Liquid Carbon Dioxide Supply Device Cooling Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supercritical fluid extraction devices face challenges with unstable liquid carbon dioxide flow rates due to large chillers required for cooling, leading to increased apparatus size and temperature instability.
Innovation Solution
A liquid carbon dioxide supply device with first and second flow paths, a compressor for refrigerant circulation, and a heat exchanger for direct cooling, eliminating the need for a chiller and stabilizing the flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a chiller is used to cool the flow path for liquid carbon dioxide, then the cooling capacity is sufficient, but the apparatus size increases and installation space is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cooling function directly into the flow path structure by forming cooling channels within the flow path walls, merging the cooling system and flow path into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate external chillers and reduces overall apparatus size while maintaining sufficient cooling capacity for liquid carbon dioxide.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels are nested within the flow path structure, with the cooling flow path embedded inside or within the walls of the carbon dioxide flow path. This nested arrangement allows the cooling system to occupy the same spatial envelope as the flow path, minimizing additional space requirements while providing effective cooling.
2Temperature
If a chiller with coolant is used to cool the flow path, then cooling is achieved, but temperature control stability becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat exchange medium flowing through the cooling channels as an intermediary to transfer thermal energy directly to the liquid carbon dioxide. This intermediary heat exchange medium provides stable and controlled heat transfer, improving temperature stability compared to indirect coolant-based chillers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical chiller system with a thermal field-based cooling approach, where cooling is achieved through heat exchange between the cooling medium and liquid carbon dioxide in the integrated flow path. This substitution eliminates mechanical components and improves temperature control stability through direct thermal coupling.
3Temperature
If indirect cooling with coolant is used, then cooling is achieved, but liquid carbon dioxide density becomes unstable and flow rate becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function and flow path are merged into an integrated structure, ensuring direct and efficient heat transfer to the liquid carbon dioxide. This integration stabilizes the temperature and density of the liquid carbon dioxide, maintaining reliable and stable flow rates through the system.
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 solution enables stable liquid carbon dioxide flow rates while minimizing the size of the supply device and apparatus, ensuring temperature control and reduced space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor that circulates a refrigerant through the first flow path such that a refrigerant cycle is repeated
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the first flow path and the second flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid carbon dioxide supply device is configured to supply liquid carbon dioxide to a supercritical fluid apparatus including a separation column, and includes a first flow path, a second flow path, a compressor, a heat exchanger and a pump. The compressor circulates a refrigerant through the first flow path such that a refrigerant cycle is repeated. The heat exchanger exchanges heat between the first flow path and the second flow path. The pump supplies liquid carbon dioxide flowing through the second flow path to the separation column of the supercritical fluid apparatus.