Vertical gravity feed device for granular material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vertical gravity feed device for granular material, comprising an inlet, an outlet arranged vertically below the inlet, in particular a first passage cross section of the inlet being larger than a second passage cross section of the outlet, a process chamber arranged between the inlet and the outlet, the process chamber being configured to receive the granular material and to carry out a process on the granular material in the process chamber, and at least one disruptive element arranged in the process chamber, the disruptive element being configured to set a flow speed of the granular material in the process chamber.

Description

[0001] R.415522

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Device with vertical gravity conveying for granular material

[0006] State of the art

[0007] The present invention relates to a device, in particular a trickle tower, with vertical gravity conveying for granular material, in particular for an adsorption material.

[0008] To achieve climate goals, strategies for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are also being discussed. One possible technology is the direct extraction of carbon dioxide from the ambient air, also known as Direct Air Capture (DAC). The extracted carbon dioxide can then be used in other processes or stored underground in caverns. For example, the carbon dioxide can be bound in an adsorption unit using an adsorbent such as zeolite or similar material, and then separated in a desorption device. US patent 10,279,306 B2 discloses a method for separating carbon dioxide. In this process, an adsorbent material is alternately exposed to carbon dioxide-containing gas and water vapor. However, such a system requires an expensive and complex construction.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The device according to the invention for gravity conveying of granular material inclined relative to the horizontal, in particular vertically, with the features of claim 1, has the advantage that the residence time of the granular material can be easily controlled. This makes the device suitable, for example, as an adsorption unit R.415522.

[0011] -2 -

[0012] to be used so that it can be ensured that the granular material has sufficient time to adsorb carbon dioxide. Furthermore, clogging, particularly at an outlet of the device, can be prevented or even completely avoided. Loosening of the granular material can also be enabled, thereby improving the desired processes within the device. In particular, the flow velocity can be adjusted depending on external boundary conditions such as temperature, moisture content of the granular material, and / or possible aeration processes.

[0013] According to the invention, this is achieved by the device having an inlet and an outlet for gravity conveying at an inclination relative to the horizontal, particularly vertically. The outlet is arranged vertically below the inlet. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet is preferably smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet is preferably much smaller than that of the inlet. Preferably, the outlet includes an orifice or a shut-off device. Furthermore, a process chamber is arranged between the inlet and the outlet, which is configured to receive the granular material and to carry out a process on the granular material, for example, the absorption of carbon dioxide. At least one obstruction element is also arranged in the process chamber, the obstruction element being configured to reduce the flow velocity of the granular material.Thus, the residence time of the granular material in the process chamber can be adjusted by means of disturbance elements within the process chamber. Preferably, the material is throttled exclusively by means of the disturbance elements.

[0014] The granular material is free-flowing or pourable. The granular material is preferably a sorption material.

[0015] Adsorption material. The granular material may comprise or be in the form of a granular ion exchange resin. The granular material may, for example, comprise or consist of granular Lewatit VP OC 1065 or Zeolite X13. R.415522

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[0017] The granular material can have a grain size in the range of 0.1 mm to 3 mm, in particular 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, and / or a bulk density of 500 g / l to 800 g / l, preferably 600 g / l to 750 g / l.

[0018] The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0019] Preferably, the obstructions are arranged in a fixed position. That is, the obstructions are stationary and, for example, cannot be rotated or moved.

[0020] Alternatively, the obstructions are arranged to be movable. In particular, the obstructions can be moved axially and / or rotated.

[0021] Preferably, the disruptive elements are driven by the granular material falling under gravity. The disruptive elements preferably comprise a shaft or the like, which is operatively connected to a generator. Then, an electric current can also be generated by the disruptive elements driven by the granular material.

[0022] Alternatively, the disruptive elements can preferably be driven or rotated by an external drive, for example an electric motor. This has the advantage that the residence time of the granular material in the process chamber can be adjusted very easily, for example by increasing or decreasing the rotational speed or switching off individual disruptive elements.

