Flared Amine Bed Passageways for Faster Sorbent Filling and Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amine beds in carbon dioxide removal systems face challenges with slow filling and emptying of amine-based sorbent beads due to the treacherous path of metal foam, leading to increased installation and removal times.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flared interior passageway with an obtuse angle connection to the interior chamber, which increases the exposed surface area of the metal foam, facilitating faster filling and emptying of amine-based sorbent beads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a straight passageway is used to connect the interior chamber to the exterior, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the filling and emptying speed of amine-based sorbent beads is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transitioning from a straight passageway to a flared passageway with an obtuse angle connection. This curved/flared geometry increases the exposed surface area of metal foam to amine-based sorbent beads, thereby accelerating filling and emptying speeds without adding complex mechanical components.
2Reliability
If the metal foam path is made more extensive to increase surface area, then the absorption efficiency is improved, but the filling and emptying time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the metal foam surface area exposure at the critical interface where amine-based sorbent beads enter and exit the interior chamber. The flared passageway design specifically enhances surface area at this local region rather than uniformly throughout, enabling fast filling/emptying while maintaining high absorption efficiency.
3Productivity
If a flared passageway with obtuse angle is implemented, then the filling and emptying efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the passageway - specifically the angle (obtuse angle connection) and the cross-sectional area (flared shape). These parameter changes optimize the filling and emptying rates while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes for housing structures.
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 flared passageway design significantly reduces the time required for installing and removing amine-based sorbent beads, enhancing the efficiency of carbon dioxide removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
The flared interior passageway increases the exposed surface area of the metal foam, facilitating faster filling and emptying of amine-based sorbent beads
Implementation Method 2
The amine beds adsorb carbon dioxide from the air stream through commonly understood chemical processes and reactions
Implementation Method 3
The amine beds adsorb carbon dioxide from the air stream through commonly understood chemical processes and reactions
Implementation Method 4
The saturated amine bed is then desorbed to expel carbon dioxide in preparation for the next cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A swing bed absorption apparatus includes a bed including a bed housing including, an outer surface, an interior chamber, and a flared interior passageway fluidly connecting the interior chamber to an area located outside of the bed. The flared interior passageway includes an opening in the outer surface, a chamber opening at the interior chamber, a first portion located at the opening, the first portion being fluidly connected to the area located outside the bed through the opening, and a flared portion located at the chamber opening, the flared portion being fluidly connected to the interior chamber through the chamber opening. The flared portion connects to the interior chamber at an obtuse angle.