Method for dehumidifying humid gas mixtures using ionic liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems using aqueous solutions of lithium bromide, lithium chloride, or calcium chloride as liquid absorption media are corrosive to aluminum and cause salt crystallization issues, while alternative ionic liquids like 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and 1,3-dimethylimidazolium acetate suffer from poor absorption capability and instability during desorption.
Innovation Solution
Employing a liquid absorption medium comprising salts such as 1,3-dialkylimidazolium derivatives, specifically with alkyl groups of C1-C6 and an alkali metal ion like potassium, which exhibit low corrosivity to aluminum and enhance heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aqueous solutions of lithium bromide, lithium chloride, or calcium chloride are used as liquid absorption media, then absorption capability is improved, but corrosivity to aluminum construction materials increases and salt crystallization problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the absorption medium by using ionic liquids with specific cations (imidazolium, pyridinium, ammonium) and anions (tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonate). These parameter changes result in low corrosivity to aluminum while maintaining high water absorption capability, thus resolving the contradiction between absorption performance and material compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite ionic liquid formulations combining specific cation-anion pairs that exhibit synergistic effects. The composite nature of these ionic liquids provides both the necessary absorption capability and compatibility with aluminum construction materials, eliminating the need for costly alternative materials like titanium or copper.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate is used as absorption medium, then corrosivity to aluminum is reduced, but absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies the cation and anion parameters of the ionic liquid to optimize both absorption capability and aluminum compatibility. By selecting specific cations (imidazolium, pyridinium, ammonium) and anions (tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonate) and adjusting their ratios, the patent achieves high water absorption while maintaining low corrosivity to aluminum.
3Reliability
If ionic liquid 1,3-dimethylimidazolium acetate is used as absorption medium, then absorption capability is improved, but stability during desorption deteriorates due to decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the ionic liquid by selecting anions with higher thermal stability (tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonate) instead of less stable anions like acetate. This parameter change maintains high absorption capability while significantly improving stability during the desorption process, preventing decomposition.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If expensive materials like titanium, copper, or noble metals are used for construction, then corrosivity resistance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the absorption medium to be compatible with aluminum, which has favorable thermal conductivity, ease of processing, low weight, and low cost. By adjusting the ionic liquid composition to use specific cation-anion pairs, the patent enables the use of simple, inexpensive aluminum construction materials instead of complex and expensive alternatives like titanium, copper, or stainless steel.
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 proposed absorption media effectively reduce aluminum corrosion and improve heat transfer in air conditioning systems, making them suitable for aluminum-based air conditioning systems and absorption chillers.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the moist gas mixture with a liquid absorption medium... wherein the liquid absorption medium at least partially absorbs water from the moist gas mixture
Implementation Method 2
enhance heat transfer efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for dehumidifying a moist gas mixture. The invention further relates to an apparatus for dehumidifying a moist gas mixture and to the use of said apparatus in the process according to the invention.