Method for controlling the regeneration time of an adsorption dryer and adsorption dryer applying su

专利摘要:
A method for controlling the regeneration time of an adsorption dryer, comprising the steps of: - subjecting the adsorption dryer (1) to an adsorption cycle; - stopping the adsorption cycle after a set adsorption time interval (T1); then - subjecting the adsorption dryer (1) to a first regeneration cycle during a set minimum heat regeneration time interval (Time3) by heating a regeneration gas before it is sent through the dryer inlet (4); wherein: - the pressure dew point within the adsorption dryer (1) is measured after a second set adsorption time interval (T2), and, if the pressure dew point is higher than a threshold value, maintaining the first regeneration cycle during an additional regeneration time interval (TE1); and / or - the outlet temperature (temp1) of the regeneration gas is measured at a dryer outlet (7), and if the outlet temperature (temp1) is higher than or equal to a temperature threshold value, and if the time frame within which the adsorption dryer (1) is subjected at the first regeneration cycle is greater than a minimum heat regeneration time interval, (TWarm-min), stopping the first regeneration cycle.
公开号:BE1023962B1
申请号:E2016/5303
申请日:2016-04-29
公开日:2017-09-26
发明作者:Hans Maria Karel HERMANS
申请人:Atlas Copco Airpower,Naamloze Vennootschap；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

A method for controlling the regeneration time of an adsorption dryer and adsorption dryer applying such a method.
This invention relates to a method for controlling the regeneration time of an adsorption dryer, the method comprising the steps of: subjecting the adsorption dryer to an adsorption cycle in which a process gas is controlled through a dryer inlet and moisture is adsorbed from the process gas; stopping the adsorption cycle after a preset adsorption time interval; then subjecting the dryer to a first regeneration cycle during a pre-set minimum heat regeneration time interval by heating a regeneration gas before it passes through the dryer inlet.
Adsorption dryers are often used in various applications that require a stream of dry and cooled air.
A challenge here is to keep the power consumption of such adsorption dryers low. Typically, the adsorption material within an adsorption dryer becomes saturated and must be regenerated periodically. This is usually done by heating a regeneration gas before it passes through the adsorption material or simply by maintaining the regeneration gas flow through the dryer for a certain time interval.
Although regeneration using an external heat source is efficient for regenerating the adsorption material, this also leads to a higher power consumption.
A balance must therefore be found so that the adsorption dryer is kept within optimum parameters with a minimum required power consumption.
Existing dryers, such as those in US 2014 / 0,216,105 A, in the name of Parker Hannifin Manufacturing S.R.L., propose a method in which efficiency is considered to be maintained by adopting a particular classification for the two adsorption columns. More specifically, a process gas is first passed through a first column, then it is heated and further passed through the second column to regenerate it. The process is maintained for a predetermined maximum duration and as long as the temperature at the outlet of the column does not exceed a maximum value.
A drawback of such a dryer according to the above-mentioned patent application is the fact that by applying such a method the power consumption is not optimized throughout the entire operating cycle of the dryer, since the method does not take into account the current state of the adsorption column, and therefore the method is not efficient.
Taking into account the aforementioned disadvantage and concerns, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method that can optimize energy consumption based on the current state of the adsorption dryer.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-learning and evolving method that can reduce power consumption during the operation of the adsorption dryer.
The present invention has for its object to provide an easy-to-implement and user-friendly method for regenerating an adsorption dryer.
The present invention provides a solution to at least one of the above and / or other problems by providing a method for controlling the regeneration time of an adsorption dryer, the method comprising the steps of: - subjecting the adsorption dryer to an adsorption cycle in which a process gas is controlled by a dryer inlet and moisture is adsorbed from the process gas; - stopping the adsorption cycle after a preset adsorption time interval; and then - subjecting the adsorption dryer to a first regeneration cycle during a pre-set minimum heat regeneration time interval by heating a regeneration gas before it is sent through the dryer inlet; characterized in that - the pressure dew point or relative humidity within the adsorption dryer is measured after a second preset adsorption time interval, and, if the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is higher than a predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point or relative humidity, maintaining of the first regeneration cycle during an additional regeneration time interval; and / or - the outlet temperature of the regeneration gas is measured at a dryer outlet, and if the outlet temperature is higher than or equal to a predetermined temperature threshold value, and if the time frame within which the adsorption dryer is subjected to the first regeneration cycle is greater than a minimum heat regeneration time interval then the method comprises the step of stopping the first regeneration cycle.
By maintaining the regeneration gas flow through the adsorption dryer for a minimum heat regeneration time interval, TWarmin-min, the adsorption dryer is regenerated efficiently, regardless of the temperature measured at the dryer outlet. Consequently, the regeneration process can be configured in the design and used according to known requirements of the adsorption material. As a result, the influence of the environment or of a temperature of the regeneration gas that may be higher than normal is eliminated.
Since the regeneration process is maintained until the temperature is reached, the method of the present invention ensures that optimum parameters of the adsorption dryer are achieved and that the system implementing the method of the present invention is immediately prepared for a subsequent adsorption cycle.
As a result, optimum results can be achieved for regenerating an adsorption dryer with a low power consumption and in a minimum of time. Consequently, the power consumption associated with regeneration with heated regeneration gas is kept to a minimum.
By measuring the pressure dew point or the relative humidity after a first time interval, this first time interval starting when the adsorption cycle is started, the current capacity of the adsorption dryer is taken into account and, based on the measured value, the time interval in which the regeneration cycle becomes maintained. Consequently, depending on the actual requirements of the network to which such adsorption dryer is connected, and on the behavior of that network, the time required for regeneration is controlled such that optimum operating conditions are achieved throughout the entire operating time.
Due to that optimization, the method according to the present invention is self-learning and adaptive based on the real state of the adsorption dryer, not on initial or design-specific approaches. Furthermore, an adsorption dryer applying a control method according to the present invention can work perfectly in a tropical environment or within a network with strongly fluctuating humidity, since the influence of the ambient conditions on the adsorption material within the adsorption dryer can be easily controlled and countered.
Tests have shown that, during the operation of an adsorption dryer applying a method according to the present invention, the time interval in which the heated regeneration gas is used within the regeneration process decreases over time. Consequently, the energy used by the adsorption dryer also decreases.
Preferably, if the measured outlet temperature, templ, of the regeneration gas is lower than the predetermined temperature threshold value and if the time frame within which the adsorption dryer is subjected to the first regeneration cycle is greater than or equal to a maximum heat regeneration time interval, TWarmte-Max> the first regeneration cycle stopped.
Therefore, the regeneration cycle cannot be longer than a maximum set time interval.
The present invention is further directed to an adsorption dryer comprising: - at least one adsorption vessel comprising adsorbents, an inlet and an outlet for allowing a gas to flow through; - a controller; - a gas source that can be connected to the inlet of the at least one adsorption vessel via a dryer inlet, the gas being a process gas and / or a regeneration gas; - a heating element positioned at the dryer inlet and configured such that it heats a regeneration gas that flows through it when the adsorption vessel is held in a first regeneration cycle; characterized in that - the controller further comprises means for measuring a pressure dew point or a relative humidity within the at least one adsorption vessel after a second preset adsorption time interval, to receive the measured data, and to maintain the regeneration gas flow through the inlet for a additional regeneration time interval, if the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is higher than a first predetermined threshold value; and / or - the controller further comprises a temperature sensor positioned at the outlet of the at least one adsorption vessel and further configured to stop the first regeneration cycle after a minimum heat regeneration time interval, if the measured outlet temperature is higher than or equal to a predetermined threshold value .
By using the controller, an accurate measurement of the parameters of the at least one adsorption vessel can be performed and requested. As a result, the regeneration cycle time is regulated on the basis of the last measurements and on the current state of the at least one adsorption vessel.
By the measured dew point or the determined. compare relative humidity with a predetermined threshold value and control the time during which the regeneration gas flows through the inlet, at least one adsorption vessel is kept at the required standards throughout operation and the adsorption dryer is capable of supplying a gas to the dryer outlet with at least the required moisture content.
Due to its capacities, the controller will help reduce the power consumption of the adsorption dryer during operation, regardless of the process gas parameters.
As the controller uses the temperature measurement at the outlet of the at least one adsorption vessel, that adsorption vessel must not reach very high temperatures that could potentially cause damage to the adsorption material contained therein. On the other hand, by maintaining the first regeneration cycle for a minimum set time interval, complete regeneration of the adsorption material and therefore optimum operating parameters of the adsorption dryer are ensured.
The present invention is also directed to a controller that controls the time in which an adsorption dryer is held in a regeneration cycle, said controller comprising: a timer to determine the time interval within which an adsorption vessel of the adsorption dryer is kept in a regeneration cycle, the adsorption vessel comprising an inlet and an outlet for gas to flow therethrough; characterized in that the controller: - further comprises: a user interface to receive a requested pressure dew point or relative humidity, a pressure dew point sensor or a relative humidity determinant positioned within the adsorption vessel of the adsorption dryer, - further configured to operate the adsorption dryer in a first regeneration cycle hold during an additional regeneration time interval if the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is higher than the requested pressure dew point or relative humidity; and / or - further comprises a temperature sensor positioned at the outlet of the adsorption vessel and further configured to stop the first regeneration cycle if the measured outlet temperature is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature threshold value, and, if the time interval in which the adsorption dryer is kept in the regeneration cycle is greater than a minimum heat regeneration time interval.
The present invention is also directed to a use of a controller according to the present invention in an adsorption dryer for compressed gas.
