Swing Adsorption Valve Footprint Reduction via Segmented Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swing adsorption processes face challenges with large valve footprints, high costs, and inefficiencies due to the need for significant valve actuation forces and limited flow distribution across adsorbent bed interfaces, particularly at high pressures, which complicates the optimization of cycle timing and increases the size and weight of gas processing facilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a swing adsorption system that combines actively-controlled poppet valves with passively-controlled valves, such as poppet, check, or reed valves, to manage fluid flow through adsorbent bed units, optimizing cycle timing and reducing the footprint and capital investment by leveraging pressure differentials and electro-hydraulic or electro-pneumatic mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If large poppet valves are used to manage fluid flow at high pressures, then the valve actuation force is sufficient to overcome pressure differential, but the valve footprint becomes excessively large and dominates the adsorbent bed unit size
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the valve control function into two segments: actively-controlled poppet valves for feed streams and passively-controlled valves for product streams. This segmentation allows the actively-controlled valves to be optimized for actuation force while the passively-controlled valves handle flow management without requiring large actuation mechanisms, thereby reducing overall valve footprint in the adsorbent bed unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Passively-controlled valves act as intermediaries between the actively-controlled poppet valves and the product streams. These passive valves utilize pressure differentials and elastic deformation to control flow without requiring large actuation forces, thereby reducing the footprint required for valve assemblies while maintaining effective flow management at high pressures.
2Reliability
If actively-controlled poppet valves are used to seal properly against seating surfaces, then reliable sealing is achieved, but significant force is required to open and close the valves against pressure differential
Solution Approach 1:
Passively-controlled valves utilize the pressure differential across the valve and elastic deformation of the valve element to automatically achieve sealing without requiring external actuation force. The valve element deforms elastically under pressure to seal against the seating surface, and the system uses the process pressure itself to maintain the seal, eliminating the need for additional actuation force while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of valve control by transitioning from active actuation to passive pressure-driven operation. The passively-controlled valves operate based on pressure differential thresholds, where the pressure itself becomes the control parameter that automatically opens and closes the valves, reducing the actuation force requirement while maintaining sealing reliability through elastic deformation.
3Productivity
If multiple adsorbent bed units are coupled with conduits and valves to manage fluid flow, then complete swing adsorption cycles are achieved, but the valve footprint and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Passively-controlled valves perform multiple functions: flow direction control, pressure equalization, and cycle timing coordination across multiple adsorbent bed units. By making these valves multi-functional and eliminating the need for active actuation, the system reduces the number of separate control mechanisms required, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining complete swing adsorption cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The passively-controlled valves provide inherent feedback through their pressure-dependent operation. When pressure differentials reach certain thresholds, the valves automatically respond to open or close, creating a self-regulating system that coordinates cycle timing across multiple adsorbent bed units without requiring complex external control systems, thereby reducing device complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If large valves are used to handle high pressure flows, then sufficient flow capacity is achieved, but flow distribution across the adsorbent bed interface becomes poor and non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different valve control strategies to different locations and functions: actively-controlled poppet valves for feed distribution and passively-controlled valves for product withdrawal. This local differentiation allows each valve type to be optimized for its specific function, with passive valves providing more uniform flow distribution across product interfaces while actively-controlled valves handle the higher capacity feed streams, thereby improving overall flow distribution uniformity without sacrificing flow capacity.
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 the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of gas processing by minimizing valve size and weight, improving flow distribution, and reducing the pressure change requirements across valve steps, thereby optimizing the swing adsorption process while maintaining effective contaminant separation.
Implementation Method 1
different gas components tend to fill the micropore of the adsorbent material to different extents. For example, if a gas mixture, such as natural gas, is passed under pressure through an adsorbent bed unit or vessel containing an adsorbent material that is more selective towards carbon dioxide than it is for methane, at least a portion of the carbon dioxide is selectively adsorbed by the adsorbent material
Implementation Method 2
When the adsorbent material on the adsorbent bed reaches the end of its capacity to adsorb carbon dioxide, it is regenerated by reducing the pressure, thereby releasing the adsorbed carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are apparatus and systems for performing a swing adsorption process. This swing adsorption process may involve passing streams through adsorbent bed units to treat the feed stream to remove certain contaminants from the stream. In the method and system, active valves may be used with passive valves to manage the flow of the streams through the adsorbent bed units.