[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2025061779A1 - Adsorption dryer with intelligent purge control - Google Patents

Adsorption dryer with intelligent purge control Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2025061779A1
WO2025061779A1 PCT/EP2024/076136 EP2024076136W WO2025061779A1 WO 2025061779 A1 WO2025061779 A1 WO 2025061779A1 EP 2024076136 W EP2024076136 W EP 2024076136W WO 2025061779 A1 WO2025061779 A1 WO 2025061779A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
control valve
flow control
adsorption dryer
regulating flow
sensor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2024/076136
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Carl WESLEY
Jaime Franklyn JOHNSON
Alexander Tyler HUDSON
John L. Williams
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Beko Technologies GmbH
Original Assignee
Beko Technologies GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Beko Technologies GmbH filed Critical Beko Technologies GmbH
Publication of WO2025061779A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025061779A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/26—Drying gases or vapours
    • B01D53/261—Drying gases or vapours by adsorption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2257/00—Components to be removed
    • B01D2257/80—Water
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2258/00—Sources of waste gases
    • B01D2258/06—Polluted air
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/40—Further details for adsorption processes and devices
    • B01D2259/40011—Methods relating to the process cycle in pressure or temperature swing adsorption
    • B01D2259/40043—Purging
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/40—Further details for adsorption processes and devices
    • B01D2259/40083—Regeneration of adsorbents in processes other than pressure or temperature swing adsorption
    • B01D2259/40086—Regeneration of adsorbents in processes other than pressure or temperature swing adsorption by using a purge gas
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/40—Further details for adsorption processes and devices
    • B01D2259/40083—Regeneration of adsorbents in processes other than pressure or temperature swing adsorption
    • B01D2259/40088—Regeneration of adsorbents in processes other than pressure or temperature swing adsorption by heating
    • B01D2259/4009—Regeneration of adsorbents in processes other than pressure or temperature swing adsorption by heating using hot gas
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/02—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
    • B01D53/04—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents
    • B01D53/0454—Controlling adsorption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/02—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
    • B01D53/04—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents
    • B01D53/0462—Temperature swing adsorption

