Two-Tank Ammonia Absorption for Inert-Gas Purging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ammonia abatement systems struggle with inefficient absorption of inert gases like nitrogen during purging, leading to reduced ammonia absorption capacity and potential flooding due to high flow rates, which results in inert gases being released into the environment.
Innovation Solution
An ammonia abatement system with a first and second tank, each containing absorption liquid, and a pressure regulating valve to manage gas transfer between tanks, ensuring efficient absorption of ammonia and inert gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a closed space such as a scrubber or cooling tower is used to absorb ammonia, then ammonia absorption is achieved, but the high flow rate of inert gas reduces absorption capacity and may cause flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the absorption process into two independent stages: a first absorption device for initial ammonia absorption, and a second absorption device for residual ammonia absorption. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function, preventing the high inert gas flow rate from overwhelming a single absorption system and causing flooding while maintaining overall absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inert gas acts as an intermediary carrier that transports ammonia from the fuel system to the absorption devices. The system leverages this intermediary role by designing the absorption process to handle the inert gas flow systematically through multiple stages, using the inert gas itself as the transport medium rather than resisting it.
2Ease of operation
If inert gas is used for purging the fuel system, then ammonia is discharged from the pipe, but the inert gas is difficult to be absorbed in water and is released into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the previously harmful inert gas emission into a beneficial transport mechanism. The inert gas, instead of being released directly into the environment, is utilized as a carrier gas to deliver ammonia to the absorption devices where it can be captured and converted into useful liquid ammonia or ammonium compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains an inert atmosphere throughout the absorption process, using the inert gas to create a controlled environment that prevents unwanted reactions while facilitating the transfer and absorption of ammonia. The inert atmosphere is managed systematically through the two-stage absorption process rather than being discharged.
3Speed
If the flow rate of inert gas is high during purging, then purging is effective, but the absorption capacity for ammonia is reduced and flooding may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption system is segmented into two separate devices, allowing the high flow rate inert gas to be handled in stages. The first absorption device processes the initial high-flow inert gas stream, while the second device handles residual ammonia, preventing flooding in any single device while maintaining overall absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to varying inert gas flow rates during the purging process. The two-stage absorption configuration allows the system to maintain effectiveness across a range of flow conditions, with each stage designed to handle different portions of the gas stream appropriately.
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 maintains ammonia absorption capacity during purging by effectively handling inert gases, preventing flooding, and ensuring safe disposal of purge gases.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption liquid that is capable of absorbing ammonia; promotes the absorption of ammonia to be performed by the absorption liquid in the first tank
Data Source
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AI summary
An ammonia abatement system includes a first tank that stores an absorption liquid capable of absorbing ammonia, a first introduction line that can introduce purge gas containing ammonia and inert gas into the first tank, a first absorption promoting unit that promotes absorption of ammonia to be performed by the absorption liquid in the first tank, a first liquid discharge line that can discharge liquid from a liquid phase in the first tank, a first gas discharge line that can discharge gas from a gas phase in the first tank, a second tank that is provided independently of the first tank, an upper connection line that connects the gas phase in an upper portion of the first tank and an upper portion of the second tank, and a pressure regulating valve that is provided in the connection line and can be opened and closed according to a pressure of the gas phase in the first tank.