Valve device, adsorption device, and method of operating an adsorption device

Abstract

To provide an improved adsorption device for adsorbing CO2, with which, in particular, an adsorbing material can be regenerated more effectively and efficiently.SOLUTION: A valve device for an elemental analyzer includes first and second ring lines, the ring lines each having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, each outlet being provided with a check valve which can be openable independently of each other. An adsorption device for an elemental analyzer includes a first valve device and a plurality of filter units, each filter unit having an inlet and an outlet, and the filter units being connected to the first valve device such that each filter unit is connected via its inlet to a respective outlet of the first ring line and an outlet of the second ring line of the first valve device. A method includes the steps of: providing the adsorption device; applying a sample fluid through at least one of the filter units of the adsorption device through the first ring line of the first valve device of the adsorption device; and applying a flushing fluid through at least another one of the filter units of the adsorption device through the second ring line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve arrangement, an adsorption device for an elemental analyzer equipped with a valve arrangement, and a method for operating the adsorption device. [Background technology]

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of elemental analyzers. Elemental analyzers are used to measure the content of certain chemical elements in a sample. Such devices are used, for example, to determine the nitrogen content in organic samples, in particular food samples. The nitrogen content can be used, for example, to draw conclusions about the protein content of a food sample.

[0003] In elemental analysis of organic samples, the organic sample is first broken down into elemental gas components by combustion. This produces combustion gases with a composition that varies depending on the sample. The predominant gases are CO x , water vapor, elemental nitrogen and nitrogen oxides. x And NO x To break down the mixture of CO and allow them to react to form more easily manageable combinations, the combustion gas (also called sample gas) is first passed through a catalyst and then in a second stage, usually a reduction reactor. Water is then typically removed from the sample gas stream using one or more water traps. In a further step, the CO 2 from a sample gas stream using an adsorption device to adsorb CO 2 is removed. The resulting sample gas stream contains essentially only elemental nitrogen, the concentration of which can be measured in a final step using a detector, typically a thermal conductivity detector.

[0004] Known adsorption devices extract CO from a sample gas stream. 2 For example, natural and synthetic zeolites, also known as molecular sieves, are used as adsorbents. 2 At room temperature, CO binds to the surface of the adsorbent. 2When the adsorbent is fully loaded, it must first be regenerated before further use. Regeneration is carried out by heating the adsorbent, preferably to a temperature above 220°C. At high temperatures, the adsorbent releases the bound CO 2 It releases CO 2 A stream of purge gas is also passed through the adsorbent to thoroughly remove the . After regeneration, the adsorbent can be cooled and recharged.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a CO 2 The adsorption apparatus is disclosed, the adsorption apparatus further comprising a valve device that allows alternate flow of sample gas and purge gas through the filter, the purge gas flow being passed through the filter in a countercurrent direction to the sample gas flow. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2013615 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to 2 The present invention provides an improved adsorption apparatus for adsorbing CO2, which is particularly advantageous in that it allows for more effective and efficient regeneration of the adsorbent. 2 This means that the adsorbents can be washed out as completely as possible and with minimal energy and time consumption. It should also be possible to adjust the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent during operation so that samples with different contents of the elements to be analysed can be analysed on the same elemental analyser without costly conversions. Furthermore, the time required for regeneration, during which the adsorbent is unavailable for the analysis of samples, should be minimized. Finally, the precision of the analysis should be increased by minimising systematic measurement errors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve this problem, the present invention discloses a valve arrangement for an elemental analyzer, an adsorption apparatus with a valve arrangement, an elemental analyzer and a method of operating the adsorption apparatus.

[0009] Valve mechanism The valve device for an elemental analysis apparatus according to the present invention comprises a first ring line and a second ring line, each of which has an inlet and a plurality of outlets, each of which is provided with a check valve, and the check valves can be opened independently of each other.

[0010] The valve device can be used in such a way that different consumables are connected to the individual outlets of the two ring lines, and different fluids are fed to the ring lines and fed to the consumables through the inlets of the ring lines. Each ring line of the valve device together with its inlet and outlet forms a line system for the fluids. Preferably, the consumables are connected to the outlet of the first ring line and to the outlet of the second ring line, respectively. This means that the consumables can be fed with fluids either from the first ring line or from the second ring line. Preferably, the valve device is used as part of an adsorption device of an elemental analyzer, and the consumables are individual filter units of the adsorption device.

