Multi-Chamber Flow Distribution for Cyclic Adsorption Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adsorption technologies face inefficiencies and operational challenges, particularly in high-flow-rate and high-concentration gas separation processes, with rotary-bed systems being mechanically complex and fixed-bed systems having high investment and running costs, irregular utility consumption, and safety issues, while also requiring complex valve and piping systems for distributing multiple flows.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a system of distribution devices to simultaneously and intermittently switch multiple gas flows through a plurality of process chambers containing adsorbent material, allowing for simultaneous adsorption, primary desorption, secondary desorption, and cooling steps in shorter cycles, using a configuration that replaces conventional valves and piping with a more efficient and safer setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed-bed adsorption technologies are used, then high effectiveness and reliability are achieved, but device complexity and operational safety issues increase due to requiring multiple beds with alternating operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the adsorption process into multiple independent process chambers (at least 4 chambers), each capable of operating in different phases (adsorption, desorption, cooling) simultaneously. This segmentation allows continuous operation without requiring complex switching between multiple fixed beds, thereby maintaining high effectiveness while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic flow distribution through intermittent switching devices that cyclically redirect gas flows between different chambers. The system transitions from static fixed-bed operation to dynamic multi-chamber operation, where flows are continuously redistributed among chambers in different operational phases, improving both effectiveness and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Device complexity
If rotary-bed adsorption technologies are used, then device complexity is reduced and space requirements are lowered, but effectiveness and efficiency deteriorate for high flow rates and concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single rotating bed, the system segments the adsorbent material into multiple stationary chambers, each functioning as an independent adsorption unit. This segmentation allows each chamber to handle specific flow rates and concentrations effectively, maintaining high effectiveness while achieving the compactness and simplified operation of rotary systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous adsorption activity by maintaining at least one chamber in the adsorption phase at all times while other chambers undergo desorption or cooling. This continuous operation capability allows the system to handle high flow rates and concentrations effectively, overcoming the intermittent operation limitation of rotary-bed systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple fixed beds with alternating adsorption and desorption steps are used, then high purification effectiveness is achieved, but operational safety problems and irregular utility consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the purification process into multiple simultaneous chamber operations, where desorption occurs in isolated chambers away from the adsorption zones. This spatial segmentation enhances operational safety by preventing hazardous conditions from affecting the entire system, while maintaining high purification effectiveness through continuous adsorption in dedicated chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
By maintaining continuous adsorption in dedicated chambers while other chambers undergo desorption and cooling, the system ensures steady utility consumption patterns and consistent purification performance. This continuous operation eliminates the irregular utility consumption associated with alternating fixed-bed operations and improves operational safety through stable, predictable system behavior.
4Quantity of substance
If adsorption processes are used for separating compounds at high flow rates and concentrations, then environmental protection and economic recovery goals are met, but mechanical complexity and operational challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the high-capacity adsorption process into multiple parallel chambers, each handling a portion of the total flow rate and concentration load. This segmentation allows the system to process large quantities of compounds effectively while avoiding the mechanical complexity of single high-capacity units, as each chamber operates independently with simpler requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each process chamber is designed to be multi-functional, capable of performing adsorption, desorption, and cooling operations sequentially. This universality allows the system to handle high flow rates and concentrations efficiently while using a standardized chamber design, reducing overall mechanical complexity compared to specialized components for each function.
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 approach enables effective, safe, and reliable adsorption with intensive use of adsorbent material, reducing costs and space requirements, achieving high recovery yields and meeting stringent emission regulations, while using liquid nitrogen for energy-efficient compound recovery and emission remediation.
Implementation Method 1
a first gas flow to be purified is passed through a bed of adsorbent material contained in a process chamber
Implementation Method 2
A heated inert gas flow, generated by the cooling step, is then circulated through the process chamber in counter-current direction with respect to the primary flow direction, for desorbing volatile compounds from the adsorbent material
Implementation Method 3
a cooling gas flow is then circulated through the process chamber in the same direction as the primary gas flow, for cooling the adsorbent material bed
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for distributing a plurality of fluid which flows through a plurality of chambers and an apparatus for performing this method, which comprises a first fluid flow distribution device (2), with no mixing feature, having a first plurality P of inlet/outlet lines (31, 32, 33, 34) opposite a second plurality N of inlet/outlet lines (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48), where N≧P, said first distribution device (2) selectively connecting each of said lines of said second plurality N of lines (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48) with one of said lines of said first plurality P of lines (31, 32, 33, 34), said first distribution device (2) being adapted for simultaneous intermittent and sequential switching of the connection between all of said N lines of said second plurality of lines with all of said P lines of said first plurality of lines, to sequentially provide N different possible inlet/outlet patterns; a second fluid flow distribution device (6), said second distribution devices (6) have a synchronized operation with said first distribution device (2); with no mixing feature, having a first plurality N of inlet/outlet lines (71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78) opposite to a second plurality P of inlet/outlet lines (81, 72, 83, 84), where N≧P, said second distribution device (6) selectively connecting each of said lines of said first plurality N of lines (71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78) with one of said lines of said second plurality P of lines (81, 82, 83, 84), said second distribution device (6) being adapted for simultaneous intermittent and sequential switching of the connection between all of said N lines of said first plurality of lines with all of said P lines of said second plurality of lines, to sequentially provide N different possible inlet/outlet patterns; a plurality N of process chamber (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58) for containing a non-cohesive material (15), each chamber being in communication with a line (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48) of said second plurality of lines of said first distribution device (2) and with a line (71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78) of said first plurality of lines of said second distribution device (6); said method and apparatus are particularly suitable for carrying out adsorption processes.