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an adsorption dryer system for processing gases as well as to a method for the operation of an adsorption dryer system.
  • Fluid flows gaseous or fluid media
  • a valve or orifice vary based on current temperature and pressure conditions, which are continuously changing in a compressed gas system.
  • the typical way purge flows are controlled is with the use of a fixed orifice and a hand operated valve, via which the pressure can be set so that the desired purge flow flows through the orifice to achieve the desired purge flow rate.
  • the desired flow rate is only accurate if conditions (pressure and temperature of the medium) are the exact same as when the initial setting was made.
  • Typical adsorption dryers use a combination of a hand operated control valve in combination with a fixed diameter orifice to set the desired gas flow rate.
  • the following components are provided (behind one another in the flow direction):
  • the purge flow rate varies relative to the initial setting as the temperature and pressure of the system change, which can lead to an excessively high purge flow rate and thus to higher energy consumption or conversely to an excessively low purge flow rate and thus to diminished system performance.
  • a further disadvantage of this system is that, during the use of purge gases in different parts of the operating cycle, different gas flow rates would ideally have to be set, but instead the same are used.
  • An example of this is an external purge adsorption dryer, where the purge air is used for both the heating and for the cooling cycle of the regeneration cycle. It comprises the following components behind one another in the flow direction:
  • purge air is directed through this system and over a heater to regenerate the adsorbate.
  • the adsorbent material must be cooled ready for the next drying cycle, wherein the purge air is directed through the same orifice, but this time without heating. Based on the system setup, the ideal purge flow rates during the heating and cooling cycles are not the same, but with this typical setup there is no way to alter the flow.
  • the objective underlying the invention is to propose an improved adsorption dryer system and an improved method for operating a such an adsorption dryer system.
  • the objective is solved by the adsorption dryer system according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 13.
  • the invention relates to an adsorption dryer system for processing gases such as air, in particular compressed gases, comprising a regulating flow control valve, wherein an operating parameter of the regulating flow control valve, in particular a flow rate through the flow control valve, is set in real time depending on a system parameter.
  • the operating parameter may in particular be a flow rate through the regulating flow control valve, or the operating parameter may (directly or indirectly) affect the flow rate through the regulating flow control valve.
  • the operating parameter may be an opening width of the flow control valve, which may affect or adjust the flow rate of the regulating flow control valve. Accordingly, the purge control valve is able to adapt current operating conditions in order to ensure that the necessary quantity of purge flow is used for the regeneration.
  • the invention enables variation of the flow rates during different phases of the regeneration cycle (e.g. heating and cooling), which is impossible with the hand operated valve and the arrangement with a fixed orifice.
  • a preferred variant of embodiment provides for the use of an electrically actuated ball valve for control of the purge gas flow, so representing said regulating flow control valve.
  • an electrically actuated ball valve for control of the purge gas flow, so representing said regulating flow control valve.
  • temperature sensors and pressure sensors are strategically placed on the unit in various locations to determine as accurately as possible how far the regeneration process has advanced and how much more or less purge will be required.
  • Alternative sensors which can be used for support and for control, are as follows (list not exhaustive):
  • Humidity sensors Essential knowledge of the invention consists in the use of a regulating purge control valve (proportional) - representing said regulating flow control valve - in an adsorption dryer. Variable purge rates are possible based on current operating and regeneration performance. Also new and advantageous is the intelligent operating logic, which allows for enhanced performance in varying operating conditions.
  • the advantages of the invention are to be found in the integration of additional intelligent logic and the precise purge flow control and in particular the self-monitoring of the unit performance. This guarantees that regeneration is achieved in the most economical manner, while maintaining guaranteed performance.
  • the invention is further characterized by the features disclosed in the subclaims.
  • the adsorption dryer system further comprises an inlet, which in particular is a purge line inlet, and an outlet, which in particular is a purge line outlet, wherein the regulating flow control valve is arranged between the inlet and the outlet.
  • the operating parameter is set to adjust a purge flow rate.
  • the adsorption dryer system further comprises a programmable logic controller, operatively connected to the regulating flow control valve.
  • the programmable logic controller is configured to control the regulating flow control valve based on a programmed logic.
  • the proposed invention is based on the use of a regulating flow control valve, which can be controlled via a programmable logic controller (PLC in the following) with programmed logic, in order to determine the correct opening rate of the valve for a precise purge flow control based on the flow demand of the current regeneration cycle.
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • the function of a regulating flow control valve in the purge line of an adsorption dryer is to guarantee precise purge rates based on the actual operating conditions of the system regarding real-time system pressures and temperatures, without the dryer having to be continuously monitored by a human and a manually operated valve having to be adjusted.
  • the flow control valve thus has to be opened more at a lower operating pressure to achieve the desired flow rate, whereas the flow control valve has to be opened less at a higher operating pressure.
