process gas 2 is used as the regeneration gas 35, which is branched off from the process gas 2 upstream of the condensation dehumidification unit 26. After branching, the regeneration gas 35 flows in flow direction in the regeneration section 36 through the regeneration gas heater 42, the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 and the regeneration gas conveyor 39, and leaves the regeneration unit 34 and thus the process gas preparation device 1 via the regeneration unit outlet 33 to the surroundings.

[0056] Unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the regeneration gas 35 is taken from the ambient air rather than being part of the process gas 2 as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.

[0057] In both embodiments according to Figures 5 and 6, the regeneration section 36 is configured as a closed circuit 45, in contrast to the embodiments according to Figures 2 to 4. In the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 5, the regeneration gas 35 flows through the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 in parallel flow with respect to the process gas 2. In the sixth embodiment shown in Figure 6, the process gas 2 and the regeneration gas 35 flow through the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 in a countercurrent principle. The closed circuit 45 has the advantage that the regeneration of the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 can be carried out regardless of the ambient conditions, for example regardless of the ambient temperature and ambient air.

[0058] 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the process gas preparation device 1. Here, the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 of the process gas dehumidification device 18 comprises two containers 72a, 72b, which are filled with adsorption means. One container 72a or 72b, respectively, is regenerated at low or high temperature with the regeneration gas 35, while the other container 72a or 72b, respectively, has the process gas 2 flowing through it and drying it to the desired humidity.

[0059] Furthermore, the process gas dehumidification device 18 comprises a preheating unit 48 formed as a device component 4, which has a preheating unit inlet 46 and a preheating unit outlet 47. The preheating unit serves in particular as an "antifrost heater" for the condensation dehumidification unit 26 and is expediently arranged upstream of the condensation dehumidification unit 26 and / or the adsorption dehumidification unit 29. If the regeneration section 36 is formed as a closed circuit 45, the moisture absorbed during the regeneration of the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 is condensed from the regeneration gas 35 in the preheating unit 48. In this respect, it is advantageous for the preheating unit 48 to also be assigned to the regeneration unit 34, so that in the regeneration section 36 formed as a closed circuit 45, the preheating unit 48 is arranged upstream of the regeneration gas heating device 42 and downstream of the regeneration gas conveying device 39, so that the process gas 2 is heated when flowing through the preheating unit 48 and the regeneration gas 35 is cooled when flowing through the preheating unit 48. Expediently, the preheating unit inlet 46 and the preheating unit outlet 47 are formed as pipe sections, in which guiding or further passage sections 11, each expediently formed as piping, can be arranged or are arranged.

[0060] The process gas temperature regulation device 19 comprises a temperature regulation unit 51 for the process gas 2, formed as an apparatus component 4, with a temperature regulation unit inlet 49 and a temperature regulation unit outlet 50. Expediently, the temperature regulation unit inlet 49 and the temperature regulation unit outlet 50 are formed as pipe sections, on which a leading or further passage section 11, each expediently formed as a pipe, can be arranged or is arranged. Here, the temperature regulation unit 51 comprises a heating device 54, formed as an apparatus component 4, with a heating device inlet 52 and a heating device outlet 53. Preferably, the heating device inlet 52 and the heating device outlet 53 are also formed as pipe sections, on which a leading or further passage section 11, each expediently formed as a pipe, can be arranged or is arranged. Advantageously, the heating device 54 is suitable for preparing the process gas 2 by cooling or heating in the drying stage of the treatment of the process material, in particular a temperature range of 10 to 250 ° C can be set, preferably at least above the ambient temperature.

[0061] Furthermore, the process gas preparation device 1 comprises a humidifier 55, in particular arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidifier 18 and upstream of the process gas temperature adjustment device 19, formed as a device component 4, which has a humidifier inlet 56 and a humidifier outlet 57. The humidifier inlet 56 and the humidifier outlet 57 are preferably also formed as pipe sections, on which leading or further passage sections 11, each expediently formed as piping, can be arranged or are arranged. By means of the humidifier 55, the process gas 2 can be humidified and also a relative humidity of the process gas 2 can be set which is quantitatively higher than the relative humidity of the process gas 2 entering the process gas preparation device 1 at the process gas inlet 7.

[0062] Furthermore, the process gas temperature regulation device 19 comprises a bypass unit 60 formed as a system component 4, connected in parallel to the temperature regulation unit 51, with a bypass inlet 58 and a bypass outlet 59. The bypass unit 60 again comprises a cooling unit 63, in particular a heat exchanger or the like for the process gas 2, formed as a system component 4, with a cooling unit inlet 61 and a cooling unit outlet 62. The cooling unit inlet 61 and the cooling unit outlet 62 are preferably formed as pipe sections, on which a leading or further passage section 11, expediently formed as a pipe, can be arranged or is arranged. A valve mechanism 64 for the selective throughflow of the temperature regulation unit 51 or the bypass unit 60 formed as a system component 4 is arranged, the cooling unit 63 being a component of the bypass unit 60. The bypass unit 60 is expediently formed as the passage section 11 in the form of a pipe. As valve arrangement 64, expediently two three-way valves are used or another valve arrangement 64 suitable for selectively passing through the thermostat unit 51 or the bypass unit 60 is used.

