Method for treating working fluid and device for treating working fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to effectively separate odorant from refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle apparatus, as it often remains in the gas phase due to similar boiling points, leading to inefficient odorant removal.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that cool the refrigerant and odorant mixture to a temperature above the refrigerant's boiling point and below the odorant's boiling point, allowing for separation of the odorant in a liquid state and refrigerant in a gaseous state using a cooling unit and separation unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the working fluid is cooled to separate odorant from refrigerant, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the refrigerant may also condense if the temperature is too low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the temperature parameter within a specific range (above refrigerant boiling point but below odorant boiling point). This temperature parameter control transforms the phase states of different components differently, enabling effective separation while preventing refrigerant condensation. The method changes the thermal parameter to achieve selective phase transition of the odorant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by cooling the working fluid to a temperature that causes the odorant to condense from gas to liquid phase, while the refrigerant remains in the gas phase. This selective phase transition based on different boiling points enables efficient separation of the odorant from the refrigerant mixture without affecting the refrigerant's phase state.
2Quantity of substance
If the temperature is lowered below the refrigerant's boiling point, then more odorant can be condensed, but the refrigerant will also condense and reduce system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the temperature parameter within a specific range (above refrigerant boiling point but below odorant boiling point). This temperature parameter control transforms the phase states of different components differently, enabling effective separation while preventing refrigerant condensation. The method changes the thermal parameter to achieve selective phase transition of the odorant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by cooling the working fluid to a temperature that causes the odorant to condense from gas to liquid phase, while the refrigerant remains in the gas phase. This selective phase transition based on different boiling points enables efficient separation of the odorant from the refrigerant mixture without affecting the refrigerant's phase state.
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 enhances the separation of odorant, reducing its discharge amount and odor intensity, thereby improving the treatment efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling unit cools a temperature of the working fluid to above the boiling point of the refrigerant and below the boiling point of the odorant
Implementation Method 2
separate the refrigerant in a gaseous state and the odorant in a liquid state
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a method for treating a working fluid that improves the amount of an odorant to be separated. The method for treating the working fluid includes a step of preparing the working fluid (S1c), and a step of separating the odorant from refrigerant (S2c). The working fluid contains the refrigerant, a refrigerating machine oil, and the odorant. A boiling point Tb1 of the odorant is higher than a boiling point Tb2 of the refrigerant. In the step of separating (S1c), a temperature of the working fluid is maintained above the boiling point Tb1 of the refrigerant and below the boiling point Tb2 of the odorant.