Oxygen Production Adsorber Setpoints for Balanced PSA Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PSA gas stream separation units with multiple adsorbers follow identical pressure cycles with a time lag, leading to suboptimal performance due to inherent variations and minor imbalances among the adsorbers, which are not effectively addressed by conventional adjustment methods.
Innovation Solution
A method for adjusting gas stream separation units by individually setting target values for each adsorber, including continuous measurement and comparison of physical parameters, allowing for differentiated adjustments to improve overall unit performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If identical pressure cycles are applied to all adsorbers, then the control system is simple and easy to operate, but the performance is suboptimal due to variations among adsorbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different set points to different adsorbers based on their individual characteristics. Each adsorber receives a customized pressure cycle with specific set points that account for variations in adsorbent properties, leading to optimized performance for each unit rather than applying a uniform control approach to all adsorbers.
2Productivity
If individual adjustments are made for each adsorber, then the performance and yield are improved, but the device complexity and adjustment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies operational parameters (pressure set points) for each adsorber based on measured characteristics such as adsorbent mass, density, and composition. By changing these parameters individually for each adsorber, the system achieves optimal performance while accounting for unit-specific variations without requiring structural modifications to the adsorbers themselves.
3Ease of repair
If conventional adjustment methods are used, then the system is easy to maintain, but minor imbalances among adsorbers are not effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual performance of each adsorber is continuously monitored and compared against target values. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts the pressure set points for each adsorber to correct imbalances and maintain optimal performance, ensuring consistent operation across all units.
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 the efficiency and performance of gas separation units by optimizing individual adsorber operations, resulting in improved yield and purity with minimal adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a gas phase adsorption process can be used to separate one or more molecules from a gas mixture containing said molecules, by utilizing the difference in affinity of one or more adsorbents for the various constituent molecules of the mixture
Implementation Method 2
the adsorbent, at the end of the production phase, is regenerated by desorption of the impurities, which is achieved by means of a fall in their partial pressure
Implementation Method 3
in PSA processes, the adsorbent, at the end of the production phase, is regenerated by desorption of the impurities, which is achieved by means of a fall in their partial pressure. This fall in pressure can be achieved by a fall in the total pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting a gas stream separation unit having N adsorbers, where N≥2, each following a PSA, VSA or VPSA adsorption cycle, with a time lag of a phase time, said adjustment method including continuously measuring a physical parameter associated with the gas stream entering and/or leaving the adsorber; for at least one step of the adsorption cycle, determining at least one characteristic value of the step chosen in step a) which is selected from the values of the physical parameter measured in step a) or a function of those values; comparing this characteristic value with a target value; and modifying the flow of the gas stream in order to obtain the target value, in the event of a variation between the value of this (these) difference(s) and the target values.