[0023] Preferably, the obstruction element is a toothed shaft with a shaft and a plurality of teeth arranged on the shaft. In plan view, the toothed shaft preferably has a star shape. The toothed shaft can be used as a stationary or a movable obstruction element. It is particularly preferred that several toothed shafts are arranged on different levels in the process chamber. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve different flow velocities of the granular material in different areas of the process chamber. Preferably, the residence time near the center of the process chamber is reduced, for example, to guarantee sufficient aeration of all granular materials in the process chamber. R.415522

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[0025] The device with vertical gravity conveying preferably includes a ventilation device. The ventilation device is preferably an external fan, which is arranged on a housing of the process chamber and, for example, conveys air into the interior of the process chamber.

[0026] Alternatively, if the disruptive element is designed as a toothed shaft, the toothed shaft comprises a hollow shaft, and several openings are provided in the teeth, which are in fluid communication with the hollow shaft. This allows, for example, air to be supplied through the hollow shaft and discharged into the process chamber via the openings in the teeth. Preferably, all toothed shafts can be ventilated, or only selected toothed shafts can be ventilated. This allows for particularly good ventilation of the interior of the process chamber. It should be noted that it is, of course, also possible to supply other gases through the hollow toothed shafts or the fan.

[0027] If a large number of disruptive elements are preferably arranged in the process chamber, they are preferably all driven simultaneously via belts or gears or the like.

[0028] The device preferably comprises a measuring device configured to detect the velocity of movement, in particular the flow velocity, of the granular material within the device. Preferably, the measuring device is arranged adjacent to an outlet, for example, at an outlet neck of the process chamber. The measuring device is, for example, a camera system for optically detecting the flow velocity of the granular material. Alternatively, the measuring device comprises a piezoelectric element or a strain gauge arranged below the device, which determines the weight of the granular material falling onto the strain gauge or piezoelectric element over a predetermined period and, based on this weight and the predetermined measurement time, determines the flow velocity of the granular material.Furthermore, it is preferably possible to control the disturbance element depending on the detected flow velocity in order to adjust and / or regulate the flow velocity of the granular material. In other words, a control unit is provided which, based on the values ​​detected by the measuring device, [varies from R.415522].

[0029] - 5 -

[0030] The flow velocity of the granular material regulates the movable obstructions, for example by adjusting the rotational speed of the obstructions.

[0031] Preferably, the process chamber is funnel-shaped.

[0032] Preferably, the disruptive element comprises wings, fans, or gondolas. All disruptive elements can be movable or stationary. The gondolas are preferably arranged on a rotating circular element, similar to a Ferris wheel, and can move material in a circle. Alternatively, scoops or the like can be provided instead of gondolas to scoop the material in a circle. The gondolas or scoops are intended to redistribute the material to achieve thorough mixing.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an adsorption device for adsorbing gases, in particular carbon dioxide from air, onto a granular material, with a device according to the invention with vertical gravity conveying to convey a granular adsorption material through the process chamber designed as an adsorption chamber.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a gas separation system for separating a gas, in particular CO2, from air, in particular ambient air, with a device or adsorption unit according to the invention.

[0035] Advantageously, the gas separation system includes a desorption system which is fluidically connected to the adsorption system for the circulation of the granular adsorption material.

[0036] The invention also relates to a method for gravity conveying of granular material at an inclination relative to the horizontal, in particular vertically, wherein a flow velocity of the granular material in the process chamber is set by means of at least one disturbance element which is arranged in a process chamber located between an inlet and an outlet. Here, a flow velocity of the granular material in the process chamber is preferably detected by means of a measuring device and, in particular, furthermore depending on the R.415522

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[0038] The detected flow velocity is used to control the disturbance element in order to adjust and / or regulate the flow velocity of the granular material.

[0039] drawing

[0040] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

[0041] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a device with vertical gravity conveying according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0042] Figure 2 shows a schematic, perspective view of a disruptive element of the device of Figure 1.

[0043] Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a device with vertical gravity conveying according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of interference elements of the device of Figure 3.

[0045] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of interfering elements of a device according to a third embodiment and

[0046] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a disruptive element of a device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0047] Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0048] The following describes in detail, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, a device 1 with vertical gravity conveying for granular material 6. R.415522

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[0050] As can be seen from Figure 1, the device 1 comprises a process chamber 4, which is arranged between an inlet 2 and an outlet 3.

[0051] The process chamber 4 has an essentially funnel-shaped form and can be vertically permeated by the granular material 6.

[0052] Process chamber 4 is thus configured to hold granular material 6, for example, an adsorption material for adsorbing carbon dioxide from air. The process chamber is configured to carry out a process such as adsorption.

