Adsorption Air Dryer Flow Reversal for Non-Purge Regeneration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adsorption-type air drying systems have complex flow paths and a high number of intricately controlled components, making them difficult to operate under various pressure conditions and increasing construction and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
An adsorption-type air drying system with a non-purge operation using compressed heat, featuring a simplified flow path design with reduced valve components, a blower for pressure compensation, and 4-way valves for flexible air flow management, allowing operation across various pressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional adsorption-type air drying systems use multiple valves and complex flow paths for regeneration and cooling operations, then the system can perform complete regeneration and cooling functions, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes difficult under various pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the regeneration and cooling operations into a single integrated flow path. The same line used for regeneration heating is also used for cooling by simply reversing the air flow direction, eliminating the need for separate cooling lines and reducing valve complexity while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the same flow path for both regeneration and cooling by inverting the air flow direction. During regeneration, air flows from the compressor through the heater to the tower; during cooling, air flows in the reverse direction from the tower through the heater back to the compressor, achieving both functions with identical hardware.
2Ease of operation
If conventional systems use intricate valve control for flow path management, then complete air flow conversion is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-line configuration serves multiple functions: it acts as both the regeneration line and cooling line, and the same line handles both heating and cooling operations by simply reversing flow direction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple dedicated lines and complex valve arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary valve components from the conventional system. By using a single-line configuration where the same line serves multiple purposes, the system removes redundant valves that would be needed to manage separate regeneration and cooling flow paths.
3Loss of energy
If conventional systems discharge used air to the outside during regeneration, then the flow path is simplified, but energy efficiency decreases due to loss of compressed air
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the used air to the atmosphere during regeneration, the system recovers it by routing it back through the heater and into the compressor inlet. This recovery process maintains the energy value of the compressed air and eliminates waste while keeping the flow path relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping the compressed air within the system loop rather than discharging it. The air that would otherwise be wasted is continuously circulated back through the heater and compressor, maintaining its utility and preventing energy loss.
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 system simplifies flow paths, reduces component complexity, lowers construction and maintenance costs, and ensures smooth operation across pressure changes by using a blower to compensate for pressure loss and leveraging high-temperature air for regeneration, thereby enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
The adsorption-type air drying system adsorbs the moisture included in the air by using an adsorbent
Implementation Method 2
a heater 170 which is installed in the regeneration line 120 and heats the air
Implementation Method 3
coolers 150a and 150b which are installed in the generation line 110 and the regeneration line 120 respectively and cool the air
Implementation Method 4
The cooling air drying system decreases the temperature of compressed air by using a cooling compressor and condenses the moisture included in the compressed air
Implementation Method 5
separators 160a and 160b which are installed in the generation line 110 and the regeneration line 120 respectively and cool the air and separate the moisture
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an adsorption-type air drying system, of which the object is to simplify the flow paths of the system, reduce the number of the components such as a valve intricately controlled according to the state of operation, and decrease the cost for constructing the system. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide an adsorption-type air drying system which may be used under various pressure conditions, and smoothly operated regardless of the pressure change of the system by way of a structure compensating for the pressure loss generated during non-purge operation.