Variable Purge Flow Restrictor for PSA Desorption Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure swing adsorption systems face challenges in efficiently controlling the flow rate of purge fluid through the purge conduit, which affects the desorption of adsorbed contaminants, requiring a more precise and adjustable solution to optimize contaminant removal.
Innovation Solution
A variable flow restrictor with first and second valve members capable of sliding movement, featuring a drive mechanism that adjusts the opening size progressively, allowing fine control over the flow rate across a wide range, ensuring sufficient desorption without excess fluid usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed orifice flow control device is used, then the structure is simple, but the flow rate cannot be adjusted without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts a static orifice plate into a dynamic adjustable flow restrictor by introducing a movable valve member that can slide along the flow path. This allows the effective orifice area to be dynamically changed from fully closed to fully open positions, enabling continuous flow rate adjustment without disassembly while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Measurement precision
If a standard valve is used to control flow rate, then the flow rate can be adjusted, but the control precision is insufficient for optimal desorption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a localized precision control zone at the orifice where the valve member makes contact. The valve member's sliding movement along the flow path provides fine-grained control over the effective orifice area, enabling precise flow rate adjustment specifically where needed for optimal desorption control, while the rest of the system remains simple to operate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple orifice sizes are provided, then different flow rates can be achieved, but the device must be disassembled to change flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple fixed orifice plates that require disassembly to change, the invention implements a single orifice with a movable valve member that can continuously adjust the effective opening area. This dynamic approach provides the same flow rate range adaptability as multiple orifices but eliminates the need for disassembly and reassembly, saving time and operational effort.
4Measurement precision
If the opening changes linearly, then the valve movement is simple, but the flow rate control is not optimized for desorption requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an asymmetric relationship between valve displacement and effective orifice area. As the valve member slides along the flow path, the change in effective opening area is non-linear relative to the valve's linear displacement. This asymmetric geometry allows for optimized flow rate control characteristics that better match desorption requirements, providing finer control at critical flow rates while maintaining simple linear valve movement.
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 system enables precise adjustment of flow rates, facilitating effective desorption of contaminants, optimizing the process by allowing accurate selection of desired flow rates at both low and high rates, ensuring efficient contaminant removal from fluids like gases or liquids.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure swing adsorption system which includes a variable flow restrictor for controlling the volume of fluid which can flow through a purge conduit from an online chamber to a chamber in which an adsorption medium is being regenerated
Implementation Method 2
a fluid is directed to flow over the adsorption medium in one of the chambers while the adsorption medium in the other of the chambers is regenerated by desorption of adsorbed contaminants
Implementation Method 3
the adsorption medium in the other of the chambers is regenerated by desorption of adsorbed contaminants
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A pressure swing adsorption system is disclosed which includes first (110) and second (112) chambers containing an adsorption medium. A fluid is directed to flow over the adsorption medium in one of the chambers while the adsorption medium in the other of the chambers is regenerated. The system includes a purge conduit (301) which extends between the chambers for delivering fluid from the chamber to which fluid is supplied for adsorption to the chamber which is being regenerated. The system also includes a variable flow restrictor (160) for controlling the volume of fluid which can flow through the purge conduit, comprising a first valve member (304) with an opening (350) in its wall; a second valve member (312) in sliding contact with the first valve member so that the opening is progressively occluded when one of the valve members slides relative to the other; and a dri ve mechanism (318, 320, 325) for controlling the relative positions of the valve members between a first limiting position in which the effective open size of the opening is at a minimum and a second limiting position in which it is at a maximum. The opening has a first portion defined by the valve members during translation through 10% of the distance from the first towards the second limiting position, and a second portion defined during translation through the last 10% to the second limiting position. The ratio of the change in the open area of the opening as a result of translation of the valve member across the first opening portion to the change in the open area of the opening as a result of translation of the valve member across the second opening portion is not more than about 0.5.