[0053] The outlet 3 is further arranged vertically below the inlet 2. As can be seen from Figure 1, a first flow cross-section A1 of the inlet is larger than a second flow cross-section A2. Preferably, the first flow cross-section A1 is much larger than the second flow cross-section A2.

[0054] As can be seen further in Figure 1, a disturbance element 5 is arranged in the process chamber 4. The disturbance element 5 is designed to reduce the flow velocity of the granular material 6.

[0055] This allows the residence time of the granular material 6 in the process chamber 4 to be set. Preferably, the residence time is extended, for example, to optimize the execution of a process in the process chamber 4.

[0056] The interference element 5 of the first embodiment is, as can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, a toothed shaft 50. The toothed shaft 50 comprises a shaft 52 on which a plurality of teeth 51 are arranged along the circumference. The toothed shaft 50 can be driven by means of a drive 11, for example an electric motor. This is indicated in Figure 1 by arrow C.

[0057] Depending on the rotational speed, the residence time of the granular material 6 in the process chamber can thus be controlled. As can be seen in Figure 1, the toothed shaft 50 is preferably arranged vertically above the outlet 3. This also prevents blockage at the outlet 3 caused by the granular material 6, for example, if the granular material 6 becomes moist and swells. R.415522

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[0059] As can be seen further in Figure 1, the device 1 also includes a fan 8 which can direct an airflow D into the interior of the process chamber 4. The fan 8 can preferably supply air or another gas into the process chamber 4.

[0060] Downstream of outlet 3, in the direction of flow, is a shut-off element 7. The shut-off element 7 is, for example, a valve element with an adjustable cross-section, a slide element, a flap, or the like.

[0061] Furthermore, the device 1 includes a measuring device 9, such as a camera, for detecting the flow velocity of the granular material 6 in the process chamber 4. Preferably, the measuring device 9 is arranged adjacent to the outlet 3. Alternatively, several measuring devices can be arranged at different positions in the process chamber 4.

[0062] The measuring device 9 is connected to a control unit 10. The control unit 10 is configured to drive the disturbance element 5. Preferably, the control unit 10 uses the values ​​acquired by the measuring device 9 to determine a drive speed.

[0063] In addition, further external values, such as a temperature in the process chamber or a moisture content of the granular material 6, can be recorded and, based on these values, the disturbance element 5 can be controlled.

[0064] In Figure 1, arrows A illustrate the feeding of the granular material 6 through the inlet 2, which is located at the upper free end of the device 1. Arrow B indicates the discharge of the granular material 6 in Figure 1.

[0065] The device 1 is preferably an adsorption unit. The granular material 6 is, for example, zeolite, which is configured to absorb carbon dioxide from the ambient air supplied by the fan 8 in the process chamber 4. A desorption unit is then connected downstream of the adsorption unit, in which the absorbed carbon dioxide is separated from the granular material 6. R.415522

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[0067] Furthermore, by positioning the obstruction element 5 in front of the outlet 3, blockage at the outlet 3 can be prevented. Rotation of the obstruction element 5 can, in particular, loosen the granular material 6 near the outlet 3, thereby reducing the moisture content of the granular material 6 and thus preventing blockage.

[0068] As can also be seen from Figure 3, it would also be conceivable that the toothed shafts mesh with each other, so that only one or a few toothed shafts need to be driven to drive all the toothed shafts.

[0069] Further preferred embodiments of the invention are described below, wherein functionally identical parts are designated with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

[0070] Figures 3 and 4 show a device 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the first embodiment, the second embodiment provides a plurality of disturbance elements 5 in the form of toothed shafts 50. As can be seen from Figure 3, the toothed shafts 50 are arranged offset from one another in the process chamber 4. Preferably, all toothed shafts 50 are driven. However, it is also possible for individual toothed shafts to be driven exclusively by the granular material 6 moved by gravity. In this case, it is conceivable that a generator is connected to the toothed shaft driven in this way to generate electric current.

[0071] The arrangement of a large number of disturbance elements 5 also has the advantage that, for example, by driving different disturbance elements 5 at different speeds, different flow velocities can be achieved in the process chamber 4. This makes it possible for different flow velocities of the granular material 6 to be present in different areas of the process chamber, thus enabling different aeration.