  • a further advantage of the invention is that the purge flow valve can operate at different flow rates during the heating and cooling portions of the regeneration cycle. Heat balance calculations show that these values are not equal.
  • the regulating flow control valve allows for operating logic to be programmed into the PLC to monitor the current conditions of the regenerating adsorbent bed and to alter the flow rate based on sensors in the system, in order to achieve the most economical purge flow rate setting in both the heating and cooling stages of the regeneration cycle and to limit unnecessary purge consumption, while still maintaining the desired performance by the end user.
  • the adsorption dryer system further comprises at least one sensor, which is configured to determine a measurement parameter representing the system parameter.
  • the measurement parameter in particular is a pressure and/or temperature of the system.
  • the at least one sensor is configured to determine the measurement parameter in real time.
  • the at least one sensor can be configured to monitor real time data of conditions to adjust a purge flow rate to optimize a purge consumption used by the system during different phases of the regeneration cycle.
  • the programmable logic controller is configured to control the regulating flow control valve based on the measurement parameter.
  • the purge flow rate can be optimized for different regeneration phases, including heating and cooling cycles. Due to the real time monitoring of the measurement parameter (system parameter) by using the at least one sensor, a online control and adaption of the purge flow rate can be established.
  • the at least one sensor comprises at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a pressure dewpoint sensor, a humidity sensor.
  • the programmable logic controller can utilize the measurement parameter (system parameter) to control the purge flow rate.
  • the at least one sensor and the programmable logic controller are connected in terms of data transmission, which may be utilized wireless or non-wireless (wire-based).
  • the programmable logic controller is configured to control the regulating flow control valve during different operating conditions of the system, in particular during different phases of regeneration, including heating and cooling.
  • the programmable logic controller is configured to control the regulating flow control valve with the premise to optimize energy efficiency and system performance.
  • the invention also relates to a method for operating an adsorption dryer system for processing gases such as air, in particular compressed gases, comprising a regulating flow control valve, with the process steps determination of a system parameter, setting of an operating parameter of the regulating flow control valve, in particular a flow rate through the regulating flow control valve, depending on the determined system parameter in real time.
  • the adsorption dryer system further comprises an inlet, which in particular is a purge line inlet, and an outlet, which in particular is a purge line outlet, wherein the regulating flow control valve is arranged between the inlet and the outlet.
  • the operating parameter is set to adjust a purge flow rate.
  • the adsorption dryer system further comprises a programmable logic controller, operatively connected to the regulating flow control valve.
  • the programmable logic controller controls the regulating flow control valve based on a programmed logic.
  • the adsorption dryer system further comprises at least one sensor, which determines a measurement parameter representing the system parameter.
  • the measurement parameter is a pressure and/or temperature of the system.
  • the at least one sensor determines the measurement parameter in real time.
  • the programmable logic controller controls the regulating flow control valve based on the measurement parameter.
  • the at least one sensor comprises at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a pressure dewpoint sensor, a humidity sensor.
  • the programmable logic controller controls the regulating flow control valve during different operating conditions of the system, in particular during different phases of regeneration, including heating and cooling.
  • the programmable logic controller to controls the regulating flow control valve with the premise to optimize energy efficiency and system performance.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a dryer according to the prior art
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an external purge dryer according to the prior art
  • Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a heated dryer according to the invention with a programmable logic controller (PLC),
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • Fig. 4 shows a representation of a heated dryer with a programmable logic controller.
  • Typical adsorption dryers use a combination of a hand operated control valve combined with a fixed diameter orifice for setting the desired gas flow rate.
  • a schematic diagram is shown in fig. 1. The following are shown (behind one another in the flow direction):
  • the pressure gauge can be dispensed with, the setting then being carried out by the number of turns of the valve wheel.
  • fig. 2 shows an external purge adsorption dryer, in which the purge air is used for both the heating and the cooling cycle of the regeneration cycle.
  • Such an adsorption dryer comprises the following components behind one another in the flow direction:
  • Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a heated adsorption dryer according to the invention with a programmable logic controller.
  • the components and elements have the following reference numbers:
  • the regulating flow control valve or the control valve for the purge air control is identified with reference number 27 and is arranged between a heater 28 and temperature and pressure sensors 25, 26.
  • Reference numerals 1 (dryer inlet) and 31 (dryer outlet) may be understood as “inlet” and "outlet” in the nomenclature of the claims.
  • other components of above cited table may represent the "inlet” and "outlet”.
  • Any component of the adsorption dryer system being arranged upstream (in flow direction of the gas) relative to the regulating flow control valve may represent an "inlet”.
  • Any component of the adsorption dryer system being arranged downstream (in flow direction of the gas) relative to the regulating flow control valve 27 may represent an "outlet".

