KR101591714B1 - hybrid nitrogen gas generator with multi-channel high purity - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, a multi-channel hybrid high purity nitrogen generator can generate nitrogen with various levels of purity and capacities by independently releasing nitrogen generated from one among a plurality of nitrogen generating modules in a first release mode and by mixing and releasing nitrogen generated from at least two of the nitrogen generating modules in a second release mode. The multi-channel hybrid high purity nitrogen generator comprises: a plurality of nitrogen generating modules for generating nitrogen gas with different levels of purity and flow rates from compressed air injected through an inlet passage; a group of mode controlling valves for controlling release modes of the nitrogen gas, while being attached to the outlet passage of the nitrogen generating modules; and a control module for controlling final purity and final flow rate of the released nitrogen gas by controlling the mode controlling valves.

Description

A multi-channel high purity hybrid nitrogen generator

More particularly, the present invention relates to a nitrogen generator of the present invention, in which purity of nitrogen gas of different purity generated by a plurality of nitrogen generators can be independently or mixed and discharged, Channel high purity hybrid nitrogen generator.

Nitrogen gas generators for most analytical instruments used in laboratories such as universities, hospitals, national research institutes, and enterprises are divided into PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) and membrane (membrane) modules. When nitrogen gas is required, a nitrogen gas generator using a membrane module method is applied. However, when high purity nitrogen gas having a purity of 98% or more is required, a filled nitrogen container may be used or a CMS (Carbon Molecular Sieve) A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system using a nitrogen gas generating system is used.

Nitrogen gas with a purity of 90% or more generated by the membrane method can be used in the pretreatment process. However, LC / MS / MS, mass spectrometer, ELSD, and NMR (PSA) nitrogen gas generation method using CMS is applied because nitrogen gas which is introduced into the analysis equipments such as a high-purity nitrogen gas requires 98 to 99.95% or more of high-purity nitrogen gas. Depending on the type and number of equipment using nitrogen gas, the required nitrogen gas capacity may vary. That is, there is an increasing need for a nitrogen generator capable of controlling the purity and generation capacity of various nitrogen gases according to the use environment.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-channel high-purity hybrid nitrogen generator capable of generating nitrogen gas of various purity required from compressed air.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-channel high-purity hybrid nitrogen generator capable of generating nitrogen gas of various capacities required from compressed air.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, It will be possible.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-channel high purity hybrid nitrogen generator comprising: a plurality of nitrogen generation modules for generating nitrogen gas of different purity and flow rate from compressed air introduced through an inlet path; A mode control valve group coupled to an outlet path of the plurality of nitrogen generating modules to control an exhaust mode of the nitrogen gas; And nitrogen gas generated in at least one of the plurality of nitrogen generating modules is discharged in a second discharge mode, and nitrogen gas generated in at least two of the plurality of nitrogen generating modules is mixed and discharged in a second discharge mode, And a control module for controlling the final order and the final flow rate of the discharged nitrogen gas by controlling the plurality of nitrogen generating modules and the mode control valve module. The plurality of nitrogen generating modules may each be an independent nitrogen generating module system.

The plurality of nitrogen generating modules may include a first nitrogen generating module for generating a high purity nitrogen gas from compressed air according to a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) method using a plurality of pressure vessels filled with an oxygen adsorbent; And a second nitrogen generating module for generating low-purity nitrogen gas from the compressed air according to the principle of permeation using a membrane module.

The plurality of nitrogen generating modules include a plurality of first nitrogen generating modules for generating nitrogen gas of different purity from compressed air according to a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) method using a plurality of pressure vessels filled with oxygen adsorbent can do.

The plurality of nitrogen generating modules may include a plurality of second nitrogen generating modules that generate nitrogen gas of different purity from compressed air according to the principle of permeation using a plurality of membrane modules.

The first nitrogen generating module may include first and second pressure vessels which are connected in parallel with each other to complementarily perform oxygen adsorption using a filled oxygen adsorbent and regeneration operation of a packed oxygen adsorbent; An inlet valve group performing an inlet function, an exhaust function, and an equalization function for the first and second pressure vessels in accordance with the operation states of the first and second pressure vessels; An outlet valve group that performs a nitrogen discharge function and an equilibration function for the first and second pressure vessels in accordance with the operation states of the first and second pressure vessels; And a microbalance path connecting between the first and second pressure vessels, regardless of the operating states of the first and second pressure vessels.

The first nitrogen generating module includes a plurality of lower pressure vessels connected in parallel to each other and connected in parallel to each other. The first nitrogen generating module includes a plurality of lower pressure vessels connected in parallel to each other and complementarily performs oxygen adsorption using the filled oxygen adsorbent and regeneration operation of the filled oxygen adsorbent A first pressure vessel group and a second pressure vessel group; An inlet valve group performing an inlet function, an exhaust function, and an equilibration function for the first and second pressure vessel groups according to the operating state of the first and second pressure vessel groups; An outlet valve group that performs a nitrogen discharge function and an equilibrium function for the first and second pressure vessel groups according to the operating state of the first and second pressure vessel groups; And a fine equilibrium path group connecting between the matched lower pressure vessels of the first and second pressure vessel groups irrespective of the operating states of the first and second pressure vessel groups. At this time, the control module may control the opening and closing of the inlet valve group and the drawn valve group to change the number of the lower pressure vessels to perform complementary oxygen adsorption and regeneration operations.