[0072] For example, the residence time of moist granular material 6 near the inlet 2 should be longer to allow sufficient dehumidification of the granular material 6. R.415522

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[0074] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the invention, in which several toothed shafts 50 are driven by a single drive 11 via a belt 12. This enables uniform rotation of all toothed shafts 50. In particular, this results in a uniform flow velocity of the granular material 6 in the process chamber 4.

[0075] Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the obstruction element 6 of the fourth embodiment is also a toothed shaft 50. In this embodiment, however, the toothed shaft 50 has a hollow shaft 52' through which a gas, for example air, can be supplied (arrow E in Figure 6). The teeth 51 of the toothed shaft 50 have a plurality of openings 53. Each tooth has a plurality of openings 53. The openings 53 are in fluid communication with the hollow shaft 52'. If, as indicated by arrow E in Figure 6, a gas, in particular air, is supplied into the hollow shaft 52', the gas flows out of the obstruction element 5 through the openings 53 and into the process chamber 4. This allows a particularly good gas supply into the process chamber 4 at different points in the process chamber 4 to be achieved in a simple and cost-effective manner.Preferably, air is supplied to ensure good aeration of the granular material 6 in the process chamber 4. The control unit is further preferably configured to adjust the pressure of the supplied gas (arrow E) so that the aeration rate in the process chamber 4 can also be adjusted. Preferably, all disruptive elements arranged in the process chamber 4, which are designed as toothed shafts, are implemented as in the fourth embodiment.

Claims

R.415522 - 11 - Claims 1. Device (1) for gravity conveying of granular material (6) at an inclination relative to the horizontal, in particular vertically, comprising: - one entrance (2), - an outlet (3) which is arranged, in particular, vertically below the inlet (2), wherein in particular a first flow cross-section (A1) of the inlet (2) is larger than a second flow cross-section (A2) of the outlet (3), - a process chamber (4) arranged between the inlet (2) and the outlet (3), wherein the process chamber (4) is configured to receive the granular material (6) and to carry out a process on the granular material (6) in the process chamber (4), and - at least one disturbance element (5) which is arranged in the process chamber (4), wherein the disturbance element (5) is configured to set a flow velocity of the granular material (6) in the process chamber (4).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the interference element (5) is arranged immovably in the process chamber (4).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the interference element (5) is arranged movably, in particular rotatably, in the process chamber (4).

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the disruptive element (5) can be driven, in particular rotatably, by granular material (6) falling by means of gravity.

5. Device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the interference element (5) can be driven, in particular rotatably, by an external drive (11). R.415522 - 12 - 6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interference element (5) comprises a toothed shaft (50) which has a shaft (52) and teeth (51).

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the toothed shaft (50) has a hollow shaft (52') and the teeth (51) have openings (53), wherein the hollow shaft (52') is in fluid communication with the openings (53) to supply a gas from the toothed shaft (50) into the process chamber (4).

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fan (8) to ventilate an interior area of ​​the process chamber (4).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of interference elements (5) which are arranged in the process chamber (4).

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a measuring device (9) which is configured to detect a flow velocity of the granular material (6) in the process chamber (4), in particular further comprising controlling the disturbance element (5) depending on the detected flow velocity in order to adjust and / or control the flow velocity of the granular material (6).

11. Adsorption device for adsorbing a gas, in particular CO2, comprising a device according to one of the preceding claims for conveying a granular adsorption material (6) through the process chamber (4) designed as an adsorption chamber (4).

12. Gas separation system for separating a gas, in particular CO2, from air, in particular ambient air, with a device according to one of claims 1 to 10 or an adsorption device according to claim 11.

13. Gas separation plant according to 12 with a desorption plant which is fluidically connected to the adsorption plant for the circulation of the granular adsorption material (6). R.415522 - 13 - 14. Method for gravity conveying of granular material (6) inclined relative to the horizontal, in particular vertically, wherein a flow velocity of the granular material (6) in the process chamber (4) is set by means of at least one disturbance element (5) which is arranged in a process chamber (4) arranged between an inlet (2) and an outlet (3).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that a flow velocity of the granular material (6) in the process chamber (4) is detected by means of a measuring device (9) and in particular furthermore, depending on the detected flow velocity, the disturbance element (5) is controlled in order to adjust and / or regulate the flow velocity of the granular material (6).

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