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Drying Of Gases (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an adsorption dryer system for processing gases such as air, in particular compressed gases, comprising a regulating flow control valve, wherein an operating parameter of the regulating flow control valve, in particular a flow rate through the flow control valve, is set in real time depending on a system parameter. The invention also relates to a method for operating such an adsorption dryer system.

Description

Adsorption Dryer with Intelligent purge control
The invention relates to an adsorption dryer system for processing gases as well as to a method for the operation of an adsorption dryer system.
Fluid flows (gaseous or fluid media) through an opening in a valve or orifice vary based on current temperature and pressure conditions, which are continuously changing in a compressed gas system. The typical way purge flows are controlled is with the use of a fixed orifice and a hand operated valve, via which the pressure can be set so that the desired purge flow flows through the orifice to achieve the desired purge flow rate.
However, the desired flow rate is only accurate if conditions (pressure and temperature of the medium) are the exact same as when the initial setting was made.
Typical adsorption dryers use a combination of a hand operated control valve in combination with a fixed diameter orifice to set the desired gas flow rate. For this purpose, the following components are provided (behind one another in the flow direction):
1. Purge Line Inlet
2. Control Valve
3. Pressure Gauge
4. Orifice
5. Purge Line outlet
Applications are also known which do not comprise a pressure gauge, the setting then being carried out by the number of turns of the valve.
An option to vary the control pressure of the control valve on the basis of the current operating conditions of the system is not provided. The following equation illustrates the relationships for the flow through a valve,
Figure imgf000004_0001
The parameters signify:
Q = Purge gas flow rate
Cl = Flow constant
Cv = Valve flow coefficient
P = Absolute inlet pressure
S.G. = Specific gravity of medium
T = Absolute temperature of the gas
The equation is only to be understood as an example, it is not generally valid and in this form possibly does not hold for specific setups.
It remains the case, however, that the purge flow rate varies relative to the initial setting as the temperature and pressure of the system change, which can lead to an excessively high purge flow rate and thus to higher energy consumption or conversely to an excessively low purge flow rate and thus to diminished system performance.
A further disadvantage of this system is that, during the use of purge gases in different parts of the operating cycle, different gas flow rates would ideally have to be set, but instead the same are used.
An example of this is an external purge adsorption dryer, where the purge air is used for both the heating and for the cooling cycle of the regeneration cycle. It comprises the following components behind one another in the flow direction:
1. Purge Line Inlet
2. Control Valve
3. Pressure Gauge 4. Orifice
5. Heater
6. Purge Line outlet
During the heating portion of the regeneration cycle, purge air is directed through this system and over a heater to regenerate the adsorbate. During the cooling cycle, the adsorbent material must be cooled ready for the next drying cycle, wherein the purge air is directed through the same orifice, but this time without heating. Based on the system setup, the ideal purge flow rates during the heating and cooling cycles are not the same, but with this typical setup there is no way to alter the flow.
The objective underlying the invention is to propose an improved adsorption dryer system and an improved method for operating a such an adsorption dryer system.
The objective is solved by the adsorption dryer system according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 13.
The invention relates to an adsorption dryer system for processing gases such as air, in particular compressed gases, comprising a regulating flow control valve, wherein an operating parameter of the regulating flow control valve, in particular a flow rate through the flow control valve, is set in real time depending on a system parameter.
The operating parameter may in particular be a flow rate through the regulating flow control valve, or the operating parameter may (directly or indirectly) affect the flow rate through the regulating flow control valve. The operating parameter may be an opening width of the flow control valve, which may affect or adjust the flow rate of the regulating flow control valve. Accordingly, the purge control valve is able to adapt current operating conditions in order to ensure that the necessary quantity of purge flow is used for the regeneration.
The invention enables variation of the flow rates during different phases of the regeneration cycle (e.g. heating and cooling), which is impossible with the hand operated valve and the arrangement with a fixed orifice.
Some general embodiments of the invention can be summarized as follows, wherein specific embodiments of the invention are given in the sub-claims.
A preferred variant of embodiment provides for the use of an electrically actuated ball valve for control of the purge gas flow, so representing said regulating flow control valve. Alternatively, use can however also be made of the following alternatives, but is not limited thereto:
Pneumatically actuated proportional valve
Electronically/pneumatically actuated proportional butterfly valves
Control globe valves
Linear control valve
Series of on/off valves with different sized orifices
For control logic to monitor current performance of regeneration and to determine the correct purge gas flow rate, temperature sensors and pressure sensors are strategically placed on the unit in various locations to determine as accurately as possible how far the regeneration process has advanced and how much more or less purge will be required. Alternative sensors, which can be used for support and for control, are as follows (list not exhaustive):
Flow meters
Pressure dewpoint sensors
Humidity sensors Essential knowledge of the invention consists in the use of a regulating purge control valve (proportional) - representing said regulating flow control valve - in an adsorption dryer. Variable purge rates are possible based on current operating and regeneration performance. Also new and advantageous is the intelligent operating logic, which allows for enhanced performance in varying operating conditions.
The advantages of the invention are to be found in the integration of additional intelligent logic and the precise purge flow control and in particular the self-monitoring of the unit performance. This guarantees that regeneration is achieved in the most economical manner, while maintaining guaranteed performance.
By replacing the typical hand operated valve and using an electronically controlled flow valve with logic and sensor system to determine the correct opening rate required to achieve the desired flow rate, the system is protected from both the use of excessive purge consumption for energy saving and under purge consumption to maintain system performance.
The invention is further characterized by the features disclosed in the subclaims.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the adsorption dryer system further comprises an inlet, which in particular is a purge line inlet, and an outlet, which in particular is a purge line outlet, wherein the regulating flow control valve is arranged between the inlet and the outlet.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the operating parameter is set to adjust a purge flow rate.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the adsorption dryer system further comprises a programmable logic controller, operatively connected to the regulating flow control valve. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the programmable logic controller is configured to control the regulating flow control valve based on a programmed logic. By that, a precise control of the purge flow rate during different phases of a regeneration cycle can be established.
The proposed invention is based on the use of a regulating flow control valve, which can be controlled via a programmable logic controller (PLC in the following) with programmed logic, in order to determine the correct opening rate of the valve for a precise purge flow control based on the flow demand of the current regeneration cycle.