The first nitrogen generating module includes a plurality of lower pressure vessels connected in parallel to each other and connected in series to each other, and the oxygen adsorption using the filled oxygen adsorbent and the regeneration operation of the filled oxygen adsorbent are complementarily performed A first pressure vessel group and a second pressure vessel group; A plurality of valve groups performing an intake function, a nitrogen exhaust function, an exhaust function, and an equilibrium function for the first and second pressure vessel groups according to the operation states of the first and second pressure vessel groups; A container connecting valve group for determining whether or not to connect the lower pressure vessels of the first and second pressure vessel groups; And a fine equilibrium path group connecting between the matched lower pressure vessels of the first and second pressure vessel groups irrespective of the operating states of the first and second pressure vessel groups. At this time, the control module controls the opening and closing of the container connecting valve group so that the first and second pressure container groups are connected in series to each other to perform complementary oxygen adsorption and regeneration operations. You can change the number.

The second nitrogen generating module includes: a plurality of membrane modules connected in parallel with each other; And

A plurality of inlet control valves coupled to the inlet passages of the plurality of membrane modules; A plurality of discharge control means coupled to discharge paths of the plurality of membrane modules; And a plurality of mode control valves coupled to the plurality of the plurality of discharge control means for controlling the discharge mode of the nitrogen gas. At this time, the control module may independently discharge the nitrogen gas generated in each of the plurality of membrane module groups, or mix the nitrogen gas generated in at least two membrane module groups out of the plurality of membrane module groups, The plurality of discharge control means, and the plurality of mode control valves.

The pressure equalizing module for reducing the pressure difference between the central portion and the edge portion of the end surface of the container by the compressed air is extended from the compressed air inlet to a predetermined distance Can be spaced apart and mounted inside the body.

The multi-channel high-purity hybrid nitrogen generator according to the present invention can provide the effect of generating nitrogen gas of various purity required from the compressed air.

The multi-channel high-purity hybrid nitrogen generator according to the present invention can provide the effect of generating nitrogen gas of various capacities required from compressed air.

1 is a block diagram of a multi-channel high-purity hybrid nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows exemplary configurations of the nitrogen generating modules included in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.
3 and 4 are conceptual explanatory diagrams illustrating examples in which nitrogen gas of various purity is discharged according to a discharge mode in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.
5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining examples of a method of generating nitrogen gas from compressed air in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the first nitrogen generating module 110 included in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a table showing the operation mechanism of the first nitrogen generating module 110 shown in FIG.
8 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the first nitrogen generating module 110 of the PSA type included in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a membrane type second nitrogen generation module 170 included in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.
10 shows another example of the first nitrogen generating module 180 included in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.
11 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the second nitrogen generation module 190 included in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.
12 is a view for explaining the dispersion / pressure equalization concept for the introduced compressed air for increasing the nitrogen generation efficiency in the nitrogen generator according to the present invention.

For a better understanding of the present invention, its operational advantages and features, and the objects attained by the practice of the present invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, which form a preferred embodiment of the invention, and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

1 is a block diagram of a multi-channel high-purity hybrid nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the nitrogen generator 100 includes a first nitrogen generation module 110, a second nitrogen generation module 120, a mode control valve group 130, and a control module 140. The components of the nitrogen generator 100 shown in FIG. 1 are not essential, so that the nitrogen generator 100 may have more or fewer components. Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

Although only two nitrogen generating modules are shown in FIG. 1, the nitrogen generating device 100 may include three or more nitrogen generating modules. And wherein the nitrogen generation modules may each be an independent nitrogen generation module system. The nitrogen generating module included in the nitrogen generator 100 may generate nitrogen gas by different methods. That is, the nitrogen generator 100 may be of a hybrid type in a nitrogen gas generating system. The nitrogen generating module included in the nitrogen generator 100 may generate nitrogen gas of different purity and flow rate (or capacity). That is, the nitrogen generator 100 may be of a hybrid type in terms of diversity of purity and flow rate of generated nitrogen.

The first nitrogen generating module 110 may generate a relatively high purity nitrogen gas N2-1 as compared with the second nitrogen generating module 120 and the second nitrogen generating module 120 may generate the nitrogen gas Nitrogen gas (N2-2) of relatively low purity relative to the nitrogen generating module 110 can be generated. And the flow rate of the nitrogen gas generated in the both may also be different.

For example, the first nitrogen generating module 110 may include a module for generating nitrogen gas from compressed air in accordance with a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) method using a plurality of pressure vessels filled with an adsorbent, And the second nitrogen generating module 120 may be a module for generating nitrogen gas from compressed air according to the principle of permeation using a plurality of membrane modules. Meanwhile, the adsorbent may include a zeolite molecular sieve (ZMS), a carbon molecular sieve (CMS), or the like. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the nitrogen generating method of the first nitrogen generating module 110 and the second nitrogen generating module 120 is not limited to the above example. For example, both the first nitrogen generating module 110 and the second nitrogen generating module 120 may generate nitrogen gas according to the PSA method, and the first nitrogen generating module 110 and the second nitrogen generating module 120 ) May all generate nitrogen gas by a membrane method.

The mode control valve group 130 may be coupled to a discharge path of the first and second nitrogen generating modules to control a discharge mode of the nitrogen gas. For example, in the first discharge mode, the mode control valve group 130 independently discharges nitrogen gas (N2-1 or N2-2) generated in at least one of the first and second nitrogen generation modules, Mode, nitrogen gas (N2-FIN) mixed with nitrogen gas generated in the first and second nitrogen generating modules may be discharged.

The control module 140 controls the operation of the nitrogen generator 100 as a whole. The control module 140 may control the nitrogen generating operation of the first nitrogen generating module 110 and the second nitrogen generating module 120. The control module 140 may control the operation of the mode control valve group 130 to control the nitrogen discharge mode of the nitrogen generator 100.

The nitrogen generator 100 can produce nitrogen gas of various purity by independently outputting or mixing and outputting nitrogen of different purity generated in a plurality of nitrogen generating modules. Since the nitrogen generator 100 generates nitrogen gas in the plurality of nitrogen generating modules, it is possible to supply the nitrogen gas with a large capacity or a variety of flow rates.