With the insight to better demonstrate the features of the invention, hereinafter, as an example without any limiting character, some preferred embodiments are described according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 schematically represents an adsorption dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 2 to 7 schematically illustrate the operating principle of a device according to Figure 1; and
Figures 8 to 23 illustrate different embodiments of an adsorption dryer according to the present invention.
Figure 1 shows an adsorption dryer 1 which, in this case, comprises two adsorption vessels 2 connected to a gas source 3 via a dryer inlet 4. The adsorption dryer 1 is capable of removing moisture from a gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 and, via a dryer outlet 5, dry and optionally cold gas provided to an external network (not shown).
In the context of the present invention, it must be assumed that the adsorption dryer 1 can also comprise more than two adsorption vessels 2 or even only one adsorption vessel 2.
Preferably, the adsorption vessels 2 comprise an adsorption material (not shown) that is capable of capturing the moisture of the gas flowing through it.
In the context of the present invention, it is to be assumed that adsorption may also include absorption.
Each of the two adsorption vessels 2 comprises an inlet 6 and an outlet 7 for allowing a gas to flow through. The adsorption dryer 1 further comprises a controller C and a gas source 3, which can be connected to the dryer inlet 4, wherein that gas is a process and / or a regeneration gas.
A heating element 9 is preferably positioned at the dryer inlet 4 and configured such that it heats a regeneration gas flowing through it when it holds at least one adsorption vessel 2 in a first regeneration cycle.
The controller C preferably further comprises means for measuring a pressure dew point or a relative humidity in the at least one adsorption vessel 2. Said means may be in the form of a sensor such as, for example, a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor positioned within the at least one adsorption vessel 2, or at the inlet 6 of the adsorption vessel 2, or at the dryer outlet 5.
Preferably, the pressure dew point or the relative humidity is measured after a second preset adsorption time interval, T2.
When measuring the relative humidity, the pressure and / or temperature within the respective adsorption vessel 2 is (are) preferably also measured with the aid of, for example, a pressure and / or a temperature sensor (not shown) and on the basis of these measurements, the pressure dew point can be calculated with known formulas or derived from existing tables. For such a determination, the measurements of the temperature sensor positioned at the outlet 7 of the adsorption vessel 2 or of another temperature sensor can be used.
The controller C receives the measured data via a communication channel such as a wired or wireless communication channel and maintains the flow of regeneration gas through the inlet 6 during an additional regeneration time interval, TEi, if the measured pressure dew point or the determined relative humidity is higher than a first advance certain threshold value. the controller C further uses a temperature sensor (not shown) positioned at the outlet 7 of the at least one adsorption vessel 2 and is further configured to stop the first regeneration cycle after a minimum heat regeneration time interval, TWarm-minr as the measured outlet temperature, templ, at the outlet 7 of the adsorption vessel 2 is higher than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.
Preferably, upon stopping the first regeneration cycle, the controller C activates an inlet valve 10 and / or 11 and stops the flow of regeneration gas at the inlet 6 of the adsorption vessel 2.
In another embodiment of the present invention, when the first regeneration cycle is stopped, the controller C stops the heating element 9.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but not limited to, gas source 3 comprises a compressor.
If the gas source 3 is a compressor, it must be assumed that the regeneration gas coming from the compressor and flowing through the dryer inlet 4 is a regeneration gas that has been subjected to a compression process and is therefore a heated regeneration gas that reaches a relatively high temperature .
For a more efficient design, the adsorption dryer 1 comprises at least two adsorption vessels 2, each having an inlet 6 and an outlet 7. The outlet of the compressor is preferably connected via a dryer inlet 4 to the inlet 6 of the at least two adsorption vessels 2.
In another preferred embodiment, when the adsorption dryer 1 comprises at least two adsorption vessels 2 and one of these adsorption vessels 2 is subjected to a regeneration cycle and the other adsorption vessel 2 is subjected to an adsorption cycle, the gas flow from the outlet 7 of one of the at least two adsorption vessels 2 are passed through the inlet 6 of the other adsorption vessel 2.
Preferably, the gas stream from the outlet 7 of the adsorption vessel 2 that is subjected to a regeneration cycle is passed through the inlet 6 of the adsorption vessel 2 that is subjected to an adsorption cycle.
Even though other configurations are possible, within the scope of the present invention, it is preferable that during the adsorption cycle process gas is sent through the outlet 7 of the adsorption vessel 2 and dried process gas flows through the inlet 6.
It is further preferred that during the regeneration cycle, regeneration gas is preferably passed through the inlet 6 of the adsorption vessel 2, and relatively wet regeneration gas flows through the outlet 7.
In the context of the present invention, the inlet 6 is positioned at the bottom of the adsorption vessel 2 and the outlet 7 is positioned at the top of the adsorption vessel 2. It cannot be excluded that the adsorption vessel 2 may also be rotated so that the outlet 7 is connected to the dryer inlet 4 and the inlet 6 is connected to the dryer outlet 5, such that the flow and the advantage referred to above can still be achieved.
In another embodiment of the present invention, each of the at least two adsorption vessels 2 comprises a temperature sensor positioned at the outlet 7.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor can also be mounted within the at least one adsorption vessel 2, near the outlet 7.
Preferably, the adsorption dryer 1 further comprises a cooler 8 positioned at the outlet 7 of the at least one adsorption vessel 2 and configured to cool the gas flowing through outlet 7.
The adsorption dryer 1 may comprise one cooler 8 positioned on a common outlet 7 of the at least two adsorption vessels 2, or each of the at least two adsorption vessels 2 may include a cooler 8 positioned at the outlet 7 of each adsorption vessel 2.
The controller C preferably further comprises means for alternately holding each of the at least two adsorption vessels 2 in a second regeneration cycle in which the heating element 9 is switched off; then in a first regeneration cycle in which the heating element 9 is switched on; then in a cooling cycle in which the gas is cooled by means of a cooler 8; and then in a standby cycle in which the gas flow through the adsorption vessel 2 is stopped.
Preferably, the controller C is further configured to control the time interval in which each of the adsorption vessels 2 is held in the first regeneration cycle, second regeneration cycle, cooling cycle and standby cycle based on the measured temperature and the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity .
Preferably, the controller C is configured to hold the adsorption vessel 2 in a standby cycle until the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is higher than the predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point or relative humidity.
Thus, the controller can control the time intervals for each of the adsorption vessels 2 separately, according to the need and the current state.
The adsorption dryer 1 may further comprise a control valve 12 to control the volume of gas flowing through the inlet 6. The control valve 12 is preferably provided on a different pipe than where the heating element is provided.
When the heating element 9 is switched on by the controller C, the volume of gas that may flow through the heating element 9 will have an influence on the temperature of the gas reaching the adsorption vessel 2. Consequently, by opening the control valve 12 and allowing only a certain percentage of the volume of gas to flow through the inlet 6, the temperature of the gas will be higher than when the full volume of gas may reach the inlet 6 of the adsorption vessel 2.
As a result, the comparison of the temperature at the outlet 7 of the adsorption vessel 2 with a temperature threshold value becomes very important to maintain the properties of the adsorption material.
Preferably, when the at least one adsorption vessel 2 is kept in a cooling cycle, the controller C is configured to activate a two-way valve 13 and / or 14 to allow a stream of gas from the gas source 3 to cool through the cooler 8 and through the allow adsorption vessel 2 to flow.
When the cooler 8 is used to cool the gas flowing through the dryer outlet 5, the adsorption dryer 1 further uses control valves 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 to control the path of the gas within the adsorption dryer 1.
Preferably, the adsorption dryer 1 further comprises a shut-off valve 20 configured to stop the flow of gas from the gas source 3 to the inlet 6 of the adsorption vessel 2.
The adsorption dryer 1 further comprises an outlet valve 21 or 22 for allowing the gas from the dryer outlet 5 to reach an external network (not shown). It is clear that if the adsorption dryer 1 comprises two or more adsorption vessels 2, each of the adsorption vessels 2 can comprise one outlet valve 21 or 22.
The present invention is further directed to a controller C that controls the time in which the adsorption dryer 1 is held in a regeneration cycle, said controller C comprising: a timer to determine the time interval within which an adsorption vessel 2 of the adsorption dryer 1 is turned into a regeneration cycle the adsorption vessel 2 comprising an inlet 6 and an outlet 7 to allow gas to flow through.
The controller C preferably further comprises a user interface (not shown) for receiving a requested pressure dew point or relative humidity, a pressure dew point sensor or a relative humidity determinant positioned within the adsorption vessel 2 of the adsorption dryer 1.
In the context of the present invention, a relative humidity determinant is to be understood to mean a module adapted to measure parameters such as pressure and temperature and to determine the relative humidity by calculating them with known formulas or deriving them from existing tables. Where such a module is a separate module, forms part of the adsorption dryer 1 or is integrated in the controller C.
The user interface may form part of the adsorption dryer 1 or may be an external module such as an external computer or electronic platform that communicates with the adsorption dryer 1 via a wired or wireless connection.
Preferably, a user of the adsorption dryer 1 can select the value of the pressure dew point or relative humidity via the user interface, or the value of the pressure dew point or relative humidity can be selected in the design.
The electronic platform can be the external network that uses the dried gas supplied by the adsorption dryer 1.
The controller C is preferably further configured to hold the adsorption dryer 1 in a first regeneration cycle during an additional regeneration time interval TEi, if the measured pressure dew point or the relative humidity is higher than the requested pressure dew point or relative humidity; and / or further comprises a temperature sensor positioned at the outlet 7 of the adsorption dryer 1 and is further configured to stop the first regeneration cycle if the measured outlet temperature, temp 1, at the outlet 7 of the adsorption dryer is greater than or equal to at a predetermined temperature threshold value, and, if the time interval in which the adsorption dryer 1 is held in the regeneration cycle is greater than a minimum heat and the time interval, TWarmte-min ·
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller C further comprises a processing unit configured to recalculate the additional regeneration time interval, TEi, by adding a first predetermined time interval, t0, to a previously set additional regeneration time interval ΤΕχ.0.
