CO2 Washer Cooling Unit Using Water Instead of Refrigerants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry cleaning systems using carbon dioxide solvents face environmental concerns due to the use of refrigerants like R404 in cooling arrangements, which are not environmentally friendly and increase production costs, and require complex solutions to comply with regulations, while also operating at low temperatures necessitating further cooling of refrigerants.
Innovation Solution
A cooling unit using water as a coolant at room temperature or above, arranged between the compressor and regulator to increase fluid pressure to 70 bar or more, allowing for a simpler and more environmentally friendly cooling solution, eliminating the need for refrigerants like R404.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If refrigerants like R404 are used in cooling arrangements, then cooling effect is achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the cooling system by using water at elevated pressures (70 bar or more) instead of traditional refrigerants. This parameter change allows water to achieve effective cooling at temperatures around 20°C or above, eliminating the need for environmentally harmful refrigerants like R404 while maintaining the required cooling effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary cooling medium between the compressor and regulator. Water serves as a safe, environmentally friendly substitute for refrigerants, transferring heat from the compressed CO2 fluid without causing environmental harm. The water acts as a mediator that enables cooling while avoiding the harmful effects of traditional refrigerants
2Temperature
If refrigerants like R404 are used in cooling arrangements, then cooling effect is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive refrigerants with water, which is a cheap and readily available cooling medium. Water can be supplied from standard building infrastructure, eliminating the need for costly refrigerant handling systems and reducing production costs while maintaining effective cooling performance
3Temperature
If low working temperatures are used, then cleaning properties are maintained, but refrigerant cooling is required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter to 70 bar or more, which allows water at elevated temperatures (around 20°C or above) to provide effective cooling. This parameter change eliminates the need for complex refrigerant cooling systems while maintaining the ability to cool the CO2 fluid to appropriate working temperatures for cleaning operations
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 approach provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly cooling method for dry cleaning systems, utilizing water as a coolant at elevated pressures to achieve effective cooling without the need for refrigerants, reducing production costs and regulatory compliance issues.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit arranged between the compressor unit and the regulator for cooling of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a compressor unit for processing fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dry cleaning apparatus comprising an arrangement for cooling fluid being used as solvent in the apparatus, and a method for cooling the fluid. The cooling unit is arranged so that it can cool the fluid by using water.