Adsorptive Gas Separator Stator Thermal Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adsorptive gas separators face challenges such as short cycle times, sealing issues between dynamic and static components, undesirable heat transfer between zones leading to thermal lag, and reduced performance, as well as reduced life expectancy of components due to thermal cycling.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a stator with fluid passages of low thermal conductivity, specifically less than 10 W/m·K, and a port assembly with a floating seal and diaphragm to minimize heat transfer and thermal lag, enhancing the adsorptive gas separation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional adsorptive gas separator uses high thermal conductivity materials for stator and fluid passages, then heat transfer between zones is efficient, but thermal lag increases and zone temperature control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the stator and fluid passage materials from conventional high thermal conductivity materials to materials with low thermal conductivity (k ≤ 10 W/m·K). This parameter change reduces unwanted heat transfer between zones while maintaining sufficient heat transfer within each zone for the adsorption process, thereby reducing thermal lag and improving zone temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thermal conductivity properties to different parts of the system: low thermal conductivity (k ≤ 10 W/m·K) for the stator and fluid passages to isolate zones thermally, while maintaining appropriate heat transfer characteristics within the contactor beds for effective adsorption. This local differentiation of thermal properties resolves the contradiction between inter-zone thermal isolation and intra-zone heat transfer efficiency.
2Temperature
If conventional adsorptive gas separator uses high thermal conductivity materials, then heat transfer is efficient, but component life expectancy decreases due to thermal cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter to low values (k ≤ 10 W/m·K) for the stator and fluid passages, which reduces the magnitude of thermal cycling experienced by components. This parameter change decreases thermal stress and fatigue on seals and other components, thereby extending component life expectancy while maintaining adequate heat transfer for the adsorption process.
3Reliability
If conventional adsorptive gas separator uses standard sealing mechanisms, then sealing between dynamic and static components is achieved, but sealing reliability deteriorates under thermal cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the stator and fluid passages to low values (k ≤ 10 W/m·K), which reduces thermal cycling magnitude and minimizes thermal expansion and contraction. This parameter change decreases thermal stress on seals, improving sealing reliability and extending seal life expectancy under thermal cycling conditions.
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
This configuration reduces heat transfer between zones, improves the performance of the adsorptive gas separator, and extends the life expectancy of components by minimizing thermal lag and leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal conductivity between each of the plurality of fluid passages is equal to or less than a threshold thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 2
the adsorbent material may adsorb a component of the feed stream, separating the adsorbed component from the remaining components of the feed stream
Implementation Method 3
a fluid stream at a higher temperature may be admitted into the adsorptive gas separator and contactor to increase the temperature of the adsorbent material, causing the adsorbed components to release or desorb
Data Source
AI summary
An adsorptive gas separator incorporates a stator having plurality of a fluid passages where a thermal conductivity between a plurality of fluid passages is below a threshold thermal conductivity, to reduce the transfer of heat across the stator. A stator of an adsorptive gas separator may employ a port assembly having a low thermal conductivity and a floating seal which provides for sealing of heat and a fluid stream.