[0063] The process gas preparation device 1 further comprises a first measuring device 66 with a relative humidity sensor 65 for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas 2, which is arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidification device 18. The relative humidity in the process gas 2 is measured by means of the relative humidity sensor 65 and transmitted as an actual value in the form of a sensor signal to the control device 67. The control device 67 is configured for a closed-loop and / or open-loop control of all device components 4 independently of one another. The respective inlets and outlets of the device components 4 are connected to one another via passage sections 11, preferably in the form of piping, corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 7. The periphery arranged upstream of the process gas inlet 7 and downstream of the process gas outlet 10 can also be connected via passage sections 11, preferably in the form of piping.

[0064] Furthermore, the first measuring device 66 further comprises a temperature sensor 68, which measures the temperature of the process gas 2. The temperature value is also transmitted in the form of a sensor signal as the actual value for the temperature to the control device 67. Expediently, the relative humidity sensor and the temperature sensor 68 of the first measuring device 66 are formed as a structural unit.

[0065] Based on the relative humidity of the process gas 2 measured by the relative humidity sensor 69 and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 68, the absolute humidity is determined by the actual absolute humidity value of the process gas 2, as described above. The absolute humidity actual value determination is performed in the first measuring device 66 or in the control device 67. If the absolute humidity actual value determination is performed in the first measuring device 66, the absolute humidity actual value is transmitted to the control device 67 as a sensor signal.

[0066] A control device 67 associated with the first measuring device 66 provides a closed-loop control of the humidity, preferably the absolute humidity, of the process gas 2 flowing through the process gas preparation device 1. Advantageously, the humidity is closed-loop controlled at least during the drying phase. The closed-loop control can be based on relative humidity or absolute humidity, although closed-loop control based on absolute humidity is preferred, since absolute humidity is independent of temperature.

[0067] For this purpose, a first absolute humidity comparison is made in the control device 67 between the absolute humidity target value stored in the control device 67 and the actual absolute humidity value, the actual absolute humidity value being determined based on the relative humidity value measured by the relative humidity sensor 65 of the first measuring device 66 and the temperature value measured by the associated temperature sensor 68, as described above.

[0068] To achieve closed-loop control of the absolute humidity of the process gas 2, the control device 67 additionally takes into account the first absolute humidity comparison and transmits an absolute humidity control amount to the process gas dehumidifier 18.

[0069] For drying to lower humidity different possibilities arise: drying with a condensation dehumidification unit 26 is limited by the cooling water. The adsorption dehumidification unit 29 is limited by the capacity of the drying means and the humidity to be absorbed can be adjusted by regeneration of the drying means.

[0070] The absolute humidity of the process gas is adjusted by means of a process gas dehumidifier 18, which is closed-loop controlled by a control device 67, in such a way that the corresponding actual and set absolute humidity values ​​coincide with respect to the absolute humidity, expediently within an error range of less than or equal to 3%. The above also applies to the relative humidity.

[0071] If the absolute humidity actual value is less than the absolute humidity setpoint in the absolute humidity comparison, the process gas 2 is humidified. For this purpose, the process gas 2 is expediently heated by a preheating unit 48, so that the temperature of the process gas 2 allows the absorption of the humidity to be added. Humidity is then added to the process gas by means of a humidifier 55. For this purpose, a first measuring device 66 is also arranged upstream of the process gas temperature regulator 19.

[0072] In addition, a second measuring device 70 is arranged upstream of the process gas dehumidification device 18, which has a relative humidity sensor 69 which measures the relative humidity of the process gas 2. The relative humidity in the process gas 2 is measured by means of the relative humidity sensor 69 and transmitted to the control device 67 as a further actual value in the form of a sensor signal.

[0073] The second measuring device 70 also preferably further comprises a temperature sensor 71 for measuring the temperature of the process gas 2, the relative humidity sensor 69 and the temperature sensor 71 of the second measuring device 70 being expediently formed as a structural unit. If the absolute humidity actual value determination is performed in the second measuring device 70, the absolute humidity actual value is transmitted to the control device 67 as a sensor signal.

[0074] Each system component 4 of the process gas preparation system 1 can be switched on / off via a second closed-loop control and / or an open-loop control based on a second measuring device 70 .

[0075] For this purpose, a second measuring device 70 is arranged upstream of the process gas preparation device 1, which has a relative humidity sensor 69 for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas 2 and a temperature sensor 71 for measuring the temperature of the process gas 2, and in the control device 67 a second absolute humidity comparison is performed between an absolute humidity target value stored in the control device 67, which is expediently different from the absolute humidity target value for closed-loop control of humidity, and the actual absolute humidity value, which is determined based on the relative humidity value measured by the relative humidity sensor 69 of the second measuring device 70 and the temperature value measured by the associated temperature sensor 71.

