Porous Flow Passage Plate for Uniform Gas Adsorbent Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas adsorption devices face inefficiencies in heat transfer to adsorbents away from heat transfer pipes, leading to difficulty in temperature control and reduced adsorption performance.

Innovation Solution

A flow channel forming plate with a porous plate having higher thermal conductivity than the gas adsorbent, disposed to form channels with the adsorbent inside, and a casing to hold these plates, along with a temperature control unit for efficient temperature management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heat transfer pipe is used to control temperature of the adsorbent, then the adsorbent near the pipe can be temperature-controlled, but heat transfer efficiency decreases in regions away from the pipe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control of adsorbentVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The adsorbent bed is segmented into multiple regions by inserting flow channel forming plates with hole portions at regular intervals. This segmentation allows heat transfer pipes to be distributed throughout the adsorbent bed rather than concentrated in one location, enabling uniform temperature control across all regions while maintaining high heat transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If heat transfer pipes are used for temperature control, then adsorption can occur, but temperature uniformity across the adsorbent bed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption performanceVSAvoidtemperature uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Flow channel forming plates with hole portions are strategically positioned at specific locations within the adsorbent bed to create localized flow channels. This local modification directs gas flow and heat transfer to specific regions, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the entire adsorbent bed while maintaining reliable adsorption performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If adsorbent is packed around heat transfer pipes, then temperature control is possible, but adsorption efficiency decreases due to poor heat transfer in away regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control capabilityVSAvoidadsorption efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a one-dimensional heat transfer approach (pipes surrounded by adsorbent) to a three-dimensional heat transfer network by inserting flow channel forming plates with hole portions throughout the adsorbent bed. This dimensional expansion creates multiple heat transfer pathways in different directions, ensuring efficient heat and mass transfer throughout the entire adsorbent volume and significantly improving adsorption efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 heat transfer to the adsorbent, stabilizes temperature uniformity, and increases the efficiency and longevity of gas adsorption processes.

Implementation Method 1

the porous plate is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity higher than a thermal conductivity of the gas adsorbent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4717342A1Flow passage formation plate, gas adsorption unit, and gas adsorption device
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD
  • EP4717342A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4717342A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4717342A1 patent drawing

AI summary

This flow path formation plate is used for forming a flow path of a gas adsorption unit, and comprises: a porous plate having a plurality of hole parts extending in the plate thickness direction; and a gas adsorbent disposed so as to fill the inside of each hole part. The porous plate is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity higher than the thermal conductivity of the gas adsorbent.