Method and an apparatus for at least partially draining an operating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing mixed working fluids from refrigeration systems, particularly those containing carbon dioxide and halogenated hydrocarbons, are inefficient and pose safety and environmental risks due to improper discharge and reuse complications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of an absorptive bed to separate and recover carbon dioxide and halogenated hydrocarbons by contacting the working fluid with an absorptive bed, followed by regeneration of the bed for reuse or disposal, utilizing absorptive materials like aluminosilicate molecular sieves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional recovery equipment is used to remove working fluid, then liquid recovery can be achieved, but vapour recovery is complex and energy-intensive requiring compression and condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the absorptive bed to enable selective absorption. By cooling the absorptive bed to temperatures below the dew point of the halogenated hydrocarbon, the system achieves preferential absorption of the halogenated component from the vapour phase without requiring compression or condensation equipment, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an absorptive bed as an intermediary substance between the working fluid vapour and the final storage container. This absorptive bed selectively absorbs halogenated hydrocarbons from the vapour phase, facilitating separation and recovery without requiring the complex compression and condensation systems used in conventional equipment
2Productivity
If the working fluid specification is altered during removal, then recovery can proceed, but reuse becomes problematic due to mixture composition changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the halogenated hydrocarbon component from the working fluid mixture using the absorptive bed. By selectively removing and separating the halogenated component, the system enables the remaining non-halogenated portion to be reused in its original specification, maintaining reliability for reuse while still achieving productive removal of the harmful component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by selectively removing (discarding) the halogenated hydrocarbon component through absorption, while preserving and recovering the non-halogenated components for reuse. This selective separation maintains the usability of the recovered fluid for its intended purpose
3Device complexity
If halogenated hydrocarbons are released into the atmosphere, then removal process is simplified, but environmental harm and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful property of halogenated hydrocarbons into a beneficial separation mechanism. By exploiting the specific absorption characteristics of the absorptive bed toward halogenated compounds, the system transforms what would be a harmful discharge into a selective recovery process, eliminating environmental harm while maintaining practical system complexity
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
Effectively separates and recovers halogenated hydrocarbons for reuse or disposal, ensuring safe handling and reducing environmental impact, while allowing for efficient recycling of the working fluid components.
Implementation Method 1
the working fluid is contacted with an absorptive bed
Data Source
AI summary
A method for at least partially draining an operating system, which contains a working fluid including carbon dioxide (R744) and a halogenated hydrocarbon. The method includes transferring the working fluid to a target container, from the operating system, wherein the working fluid is contacted with an absorptive bed. The working fluid may include between 10% and 35% by weight of halogenated hydrocarbon. The method may include an absorptive bed treatment step prior to the contacting step.