[0076] Preferably, the absolute humidity actual value determination is made in the second measuring device 70 or in the control device 67 .

[0077] In order to switch on and / or off the respective equipment components 4 of the process gas preparation device 1, the control device 67 takes into account the second absolute humidity comparison and transmits an absolute humidity control quantity to each equipment component 4. This makes it possible to switch on and / or off individual equipment components 4 during the method execution, but in particular to switch on and / or off the condensation dehumidification unit 26 and / or the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 and / or the humidification device 55. Surprisingly, by means of this modern, innovative and forward-looking closed-loop and / or open-loop control technique, significant energy savings are brought about and an improved preparation of the process gas 2 is achieved, in particular with regard to temperature and humidity.

[0078] The closed-loop and / or open-loop control of the device component 4 can be based on absolute humidity as described above, but also on relative humidity. Here again, closed-loop and / or open-loop control on absolute temperature is preferred, since absolute humidity is independent of temperature. Expediently, the error range is within 3% or less.

[0079] The method of preparing a process gas 2 for treating a process material in a process device 3 proceeds in a process gas preparation device 1 as described in detail below:

[0080] The preparation of the process gas 2 for the treatment of the process material in the process equipment 3, in particular in the fluidization equipment 5 or the coating equipment 6, is divided into two method steps proceeding in succession, namely a drying step and a cooling step. At the end of each treatment of the process material, there is therefore a cooling step of the process material. The cooling step is necessary in order to avoid a "seepage" of moisture, in particular in the form of water, from the treated process material (condensation), since otherwise the moisture (humidity) would condense and would or could lead to an undesirable coagulation of the process material in the process equipment 3. For this reason, during the treatment of the process material in the process equipment 3, in the drying step the temperature control unit 51 of the process gas temperature control device 19 is passed through, and in the cooling step the bypass unit 60 with the cooling unit 63 is passed through. When passing through the temperature control unit 51, the bypass unit 60 is not passed through and vice versa. Thus, the method for preparing the process gas 2 in the process gas preparation device 1 has, besides the advantage of a significantly reduced energy consumption during the entire treatment of the process material, the further advantage that the cooling times, in particular for the process gas 2, which is ambient air, are shortened in the cooling stage of the process material following the drying stage, by the arrangement of the cooling unit 63 in the bypass unit 60. This also makes it possible to cool the process material more quickly and more energy-savingly.

[0081] During the treatment of the process material in the process equipment 3, the process gas 2 enters the process gas preparation device 1 at the process gas inlet 7 and flows through the process gas preparation device and the process equipment 3 following the process gas preparation device 1. The process gas 2 is transported by the process gas conveying device 12. In addition to the process gas dehumidifier 18 and the process gas temperature control device 19, the process gas 2 also flows through a humidifier 55, which is arranged, in particular, downstream of the process gas dehumidifier 18 and upstream of the process gas temperature control device 19. By means of the humidifier 55, the process gas 2 can be humidified and it is also possible to set a relative humidity of the process gas 2 that is quantitatively higher than the relative humidity of the process gas 2 entering the process gas preparation device 1 at the process gas inlet 7. If the humidifier 55 is used, the process gas 2 is heated before humidification, expediently by a preheating unit 48, to a temperature that ensures that the process gas 2 absorbs the humidity supplied via the humidifier 55.

[0082] In the method the humidity of the process gas 2 flowing through the process gas preparation device 1 is closed-loop controlled, in particular at least during the drying phase. The humidity of the process gas 2 can be closed-loop controlled by means of relative humidity and by means of absolute humidity, but preferably by means of absolute humidity, since absolute humidity, unlike relative humidity, does not depend on the temperature of the process gas 2.

[0083] Preferably, for this purpose the first measuring device 66 comprises a relative humidity sensor 65 for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas 2 and a temperature sensor 68 for measuring the temperature of the process gas 2. The relative humidity and temperature values ​​are transmitted to the control device 67 as sensor signals.

[0084] In the control device 67, a first absolute humidity comparison is made between the stored absolute humidity setpoint value and the actual absolute humidity value, the latter being determined on the basis of a relative humidity value measured by the relative humidity sensor 65 of the first measuring device 66 and a temperature value measured by an associated temperature sensor 68. The absolute humidity actual value determination is expediently made in the first measuring device 66 or in the control device 67. For closed-loop control of the absolute humidity of the process gas 2, the control device 67 transmits an absolute humidity control quantity to the process gas dehumidification device 18 taking into account the first absolute humidity comparison. Expediently, the humidity is adjusted within an error range of ±3% of the setpoint value.

[0085] Any humidification that may occur is also carried out via closed-loop control using the first measuring device 66, as described above.