In another preferred embodiment, the controller C further comprises storage means for storing the recalculated additional regeneration time interval, de, wherein the controller C applies the recalculated additional regeneration time interval in a subsequent regeneration cycle.
These storage means can be in the form of a local hard disk or an external hard disk with which the controller C can communicate via a wired or wireless connection.
Preferably, but not limited to, controller C further comprises means for maintaining the regeneration cycle during a second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, if the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is lower than the requested pressure dew point or relative humidity.
In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the controller C further comprises calculating means for calculating the second additional regeneration time interval, TE2 by adding a second predetermined time interval, t1, to a previously set time interval, TE2, o ·
The calculation means are preferably in the form of a processor with computing power. The processor may be positioned at the adsorption dryer 1 or may be at the level of the external computer or electronic platform with which the controller preferably communicates.
If the calculating means are positioned at the level of the external computer or the external electronic platform, the adsorption dryer 1 preferably sends data measured via a wired or wireless connection and can receive calculated data.
Preferably, the controller C further comprises storage means configured to store and apply the recalculated second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, in a subsequent regeneration cycle.
As mentioned above, said storage means may be in the form of a local hard disk or an external hard disk with which the controller C can communicate via a wired or wireless connection.
In another embodiment according to the present invention, the calculating means are configured to further calculate: a minimum heat regeneration time interval (TM heat), by adding the extra regeneration time interval, TE 1 / to a preset minimum heat regeneration time interval, Time 3; or by adding the second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, to a pre-set minimum heat regeneration time interval Time 3; and / or - a maximum heat regeneration time interval in which the first regeneration cycle can be maintained, TWarinte-Max> by adding the extra regeneration time interval, TEi, to a preset maximum heat regeneration time interval, Time4; or by adding the second additional regeneration time interval, TE2 / to the preset maximum heat regeneration time interval, Time4; and / or - minimum regeneration time interval, Tmin, in which the gas flow from the compressor outlet is maintained at the dryer inlet 4 by subtracting the additional regeneration time interval, TEi, from the preset minimum regeneration time interval, Time dl, or subtracting the second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, from the preset minimum regeneration time interval, Time1; and / or - a maximum regeneration time interval, Tmax, in which the gas flow from the outlet of a compressor is maintained at the dryer inlet 4, by subtracting the extra regeneration time interval, TE1, from the preset maximum regeneration time interval, Time2, or by the second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, to be subtracted from the preset maximum regeneration time interval, Time2.
In yet another embodiment, the controller C further comprises means for heating up one or more time intervals and / or Twilight temperature and / or Tjnin and / or T1nm and applying it in a subsequent regeneration cycle.
In the context of the present invention, it is to be assumed that the means for storing the recalculated time intervals may be the same as the storage means configured to store the recalculated second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, or others may be positioned at the level of the adsorption dryer 1 or externally.
Furthermore, the controller C may include means for maintaining the adsorption vessel 2 in a first regeneration cycle during the calculated additional regeneration time interval, TE1, if the calculated additional regeneration time interval, ΤΕχ, or second additional regeneration time interval, TE2 is contained in the interval limited by the minimum heat regeneration time. jds interval, TWarmte-mini · and the maximum heat regeneration time interval, TWarmte-Max / and / or to stop the first regeneration cycle after the maximum heat regeneration time interval, TWarmte-Max, when the calculated extra regeneration time interval, TEi, or second extra regeneration time interval, TE2, is higher than the maximum heat regeneration time interval, TWarmte-Max ·
Preferably, but not limited to, the controller C comprises means for holding the adsorption vessel 2 in a second regeneration cycle, if the calculated additional regeneration time interval, ΤΕχ, or second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, is contained in the interval limited by the minimum generation time interval , Tmin, and the maximum regeneration time interval, T Max / and / or to stop the first regeneration cycle after the maximum regeneration time interval, TMax, when the calculated extra regeneration time interval, ΤΕχ, or second extra regeneration time interval, TE2, is higher than the maximum regeneration time interval, TMax .
The present invention is further directed to the use of a controller according to the present invention in an adsorption dryer 1 for compressed gas.
The present invention is further directed to a method for efficiently carrying out a regeneration cycle, so that the adsorption dryer 1 is prepared for a subsequent adsorption cycle.
Typically, an adsorption dryer 1 is subjected to an adsorption cycle in which a process gas is sent through an inlet 6 of the at least one adsorption vessel 2 and moisture is adsorbed from the process gas.
In the context of the present invention, it must be assumed that the inlet 6 and the outlet 7 can also be interchanged, so that the process gas can also be sent through the outlet 7 of the at least one adsorption vessel 2 and relatively dry gas can be obtained at the inlet 6 of the at least one adsorption vessel 2.
After a certain operating time, the adsorption material becomes saturated and can no longer efficiently capture the moisture from the gas. Consequently, at least one adsorption vessel 2 must be subjected to a regeneration cycle in which the moisture contained therein is removed from the adsorption vessel 2.
To achieve this, the method according to the present invention may comprise a step in which the pressure dew point or the relative humidity is measured at the outlet 7 of the at least one adsorption vessel 2, during the adsorption cycle.
The pressure dew point or the relative humidity is preferably measured at the dryer outlet 5.
Tests have shown that, depending on the volume of the adsorption vessel 2 and the type of adsorption material, each adsorption vessel 2 will reach an optimum pressure dew point or optimum relative humidity after a calculated time interval. Preferably, the measurement of the pressure dew point or the relative humidity is performed when such an optimum value is reached. For example, but not limited to, such optimum value can be achieved after 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours or more.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the measurement of the pressure dew point or the relative humidity is performed during an adsorption cycle and an average value for the dew point or the relative humidity is calculated.
Further, the method includes the steps of stopping the adsorption cycle after a preset adsorption time interval, T1, and then subjecting the adsorption vessel 2 to a first regeneration cycle during a preset minimum heat regeneration time interval, Time3, by heating a regeneration gas before passing through the regeneration gas. inlet 6 of the adsorption vessel.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the regeneration gas may be the process gas or the regeneration gas may be another gas supplied by the same gas source 3 or by a different gas source (not shown).
The method according to the present invention further comprises the step of comparing the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity with a predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point or the relative humidity and if the measured pressure dew point or the relative humidity is higher than the predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point or relative humidity, the first regeneration cycle is maintained during an additional regeneration time interval, TEi ·
It is clear that, in the case where the method calculates an average value for the pressure dew point or the relative humidity, such calculated value is compared with a predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point or the relative humidity.
By performing such a step, optimum regeneration of the adsorption material within the at least one adsorption vessel 2 is ensured.
Tests have shown that if the load of the at least one adsorption vessel 2 is maintained at about 80% load or 60% or less during the adsorption cycle, the additional regeneration time interval, TEi, will decrease more and more with each cycle, to zero. .
Due to such a behavior, the power consumption required for regenerating the adsorption vessel 2 also decreases with each regeneration cycle, a value of zero being reached. Consequently, the efficiency of the regeneration cycle will increase and at the same time the costs associated with regeneration of the adsorption dryer 1 will decrease.
In the context of the present invention, it is to be assumed that, depending on the measured dew point or relative humidity, the additional regeneration time interval, TE 1, can then increase and decrease again until a value of zero is reached.
To easily measure and / or determine, but not limited to, the measured parameter is the pressure dew point, which is further compared to a predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point.
In another preferred embodiment, the predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point is selected according to the requirements of the gas at the dryer outlet 5.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the outlet temperature, templ, is measured and compared with a predetermined temperature threshold value, and if the measured outlet temperature templ is higher than or equal to the predetermined temperature threshold value, and, as the time frame in which the adsorption dryer 1 is subjected to the first regeneration cycle is greater than a minimum heat regeneration time interval, Twarmte-minr, the method then comprises the step of stopping the first regeneration cycle.
Tests have proven that once the temperature of the regeneration gas measured at the outlet 7 of the adsorption vessel 2 reaches a predetermined temperature threshold value, at least one adsorption vessel 2 has been regenerated. The predetermined temperature threshold value can be calculated based on the volume of the at least one adsorption vessel 2 and the type of adsorption material contained therein.
By maintaining the first regeneration cycle for at least the minimum heat time interval, TWarmte-min / min, a safety measurement is carried out and the adsorption material is optimally regenerated.
In another preferred embodiment, the method according to the present invention performs both steps in carrying out the first regeneration cycle: maintaining the first regeneration cycle during an additional regeneration time interval, TEi, if the measured pressure dew point or the relative humidity is higher than the predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point or the relative humidity; and stop the first regeneration cycle if the outlet temperature, templ, is higher than or equal to the predetermined temperature threshold value, and, if the time frame in which the adsorption dryer 1 is subjected to the first regeneration cycle is greater than a minimum heat regeneration time interval, TWarm-min.
By applying both steps, the current state of the adsorption material is taken into account and the method of the present invention can evolve and consequently adapt.
In another preferred embodiment, if the measured outlet temperature, templ, of the regeneration gas is lower than the predetermined temperature threshold value and if the time frame in which the adsorption dryer 1 is subjected to the first regeneration cycle is greater than or equal to a maximum heat regeneration time interval, TWheat -Max, the first regeneration cycle stopped.
By stopping the first regeneration cycle after the maximum heat regeneration interval, TWarmte-Max / is reached, efficient operation of the adsorption dryer 1 is maintained, since long waiting times for starting a subsequent adsorption cycle are avoided and the efficiency of the adsorption dryer is increased .
