Swing-type bed absorber and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide an improved bed absorption apparatus configuration.SOLUTION: A swing bed absorption apparatus includes a bed. The bed includes a bed housing including an outer surface and an interior chamber, and a flared interior passageway fluidly connecting the interior chamber to an area located outside the bed. The flared interior passageway includes an opening in the outer surface, a chamber opening at the interior chamber, a first portion located at the opening, the first portion being fluidly connected to the area located outside the bed through the opening, and a flared portion located at the chamber opening, the flared portion being fluidly connected to the interior chamber through the chamber opening. The flared portion connects to the interior chamber at an obtuse angle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Federal Government Announces Support) This invention was made with Government support under 80JSC020D0020 awarded by NASA. The Government has certain rights in this invention.

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to the field of carbon dioxide gas removal, and more particularly to an apparatus for absorbing and removing carbon dioxide gas and moisture from an enclosed space. [Background technology]

[0003] Life support systems utilized in enclosed spaces, such as submarines, spacecraft, or spacesuits, require the continuous removal of carbon dioxide. Regenerative carbon dioxide removal systems are utilized for this purpose and typically include an amine bed placed in contact with a carbon dioxide-laden air stream. The amine bed absorbs carbon dioxide from the air stream through commonly understood chemical processes and reactions.

[0004] The amine bed is utilized until it is permeated to a selected permeation level. The selected permeation level can be the permeation level at which the amine bed can no longer effectively remove carbon dioxide from the air stream, or any permeation level below the permeation level at which the amine bed can no longer effectively remove carbon dioxide from the air stream. Another amine bed is then switched into contact with the carbon dioxide-containing air stream. The permeated amine bed is then desorbed to release carbon dioxide in preparation for the next cycle. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Thus, the present invention provides an improved bed absorber design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, a swing bed absorber is provided. The swing bed absorber includes a bed housing having an outer surface and an inner chamber, and a flared inner passageway fluidly connected to an area located outside the bed. The flared inner passageway includes an opening in the outer surface, a chamber opening in the inner chamber, a first portion located at the opening, the first portion fluidly connected to the area located outside the bed through the opening, and a flared portion located at the chamber opening, the flared portion fluidly connected to the inner chamber through the chamber opening. The flared portion connects to the inner chamber at an obtuse angle.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include wherein the flared internal passage further includes a straight portion interposed between the first portion and the flared portion, the straight portion fluidly connecting the first portion and the flared portion.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include the flared portion being directly connected to the first portion.

[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include the flared portion being a countersink hole.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include the first portion being a counterbore.

[0011] According to another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a swing-type bed absorber is provided. The method includes forming a bed by forming a bed housing having an exterior surface and an interior chamber, and forming a flared interior passageway. The flared interior passageway fluidly connects the interior chamber to an area located outside the bed. The flared interior passageway includes an opening in the exterior surface, a chamber opening in the interior chamber, and a first portion located at the opening. The first portion is fluidly connected to the area located outside the bed through the opening. The flared interior passageway also includes a flared portion located at the chamber opening. The flared portion is fluidly connected to the interior chamber through the chamber opening. The flared portion connects to the interior chamber at an obtuse angle.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include forming the flared internal passage further comprising forming a straight portion, the straight portion being interposed between the first portion and the flared portion, the straight portion fluidly connecting the first portion and the flared portion.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include wherein forming the linear portion further includes drilling a hole into the bed housing from the exterior surface to form the linear portion.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, further embodiments may include wherein forming the flared internal passage further includes forming a flared portion.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, further embodiments may include wherein forming the flared portion further includes machining a countersink from the chamber opening to form the flared portion.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, further embodiments may include where forming the flared portion further includes drilling a hole in the exterior surface into the bed housing to the interior chamber, inserting a back countersink tool through the hole, extending a cutting blade from the back countersink tool, and rotating the cutting blade to form the flared portion.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include the flared portion being a countersink.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above-mentioned features, further embodiments may include that forming the flared internal passage further includes forming the first portion.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include wherein forming the first portion further includes machining a counterbore from the outer surface to form the first portion.

[0020] The above-described features and elements may be combined in various non-exclusive combinations unless expressly stated otherwise. These features and elements, and their operation, will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following detailed description and drawings are intended to be exemplary and explanatory in nature and not limiting.

