VOC Collection System Pressure Control for Phase Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for collecting and processing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) face challenges in efficiently maintaining VOCs in a vapor phase and separating them into gas and liquid phases, particularly in environments where high pressures and potential hazards like fires are present.
Innovation Solution
A VOC collection system comprising an inlet, positive displacement pump, automated control valves, pressure vessel, and pressure sensors, which maintains VOCs in a vapor phase and separates them into gas and liquid phases using controlled pressures, with optional features like a blanket gas manifold for safety and manual control valves for maintenance, allowing for efficient processing and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high pressure is applied to condense VOCs into liquid phase, then separation efficiency is improved, but fire hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blanket gas manifold that supplies inert gas (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) to the pressure vessel, creating an inert atmosphere that prevents fire hazards while enabling high-pressure condensation and separation of VOCs into liquid and gas phases
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automated control valves to precisely regulate pressure parameters, maintaining pressure within safe operating ranges that enable condensation while preventing conditions that would lead to fire hazards
2Measurement precision
If automated control valves are used to maintain vapor phase, then phase control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor pressure conditions and provide feedback to automated control valves, enabling precise phase control through closed-loop control that maintains VOCs in vapor phase or facilitates condensation as needed
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors and automated control valves are integrated, then pressure control accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors are integrated with automated control valves to create a closed-loop control system that continuously monitors pressure and automatically adjusts valve positions to maintain precise pressure control, improving accuracy while the automation reduces manual intervention requirements
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 effectively keeps VOCs in a vapor phase and separates them into distinct phases, enhancing safety by preventing fires and allowing for efficient storage and processing, particularly suitable for applications like Cannabis extraction and waste conversion to energy.
Implementation Method 1
The inlet-positive displacement pump connector is under a pressure that keeps the volatile organic compound emission in a vapor phase
Implementation Method 2
The positive displacement pump-pressure vessel connector and the pressure vessel are under a pressure that condenses the volatile organic compound emission and separates the volatile organic compound emission into a gas phase and a liquid phase
Implementation Method 3
separates the volatile organic compound emission into a gas phase and a liquid phase
Data Source
AI summary
A volatile organic compounds (“VOC”) collection system has an inlet, a positive displacement pump (“PDP”), a first automated control valve, a pressure vessel (“PV”), and PV top and bottom outlets. The inlet receives a VOC emission and is in fluid communication with the PDP through an inlet-PDP connector. The PDP is in fluid communication with the PV through a PDP-PV connector. The first automated control valve is in fluid communication with the PDP-PV connector. The PV is in fluid communication with the PV top and bottom outlets. The inlet-PDP connector is under a pressure that keeps the VOC emission in a vapor phase. The PDP-PV connector and the PV are under a pressure that condenses the VOC emission and separates the VOC emission into a gas phase and a liquid phase.