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method uses the calculated additional regeneration time interval, TE 1, in a subsequent first regeneration cycle. Consequently, in a subsequent regeneration cycle, the additional regeneration time interval, TEi, is calculated by adding a first predetermined time interval, t0, to a previously set additional regeneration time interval ΤΕχ, ο where the previously set additional regeneration time interval TEifo is the extra regeneration time interval that was determined during the previous regeneration cycle.
In the context of the present invention, it must be assumed that t0 can be a certain value or can be calculated on the basis of a function with as parameters the measurements taken in a previous regeneration cycle.
It cannot be excluded that a user of the adsorption dryer 1 according to the present invention can select the value of t0 using the user interface.
For example, but not limited to, the first predetermined time interval can be t0, about 15 minutes, or about 30 minutes, or about 45 minutes or more.
Preferably, when the adsorption dryer 1 is started, the previously set additional regeneration time interval TEi> 0 is zero.
In another embodiment of the present invention, if the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is not higher than the predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point or relative humidity, the method further comprises the step of comparing the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity with a second threshold value for the pressure dew point or relative humidity and, if the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is lower than a second threshold value for the pressure dew point or relative humidity, the present method preferably further comprises the step of maintaining the regeneration cycle during a second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, wherein the second predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point or relative humidity is lower than the first predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point or relative humidity.
Preferably, the method according to the present invention will apply either the additional regeneration time interval, TE1, or the second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, in the next regeneration cycle, depending on the result of the comparison.
Preferably, but not limited to, the second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, is smaller than the extra regeneration time interval, TE1.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, has a negative value. In other words, if the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is lower than a second threshold value for the pressure dew point or relative humidity, a next first regeneration cycle | TE21 are shorter than the previous ones, where | TE21 is the absolute number of TE2.
Preferably, the difference between the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity and the second threshold value for the pressure dew point or relative humidity is a tolerance that the method takes into account before the first regeneration cycle is extended.
This tolerance can be any selected value, depending on the required results of the adsorption dryer 1 and the behavior of the adsorption material. For example, such a tolerance may be a value selected between 1 ° and 10 °, such as about 5 °.
Preferably, the second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, is calculated by adding a second predetermined time interval, t1, to a previously set time interval TE2 (o wherein the previously set additional regeneration time interval TE2 <0 is the second additional regeneration time interval that was determined during the previous regeneration cycle.
In the context of the present invention, it is to be assumed that t1 may be a certain value or may be calculated on the basis of a function with as parameters the measurements taken in a previous regeneration cycle.
It cannot be excluded that a user of the adsorption dryer 1 according to the present invention can choose the value of tl using the user interface.
For example, but not limited to, the first predetermined time interval may be, t1, about 15 minutes, or about 30 minutes, or about 45 minutes or more.
In the context of the present invention, it is to be assumed that the second predetermined time interval, t1, can also be a negative time interval, in which case time is subtracted.
Preferably, when the adsorption dryer 1 is started, the previously set additional regeneration time interval TE2 is zero.
The method according to the present invention may further comprise the step of recalculating the predetermined minimum heat regeneration time interval, T heat-min # · by adding the additional regeneration time interval, TE1, to a predetermined minimum time interval, Time3; or by adding the second additional regeneration time interval, Te2, to the predetermined minimum heat regeneration time interval Time 3.
Preferably, the predetermined minimum heat regeneration time interval Time 3 is selected in the design.
In a further embodiment according to the present invention, the method further comprises the step of calculating a maximum heat regeneration time interval in which the regeneration cycle can be maintained, Twarmte-Max / by adding the extra regeneration time interval, TEi, to a preset maximum heat regeneration time interval , Time4; or by adding the second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, to the preset maximum heat regeneration time interval, Time4.
Preferably, the preset maximum heat regeneration time interval, Time 4, is selected in the design.
Since the minimum heat regeneration time interval, Time 3, and the maximum heat regeneration time interval, Time 4, are selected in the design, an adsorption dryer 1 applying the current method will follow a specific pattern during operation, and will eliminate the risk that the quality of the gas supplied to the dryer outlet 5 is lower than requested or that long waiting time intervals arise between successive adsorption cycles.
Preferably, the adsorption dryer 1 is subjected to a second regeneration cycle, by maintaining the process gas flow through the dryer inlet 4 for a pre-set minimum regeneration time interval, Time 1.
By maintaining the process gas flow through the dryer inlet 4, an adsorption dryer 1 applying the method according to the present invention uses the gas source 3 during part of the regeneration cycle of an adsorption vessel 2, without the influence of the heated gas, on the power consumption even more.
In a further embodiment, the previously calculated TE 1, TE 2, are used to recalculate the minimum regeneration time interval in which the process gas flow is maintained at the dryer inlet 4, T min, by: subtracting the additional regeneration time interval, TE 1, from the preset minimum regeneration time interval , Time1, or by subtracting the second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, from the preset minimum regeneration time interval, Timel. Consequently, the measurement of the pressure dew point or the relative humidity forms a basis for adjusting the time intervals in which both regeneration cycles are performed: the first regeneration cycle and the second regeneration cycle.
Further, the method may include the step of calculating a maximum regeneration time interval, TMax, in which the process gas flow is maintained at the dryer inlet 4, by subtracting the additional regeneration time interval, TEi from a preset maximum time interval, Time2, or by subtract second additional regeneration time interval, TE2, from a pre-set maximum regeneration time interval, Time2.
Preferably, the adsorption dryer 1 is first subjected to the second regeneration cycle and then to the first regeneration cycle. As a result, the adsorption dryer 1 uses the properties of the regeneration gas as much as possible and only when this is not sufficient will it use the heated gas. Tests have shown that when the at least one adsorption vessel 2 is held at, for example, about 80% load or 60% load or less during the adsorption cycle, and once the time interval in which the heated gas is used has reached a value of zero, due to the current method, the zero value will be retained.
Depending on the requirements of the adsorption dryer 1, it can be provided with at least two adsorption vessels 2 and the first regeneration cycle and the second regeneration cycle for each adsorption vessel 2 are used alternately.
As a result, each adsorption vessel 2 will be treated separately, and depending on the current state of each adsorption vessel 2, the method controls the time interval in which the first regeneration cycle and the second regeneration cycle are performed, so that an optimum result is achieved.
Consequently, even if one of the at least two adsorption vessels 2 is subjected to a process gas with a higher moisture content, the method according to the present invention will control the time interval individually for each adsorption vessel 2, so that an optimal regeneration of the adsorption material is performed at the lowest costs and within an optimal time.
In the context of the present invention, it is to be assumed that the number of adsorption vessels 2 can vary and that the method of the present invention can also be applied to an adsorption dryer 1 comprising more than two adsorption vessels 2, such as, for example, three adsorption vessels, four adsorption vessels or more.
The method according to the present invention preferably further comprises the step of subjecting the at least one adsorption vessel 2 to a cooling cycle in which the process gas is cooled by means of a cooler 8. As a result, the temperature of the gas supplied via the dryer outlet 5 will be controlled according to the requirements.
Preferably, after the regeneration cycles have been carried out, the at least one adsorption vessel 2 of the adsorption dryer 1 is preferably kept in standby. By performing this step, each adsorption vessel 2 is kept ready for a new adsorption cycle, possibly even before such a request is received. As a result, the reaction time of the adsorption dryer 1 which uses a method according to the present invention is reduced to a minimum.
Preferably, when the adsorption vessel 2 is kept in standby, the gas flow through the inlet 6 is stopped and the flow at the dryer outlet 5 is maintained so that a minimum pressure is maintained in the adsorption vessel 2.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but not limited to, the method applies the following steps for each of the at least one adsorption vessels 2 in the following order: First, one of the adsorption vessels 2 is subjected to a second regeneration cycle, then the same becomes adsorption vessel 2 is preferably subjected to a first regeneration cycle, then the same adsorption vessel 2 is preferably subjected to a cooling cycle and then preferably kept in standby. During the cooling cycle, the gas coming from the gas source 3 is preferably cooled by means of a cooler 8.
Even more preferably, for controlling the temperature of the regeneration gas flowing through the dryer outlet 5, the regeneration gas flowing through the at least one adsorption vessel 2, after it has left that at least one adsorption vessel 2, is cooled by the same or a different cooler 8 both during the first regeneration cycle and the second regeneration cycle.
Even more preferably, the cooler 8 is further used during the adsorption phase to control the process gas flowing through the dryer outlet 5.
For the sake of clarity, the operating principle will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.
It is to be assumed that the following examples illustrate different operating states of the adsorption dryer 1 and that the method for controlling the regeneration time as described in the present document applies during the regeneration cycle of each example that will be further explained.
It should be assumed that the adsorption dryer can also work with a different configuration, and that the following chapter should not be considered as limiting the design.
Figure 2 illustrates an example of an adsorption dryer 1 comprising at least two adsorption vessels 2a and 2b, wherein while one adsorption vessel 2b is subjected to a second regeneration cycle, the second adsorption vessel 2a is subjected to an adsorption cycle.
Consequently, the gas from the outlet of the compressor 3 can flow through the shut-off valve 20 and through valve 10, and thus reach the adsorption vessel 2b. The control valve 19, the inlet valve 11 and the outlet valve 21 are preferably brought into a closed state by the controller C.
After the gas stream leaves the adsorption vessel 2b, it is sent via the control valve 15 through the cooler 8a, where it is cooled. The stream of cooled gas is further directed through the control valve 18 and further through the adsorption vessel 2a, in which moisture is adsorbed before the stream leaves the adsorption dryer 1 via the outlet valve 22 and dryer outlet 5.
