Multifunctional Volumetric Adsorption Test Unit for Rapid Isotherm Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently measuring adsorption isotherms for single gases and multicomponent gas mixtures, particularly in achieving technical equilibrium quickly and accurately for adsorbent characterization in Advanced Natural Gas (ANG) storage and separation applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of multifunctional volumetric adsorption test units and methods that enable efficient measurement of adsorbent helium skeletal volume, single gas Gibbs excess adsorption isotherms, and multicomponent gas mixture breakthrough curves and isotherms, using continuous flow and successive desorption techniques to rapidly determine adsorption parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If batch methods are used to measure adsorption isotherms, then measurement precision can be achieved, but measurement time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous flow mode operation where gas continuously flows through the adsorbent bed, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple pressure points and rapid data collection. This continuous operation eliminates the sequential batch processing steps, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity through parallel measurement of multiple adsorption equilibrium points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical batch equilibrium methods with a flow-based measurement system that uses continuous gas flow and electronic sensing. The system substitutes mechanical equilibrium waiting periods with electronic detection of pressure and composition changes, enabling rapid determination of adsorption isotherms without the time-consuming mechanical equilibrium establishment required in batch methods.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate measurements are performed for single gas and multicomponent adsorption, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single measurement system that can perform multiple functions: measuring single gas adsorption isotherms, multicomponent gas mixture adsorption, and breakthrough curves. The system uses a universal flow cell configuration that can accommodate different gas compositions and measurement modes, eliminating the need for multiple separate apparatus and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the measurement of single gas and multicomponent adsorption into a single integrated system. By combining flow control, composition analysis, and pressure measurement capabilities in one apparatus, the system eliminates the need for separate measurement setups. The merged system processes both single gas and mixture data simultaneously, reducing device complexity and measurement time while preserving accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If conventional adsorption measurement methods are used, then adsorption isotherms can be determined, but the time to reach technical equilibrium and screen adsorbents is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing flow conditions and composition ratios before actual measurement. The system pre-configures gas flow rates, pressure differentials, and composition mixtures so that when measurement begins, equilibrium is approached more rapidly. This preliminary preparation reduces the time required to reach technical equilibrium while maintaining the accuracy of adsorption isotherm determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flow conditions that adapt during measurement to optimize equilibrium attainment. The system dynamically adjusts flow rates, pressure differentials, and gas compositions based on real-time feedback from sensors. This dynamic approach accelerates the reach to technical equilibrium by continuously optimizing mass transfer conditions, thereby reducing screening time while preserving measurement precision.
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
These methods and units allow for rapid and accurate determination of adsorption isotherms and breakthrough curves, facilitating the characterization of adsorbents for ANG technologies and enabling efficient screening of adsorbents for improved energy density and storage capacity.
Implementation Method 1
it is desirable to store natural gas as adsorbed natural gas, where the gas is stored on porous materials packed into a vessel
Implementation Method 2
an expansion vessel having an interior; a pressure monitor configured to measure a pressure within the interior of the adsorption vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Technical equilibrium can be used to measure a single gas isotherm in a relatively fast and continuous manner rather than, for example, in a batch manner. Further, an expansion vessel can be used for successive desorption a multicomponent gas in combination with determining the composition of the multicomponent gas in combination with a calculation that provides both qualitative and quantitative information about the multicomponent gas. Moreover, a multicomponent gas can be flowed through an adsorbent bed and the and the flow of the multicomponent gas flow is shut off and isolated when equilibrium is reached.