Refrigerant Recovery Apparatus with Selective Gas Separation
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for purging air from refrigerant in air conditioning systems result in significant loss of refrigerant, violating environmental and regulatory standards due to the discharge of refrigerant vapor with air, and do not ensure complete air removal without refrigerant loss.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant recovery and regeneration apparatus with a selective passage means that separates the gaseous phase into vapor and air components based on the Graham law, using a calibrated or porous dividing wall to efficiently purge air while minimizing refrigerant loss, utilizing multiple separation chambers and a differential pressure switch for controlled purging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If purge valves are opened at the top of containers to discharge air, then air removal is achieved, but refrigerant loss occurs due to vapor being dragged out with air
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple chambers separated by dividing walls with calibrated holes. This segmentation allows different regions to have different functions: some chambers accumulate air for purging, while others maintain refrigerant vapor. The calibrated holes in dividing walls control the separation process, allowing air to be discharged without proportionally discharging refrigerant vapor, thus resolving the contradiction between air removal and refrigerant loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (calibrated holes in dividing walls) between the air accumulation zone and the refrigerant vapor zone. This intermediary controls the flow and separation of gases, allowing selective discharge of air while minimizing refrigerant vapor loss. The intermediary structure enables precise control over what is discharged, resolving the contradiction by mediating the interaction between air purging and refrigerant conservation.
2Extent of automation
If solenoid valves are used with pressure transducers to control purging, then automated air removal is achieved, but refrigerant loss still occurs and complete air removal is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional pressure-based control systems (solenoid valves with pressure transducers) with a gravity-based mechanical separation system. The multiple chambers with calibrated holes create a passive separation mechanism where air and refrigerant vapor are separated based on density and flow characteristics rather than active pressure control. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex automated control while reducing refrigerant loss and improving air removal completeness.
3Loss of substance
If multiple purging methods are used to control weight loss ratio, then refrigerant loss is reduced, but air removal completeness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the purging process through the interaction of multiple chambers with calibrated holes. The system naturally adapts the purging rate based on the relative amounts of air and refrigerant vapor present, allowing complete air removal while minimizing refrigerant loss. The dynamic behavior of gas flow through the calibrated holes ensures that purging continues until air is completely removed, unlike static weight-based control methods.
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 refrigerant loss and improves the purity of the refrigerant, meeting stricter regulatory standards by selectively separating air and vapor components, allowing for precise air purging with minimal refrigerant discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a selective passage means arranged at the connection between said storage chamber and the first separation chamber, said selective passage means arranged to separate the gaseous phase into a vapour component of refrigerant and an air component in such a way that only the air component and a reduced amount of the vapour component enter the first separation chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An apparatus (230) for recovering refrigerant from an air conditioning system (200) comprises an evaporator (232) arranged to receive the refrigerant from the air conditioning system (200) and to separate it from impurities in it present, obtaining purified refrigerant, a compressor (233) for circulating the purified refrigerant, a condenser (236), and a storage container (60) arranged to contain the condensed refrigerant. The storage container (60) defines a storage chamber (61) arranged to contain a liquid phase of the refrigerant (25) and a gaseous phase (26) comprising a vapour component of the refrigerant (26a) and an air component (26b). The apparatus (230) is also comprised of measuring means (110) configured to measure operating parameters of the refrigerant present in the storage chamber, purge means (125) arranged at a purge opening (62) configured to purge the gaseous phase (26) present in the storage chamber (61) responsive to the operating parameters (61), and at least one first separation chamber (64) connected to the storage container (60). A selective passage means (115) is arranged at said opening between the storage chamber and the first separation chamber (64) to separate the gaseous phase (26) into the vapour component of refrigerant (26a) and into the air component (26b), in such a way that through the selective passage means (115) only the air component (26b) and a reduced amount of vapour component (26a) move in the first separation chamber (64).