[0021] The following detailed description is not to be taken in any way as limiting.With reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are numbered like, and in which:FIG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a swing bed absorber according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a bed of a swing type bed absorber according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a bed of a swing type bed absorber according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a swing bed absorber according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of a method for forming a flared internal passageway according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a projection view of a flared portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is provided herein, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Amine beds for swing-bed absorbers are typically constructed of metal foam filled with amine-based absorbent beads. The metal foam forms unstable pathways for trapping within the amine-based absorbent beads. The metal foam also serves additional functions. First, the absorption and desorption process involves heat transfer, so the metal foam transfers the generated heat to the adjacent amine bed. Second, having the amine-based absorbent beads in contact with the metal foam is beneficial from this perspective. The metal foam also acts as a structural member that can counteract the loads the assembly must withstand during launch and operation. The amine bed is pressurized compared to the external vacuum environment (such as during a spacewalk).

[0025] Once the amine bed is built, amine-based sorbent beads are flowed into the metal foam through the fill port, filling the entire unstable path of the metal foam. The metal foam reduces the area of ​​the fill port because the foam contacts the closure bar where the fill port is located. Because the foam structure is random, the percentage of fill port blockage varies. Filling with amine-based sorbent beads is often very time-consuming because the amine-based sorbent beads have difficulty forming a path through the unstable path of the metal foam, and a certain percentage of the fill port is blocked by the foam. When the amine-based sorbent beads reach the end of their pot life, they must be removed from the metal foam and replaced. Embodiments disclosed herein attempt to reduce the time it takes to introduce and remove amine-based sorbent beads from the metal foam by adding a conical feature to the fill port. This increases the exposed area of ​​the metal foam, resulting in a reduced percentage of blocked fill ports or an increased percentage of open fill port area.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a swing bed absorber 200 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The swing bed absorber 200 is made up of two or more beds 240. The two or more beds 240 are stacked on top of each other. The swing bed absorber 200 of FIG. 1 includes four beds 240. While the exemplary swing bed absorber 200 of FIG. 1 includes four beds 240, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein may be applicable to swing bed absorber 200 having more than two beds 240.

[0027] The beds 240 are sandwiched together by a first end 210 and a second end 220. The first end 210 is located at a first end 202 of the swinging bed absorber 200, and the second end 220 is located at a second end 204 of the swinging bed absorber 200. Each of the beds 240 is comprised of a bed housing 242 containing metal foam and amine-based absorbent beads for absorbing carbon dioxide.

[0028] Each bed housing 242 includes an exterior surface 241. Each bed housing 242 includes one or more openings 245 in the exterior surface 241 on a first side 243 of the bed housing 242. The openings 245 serve as openings to the internal passages for filling and / or emptying ports for the amine-based absorbent beads. Although not visible in FIG. 1 , there is also an opening in the exterior surface 241 on a second side 244 of the bed housing 242. The second side 244 is located opposite the first side 243.

[0029] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 and 2, and now turning to Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of a straight passageway 300 is shown in Figure 2 and a cross-sectional view of a flared interior passageway 400 is shown in Figure 3. The bed housing 242 defines an interior chamber 250 within the bed housing 242. The interior chamber 250 is configured to contain a metal foam 260 and amine-based absorbent beads 500 within the metal foam 260. The straight interior passageway 300 fluidly connects the interior chamber 250 to an area 270 located outside the bed 240. The flared interior passageway 400 fluidly connects the interior chamber 250 to the area 270 located outside the bed 240.

[0030] The linear internal passageway 300 is located within the bed housing 242 and fluidly connects the opening 245 to the internal chamber 250 containing the metal foam 260. The linear internal passageway 300 includes a first portion 310 located at the opening 245 and a linear portion 320 located at the internal chamber 250. The first portion 310 may be a counterbore configured to receive a plug with a seal. The plug is installed after the amine-based absorbent beads 500 are filled into the chamber 250 to keep the amine-based absorbent beads 500 from leaking and to pressurize the internal chamber 250 against the exterior area 270. The linear portion 320 may connect to the internal chamber 250 at a right angle α1 as measured through the bed housing 242, as shown in FIG. 2 . A right angle is defined as an angle equal to 90 degrees. The linear portion 320 is fluidly connected to the internal chamber 250 at the chamber opening 252.