The function of a regulating flow control valve in the purge line of an adsorption dryer is to guarantee precise purge rates based on the actual operating conditions of the system regarding real-time system pressures and temperatures, without the dryer having to be continuously monitored by a human and a manually operated valve having to be adjusted. For example, the flow control valve thus has to be opened more at a lower operating pressure to achieve the desired flow rate, whereas the flow control valve has to be opened less at a higher operating pressure.
A further advantage of the invention is that the purge flow valve can operate at different flow rates during the heating and cooling portions of the regeneration cycle. Heat balance calculations show that these values are not equal.
Lastly, the regulating flow control valve allows for operating logic to be programmed into the PLC to monitor the current conditions of the regenerating adsorbent bed and to alter the flow rate based on sensors in the system, in order to achieve the most economical purge flow rate setting in both the heating and cooling stages of the regeneration cycle and to limit unnecessary purge consumption, while still maintaining the desired performance by the end user. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the adsorption dryer system further comprises at least one sensor, which is configured to determine a measurement parameter representing the system parameter.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the measurement parameter in particular is a pressure and/or temperature of the system.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one sensor is configured to determine the measurement parameter in real time. In particular, the at least one sensor can be configured to monitor real time data of conditions to adjust a purge flow rate to optimize a purge consumption used by the system during different phases of the regeneration cycle.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the programmable logic controller is configured to control the regulating flow control valve based on the measurement parameter. By that, the purge flow rate can be optimized for different regeneration phases, including heating and cooling cycles. Due to the real time monitoring of the measurement parameter (system parameter) by using the at least one sensor, a online control and adaption of the purge flow rate can be established.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one sensor comprises at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a pressure dewpoint sensor, a humidity sensor. By use of said at least one sensor and the measurement parameter (system parameter) determined with the at least one sensor, the programmable logic controller can utilize the measurement parameter (system parameter) to control the purge flow rate. The at least one sensor and the programmable logic controller are connected in terms of data transmission, which may be utilized wireless or non-wireless (wire-based).
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the programmable logic controller is configured to control the regulating flow control valve during different operating conditions of the system, in particular during different phases of regeneration, including heating and cooling.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the programmable logic controller is configured to control the regulating flow control valve with the premise to optimize energy efficiency and system performance.
As stated above, the objective of the invention is also solved by a method according to claim 13.
Therefore, the invention also relates to a method for operating an adsorption dryer system for processing gases such as air, in particular compressed gases, comprising a regulating flow control valve, with the process steps determination of a system parameter, setting of an operating parameter of the regulating flow control valve, in particular a flow rate through the regulating flow control valve, depending on the determined system parameter in real time.
According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the adsorption dryer system further comprises an inlet, which in particular is a purge line inlet, and an outlet, which in particular is a purge line outlet, wherein the regulating flow control valve is arranged between the inlet and the outlet.
According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the operating parameter is set to adjust a purge flow rate.
According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the adsorption dryer system further comprises a programmable logic controller, operatively connected to the regulating flow control valve. According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the programmable logic controller controls the regulating flow control valve based on a programmed logic.
According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the adsorption dryer system further comprises at least one sensor, which determines a measurement parameter representing the system parameter.
According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the measurement parameter is a pressure and/or temperature of the system.
According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one sensor determines the measurement parameter in real time.
According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the programmable logic controller controls the regulating flow control valve based on the measurement parameter.
According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one sensor comprises at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a pressure dewpoint sensor, a humidity sensor.
According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the programmable logic controller controls the regulating flow control valve during different operating conditions of the system, in particular during different phases of regeneration, including heating and cooling.
According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the programmable logic controller to controls the regulating flow control valve with the premise to optimize energy efficiency and system performance. The invention is further explained with the aid of the following figures. They are not to be understood as limiting. They serve solely for a better understanding of the relationships.
In the figures:
Fig. 1 : shows a schematic diagram of a dryer according to the prior art,
Fig. 2: shows a schematic diagram of an external purge dryer according to the prior art,
Fig. 3: shows a schematic diagram of a heated dryer according to the invention with a programmable logic controller (PLC),
Fig. 4: shows a representation of a heated dryer with a programmable logic controller.
Typical adsorption dryers use a combination of a hand operated control valve combined with a fixed diameter orifice for setting the desired gas flow rate. A schematic diagram is shown in fig. 1. The following are shown (behind one another in the flow direction):
1. Purge line inlet
2. Control valve
3. Pressure gauge
4. Orifice
5. Purge line outlet
As already stated, the pressure gauge can be dispensed with, the setting then being carried out by the number of turns of the valve wheel.
As an example of this, fig. 2 shows an external purge adsorption dryer, in which the purge air is used for both the heating and the cooling cycle of the regeneration cycle. Such an adsorption dryer comprises the following components behind one another in the flow direction:
1. Purge line inlet
2. Control valve
3. Pressure gauge
4. Orifice 6. Heater
5. Purge line outlet
Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a heated adsorption dryer according to the invention with a programmable logic controller. The components and elements have the following reference numbers:
Figure imgf000014_0001
The regulating flow control valve or the control valve for the purge air control (regulating purge control valve) is identified with reference number 27 and is arranged between a heater 28 and temperature and pressure sensors 25, 26. Reference numerals 1 (dryer inlet) and 31 (dryer outlet) may be understood as "inlet" and "outlet" in the nomenclature of the claims. Also, other components of above cited table may represent the "inlet" and "outlet". Any component of the adsorption dryer system being arranged upstream (in flow direction of the gas) relative to the regulating flow control valve may represent an "inlet". Any component of the adsorption dryer system being arranged downstream (in flow direction of the gas) relative to the regulating flow control valve 27 may represent an "outlet".
It is to be noted that the dryer illustrated in figs 3 is only shown for illustrative (not limiting) purposes. The invention is also applicable to adsorption dryers which do not have heaters as shown by reference number 28 of figure 3.

