PSA Gas Separation Phase-Time Control for Flexible Product Yield
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure swing adsorption (PSA) units lack operational flexibility to increase product extraction yield while maintaining purge rate or vice versa, leading to inefficiencies and high construction and operating costs, especially when dealing with fluctuating gas compositions or changing product specifications.
Innovation Solution
A method and unit for PSA that adjusts phase time and rinsing fluid flow rate to optimize extraction yields, allowing for increased flexibility by modifying these parameters to meet specific yield thresholds, thereby enhancing separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PSA units operate with fixed phase time and rinsing flow rate, then the system is simple to operate, but it lacks operational flexibility to increase product extraction yield while maintaining purge rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the phase time and rinsing fluid flow rate adjustable parameters rather than fixed values. The control system dynamically modifies these parameters based on operational requirements, allowing the PSA unit to adapt to varying product specifications and maximize extraction yields while maintaining purge rates, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying the phase time and rinsing fluid flow rate to optimize separation performance. By changing these key operational parameters, the system can achieve different extraction yields and purge rates, providing the needed operational flexibility without requiring fundamental system redesign.
2Productivity
If conventional PSA units use fixed operational parameters, then construction and operating costs are lower, but extraction yields cannot be optimized for fluctuating gas compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control system monitors operational parameters and adjusts phase time and rinsing fluid flow rate based on real-time conditions. This feedback enables the system to optimize extraction yields in response to fluctuating gas compositions while avoiding excessive energy consumption by adjusting parameters only when necessary, rather than operating at maximum capacity continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing dynamic adjustment of operational parameters, the system can optimize extraction yields for specific gas compositions without maintaining high energy consumption levels. The dynamic control allows the system to match energy input with actual production requirements, resolving the contradiction between maximizing productivity and minimizing operating costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PSA units operate without adjustable parameters, then the system is easier to operate, but it cannot meet changing product specifications or fluctuating gas compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically adjust phase time and rinsing fluid flow rate based on detected gas compositions and product specifications. The control system performs the optimization autonomously without requiring complex manual intervention, thereby providing adaptability to changing conditions while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.
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 method improves operational flexibility, allowing for higher product extraction yields and purge rates while maintaining purity, reducing energy consumption, and lowering installation costs by optimizing the PSA process.
Implementation Method 1
A method and unit for PSA (pressure swing adsorption) that adjusts phase time and rinsing fluid flow rate
Implementation Method 2
separation by adsorption a gas supplied to said unit... extraction of highly adsorbable compounds
Implementation Method 3
the other case the term PSA unit is used for pressure swing adsorption separation units... regeneration is performed through a drop in pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method for separating a feedstock gas by pressure swing adsorption which produces a first gaseous fraction enriched in a first component and a second gaseous fraction enriched in a second component, the separation unit comprising a plurality of adsorbers, the pressure cycle comprising a plurality of steps including at least one adsorption step and at least one rinsing step in which a rinsing fluid enriched in a first component flows through at least one adsorber so as to flush at least some of the second component out of the adsorber, the pressure cycle having a phase time corresponding to the duration of the pressure cycle divided by the number of adsorbers.