Condenser with Adsorption Medium for Compressed Gas Dehumidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bio-instrumentation systems using compressed air face issues with condensed water vapor leading to moisture accumulation, which can damage sensitive components like electrical components or sensors, necessitating effective removal methods.
Innovation Solution
Devices and methods incorporating a condenser with a medium having a high surface area per unit volume, combined with a heat or vacuum source, to adsorb and remove condensed liquid from the gas flow, including features like sintered metal filters, microporous filters, and thermal communication for efficient condensate removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compressed air is used to actuate components, then the system can operate with simple pneumatic actuation, but water vapor in the compressed air condenses and damages sensitive components
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary condensation of water vapor from compressed air using a condenser before the air reaches sensitive components. The condenser cools the compressed air to condense water vapor, and the condensed water is then removed by a vacuum source or heat treatment, preventing damage to electrical components and sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components (condenser and water removal mechanism) between the compressed air source and the sensitive components. These intermediaries process the compressed air to remove harmful condensed water while allowing the pneumatic actuation function to continue.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional condensate removal methods are used, then condensed water can be removed, but the system requires user intervention and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically removes condensed water using a vacuum source that continuously or periodically extracts water from the condenser, or by using a heat source to evaporate condensed water. These self-service mechanisms eliminate the need for user intervention to empty condensate traps or maintain the system.
3Power
If high pressure is used for compressed air, then pneumatic actuation is more effective, but condensation occurs more readily at high pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts condensed water from the compressed air stream using a vacuum source or heat treatment, separating the harmful condensate from the useful compressed air. This allows the system to operate at high pressures for effective actuation while continuously removing the condensation that forms.
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 effectively reduces or prevents condensate buildup in bio-instrumentation systems, ensuring continuous operation without user intervention and compatibility with low operating pressures, thereby protecting sensitive components from moisture damage.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser including a condensing surface, cooled by a heat exchanger to below the dewpoint of the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a medium having a surface area per unit volume of at least 1.62 mm−1 and a source of heat or vacuum for removing the liquid from the medium, where the medium is disposed to adsorb liquid condensed by the condenser
Implementation Method 3
the source of heat or vacuum for removing the liquid from the medium, where the heat source heats the medium to a temperature of 65° C. to 98° C.
Implementation Method 4
the source of heat or vacuum for removing the liquid from the medium, where the vacuum source exerts a negative pressure of between 14.6 and 0 psi absolute
Implementation Method 5
a condenser including a condensing surface, cooled by a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 6
condensed liquid is passively transported to the medium by gravity or capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are provided for reducing or removing condensation from compressed air.