FIG. 2 shows exemplary configurations of the nitrogen generating modules included in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 (a), it can be seen that the nitrogen generator 100 may include at least two nitrogen generating modules including two nitrogen generating modules for generating nitrogen according to the PSA method. Therefore, the nitrogen generator 100 may discharge nitrogen gas of different purity generated according to the PSA method independently or may mix and discharge the nitrogen gas.

Referring to FIG. 2B, it can be seen that the nitrogen generator 100 may include at least two nitrogen generating modules including two nitrogen generating modules for generating nitrogen gas according to a membrane method . Therefore, the nitrogen generator 100 can independently discharge the nitrogen gas generated in each nitrogen generating module according to the membrane method, or mix and discharge the nitrogen gas.

Referring to FIG. 2 (c), the nitrogen generator 100 may include at least two nitrogen generating modules including at least two nitrogen generating modules for generating nitrogen gas according to a membrane method. have. Therefore, the nitrogen generator 100 can independently discharge the generated nitrogen gas and the nitrogen gas generated according to the membrane method according to the PSA method, or mix and discharge the nitrogen gas.

3 and 4 are conceptual explanatory diagrams illustrating examples in which nitrogen gas of various purity is discharged according to a discharge mode in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.

First, an example of FIG. 3 will be described. The first and second nitrogen generation modules 110 and 120 may generate nitrogen gases N2-1 and N2-2 of different purity and the nitrogen gas discharge mode may be included in the mode control valve group 130 Off mode of the mode control valves. Hereinafter, a specific operation according to the nitrogen gas exhaust mode will be described.

In the first exhaust mode, the nitrogen generator 100 opens at least one of the first mode control valve VM1 and the second mode control valve VM2 to provide the first and second nitrogen generation modules 110 and 120 The generated nitrogen gas can be independently discharged. In the second discharge mode, the nitrogen generator 100 blocks the first and second mode control valves VM1 and VM2 and opens the third and fourth mode control valves VM3 and VM4 to remove the nitrogen gas N2-1 and N2-2) can be mixed and discharged.

That is, in the example of FIG. 3, the purity of the nitrogen gas that can be provided by the nitrogen generator 100 depends on the purity of nitrogen generated in the first nitrogen generation module 110, the purity of nitrogen generated in the second nitrogen generation module 120 The purity of the nitrogen gas generated in the first and second nitrogen generating modules 110 and 120, and the purity of the nitrogen gas generated in the first and second nitrogen generating modules 110 and 120.

Next, an example of FIG. 4 will be described. The first to third nitrogen generation modules 110, 120, and 130 may generate nitrogen purges (N2-1, N2-2, and N2-3) of different purity levels, And is controlled by opening / closing operation of the valves included in the valve group 130. Hereinafter, a specific operation according to the nitrogen gas exhaust mode will be described.

In the first discharge mode, the nitrogen generator 100 may open the fifth mode control valve VM5 to independently discharge the nitrogen gas generated in the first nitrogen generation module 110. [ In the first discharge mode, the nitrogen generator 100 may open the sixth and seventh mode control valves VM6 and VM7 to independently discharge the nitrogen gas generated in the second nitrogen generation module 120 . In addition, in the first discharge mode, the nitrogen generator 100 may open the eighth mode control valve VM8 to independently discharge the nitrogen gas generated in the third nitrogen generation module 150.

In the second exhaust mode, the nitrogen generator 100 opens the sixth, seventh and ninth mode control valves VM6, VM7, and VM9 to mix the nitrogen gases N2-1 and N2-2 Can be discharged. At this time, the other mode control valves may be in a blocked state. On the other hand, when the tenth mode control valve VM10 is shut off and the eighth mode control valve VM8 is in an open state, the nitrogen gas N2-3 generated in the third nitrogen generation module 130 together with the above- ) Can be discharged simultaneously.

Similar to this mechanism, the nitrogen generator 100 generates nitrogen gas (N2-2 and N2-3) mixed with nitrogen gas (N2-2 and N2-3) generated in the second and third nitrogen generation modules 120 and 130 in the second discharge mode Nitrogen gas (N2-1 and N2-3) generated in the first and third nitrogen generating modules 110 and 130, nitrogen gas mixed in the first to third nitrogen generating modules 110, 120, and 130, The nitrogen gas mixed with the nitrogen gas (N2-1, N2-2, and N2-3) generated from the nitrogen gas may be discharged.

In other words, in the example of FIG. 4, the purity of the nitrogen gas that can be provided by the nitrogen generator 100 may be three, three, or three depending on the combination of the two nitrogen generation modules, There can be a total of 7 ranges including one according to the combination of the two. If the flow rates of the respective nitrogen generating modules are different from each other, the nitrogen generator 100 may provide nitrogen gas having a flow rate in seven ranges.

As described above, the nitrogen generator 100 independently discharges the nitrogen gas generated in one of the plurality of nitrogen generating modules in the first discharging mode and discharges nitrogen gas in at least two of the plurality of nitrogen generating modules in the second discharging mode. The final order and the final flow rate of the discharged nitrogen gas can be controlled by controlling the plurality of nitrogen generating modules and the mode control valve module so that the generated nitrogen gas is mixed and discharged.

5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining examples of a method of generating nitrogen gas from compressed air in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.

5 (a) is a conceptual diagram for explaining a nitrogen generating method using CMS which is an oxygen adsorbent. Referring to FIG. 5A, oxygen gas is adsorbed to CMS while nitrogen gas passes through a pressure vessel filled with CMS while compressed air is introduced (that is, introduced) in a state where CMS is filled in a pressure vessel, It is possible to pass through the pressure vessel and finally generate nitrogen gas.

