Concentric Adsorbent Beds in Single Vessel for Compact Gas Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swing adsorption systems require a large footprint and are not suitable for large-scale gas separations in compact spaces, such as offshore platforms, due to their design which necessitates multiple vessels for each adsorbent bed, limiting their capacity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact adsorbent bed system where multiple beds are configured within a single vessel, with each bed sharing a common actuator system and arranged concentrically, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining performance capacity, and featuring multi-layered vessel walls for durability and ease of maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple adsorbent beds are configured in separate vessels, then each bed can be independently operated and maintained, but the overall equipment footprint and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple adsorbent beds into a single vessel structure, where multiple beds are arranged concentrically or in series within one container. This integration reduces the number of separate vessels and associated equipment while maintaining the ability to operate and maintain each bed independently through controlled access points and valve systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single vessel structure serves multiple functions by accommodating multiple adsorbent beds with different adsorbent materials or configurations. The vessel acts as a universal container that can handle various adsorption processes simultaneously, reducing overall equipment requirements while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Ease of repair
If multiple adsorbent beds are configured in separate vessels, then each bed can be accessed for maintenance, but the equipment footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple adsorbent beds are positioned concentrically or in series within a single vessel. This nesting configuration allows the beds to be accessed for maintenance through controlled openings or removable sections of the vessel wall, maintaining ease of repair while significantly reducing the overall equipment footprint compared to separate vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of separate vessels to a vertical or radial arrangement of beds within a single vessel. By utilizing the third dimension (depth/radius) rather than expanding the footprint horizontally, the design maintains accessibility for maintenance while reducing the area occupied by the equipment.
3Productivity
If large diameter adsorbent beds are used for large scale operations, then gas separation capacity increases, but the equipment footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested concentric arrangement of multiple adsorbent beds within a single vessel. This allows the system to achieve large-scale gas separation capacity through the combined volume of multiple beds while maintaining a compact footprint. The beds are arranged radially or concentrically, maximizing the use of internal volume without increasing the external dimensions of the equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal expansion to vertical or radial expansion by arranging beds in concentric circles or series within the vessel depth. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve high capacity through the third dimension rather than increasing the horizontal footprint, effectively decoupling capacity from area occupation.
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
The solution allows for efficient large-scale gas separations in limited spaces with reduced equipment weight and complexity, maintaining uniformity and separation performance, and enabling the use of swing adsorption processes like PSA and TSA for gas processing.
Implementation Method 1
Gas separation is important in many industries and can typically be accomplished by flowing a mixture of gases over an adsorbent of an adsorbent contactor that preferentially adsorbs more readily adsorbed components relative to less readily adsorbed components of the mixture
Implementation Method 2
One of the more important types of gas separation technology is swing adsorption
Implementation Method 3
enabling the use of swing adsorption processes like PSA and TSA for gas processing
Data Source
AI summary
A compact configuration for a plurality of swing adsorption beds. The beds are configured within a single vessel such that one or more beds of adsorbent material are position as successive rings about a first, or core, bed of adsorbent material.