In this example, the control valve 12 is preferably brought into a partially open state such that a volume of gas from the outlet of the compressor 3 reaches the cooler 8b, under the influence of which it is cooled, flows through the two-way valve 14 and reaches the adsorption vessel 2a . The two-way valve 13 is preferably brought into a closed state.
The gas stream reaches the dryer outlet 5 and is further used in an external network. For this to happen, the inlet valve 11 is preferably brought into the closed state.
Preferably, the adsorption vessel 2b is in the second regeneration phase, wherein the heat of the press gas is used to remove moisture from the adsorption medium, and the adsorption vessel 2a is in the adsorption phase.
By way of example, the control valve 12 can be controlled by the controller C so that about 50% of the press gas can reach the heating element 9 and about 50% of the press gas can reach the cooler 8b.
Another consequence of opening the control valve 12 is that the pressure drop is controlled by the adsorption dryer 1 and therefore by adsorption vessels 2a and 2b.
In a next step, the adsorption vessel 2b can be subjected to a first regeneration cycle, in which the gas flow follows the same path as explained above with reference to Figure 2, with the difference that the heating element 9 is switched on by the controller C.
Another possible difference is to control the degree of opening of the control valve 12, such that the volume of compressed gas reaching the heating element 9 is controlled. The degree of opening of the valve 12 is preferably increased in comparison with the previous example, such that the heating element 9 will more easily raise the temperature of the compressed gas and / or possibly reach a higher temperature of the compressed gas before it is passed through the adsorption vessel 2b. sent.
By way of example, the control valve 12 can be controlled by the controller C so that about 30% of the press gas can reach the heating element 9 and about 70% of the press gas can reach the cooler 8b.
Figure 3 illustrates an example in which while one adsorption vessel 2b is subjected to a cooling cycle, the other adsorption vessel, 2a, is subjected to an adsorption cycle or maintained in an adsorption cycle.
After the adsorption vessel 2b has been subjected to a second regeneration cycle and a first regeneration cycle, the temperature within the adsorption vessel 2b reaches high values and is preferably cooled. The adsorption dryer uses 1 cooler 8b for this.
Consequently, the pressurized gas is sent via the control valve 12 through cooler 8b where it is cooled, and then further through the two-way valve 13 and into the adsorption vessel 2b.
The shut-off valve 20, the control valves 17 and 15 are preferably brought into a closed state.
The gas flowing through the adsorption vessel 2b will reach a higher temperature and therefore it will be sent through the inlet valve 10 and control valve 19 through the cooler 8a.
In this example, the heating element 9 is switched off, the inlet valve 11 and outlet valve 21 are brought into a closed state.
After the gas has been cooled by the cooler 8a, the flow is sent via the control valve 18 into the adsorption vessel 2a in which moisture is adsorbed from the gas before it is led into an external network via the outlet valve 22 and the dryer outlet 5.
Preferably, the two-way valve 14 and the control valve 16 are brought into a closed state.
By way of example, the control valve 12 can be controlled by the controller C such that approximately 100% of the volume of gas from the compressor 3 is controlled by the cooler 8b.
Figure 4 illustrates an example in which one adsorption vessel, 2b, is in standby and the other adsorption vessel, 2a, is in adsorption.
In this example, the air coming from the compressor 3 can preferably flow through the control valve 12 and through the control valve 19.
After the air has passed through the control valve 12, it is cooled by the cooler 8b, a part thereof reaches the outlet of the adsorption vessel 2b, via the two-way valve 13 and a part thereof reaches the outlet of the adsorption vessel 2a via the two-way valve 14. At the control valves 15 and 17, the inlet valve 10 and the outlet valve 21 are preferably brought into a closed state.
Since a portion of the cooled air reaches the outlet of the adsorption vessel 2b and, since inlet valve 10 and outlet valve 21 are brought into a closed state, a minimum desired pressure is maintained in the adsorption vessel 2b such that when such an adsorption vessel is subjected to an adsorption cycle the adsorption dryer 1 does not experience a significant pressure drop.
Furthermore, the compressed air flowing through control valve 19 reaches the cooler 8a in which it is cooled and reaches the outlet of the adsorption vessel 2a via the control valve 18. As it passes through the adsorption vessel 2a, moisture is adsorbed. Furthermore, the cooled and dry air is directed through the outlet valve 22 into the external network.
Preferably, the inlet valve 11 is also brought into a closed state, such that the air coming from the compressor 3 can only flow through the control valve 12 and the control valve 19. In this example, the heating element 9 is preferably kept in a switched-off state.
In view of efficiency and since it is desirable during this phase to maintain a minimum pressure in the adsorption vessel 2b, the opening of the control valve 12 will be controlled such that a minimum volume of compressed air can reach the cooler 8b and furthermore, the adsorption vessel 2b, such as, for example: 40% or less of the volume of compressed air, or, preferably 30% or less of the volume of compressed air, or, more preferably, 25% or less of the volume of compressed air.
Figure 5 illustrates an example in which the adsorption vessel 2b is in an adsorption phase and the adsorption vessel 2a is in a second regeneration phase.
In this example, the air coming from the compressor 3 can preferably flow through the control valve 12 and through the inlet valve 11 and further reach the adsorption vessel 2a.
The heating element 9 is preferably switched off, and the control valve 19, inlet valve 10 and outlet valve 22 are brought into a closed state.
Since the air coming from the compressor 3 is warm due to the compression process, it will regenerate the adsorption vessel 2a. After the air has left the adsorption vessel 2a, it is sent through the cooler 8a in which it is cooled and further through the adsorption vessel 2b as the control valve 17 is brought into an open state. The control valves 14, 15 and 18 are preferably brought into a closed state.
Furthermore, the air flowing through the control valve 12 is further controlled by the cooler 8b in which it is cooled and further controlled by the two-way valve 13 and further by the adsorption vessel 2b. The moisture from the cooled air flowing through the adsorption vessel 2b is adsorbed and the cooled and dry air is led to the external network via the outlet valve 21 and the dryer outlet 5.
The control valve 12 is preferably controlled such that part of the air coming from the compressor 3 is led through the valve 12 and reaches the cooler 8b, and the rest is led through the shut-off valve 20 and further through the adsorption vessel 2a.
By way of example, the control valve 12 can be controlled by the controller C such that about 50% of the press gas can reach the adsorption vessel 2a and about 50% of the press gas can reach the cooler 8b.
In a next step, the adsorption vessel 2a can be subjected to a first regeneration cycle, in which the flow of air is maintained as in the previous example, and in which the heating element 9 is switched on by the controller C.
For better efficiency, the control valve 12 can be controlled such that a larger volume of air reaches the cooler 8b and furthermore the adsorption vessel 2b, and a smaller volume of air can reach the heating element 9.
By way of example, the control valve 12 can be controlled by the controller C such that about 30% of the press gas can reach the heating element 9 and about 70% of the press gas can reach the cooler 8b.
Figure 6 illustrates an example in which the adsorption vessel 2a is subjected to a cooling cycle and the adsorption vessel 2b is kept in an adsorption cycle.
In this example, the shut-off valve 20 is preferably brought into a closed state so that the air coming from the compressor 3 is passed through the control valve 12 and further through the cooler 8b in which it is cooled.
The cooled air is further directed through the two-way valve 14 and further through the adsorption vessel 2a in which the heat contained in the adsorption vessel 2a is transferred by the gas flowing through it. The two-way valve 13, the control valves 16 and 18 are preferably brought into a closed state.
The air leaving the adsorption vessel 2a is passed through the inlet valve 11 and control valve 19 through the cooler 8a, in which the air is cooled. The outlet valve 22, inlet valve 10 and control valve 15 are preferably brought into a closed state.
After the air has been cooled by the cooler 8a, it is sent via the control valve 17 through the adsorption vessel 2b in which moisture is adsorbed. The air leaving the adsorption vessel 2b is further sent to the external network via the outlet valve 21.
For better efficiency, the control valve 12 is preferably controlled such that approximately the full volume of compressed gas coming from the compressor 3 is passed through.
Figure 7 illustrates an example in which the adsorption vessel 2a is kept in standby and adsorption vessel 2b is kept in an adsorption cycle.
In this example, the air coming from the compressor 3 is guided via the control valve 12 and the control valve 19 and thus reaches the coolers 8b and 8a, respectively, in which the two streams are cooled.
The inlet valves 10 and 11 and the outlet valve 22 are preferably brought into a closed state.
Part of the air flowing through the control valve 12 and further cooled by the cooler 8b is passed through the adsorption vessel 2b via the two-way valve 13 and part of it is brought to the outlet of the adsorption vessel 2a using the two-way valve 14 which is in is brought to an open state.
Furthermore, the air flowing through the cooler 8a is passed through the adsorption vessel 2b, since the control valve 17 is preferably brought into an open state.
Furthermore, the control valves 15, 16 and 18 are preferably brought into a closed state.
The air leaving the adsorption vessel 2b is further directed to the external network via the outlet valve 21.
Since part of the cooled air is brought to the outlet of the adsorption vessel 2a, a minimum pressure level is maintained by the adsorption vessel 2a such that when the adsorption vessel 2a is subjected to an adsorption cycle, a pressure drop within the adsorption dryer 1 is very small or even eliminated.
Figure 8 shows another possible embodiment of an adsorption dryer according to the present invention, in which an additional cooler 8c is included. The operating principle remains the same as in the examples described above.
The only difference is that instead of just using cooler 8a, the adsorption dryer will use two coolers 8a and 8c, mounted in parallel. Consequently, the gas stream that previously reached cooler 8a will be halved, which will further increase the efficiency of the cooling process.
