Moving Bed Adsorption Regeneration via Gravity Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moving bed adsorption processes and devices are not as effective and efficient as desired for the separation of species from feed streams.

Innovation Solution

A process and device configuration for moving bed adsorption that includes an adsorption zone and a regeneration zone, where the adsorbent is regenerated by desorbing the species with a regeneration gas, and the regenerated adsorbent flows back to the adsorption zone by gravity, with flow rates below minimum fluidization velocities to prevent fluidization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If flow rates are reduced below minimum fluidization velocity to prevent fluidization, then adsorbent bed stability is improved, but mass transfer efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadsorbent bed stabilityVSAvoidmass transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing the adsorbent bed to transition between fixed bed mode (during adsorption when flow is below minimum fluidization velocity) and fluidized bed mode (during regeneration when flow exceeds minimum fluidization velocity). This dynamic switching enables the system to achieve both bed stability during adsorption and enhanced mass transfer during regeneration, resolving the contradiction between stability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between adsorption phase (low flow, stable bed) and regeneration phase (high flow, fluidized bed) in a cyclic manner. During adsorption, flow is kept below minimum fluidization velocity to maintain bed stability. During regeneration, flow is increased above minimum fluidization velocity to enhance mass transfer and desorption efficiency. This periodic switching allows the system to optimize for different objectives at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If temperature swing adsorption is used to separate species, then separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by using the spent regeneration gas (which is cooler and contains the adsorbed species) to cool the incoming feed stream during adsorption. This internal heat exchange reduces the external cooling energy required. Additionally, the system uses the exothermic heat of adsorption itself to provide part of the heating needed during regeneration, reducing external energy input. These self-service mechanisms reduce overall energy consumption while maintaining separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions in the temperature swing adsorption process: during adsorption, the feed stream is cooled (condensation phase transition) to enhance adsorption equilibrium. During regeneration, the adsorbent is heated (vaporization phase transition) to desorb the species. By strategically using these phase transitions, the system achieves efficient separation while managing energy requirements through the natural heat effects of the phase changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Productivity

If moving bed adsorption is implemented to improve efficiency, then process effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the adsorption and regeneration zones into a single integrated reactor vessel, eliminating the need for separate fixed beds and associated switching mechanisms. The moving bed configuration allows adsorbent to move continuously from the regeneration zone to the adsorption zone and back, integrating multiple functions into one device. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high process effectiveness through continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the single reactor vessel to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the adsorption zone (when adsorbent flows downward) and the regeneration zone (when adsorbent flows upward), and it simultaneously handles both adsorption and regeneration operations. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated zones and switching equipment, reducing device complexity while improving process effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250099905A1Processes and apparatuses for species adsorption and adsorbent regeneration

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 UOP LLC

AI summary

Processes and apparatuses for adsorbing a species from a feed stream and regenerating adsorbent. A species from a feed stream is adsorbed in an adsorption zone with an adsorbent to provide a species lean stream and a species enriched adsorbent. In a regeneration zone disposed above the adsorption zone, the species from the species enriched adsorbent is desorbed with a regeneration gas to provide a regenerated adsorbent and a spent regeneration gas. A portion of the species lean stream is used as the regeneration gas.