Claims

1. An adsorption dryer system for processing gases such as air, in particular compressed gases, comprising a regulating flow control valve, wherein an operating parameter of the regulating flow control valve, in particular a flow rate through the regulating flow control valve, is set in real time depending on a system parameter.
2. An adsorption dryer system according to claim 1, further comprising an inlet, which in particular is a purge line inlet, and an outlet, which in particular is a purge line outlet, wherein the regulating flow control valve is arranged between the inlet and the outlet.
3. An adsorption dryer system according to one of claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating parameter is set to adjust a purge flow rate.
4. An adsorption dryer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a programmable logic controller, operatively connected to the regulating flow control valve.
5. An adsorption dryer system according to claim 4, wherein the programmable logic controller is configured to control the regulating flow control valve based on a programmed logic.
6. An adsorption dryer system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one sensor, which is configured to determine a measurement parameter representing the system parameter.
7. An adsorption dryer system according to claim 6, wherein the measurement parameter is a pressure and/or temperature of the system.
RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91 ) ISA/EP
8. An adsorption dryer system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to determine the measurement parameter in real time.
9. An adsorption dryer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the programmable logic controller is configured to control the regulating flow control valve based on the measurement parameter.
10. An adsorption dryer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a pressure dewpoint sensor, a humidity sensor.
11. An adsorption dryer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the programmable logic controller is configured to control the regulating flow control valve during different operating conditions of the system, in particular during different phases of regeneration, including heating and cooling.
12. An adsorption dryer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the programmable logic controller is configured to control the regulating flow control valve with the premise to optimize energy efficiency and system performance.
13. A method for operating an adsorption dryer system for processing gases such as air, in particular compressed gases, comprising a regulating flow control valve, with the process steps determination of a system parameter, setting of an operating parameter of the regulating flow control valve, in particular a flow rate through the regulating flow control
RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91 ) ISA/EP valve, depending on the determined system parameter in real time.
14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the adsorption dryer system further comprises an inlet, which in particular is a purge line inlet, and an outlet, which in particular is a purge line outlet, wherein the regulating flow control valve is arranged between the inlet and the outlet.
15. A method according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the operating parameter is set to adjust a purge flow rate.
16. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the adsorption dryer system further comprises a programmable logic controller, operatively connected to the regulating flow control valve.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the programmable logic controller controls the regulating flow control valve based on a programmed logic.
18. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the adsorption dryer system further comprises at least one sensor, which determines a measurement parameter representing the system parameter.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the measurement parameter is a pressure and/or temperature of the system.
20. A method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the at least one sensor determines the measurement parameter in real time.
21. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the programmable logic controller controls the regulating flow control valve based on the measurement parameter.
RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91 ) ISA/EP
22. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a pressure dewpoint sensor, a humidity sensor.
23. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the programmable logic controller controls the regulating flow control valve during different operating conditions of the system, in particular during different phases of regeneration, including heating and cooling.
24. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the programmable logic controller to controls the regulating flow control valve with the premise to optimize energy efficiency and system performance.
RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91 ) ISA/EP
PCT/EP2024/076136 2023-09-18 2024-09-18 Adsorption dryer with intelligent purge control Pending WO2025061779A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102023125239 2023-09-18
DE102023125239.9 2023-09-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025061779A1 true WO2025061779A1 (en) 2025-03-27