5 (b) is a conceptual diagram for explaining a nitrogen generating method using a membrane module. Referring to FIG. 5 (b), it can be seen that nitrogen gas is generated in the pressure gas in which the compressed air is introduced into the membrane module, due to the retardation principle of gas components such as nitrogen gas, oxygen gas and water vapor.

Meanwhile, the method of generating nitrogen gas from the compressed air in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the first nitrogen generating module 110 included in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a table showing the operation mechanism of the first nitrogen generating module 110 shown in FIG.

The first nitrogen generating module 110 includes a first pressure vessel 111, a second pressure vessel 112, a inlet valve group 113, a outlet valve group 114, a fine equilibrium path 115), and a buffer tank (116). The components of the first nitrogen generating module 110 shown in FIG. 6 are not essential, so that the first nitrogen generating module 110 may have more or fewer components. Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The first and second pressure vessels 111 and 112 may be connected in parallel to complementarily perform oxygen adsorption using the filled oxygen adsorbent and regeneration operation of the filled oxygen absorbent. The inlet valve group 113 is provided with an inlet function for the first and second pressure vessels 111 and 112 and an exhaust function for the first and second pressure vessels 111 and 112 according to the operation states of the first and second pressure vessels 111 and 112. [ Function, and an equalization function.

The outlet valve group 114 is provided with a nitrogen discharge function and a balancing function for the first and second pressure vessels 111 and 112 in accordance with the operating states of the first and second pressure vessels 111 and 112 Can be performed. The fine equilibrium path 115 connects the first and second pressure vessels 111 and 112 to perform a fine balancing operation irrespective of the operating states of the first and second pressure vessels 111 and 112 do.

Such a microbalance path 115 may be implemented with a speed controller. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. On the other hand, the 'fine balance' by the fine equilibrium path 115 is smaller than the equilibrium operation due to the opening and closing of the balance valves VQ1 to VQ4 included in the inlet valve group and the outlet valve group 114 It means that it is performed weakly.

Nitrogen gas generation by the first oxygen generating module 110 is accomplished by complementarily performing oxygen adsorption and regeneration operations in the first and second pressure vessels 111 and 112. At this time, the inlet valve group 113, the drawn valve group 114, and the fine equilibrium path 115 are opened and closed according to the operation states of the first and second pressure vessels 111 and 112, And performs an operation.

Referring to FIG. 7, in each of the first and second pressure vessels 111 and 112, a pressurization step, an adsorption step, an equilibrium step, a depressurization (exhaust) step, and a regeneration step are repeatedly performed. Hereinafter, a specific process of generating nitrogen in the first nitrogen generating module 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

First, a pressure step for raising the pressure inside the first pressure vessel 111 to an adsorption pressure is performed by opening the draw valve VI-1. At this time, the second pressure vessel 112 may be performing a depressurization (exhaust) step of discharging the oxygen gas inside through the exhaust valve VEX-2 opened under a reduced pressure. At this time, the pressure of the first pressure vessel 111 is transferred through the fine equilibrium path 115, and the discharge of oxygen gas can be promoted.

Then, the oxygen adsorption step is performed by the CMS filled in the first pressure vessel 111, so that the withdrawal valve VO-1 is opened to fill the buffer tank 116 with the high-purity nitrogen gas. During the adsorption step, a small amount of nitrogen gas is delivered to the upper portion of the second pressure vessel 112 through the fine equilibrium path 115. At this time, a regeneration step of removing oxygen adsorbed on the CMS is performed on the second pressure vessel 112 side. In the regeneration step, the exhaust valve (VEX-2) is preferably open to discharge oxygen gas.

After the adsorption step is performed, the inlet and outlet valves VI-1 and VO-1 are shut off and the equilibrium valves VEQ1 to VEQ4 of the inlet / outlet stages are opened for a few seconds, The nitrogen gas in the upper portion of the first pressure vessel 111 is moved to the upper portion of the second pressure vessel 112 in a large amount (as compared with the fine equilibrium path) 112). On the other hand, it is preferable that the inlet / outlet valves VI-2 and VO-2 are also blocked from the second pressure vessel 112 side.

The equilibrium step is performed and then the equilibrium valves VEQ1 to VEQ4 are shut off and the exhaust valve VEX-1 of the first pressure vessel 111 is opened so that the pressure inside the first pressure vessel 111 (Exhaust) step is performed in which oxygen gas is discharged. On the side of the second pressure vessel 112, a pressurization step in which the inlet valve VI-2 is opened and the internal pressure is increased is performed. At this time, the discharge of oxygen gas in the first pressure vessel 111 can be promoted by the pressure transmitted through the fine equilibrium path 115.

Following the depressurization (venting) step, a regeneration step is carried out in the first pressure vessel 111. It is preferable that the exhaust valve VEX-2 is in the open state for discharging the oxygen gas generated in the regeneration process. And the discharge of the oxygen gas can be promoted by the pressure transmitted through the fine equilibrium path (115). At this time, in the second pressure vessel 112 side, the exhaust valve VO-2 is opened and an adsorption step of discharging nitrogen generated in accordance with oxygen adsorption to the buffer tank 116 is performed.

After the regeneration step is performed in the first pressure vessel 111, the equilibrium step is performed in the adsorption step on the second pressure vessel 112 side. At this time, it is preferable that the balance valves VEQ1 to VEQ4 are opened and the inlet / outlet valves VI-1, VI-2, VO-1, and VO-2 are shut off. Then, the steps after the above-mentioned pressing step are repeatedly performed.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the PSA type first nitrogen generating module 160 included in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the first nitrogen generating module 160 includes first and second pressure vessel groups 161 and 162, a inlet valve group 163, a outlet valve group 164, and a micro- Group < / RTI > The components of the first nitrogen generating module 160 shown in FIG. 8 are not essential, so that the first nitrogen generating module 160 may have more or less components than those of the first nitrogen generating module 160 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The first pressure vessel group 161 and the second pressure vessel group 162 are connected in parallel to each other and include a plurality of lower pressure vessels connected in parallel with each other, and oxygen adsorption and filling using a filled oxygen adsorbent It is possible to perform the regeneration operation of the adsorbed oxygen adsorbent complementarily. The lower pressure vessels of the first and second pressure vessel groups 161 and 162 are matched with each other to perform an adsorption / regeneration step. For example, the first lower pressure vessels Tank1 and Tank1 ', the second lower pressure vessels Tank2 and Tank2', and the third lower pressure vessels Tank3 and Tank3 'are matched with each other.

