What are the pressure regulation methods of the pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator?
The main pressure regulation methods of the pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator include:
Valve regulation
Inlet valve regulation: By changing the opening degree of the inlet valve, the air flow entering the nitrogen generator can be controlled. When the system pressure needs to be increased, the opening degree of the inlet valve is reduced, resulting in a decrease in the air volume entering the system. Since the volume of gas in the system is relatively fixed, as the air is continuously compressed, the pressure will gradually increase; conversely, by increasing the opening degree of the valve, the air volume entering increases, and the pressure will decrease. This method has a fast response speed, but it requires timely adjustment of the valve opening degree according to the changes in system pressure to avoid excessive pressure fluctuations.
Outlet valve regulation: Outlet valve regulation is similar to inlet valve regulation, but it is achieved by controlling the nitrogen output flow to regulate the pressure. Closing the outlet valve reduces the nitrogen output volume, causing the system pressure to rise; opening the outlet valve increases the nitrogen output volume, and the pressure decreases. In practical operation, outlet valve regulation is often combined with nitrogen purity control because changes in valve opening degree may affect the residence time of nitrogen in the adsorption tower, thereby influencing purity.
Discharge valve regulation: The discharge valve is mainly used to release some gas to the atmosphere when the system pressure is too high to reduce the system pressure. When the pressure of the nitrogen generator exceeds the set value during operation, the discharge valve is opened to discharge the excess gas, and the pressure is restored to the normal range before closing the valve. This method can quickly and effectively reduce the pressure, but it will cause some gas waste. It is generally used in emergency situations or as an auxiliary regulation method.
Changing gas source parameters
Adjusting the output pressure of the air compressor: If the gas source of the nitrogen generator is provided by an air compressor, then adjusting the output pressure of the air compressor is an important way to change the working pressure of the nitrogen generator. By adjusting parameters such as the intake volume, speed, or compression ratio of the air compressor, the pressure of the compressed air output by the air compressor can be changed, thereby directly affecting the inlet pressure of the nitrogen generator. For example, for screw-type air compressors, the opening degree of the intake valve can be adjusted to control the intake volume, thereby changing the output pressure; for centrifugal air compressors, the pressure can be adjusted by changing the speed of the impeller.
Optimizing the gas source treatment system: The dryers, filters, and other equipment in the gas source treatment system also have an impact on the pressure of the nitrogen generator. If the dryer or filter is clogged, it will increase the resistance of gas flow, causing the system pressure to rise. Regular maintenance and replacement of filter elements, adsorbents, and other components in these devices ensure the normal operation of the gas source treatment system, which can avoid pressure fluctuations caused by increased resistance and ensure that the nitrogen generator operates within the stable pressure range.
Control system regulation
Feedback control based on pressure sensors: Nitrogen generators are usually equipped with pressure sensors to monitor the system pressure in real time. The pressure sensor transmits the detected pressure signal to the control system, which compares the set pressure value with the actual detected value and automatically adjusts the opening degree of related valves or other control parameters to achieve stable pressure regulation. This feedback control method has high precision and stability, and can make timely adjustments according to changes in system pressure, ensuring that the nitrogen generator operates within the set pressure range.
Program control: By writing specific control programs, different pressure regulation strategies can be set according to different production needs and process requirements. For example, during the start-up and shutdown of the nitrogen generator, programs can be set to gradually increase or decrease the pressure to avoid pressure shock to the equipment; during normal operation, the program can automatically adjust parameters such as adsorption time, desorption time, etc., indirectly achieving optimized pressure regulation to achieve the best nitrogen generation effect and energy utilization efficiency.
