Rotary Active Valve Gas Separation Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large-scale gas separation units face challenges in achieving high concentrations of separated gases due to residual process gas remaining in conduits, which dilutes the stripping gas and reduces the concentration of the separated gas.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotary active valve system with overlapping rotor and stator open areas that can be partially opened and closed, minimizing dead zones and allowing for progressive opening and closing, thereby reducing residual gas and enhancing gas concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If external valves are used for gas separation, then the valve can control gas flow, but the dead zone increases and gas concentration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is nested within the rotor structure itself. The rotor open area and stator open area form the valve by their overlapping configuration, eliminating the need for separate external valves. This integration places the valve as close as possible to the separation device, minimizing dead zone volume and maximizing gas concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism transitions from a conventional external valve to a planar overlapping area system. The rotor open area and stator open area are arranged in different rotational positions, creating a valve through their two-dimensional overlap rather than using a traditional three-dimensional valve body. This dimensional approach reduces the dead zone significantly.
2Quantity of substance
If the valve open area is reduced to minimize dead zone, then gas concentration improves, but the valve may not provide sufficient sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The valve sealing is achieved dynamically through the relative rotation between the rotor and stator. The overlapping open areas create a sealing effect that adapts to the rotational position, providing sufficient sealing while maintaining minimal dead zone volume. The dynamic nature of the overlap ensures reliable sealing throughout the rotation cycle.
3Productivity
If the rotor rotates quickly to increase productivity, then separation efficiency improves, but pressure changes become abrupt
Solution Approach 1:
The progressive opening and closing of the valve through controlled rotation allows for smooth pressure transitions. The overlapping area between rotor and stator open areas changes gradually during rotation, preventing abrupt pressure changes while maintaining high productivity through continuous operation.
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 solution significantly enhances the concentration of gases, such as CO2 from 3% to 45% to 30% to 100%, and operates efficiently at various pressures and temperatures, improving the economic viability of large-scale gas separation units.
Implementation Method 1
One method uses centrifugal forces in order to move a liquid in counter current flow to a process gas which is forced to the rotation center by gas pressure
Implementation Method 2
Carbon dioxide, for example, can be absorbed from air in monoethanol amine
Data Source
AI summary
Gas separation unit for separation of a gas component from a process gas stream, said separation unit comprising a stator and a rotor comprising a plurality of sectors, each sector containing a separation device arranged to separate the gas component from the process gas stream which is led into the separation device and each sector being fluidically connected with at least one valve. The valve is a rotary active valve which comprises a rotor open area which is located at the rotor and a stator open area which is located at the stator. The rotor open area and the stator open area can overlap and can be laterally separated from each other by rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. In this way, the valve can at least partially be opened and closed. The extent of overlap of the rotor open area and the stator open area defines the extent of opening and closing of the valve, respectively. The extent of overlap corresponds to the extent of partial opening of the valve.