Gas filtration system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purifiers using absorption or adsorption filters face challenges such as user-operated mode selection without proper background information, potential release of accumulated pollutants, limited capacity, and lack of regeneration, leading to inappropriate operation and reduced effectiveness in removing gaseous pollutants like formaldehyde.
Innovation Solution
A system with a sensor arrangement and control system that automatically selects operation modes based on filter loading and gas concentration, using absorption or adsorption filters with reversible functions, and optional catalyst filters, to manage desorption and regeneration, ensuring safe and effective air purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If absorption or adsorption filters are used to remove gaseous pollutants, then the filter can bind and remove pollutants from air, but the filter may release accumulated pollutants back into the air through desorption
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters (temperature, humidity, air flow rate) to control the filter's absorption and desorption behavior. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes pollutant binding while minimizing unwanted desorption events.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements periodic operation cycles where the filter alternates between absorption mode (binding pollutants) and controlled desorption mode (releasing bound pollutants). This periodic action prevents pollutant accumulation and subsequent uncontrolled release.
2Productivity
If the filter operates continuously in absorption mode, then pollutant removal is maintained, but the filter capacity is limited and regeneration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers filter capacity by implementing controlled desorption cycles where bound pollutants are released. This regeneration process extends the filter's service life and maintains continuous operational capability without requiring frequent filter replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system ensures continuous pollutant removal by alternating between absorption and desorption modes. During desorption, the filter is temporarily taken offline or operated at reduced capacity, but the overall system maintains continuous protection through coordinated operation of multiple filters or rapid cycling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual mode selection is provided to users, then operation flexibility is increased, but users lack background information to make appropriate selections
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically monitors filter status, pollutant levels, and environmental conditions to select appropriate operation modes without user intervention. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions based on real-time data, eliminating the need for users to understand complex operational parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control logic that continuously monitor filter loading, pollutant concentrations, and operational conditions. This feedback loop enables automatic mode selection and adjustment, providing adaptability while simplifying user interaction through automated decision-making.
4Quantity of substance
If the filter is heavily loaded with absorbed gas, then pollutant removal capacity increases, but desorption rate increases and the filter becomes a source of formaldehyde gas
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic desorption cycles where heavily loaded filters are temporarily switched to desorption mode. During these cycles, bound pollutants are released in a controlled manner, preventing the filter from becoming a continuous source of formaldehyde while maintaining overall removal effectiveness through coordinated operation of multiple filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary assessment of filter loading status and proactively initiates desorption cycles before dangerous pollutant release occurs. By monitoring trends and predicting filter saturation, the system takes preventive action to maintain safe indoor air quality.
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 system optimizes filter operation by automatically selecting modes to prevent pollutant release, extend filter life, and enhance air quality by determining when to absorb, desorb, or regenerate, thereby improving indoor air cleanliness and safety.
Implementation Method 1
binding is usually based on chemisorption for example using corrugated, tris-based formaldehyde filters
Implementation Method 2
Such binding represents a reversible reaction, which means that when an absorbing filter material is exposed to a gaseous pollutant with an affinity to the filter substrate, not only absorption will take place
Implementation Method 3
gas molecules already bound to the substrate can overcome the energy barrier and desorb back into the air (desorption)
Implementation Method 4
introduction of external energy into the system (e.g. in form of heat) can increase desorption rates
Implementation Method 5
oxidation rates can be strongly increased by using catalysts (e.g. titanium oxide in the case of PCO)
Implementation Method 6
Applications include photo catalytic oxidation (PCO) and thermal oxidation
Implementation Method 7
Applications include photo catalytic oxidation (PCO) and thermal oxidation. Heating a catalyst can also result in increased oxidation rates
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a filtration system for removing a target gas from a gas to be filtered in a space. The system has different modes of operation. Based on sensing of the current level of the target gas, the previous history of the sensing signals and the previous modes of operation, a degree of filter loading with the target gas can be determined. This information and the current sensed level of the target gas are together used to select a mode 5 of operation. In particular, the filter loading and the current pollutant level is used to determine whether absorption/adsorption or desorption will take place and which rates these processes will occur, which provides the basis for deciding what operation mode should be executed.