Valve Step Lift Modulation for PSA Flow Disturbances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclical swing adsorption processes, such as pressure swing adsorption (PSA), face challenges in managing fluid flow disturbances during transitions between stages, leading to pulsations and mechanical vibrations, which can disrupt the adsorption process and reduce system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cyclical swing adsorption process that involves operating multiple adsorption bed vessels in parallel, with a valve installation that uses a step lift method to control the transition between stages, and incorporates a flow restriction aid to manage the flow area, reducing the pressure differential and minimizing flow disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple adsorption bed vessels are operated in parallel with rapid cycling, then productivity is improved, but flow disturbances and mechanical vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic cycling of adsorption bed vessels through adsorption and desorption stages, coordinating multiple vessels to operate in sequence. This periodic action maintains continuous productivity while distributing flow disturbances across different time intervals, preventing simultaneous disturbances that would overwhelm the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve installation performs preliminary flow restriction before full opening, controlling the rate at which feed gas enters the adsorption bed. This preliminary action prevents sudden pressure differentials and flow surges that would cause mechanical vibrations, while still achieving the required productivity through coordinated vessel cycling.
2Productivity
If valve opening is rapid to maintain cycle timing, then productivity is improved, but flow disturbances and pressure differentials increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve installation incorporates dynamic flow control capability, allowing the valve to transition from a restricted state to a fully open state in a controlled manner. This dynamic operation maintains precise cycle timing for productivity while managing the rate of pressure equalization to prevent excessive pressure differentials and associated flow disturbances.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flow restriction is applied to reduce pressure differential, then flow disturbances are reduced, but productivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the flow control function into two phases: initial flow restriction to minimize pressure differentials and flow disturbances, followed by full opening to maximize flow rate. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both reduced flow disturbances and maintained productivity by coordinating the timing of restriction release with the adsorption cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinated cycling of multiple adsorption bed vessels ensures continuous productive action. While one vessel undergoes flow restriction during valve transition, other vessels are in productive adsorption or desorption modes, maintaining overall system productivity despite temporary flow limitations in individual vessels.
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 effectively mitigates flow disturbances and maintains steady flow rates, reducing mechanical vibrations and improving the efficiency and consistency of the adsorption process.
Implementation Method 1
Gas separation is useful in many industries and can typically be accomplished by flowing a mixture of gases over an adsorbent material that preferentially adsorbs one or more gas components while not adsorbing one or more other gas components.
Implementation Method 2
The opening of the inlet valve installation includes lifting the inlet valve installation through a lift range from a closed position to a second, partially open position
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for modulating fluid flow in a cyclical swing adsorption system that includes multiple adsorption bed vessels that are in fluid communication. When opening a valve to transition an adsorption bed vessel into a blowdown stage or a re-pressurization stage of a cyclical swing adsorption process, the valve is partially lifted from a closed position prior to being fully lifted. The valve includes a flow restriction aid positioned to restrict flow through the valve when the valve is in the partially lifted position.