Method and plant for controlling the temperature of compressed air exiting from a compressed air production unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the temperature of compressed air exiting from production units are limited by ambient conditions, failing to provide a programmable temperature range independent of external environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a compressor, air-coolant heat exchanger, coalescent filter, and heating chamber, where compressed air is cooled to dew point, filtered, and then heated to a predetermined temperature using electronic sensors to maintain a temperature range of 10 °C to 65 °C, regardless of external conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ambient air is used to cool compressed air through heat exchangers, then the temperature of compressed air is reduced, but the output temperature becomes dependent on external environmental conditions and cannot be independently controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a refrigerant circuit as an intermediary system between the compressed air and the ambient environment. The refrigerant acts as a mediator that absorbs heat from the compressed air in the heat exchanger, allowing temperature control without direct dependence on ambient air temperature. This enables the system to maintain predetermined temperatures independently of external conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameters by using a refrigerant cycle that can actively adjust the heat transfer characteristics. By controlling the refrigerant flow and phase changes, the system can maintain the compressed air at predetermined temperatures regardless of ambient temperature variations, thus achieving independent temperature control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a refrigerant circuit is added to enable independent temperature control, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: cooling the compressed air, condensing moisture, and enabling programmable temperature control. By integrating these functions into a single system, the patent reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving versatile temperature control capability.
3Loss of substance
If compressed air is cooled to dew point for condensate precipitation, then moisture removal is improved, but the temperature control range is limited by environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control process into distinct stages: first cooling the compressed air to the dew point for condensate removal, then further controlling the temperature to predetermined values using the refrigerant circuit. This segmentation allows effective moisture removal while maintaining the ability to achieve a wide programmable temperature range independent of ambient 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
Enables continuous programmable temperature control of compressed air within a specific range, ensuring consistent output temperature regardless of ambient conditions, with a simple, safe, and cost-effective plant design.
Implementation Method 1
an air-coolant heat exchanger, where the compressed air is in contact with a refrigerant gas, which causes precipitation of the condensate and reduction of the temperature of the compressed air
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant gas, which causes precipitation of the condensate and reduction of the temperature of the compressed air, to a predetermined temperature substantially equivalent to the dew point
Implementation Method 3
a heating chamber, provided with means for heating the air, which raise the temperature of the compressed air passing through said chamber to a predetermined value
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Method and plant for controlling the temperature of compressed air exiting from a compressed air production unit, wherein compressed air, produced by a compressor, is conveyed, through first filter means, into an air-coolant heat exchanger, where the compressed air is in contact with a refrigerant gas, which causes precipitation of the condensate and reduction of the temperature of the compressed air, to a predetermined temperature substantially equivalent to the dew point. The air treated in this way is conveyed through coalescent filter means, which retain the oil particles, and then through a heating chamber, provided with means for heating the air, which raise the temperature of the compressed air passing through said chamber to a predetermined value continuously controlled by means of electronic temperature sensor means, which control said heating means continuously for the flow of compressed air exiting from said compressed air production unit; the heated compressed air exiting through an air outlet.