System for verifying the operation of cryogenic equipment extractions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic equipment extraction systems face challenges in accurately controlling gas extraction rates due to ice formation in pipes, sensor reliability issues in humid and cold environments, and potential gas leakage, leading to safety hazards and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A movable valve at the extraction duct end measures gas flow rates by correlating valve opening angle with pipe diameter, using a pre-established flow rate table, to detect obstructions and ensure proper extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors or hot wire sensors are used to measure extraction flow rate, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but the sensors become blocked by frost or product deposits over time, rendering them unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from the extraction duct environment by using a movable valve positioned outside the duct. The valve opening angle is measured remotely, and the flow rate is deduced through pre-established calibration data, eliminating the need for sensors inside the harsh extraction duct environment where they would freeze or become blocked
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a movable valve as an intermediary element between the extraction system and the measurement system. The valve serves as a controllable flow restriction that can be positioned remotely, allowing flow rate measurement through angle sensing rather than direct sensing in the extraction duct. This intermediary transfers the measurement function to a more favorable environment
2Reliability
If extraction flow rate is increased to prevent gas leakage, then safety is improved, but excessive suction draws cold gases out of the tunnel causing overconsumption of cryogenic fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback control system where the actual extraction flow rate is continuously monitored by measuring the movable valve opening angle. This real-time information allows the control system to adjust the extraction flow rate to the minimum necessary level to prevent gas leakage, avoiding excessive suction and cryogenic fluid consumption while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from fixed or manually adjusted extraction flow rate to dynamically adjusted flow rate based on actual measurement. By using the movable valve opening angle as a measurable parameter, the system can precisely control and optimize the extraction flow rate to match actual safety requirements, reducing unnecessary cryogenic fluid consumption
3Loss of substance
If extraction flow rate is decreased to reduce cryogenic fluid consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but gas may spread outside the tunnel endangering operators
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors the extraction flow rate through movable valve angle measurement and provides real-time information to the control system. This allows the system to maintain the extraction flow rate at the minimum level necessary to prevent gas leakage, ensuring operator safety while minimizing cryogenic fluid consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual adjustment or fixed mechanical control of extraction flow rate with an automated control system based on electrical or electronic sensing of the movable valve position. This substitution enables precise, dynamic control that responds to actual conditions, optimizing both safety and energy efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
AI summary
A method for managing the operation of a cryogenic cooling or freezing installation for products, an installation comprising cryogenic cooling equipment such as a cryogenic tunnel, a mixer, or a cutting or chopping unit known as a "cutter", equipment which is equipped with means for extracting the cold gases formed in the equipment due to the vaporization of the cryogen used for cooling, and where the extraction means include at least one discharge pipe with an end opening outside the premises housing the equipment, characterized in that a part which can be described as a "valve", which is movable, is positioned at the outside end of the one or each one of said discharge pipes.and which is capable of closing the pipeline in question when the equipment is not in production, and in that the flow rate of gas extracted by the pipeline in question is measured in order to be able to detect any possible obstruction of this pipeline in question, by measuring the opening angle of the valve equipping the pipeline in question.