Monolithic Adsorption Element for Dust-Free Compressed Gas Drying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional adsorption devices for compressed gas using granular adsorbents face issues such as dust formation, reduced drying capacity, and structural failure due to fluidisation and thermal shocks, leading to inefficiencies and equipment failure.

Innovation Solution

The use of a monolithic supporting structure with a coating containing an adsorbent, which prevents grain movement and fluidisation, allowing for higher gas flow rates and preventing dust formation, and is designed to maintain structural integrity under high humidity and temperature conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If granular adsorbent is used in conventional adsorption devices, then the device can achieve drying function, but dust formation occurs and drying capacity is reduced due to grain movement and fluidisation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying capacityVSAvoiddust formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a monolithic porous supporting structure with integrated adsorbent coating instead of loose granular adsorbent. The porous structure provides high surface area for adsorption while maintaining structural integrity, preventing dust formation and fluidisation issues associated with granular materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure combining a monolithic supporting structure (ceramic, metal, or polymer) with a coating layer containing the adsorbent material. This composite design provides both mechanical strength to prevent structural failure and adsorption functionality, eliminating the problems of grain movement and dust generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If high gas flow rates are used to increase productivity, then output improves, but structural failure occurs due to fluidisation and thermal shocks in granular systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas flow rateVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The monolithic porous supporting structure is designed to withstand high gas flow rates without fluidisation. The interconnected porous network allows high velocity gas flow while the solid monolithic structure prevents the structural failure and dust generation that occur in granular systems under similar conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The composite construction of monolithic support with adsorbent coating creates a structurally robust system that can handle high flow rates and thermal shocks. The monolithic base provides mechanical strength while the coating maintains adsorption performance under demanding operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Duration of action of stationary object

If multiple vessels are used to enable continuous drying operation, then continuity is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidnumber of vessels
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monolithic supporting structure is divided into multiple segments or zones along the gas flow direction, with each segment containing adsorbent coating. This segmentation allows different zones to perform different functions (drying, regeneration) simultaneously, enabling continuous operation within a single integrated device rather than requiring multiple separate vessels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The monolithic structure with zoned adsorbent coating serves multiple functions within a single device - simultaneous drying and regeneration zones, eliminating the need for multiple separate vessels. This multi-functional design achieves continuous operation while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables continuous operation with high gas flow rates, prevents dust formation, and maintains structural integrity, ensuring consistent performance and extending the lifespan of the adsorption device.

Implementation Method 1

an adsorption element is affixed in the vessel concerned, which extends along the flow direction of the compressed gas to be treated between the inlet and the outlet and consists of a monolithic supporting structure that is at least partially provided with a coating that contains an adsorbent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP4331707A1Adsorption device for compressed gas
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER NV
  • EP4331707A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4331707A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4331707A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Adsorption device for compressed gas, whereby this adsorption device (1) is provided with a vessel (2A, 2B, 25) with an inlet (3A, 3B) for the supply of a compressed gas to be treated, and an outlet (4A, 4B) for treated gas and whereby an adsorption element (19A, 19B, 19) is affixed in the aforementioned vessel (2A, 2B, 25), whereby this adsorption element (19A, 19B, 19) extends along the flow direction of the compressed gas to be treated, between the aforementioned inlet (3A, 3B) and the aforementioned outlet (4A, 4B), characterised in that the aforementioned adsorption element (19A, 19B, 19) comprises a monolithic supporting structure that is at least partially provided with a coating that contains an adsorbent.