[0011] The valve device makes it possible to route two different fluids through two ring lines and to supply different consumers, in particular the filter units of an adsorption device, with the fluids through the respective outlets of the ring lines. Thus, one or more consumers can be supplied with fluid from each ring line. The fluids can be directed specifically through the individual outlets, since the individual outlets are each closed by a non-return valve that can be opened independently of the other. This gives a great flexibility to the operation of the valve device. For example, several consumers can be supplied with fluid in parallel. At the same time, it is also possible to supply a first group of consumers with fluid from a first ring line and a second group of consumers with fluid from a second ring line, while disconnecting a third group of consumers from both ring lines by closing the respective non-return valves.

[0012] The valve device can be designed for any fluid. In the context of the present invention, the term "fluid" refers to a liquid or a gas or a mixture of liquid and gaseous components. In this context, the fluid can also contain solid particles, for example soot particles, as long as the particle size and amount of the solid particles do not cause an impairment, in particular a blockage, of the valve device. Preferably, the fluid is a gas or a gaseous mixture, particularly preferably a gaseous mixture containing water vapor. Particularly preferably, the fluid contains only gaseous components.

[0013] In the context of this description, the terms "inlet" and "outlet" each refer to a junction in a piping system. Unless otherwise indicated, these terms are not intended to impose limitations on the direction of flow of fluids conveyed in the piping system. For example, a fluid can be directed through a port designated as an "outlet" to a port designated as an "inlet" and vice versa.

[0014] The use of ring lines has the advantage that the difference in distance covered by the fluid between the inlet and each individual outlet is minimized. This results in an even distribution of the fluid across all the individual outlets. Furthermore, the dead volume in the line system is reduced because the fluid flows through the entire line section.

[0015] Each ring line includes one inlet and multiple, ie, at least two, outlets.

[0016] The distance between the inlet and outlet of each ring line can be adjusted as needed, this distance being defined as the distance that the fluid travels between the inlet and outlet along the respective ring line.

[0017] Preferably, the inlets of each ring line are equally spaced from each of the two immediately adjacent outlets of the same ring line. In other words, for a single ring line, the distance traveled by the fluid between the inlet and the outlet located immediately to the right and immediately to the left of the inlet is equal, thereby achieving a uniform distribution of fluid between the two immediately adjacent outlets. Immediately adjacent outlets are defined as the outlets closest in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction along the ring line.

[0018] It is also preferably provided that the outlets of the ring line are equally spaced, which minimises the difference in distance between the individual outlets and provides an even distribution of fluid across all the individual outlets.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the outlets of the two ring lines are each connected to each other in pairs by a connecting line, and a further outlet is arranged on each connecting line. Each ring line has the same number of outlets such that the outlets are assigned to each other in pairs. Thus, each pair of outlets is assigned a connecting line with a single outlet. The connecting lines allow the ring lines to be connected to each other and to groups of consumers at the same time.

[0020] In this embodiment, each outlet of the connecting lines can be connected to a consumer such that each consumer is connected to both ring lines. A single consumer, for example a filter unit as described below, can thus be supplied through each connecting line. By controlling the check valves at the individual outlets of the ring lines, it can be determined independently for each consumer which of the two fluids it is to be supplied with. It is thus possible to simultaneously supply one or more consumers with fluid from a first ring line and one or more further consumers with fluid from a second ring line.

[0021] Preferably, each connecting line defines an outlet of the connecting line that is equally spaced from the two connected outlets of the two ring lines such that the path lengths between the outlets of the connecting line and the two ring lines are the same.

[0022] The check valve is preferably electronically or pneumatically controlled. The valve control device can therefore be connected to an electronic control unit which automatically and independently opens and closes the check valve. The check valve is preferably controlled according to a predefined program.

