Rapid Cycle Adsorbent Paper Using Para-Aramid Fibrids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional zeolite-containing papers used in rapid cycle processes lose their ability to adsorb and desorb gases due to zeolite particles detaching from the paper under harsh conditions of rapid gas flow changes.

Innovation Solution

The use of particulate-free para-aramid fibrids as a binder for zeolite particles in the paper, which prevents detachment and maintains gas permeability, forming a stable adsorbent-containing paper suitable for rapid cycle processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If zeolite particles are used in rapid cycle processes with high velocity gas flow changes, then gas adsorption and desorption capacity is achieved, but zeolite particles detach from the paper rendering it ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadsorption and desorption capacityVSAvoidzeolite particle attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A binder is introduced as an intermediary substance between the zeolite particles and the paper substrate. This binder mediates the attachment, allowing the zeolite particles to remain firmly attached during rapid cycle processes with high velocity gas flow changes, while preserving their adsorption and desorption capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The paper is formulated as a composite material containing zeolite particles, binder, and paper matrix. This composite structure integrates the adsorption functionality of zeolite with the mechanical stability of the paper and binder system, enabling the material to withstand harsh rapid cycle conditions while maintaining particle attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Speed

If conventional adsorbent sheets are made thin to reduce path length, then mass transfer speed increases, but structural stability under rapid gas flow changes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass transfer speedVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The paper thickness and density parameters are optimized to achieve the right balance. The paper is made thin enough to provide short diffusion paths for rapid mass transfer, while the binder content and distribution are adjusted to provide sufficient structural stability to withstand rapid gas flow changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If zeolite-containing paper is used for rapid cycle processes, then gas permeability is achieved, but zeolite particles become detached during repeated high velocity flow direction changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas permeabilityVSAvoidparticle retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The binder serves as an intermediary that anchors zeolite particles to the paper matrix, preventing their detachment during repeated high velocity flow direction changes. This allows the paper to maintain both gas permeability for productivity and particle retention for reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8603221B2Rapid cycle, gas permeable, adsorbent-containing paper containing p-aramid fibrids and zeolite

Publication Date: 2013.12.10 UOP LLC

AI summary

A rapid cycle, gas permeable, adsorbent-containing (“RCA”) paper suitable for separating at least a portion of a first gas from a second gas in a gas mixture to produce a product stream enriched in the first gas. The RCA paper contains p-aramid fibrids and zeolite.