Structured Adsorbent Modules Parallel Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adsorbent layers with particulate adsorbents suffer from high pressure drops and limited kinetic efficiency, especially when processing large gas flows or requiring rapid cycles, leading to non-industrial geometries and increased costs due to the need for large passage sections and complex support structures.
Innovation Solution
An adsorbent layer comprising multiple structured adsorbent modules arranged in parallel with adsorbent surfaces facing each other, eliminating the need for sealing between modules and optimizing the adsorbent section to reduce pressure drops and construction costs by allowing the space between modules to function as part of the adsorption process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional particulate adsorbents are used in bulk beds, then adsorption capacity is achieved, but pressure drop increases significantly and kinetics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adsorbent bed is segmented into multiple structured modules arranged in parallel, each module containing channels with adsorbent-coated walls. This segmentation allows fluid to flow through multiple parallel paths simultaneously, improving kinetics while distributing pressure drop across many channels rather than forcing all fluid through a single bulk bed path.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional three-dimensional bulk particle beds to a two-dimensional channel wall coating structure. Adsorbent is applied on the internal walls of rectangular channels rather than as dispersed particles, creating a planar adsorption surface that facilitates better fluid contact and mass transfer while reducing flow resistance.
2Stress or pressure
If large passage sections are used to reduce pressure drop, then fluid flow improves, but adsorber volume and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structured modules utilize channel walls with controlled porosity and surface area, where adsorbent coating on the walls provides extensive adsorption capacity within a compact volume. The channel structure itself acts as a flow distribution system that maintains low pressure drop without requiring large overall adsorber dimensions.
3Reliability
If structured adsorbent modules are assembled with sealing means between modules, then fluid leakage is prevented, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of fluid leakage between modules into a beneficial feature by making the external surfaces of adjacent modules adsorbent-coated. Any fluid that escapes between modules is still captured and processed by the adsorbent on the external surfaces, eliminating the need for precision sealing while maintaining adsorption efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorbent coating serves multiple functions: it provides the primary adsorption capacity within channels and simultaneously acts as a secondary containment layer on external surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing components, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 configuration enhances adsorption kinetics while minimizing pressure drops and reducing the overall adsorber volume and cost, maintaining efficient fluid flow and impurity retention without additional sealing requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorbent layer for the adsorption of a fluid, comprising at least 2 adjacent modules of structured adsorbent, arranged in parallel in the direction of circulation of the fluid
Data Source
Figure 1.1~1.8
Figure 2
Figure 3.1~3.2
AI summary
An adsorbent layer for the adsorption of a fluid, comprising at least 2 adjacent structured adsorbent modules, disposed in parallel in the direction of the flow of the fluid, characterised in that at least one of the two opposing surfaces of the 2 adjacent modules is an adsorbent surface.