[0023] The check valves are 2 / 2-way valves, each having an inlet and an outlet and capable of being switched between a closed and an open state. Preferably, the check valves are closed in the de-energized state. This has the advantage that the fluid supply to the consumer connected to the ring line is automatically interrupted in the event of a power failure, preventing possible contamination of the consumer.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the two ring lines and the inlets and outlets connected to each ring line form a structural unit. For example, the two ring lines can be formed in the form of holes in a cubic block, for example a block of plastic or metal. Both ring lines are thus combined into one block and thus into one structural unit. Preferably, the block is made of metal, in particular brass. The inlets of the two ring lines are preferably provided on opposite sides of the block. The outlets of the two ring lines are preferably provided together on one side, particularly preferably on a side that is arranged between the two sides with the inlets. In this embodiment, the non-return valve is preferably attached to the side with the outlet and can for example be plugged or screwed to the side with the outlet. Also in this embodiment, the outlets of the two ring lines are preferably connected in pairs to a connecting line as described above with a further outlet. The connecting line is also in the form of a hole in the block. The connecting line runs into the metal block from the side with the non-return valve. The outlets of the connecting line are preferably arranged on the same side as the non-return valve.

[0025] Adsorption device The adsorption device for an elemental analysis apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a first valve device of the above-mentioned type and a plurality of filter units, each filter unit having an inlet and an outlet, the filter units being connected to the first valve device such that each filter unit is connected through its inlet to a respective outlet of the first ring line and to an outlet of the second ring line of the first valve device.

[0026] The above-mentioned valve device can be used in conjunction with an adsorption device to take advantage of the valve device in conjunction with an elemental analysis device. In particular, the valve device can be used to direct different fluids to the individual filter units through two ring lines of the valve device. For example, a sample fluid can be supplied to one or more filter units through a first ring line for removing components of the sample fluid from the sample fluid by adsorption, and at the same time a wash fluid can be supplied to one or more filter units through a second ring line for regenerating the further filter units.

[0027] The adsorption device comprises two or more filter units. It is therefore possible to feed a sample fluid to one of the filter units and simultaneously pass a wash fluid through the second filter unit. Thus, one or more filter units are used to remove components from the sample fluid while simultaneously regenerating one or more other filter units. In this way, downtime in the operation of the adsorption device can be reduced. Preferably, the adsorption device comprises two to ten filter units, more preferably four to eight filter units, and most preferably six filter units.

[0028] Each filter unit has an inlet for the fluid, an outlet for the fluid and a filter with an adsorbent through which the fluid can flow. The shape of the filter unit is not specified in further detail. For example, U-shaped filter units known from the prior art with an external heating device can be used. It is equally possible to use spiral or straight filter units with an internal heating device.

[0029] Also preferably, each filter unit comprises a heating device capable of heating the adsorbent material during a regeneration step in order to desorb adsorbed components from the sample fluid and wash them off the adsorbent material with a wash fluid.

[0030] Preferably, the filter unit also comprises a cooling device for cooling the adsorbent, which can be used to cool the adsorbent to a temperature required for adsorption of the components of the sample fluid within a short time after regeneration, and thus to make the adsorbent ready for operation, preferably a fan.

[0031] The adsorbent is preferably CO 2 The adsorbent is a material that adsorbs CO from a sample fluid, preferably from a gaseous sample fluid. 2 Preferably, the adsorbent is a molecular sieve. Particularly preferably, the adsorbent consists of a natural or synthetic zeolite. The adsorbent can also be coated to improve its adsorption properties.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the adsorption apparatus comprises a second valve device of the type described above, and the filter units are connected to the second valve device such that each filter unit is connected through its outlet to a respective outlet of the first ring line and to an outlet of the second ring line of the second valve device.

[0033] Thus, in this embodiment, the adsorber comprises a total of four ring lines, two of the ring lines connected to the inlet of each filter unit and two of the ring lines connected to the outlet of each filter unit.

[0034] This embodiment allows the fluid to be directed to a different receiver through one of two ring lines of the second valve device after flowing through the filter unit. For example, after flowing through the filter unit, the fluid can be directed to a detector through a first ring line of the second valve device. Alternatively, after flowing through the filter unit, the fluid can be directed to a second detector or to an outlet through a second ring line of the second valve device.