The inlet valve group 163 is provided with an inlet function for the first and second pressure vessel groups 161 and 162 and a suction function for the first and second pressure vessel groups 161 and 162, , And equilibrium functions. The inlet valve group 163 includes a plurality of inlet valves VI-1 to VI-6, exhaust valves VEX-1 to VEX-6 and equilibrium valves VEQ-4 to VEQ-6 have.

The outgoing valve group 164 is configured to provide the nitrogen discharge function and the equilibrium function to the first and second pressure vessels 161 and 162 in accordance with the operating states of the first and second pressure vessel groups 161 and 162, Can be performed. The outlet valve group 164 includes a plurality of outlet valves VO-1 to VO-6 and balance valves VEQ-1 to VEQ-3.

The fine equilibrium path group 165 is formed in the first and second pressure vessel groups 161 and 162 independently of the operating states of the first and second pressure vessel groups 161 and 162, .

On the other hand, the control module 140 controls the opening and closing of the inlet valve group 163 and the drawn valve group 164 to change the number of lower pressure vessels to perform complementary oxygen adsorption and regeneration operations have. Hereinafter, a specific operation of the first nitrogen generating module 160 will be described.

The first lower pressure vessels Tank1 and Tank1 ', the second lower pressure vessels Tank2 and Tank2', and the third lower pressure vessels Tank1 'and Tank2', which match the first and second pressure vessel groups 161 and 162, (Tank 3 and Tank 3 ') perform adsorption / regeneration steps complementarily with each other.

The matching relationship between the lower pressure vessels is similar to the relationship between the first pressure vessel 111 and the second pressure vessel 112 in FIG. However, in the example of Fig. 8, there is a difference in that a plurality of lower pressure vessels connected in parallel to each other replace one pressure vessel in the example of Fig. It is another feature of the example of FIG. 8 that the complementary adsorption / regeneration function of the matched lower pressure vessels can be independently controlled by the control module 140. More specific examples are given below.

First, only one set of lower pressure vessels matched among the first and second pressure vessel groups 161 and 162 is capable of generating nitrogen gas while performing a complementary adsorption / regeneration step. That is, the matching vessel set of one of the first lower pressure vessels Tank1 and Tank1 ', the second lower pressure vessels Tank2 and Tank2', and the third lower pressure vessels Tank3 and Tank3 ' Can be used for nitrogen gas.

The nitrogen generating operation of this set of matching vessels can be accomplished by operation of inlet valves, draw valves, exhaust valves, balance valves, and microbalance paths corresponding to the set of matching vessels, A person skilled in the art can easily derive it, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The same is true for the operation states to be discussed below.

Next, three combinations are possible, in which the two sets of lower pressure vessels of the first and second groups of pressure vessels 161 and 162 are capable of generating nitrogen gas while performing a complementary adsorption / regeneration step. That is, two sets of matching containers among the first lower pressure vessels Tank1 and Tank1 ', the second lower pressure vessels Tank2 and Tank2', and the third lower pressure vessels Tank3 and Tank3 ' Can be used for nitrogen gas.

Finally, all of the lower pressure vessel sets contained in the first and second pressure vessel groups 161 and 162 may generate nitrogen gas while performing a complementary adsorption / biosorption step. That is, both of the first lower pressure vessels Tank1 and Tank1 ', the second lower pressure vessels Tank2 and Tank2', and the third lower pressure vessels Tank3 and Tank3 ' .

As described above, in the example of Fig. 8, a total of seven types of nitrogen generation are possible. 8, the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention adjusts the number of the pressure vessels used for nitrogen generation so that the required nitrogen (nitrogen) Gas capacity and purity can be met. That is, the nitrogen generator 100 can provide nitrogen gas of various purity and capacity as required in an analysis equipment such as LC / MS / MS, mass spectrometer, ELSD, and NMR.

In contrast to the use of a single pressure vessel, the use of a plurality of pressure vessels connected in parallel as in the example of Fig. 8 makes it possible to reduce the size and weight of the nitrogen generator.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a membrane type second nitrogen generation module 170 included in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.

9, the second nitrogen generating module 170 includes first to third membrane modules 171 to 173 connected in parallel to each other, first to third inlet valves VI-1 to VI-3, And first to third discharge control means S-C1 to S-C3, and first to sixth mode control valves VM-1 to VM-6.

The components of the second nitrogen generating module 170 shown in FIG. 9 are not essential, so that the second nitrogen generating module 170 may have more or less components than those of the second nitrogen generating module 170 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The nitrogen gas that may be generated in the first to third membrane modules 171 to 173 may have different purity and capacity. The first to third inlet valves VI-1 to VI-3 are coupled to the inlet passages of the first to third membrane modules 171 to 173 to control whether the compressed air is introduced.

