Refrigerant Extraction Valve Control Using Phase-State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerant extraction methods using suction pumps are inefficient and prone to damage due to the presence of liquid refrigerant, which is not compressible and can cause knocking or bouncing, necessitating manual adjustments to prevent damage, prolonging the extraction process.

Innovation Solution

The method involves ascertaining the refrigerant's pressure and temperature to determine its phase state, controlling the suction valve based on this phase state to prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the pump, enabling automated or manual adjustments to optimize valve opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the suction valve is permanently operated with the smallest opening or the line cross section is reduced to avoid liquid refrigerant entering the suction pump, then the suction pump is protected from damage, but the extraction procedure takes an unnecessarily long time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction pump protectionVSAvoidextraction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction valve opening is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time detection of refrigerant phase state. The control unit automatically modifies the valve opening degree according to whether the refrigerant is in liquid or gaseous phase, allowing the system to adapt its operation to current conditions rather than using a fixed small opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback mechanism is implemented where the phase state of the refrigerant is continuously detected and this information is fed back to the control unit, which then adjusts the suction valve opening accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the valve opening is optimized based on actual system conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the engineer manually reduces the suction valve opening upon hearing unusual noises from the suction pump, then the suction pump is protected from damage, but the extraction procedure takes longer and requires continuous manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction pump protectionVSAvoidextraction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-protection by automatically detecting the phase state of the refrigerant and adjusting the suction valve opening without requiring manual intervention. The control unit monitors the system conditions and takes corrective action autonomously when liquid refrigerant is detected, eliminating the need for engineers to manually respond to unusual noises.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment of the suction valve by the engineer is replaced by an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and a control unit to detect phase state and adjust the valve opening electronically, removing the need for continuous manual monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the suction valve opening is increased to speed up extraction, then productivity improves, but the suction pump may become damaged due to liquid refrigerant entering the pump

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction speedVSAvoidsuction pump safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suction valve opening is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of refrigerant phase state. When gaseous refrigerant is detected, the valve can be opened wider to increase extraction speed; when liquid refrigerant is detected, the valve opening is reduced to protect the pump, allowing the system to optimize both speed and safety according to current conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives continuous feedback about the phase state of the refrigerant and automatically adjusts the suction valve opening to maintain optimal extraction speed while preventing liquid refrigerant from damaging the pump. This real-time control allows the system to safely operate at higher valve openings when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach allows for rapid and reliable refrigerant extraction without damaging the suction pump, as the valve opening is adjusted automatically or manually based on the refrigerant's phase state, ensuring maximum efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The suction pump compresses the gaseous refrigerant and pumps it into the refrigerant pressure cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a phase state of the refrigerant is determined from the pressure and the temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change detection: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS20260016204A1Method and apparatus for extracting a refrigerant and state unit

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 TESTO SE & CO KGAA

AI summary

A method and device for extracting a refrigerant with a suction station (13) are provided, in which the refrigerant used is ascertained (2) before the extraction process, the pressure and the temperature of the refrigerant are ascertained repeatedly during the extraction process, a phase state of the refrigerant is determined (4) from the pressure and the temperature, and a suction valve of the suction station (13) is controlled (6, 7) on the basis of the phase state of the refrigerant.