[0031] The flared internal passageway 400 is located within the bed housing 242 and fluidly connects the opening 245 to the internal chamber 250 containing the metal foam 260. The flared internal passageway 400 includes a first portion 410 located at the opening 245 and a flared portion 430 located at the internal chamber 250. The first portion 410 is configured to receive a plug with a seal. The plug is installed after the amine-based absorbent beads 500 are filled into the chamber 250 to keep the amine-based absorbent beads 500 from leaking and to pressurize the internal chamber 250 against the exterior area 270. The flared internal passageway 400 may include a straight portion 420 interposed between the first portion 410 and the flared portion 430. The straight portion 420 may fluidly connect the first portion 410 and the flared portion 430. In an alternative embodiment, the flared internal passageway 400 may not include the straight portion 420, and the flared portion 430 may be directly connected to the first portion 410. The first portion 410 may be a counterbore configured to receive a plug with a seal. The plug is installed after the amine-based absorbent beads 500 are loaded into the chamber 250 to keep the amine-based absorbent beads 500 from leaking and to pressurize the internal chamber 250 against the exterior area 270. The flared portion 430 connects to the internal chamber 250 at an obtuse angle α2 as measured through the bed housing 242, as shown in FIG. 3. An obtuse angle is defined as an angle greater than 90 degrees. The flared portion 430 may be a countersink. The flared portion 430 may be any shape, including a conical shape as shown in FIG. 3, or a parabolic shape. Flared portion 430 may include straight sidewalls to form a conical shape as shown in FIG. 3, or curved sidewalls. The countersink may be formed by a backside countersink tool. It should be understood that flared portion 430 may be formed by any other manufacturing process known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, additive manufacturing. Flared portion 430 is fluidly connected to interior chamber 250 at chamber opening 252.

[0032] Advantageously, by flaring the flared interior passageway 400 at the chamber opening 252, the amine-based absorbent beads 500 are exposed to a greater surface area of ​​the metal foam 260 as they enter the interior chamber 250, which causes the amine-based absorbent beads 500 to both fill and empty the metal foam 260 within the interior chamber 250 more quickly than with the straight interior passageway 300. This is clearly visible when comparing Figures 2 and 3, as the surface area SA1 of the metal foam 260 exposed by the straight interior passageway 300 is smaller than the surface area SA2 of the metal foam 260 exposed by the flared interior passageway 400.

[0033] 1-3, and now referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a flow chart of a method 600 for manufacturing a swing bed absorber 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] The method 600 of manufacturing the swing bed absorber 200 includes forming the bed 240. The bed 240 may be formed by a machining operation, a drilling operation, additive manufacturing, or a combination thereof.

[0035] At block 604, a bed housing 242 is formed, including an exterior surface 241 and an interior chamber 250. The bed housing 242 may be formed through additive manufacturing and / or machining. The bed housing 242 may also be formed using any other manufacturing process known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0036] In block 606, the flared internal passageway 400 is formed. The flared internal passageway 400 may be formed through additive manufacturing, machining, and / or drilling. The flared internal passageway 400 may also be formed using any other manufacturing process known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The flared internal passageway 400 fluidly connects the internal chamber 250 to an area 270 located outside the bed 240. The flared internal passageway 400 includes an opening 245 in the outer surface 241, a chamber opening 252 in the internal chamber 250, and a first portion 410 located at the opening 245. The first portion 410 is fluidly connected to the area 270 located outside the bed 240 through the opening 245. The flared internal passageway 400 also includes a flared portion 430 located at the chamber opening 252. The flared portion is fluidly connected to the internal chamber 250 through the chamber opening 252. Flared portion 430 connects to inner chamber 250 at an obtuse angle α2.

[0037] The flared internal passageway 400 may include forming a straight portion 420. The straight portion 420 is interposed between the first portion 410 and the flared portion 430. The straight portion 420 fluidly connects the first portion 410 and the flared portion 430. The straight portion 420 may not be present, and the first portion 410 may be directly connected to the flared portion 430. The straight portion 420 may be formed by drilling a hole from the outer surface 241 into the bed housing 242.

[0038] Forming the flared internal passageway 400 may further include forming a flared portion 430. The flared portion 430 may be formed by machining a countersink 430a (see FIG. 6 for a projection of the countersink 430a) from the chamber opening 252 to form the flared portion 430.

[0039] While the above description describes the flow process of FIG. 4 in a particular order, it should be understood that the ordering of the steps may vary and that the order of the steps may occur simultaneously or near simultaneously, such as within each layer, unless otherwise expressly required by the appended claims.

[0040] 5-6, a method 700 for forming a flared interior passageway 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in Figure 5, and a flared portion 430 is shown in Figure 6. At block 710, a bed housing 242 is formed with an outer surface 241 and an interior chamber 250.

[0041] At 720 , a hole 290 is drilled into the outer surface of the bed housing 242 to the interior chamber 250 using a drill 910 .