The first to third discharge control means S-C1 to S-C3 may be connected to discharge paths of the first to third membrane modules 171 to 173 to control the discharge amount of the nitrogen gas, As shown in FIG. The first to sixth mode control valves VM-1 to VM-6 are coupled to the first to third discharge control means S-C1 to S-C3 to control the discharge mode of the nitrogen gas . As shown in the figure, each of the first to third discharge control means S-C1 to S-C3 may be implemented as a speed controller. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The control module 140 may generate nitrogen gas of various purity and capacity by controlling the components of the second nitrogen generating module 170. For example, the control module 140 opens the first inlet control valve (VI-1) to the first membrane module (171) and the first discharge control means (S-C1) It is possible to discharge the nitrogen gas generated in the first membrane module 171 by opening the first discharge control valve VM-1.

Similarly, the control module 140 may allow the nitrogen gas generated from the second and third membrane modules 172 and 173 to be independently discharged. Since the operation mechanism is similar to that of the first membrane module 171, detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the above cases, the discharge paths of the respective membrane modules are not connected to each other and remain separated.

Next, the control module 140 can mix and discharge the nitrogen gas generated from the two membrane modules. For example, the control module 140 opens the first and second inlet control valves VI-1 and VI-2, blocks the first mode control valve VM-1, Nitrogen gas generated in the first and second membrane modules 171 and 172 can be mixed and discharged by opening the two-mode control valves VM-4 and VM-2.

Similarly, the control module 140 mixes and discharges the nitrogen gas generated from the second and third membrane modules 172 and 173, and mixes and discharges the nitrogen gas generated from the first and third membrane modules 171 and 173 Gas may be mixed and discharged. This operation can be easily derived from the above-mentioned examples, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Finally, the control module 140 may mix and discharge the nitrogen gas generated from all of the three membrane modules 171 to 173. This operation is performed when all of the three membrane modules 171 to 173 generate nitrogen gas and the first, third and sixth mode control valves VM-1, VM-6 and VM-3 are shut off , And the second, fourth and fifth mode control valves VM-2, VM-4, and VM-5 are opened.

As described above, the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention, including the second nitrogen generating module shown in FIG. 9, independently discharges the nitrogen gas generated in each of the plurality of membrane module groups, The nitrogen gas generated from at least two membrane module groups out of the membrane module groups can be mixed and discharged. Therefore, the nitrogen generator may also generate nitrogen gas of various purity and capacity as shown in FIG. The nitrogen generating module shown in FIG. 9 can use a plurality of membrane modules connected in parallel to each other, thereby enabling the miniaturization and weight reduction of the nitrogen generator, compared to the use of one membrane module.

10 shows another example of the first nitrogen generating module 180 included in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the first nitrogen generating module 180 includes first pressure vessel groups 181 to 183 and second pressure vessel groups (not shown) that perform adsorption and regeneration processes complementary to each other . It is noted that the first pressure vessel groups 181 to 183 include a plurality of lower pressure vessels connected in parallel with each other. Although not shown in the drawings, the second pressure vessel group may have a structure matching this structure.

The first nitrogen generating module 180 is connected to the first pressure vessel group 181 to 183 and the second pressure vessel 182 in accordance with the operation states of the first pressure vessel group 181 to 183 and the second pressure vessel group And includes a plurality of valve groups that perform an inlet function, a nitrogen discharge function, and an exhaust function.

10, a plurality of intake control valves VI-1 to VI-3 corresponding to the first pressure vessel groups 181 to 183, a plurality of output control valves VO-1 to VO-3, Valves VEX-1 to VEX3, and container connecting valve groups VM-1 and VM-2 for controlling whether or not to connect adjacent pressure vessels.

The first nitrogen generating module 180 includes equilibrium means groups EQ1 to EQ6 that perform an equilibrium function between the first pressure vessel groups 181 to 183. Each of the balancing means groups may comprise an equilibrium valve and a microbalance path in the examples discussed above.

The control module 140 controls the opening and closing of the container connecting valve groups VM-1 and VM-2 so that the first and second pressure container groups are connected in series with each other to complementarily perform oxygen adsorption and regeneration It is possible to change the number of the lower pressure vessels to perform the operation. Referring to FIG. 10, the operation of the first nitrogen generating module 180 will be described focusing on the operation of the first pressure vessel group 181 to 183. The operation of the second pressure vessel group is similar to that of the first pressure vessel group 181 to 183 and is complementary, so that detailed description of the operation of the second pressure vessel group will be omitted.

The control module 140 may independently generate nitrogen gas in each of the lower pressure vessels 181 to 183. For example, by opening the first intake control valve VI-1, the second intake control valve VI-1, the second discharge control valve VO-1, and the second discharge control valve VO- The nitrogen gas generated in each of the two lower pressure vessels 181 and 182 can be independently discharged. In some cases, the control module 140 controls the opening and closing operations of the mode control valves (not shown) to mix and discharge the nitrogen gas generated in the lower pressure vessels 181 and 182.

The control module 140 opens the first inlet control valve VI-1, opens the WP1 vessel connection valve VM-1, opens the second outlet control valve VO-2, Nitrogen gas can be generated by using two lower pressure vessels 181 and 182 connected to each other. At this time, the purity of the nitrogen gas discharged through the second discharge control valve (VO-2) may be higher than the purity of the nitrogen gas discharged using one pressure vessel.

 Similarly, the control module 140 can exhaust nitrogen gas using all three lower pressure vessels 181 to 183 connected in series. In this case, the purity of the discharged nitrogen gas may be higher than the purity of the nitrogen gas using the two pressure vessels connected in series.

As described above, the nitrogen generator according to the present invention using the first nitrogen generating module 180 shown in FIG. 10 may discharge nitrogen gas of different purity by controlling the number of pressure vessels connected in series, It is also possible to control the capacity of the finally discharged nitrogen gas by controlling the number of pressure vessels independently generating nitrogen gas. On the other hand, in the example of Fig. 10, the independent nitrogen gas generating operation of the pressure vessel may be an optional operation. At this time, the inlet control valves VI-2 and VI-3 connected to the pressure vessels in the first nitrogen generating module 180 may be removed.

