Rotary PSA Valve Structure for Online Flow Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pressure swing adsorption devices face limitations in operational flexibility, adaptability to crude gas fluctuations, and maintenance convenience, making them unsuitable for long-term projects due to issues like gas leakage and limited process adjustment ranges.
Innovation Solution
A rotary valve design with a valve body and sleeve structure that allows for online switching of flow channel groups, enabling flexible process sequences and facilitating online maintenance and replacement, thereby improving operational flexibility and extending device lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional program-controlled valve group is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adsorption cycle is long and the footprint is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a rotary valve mechanism that dynamically switches flow paths through rotation, enabling multiple adsorption towers to operate in different stages (adsorption, desorption, pressure equalization) simultaneously. This dynamic configuration allows continuous operation and reduces the adsorption cycle from 10 minutes to a shorter duration, while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single rotary valve assembly that controls all gas flow paths. By merging the functions of multiple program-controlled valves into one integrated rotary mechanism, the device achieves faster cycle times and reduced footprint without increasing overall structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary valve is used, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary valve is designed with multiple flow channels and switching positions that enable it to perform multiple functions: controlling adsorption flow, desorption flow, pressure equalization, and purge operations. This multi-functional design provides operational flexibility for different crude gas compositions and process requirements without requiring multiple separate valve assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary valve is segmented into distinct flow channel groups (first group for adsorption, second group for desorption, third group for pressure equalization) that can be independently controlled through rotation. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of process sequences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular flow path design.
3Productivity
If the rotary valve operates for a long time, then the productivity is maintained, but wear causes gas leakage and requires shutdown for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary valve incorporates a dynamic sealing mechanism where the rotor and stator maintain sliding contact with compression springs providing continuous sealing pressure. This dynamic sealing adapts to wear over time, maintaining reliability for continuous operation by compensating for material degradation through spring force adjustment and self-adjusting contact pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression springs in the rotary valve are pre-loaded to provide excess sealing pressure that compensates for anticipated wear during long-term operation. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even as materials wear, the sealing force remains sufficient to prevent gas leakage, maintaining reliability throughout the extended service life required for continuous productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the crude gas composition fluctuates, then the adaptability should improve, but the process adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary valve is designed with comprehensive flow channel coverage that enables it to handle various crude gas compositions by adjusting the sequence and duration of different flow paths. The multiple flow channel groups can be configured to accommodate different impurity levels and compositions, providing broad adaptability through a single versatile valve design rather than requiring multiple specialized valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary valve provides dynamic process adjustment by varying rotation speed, sequence, and duration to adapt to different crude gas compositions. When heavy components increase, the system can dynamically add internal gas purge steps or product gas purge steps by modifying the rotary valve's flow path configuration, enabling complete desorption without requiring fixed process limitations.
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 enhances production flexibility, maintains continuous operation, and reduces material consumption by allowing for real-time process adjustments and maintenance without shutdowns, making it suitable for long-term projects.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is configured to resist the pressure that separates the rotor and stator and reduces the amount of torque required to rotate the rotor within the valve
Implementation Method 2
Pressure swing adsorption separation
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary valve has a valve body and a valve sleeve disposed coaxially hermetically outside the valve body. The valve body has a first, a second, and a third group of flow channels, ports of these are disposed on a surface of the valve body. The valve sleeve is evenly opened with a plurality of through-holes, and an inner end of each through-hole is provided with a vertical groove extending up and down along an inner wall of the valve sleeve. The vertical groove is divided into three sections, each communicating with the ports of the first, the second, and the third group of flow channels, respectively. The first group of flow channels are in a working state, a switching valve is provided at the through-hole, which switches one group of the second group of flow channels and the third group of flow channels into the working state.