Method, apparatus and system for producing granulated solid carbon dioxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for producing granulated solid carbon dioxide are energy-inefficient, dependent on external power sources, and lack mobility due to their complex and heavy designs, which require hydraulic or pneumatic systems and consume significant energy for operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize the energy of expanding carbon dioxide gas to produce mechanical energy for compacting and extruding solid carbon dioxide particles, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for external power sources by integrating gas expanders to convert gas pressure energy into mechanical energy for granulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hydraulic or pneumatic systems are used to power the pressing member, then the granulation process can be implemented, but the device becomes energy-dependent and requires external power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the expanding carbon dioxide gas produced during granulation to automatically power the pressing member through a pneumatic cylinder, eliminating the need for external power sources. The gas expander converts the energy of expanding CO2 gas into mechanical energy that drives the pressing member reciprocatingly, making the system self-powered and energy-independent.
2Ease of manufacture
If complex power systems such as hydraulic systems or crank-shaft mechanisms are used, then the granulation process can be powered, but the device becomes heavier and less mobile
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the inherently produced expanding CO2 gas to drive a pneumatic cylinder that powers the pressing member, eliminating the need for heavy external power systems like hydraulic pumps or motor-driven crank-shaft mechanisms. This self-powered approach significantly reduces device weight and enhances mobility while maintaining granulation functionality.
3Power
If hydraulic systems or crank-shaft mechanisms with gear boxes are used, then mechanical energy can be supplied for granulation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a pneumatic cylinder directly powered by expanding CO2 gas to drive the pressing member reciprocatingly, eliminating complex mechanical power transmission systems such as gear boxes, couplings, and external motors. This direct pneumatic actuation simplifies the device structure, reduces the number of moving parts, and lowers maintenance requirements while providing sufficient mechanical energy for granulation.
4Productivity
If the energy of expanding carbon dioxide gas is not utilized, then the granulation process can proceed, but energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the previously wasted expanding energy of CO2 gas into useful mechanical work by using a pneumatic cylinder to power the pressing member. The expanding gas that would otherwise be discarded is now harnessed to drive the granulation process, transforming energy loss into energy gain and significantly improving overall system efficiency.
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 a more energy-efficient production of granulated solid carbon dioxide with reduced energy consumption and increased mobility, as mechanical energy from gas expansion is used directly for granulation, enhancing the operational efficiency and reducing the device's reliance on external power.
Implementation Method 1
the energy of expanding carbon dioxide gas produced by a sudden reduction of pressure of liquid carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the production of granulated solid carbon dioxide mainly for the purpose of cleaning surfaces of parts of various industrial equipment from operational and process surface contaminants and for the purpose of cooling various objects.Provided herein methods, devices and a system for compacting the solid carbon dioxide particles produced by expanding liquid carbon dioxide, wherein the mechanical energy obtained by converting the pressure energy of the compressed gaseous carbon dioxide produced by said expanding of said liquid carbon dioxide is used for compacting.