Multi-Channel Adsorption Tower for Longer Paths and In-Situ Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adsorption towers face issues such as nonuniform adsorbent distribution, short adsorption path, frequent adsorbent replacement, high heat loss, and inefficient utilization of adsorbent due to simple stacking and harsh operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel adsorption tower design with tray and partition assemblies, ceramic balls, and graded alumina adsorbent particles, combined with low-temperature liquid flushing and nitrogen purge for desorption regeneration, to extend adsorption path and improve adsorption efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If simple stacking of adsorbent is used in traditional adsorption tower, then device structure is simple, but adsorption path is excessively short and space utilization rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The adsorption tower is divided into multiple channels (first channel, second channel, third channel) with tray assemblies and partition assemblies creating distinct flow paths. This segmentation extends the adsorption path from a simple vertical stack to a multi-dimensional flow pattern through the adsorbent beds, allowing material to traverse longer paths while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of radial partitions and tray assemblies transforms the adsorption path from a one-dimensional vertical flow to a multi-dimensional path that includes radial and axial components. Material flows through multiple levels and channels, effectively increasing the adsorption path length without proportionally increasing tower height.
2Quantity of substance
If nonuniform adsorbent distribution is used in traditional adsorption tower, then filling process is simple, but adsorbent utilization is insufficient and wear is easy
Solution Approach 1:
The partition assemblies create localized zones with controlled adsorbent distribution. Each channel and tray section can be independently filled and optimized for specific flow rates and contact patterns. This ensures uniform adsorbent distribution in each local zone, improving overall utilization and reducing wear hotspots while maintaining relatively simple filling procedures through modular assembly.
3Productivity
If adsorption tower and desorption tower are separated, then regeneration process is simple, but adsorption is interrupted and processing capacity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The first channel and second channel are merged into a single integrated adsorption tower structure, allowing one channel to perform adsorption while the other simultaneously performs desorption. This merging eliminates the need for separate towers while maintaining continuous operation, as regeneration in one channel does not interrupt adsorption in the other channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-channel design enables continuous useful action by allowing adsorption and desorption to occur simultaneously in different channels. While the first channel is adsorbing, the second channel can be regenerated, and vice versa. This eliminates downtime and maintains continuous processing capacity without requiring separate towers.
4Loss of energy
If thermal regeneration process is used for adsorbent, then regeneration efficiency is high, but heat loss is large and operating conditions are harsh
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid intermediary (such as a desorption agent or process stream) is introduced to facilitate the desorption process. This intermediary carries the adsorbed contaminants away from the adsorbent at lower temperatures, replacing the need for high-temperature thermal regeneration. The intermediary acts as a mediator that enables effective regeneration while minimizing energy loss and avoiding harsh thermal conditions.
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
Enhances adsorption path contact time, improves adsorbent utilization, reduces heat loss, and enables simultaneous adsorption and desorption, increasing processing capacity and adsorbent recycling rate.
Implementation Method 1
Adsorption desulfurization is a technology in which an adsorbent is used in an adsorption tower to selectively adsorb sulfur-containing substances from a material
Implementation Method 2
a certain amount of liquid medium enters the adsorption tower to flush the adsorbent
Implementation Method 3
nitrogen enters the adsorption tower to purge the adsorbent
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a multi-channel adsorption tower including a tower body, an upper head, a lower head, tray assemblies, partition assemblies, a support plate, ceramic balls and an adsorbent. The interior of the adsorption tower is divided from bottom to top into a feed chamber, a first-stage adsorption chamber, a second-stage adsorption chamber, a third-stage adsorption chamber and a discharge chamber in sequence by the tray assemblies. Each adsorption chamber is equally divided into four material compartments by the partition assemblies. The adsorption chambers are filled with the adsorbent, and unloading ports are provided at the outside of each adsorption chamber. A feed port is provided at the bottom of the lower head, and a discharge port is provided at the top of the upper head. The feed chamber and the discharge chamber contain ceramic balls. The arrangement provides two material paths in the adsorption tower.