[0086] If the process gas dehumidifier 18 comprises an adsorption dehumidification unit 29, in particular configured as a drying wheel 31, for drying the process gas 2, the process gas dehumidifier has a regeneration unit 34 for at least partially regenerating the adsorption dehumidification unit 29. Such a process gas dehumidifier 18 is illustrated, inter alia, in Figures 2 to 7.

[0087] The regeneration gas 35 flows through a regeneration gas heater 42 upstream of the adsorption / dehumidification unit 29, which dries and heats the regeneration gas 35, so that the regeneration gas 35 can absorb the humidity of the adsorption / dehumidification unit 29. The regeneration gas 35 is then dried and heated so that the adsorption / dehumidification unit 29 can also dry or dry the process gas 2 flowing through the adsorption / dehumidification unit 29 to a set relative humidity. Therefore, in particular, the control device 67 controls the regeneration gas heater 42 in a closed loop and / or an open loop based on a first absolute humidity comparison between the stored absolute humidity target value and the absolute humidity actual value. Preferably, the regeneration gas 35 flows through the adsorption / dehumidification unit 29 in a counterflow to the process gas 2, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0088] Furthermore, the process gas dehumidification device 18 comprises a preheating unit 48, which is expediently arranged upstream of the condensation dehumidification unit 26 and which heats the process gas 2 entering the process gas preparation device 1 via the process gas inlet 7 in order to prevent freezing of the condensation dehumidification unit 26. The preheating unit 48 serves in particular as an "anti-frost heater" for the condensation dehumidification unit 26. If the regeneration section 36 is configured as a closed circuit 45, the moisture absorbed during the regeneration of the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 is condensed from the regeneration gas 35 in the preheating unit 48.

[0089] Each individual device component 4 of the process gas preparation device 1 can be switched on and / or off. For this purpose, a second measuring device 70 is arranged upstream of the process gas dehumidification device 18, which has a relative humidity sensor 69 for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas 2 and a temperature sensor 71 for measuring the temperature of the process gas 2. In the control device, a second absolute humidity comparison between the absolute humidity setpoint value and the actual absolute humidity value of the second measuring device 70 is made, the actual absolute humidity value being determined on the basis of the relative humidity value measured by the relative humidity sensor 69 of the second measuring device 70 and the temperature value measured by the associated temperature sensor 71. Expediently, the absolute humidity actual value determination is made in the second measuring device 70 or in the control device 67. For this purpose, in order to switch on and / or switch off the respective device components 4 of the process gas preparation device 1, the control device 67 transmits an absolute humidity control quantity to the respective device components 4 taking into account the second absolute humidity comparison. Surprisingly, this modern, innovative and forward-thinking closed-loop control technology results in significant energy savings and achieves improved regulation of the relative humidity and temperature of the process gas 2. Expediently, the costs for the operation of the installation are significantly reduced by deactivating or switching off the device components 4.

