Electrostatic Coalescer Resonance Tracking Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for separating liquids from gases or hydrocarbons, such as mesh wire technologies and gravitational force-based techniques, face issues like clogging, high mechanical energy consumption, pressure drops, and equipment vulnerability, making them inefficient and costly for large-scale in-line operations.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic coalescer with a resonance tracking circuit is used, featuring a plurality of electrode plates and an inductor that defines a resonant circuit, applying an alternating current signal at a frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency to enhance coalescence of liquid droplets in process fluids, thereby increasing droplet size and improving separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mesh wire technology is used for liquid-gas separation, then separation efficiency is improved, but the mesh becomes clogged and requires complicated flow paths costing mechanical energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical mesh wire filtration with an electrostatic field-based separation system. Electrodes generate electric fields that attract and coalesce liquid droplets without physical contact, eliminating clogging and the need for complicated flow paths that consume mechanical energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies alternating current at resonant frequency to the electrodes, creating dynamic electrostatic fields that enhance droplet coalescence. This parameter change from static to resonant electric fields improves separation efficiency without requiring mechanical energy input.
2Productivity
If gravitational forces are increased by spinning the medium, then separation rate is improved, but mechanical energy is consumed resulting in pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical spinning that increases gravitational forces with an electrostatic field system. The electric fields directly act on liquid droplets to accelerate coalescence and separation without requiring mechanical rotation, thus avoiding pressure drops from energy consumption.
3Device complexity
If conventional electrostatic coalescer operates at fixed frequency, then circuit design is simplified, but separation efficiency decreases when process fluid properties change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a resonance tracking circuit that continuously monitors the process fluid's dielectric properties and automatically adjusts the operating frequency to match the resonant frequency. This feedback mechanism maintains optimal separation efficiency despite changes in fluid composition, temperature, or pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a fixed-frequency electrostatic coalescer to a dynamic system where the operating frequency automatically tracks the resonant frequency of the process fluid. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous optimal performance as fluid properties vary during operation.
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 electrostatic coalescer effectively increases droplet size and enhances separation efficiency, reducing the need for large residence times and mechanical energy, while being more robust and cost-effective, thus improving the quality of processed gases and hydrocarbons.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor and the plurality of electrode plates define a resonant circuit. The signal generator is coupled to the plurality of electrode plates and operable to apply an alternating current signal to the plurality of electrode plates at a frequency corresponding to a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic coalescer with a resonance tracking circuit is used, featuring a plurality of electrode plates and an inductor that defines a resonant circuit, applying an alternating current signal at a frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency to enhance coalescence of liquid droplets
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrostatic coalescer that includes an outer wall defining a flow path for receiving a process fluid comprising primarily a gas, a power source, a plurality of electrode plates coupled to the power source to generate an electrical field across the flow path wherein each of the plurality of electrode plates is coated with an insulation material and at least one insulating member is disposed between two adjacent electrode plates.