Asymmetric Orifice Pressure Equalization Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The pressure equalization path in oxygen concentration devices using the pressure-swing adsorption method experiences differing pressure losses based on gas flow direction due to the directionality of electromagnetic valves and orifice structures, leading to uneven gas flow rates between adsorbent cylinders during purge and pressure equalization steps.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pressure equalization valve with orifice structures having conically-shaped and plane-shaped parts at opposite ends, which helps to minimize the difference in pressure loss between gas flow directions, ensuring consistent flow rates through the pressure equalization path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electromagnetic valves and orifice structures are used in the pressure equalization path, then gas flow control is achieved, but pressure loss difference between gas flow directions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring orifice structures with different shapes at opposite ends of the pressure equalization valve. Specifically, one end has a conically-shaped orifice while the other end has a plane-shaped orifice. This asymmetric configuration compensates for the directional pressure loss characteristics of the electromagnetic valve, balancing the total pressure loss in both flow directions through the pressure equalization path.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pressure equalization path components are added, then gas flow rate consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure equalization valve with orifice structures by integrating the orifices directly into the valve body at opposite ends. This combination eliminates the need for separate orifice components, reducing the number of parts while achieving the dual function of flow control and pressure loss balancing. The integrated design maintains gas flow rate consistency without proportionally increasing device 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
This configuration stabilizes the gas flow rate between adsorbent cylinders, enabling continuous and efficient generation of high-concentration oxygen by reducing pressure loss differences to 5 kPa or less, thereby maintaining consistent oxygen concentration and flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure swing adsorption-type oxygen concentration device that uses an adsorbent which can preferentially adsorbs nitrogen or oxygen
Implementation Method 2
an adsorbent which can preferentially adsorbs nitrogen or oxygen
Implementation Method 3
5A, 13X, or Li-X type molecular sieve zeolites, which selectively adsorbs nitrogen relative to oxygen
Implementation Method 4
a pressure equalization valve provided on a pressure equalization path which connects between the adsorbent cylinders, wherein at both ends of the pressure equalization valve, an orifice structure having a cylindrical member having an orifice plate facing the pressure equalization valve side and a pipe-connecting part is provided
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Provided is an oxygen concentration device which, as an oxygen concentration device having a reduced difference in flow rates of gas which flows through a pressure equalization valve of a pressure equalization path during a purge step and a pressure equalization step, is provided at at least one end side of the pressure equalization valve with a pressure control member having a difference in pressure loss due to the direction of gas flow so that pressure loss of the gas which flows through the pressure equalization path in one direction becomes nearly equal to that of the gas which flows therethrough in the opposite direction.