Meanwhile, the equilibrium, decompression, and exhaust operations of the first nitrogen generating module 180 will be described. The equilibrium, decompression, and exhaust operations can be performed in units of one of the lower pressure vessels by corresponding equilibrium valves, fine balanced path groups, and exhaust control valves. More specifically, the second lower pressure vessel 182 is taken as an example.

The control module 140 generates the nitrogen gas through the oxygen adsorption and then the second lower pressure vessel (or the second lower pressure vessel) is shut off while the other valves VI-2, VM-1, VM- (EQ3 and EQ4) corresponding to the first and second pressure vessels 182 and 182 to perform an equilibrium operation between the second lower pressure vessel 182 and a lower pressure vessel (not shown) of the second pressure vessel group corresponding thereto. Then, the control module 140 may discharge the oxygen gas inside the second lower pressure vessel 182 by shutting off the balance valve and opening the exhaust control valve VEX-2.

In some cases, the equilibrium, decompression, and exhaust operations in the first nitrogen generation module 180 may be performed in units of two or more lower pressure vessels. For example, an equilibrium operation between the two sub-containers of the second pressure vessel group corresponding to the first and second lower pressure vessels 181 and 182 is performed. At this time, the balancing operation may be performed by the first to fourth balancing means EQ1 to EQ4. And the balancing operation may be performed only by the first and fourth balancing means EQ1 and EQ4. At this time, the second and third balancing means VEQ-2 and VEQ-3 may be of an optional configuration.

Then, the depressurization and evacuation operations for the first and second lower pressure vessels 181 and 182 are performed. At this time, the exhaust operation may be performed by the first and second exhaust control valves VEX-1 and VEX-2. And the exhaust operation may be performed only by the first exhaust control valve VEX-1. At this time, the second exhaust control valve VEX-2 may have an optional configuration.

As described above, in the example of FIG. 10, the equilibrium, decompression, and exhaust operations for the pressure vessels can be performed in various forms according to the nitrogen gas exhaust mode using the pressure vessels. Accordingly, the components necessary for the above-described operation can be changed.

11 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the second nitrogen generation module 190 included in the nitrogen generator 100 according to the present invention.

The second nitrogen generating module 190 includes a plurality of membrane modules 191 to 193 connected in series with each other, module connection control valves VM-1 and VM-2 connected between the membrane modules, and discharge control means S- C1 to S-C2), and a plurality of mode control valves VM-1 to VM-4 for controlling the exhaust mode of the generated nitrogen gas.

The configuration of the second nitrogen generating module 190 of FIG. 11 is the same as that of the second nitrogen generating module 190 shown in FIG. 11 except for the configuration specific to the PSA system such as the balancing means EQ1 to EQ6 and the exhaust valves VEX-1 to VEX- (S-C1 to S-C2) and the first nitrogen generating module 180 of FIG. However, the mechanisms are similar in terms of generating nitrogen gas by using membrane modules 191 to 193 independently or in series.

That is, the nitrogen generator according to the present invention using the second nitrogen generation module 190 shown in FIG. 11 may also discharge nitrogen gas of different purity by controlling the number of membrane modules connected in series, The capacity of the finally discharged nitrogen gas can be controlled by controlling the number of membrane modules that generate nitrogen gas. Also in the example of FIG. 11, the independent nitrogen gas generating operation using the membrane module may be an optional operation. At this time, the inlet control valves VI-2 and VI-3 in the second nitrogen generating module 190 may be removed. The operation and configuration of the second nitrogen generating module 190 can be easily derived from the operation and configuration of the first nitrogen generating module 190 shown in FIG. 10, so that a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

12 is a view for explaining the dispersion / pressure equalization concept for the introduced compressed air for increasing the nitrogen generation efficiency in the nitrogen generator according to the present invention. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a pressure equalization module 200 for performing such dispersion / pressure equalization operation, a coupling diagram of the pressure equalization module 200, and a pressure diagram of the pressure equalization module 200, Respectively.

In the PSA system, the dispersion / pressure equalization for the compressed air introduced into the pressure vessel reduces the pressure difference between the center portion and the edge portion of the cross section of the container by compressed air by spreading the compressed air flowing through the intake path to the entire cross- Mechanism. ≪ / RTI >

Referring to FIG. 12, the pressure equalization module 200 includes upper and lower fixing means 210 and 230 and an intermediate structure 220. Each of the upper and lower fixing means 210 and 230 may be formed of a disc-shaped metal material (for example, stainless steel) including a plurality of holes provided at a uniform density. The dispersion / equalization of the compressed air can be performed while passing through the plurality of holes. And the dispersion / pressure equalization of the compressed air can be predominantly performed by the intermediate structure 220. Meanwhile, the intermediate structure 220 may be a non-woven fabric such as a cotton or nonwoven fabric, a fabric, or a combination thereof. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. The structure of the pressure equalization module is not limited to the example of FIG.

By this pressure equalization module 200, the pressure at the center and the edge of the end face of the container at the inlet side is made uniform, so that the oxygen adsorption rate by the CMS is increased, and as a result, the nitrogen generation efficiency is increased. Meanwhile, the pressure equalization module 200 may be mounted inside the pressure vessel body spaced apart from the compressed air inlet by a predetermined distance. Referring to the drawing, the pressure equalization module 200 is installed at a position separated by a predetermined distance D from the portion where the body portion of the pressure vessel starts substantially through the inclined surface under the pressure vessel.

