Pressure Control Unit for Safe CO2 Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment devices face issues with uncontrolled fluid escape and potential operator injury when coupling high-pressure CO2 containers, leading to seal damage and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A pressure control unit that reduces the actual CO2 pressure to a setpoint pressure before release, using a triggering device to separate the coupling and fluid supply steps, preventing uncontrolled fluid escape and ensuring safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a fluid container under increased pressure (about 60 bar) is coupled to a processing device, then the fluid can be supplied to the device, but the fluid escapes uncontrolled and seals are damaged or accidentally lost from a seal seat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure control unit that is pre-connected to the processing device before the high-pressure fluid container is coupled. This preliminary setup ensures that the pressure reduction mechanism is already in place, so when the fluid container is connected and fluid begins to flow, the pressure is immediately controlled and reduced to a safe level, preventing uncontrolled fluid escape and seal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control unit acts as an intermediary component between the high-pressure fluid container and the processing device. It includes a pressure regulator that reduces the high pressure (about 60 bar) to a lower, safer pressure before the fluid reaches the processing device and seals, thereby mediating the harmful high-pressure effects while maintaining fluid supply functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a fluid container under increased pressure is coupled to a processing device by screwing in, then the fluid container can be connected, but operator injuries can occur during the coupling process
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control unit is pre-assembled and connected to the processing device before the operator handles the high-pressure fluid container. This preliminary preparation eliminates the risk of uncontrolled fluid release during the coupling operation, making the process safer for operators while maintaining ease of connection through the simple screw-in mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control unit serves as a safety intermediary that operators interact with first (a safer, low-pressure component), and only after it is properly installed do they connect the high-pressure fluid container. This intermediary step protects operators from direct exposure to high-pressure fluid during the coupling process.
3Productivity
If the fluid is released at high pressure, then the fluid supply is efficient, but seals are damaged or unintentionally removed from a sealing seat
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control unit with its pressure regulator acts as an intermediary that maintains fluid supply efficiency by ensuring continuous flow while simultaneously protecting seal integrity by limiting the pressure at which fluid contacts the seals and processing device to a safe, reduced level.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulator in the pressure control unit dynamically changes the pressure parameter of the fluid from high pressure (about 60 bar) to a lower, controlled pressure before the fluid enters the processing device. This parameter transformation maintains productivity by preserving fluid flow while eliminating the harmful high-pressure effects that damage seals.
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
The pressure control unit safely and reliably couples CO2 containers to water treatment devices, preventing seal damage and operator injury by controlling fluid release, ensuring a safe and efficient treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
In a pressure regulator connected to the inlet opening, the actual pressure is reduced in a controlled manner to the specified setpoint pressure of the fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The pressure regulating unit (1) has a releasing device (13) for releasing supply of fluid into the pressure regulating unit. An inlet opening (14) is provided for receiving the fluid supplied with actual pressure (p-ist). A pressure regulator has a longitudinal axis and is connected with the inlet opening. The pressure regulator is provided for regulated reduction of the actual pressure on a desired pressure of the fluid. An independent claim is also included for a device for treating of drinking water, which has a fluid-container.