Figure 9 illustrates another example of a dryer 1 according to the present invention in which a volume of gas is used to cool each of the two adsorption vessels 2. That volume of gas will be called flushing gas.
The layout of the adsorption dryer 1 illustrated in Figure 9 differs from that in Figure 1 in that the adsorption dryer 1 uses a nozzle 23 and a drain valve 24 to control the volume of flushing gas and the moment at which such flushing gas will be used.
Another difference is that the control valves 15 and 16 have been replaced by non-return valves 25 and 26. However, it should be assumed that the control valves 15 and 16 could also have been used in this specific example, but by using non-return valves 25 and 26 , the control unit no longer needs to activate them and the flow will be regulated on the basis of the pressure difference within the pipes on which the non-return valves 25 and 26 are mounted.
The adsorption dryer 1 further uses pressure relief valves 27 and 28 to control the pressure inside the adsorption vessels 2a and 2b and to discharge the pressure build-up within the adsorption vessels 2a and 2b to the atmosphere or the outside environment.
Furthermore, extraction valves 29 and 30 are used to allow a volume of gas to leave the adsorption dryer 1 to the atmosphere or the outside environment.
Figure 10 illustrates the situation where adsorption vessel 2b is in a second regeneration cycle and adsorption vessel 2a in an adsorption cycle.
In such an operating state, the regeneration gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 and coming from the compressor 3, which has a relatively high temperature, is sent through adsorption vessel 2b, then cooled through the cooler 8 and then through adsorption vessel 2a and further through the dryer outlet 5 to the external network.
Consequently, the inlet valve 10, control valve 18, and outlet valve 22 are open and inlet valve 11, outlet valve 21, drain valve 24, control valve 12, pressure relief valves 27 and 28, control valve 17, extraction valves 29 and 30, are kept closed.
Since the pressure level at line A is higher than the pressure level at line B, the non-return valve 25 opens and the gas flow reaches the cooler 8.
Figure 11 illustrates the operating state in which adsorption vessel 2b is subjected to a first regeneration cycle, in which heating element 9 is switched on and adsorption vessel 2a is in an adsorption cycle.
In such an operating condition, a portion of the gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 and coming from the compressor 3 reaches the heating element 9 which further raises the temperature, and is passed through adsorption vessel 2b, the gas stream being subsequently cooled by the cooler 8 and is further led through adsorption vessel 2a and further through the dryer outlet 5 to the external network.
Preferably, the control valve 12 is partially open. Even more preferably, the control valve 12 allows approximately 80% of the gas flow to flow through and only about 20% of the gas flow reaches the heating element 9.
Consequently, inlet valve 10, control valve 12, control valve 18, and outlet valve 22 are open, and inlet valve 11, outlet valve 21, drain valve 24, pressure relief valves 27 and 28, extraction valves 29 and 30, and control valve 17 are kept closed.
Since the pressure level at line A is higher than the pressure level at line B, the non-return valve 25 opens and the gas flow reaches the cooler 8. The gas flowing through the control valve 12 also reaches the cooler 8 and is cooled before it reaches the adsorption vessel 2a. After the first regeneration cycle has ended, adsorption vessel 2b can be subjected to a pressure relief condition, as illustrated in Figure 12. At the same time, the adsorption vessel 2a is preferably kept in the adsorption cycle.
The gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 is cooled by the cooler 8, is passed through adsorption vessel 2a and further via the dryer outlet 5 to the external network.
Preferably, control valve 12 is open, as well as control valve 18 and outlet valve 22. Inlet valves 10 and 11, drain valve 24, outlet valve 21, control valve 17, extraction valves 29 and 30 and pressure relief valve 28 are kept closed.
In such an operating condition, the pressure relief valve 27 is preferably kept open such that the pressure build-up can be discharged within the adsorption vessel 2b.
Since the pressure level on line A is lower than the pressure level on line B, the non-return valve 25 does not open.
Preferably, in a subsequent step, the adsorption vessel 2b is cooled with the aid of a purge gas stream and the adsorption vessel 2a is kept in the adsorption state, as illustrated in Figure 13.
In such an operating state, the gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 reaches the cooler 8, the cooled gas is then passed through the adsorption vessel 2a and part of the gas flow will reach the external network via the dryer outlet 5 and part of it will pass through the nozzle 23 flows and reach the adsorption vessel 2b, which will be cooled and further discharged to the atmosphere or the outside environment.
Consequently, control valve 12, control valve 18, outlet valve 22, drain valve 24 and extraction valve 29 are open, and inlet valves 10 and 11, outlet valve 21, pressure relief valves 27 and 28, control valve 17 and extraction valve 30 are closed.
Preferably, the nozzle 23 allows only a limited volume of gas to flow through and reach the adsorption vessel 2b. Depending on the type of nozzle used, such a nozzle can allow between 5 and 20% of the gas flow to flow through. By way of example, but not limited to, the nozzle used by the adsorption dryer 1 causes approximately 10% of the gas stream to flow through.
Since the pressure level at line Δ is lower than the pressure level at line B, the non-return valve 25 does not open.
The control system may further bring the adsorption vessel 2b into a pressure equalization state while the adsorption vessel 2a is maintained in an adsorption state, as illustrated in Figure 14.
Preferably, the gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 reaches the cooler 8, the cooled gas is passed through the adsorption vessel 2a and a part of the gas stream reaches the external network via the dryer outlet 5 and a part of the gas stream enters the adsorption vessel 2b.
The pressure relief valve 27, control valve 17 and extraction valve 29 are preferably closed such that the pressure inside the adsorption vessel 2b reaches the desired value.
The control valve 12, the control valve 18, the outlet valve 22 and the drain valve 24 are open and the inlet valves 10 and 11 and outlet valve 21 are kept closed.
After adsorption vessel 2b has been pressurized, the controller can further subject the adsorption vessels 2a and 2b to a split flow state, as illustrated in Figure 15.
The gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 and coming from the compressor 3 reaches the cooler 8, the cooled gas is then split and both flows reach adsorption vessels 2a and 2b before they reach the external network via dryer outlet 5.
The control valve 12, the control valves 17 and 18 and outlet valves 21 and 22 are open and the inlet valves 10 and 11, drain valve 24, pressure relief valves 27 and 28, and extraction valves 29 and 30 are kept closed.
It must be assumed that such an operating state is optional. The advantage of a split flow state is a low pressure drop between the pressure at the dryer inlet 4 and the pressure level at the dryer outlet 5.
Then adsorption vessel 2b can be brought into a standby state while adsorption vessel 2a can be kept in adsorption state, as illustrated in Figure 16.
During such an operating condition, the gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 reaches the cooler 8, the cooled gas is passed through adsorption vessel 2a and further reaches the external network via dryer outlet 5.
Consequently, control valve 12, control valve 18 and outlet valve 22 are open and inlet valves 10 and 11, drain valve 24, outlet valve 21, pressure relief valves 27 and 28, extraction valves 29 and 30, and control valve 17 are kept closed.
Next, the operating phases described above with respect to Figures 10 to 16 will be applied to the adsorption vessels 2a and 2b such that the adsorption vessels will be interchanged so that adsorption vessel 2b will be subjected to an adsorption phase and adsorption vessel 2a will be regenerated. Consequently, the operating principle as described above with respect to Figures 10 to 16 will remain the same.
Figure 17 illustrates the case where the adsorption dryer comprises 1, 3 adsorption vessels 2a, 2b and 2c. Preferably, but not limited to, each adsorption vessel 2a, 2b and 2c comprises an internal heating element 9.
The adsorption dryer 1 further preferably comprises an additional control valve 33 to control the volume of gas reaching at least one of the adsorption vessels 2a, 2b and 2c based on the temperature measured within the at least one adsorption vessel 2a, 2b and 2c.
In addition, a water separator 36 can be used to eliminate excess water from the system. The water separator 36 is provided with at least one extraction valve 37 to eliminate the collected water. The adsorption dryer 1 further comprises shut-off valves 38 and 38 to control the gas flow.
As in the examples above, the control valve 19 and the shut-off valve 20 are retained, as are the arrangement of the inlet valves, outlet valves, two-way valves and control valves for each adsorption vessel. In addition, inlet valve 31, outlet valve 32, a two-way valve 34 and a control valve 35 are added for the third adsorption vessel 2c.
Figure 18 illustrates the flow within the adsorption dryer 1 when adsorption vessel 2a is subjected to a second regeneration cycle and adsorption vessels 2b and 2c are subjected to an adsorption cycle. Preferably, the gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 has a relatively high temperature since it was preferably previously compressed by compressor 3.
Preferably, control valve 33 is partially open such that about 50% of the gas volume flowing through the dryer inlet 4 can flow through it and the rest of the gas volume reaches adsorption vessel 2a.
The gas flowing through the outlet 7 of adsorption vessel 2a again meets the volume of gas flowing through the control valve 33 and reaches the cooler 8. The cooled gas is passed through the water separator before it is split between adsorption vessels 2b and 2c.
The relatively cold and dry gas leaving the two adsorption vessels 2b and 2c is led via the dryer outlet 5 to the external network.
Consequently, shut-off valve 20, control valve 33, inlet valve 11, control valve 16, shut-off valve 38, two-way valves 13 and 34, and outlet valves 21 and 32 are kept open, and control valve 19, extraction valve 37, shut-off valve 39, outlet valve 22, inlet valves 10 and 31, two-way valve 14 , and control valves 15 and 35 kept closed.
Subsequently, the adsorption vessel 2a can be subjected to a first regeneration cycle while the adsorption vessels 2b and 2c are kept in an adsorption cycle.
