Rotating Bed PSA Phase Angle Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure swing adsorption (PSA) systems face challenges in efficiently controlling the flow rate and phase angle between rotating beds, which affects the separation efficiency and adaptability to varying feed compositions and flow rates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pressure swing absorption apparatus with at least four rotating beds, grouped such that members of one group only have fluid interconnections with members of another group, and controlled by adjusting the phase angle difference between the beds, using rotary distributor valves to manage fluid communications without the need for control valves or orifices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional PSA systems use fixed phase angle and flow rate control, then system structure is simple, but separation efficiency and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the phase angle between rotating beds adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows dynamic modification of the phase angle difference between groups of rotating beds to adapt to varying feed compositions and flow rates, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can respond to changing operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the phase angle parameter between rotating beds. By changing this parameter, the system can optimize separation efficiency for different feed conditions without requiring complete system redesign, enabling flexible adaptation through parameter adjustment rather than structural modification.
2Productivity
If PSA systems use control valves or orifices to manage fluid communication, then flow rate control is achieved, but device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing control valves and orifices from the system. Instead of using these separate control components, the system achieves flow rate control through the rotational phase angle adjustment of the beds themselves, extracting the control function from dedicated control components and integrating it into the rotational mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating beds serve multiple functions: they perform both the separation function and the flow rate control function. By adjusting the phase angle between beds, the system simultaneously controls the timing and flow rate of gas communication between beds, making the beds universal components that eliminate the need for separate control valves and orifices.
3Measurement precision
If PSA systems increase the number of control components for precise flow control, then flow rate precision improves, but reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes control valves and orifices that are potential failure points, achieving flow rate control through the rotational phase angle mechanism instead. This extraction of control components eliminates their associated failure modes while maintaining control precision through the mechanical synchronization of rotating beds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the rotational motion and phase angle relationship of the beds themselves to control flow rates, rather than relying on external control components. The beds self-regulate the flow communication timing and rate through their rotational synchronization, reducing dependency on additional control systems that could fail.
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 precise control of flow rates and phase angles, enhancing the separation efficiency and adaptability of the PSA process, achieving predetermined purity and recovery of gas components while maintaining identical absorbent material across all beds.
Implementation Method 1
separate a feed gas mixture into at least a first component and a second component... wherein the first component is more readily absorbed under an increase in pressure relative to the second component which is less readily absorbed under the increase in pressure over an absorbent material
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure swing absorption apparatus, including: at least four beds that each include an absorbent material, wherein the at least four beds are configured to rotate and are grouped such that members of one group only have fluid interconnections with members of another group; and a control system that controls a flow rate of a fluid communication between at least two of the beds by adjusting a phase angle difference between the at least two of the beds.