Process for dehumidifying moist gas mixtures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dehumidification technologies face challenges with high viscosity absorption media and propensity to precipitate when exposed to CO2, leading to increased energy consumption and equipment issues in air conditioning and absorption chillers.

Innovation Solution

A process using a liquid absorption medium comprising a mixture of triethylene glycol and specific salts, such as dialkylimidazolium acetates or propionates, which reduces viscosity and prevents precipitation when in contact with CO2, facilitating efficient dehumidification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ionic liquids are used as absorption medium, then dehumidification capability is achieved, but viscosity is too high leading to poor flowability and increased energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedehumidification capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the absorption medium by combining ionic liquids with specific glycol ethers (diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, or triethylene glycol monomethyl ether) in controlled ratios. This parameter change reduces viscosity while maintaining dehumidification capability, improving flowability and reducing pumping energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite absorption medium by mixing ionic liquids with glycol ethers. This composite approach combines the high dehumidification capability of ionic liquids with the low viscosity and good flowability of glycol ethers, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If certain ionic liquids are used to absorb moisture, then dehumidification is achieved, but precipitation occurs upon contact with CO2 leading to equipment blockages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedehumidification performanceVSAvoidCO2-induced precipitation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The glycol ether acts as an intermediary substance that prevents the direct harmful interaction between ionic liquids and CO2. The glycol ether modifies the absorption medium's response to CO2, preventing precipitation while allowing moisture absorption to continue effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the absorption medium by adding glycol ethers, which fundamentally alters how the medium interacts with CO2. This parameter change eliminates the precipitation problem while preserving dehumidification performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If high viscosity absorption medium is used, then dehumidification capability is maintained, but flowability deteriorates causing equipment outages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedehumidification capabilityVSAvoidflowability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the absorption medium by incorporating glycol ethers, which significantly reduce viscosity. This improves flowability and eliminates equipment blockages while maintaining dehumidification capability through the ionic liquid component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite of ionic liquid and glycol ether combines the advantageous properties of both substances: ionic liquid provides dehumidification capability while glycol ether provides flowability, resolving the contradiction between capability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution achieves lower viscosity for improved flowability and prevents CO2-induced precipitation, reducing energy consumption and equipment failures, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of dehumidification processes.

Implementation Method 1

the moist gas mixture G1 is contacted with a liquid absorption medium A1 which comprises a mixture of triethylene glycol and at least one salt S

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

A process using a liquid absorption medium comprising a mixture of triethylene glycol and specific salts, such as dialkylimidazolium acetates or propionates, which reduces viscosity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosity reduction:

Implementation Method 3

prevents CO2-induced precipitation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrecipitation prevention: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentUS10493400B2Process for dehumidifying moist gas mixtures

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 EVONIK OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a process for dehumidifying a moist gas mixture and to the absorption medium used in the process. The invention further relates to an apparatus for dehumidifying a moist gas mixture and to the use of said apparatus in the process according to the invention.