Monolithic Adsorption Element for Dust-Free Gas Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adsorption devices using granular adsorbents face issues such as dust formation, reduced drying capacity, and structural failure due to fluidisation and thermal shocks, especially when the adsorbent becomes saturated and is not adequately regenerated.
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 even under high humidity and temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If granular adsorbent is used in conventional adsorption devices, then the device can achieve gas treatment function, but dust formation and reduced drying capacity occur due to grain movement and fluidisation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a monolithic porous supporting structure with high surface area to volume ratio that provides adequate adsorption capacity while maintaining structural integrity. The porous nature allows gas flow through the structure without causing grain movement, eliminating dust formation while preserving drying efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a monolithic supporting structure (ceramic, metal, or polymer) combined with a coating layer containing the adsorbent material. This composite approach provides both mechanical strength to prevent structural failure and adsorption functionality to treat the gas stream effectively
2Quantity of substance
If granular adsorbent is used to achieve adequate adsorption capacity, then gas drying function is maintained, but structural failure occurs due to thermal shocks and pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mechanically robust monolithic supporting structure with a functional adsorbent coating layer. The monolithic structure (made of ceramic, metal, or polymer) provides resistance to thermal shocks and pressure variations, while the coating layer contains sufficient adsorbent material to maintain adequate gas treatment capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic supporting structure is designed with porous characteristics that provide high surface area for adsorbent coating while maintaining mechanical strength. This porous monolithic structure resists thermal shocks and pressure variations better than granular materials, preventing structural failure during operation
3Productivity
If gas flow rate is increased to improve productivity, then treatment efficiency increases, but fluidisation and grain movement occur with granular adsorbent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure where the monolithic supporting structure acts as a rigid framework that remains stable at high gas flow rates. The adsorbent material is fixed within this framework through coating, preventing grain movement and fluidisation even when productivity is increased through higher flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic porous structure provides a fixed framework that maintains its composition and structure stability regardless of gas flow rate. The porous architecture allows high flow rates while the rigid monolithic nature prevents the fluidisation and grain movement problems associated with granular adsorbents
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 efficient and continuous gas treatment without dust formation and structural failure, allowing for vertical, horizontal, or any orientation of the adsorption device, and maintains adsorption capacity over the device's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorption element is affixed in the vessel concerned, which extends along the flow direction of the compressed gas or the non-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
Data Source
AI summary
An adsorption device for compressed gas or a non-compressed gas, is provided with a vessel with an inlet for the supply of a compressed gas or a non-compressed gas to be treated, and an outlet for treated gas and an adsorption element is affixed in the vessel. The adsorption element extends along the flow direction of the compressed gas or the non-compressed gas to be treated, between the inlet and the outlet. The adsorption element has a monolithic supporting structure that is at least partially provided with a coating that contains an adsorbent.