Membrane-Based Gas Drying Apparatus for Compact Hygroscopic Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas drying and cooling devices using hygroscopic solutions are not optimized for maximum capacity with a compact design, and there is a need for improved efficiency in moisture removal and regeneration processes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a compact design featuring a vapor-permeable membrane wall and countercurrent flow of gas and hygroscopic solution, along with a regeneration unit that includes multiple stages for efficient moisture absorption and desorption, utilizing a modular frame system for flexible configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional gas drying devices use hygroscopic solutions with membrane separation, then moisture removal function is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gas flow channel and solution flow channel into a single integrated membrane module. The membrane separates the gas and solution flows while both flows proceed through the same structural unit, eliminating the need for separate channels and reducing overall device complexity and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution flow channel is positioned within or adjacent to the gas flow channel structure, with the membrane acting as a shared boundary. This nested arrangement allows both flows to coexist in a compact configuration, maximizing space utilization while maintaining functional separation.
2Productivity
If the number of gas flow channels is increased to enhance drying capacity, then drying capacity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple identical membrane modules, each containing gas and solution flow channels. These modular units can be stacked or arranged in parallel to increase drying capacity while maintaining a standardized, manageable structure that doesn't proportionally increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each membrane module serves multiple functions: it provides gas flow passage, solution flow passage, moisture transfer interface, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby increasing capacity without proportional complexity increase.
3Quantity of substance
If hygroscopic solution temperature is decreased to increase absorptivity, then moisture absorption efficiency improves, but additional cooling requirements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The solution channel is thermally coupled to the gas channel through the membrane, allowing the cold solution to directly cool the warm gas during the moisture absorption process. The gas is cooled by the solution without requiring a separate cooling system, as the solution serves both absorption and cooling functions simultaneously.
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 achieves high drying and cooling capacity with a simple, compact structure, allowing for increased capacity through multiple gas flow channels and efficient regeneration of the hygroscopic solution, enhancing its absorption capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the interior or gas space of a respective gas flow channel (18) is at least partially delimited by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall (24)
Implementation Method 2
moisture, in particular water vapor, passes over the membrane wall into the hygroscopic solution (14) and is absorbed in it
Implementation Method 3
The hygroscopic solution preferably flows through the absorption device in countercurrent to the gas
Implementation Method 4
in which the hygroscopic solution is regenerated. The regenerated hygroscopic solution can then be returned to the absorption device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for drying and/or cooling gas (12), in particular air, by means of a hygroscopic solution (14), said apparatus comprising an absorption device (16) which comprises at least one gas flow duct (18) and at least one flow duct (20) carrying the hygroscopic solution, wherein the inner or gas chamber (22) of a respective gas flow duct is at least partly delimited by a vapor-permeable liquid-tight membrane wall (24) and at least one flow duct is provided, which is formed between such a gas flow duct and a further such gas flow duct adjacent to the latter or an adjacent cooling unit (26) and which carries the hygroscopic solution, so that moisture, in particular water vapor, passes from the gas into the hygroscopic solution via the membrane wall and is absorbed in said solution.