Compressed Gas Drying Cycle Control via Pressure Drop Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed gas drying devices rely heavily on sensitive and expensive dew point sensors for determining the adsorption cycle length, which can lead to measurement deviations and frequent sensor replacement.
Innovation Solution
A method to calculate the adsorption cycle time using a formula based on pressure drop, inlet pressure, and temperature factors, eliminating the need for dew point sensors and utilizing more reliable and cost-effective temperature and pressure sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dew point sensors are used to determine adsorption cycle length, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dew point measurement function from the cycle control system and replaces it with indirect measurement using temperature and pressure sensors. The adsorption cycle length is determined by calculating based on these physical parameters rather than direct dew point sensing, thereby removing the complex and expensive dew point sensor while maintaining control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature and pressure as intermediary parameters to indirectly determine the adsorption cycle length. Instead of directly measuring dew point, the system uses temperature and pressure changes during adsorption as proxies to calculate the appropriate cycle timing, simplifying the measurement system while preserving functional accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If dew point sensors are used to determine adsorption cycle length, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to sensor fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive and fragile dew point sensor with more robust and economical temperature and pressure sensors. These alternative sensors are inherently more reliable and less prone to failure, eliminating the need for frequent replacements while maintaining the ability to accurately determine adsorption cycle length through calculation.
3Manufacturing precision
If dew point sensors are used for cycle control, then adsorption timing accuracy is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a computational model that copies the functional capability of dew point sensing through mathematical relationships between temperature, pressure, and adsorption timing. By using standard temperature and pressure sensors combined with calculation algorithms, the system replicates the cycle control function of expensive dew point sensors at a fraction of the cost.
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 accurate determination of the adsorption cycle time without dew point sensors, reducing reliance on expensive and fragile equipment and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Regenerable desiccant means a moisture absorber or desiccant that can absorb moisture from a gas by adsorption
Implementation Method 2
This warm air will extract moisture from the desiccant and regenerate it
Data Source
AI summary
Method for drying compressed gas by means of a drying device with an inlet for the compressed gas to be dried and an outlet for the dried compressed gas. The drying device includes at least two vessels filled with a regenerable desiccant and an adjustable valve system including a first valve block and a second valve block that connects the inlet, respectively outlet, to the vessels. The adjustable valve system is being regulated as such that at least one vessel will dry compressed gas, while the other vessel will be regenerated and cooled successively, wherein by regulation of the valve system the vessels will each in turn dry compressed gas. The method includes calculating the time period (tads) during which a vessel (2) dries compressed gas, calculated on the basis of a (tads) formula tads=A*B.