[0042] At 730, a backside countersink tool 920 is inserted through hole 290. The backside countersink tool 920 includes a stem 922 and a cutting blade 930 that can extend from the stem 922. The cutting blade 930 can extend from the stem 922 and be pushed back into the stem 922 to fit through hole 290. The cutting blade 930 can extend from the stem when the stem 922 is positioned within the internal chamber 250.

[0043] At 740, the cutting blade 930 may be rotated to form the flared portion 430. The cutting blade 930 may be rotated and pulled into the chamber opening 252 to machine the flared portion 430 away from the bed housing 242. A projection of the flared portion 430 is shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the cutting blade 930 may be rotated and pulled into the chamber opening 252 to machine the flared portion 430 all the way up to the first portion 410 from the bed housing 242, leaving no straight portion 420. In another embodiment, the cutting blade 930 may be rotated and pulled into the chamber opening 252 to machine the flared portion 430 away from the bed housing 242 a first distance D1 from the chamber opening 252, leaving only the straight portion 420. FIG. 6 shows that the flared portion 430 is a countersink 430a.

[0044] At 750, one or more machining tools 950 may machine a counterbore 410a from the outer surface to form the first portion 410. Figure 5 shows that the first portion 410 is a counterbore 410a.

[0045] While the above description describes the flow process of FIG. 5 in a particular order, it should be understood that the ordering of the steps may vary and that the order of the steps may occur simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, such as within each layer, unless otherwise expressly required by the appended claims.

[0046] Technical effects and advantages of the features described herein include a swinging bed with a flared passageway to aid in the entry and exit of amine-based sorbent beads into and from the internal chamber.

[0047] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is provided by way of example, and not by way of limitation, with reference to the drawings.

[0048] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measuring the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing this application.

[0049] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0050] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for the elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the disclosure, but rather that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A swing-type bed absorption device comprising a bed, The bed is a bed housing having an exterior surface and an interior chamber; a metal foam contained within the interior chamber; a flared internal passageway fluidly connecting the internal chamber to an area located external to the bed; Equipped with The flared internal passageway comprises: an opening in the outer surface; a chamber opening in the internal chamber, the opening and the chamber opening cooperating to allow loading or removal of amine-based sorbent beads into or from the metal foam; a first portion located in the opening, the first portion being fluidly connected to the area located outside the bed through the opening; a flared portion located at the chamber opening, the flared portion being fluidly connected to the internal chamber through the chamber opening; Equipped with A swing bed absorber wherein said flared portion connects to said interior chamber at an obtuse angle.

2. The flared internal passageway is a straight portion interposed between the first portion and the flared portion, the straight portion fluidly connecting the first portion and the flared portion; 10. The swing bed absorber of claim 1, further comprising:

3. 2. The swing bed absorber of claim 1, wherein said flared portion is directly connected to said first portion.

4. 2. The swing bed absorber of claim 1, wherein said flared portion is a countersink.

5. 2. The swing bed absorber of claim 1, wherein the first portion is a counterbore.

6. 1. A method of manufacturing a swing bed absorber, comprising forming a bed, forming the bed forming a bed housing having an exterior surface and an interior chamber; placing a metal foam in the interior chamber; forming a flared internal passageway fluidly connecting the internal chamber to an area located external to the bed, the flared internal passageway comprising: an opening in the outer surface; a chamber opening in the internal chamber, the opening and the chamber opening cooperating to allow loading or removal of amine-based sorbent beads into or from the metal foam; a first portion located in the opening, the first portion being fluidly connected to the area located outside the bed through the opening; a flared portion located at the chamber opening, the flared portion being fluidly connected to the internal chamber through the chamber opening; forming a flared internal passageway, the flared portion connecting to the internal chamber at an obtuse angle; A method for manufacturing a swing-type bed absorber, comprising:

7. forming the flared internal passageway; forming a straight portion interposed between the first portion and the flared portion, the straight portion fluidly connecting the first portion and the flared portion; The method of claim 6 further comprising:

8. forming the linear portion Drilling a hole into the bed housing from the outer surface to form the straight portion. The method of claim 7 further comprising:

9. forming the flared internal passageway; forming the flared portion; The method of claim 6 further comprising:

10. forming the flared portion machining a countersink from said chamber opening to form said flared portion; 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

11. forming the flared portion drilling a hole in the outer surface into the bed housing to the interior chamber; inserting a backside countersink tool through the hole; extending a cutting blade from the backside counterbore tool; rotating the cutting blade to form the flared portion; 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

12. The method of claim 6 , wherein the flared portion is a countersink.

13. forming the flared internal passageway; forming the first portion The method of claim 6 further comprising:

14. forming the first portion machining a counterbore from said outer surface to form said first portion; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

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