The internal heating element 9 of the adsorption vessel 2a is preferably switched on, whereby the temperature of the volume of gas reaching the adsorption vessel 2a rises even further.
The path of the gas stream remains the same as in the previous example, with the only difference being the degree of opening of control valve 33 which in this case is preferably approximately 80% open, such that the volume of gas reaching the adsorption vessel 2a is approximately 20% and consequently, the efficiency of the internal heating element 9 is increased.
In a later step, as illustrated in Figure 19, the adsorption vessel 2a can be subjected to a cooling cycle, while adsorption vessels 2b and 2c are kept in an adsorption cycle.
Preferably, control valve 33 is fully open and control valve 12 is partially open. The opening degree of control valve 12 can, for example, be approximately 80%.
The gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 is preferably cooled by the cooler 8, passes through the water separator 36, and due to the degree of opening of control valve 12, about 20% of the gas flow reaches the adsorption vessel 2a, where it is cooled. The gas that flows through the inlet 6 of the adsorption vessel 2a is passed through the cooler 8 and again meets the gas that flows through the control valve 12. Furthermore, the resulting gas stream reaches adsorption vessels 2b and 2c and moisture is adsorbed.
The relatively cold and dry gas is led through the dryer outlet 5 to the external network.
Next, the operating phases described above with respect to Figures 18 and 19 will be applied to the adsorption vessels 2a, 2b and 2c such that the adsorption vessel that is subjected to a first and / or a second regeneration cycle will be exchanged. For example, adsorption vessel 2b will be regenerated while adsorption vessels 2a and 2c will be kept in a regeneration cycle. The operating principle as described above with respect to Figures 18 and 19 will remain the same. Then adsorption vessel 2c will be regenerated while adsorption vessels 2a and 2b will be kept in a regeneration cycle.
Figure 20 illustrates a layout of the adsorption dryer 1 comprising 3 adsorption vessels 2a, 2b and 2c in which a volume of purge gas is used to cool each of the three adsorption vessels 2a, 2b and 2c.
The layout of the adsorption dryer 1 is similar to that disclosed in Figure 17, wherein one of the differences is that each of the adsorption vessels 2a, 2b, 2c further comprises a nozzle 23, 42 and 44 and a drain valve 24, 41 and 43 to control the gas flow through the nozzle 23, 42 and 44.
Each adsorption vessel 2a, 2b and 2c further comprises a pressure relief valve 28, 27 and 40 that allows the pressure build-up in the adsorption vessel 2a, 2b and 2c to be released into the atmosphere or the outside environment.
In this case, control valve 19, cooler 8 (which was positioned on the same line as control valve 19, in Figure 17), control valve 12 and shut-off valve 39 were removed and shut-off valve 45 and extraction valve 29 were added.
Figure 21 illustrates the case where the adsorption vessel 2a is subjected to a second regeneration cycle and adsorption vessels 2b and 2c are subjected to an adsorption cycle.
The gas flow through the adsorption dryer 1 is the same as that described with respect to Figure 18.
The control valve 33 is preferably partially open, such that approximately 50% of the gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 can reach the adsorption vessel 2a and the remaining approximately 50% of the gas flow flows through the control valve 33.
Subsequently, the adsorption vessel 2a can be subjected to a first regeneration cycle, in which case the internal heating element 9 of the adsorption vessel 2a is switched on and adsorption vessels 2b and 2c are kept in an adsorption cycle.
The gas flow remains the same as in the case of Figure 21, and control valve 33 is preferably partially open, such that about 20% of the gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 reaches the adsorption vessel 2a in which the temperature is further raised.
Then adsorption vessel 2a can be subjected to a pressure release cycle, while adsorption vessels 2b and 2c are kept in an adsorption cycle, as illustrated in Figure 22.
In such a situation, the gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 is cooled by cooler 8, is further passed through the water separator 36 and to the adsorption vessels 2b and 2c before being sent to the external network via the dryer outlet 5.
Preferably, the pressure relief valve 28 is opened such that the pressure that has previously built up in the adsorption vessel 2a is released into the atmosphere or the outside environment.
Consequently, control valve 33, shut-off valve 45, two-way valves 13 and 34, outlet valves 21 and 32, and pressure relief valve 28 are open and shut-off valve 20, shut-off valve 38, extraction valve 37, two-way valve 14, control valves 15, 16, and 35, pressure relief valves 27 and 40, extraction valve 29, inlet valves 10, 11 and 31, outlet valve 22, drain valves 24, 41 and 43 are kept closed.
Then, adsorption vessel 2a can be further subjected to a cooling cycle using a purge gas, while adsorption vessels 2b and 2c are kept in an adsorption cycle, as illustrated in Figure 23.
Preferably, the gas flowing through the dryer inlet 4 is cooled by the cooler 8, flows through the water separator 36 and reaches the adsorption vessels 2b and 2c. Furthermore, a part of the gas stream reaches the external network via the dryer outlet 5 and a small part of the gas stream is led through the nozzle 23 into the adsorption vessel 2a, where it is cooled.
The gas flowing through the outlet 7 of the adsorption vessel 2a, which is relatively dry gas at a relatively high temperature, is led to the atmosphere or the outside environment.
Consequently, control valve 33, shut-off valve 45, two-way valves 13 and 34, outlet valves 21 and 32, drain valve 24, control valve 16 and extraction valve 29 are open, and shut-off valves 20 and 38, extraction valve 37, two-way valve 14, pressure relief valves 27, 28 and 40, control valves 15 and 35, inlet valves 10, 11 and 31, outlet valve 22, drain valves 41 and 43 are kept closed.
Next, the operating phases described above with respect to Figures 21 to 23 will be applied to the adsorption vessels 2a, 2b and 2c such that the adsorption vessel subjected to a first and / or a second regeneration cycle will be exchanged. For example, adsorption vessel 2b will be regenerated while adsorption vessels 2a and 2c will be kept in a regeneration cycle. The operating principle as described above with respect to Figures 21 to 23 will remain the same. Then adsorption vessel 2c will be regenerated while adsorption vessels 2a and 2b will be kept in a regeneration cycle.
In the above examples, it is to be assumed that, when going from one operating state to the other, the control system can either change the state of all valves (open or close) at the same time or make such a change that the state of only one valve is changed at a specific time.
Furthermore, it is to be assumed that all the examples described may comprise a water separator 36 positioned as in Figures 17 to 23 or at another location, each having at least one extraction valve 37, also when such a water separator is not expressly included in the respective drawings. The at least one extraction valve 37 being periodically open such that the water collected by the water separator 36 is eliminated from the adsorption dryer 1.
Furthermore, it must be assumed that the control system partially or wholly follows the above sequence, or may follow a different order with a different order for the operating states of the adsorption dryer 1.
In addition, with regard to the examples presented above in connection with Figures 9 to 23, it is to be assumed that the method for controlling the regeneration time of an adsorption dryer and one or more of the respective time intervals as defined in the present document are calculated and implemented according to the present invention.
The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described as examples and shown in the figures, but such an adsorption dryer 1 can be realized in all kinds of variants without departing from the scope of the invention.

权利要求:
Claims (35)
[1]
Conclusions.
A method for controlling the regeneration time of an adsorption dryer, the method comprising the steps of: - subjecting the adsorption dryer (1) to an adsorption cycle in which a process gas is controlled through a dryer inlet (4) and moisture is adsorbed from the process gas; - stopping the adsorption cycle after a preset adsorption time interval (T1); and then - subjecting the adsorption dryer (1) to a first regeneration cycle during a pre-set minimum heat regeneration time interval (Time3) by heating a regeneration gas before it passes through the dryer inlet (4); characterized in that: - the pressure dew point or the relative humidity within the adsorption dryer (1) is measured after a second preset adsorption time interval (T2), and, if the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is higher than a predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point or the relative humidity, maintaining the first regeneration cycle during an additional regeneration time interval (TE1); and / or - the outlet temperature (templ) of the regeneration gas is measured at a dryer outlet (7), and if the outlet temperature (templ) is higher than or equal to a predetermined temperature threshold value, and if the time frame within which the adsorption dryer (1) is subjected to the first regeneration cycle is greater than a minimum heat regeneration time interval (TWarm-min), the method comprises the step of stopping the first regeneration cycle.
[2]
Method according to claim 1, characterized in that if the measured outlet temperature (templ) is lower than the predetermined temperature threshold value and if the time frame within which the adsorption dryer (1) is subjected to the first regeneration cycle is greater than or equal to a maximum heat regeneration ti jds interval (TWarmte-Max), the first regeneration cycle is stopped.
[3]
Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the extra regeneration time interval (TEi) is calculated by adding a first predetermined time interval (t0) to a previously determined extra regeneration time interval (TEi, o).
[4]
Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that if the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is lower than a second threshold value for the pressure dew point or the relative humidity, the regeneration cycle is maintained during a second additional regeneration time interval (TE2), wherein the second predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point or the relative humidity is lower than the first predetermined threshold value for the pressure dew point or the relative humidity.
[5]
Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the second additional regeneration time interval (TE2) is calculated by adding a second predetermined time interval (t1) to a previously determined time interval (TE2, o) ·
[6]
The method according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising the step of recalculating the predetermined minimum heat regeneration time interval, (TWarm-min)> by adding the additional regeneration time interval, (TEi) to a predetermined minimum time interval, (Time3) ; or by adding the second additional regeneration time interval, (TE2) to the predetermined minimum heat regeneration time interval (Time3).
[7]
The method of claims 3 or 5, further comprising the step of calculating a maximum heat regeneration time interval (TWarmte-Max) within which the regeneration cycle can be maintained by adding the additional regeneration time interval (TEi) to a preset maximum heat regeneration time interval (Time4); or by adding the second additional regeneration time interval, (TE2) to the predetermined minimum heat regeneration time interval (Time4).