[0090] Based on the absolute humidity comparison, the control device 67 determines which system components 4 of the process gas preparation device 1 are turned on and / or off to dehumidify the process gas 2. The following are absolute humidity target values ​​that are actually used during operation of the process gas preparation device 1: -8g / cm 3 Dehumidification only via the condensation dehumidification unit 26 at or above the absolute humidity target value; the adsorption dehumidification unit 29, if present, is switched off; -8g / cm 3 Dehumidification only via the adsorption dehumidification unit 29 at or below the absolute humidity target value; the condensation dehumidification unit 26, when present, is switched off; -8g / cm 3 The absolute humidity target value is below 6g / cm and the absolute humidity actual value is between the absolute humidity target value and the absolute humidity target value. 3 dehumidification via a condensation dehumidification unit 26 and an adsorption dehumidification unit 29 in the difference above; Humidification via the humidification device 55 if the actual absolute humidity value is less than the target absolute humidity value. The present invention may also include the following aspects: 1. A process gas preparation device (1) for a process gas (2) for treating a process material in a process device (3), the device having a process gas inlet (7) and a process gas outlet (10) in flow communication with the process device (3), the process gas (2) flows in a preparation section (13) extending from the process gas inlet (7) to the process gas outlet (10), the device having a process gas dehumidifier (18) formed as a device component (4) in the flow direction of the process gas (2) and a process gas temperature control device (19) formed as a device component (4) arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidifier (18), the process gas dehumidifier (18) having a dehumidifier inlet (20) and a dehumidifier outlet (21), the process gas temperature control device (19) having a temperature control device inlet (22) and a temperature control device outlet (23), the process gas temperature control device (19) having a temperature control unit inlet (49) and a temperature control unit outlet (50). a temperature control unit (51) for the process gas (2) formed as an apparatus component (4), a cooling unit (63) for the process gas (2) formed as an apparatus component (4) having a cooling unit inlet (61) and a cooling unit outlet (62), a bypass unit (60) formed as an apparatus component (4) connected in parallel to the temperature control unit (51) and having a bypass inlet (58) and a bypass outlet (59), in which a valve mechanism (64) for selectively passing through the temperature control unit (51) or the bypass unit (60) formed as an apparatus component (4) is arranged, a first measuring device (66) having a relative humidity sensor (65) for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas (2), the first measuring device (66) being arranged downstream of a process gas dehumidification device (18), and a control device (67), 1. A process gas preparation system, characterized in that the cooling unit (63) is a component of a bypass unit (60). 2. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the process gas preparation device (1) comprises a process device (3) formed as an apparatus component (4), which is expediently formed as a fluidization device (5) or a coating device (6). 3. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the process gas preparation device (1) comprises a process gas conveying device (12) formed as a device component (4). 4. The process gas preparation device (1) described in 3 above, characterized in that the process gas conveying device (12) is arranged upstream and / or downstream of the process equipment (3). 5. The process gas preparation apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the process dehumidification apparatus (18) comprises a condensation dehumidification unit (26) formed as an apparatus component (4) having a condensation dehumidification unit inlet (24) and a condensation dehumidification unit outlet (25) and / or an adsorption dehumidification unit (29) formed as an apparatus component (4) having an adsorption dehumidification unit inlet (27) and an adsorption dehumidification unit outlet (28), the condensation dehumidification unit (26) being arranged upstream of the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) in the preparation section (13). 6. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) is formed as a drying wheel (31). 7. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the adsorption / dehumidification unit (29) has a regeneration unit (34) formed as an apparatus component (4) with a regeneration unit inlet (32) and a regeneration unit outlet (33), the regeneration gas (35) is transported in a regeneration section (36) extending from the regeneration unit inlet (32) to the regeneration unit outlet (33) by a regeneration gas conveying device (39) formed as an apparatus component (4) with a regeneration gas conveying device inlet (37) and a regeneration gas conveying device outlet (38), and in the flow direction of the regeneration gas (35) flows through a regeneration gas heating device (42) formed as an apparatus component (4) with a regeneration gas heating device inlet (40) and a regeneration gas heating device outlet (41), and the adsorption / dehumidification unit (29) with a regeneration gas inlet (43) and a regeneration gas outlet (44). 8. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the regeneration section (36) is formed as a closed circulation section (45). 9. The process gas preparation apparatus (1) according to any one of 1. to 8. above, characterized in that the process dehumidification apparatus (18) comprises a preheating unit (48) formed as an apparatus component (4) having a preheating unit inlet (46) and a preheating unit outlet (47), which preheating unit is expediently arranged upstream of the condensation dehumidification unit (26) and / or the adsorption dehumidification unit (29). 10. The process gas preparation device (1) described in 6. or 7. above, characterized in that a preheating unit (48) is also assigned to the regeneration unit (34), and the preheating unit (48) is arranged upstream of the regeneration gas heating device (42) and downstream of the regeneration gas conveying device (39) in the regeneration section (36) formed as a closed circulation section (45), so that the process gas (2) is heated when flowing through the preheating unit (48) and the regeneration gas (35) is cooled when flowing through the preheating unit (48). 11. The process gas preparation apparatus (1) according to any one of the above items 7 to 10, characterized in that the regeneration gas conveying device (39) is arranged downstream of the adsorption and dehumidification unit (29) in the regeneration section (36). 12. The process gas preparation device (1) according to any one of 1. to 11. above, characterized in that the first measurement device (66) is arranged upstream of the process gas temperature adjustment device (19). 13. The process gas preparation apparatus (1) described in any one of 1. to 12. above, characterized in that the first measuring device (66) further comprises a temperature sensor (68) for measuring the temperature of the process gas (2). 14. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the relative humidity sensor (65) and the temperature sensor (68) of the first measuring device (66) are formed as a structural unit. 15. A process gas preparation apparatus (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the temperature control unit (51) is provided with a heating device (54) formed as an apparatus component (4) having a heating device inlet (52) and a heating device outlet (53). 16. The process gas preparation apparatus (1) described in any one of 1. to 15. above, characterized in that the process gas conveying apparatus (12) is arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidification apparatus (18) and upstream of the process gas temperature adjustment apparatus (19). 