[0035] The fact that the check valves of the second valve device can be opened and closed independently of each other, as well as the check valves of the first valve device, means that fluids can be passed from different filter units to different receivers. For example, a sample fluid can be sent through the first ring line of the first valve device to one or more first filter units and from the first filter units to the detector through the first ring line of the second valve device, while at the same time a wash fluid can be sent through the second ring line of the first valve device to one or more second filter units and from the one or more second filter units to the outlet through the second ring line of the second valve device.

[0036] In the above example, the fluids are respectively fed to the adsorber through the inlet of the ring line of the first valve device and out of the adsorber through the inlet of the ring line of the second valve device. The fluids flow in the same direction through the filter unit in each case. However, it is also possible to set up the adsorption unit such that the first fluid is fed to the filter unit through the first ring line of the first valve device and from there to the first ring line of the second valve device, while the second fluid is fed to the filter unit through the second ring line of the second valve device and from there to the second ring line of the first valve device. In this embodiment, the fluids flow in opposite directions through the filter unit.

[0037] In order to minimize the difference in travel distance between the filter unit and the two ring lines, the inlets of the filter units are preferably equally spaced from the respective connected outlets of the ring lines. If a second valve device is provided, the same applies for the distance between the outlets of the filter units and the associated outlets of the second valve device.

[0038] Preferably, the adsorber comprises an electronic control unit capable of controlling the check valves of the first valve arrangement and the second valve arrangement (if present), which control unit is preferably also connected to the heating and cooling devices (if present) of the filter unit, such that the control of the check valves and the heating and cooling devices is taken over by the central control unit.

[0039] The adsorption device is preferably intended for use in an elemental analyzer, preferably for use in an elemental analyzer for analysing organic samples, most preferably for use in an elemental analyzer for analysing food samples, most preferably for use in an elemental analyzer for determining the nitrogen content in a food sample. However, the adsorption device is intended for use in an elemental analyzer for determining the amount of components, particularly CO 2 It is also intended for any other application where it is necessary to remove from a fluid and adapt accordingly.

[0040] The adsorption device is designed to adsorb components from any fluid. The fluid may include liquid and gaseous components. The fluid may also include solid particles, such as soot particles, as long as the particle size and amount of the solid particles do not lead to damage to the adsorbent. Preferably, the fluid is a gas or gaseous mixture, particularly preferably a gaseous mixture that may include water vapor, and most preferably the fluid includes only gaseous components.

[0041] How the suction device works A method for operating an adsorption device for an elemental analyzer according to the present invention comprises the steps of: a) providing an adsorption device as described above; b) passing the sample fluid through at least one of the filter units of the adsorption device through a first ring line of a first valve device of the adsorption device, such that components of the sample fluid are adsorbed by the filter unit; Optional c) passing a wash fluid through a second ring line of the first valve device of the adsorber to at least one further one of the filter units of the adsorber so that the adsorbed components are washed out of said filter unit; Includes.

[0042] When passing the sample fluid through the first ring line, the check valve at the outlet of the first ring line connected to the filter unit intended for adsorption is opened, while the other check valve of the first ring line and the check valve at the corresponding outlet of the second ring line remain closed.

[0043] When passing the cleaning fluid through the second ring line, the check valve at the outlet of the second ring line connected to the filter unit to be regenerated is opened, while the other check valve in the second ring line and the corresponding check valve at the outlet of the first ring line remain closed.

[0044] It is also possible to completely isolate one or more filter units from the first and second ring lines by closing the corresponding check valves while sample or wash fluid is passed through the other filter units.

[0045] Steps b) and c) can be performed simultaneously or with a time lag. Preferably, steps b) and c) are performed simultaneously or at least overlapping in time during operation of the adsorber to minimize downtime of the filter unit being regenerated. When steps b) and c) are performed overlapping in time, the wash fluid of step c) is passed through a different filter unit than the sample fluid of step b). When steps b) and c) are performed without overlapping in time, the filter units of steps b) and c) can be the same filter unit.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the sample fluid is passed through two or more filter units simultaneously such that components of the sample fluid are adsorbed onto said two or more filter units, thus increasing the adsorption capacity.

