Method and device for degassing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current degassing methods for heating and cooling systems, particularly those using the pressure step principle, face inefficiencies due to manual control and energy wastage, as they often result in unnecessary degassing and water vapor release, leading to increased energy consumption and potential damage from boiling.

Innovation Solution

A degassing device and method that incorporates real-time pressure and temperature control to manage the degassing process, maintaining pressure above the boiling threshold to prevent boiling and optimize gas release, using a controllable valve and pump system to ensure efficient degassing without excessive energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If pressure is reduced to approximate zero bar absolute to extract all gases, then gas removal is improved, but water begins to boil causing excessive energy loss and water vapor release

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas removalVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the pressure in the reservoir based on temperature measurements. Instead of maintaining a fixed low pressure (approximating zero bar absolute), the system modifies the pressure parameter according to the relationship between temperature and boiling point, ensuring pressure stays above the boiling threshold while still enabling effective gas extraction through controlled pressure reduction cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature in the reservoir and using this information to regulate pressure. The control system receives temperature data and adjusts pressure accordingly to maintain the optimal operating window where gas can be extracted without causing water to boil, thereby preventing excessive energy loss and water vapor release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If pressure is reduced to approximate zero bar absolute to extract all gases, then gas removal is improved, but water vapor is released causing damage to degassers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas removalVSAvoidwater vapor damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pressure parameter dynamically based on temperature conditions. By calculating and maintaining pressure above the boiling threshold corresponding to the reservoir temperature, the system prevents water from vaporizing while still achieving effective gas extraction. This parameter adjustment eliminates water vapor release and its associated damaging effects on the degasser equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively controlling pressure to prevent water vaporization before it can occur. The control system anticipates the boiling condition by monitoring temperature and adjusting pressure in advance to stay above the vaporization threshold, thereby preventing the harmful effect of water vapor release before it can damage the equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Device complexity

If manual control is used for degassing process, then device complexity is reduced, but degassing takes place for unnecessarily long time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol systemVSAvoiddegassing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated feedback control by equipping the system with temperature sensors and control logic that continuously monitor reservoir conditions and automatically adjust pressure parameters. This feedback mechanism enables the degassing process to respond dynamically to actual system state, optimizing gas extraction efficiency and reducing the time required compared to manual control, while the added complexity remains manageable through standardized control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses temperature sensing and electronic regulation. This substitution of manual operation with automated measurement and control mechanisms optimizes the degassing process timing while keeping device complexity at an acceptable level through the use of standard sensors and control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If pump capacity is increased to improve degassing speed, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegassing speedVSAvoidpump energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the pump operation variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts pump running time and capacity based on real-time temperature and pressure conditions in the reservoir. This dynamic control enables the system to achieve high productivity when gas extraction is needed while minimizing energy consumption during periods when degassing is complete or conditions are favorable, optimizing the balance between speed and energy use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for precise and efficient degassing, reducing energy consumption and preventing damage from boiling, while ensuring the system remains free from harmful gas levels, thereby maintaining optimal energy performance and system integrity.

Implementation Method 1

A part of the water at a time from the installation is here isolated in a reservoir in which its pressure is reduced. Making use of Henry's law, the isolated system water is able to absorb fewer gases at this lower pressure.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHenry's law:

Implementation Method 2

Because a pump is necessary for this process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 3

The gases released during this pressure step are discharged via a float vent, which is mounted on the reservoir

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3036025B1Method and device for degassing
Publication Date: 2018.02.14 FLAMCO BV
  • EP3036025B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3036025B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3036025B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a degassing device, comprising: - a reservoir (5) with a vent (17) for degassing the medium; - a pump (15; 32) in the discharge conduit (14); and - a controllable valve (9, 10; 30, 31) in the supply conduit (4), characterized by - a pressure sensor (22); - a temperature sensor (12); and - a control (7) which is connected at least to the pressure sensor (22) and the temperature sensor (12) and which is configured to drive at least one of the pump (15; 32) and the controllable valve (9, 10; 30, 31 ) during the degassing subject to a sensed pressure and to a sensed temperature and to hold the temperature of the medium in the reservoir (5) below a boiling point associated with the pressure and the temperature of the medium and to prevent decrease of pressure in the reservoir to too low a value by admitting medium from the system into the reservoir during the degassing.