Compressed-Gas Tank Sampling With Desiccant-Dried Gas Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas measuring devices for compressed-gas tanks are expensive to purchase and maintain, and they struggle with moisture accumulation, leading to prolonged rinsing times and inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
An analysis apparatus with a desiccant-filled connection element and moisture-repellent components, integrated with a gas treatment device and evaluating system, allows for rapid and reliable measurement of gas components and moisture levels by minimizing atmospheric moisture influence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate gas measuring device is used for the compressed-gas tank, then gas components and moisture can be determined, but the device is expensive to purchase and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The gas measuring device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can measure gas components in both the compressor and the compressed-gas tank using the same sensor system. The device can switch between monitoring the compressor's output and analyzing the tank's contents, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems and reducing overall costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the gas measuring and evaluating device with the existing compressor system. The sensor system is integrated into the compressor's gas treatment device, allowing the same hardware to perform both compressor monitoring and tank analysis, thereby reducing acquisition and maintenance expenses.
2Reliability
If the connection element is exposed to atmospheric moisture during standstill, then moisture accumulates in the system, but keeping it sealed increases rinsing time
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is pre-filled with a desiccant that continuously absorbs atmospheric moisture during standstill periods. This preliminary drying action ensures that when the system is activated, minimal rinsing time is needed to reach accurate measurement conditions, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant acts as an intermediary substance within the connection element, absorbing atmospheric moisture before it can contaminate the gas measurement system. This mediator prevents moisture accumulation during idle periods, ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained without requiring extended rinsing cycles.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the connection element is pressurized when not connected to the tank, then moisture ingress is prevented, but the valve must remain under constant pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the compressed gas already present in the connection element to maintain positive pressure and prevent moisture ingress. The desiccant within the connection element continuously absorbs any moisture that might enter, creating a self-maintaining dry environment without requiring external pressure maintenance systems or complex control mechanisms.
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
Reduces acquisition and maintenance costs while ensuring timely and accurate gas component analysis in both compressors and tanks, with reduced moisture interference.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting element comprises a desiccant, if possible in the atmospheric range
Implementation Method 2
the connecting element comprises a desiccant, if possible in the atmospheric range
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an analysis apparatus for compressed gases in a compressed-gas tank, such as a breathing-air cylinder or the like, for determining gas components, in particular CO, CO2, O2, VOC, SO2, NO, NO2, helium and moisture, having a removal device which can be connected to the compressed-gas tank, characterised in that the removal device comprises a connection element which is under the pressure of the compressed gas to be analysed in the compressed-gas tank and can be coupled to a gas treatment device having a gas measuring and evaluating device for determining the desired gas components, the connection element is also pressurised when not connected to the compressed-gas tank, preferably by means of a shut-off valve, and the gas treatment device and the gas measuring and evaluating device are further also configured to monitor and analyse the compressed gases dispensed by a compressor to fill a compressed-gas tank.