Modular PSA Column Set with Shared Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure swing adsorption (PSA) systems for gas separation are costly and inflexible, requiring numerous operation valves and custom-built components, making them unsuitable for small-scale or scalable applications.
Innovation Solution
An adsorption column set with a first set of adsorption columns connected in series and additional sets connected in parallel, sharing operation valves and auxiliary equipment, allowing for easy capacity expansion with identical adsorption columns and simplified valve management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple adsorption columns are connected in series with individual operation valves for each column, then gas separation functionality is achieved, but device complexity and implementation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adsorption columns share common operation valves and auxiliary equipment instead of each column having dedicated valves. The patent describes a system where several adsorption columns are connected in series and share common feed and discharge lines with shared operation valves, reducing the total number of valves needed while maintaining the gas separation functionality through coordinated operation of the shared valves.
Solution Approach 2:
Operation valves and auxiliary equipment are designed to serve multiple adsorption columns simultaneously. The shared operation valves can direct gas flow to and from multiple columns in different operational stages, making each valve perform multiple functions across different columns rather than being dedicated to a single column.
2Reliability
If custom-built adsorption columns are manufactured for each specific application, then system performance is optimized, but manufacturing costs and implementation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adsorption column system is divided into modular units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in series. Each adsorption column is a standardized module with common interfaces, allowing them to be produced separately using standardized manufacturing processes and then connected together to form the complete separation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different performance levels by changing operational parameters (pressure, flow rates, cycle timing) rather than requiring custom-built hardware for each application. The standardized adsorption columns can be configured for different gas separation applications by adjusting operational parameters and control sequences rather than manufacturing custom columns.
3Productivity
If adsorption column capacity is increased by adding more columns, then gas separation capacity improves, but system complexity and valve requirements increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adsorption columns are merged into a coordinated system that shares common auxiliary equipment and operation valves. The patent describes configuring several adsorption columns in series with shared feed lines, discharge lines, and operation valves that control flow distribution among the columns, allowing capacity scaling without proportional increases in valve and equipment quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorption columns operate in periodic cycles with different stages (adsorption, regeneration, cooling) coordinated through shared operation valves. By implementing periodic operation where columns cycle through different stages in sequence, the system can handle larger gas separation capacities using a fixed number of shared valves that are timed to serve multiple columns at different points in their operational cycles.
4Reliability
If high pressure is applied for adsorption, then adsorption efficiency improves, but pressure vessel manufacturing requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure management function is segmented between the adsorption columns and external pressure control equipment. Rather than requiring all components to be high-pressure rated, the system uses adsorption columns at moderate pressure with external compressors and pressure regulators that can be optimized separately, reducing the overall pressure vessel manufacturing burden while maintaining high adsorption efficiency during the adsorption phase.
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
This configuration reduces implementation costs and allows for flexible capacity adjustments, enabling efficient gas separation with lower energy consumption and compact, scalable systems for applications like carbon dioxide and methane separation.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorption medium for adsorbing a first gas by the action of pressure
Implementation Method 2
separating two or more gases of a gas mixture from each other using pressure swing adsorption
Implementation Method 3
Gas adsorbed in the adsorption medium can be separated from the adsorption medium by decreasing the pressure of the adsorption column and by applying a vacuum in the adsorption column, whereupon the adsorption medium is simultaneously regenerated.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a set for separating two or more gases from each other, including:a first adsorption column set comprising at least two columns in series;an optional number of additional column sets comprising additional columns;connectors connecting each parallel additional column to the column;auxiliary equipment feeding a gas mixture to the columns and additional columns jointly and discharging separated gases according to pressure swing adsorption.