[0047] In a further embodiment, an adsorption device is used that includes a second valve device as described above. In this embodiment, the method includes a step in which the sample fluid, after being passed through at least one filter unit, is passed through a first ring line of the second valve device and from there to a detector. This is done by opening a check valve at the outlet of the first ring line of the second valve device connected to the outlet of the relevant filter unit and closing the corresponding outlet of the second ring line of the second valve device.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the washing fluid, after being passed through one or more filter units, is passed through an additional detector to detect the desorbed components. In this way, the amount of initially adsorbed components can be determined and thus conclusions can be drawn about the amount of components in the sample fluid. Preferably, a second valve device as described above is used for this, whereby the washing fluid is passed through a second ring line of the second valve device and from there to the additional detector. It is also possible to direct the washing fluid to the same detector as the sample fluid, after it has been passed through one or more filter units. Preferably, a second valve device as described above is used for this, whereby the washing fluid is passed through a first ring line of the second valve device and from there to the detector.

[0049] The method is suitable for removing components from any fluid stream, referred to in the context of the method as a sample fluid. The fluid stream may comprise liquid and gaseous components. The fluid stream may also comprise solid particles, e.g. soot particles, as long as the particle size and amount of the solid particles do not lead to damage of the adsorbent. Preferably, the fluid stream is a gas or gaseous mixture, most preferably the fluid stream is a gaseous mixture which may contain water vapor, most preferably the fluid stream contains only gaseous components. The method preferably comprises removing CO from the sample fluid. 2 is used to remove

[0050] In one embodiment, the sample fluid is CO obtained by combustion of a sample, preferably an organic sample, more preferably a food sample or an animal feed sample. 2Preferably, the fluid stream is obtained by the following steps:

[0051] Combusting the sample in a combustion reactor to obtain an analysis fluid, passing the analysis fluid through a reduction reactor to reduce oxidized components of the analysis fluid, and passing the analysis fluid through a water separator to remove water from the analysis fluid.

[0052] Preferably, CO 2 The fluid stream containing CO 2 is passed through a filter unit of the adsorber at a temperature of from 10°C to 40°C, preferably from 15°C to 30°C, more preferably from 18°C ​​to 25°C, so as to be adsorbed from the fluid stream by the adsorbent.

[0053] CO 2 After the fluid stream containing 2 is washed from the adsorbent by heating the adsorbent using a heating device and passing a stream of wash fluid through the adsorber. Preferably, the adsorbent is thereby heated to a core temperature of between 100° C. and 300° C., preferably 150° C. and 250° C., more preferably 180° C. and 220° C. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the adsorbent is first heated to a particular core temperature and then a stream of wash fluid is passed through the adsorber and the adsorbent.

[0054] When the adsorbent is heated, a pressure increase can occur in the filter unit due to the release of adsorbed components and thermal expansion of the fluid. To counteract this pressure increase, the filter unit is preferably vented during heating. When a second valve device is used as described above, venting is preferably done through the second ring line of the second valve device by opening the corresponding check valve.

[0055] The scrubbing fluid used is preferably a fluid that does not itself contain components that are adsorbed on the adsorbent or that react chemically with the adsorbent. Preferably, the scrubbing fluid is a gas or gaseous mixture. Preferably, the scrubbing fluid is a noble gas, such as helium or argon. In a preferred embodiment, helium is used as the scrubbing fluid.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the filter unit of the adsorber comprises a cooling device as described above. In this case, the process includes the additional step of cooling the adsorbent using the cooling device after the adsorbed components have been washed from the adsorbent. During cooling of the adsorbent using the cooling device, the wash fluid flow may be interrupted or may continue to pass through the adsorbent.

[0057] In a further embodiment, the sample fluid of the same sample is always passed through the same filter unit of the adsorption device. In this way, systematic measurement errors that may occur due to individual differences between filter units can be minimized or completely eliminated. Preferably, the adsorption device comprises an electronic memory unit for storing the identification data of the samples and the filter units for this purpose. It is therefore possible to assign samples to specific filter units based on their identification data. Further features of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0058] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an adsorption apparatus at rest. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the adsorption device as the sample fluid passes through the filter unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an adsorption device when a cleaning fluid is passed through the filter unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an adsorption apparatus when a sample fluid is passed through two filter units simultaneously. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] 1 to 4 respectively show schematic diagrams of an adsorption unit 1 in various operating states.

