Absorption Purge Control for Non-Condensable Gas Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Absorption systems face performance reduction due to air leakage and internal corrosion, which introduces non-condensable gases, requiring frequent operator intervention for purging, especially in large systems with complex constructions and low operating pressures.

Innovation Solution

An automatic purge system that includes a first pump to remove refrigerant vapor and non-condensable gases from the absorber, a separator to separate these gases, a tank to store non-condensable gases, and a controller to monitor pressure levels, triggering a second pump to remove gases when the pressure exceeds a predetermined level, allowing for automated operation without operator intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manual purge system is used to remove non-condensable gases, then the system can remove air and non-condensable gases, but it requires frequent operator monitoring and intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidoperator intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The purge system automatically monitors its own operation through pressure sensors and controllers that detect when non-condensable gas removal is needed, triggering the pump and valve operations without operator intervention. The system serves itself by detecting its own state and initiating appropriate corrective actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Pressure sensors continuously monitor the pressure within the absorption system and provide feedback to the controller. When pressure exceeds predetermined thresholds indicating non-condensable gas accumulation, the controller activates the purge pump and valves to remove the gas, then stops when pressure returns to acceptable levels, creating a closed-loop control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If the absorption system operates at low pressure to achieve refrigeration effect, then the desired refrigeration effect is provided, but air leakage into the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigeration effectVSAvoidair leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system accepts that low operating pressure inherently creates air leakage problems, but converts this harmful effect into a manageable condition by implementing an automatic purge system that continuously removes accumulated non-condensable gases. The harm of air leakage is transformed into a routine automated maintenance function rather than a system failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If manual monitoring of the absorption system is performed, then non-condensable gas accumulation can be detected, but frequent operator intervention is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetetection of non-condensable gasVSAvoidoperator time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Manual visual inspection and operator judgment are replaced with automated electronic pressure sensors and controllers that continuously monitor system conditions. The mechanical/manual monitoring process is substituted with electronic detection and automated control systems that operate without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of periodic manual checks by operators, the pressure sensors and control system operate continuously to monitor for non-condensable gas accumulation and immediately initiate purge operations when needed, ensuring uninterrupted detection and response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The automatic purge system effectively removes non-condensable gases, preventing corrosion and maintaining system performance by operating independently, reducing the need for frequent monitoring and minimizing operator intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a first pump configured to remove the refrigerant vapor and the non-condensable gas from the absorber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a separator configured to separate the refrigerant vapor from the non-condensable gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity separation: Density Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a second pump configured to remove the non-condensable gas from the tank in response to the monitored pressure level being greater than a predetermined pressure level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS7891202B1Absorption system

Publication Date: 2011.02.22 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

AI summary

An absorption system includes a generator, a condenser, an evaporator, and an absorber configured to circulate a solution of an absorber and a refrigerant. A purge system removes a non-condensable gas from the absorber. The purge system includes a first pump to remove the solution from the absorber, a connection to remove the refrigerant vapor and the non-condensable gas from a low pressure region of the absorption system, an eductor to receive and mix the solution, a separator to receive the solution and remove the non-condensable gas from it, a tank to receive the non-condensable gas from the separator, a controller to monitor a pressure level of the tank, and a second pump to remove the non-condensable gas from the tank in response to the monitored pressure level in the tank being greater than a predetermined pressure level.