[8]
Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the adsorption dryer (1) is subjected to a second regeneration cycle, by maintaining the process gas flow through the dryer inlet (4) for a pre-set minimum regeneration time interval (Time 1).
[9]
The method according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in that the method further comprises the step of recalculating the minimum regeneration time interval (Tmin) within which the process gas flow is maintained at the dryer inlet (4) by the additional regeneration time interval (TEi) subtracting the preset minimum regeneration time interval (Time1), or by subtracting the second additional regeneration time interval (TE2) from the preset minimum regeneration time interval (Time1).
[10]
Method according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in that the method further comprises the step of calculating the maximum regeneration time interval (TMax) within which the process gas flow is maintained at the dryer inlet (4) by the additional regeneration time interval (T Ei) subtracting the preset maximum regeneration time interval (Time2), or subtracting the second additional regeneration time interval (T E2) from a preset maximum regeneration time interval (Time2).
[11]
Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the adsorption dryer (1) is first subjected to the second regeneration cycle and then to the first regeneration cycle.
[12]
Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adsorption dryer (1) is provided with at least two adsorption vessels (2) and in that the first regeneration cycle and the second regeneration cycle are applied alternately to each adsorption vessel (2).
[13]
Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the step of subjecting the adsorption dryer (1) to a cooling cycle in which the process gas is cooled by means of a cooler (8).
[14]
Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the step of keeping at least one adsorption vessel (2) on standby.
[15]
An adsorption dryer comprising: - at least one adsorption vessel (2) comprising adsorbents, an inlet (6) and an outlet (7) for allowing a gas to flow through; - a controller (C); - a gas source (3), which can be connected to the inlet (6) of the at least one adsorption vessel (2) via a dryer inlet (4), the gas being a process gas and / or a regeneration gas; - a heating element (9) positioned at the dryer inlet (4) and configured such that it heats a regeneration gas flowing through it when the adsorption vessel (2) is held in a first regeneration cycle; characterized in that: - the controller (C) further comprises means for measuring a pressure dew point or a relative humidity within the at least one adsorption vessel (2) after a second preset adsorption time interval (T2), to receive the measured data, and to receive the measured data, maintain regeneration gas flow through the inlet (6) during an additional regeneration time interval (Tei), if the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is higher than a first predetermined threshold value; and / or - the controller (C) further comprises a temperature sensor positioned at the outlet (7) of the at least one adsorption vessel (2) and further configured to stop the first regeneration cycle after a minimum heat regeneration time interval (Heated-min) / as the measured outlet temperature, templ is higher than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.
[16]
Adsorption dryer according to claim 15, characterized in that the gas source (3) comprises a compressor.
[17]
Adsorption dryer according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises at least two adsorption vessels (2).
[18]
Adsorption dryer according to claim 17, characterized in that each of the at least two adsorption vessels (2) comprises a temperature sensor positioned at the outlet (7).
[19]
The adsorption dryer of claim 15, further comprising a cooler (8) positioned at the outlet (7) of the at least one adsorption vessel (2) and configured to cool the gas flowing through outlet (7).
[20]
Adsorption dryer according to claims 17 and 19, characterized in that each of the at least two adsorption vessels (2) comprises a cooler (8) positioned at the outlet (7) of each of the adsorption vessels (2).
[21]
Adsorption dryer according to claim 17, characterized in that the controller (C) further comprises means for alternating each of the at least two adsorption vessels in: - a second regeneration cycle in which the heating element (9) is switched off; then in - a first regeneration cycle in which the heating element (9) is switched on; then in - a cooling cycle in which the gas is cooled by means of a cooler (8); and then in a standby cycle in which the gas flow through the adsorption vessel (2) is stopped.
[22]
Adsorption dryer according to claim 21, characterized in that the controller (C) is further configured to control the time interval within which each of the adsorption vessels (2) in the first regeneration cycle, second regeneration cycle, cooling cycle and standby cycle is held on the basis of the measured temperature and measured pressure dew point or relative humidity.
[23]
The adsorption dryer of claim 15, further comprising a control valve (12) for controlling the volume of gas flowing through the inlet (6).
[24]
Adsorption dryer according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that when the at least one adsorption vessel (2) is kept in a cooling cycle, the controller (C) is configured to activate a two-way valve (13, 14) to a flow of gas from cooling the source (3) through the cooler (8) and flowing through the adsorption vessel (2).
[25]
A controller that controls the time during which an adsorption dryer (1) is held in a regeneration cycle, the controller (C) comprising: - a timer to determine the time interval within which an adsorption vessel (2) of the adsorption dryer (1) ) is maintained in a regeneration cycle, the adsorption vessel (2) comprising an inlet (6) and an outlet (7) to allow gas to flow through; characterized in that the controller (C): - further comprises: a user interface to receive a requested pressure dew point or relative humidity, a pressure dew point sensor or a relative humidity determinant positioned within the adsorption vessel (2) of the adsorption dryer (1), - further configured is to maintain the adsorption dryer (1) in a first regeneration cycle during an additional regeneration time interval (TEi), if the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is higher than the requested pressure dew point or relative humidity; and / or - further comprises a temperature sensor positioned at the outlet (7) of the adsorption vessel (2) and further configured to stop the first regeneration cycle if the measured outlet temperature, temp. 1, is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature threshold value, and if the time interval in which the adsorption dryer (1) is kept in the regeneration cycle is greater than a minimum heat regeneration time interval (TWarm-min).
[26]
A controller according to claim 25, characterized in that it further comprises a processor configured to recalculate the additional regeneration time interval (TE1) by adding a first predetermined time interval (t0) to a previously set additional regeneration time interval (TE1, o) ·
[27]
A controller according to claim 26, characterized in that the controller (C) further comprises storage means for storing the recalculated additional regeneration time interval (TEi), wherein the controller (C) applies the recalculated additional regeneration time interval in a subsequent regeneration cycle.
[28]
A controller according to claim 25, characterized in that the controller (C) further comprises means for maintaining the regeneration cycle during a second additional regeneration time interval (TE2), if the measured pressure dew point or relative humidity is lower than the requested pressure dew point or relative humidity .
[29]
The controller of claim 28, further comprising calculating means configured to calculate the second additional regeneration time interval (TE2) by adding a second predetermined time interval (t1) to a previously set time interval (Te2, o).
[30]
The controller according to claim 29, characterized in that the controller (C) further comprises storage means configured to store and apply the recalculated second additional regeneration time interval (TE2) in a subsequent regeneration cycle.
[31]
Controller according to claims 26 and 29, characterized in that the calculating means are configured to further calculate: - a minimum heat regeneration time interval (TWarmte_min) by adding the extra regeneration time interval (TEi) to a pre-set minimum heat regeneration time interval (Time3) ); or by adding the second additional regeneration time interval (TE2) to the predetermined minimum heat regeneration time interval (Time3); and / or - a maximum heat regeneration time interval (TWarmte_Max) within which the first regeneration cycle can be maintained, by adding the extra regeneration time interval (TEi) to a preset maximum heat regeneration time interval (Time4); or by adding the second additional regeneration time interval, (TE2), to the predetermined minimum heat regeneration time interval (Time4); and / or - minimum regeneration time interval (Tmin) within which the gas flow from the compressor outlet is maintained at the dryer inlet (4) by subtracting the additional regeneration time interval, (TEi) (subtracting the preset minimum regeneration time interval (Time1), or by subtracting the second additional regeneration time interval (TE2) from the preset minimum regeneration time interval (Time1), and / or - a maximum regeneration time interval (Tmax) within which the gas flow from the outlet of a compressor is maintained at the dryer inlet (4) ) by subtracting the extra regeneration time interval, (TEi) (from the preset maximum regeneration time interval (Time2), or by subtracting the second extra regeneration time interval (TE2) from the preset maximum regeneration time interval (Time2).
[32]
A controller according to claims 26 to 30, characterized in that the controller (C) further comprises storage means configured to be one or more of the time intervals (TWarmte-min and / or TWarmte-max and / or Tmin and / or TMax) storing and applying in a subsequent regeneration cycle.
[33]
The controller according to claim 31, characterized in that the controller (C) comprises means for maintaining the adsorption vessel (2) in a first regeneration cycle during the calculated extra regeneration time interval (TE1) as the calculated extra regeneration time interval (TEi) or second extra regeneration time interval (TEI) TE2) is included in the interval limited by the minimum heat regeneration time interval (TWarm-min) and the maximum heat regeneration time interval (TWarmte-Max) r and / or to stop the first regeneration cycle after the maximum heat regeneration time interval (TWarmte-Max), when the calculated extra regeneration time interval (TE1) or second extra regeneration time interval (TE2), is higher than the maximum heat regeneration time interval (TWarmte-Max) ·
[34]
The controller according to claim 31, characterized in that the controller (C) comprises means for maintaining the adsorption vessel (2) in a second regeneration cycle, if the calculated additional regeneration time interval (ΤΕχ), or second additional regeneration time interval (TE2) is contained in the interval limited by the minimum generation time interval (Tmin) and the maximum regeneration time interval (TMax), and / or to stop the first regeneration cycle after the maximum regeneration time interval (TMax) / when the calculated extra regeneration time interval (TEi) or second extra regeneration time interval (¾) , is higher than the maximum regeneration time interval (TMax).
[35]
The use of a controller according to any of claims 25 to 34 in an adsorption dryer (1) for compressed gas.

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法律状态:
2018-01-10| FG| Patent granted|Effective date: 20170926 |

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2019-12-19| MM| Lapsed because of non-payment of the annual fee|Effective date: 20190430 |

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