[0060] The adsorption unit 1 comprises a first valve device 100 with two ring lines 110, 120. The ring line 110 has an inlet 111 and six outlets 112. The ring line 120 has a corresponding inlet 121 as well as six outlets 122. In the embodiment shown here, the ring line 110 is used to pass a sample fluid that is fed to the ring line 110 through the inlet 111. In the embodiment described here, the sample fluid is CO2 obtained by burning a food sample. 2 The ring line 120 is used to pass a scrubbing fluid that is fed through an inlet 121. The scrubbing fluid in this case is the gaseous mixture containing CO from the adsorbent material, which will be described later. 2 It is an inert gas used to remove

[0061] The ring lines 110, 120 are shown spatially separated in the schematic diagrams of Figures 1 to 4 for a better overview, however, in the embodiments described herein the ring lines 110, 120 actually form a structural unit.

[0062] The outlets 112, 122 of the two ring lines 110, 120 are provided with check valves 113, 123 respectively, one of which is shown diagrammatically per ring line in Figures 1 to 3. The other check valve is not shown for a better overview.

[0063] The outlets of the check valves 113, 123 are connected to each other through a connecting line 130. Thus, the outlets 112, 122 of the two ring lines 110, 120 associated with the check valves 113, 123 are simultaneously connected to each other. The valve device 100 has a total of six connecting lines 130, only one of which is shown in Figures 1 to 3. Each connecting line 130 connects the two check valves 113, 123 to the corresponding outlets 112, 122 of the ring lines 110, 120 in pairs.

[0064] Each connecting line 130 has an additional outlet 131 connected to a filter unit 300. The adsorber 1 comprises a total of six filter units 300, only one of which is shown in Figures 1 to 3. Each filter unit 300 comprises a heating device 310 and a cooling device 320. The filter units 300 comprise an adsorbent material for adsorbing components from the sample fluid. In the example shown herein, the material is CO 2 It is an adsorbent.

[0065] In the embodiment shown here, the adsorber 1 comprises a second valve arrangement 200, which is constructed correspondingly to the first valve arrangement 100. The second valve arrangement 200 comprises two ring lines 210, 220, each with an inlet 211, 221 and six outlets 212, 222. As with the first valve arrangement 100, the ring lines 210, 220 of the second valve arrangement 200 form a structural unit. The outlets 212, 222 are provided with check valves 213, 223, only one of which is shown per ring line in Figs. 1 to 3. The check valves 213, 223 are respectively connected in pairs through connecting lines 230, only one of which is shown in Figs. 1 to 3. Each connecting line 230 has an additional outlet 231, each of which is connected to an outlet of a filter unit 300.

[0066] 1 shows the adsorber 1 in a resting state relative to the filter units. In this state, all check valves 113, 123, 213, 223 leading to the illustrated filter unit 300 are closed so that no fluid passes through the illustrated filter unit 300. The illustrated filter unit 300 is therefore in an idle state. By opening and closing the check valves 113, 123, 213, 223 independently of one another, it is possible for only some of the total six filter units 300 to be in an idle state, while the other filter units can be in one of the states shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0067] The pause state is used in conjunction with the control of the heating device 310 and the cooling device 320, in particular to prepare for adsorption or regeneration as described below. Advantageously, after adsorption is completed, the filter unit 300 is placed in a pause state by closing the check valves 113, 123, 213, 223, during which the heating device 310 is operated to heat the adsorbent to the temperature required for regeneration. Preferably, during heating, the check valve 223 is at least temporarily opened to allow the filter unit 300 to be vented through the ring line 220 and to prevent overpressure in the filter unit 300. Thus, after regeneration is completed, the filter unit 300 is again placed in a pause state, during which the cooling device 320 is operated to cool the adsorbent to the temperature required for adsorption.

