Gas Analyzer Moisture Control for Non-Methane Cutter Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas analyzing devices face accuracy issues due to fluctuations in moisture concentration in exhaust gases from internal combustion engines, affecting the separation ability of non-methane cutters, leading to inconsistent measurement results.

Innovation Solution

A gas analyzing device with a sample gas line equipped with a moisture concentration adjusting unit and a moisture supplying unit, which maintains constant moisture levels by adjusting temperature and pressure, and supplies moisture between the catalyst and analyzer, ensuring consistent separation ability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If moisture is supplied to the non-methane cutter to improve separation ability, then methane transmission efficiency is improved, but the amount of moisture supplied fluctuates when exhaust gas moisture concentration changes, causing measurement accuracy to drop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidseparation ability stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where a moisture concentration detecting unit continuously monitors the moisture concentration in the exhaust gas, and a control unit adjusts the moisture supply amount accordingly. When the detected moisture concentration deviates from a predetermined value, the control unit modifies the moisture supply to maintain optimal separation ability of the non-methane cutter, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the moisture supply parameter based on the detected exhaust gas moisture concentration. By changing the moisture supply amount in response to varying exhaust conditions, the system maintains consistent separation performance and measurement accuracy despite fluctuations in the original exhaust gas composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the amount of moisture supplied to the non-methane cutter is increased to maintain separation ability, then methane transmission efficiency is maintained, but ethane transmission efficiency also changes, requiring precise adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation abilityVSAvoidmoisture control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system continuously monitors moisture concentration and automatically adjusts the moisture supply amount, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms. This maintains reliable separation ability while keeping the control system relatively simple through automated closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 configuration allows for precise measurement of sample gases with maintained separation ability, enhancing analysis accuracy by stabilizing moisture levels and ensuring required separation performance.

Implementation Method 1

a moisture concentration adjusting unit (30) arranged upstream of the catalyst (20) in the sample gas line (L1) and adjusting the concentration of moisture in the sample gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

a moisture supplying unit (40) to supply moisture between the moisture concentration adjusting unit (30) and the catalyst (20) in the sample gas line (L1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHumidification:

Implementation Method 3

an oxidation catalyst called as a non-methane cutter in order to remove hydrocarbon other than methane from the exhaust gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

a catalyst that is arranged upstream of the analyzer in the sample gas line and that reacts with the sample gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3553491B1Gas analyzing device and gas analyzing method
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 HORIBA LTD
  • EP3553491B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3553491B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3553491B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to secure a separation ability required for an oxidation catalyst such as a non-methane cutter, and to enable a sample gas to be measured accurately, this gas analyzing device is provided with: a sample gas line L1 where a sample gas flows; an analyzer 10 that is provided in the sample gas line L1 and that detects the concentration of a specific component contained in the sample gas; a catalyst 20 that is arranged upstream of the analyzer 10 in the sample gas line L1 and that reacts with the sample gas; and a moisture concentration adjusting unit 30 that is arranged upstream of the catalyst 20 in the sample gas line L1 to adjust the moisture concentration of the sample gas.