Rotatable Multi-Port Valve for PSA System Complexity Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) systems face high capital costs and complexity due to multiple valves and control systems, particularly in small modularized systems, which hinders their competitiveness and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an indexed rotatable multi-port valve system with a rotatable member and valve body having non-planar surfaces, allowing for sequential flow communication between multiple vessels through precise alignment of passages, reducing the need for multiple block valves and rotary valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple block valves and rotary valves are used to control flow in PSA systems, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and capital cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate valves (block valves and rotary valves) into a single integrated rotary multi-port valve assembly. This valve assembly contains multiple ports and internal passages that can simultaneously control flow between multiple vessels, replacing what would traditionally require several separate valves working in coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary multi-port valve assembly performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components. A single valve body with multiple ports (e.g., 8 ports) and configurable internal passages can direct flow between different vessel combinations, enabling the system to perform adsorption, desorption, equalization, and purge operations with one universal valve assembly rather than multiple specialized valves.
2Extent of automation
If multiple valves and control systems are used in PSA systems, then process control capability is improved, but operating maintenance expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve mechanisms into a single rotary multi-port valve assembly, reducing the total number of components that require maintenance. With fewer separate valves, there are fewer seals, actuators, and moving parts to fail, directly lowering operating maintenance expenses while maintaining full process control capability through the integrated valve's multiple ports and passages.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional rotary valves with planar rotor faces are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but flow control precision and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotary valve design where the rotor face is curved or spherical rather than planar. This curved surface provides better sealing contact with the corresponding curved surface in the valve body, improving flow control reliability and preventing leakage. The curved geometry maintains manufacturability through standard machining techniques while significantly enhancing the seal between rotating and stationary components.
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 simplifies the valving and control system, lowers capital costs, and enhances reliability by reducing the complexity of PSA systems while maintaining high capacity, thereby making them more competitive and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) processes are widely used for the separation of gas mixtures based upon cyclic adsorption-desorption steps utilizing one or more vessels containing selective adsorbents
Implementation Method 2
adsorbent material adapted to adsorb one or more components from a multi-component feed gas mixture
Data Source
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AI summary
Pressure swing adsorption system comprising two or more vessels, each having a feed end, a product end, and adsorbent material adapted to adsorb one or more components from a multi-component feed gas mixture; piping adapted to (1) introduce the feed gas mixture into the feed ends, withdraw a product gas from the product ends, and withdraw a waste gas from the feed ends of the vessels, and (2) place the product ends of any pair of vessels in flow communication; a feed pipe adapted to supply the feed gas mixture to the system; a product pipe adapted to withdraw the product gas from the system; and a waste gas pipe adapted to withdraw the waste gas from the system. An indexed rotatable multi-port valve is adapted to place the product end of each vessel in sequential flow communication with the product end of each of the other vessels.