PSA Parallel Channel Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-vessel pressure swing adsorption (PSA) systems face challenges in maintaining balanced axial composition due to non-uniform distances between vessels exchanging gas through the purge channel, leading to potential off-specification gas being sent to the product channel, and require complex and costly pressure measurement systems for each vessel.
Innovation Solution
A PSA pressure measurement and control system with a reduced number of pressure measuring devices, using parallel channels and a controller to monitor pressures and optimize vessel configurations, minimizing distance between purge vessels and reducing the number of pressure sensors and valves needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure measuring devices are provided for each vessel to monitor PSA cycle performance, then measurement precision and system control are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure measurement function from individual vessels to the shared parallel channels. Instead of having separate pressure measuring devices for each vessel, the system uses a single pressure measuring device in the parallel channel that measures pressure for all vessels simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel channel serves multiple vessels simultaneously, making the pressure measuring device universal. The same pressure measuring device monitors pressure for multiple vessels during different stages of the PSA cycle, eliminating the need for dedicated pressure sensors for each vessel and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-uniform distances between vessels in purge channel are used, then system flexibility is improved, but axial composition balance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure measurement feedback from the parallel channel to monitor and control the purge process. The controller receives pressure signals and adjusts the purge operation to maintain balanced axial composition, compensating for non-uniform vessel distances through active control rather than requiring uniform physical spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from physical distance uniformity to pressure-based temporal coordination. Instead of requiring vessels to be uniformly spaced, the system controls the purge process by monitoring pressure changes in the parallel channel and adjusting valve timing accordingly, maintaining composition balance through parameter control rather than geometric constraint.
3Productivity
If more vessels are added to increase PSA capacity, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and adsorbent inventory increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple vessels into a single parallel channel configuration. Instead of having separate pressure measurement and control systems for each vessel, the system combines them into one shared channel with a single pressure measuring device, allowing increased capacity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel channel and pressure measuring device serve multiple vessels simultaneously, making the system scalable. Adding more vessels to increase capacity does not require additional pressure sensors or separate control systems, as the universal parallel channel configuration handles all vessels with a single multi-functional setup.
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
This solution allows for efficient monitoring and control of PSA cycles, reducing complexity and cost, maintaining balanced axial composition, and minimizing the risk of off-specification gas, while scaling up capacity without increasing complexity or adsorbent inventory.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure measuring device is provided in the system, and the pressure measuring device is configured to measure a pressure within the parallel channel
Implementation Method 2
A PSA apparatus usually includes multiple pressure vessels filled with a suitable adsorbent/adsorbents, with each vessel subsequently connected to two or more on-off valves that sequentially admit and expel gases at different pressures in order to affect the gas separation
Implementation Method 3
Gas flows through the equalization channel until the two vessels reach an intermediate pressure, p2, where p321
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure swing adsorption system including a plurality of vessels having one or more layers of adsorbent material therein, a feed gas channel, a waste channel, and a product channel. The system also includes at least one parallel channel connected to each of the vessels via a respective conduit with a valve. At least one pressure measuring device i configured to measure a pressure within the parallel channel. And, a controller is provided that is configured to monitor the at least one pressure measured by the at least one pressure measuring device during a PSA cycle performed within the PSA system, in order to determine the performance of the cycle and monitor proper operation of the system.