17. The process gas preparation apparatus (1) described in any one of 1. to 16. above, characterized in that a second measuring device (70) having a relative humidity sensor (69) for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas (2) is disposed upstream of the process gas dehumidification device (18). 18. The process gas preparation device (1) as described in 17 above, characterized in that the second measuring device (70) further comprises a temperature sensor (71) for measuring the temperature of the process gas (2). 19. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the relative humidity sensor (69) and the temperature sensor (71) of the second measuring device (70) are formed as a structural unit. 20. The process gas preparation apparatus (1) described in any one of 1. to 19. above, characterized in that the process gas preparation apparatus (1) comprises a humidifier (55) formed as an apparatus component (4), in particular arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidifier (18) and upstream of the process gas temperature control apparatus (19), the humidifier having a humidifier inlet (56) and a humidifier outlet (57). 21. A method for preparing a process gas (2) for treating a process material in a process equipment (3) during a drying stage and a cooling stage, comprising: a process gas dehumidifier formed as an apparatus component (4) in the flow direction of the process gas (2) having a process gas inlet (7) and a process gas outlet (10) in fluid communication with the process equipment (3), the process gas (2) flows in a preparation section (13) extending from the process gas inlet (7) to the process gas outlet (10), and a process gas temperature control device (19) formed as a device component (4) arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidifier (18), the process gas dehumidifier (18) having a dehumidifier inlet (20) and a dehumidifier outlet (21), the process gas temperature control device (19) having a temperature control device inlet (22) and a temperature control device outlet (23), and the process gas temperature control device (19) having a temperature control unit inlet (49) and a temperature control unit outlet (50). a temperature control unit (51) for the process gas (2) formed as a component (4), a cooling unit (63) for the process gas (2) formed as an apparatus component (4) having a cooling unit inlet (61) and a cooling unit outlet (62), a bypass unit (60) formed as an apparatus component (4) connected in parallel to the temperature control unit (51) and having a bypass inlet (58) and a bypass outlet (59), in which a valve mechanism (64) for selectively passing through the temperature control unit (51) or the bypass unit (60) formed as an apparatus component (4) is arranged, a first measuring device (66) having a relative humidity sensor (65) for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas (2), the first measuring device (66) being arranged downstream of a process gas dehumidification device (18), and a control device (67), 1. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling unit (63) is a component of a bypass unit (60), and that during the treatment of a process material in a process device (3), the temperature control unit (51) is passed through during a drying phase and the bypass unit (60) with the cooling unit (63) is passed through during a cooling phase. 22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the humidity of the process gas (2) flowing through the process gas preparation device (1) is controlled in a closed loop. 23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the first measuring device (66) is provided with a temperature sensor (68) for measuring the temperature of the process gas (2), a first absolute humidity comparison between the absolute humidity target value and the actual absolute humidity value is performed in the control device (67), and the actual absolute humidity value is determined based on a relative humidity value measured by a relative humidity sensor (65) of the first measuring device (66) and a temperature value measured by an associated temperature sensor (68). 24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the determination of the actual absolute humidity value is made in the first measuring device (66) or in the control device (67). 25. A method as described in claim 23 or 24, characterized in that in order to perform closed-loop control of the absolute humidity of the process gas (2), the control device (67) transmits an absolute humidity control amount to the process gas dehumidifier (18) and / or the humidifier (55) taking into account the first absolute humidity comparison. 26. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the humidity is closed-loop controlled at least during the drying stage. 27. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that the process gas (2) is humidified using a humidifier (55) arranged, in particular, downstream of the process gas dehumidifier (18) and upstream of the process gas temperature adjustment device (19). 28. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 27, characterized in that the process gas dehumidifier (18) is provided with an adsorption dehumidification unit (29) having a regeneration unit (34), and the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) is at least partially regenerated by the regeneration unit (34). 29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that the regeneration unit (34) is provided with a regeneration gas heating device (42) for heating the regeneration gas (35), so that the regeneration gas (35) absorbs moisture when flowing through the adsorption dehumidification unit (29), thereby at least partially drying the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) and regenerating it. 30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that the regeneration gas (35) flows through the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) in a countercurrent flow to the process gas (2). 31. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 30, characterized in that the process gas dehumidification device (19) comprises a preheating unit (48), which is expediently arranged upstream of the condensation dehumidification unit (26), and the preheating unit (48) heats the process gas (2) entering the process gas preparation device (1) via the process gas inlet (7) in order to prevent freezing of the condensation dehumidification unit (26) or to heat the process gas (2) for humidification of the process gas (2). 32. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 31, characterized in that each device component (4) of the process gas preparation device (1) can be turned on and / or off. 33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that a second measuring device (70) having a relative humidity sensor (69) for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas (2) and a temperature sensor (71) for measuring the temperature of the process gas (2) is arranged upstream of the process gas dehumidification device (18), and in the control device (67) a second absolute humidity comparison is performed between the absolute humidity target value and the actual absolute humidity value, and the actual absolute humidity value is determined based on the relative humidity value measured by the relative humidity sensor (69) of the second measuring device (70) and the temperature value measured by the associated temperature sensor (71). 34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that the determination of the actual absolute humidity value is performed in the second measuring device (70) or in the control device (67). 35. A method as described in claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the control device (67) is capable of transmitting an absolute humidity control amount to each equipment component (4) of the process gas preparation device (1) taking into account the second absolute humidity comparison in order to turn each equipment component (4) on and / or off. 36. A method according to any one of claims 21 to 35, characterized in that the process gas preparation apparatus (1) comprises a process gas conveying apparatus (12) formed as an apparatus component (4), which conveys the process gas (2) in a preparation section (13) extending from the process gas inlet (7) to the process gas outlet (10).