This structure allows the nitrogen generation efficiency to be higher, and the mechanism will be described in detail. The compressed air flows through the compressed air inlet and passes through the inclined portion of the lower portion of the pressure vessel. In this case, the pressure difference between the central portion and the edge of the container section is reduced to some extent. The compressed air then reaches the space between the beginning of the substantial compression vessel body and the pressure equalization module 200 through the slope of the lower portion of the pressure vessel where the pressure between the center and the edge of the container cross- The difference decreases again. The pressure difference between the center and the edge of the container cross-section is then further reduced as compressed air passes through the pressure equalization module 200, and then compressed air is provided to the CMS filled in the pressure vessel. Therefore, the structure in which the pressure equalization module 200 is installed inside the pressure vessel body spaced apart from the compressed air inlet by a certain distance can increase the nitrogen generation efficiency inside the pressure vessel.

This pressure equalization module may also be mounted on the draw-out end of the compression vessel. Then, it is possible to increase the nitrogen generation efficiency through the pressure equalization at the drawing end side and to discharge the nitrogen gas at a uniform pressure. The configuration in which the pressure equalization module is mounted on at least one side of the inlet / outlet side to increase the nitrogen generation efficiency or to equalize the discharge pressure of the nitrogen gas can be applied to not only the pressure vessel but also the membrane module.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, And variations are possible.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined by the equivalents of the claims, as well as the claims.

100: nitrogen generator 110, 160, 180: first nitrogen generator
120, 170, 190: a second nitrogen generating module 130: a mode control valve group
140: Control module 200: Pressure equalization module

Claims (7)

A plurality of pressure vessels filled with an oxygen adsorbent are used to generate nitrogen gas of different purity and flow rate from the compressed air flowing through the inlet path, and a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) A plurality of nitrogen generating module systems including at least one first nitrogen generating module system for generating nitrogen gas;
A mode control valve group coupled to an outlet path of the plurality of nitrogen generating module systems for controlling an exhaust mode of nitrogen gas; And
Wherein nitrogen gas generated in at least one of the plurality of nitrogen generating module systems is independently discharged in a first discharge mode and nitrogen gas generated in at least two of the plurality of nitrogen generating module systems is discharged in a second discharge mode And a control module for controlling the final order and the final flow rate of the discharged nitrogen gas by controlling the plurality of nitrogen generating module systems and the mode control valve module,
The first nitrogen generating module system comprises:
A plurality of lower pressure vessels connected in parallel to each other and connected in parallel to each other, the first and second pressure vessels being complementarily performing oxygen adsorption using a filled oxygen adsorbent and regeneration operations of the filled oxygen adsorbent, group; An inlet valve group performing an inlet function, an exhaust function, and an equilibration function for the first and second pressure vessel groups according to the operating state of the first and second pressure vessel groups; An outlet valve group that performs a nitrogen discharge function and an equilibrium function for the first and second pressure vessel groups according to the operating state of the first and second pressure vessel groups; And a microbalanced path group connecting between the matched lower pressure vessels of the first and second pressure vessel groups independently of the operating states of the first and second pressure vessel groups,
The control module includes:
Channel high purity hybrid nitrogen generator capable of controlling opening and closing of the inlet valve group and the drawn valve group to change the number of the lower pressure vessels to perform complementary oxygen adsorption and regeneration operations. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of nitrogen generating module systems comprises:
And a second nitrogen generating module system for generating nitrogen gas from the compressed air in accordance with the retarding principle using a membrane module. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in each of the plurality of lower pressure vessels included in each of the first and second pressure vessel groups,
The pressure equalization module for reducing the pressure difference between the center portion and the edge portion of the cross section of the container by the compressed air is diffused up to the entire cross-section of the container to be installed in the body at a distance from the compressed air inlet High-purity, multi-channel hybrid nitrogen generator. A plurality of pressure vessels filled with an oxygen adsorbent are used to generate nitrogen gas of different purity and flow rate from the compressed air flowing through the inlet path, and a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) A plurality of nitrogen generating module systems including at least one first nitrogen generating module system for generating nitrogen gas;
A mode control valve group coupled to an outlet path of the plurality of nitrogen generating module systems for controlling an exhaust mode of nitrogen gas; And
Wherein nitrogen gas generated in at least one of the plurality of nitrogen generating module systems is independently discharged in a first discharge mode and nitrogen gas generated in at least two of the plurality of nitrogen generating module systems is discharged in a second discharge mode And a control module for controlling the final order and the final flow rate of the discharged nitrogen gas by controlling the plurality of nitrogen generating module systems and the mode control valve module,
The first nitrogen generating module system comprises:
A plurality of lower pressure vessels connected in parallel to each other and each of which is connected in series to each other, the first and second pressure vessels, which complementarily perform oxygen adsorption using a filled oxygen adsorbent and regeneration operations of a filled oxygen adsorbent, group; A plurality of valve groups performing an inlet function, a nitrogen discharge function, an exhaust function, and an equilibrium function for the first and second pressure vessels in accordance with the operation states of the first and second pressure vessel groups; A container connecting valve group for determining whether or not to connect the lower pressure vessels of the first and second pressure vessel groups; And a fine balanced path group connecting between the matched lower pressure vessels of the first and second pressure vessel groups independently of the operating states of the first and second pressure vessel groups,
The control module includes:
And control the opening and closing of the container connecting valve group to change the number of the lower pressure vessels to be connected in series with each other in each of the first and second pressure vessel groups to perform complementary oxygen adsorption and regeneration operations Channel high purity hybrid nitrogen generator. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of nitrogen generating module systems comprises:
And a second nitrogen generating module system for generating nitrogen gas from the compressed air in accordance with the retarding principle using a membrane module. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein in each of the plurality of lower pressure vessels included in each of the first and second pressure vessel groups,
The pressure equalization module for reducing the pressure difference between the center portion and the edge portion of the cross section of the container by the compressed air is diffused up to the entire cross-section of the container to be installed in the body at a distance from the compressed air inlet High-purity, multi-channel hybrid nitrogen generator. delete

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