[0068] 2 shows the adsorption device 1 with the sample fluid passing through the filter unit 300. In this state, adsorption takes place, i.e. the components of the sample fluid, in this example CO 2 is removed from the sample fluid by binding to the adsorbent of the filter unit 300. For this, the check valve 113 is opened, but the check valve 123 remains closed. As a result, the sample fluid from the first ring line 110 enters the filter unit 300. The heating device 310 is switched off during this process, and the cooling device 320 can be activated to cool the adsorbent if necessary. In the second valve arrangement 200, the check valve 213 is simultaneously opened, but the check valve 223 remains closed. As a result, the sample fluid, after flowing through the filter unit 300, enters the ring line 210 of the second valve arrangement 200. The sample fluid leaves the second valve arrangement 200 through the inlet 211.

[0069] In the embodiment described herein, the inlet 211 is connected to a detector for detecting nitrogen in the sample fluid. Thus, the sample fluid is filtered by the filter unit 300 to remove CO 2 is removed and then reaches the detector.

[0070] 3 shows the adsorber 1 with the wash fluid passing through the filter unit 300. In this state regeneration is taking place, i.e. the adsorbed components, in this example CO2 is desorbed from the adsorbent under high temperature and flushed out of the filter unit 300. For this purpose, the check valve 123 is opened, but the check valve 113 remains closed. As a result, the washing fluid from the second ring line 120 enters the filter unit 300, the heating device 310 is working to heat the adsorbent, and the cooling device 320 is stopped. In the second valve device 200, the check valve 223 is simultaneously opened, but the check valve 213 remains closed. As a result, the washing fluid enters the ring line 220 of the second valve device 200 after flowing through the filter unit 300. The washing fluid leaves the second valve device 200 through the inlet 221.

[0071] In the embodiment described herein, the inlet 221 is a CO 2 A detector can be connected to detect the removed CO 2 The cleaning fluid containing the removed CO 2 So that the amount of CO can be measured 2 Instead, the wash fluid is directed out of the adsorber 1 through the inlet 221 and is discarded.

[0072] FIG. 4 shows the adsorber 1 with the sample fluid passing through two filter units 300 simultaneously. The adsorber 1 has essentially the same design as in FIGS. 1 to 3. However, for clarity, two of the total six filter units 300 are explicitly shown in FIG. 4 with the check valves 113, 123, 213, 223 connected to them. In the state shown in FIG. 4, two check valves 113 are open, while the corresponding check valves 123 are closed. As a result, the sample fluid from the first ring line 110 is passed through the two filter units 300 simultaneously. The filter units 300 are connected in parallel. This doubles the amount of available adsorbent and thus the CO 2The adsorption capacity for adsorbing the adsorbent is doubled. Thus, the filter units 300 are both in adsorption mode, similar to the filter units shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the heating device 310 is stopped and the cooling device 320 can be operated to cool the adsorbent if necessary. In the second valve arrangement 200, the check valve 213 is simultaneously opened, while the check valve 223 remains closed. As a result, the two sample fluid streams from the filter unit 300 both enter the ring line 210 of the second valve arrangement 200. Through the inlet 211, the mixed sample fluid can leave the second valve arrangement 200 and be directed to the detector as described above. Meanwhile, the remaining filter units 300, not shown in FIG. 4, can either be at rest according to FIG. 1, in regeneration mode according to FIG. 3, or in adsorption mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 Adsorption device 100, 200 Valve gear 110, 120, 210, 220 Ring Line 111, 121, 211, 221 entrance 112, 122, 212, 222 exit 113, 123, 213, 223 Check valve 130, 230 connection lines 131, 231 exit 300 Filter Unit 310 Heating device 320 Cooling device