Claims

1. A process gas preparation device (1) for a process gas (2), comprising a process gas inlet (7) and a process gas outlet (10) in flow communication with a process device (3), the process gas (2) flowing in a preparation section (13) extending from the process gas inlet (7) to the process gas outlet (10), a process gas dehumidifier (18) formed as a device component (4) in the flow direction of the process gas (2) and a process gas temperature regulation device (19) formed as a device component (4) arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidifier (18), the process gas dehumidifier (18) having a dehumidifier inlet (20) and a dehumidifier outlet (21), the process gas temperature regulation device (19) having a temperature regulation device inlet (22) and a temperature regulation device outlet (23), the process gas temperature regulation device (19) having a temperature regulation unit inlet (49) and a temperature regulation unit outlet (50), a cooling unit (63) for the process gas (2) formed as an apparatus component (4) with a cooling unit inlet (61) and a cooling unit outlet (62); a bypass unit (60) formed as an apparatus component (4) connected in parallel to the temperature control unit (51) with a bypass inlet (58) and a bypass outlet (59), in which a valve mechanism (64) for selectively passing through the temperature control unit (51) or the bypass unit (60) formed as an apparatus component (4) is arranged; a first measuring device (66) with a relative humidity sensor (65) for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas (2), which is arranged downstream of a process gas dehumidification device (18) and which has a control device (67), 1. An apparatus for preparing a process gas, comprising: a cooling unit (63) which is a component of a bypass unit (60); a process gas dehumidification apparatus (18) which comprises a condensation dehumidification unit (26) formed as an apparatus component (4) having a condensation dehumidification unit inlet (24) and a condensation dehumidification unit outlet (25) and / or an adsorption dehumidification unit (29) formed as an apparatus component (4) having an adsorption dehumidification unit inlet (27) and an adsorption dehumidification unit outlet (28); the condensation dehumidification unit (26) is arranged upstream of the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) in the preparation section (13); and the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) is formed as a dryer wheel (31).

2. 2. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the process gas preparation device (1) comprises a process device (3) formed as an apparatus component (4), which is formed as a fluidization device (5) or a coating device (6).

3. 3. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the process gas preparation device (1) comprises a process gas conveying device (12) formed as a system component (4).

4. 4. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the process gas conveying device (12) is arranged upstream and / or downstream of the process equipment (3).

5. 3. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) has a regeneration unit (34) formed as an apparatus component (4) with a regeneration unit inlet (32) and a regeneration unit outlet (33), and the regeneration gas (35) is transported in a regeneration section (36) extending from the regeneration unit inlet (32) to the regeneration unit outlet (33) by a regeneration gas conveying device (39) formed as an apparatus component (4) with a regeneration gas conveying device inlet (37) and a regeneration gas conveying device outlet (38), and flows in the flow direction of the regeneration gas (35) through a regeneration gas heating device (42) formed as an apparatus component (4) with a regeneration gas heating device inlet (40) and a regeneration gas heating device outlet (41), and through the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) with a regeneration gas inlet (43) and a regeneration gas outlet (44).

6. 6. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the regeneration section (36) is designed as a closed circuit (45).

7. 3. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the process gas dehumidification device (18) comprises a preheating unit (48) formed as an apparatus component (4) having a preheating unit inlet (46) and a preheating unit outlet (47), the preheating unit being arranged upstream of the condensation dehumidification unit (26) and / or the adsorption dehumidification unit (29).

8. 8. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that a preheating unit (48) is also assigned to the regeneration unit (34), which is arranged upstream of the regeneration gas heating device (42) and downstream of the regeneration gas conveying device (39) in the regeneration section (36) formed as a closed circuit (45), so that the process gas (2) is heated when flowing through the preheating unit (48) and the regeneration gas (35) is cooled when flowing through the preheating unit (48).

9. 6. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that a regeneration gas conveying device (39) is arranged downstream of the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) in the regeneration section (36).

10. 3. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first measuring device (66) is arranged upstream of the process gas temperature regulation device (19).

11. 3. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first measuring device (66) further comprises a temperature sensor (68) for measuring the temperature of the process gas (2).

12. 12. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the relative humidity sensor (65) and the temperature sensor (68) of the first measuring device (66) are formed as a structural unit.

13. 3. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the temperature control unit (51) comprises a heating device (54) formed as an apparatus component (4) having a heating device inlet (52) and a heating device outlet (53).

14. 3. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the process gas conveying device (12) is arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidification device (18) and upstream of the process gas temperature adjustment device (19).

15. 3. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a second measuring device (70) having a relative humidity sensor (69) for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas (2) is arranged upstream of the process gas dehumidification device (18).

16. 16. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the second measuring device (70) further comprises a temperature sensor (71) for measuring the temperature of the process gas (2).

17. 16. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the relative humidity sensor (69) and the temperature sensor (71) of the second measuring device (70) are formed as a structural unit.

18. 3. The process gas preparation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the process gas preparation device (1) comprises a humidifier (55) formed as an apparatus component (4), in particular arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidifier (18) and upstream of the process gas temperature control device (19), the humidifier having a humidifier inlet (56) and a humidifier outlet (57).

