Vapor Compression System for Suppressing Anhydrous Ammonia Vaporization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispersal systems for agricultural applications, such as anhydrous ammonia, face inaccuracies in measurement and application due to vaporization, which is not effectively suppressed by current heat exchanger systems, leading to inefficient nutrient distribution in soil.
Innovation Solution
A vapor compression system is introduced, comprising an evaporator, metering valve, and compressor, which channels a second flow of volatile fluid to suppress vaporization by regulating flow rates and pressures, ensuring the anhydrous ammonia remains in a liquid form for accurate application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If heat exchanger systems are used to cool anhydrous ammonia, then vapor suppression is improved, but the vaporization suppression is less than optimal for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the anhydrous ammonia by introducing a temperature control system that maintains the fluid at a lower, more stable temperature. This prevents vaporization by keeping the ammonia below its vaporization point, directly addressing the inadequate vapor suppression of existing heat exchanger systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary temperature control system between the storage tank and the application equipment. This intermediary system actively regulates the temperature of the anhydrous ammonia, providing more effective vapor suppression than direct heat exchanger cooling alone.
2Productivity
If anhydrous ammonia is dispensed from the tank, then application is enabled, but vapor pressure decreases causing portions to boil and change to vapor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary cooling to the anhydrous ammonia before dispensing. By pre-cooling the fluid in the storage tank or immediately before dispensing, the system maintains the ammonia in liquid form during the dispensing process, preventing boiling and vapor formation that would occur due to pressure decrease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent actively controls the temperature parameter during the dispensing process to compensate for the pressure decrease. By maintaining a lower temperature, the system ensures the anhydrous ammonia remains in liquid form even as pressure drops during dispensing.
3Ease of operation
If metering and control is based on volumetric flow, then measurement is simplified, but inaccurate measurements occur due to volumetric difference between liquid and vapor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state parameter of the anhydrous ammonia from a mixed liquid-vapor state to a purely liquid state through temperature control. This eliminates the volumetric expansion that occurs during vaporization, allowing volumetric flow meters to provide accurate measurements without correction factors for vapor content.
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
The system maintains anhydrous ammonia in a liquid state, enhancing measurement accuracy and application efficiency by preventing vaporization, thereby improving nutrient distribution and reducing pressure fluctuations in the storage tank.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator coupled in thermal communication with a first flow of volatile fluid from the pressure vessel
Implementation Method 2
A metering valve is provided coupled in fluid communication with the evaporator and fluidly connected between the evaporator and the pressure vessel
Implementation Method 3
a compressor coupled in fluid communication with and downstream from the at least one channel. The compressor is configured to compress the second flow of volatile fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for suppressing vaporization of a volatile fluid dispensed from a pressure vessel are provided. The system includes an evaporator coupled in thermal communication with a first flow of volatile fluid from the vessel and in fluid communication with a second flow of volatile fluid from the vessel. The evaporator includes at least one channel for channeling the second flow of volatile fluid therethrough. A metering valve is coupled in fluid communication with the channel and between the evaporator and the vessel. In addition, the system includes a compressor coupled in fluid communication with and downstream from the at least one channel. Moreover, the system includes a return line coupled in fluid communication with an outlet of the compressor. The compressor is configured to compress the second flow of volatile fluid and channel the compressed second flow of volatile fluid to the pressure vessel via the return line.