Family

ID=92883156

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2024/076136 Pending WO2025061779A1 (en) 2023-09-18 2024-09-18 Adsorption dryer with intelligent purge control

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2025061779A1 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4197095A (en) * 1978-08-31 1980-04-08 Pall Corporation Heatless adsorbent fractionators with microprocessor cycle control and process
US10589220B1 (en) * 2019-01-31 2020-03-17 Altec Industries, Inc. Pressure swing adsorbtion air dryer

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4197095A (en) * 1978-08-31 1980-04-08 Pall Corporation Heatless adsorbent fractionators with microprocessor cycle control and process
US10589220B1 (en) * 2019-01-31 2020-03-17 Altec Industries, Inc. Pressure swing adsorbtion air dryer

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR101351651B1 (en) Method for drying a compressed gas
US10589220B1 (en) Pressure swing adsorbtion air dryer
US20020170428A1 (en) Air flow control in a gas fractionalization system and associated method
JPH01299623A (en) Cycle time interval changing method
US6767390B2 (en) Energy efficient desiccant dryer regeneration system
EP2263778A1 (en) Method and apparatus for drying compressed gases
MX2011010063A (en) Cyclic adsorption control method and controller.
JP6033892B2 (en) Compressor device and method for controlling such a compressor device
EP2041435B1 (en) Method for controlling a compressed air installation and controller and compressed air installation for employing such a method
WO2025061779A1 (en) Adsorption dryer with intelligent purge control
JP2018514714A (en) Purge air adjustment unit with pressure dew point control
CA2469434A1 (en) Method and apparatus for reducing air consumption in gas conditioning applications
CN107063697A (en) A kind of air heating system and combustor test platform system
EP1725816B1 (en) Multi-variable control of refrigerant systems
JP2004057986A (en) Dehumidification apparatus
CN106573193B (en) The improved control of dried-air drier regeneration cycle
AU2022298220B2 (en) Gas separation facility and gas separation method
CN101146593B (en) Method of adjusting an installation for the adsorption treatment of a gas
CN202683228U (en) Air treatment system for environmental simulation test
CN219002531U (en) Pressure swing adsorption oxygen generation system capable of automatically regulating and controlling outlet temperature of heat exchanger
CN121001802A (en) Systems and methods for optimizing carbon dioxide capture using temperature management
KR200279228Y1 (en) Dry device for absorption type a combined of heater and heatless
CN121038873A (en) System for optimizing carbon dioxide capture
JP2001259039A (en) Oxygen concentration device for medical treatment equipped with thermal mass flow rate controller
JP3556099B2 (en) Control method of air conditioner

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 24775860

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1