PSA Re-Pressurization Valve for Faster Chamber Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure swing adsorption systems face inefficiencies in re-pressurizing regenerated chambers due to flow restrictors in purge lines, leading to prolonged re-pressurization times and potential disturbance of adsorption media when switching between online and regeneration phases.
Innovation Solution
A pressure swing adsorption system with a re-pressurization pathway and a re-pressurization control valve that allows direct fluid flow from the online chamber to the regenerated chamber, bypassing the purge line, controlled by a valve member and actuator to minimize energy loss and reduce re-pressurization time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a flow restrictor is used in the purge line to control the volume of fluid during regeneration, then the regeneration process is controlled, but the re-pressurization time becomes too long
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid flow control into two separate pathways: the purge line with a flow restrictor for controlled regeneration, and a dedicated re-pressurisation line without restrictions for rapid pressure recovery. This segmentation allows each pathway to optimize its function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A control valve is introduced as an intermediary component on the re-pressurisation line to regulate fluid flow during the re-pressurisation phase. This valve acts as a mediator that can be opened to allow rapid flow when needed, bypassing the flow restrictor's limitation.
2Speed
If a re-pressurisation pathway is provided to quickly re-pressurize the regenerated chamber, then re-pressurization time is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve on the re-pressurisation line serves multiple functions: it enables rapid re-pressurisation when opened, and can be closed to prevent fluid bypass during normal operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes by controlling the valve position: rapid re-pressurisation mode when the valve is open, and normal regulated flow mode when closed. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt its behavior to different operational requirements.
3Productivity
If chambers are switched between online and regeneration modes, then continuous fluid treatment is maintained, but energy loss occurs during pressure equalization
Solution Approach 1:
The re-pressurisation pathway is activated in advance during the regeneration phase to pre-pressurize the regenerated chamber before it needs to go online. This preliminary action prevents the energy loss that would occur if pressurization had to happen after switching modes.
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 reduces the time required to transfer pressurized fluid between chambers, minimizing energy loss and reducing the likelihood of disturbing the adsorption medium during the switching process, thereby enhancing operating efficiency and maintaining adsorption medium integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid is directed to flow over the adsorption medium in one of the chambers (the 'online chamber') in order to adsorb contaminants in the fluid
Implementation Method 2
the adsorption medium in the other of the chambers is regenerated by desorption of adsorbed contaminants ('the regenerating chamber')
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A pressure swing adsorption system is disclosed which includes first and second chambers (110, 112) each containing an adsorption medium. In use,a fluid is directed to flow over the adsorption medium in one of the chambers to adsorb contaminants in the fluid while the adsorption medium in the other of the chambers is regenerated by desorption of adsorbed contaminants. The system includes: a purge conduit which extends between the chambers for delivering fluid from the online chamber to the regenerating chamber, the purge conduit containing a flow restrict or (160) for controlling the volume of fluid which can flow through the purge conduit; a re-pressurisation pathway (167) which extends between the chambers for delivering fluid from the online chamber to the regenerating chamber, bypassing the flow restrict or; a re-pressurisation control valve (168) for controlling the flow of fluid in the re-pressurisation pathway, which comprises a housing (800) having a cavity within it with a port (854a, 856a) for flow of fluid along the pathway and a valve member (864, 869) which can move in the cavity between (i) a closed position in which it engages the port and restricts flow of fluid through the pathway and (ii) an open position in which it is displaced from the port allowing flow of fluid through the pathway, the valve member being biased towards its closed position by the action on the valve member of fluid from the online chamber;and an actuator (864, 868) which can act on the valve member to move it from its closed position.