19. A method for preparing a process gas (2) during a drying phase and during a cooling phase, the method comprising: a process gas inlet (7) and a process gas outlet (10) in flow communication with a process device (3), the process gas (2) flows in a preparation section (13) extending from the process gas inlet (7) to the process gas outlet (10), the method comprising: a process gas dehumidifier (18) formed as an apparatus component (4) in a flow direction of the process gas (2); and a process gas temperature regulation device (19) formed as an apparatus component (4) arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidifier (18), the process gas dehumidifier (18) having a dehumidifier inlet (20) and a dehumidifier outlet (21), the process gas temperature regulation device (19) having a temperature regulation device inlet (22) and a temperature regulation device outlet (23), the process gas temperature regulation device (19) formed as an apparatus component (4) having a temperature regulation unit inlet (49) and a temperature regulation unit outlet (50). a temperature control unit (51) for the process gas (2) formed as an apparatus component (4) with a cooling unit inlet (61) and a cooling unit outlet (62) for the process gas (2) and a bypass unit (60) formed as an apparatus component (4) connected in parallel to the temperature control unit (51) with a bypass inlet (58) and a bypass outlet (59), in which a valve mechanism (64) for selectively passing through the temperature control unit (51) or the bypass unit (60) formed as an apparatus component (4) is arranged, a first measuring device (66) with a relative humidity sensor (65) for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas (2), the first measuring device (66) being arranged downstream of the process gas dehumidification device (18) and having a control device (67), 1. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the cooling unit (63) is a component of a bypass unit (60), and during the treatment of a process material in a process device (3), the temperature control unit (51) is passed through in the drying phase and the bypass unit (60) having the cooling unit (63) is passed through in the cooling phase.

20. 20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the humidity of the process gas (2) flowing through the process gas preparation device (1) is closed-loop controlled.

21. 21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the first measuring device (66) comprises a temperature sensor (68) for measuring the temperature of the process gas (2), and a first absolute humidity comparison between the absolute humidity target value and the actual absolute humidity value is performed in the control device (67), and the actual absolute humidity value is determined based on a relative humidity value measured by a relative humidity sensor (65) of the first measuring device (66) and a temperature value measured by an associated temperature sensor (68).

22. 22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the absolute humidity actual value determination is made in the first measuring device (66) or in the control device (67).

23. 23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that for closed-loop control of the absolute humidity of the process gas (2), the control device (67) takes into account the first absolute humidity comparison and transmits an absolute humidity control amount to the process gas dehumidifier (18) and / or to the humidifier (55).

24. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the humidity is closed-loop controlled at least during the drying stage.

25. 23. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the process gas (2) is humidified by means of a humidification device (55), which is arranged in particular downstream of the process gas dehumidification device (18) and upstream of the process gas temperature adjustment device (19).

26. 23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the process gas dehumidifier (18) comprises an adsorption dehumidification unit (29) having a regeneration unit (34), the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) being at least partially regenerated by the regeneration unit (34).

27. 27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the regeneration unit (34) comprises a regeneration gas heating device (42) for heating the regeneration gas (35), so that the regeneration gas (35) absorbs moisture when flowing through the adsorption dehumidification unit (29), whereby the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) is at least partially dried and thereby regenerated.

28. 28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that the regeneration gas (35) flows through the adsorption dehumidification unit (29) in countercurrent flow to the process gas (2).

29. 23. The method according to claim 19, wherein the process gas dehumidification device (18) comprises a pre-heating unit (48), which is arranged upstream of the condensation dehumidification unit (26), and which heats the process gas (2) entering the process gas preparation device (1) via the process gas inlet (7) in order to prevent freezing of the condensation dehumidification unit (26) or to heat the process gas (2) for humidification of the process gas (2).

30. 23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that each system component (4) of the process gas preparation system (1) can be switched on and / or off.

31. 31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that a second measuring device (70) having a relative humidity sensor (69) for measuring the relative humidity of the process gas (2) and a temperature sensor (71) for measuring the temperature of the process gas (2) is arranged upstream of the process gas dehumidification device (18), and in the control device (67) a second absolute humidity comparison is performed between the absolute humidity target value and the actual absolute humidity value, the actual absolute humidity value being determined on the basis of the relative humidity value measured by the relative humidity sensor (69) of the second measuring device (70) and the temperature value measured by an associated temperature sensor (71).

32. 32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that the absolute humidity actual value determination is made in a second measuring device (70) or in the control device (67).

33. 32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that the control device (67) is capable of transmitting an absolute humidity control amount to each equipment component (4) of the process gas preparation device (1) in order to turn them on and / or off, taking into account the second absolute humidity comparison.

34. 23. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the process gas preparation device (1) comprises a process gas conveying device (12) formed as an apparatus component (4), which conveys the process gas (2) in a preparation section (13) extending from a process gas inlet (7) to a process gas outlet (10).

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