Process for dehumidifying moist gas mixtures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current absorption media for dehumidification in air conditioning systems, particularly those using aluminium, face issues with corrosion and inefficient heat transfer due to high viscosity of ionic liquids, and existing additives like trialkyl phosphates are prone to hydrolysis and corrosion.

Innovation Solution

A process using a liquid absorption medium comprising a mixture of dialkylimidazolium-based compounds and specific salts, which reduces surface tension and contact angle with metal surfaces, enhancing wetting performance and heat transfer efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ionic liquids are used as liquid absorption media, then dehumidification capability is improved, but viscosity increases leading to inefficient heat transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedehumidification capabilityVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the absorption medium by combining ionic liquids with specific compounds (structures I and II) to reduce viscosity while maintaining dehumidification capability. This parameter change enables improved heat transfer efficiency without sacrificing absorption performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite absorption medium by mixing ionic liquids with compounds of structure (I) and/or (II) in specific ratios (0.1-10 wt%). This composite material combines the high dehumidification capability of ionic liquids with the low viscosity and good heat transfer properties of the added compounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional additives like trialkyl phosphates are used, then heat transfer is improved, but corrosion of aluminium surfaces occurs due to hydrolysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcorrosion of aluminium
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, corrosion-prone traditional additives with compounds of structure (I) and (II) that provide similar heat transfer benefits without the harmful hydrolysis and corrosion effects. These alternative compounds serve as sustainable replacements that eliminate the harmful side effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The compounds of structure (I) and (II) act as intermediary substances that facilitate heat transfer between the absorption medium and aluminium surfaces without causing corrosion. They mediate the interaction between the ionic liquid and metal surface, providing thermal conductivity benefits while protecting the aluminium from hydrolytic corrosion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If aqueous solutions of lithium bromide or calcium chloride are used, then absorption capability is improved, but corrosion towards construction materials increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption capabilityVSAvoidcorrosion towards construction materials
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing traditional aqueous salt solutions with ionic liquids combined with compounds of structure (I) and (II). This parameter change maintains high absorption capability while eliminating the corrosive effects on aluminium and other construction materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite absorption medium that combines the high absorption capability of ionic liquids with the corrosion-resistant properties of compounds (I) and (II). This composite material achieves both high absorption performance and compatibility with aluminium construction materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 new absorption media exhibit improved heat transfer and dehumidification capacity, reducing equipment complexity and energy consumption while being non-corrosive to aluminium surfaces.

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

at least partially removing water from the liquid absorption medium... to obtain a liquid absorption medium having a relatively low water content

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11207635B2Process for dehumidifying moist gas mixtures
Publication Date: 2021.12.28 EVONIK OPERATIONS GMBH
  • US11207635B2 patent drawing
  • US11207635B2 patent drawing
  • US11207635B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A process and an apparatus for dehumidifying a moist gas mixture are provided. The apparatus for dehumidifying a moist gas mixture can be used and in the process. The absorption medium used in the process and the apparatus is also provided.