Claims

1. A valve device (100, 200) for an adsorption device (1) used for pretreatment of elemental analysis, comprising a first ring line and a second ring line (110, 120, 210, 220), each of the first ring line and the second ring line (110, 120, 210, 220) having an inlet (111, 121, 211, 221) and a plurality of outlets (112, 122, 212, 222), each outlet being provided with a check valve (113, 123, 213, 223), and the check valves (113, 123, 213, 223) can be opened independently of each other, each outlet (112, 212) of the first ring line (110, 210) and each corresponding outlet (122, 222) of the second ring line (120, 220) are connected in pairs to each other by a corresponding connecting line (130, 230), each connecting line (130, 230) having a further outlet (131, 231) configured to be connected to a respective filter unit (300) of the adsorption device (1); the inlets (111, 211) of the first ring lines (110, 210) are configured such that a sample fluid is supplied to the first ring line (110) through the inlets (111) or exits the valve device (200) through the inlets (211), whereby the sample fluid from the first ring line (110) enters each filter unit (300) or the sample fluid from each filter unit (300) enters the first ring line (210) by opening the check valves (113, 213) of each outlet (112, 212) of the first ring lines (110, 210); The inlet (121, 221) of the second ring line (120, 220) is configured so that cleaning fluid is supplied to the second ring line (120) through the inlet (121) or exits the valve device (200) through the inlet (221), thereby allowing cleaning fluid from the second ring line (120) to enter the selected filter unit (300) or cleaning fluid from the selected filter unit (300) to enter the second ring line (220) by opening a check valve (123, 223) of the outlet (122, 222) of the second ring line (120, 220) corresponding to a selected filter unit (300).

2. The valve arrangement (100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve arrangement (100, 200) is designed for a gas or a gaseous mixture.

3. A valve device (100, 200) as described in claim 1, characterized in that an inlet (211) of the first ring line (210) is configured to be connected to a detector for detecting components in a sample fluid from each filter unit (300), and an inlet (221) of the second ring line (220) is configured to be connected to a detector for detecting components in a cleaning fluid from each filter unit (300).

4. 2. The valve device (100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two ring lines (110, 120, 210, 220) and the inlets and outlets respectively connected to the ring lines (110, 120, 210, 220) form a structural unit.

5. 5. The valve device (100, 200) according to claim 4, characterized in that the two ring lines (110, 120, 210, 220) are made in the form of holes in a cubic block.

6. 2. The valve device (100, 200) of claim 1, characterized in that the inlets (111, 121, 211, 221) of each ring line (110, 120, 210, 220) are each equally spaced from two directly adjacent outlets (112, 122, 212, 222) of the same ring line (110, 120, 210, 220), and that the outlets (112, 122, 212, 222) of the ring lines (110, 120, 210, 220) are each equally spaced from each other.

7. 2. The valve arrangement (100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-return valve (113, 123, 212, 223) is electronically or pneumatically controlled.

8. 8. The valve arrangement (100, 200) according to claim 7, characterized in that the non-return valve (113, 123, 212, 223) is electronically controlled and closed in the de-energized state.

9. 9. An adsorption apparatus (1) for an elemental analysis apparatus, comprising a first valve device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a plurality of filter units (300), each filter unit (300) having an inlet and an outlet, the filter units (300) being connected to the first valve device (100) such that each filter unit (300) is connected through its inlet to a respective outlet (112) of the first ring line (110) and an outlet (122) of the second ring line (120) of the first valve device (100).

10. Adsorption device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the valve device (100, 200) is designed for gases or gaseous mixtures.

11. The adsorption apparatus (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the adsorption apparatus (1) comprises a second valve device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and the filter units (300) are connected to the second valve device (200) such that each filter unit (300) is connected through its outlet to a respective outlet (212) of the first ring line (210) and an outlet (222) of the second ring line (220) of the second valve device (200).

12. 10. The adsorption device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that each filter unit (300) comprises an adsorbent, a heating device (310) for heating the adsorbent, and a cooling device (320) for cooling the adsorbent.

13. A method for operating an adsorption device (1) for an elemental analyzer, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an adsorption device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12; (b) passing a sample fluid through at least one of the filter units (300) of the adsorption device (1) through a first ring line (110) of a first valve device (100) of the adsorption device (1) so that components of the sample fluid are adsorbed by the filter unit (300); c) passing a wash fluid through a second ring line (120) of the first valve device (200) of the adsorber (1) to at least one further one of the filter units (300) of the adsorber (1) so that the adsorbed components are washed out of the filter unit (300); The method includes:

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the sample fluid and the wash fluid are gases or gaseous mixtures.

15. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the sample fluid is passed simultaneously through two or more filter units (300) such that components of the sample fluid are adsorbed by the two or more filter units (300).

16. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the washing fluid, after passing through the at least one further filter unit (300), is passed through a detector for detecting components washed out of the filter unit (300).

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