Deliquescent Solid Loading Device for Continuous Fluid Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid drying devices using deliquescent solids face challenges in reloading solids while operational, requiring multiple parallel devices or stopping the drying process due to pressure and temperature conditions inside the enclosure.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for loading deliquescent solids into a fluid drying device that allows for continuous operation by using an inclined pipe with an endless screw drive and purge mechanism, enabling solids to be added without stopping the process, and utilizing inert gases for fluid evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a filling orifice is used to introduce new deliquescent solids, then the solids can be added to compensate for level drop, but the drying device must be stopped during filling operations due to pressure and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the filling system into two separate parts: a first line for introducing deliquescent solids and a second line for evacuating fluids. This segmentation allows solids to be added while simultaneously removing accumulated fluids, enabling continuous operation without stopping the drying device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a circulation pipe as an intermediary component that connects the enclosure to the loading device. This pipe allows the introduction of solids and evacuation of fluids through separate lines, mediating between the need to maintain pressure/temperature conditions and the need to reload solids continuously.
2Productivity
If multiple parallel drying devices are used to avoid stopping, then continuous drying operation is maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes a single drying device multi-functional by enabling it to both dry fluids and accept solid replenishment simultaneously. The loading device with separate circulation lines allows the enclosure to perform drying operations while being reloaded, eliminating the need for multiple parallel devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention ensures continuous useful action by allowing the drying process to proceed uninterrupted while solids are being added. The separate first line for solids and second line for fluid evacuation enables both operations to occur simultaneously, maintaining continuous productivity without switching between devices.
3Productivity
If deliquescent solids are loaded during operation, then productivity is maintained, but pressure and temperature control inside the enclosure becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fluid evacuation function from the solid loading process by providing a separate second line dedicated to removing accumulated fluids. This extraction allows solids to be introduced through the first line without interfering with pressure and temperature control, as fluids are simultaneously removed through the dedicated evacuation line.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective reloading of deliquescent solids during operation, avoiding the need for multiple parallel devices and process interruptions, while maintaining optimal pressure and temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The pipe (64) houses an endless screw (66) actuated by a rotation device (68)
Implementation Method 2
The inclination α of the pipe (56) is at an angle preferably comprised between 25° and 80° relative to the horizontal... This pipe is connected at the level of the isolation valve (62) to a circulation pipe (64)... The inclination of the pipe is at an angle preferably comprised between 25° and 80° relative to the horizontal, and more preferably at an angle comprised between 45° and 70° and very preferably at an angle between 40° and 60°
Implementation Method 3
During this crossing, part of these solids turns into liquid after having absorbed the water contained in the fluid
Implementation Method 4
This absorption liquid passes through the support by gravity to fall into the bottom of the enclosure
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for loading deliquescent solids for a device for drying a fluid in liquid or gaseous form, said drying device comprising a chamber (14) at temperature and pressure different from atmospheric conditions, a bed (24) of deliquescent solids, an inlet (30) for a fluid to be treated and an outlet (42) of the treated fluid. According to the invention, the loading device comprises an airlock (44) containing deliquescent solids, a device for driving the solids from the airlock (44) into the interior of the chamber (14) and a valve means (62) placed on the drive device.