Pulse Flow Control Mechanism for RCPSA Pulsation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Swing adsorption systems face challenges in managing fluid flow efficiently, leading to pulsation issues that cause mechanical vibrations and reduce the lifespan of components, particularly in rapid cycle processes like RCPSA, where large pressure swings and short cycle times result in pulsation in headers and interfere with flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A cyclical swing adsorption process with a pulse flow control mechanism that includes poppet valves and a pulse flow controller to manage fluid flow, using a feed-forward algorithm to adjust ramp rates and maintain constant pressure, and incorporating pulsation dampeners to reduce pressure fluctuations, thereby minimizing pulsation and ensuring steady flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption (RCPSA) processes are used with large pressure swings and short cycle times, then productivity is improved, but pulsation occurs in the headers causing mechanical vibrations and reducing component lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
A pulse flow control mechanism is introduced as an intermediary device between the adsorbent beds and the feed/product headers. This mechanism includes a pulse flow controller that actively manages fluid flow to minimize pulsation transmission to the headers, thereby protecting components from vibration-induced damage while maintaining the rapid cycling required for high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pulsation dampeners and buffers that are pre-positioned in the fluid pathways to absorb and dampen pressure pulsations before they propagate through the system. This beforehand cushioning protects components from the full impact of pressure swings while allowing the RCPSA process to operate at high cycle rates
2Productivity
If rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption (RCPSA) processes are used with large pressure swings and short cycle times, then productivity is improved, but pulsation interferes with flow rate through the adsorbent bed
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse flow control mechanism incorporates feedback control where the pulse flow controller continuously monitors flow conditions and adjusts valve positioning to maintain stable flow rates through the adsorbent beds. This feedback mechanism compensates for pressure pulsations in real-time, ensuring consistent flow rates even during rapid pressure swings
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically adjustable flow control valves that can rapidly change their opening positions in response to pressure changes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain optimal flow rates through the adsorbent beds while accommodating the rapid pressure swings necessary for high productivity RCPSA operation
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 effectively reduces pulsation and maintains steady fluid flow, enhancing the operational efficiency and longevity of components in swing adsorption systems by managing pressure and flow rates more effectively, particularly in rapid cycle processes.
Implementation Method 1
one of the plurality of manifolds is in fluid communication with a pulse flow control mechanism configured to lessen pulsation within the one of the plurality of manifolds
Implementation Method 2
If a gas mixture, such as natural gas, is passed under pressure through a vessel containing an adsorbent material that is more selective towards carbon dioxide than it is for methane, at least a portion of the carbon dioxide is selectively adsorbed by the adsorbent material
Implementation Method 3
When the adsorbent material reaches the end of its capacity to adsorb carbon dioxide, it is regenerated by reducing the pressure, thereby releasing the adsorbed carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are apparatus and systems having a lessened pulsation through the use of a pulse flow control mechanism. In performing a cyclical swing adsorption process, various streams are passed through adsorbent bed units during various steps in the swing adsorption process. The pulse flow control mechanism is utilized within a manifold of one of the streams to lessen pulsation within the manifold that results from performing the various steps.