Compressor Gas Drying Counterflow During Standstill
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for drying compressed gas from a compressor results in temporary increases in humidity and pressure dew point when the compressor is restarted after a period of standstill or idle running, leading to unacceptable peaks in the user network due to moisture diffusion and pressure imbalances within the drying element.
Innovation Solution
A method where dried gas is guided counterflow through the adsorption and/or absorption medium in the drying zone during compressor standstill or idle periods, preventing moisture diffusion and maintaining a stable dew point by ensuring the adsorption medium is continuously dried.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the compressor is switched off or driven unloaded, then energy consumption is reduced, but moisture diffuses from the inlet side to the outlet side of the drying element causing pressure dew point peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by initiating a counterflow of dried gas through the drying zone before the compressor is fully restarted. This counterflow pre-dries the adsorption medium in the drying zone, preventing moisture diffusion to the outlet side when the compressor restarts, thereby avoiding pressure dew point peaks while maintaining energy efficiency during idle periods.
2Reliability
If a counterflow of dried gas is guided through the drying zone during standstill or idle running, then pressure dew point peaks are prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the drying zone serve multiple functions: during normal operation it dries the compressed gas, and during standstill or idle running it is dried by counterflow to prevent moisture accumulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate regeneration systems, maintaining reliability while avoiding increased device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the adsorption medium is continuously dried by counterflow, then dew point remains constant during operation, but gas flow through the system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing counterflow drying only during standstill or idle running periods, not during full-load operation. This timing strategy maintains dew point constancy when needed (during restarts from idle) while avoiding interference with gas flow productivity during active compression cycles, as the counterflow is suspended during normal production.
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 prevents pressure dew point peaks upon compressor restart, maintains a constant dew point during operation, and allows the dew point to be lower than under load conditions immediately after restart, ensuring consistent and stable gas quality.
Implementation Method 1
a drying element with an adsorption and/or absorption medium
Implementation Method 2
a drying element with an adsorption and/or absorption medium
Implementation Method 3
there will be a diffusion of moisture from the damp inlet side to the drier outlet side of the drying element
Implementation Method 4
a gas flow of dried gas is guided counterflow through the adsorption and/or absorption medium in the drying zone
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Method for drying gas coming from a compressor (2), which is directed through a drier (5) of the type which consists of an air receiver (6) and a drying element (9) in the form of a rotor in which has been provided an adsorption and/or absorption medium (10) which is alternately guided through a drying zone (7) and a regeneration zone (8) of the air receiver (6) , whereby during periods of standstill or of idle running of the compressor (2) a gas flow is guided counterf low through the adsorption and/or absorption medium (10) in the drying zone (7), i.e. in a flow direction (P) from the outlet (22) to the inlet (15) of the drying zone (7) .