EP2238354A1

EP2238354A1 - Prcess and device for dewatering a hydraulic fluid

Info

Publication number: EP2238354A1
Application number: EP08869431A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ingo Scheel; Ralf Pohlmann; Wolfgang Erdmann
Original assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
Current assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
Priority date: 2008-01-04
Filing date: 2008-12-22
Publication date: 2010-10-13
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-22
Also published as: DE102008003179A1; US8216458B2; US20110168610A1; CN101918723A; WO2009087059A1; US8221630B2; US20110017672A1; BRPI0822234A2; CA2709761A1; CN101918723B; EP2238354B1; JP2011511215A; RU2010125323A

Abstract

The present invention provides a process and a device (3...6) for dewatering a hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system (2), in particular in the aerospace sector, having a container (10) which has a sorption medium, a feed (11) which feeds the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic system (2) to the container (10) for passing the hydraulic fluid through the sorption medium (46) for dewatering the hydraulic fluid in a dewatering mode of the device (3...6) and a return (12) which recirculates the dewatered hydraulic fluid from the container (10) to the hydraulic system (2) in the dewatering mode of the device (3...6). By means of the process and device (3...6) according to the invention, the hydraulic liquid can be dewatered continuously and very swiftly.

Description

Method and device for dewatering a hydraulic fluid

The present invention relates to a method for dewatering a hydraulic fluid, in particular in the aerospace sector, and to an apparatus for carrying out such a method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a unit for dehydrating a hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system, to a method for

Control ^'of such a unit on an aircraft or space vehicle with such a device or such a unit and to a surface maintenance machine with such an apparatus or of such a unit.

Although applicable to any vehicle, the present invention as well as the underlying problem with respect to an aircraft are explained in more detail.

The hydraulic fluid used in aircraft hydraulic systems is typically highly hygroscopic. The consequence of increasing the water content in the hydraulic fluid due to the absorption of the water is the formation of acids and other undesirable chemical changes. From a certain water content, corrosion damage to valves and pumps can occur, which is not tolerable given the special safety requirements in aviation.

One way to avoid the problems associated with increasing water content is to completely replace the hydraulic fluid. However, this is expensive, leads to long service life of the aircraft and makes a separate disposal of the replaced hydraulic fluid necessary.

DE 10252148 B3 discloses a method and a device for dehydrating a hydraulic fluid according to the preamble of claims 1 and 20 of the present invention. known. In the known method, water is separated from the hydraulic fluid by pervaporation on a membrane which is permeable to gas and water and impermeable to the hydraulic fluid, the diaphragm being permeated on the permeate side by a purge gas stream having a lower water vapor partial pressure than in the hydraulic fluid.

A disadvantage of the known method is that the drainage is relatively slow.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a better possibility for dewatering a hydraulic fluid, in particular, a rapid dehydration of hydraulic fluid is given in large quantities.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, by a device having the features of claim 20, by a unit having the features of claim 31, by a method having the features of claim 32 by an aerospace vehicle the features of claim 34 and / or solved by a soil maintenance machine with the features of claim 35.

Accordingly, a method for dehydrating a hydraulic fluid, in particular in the aerospace sector, provided, wherein the hydraulic fluid is passed through a sorbent, which extracts the hydraulic fluid water.

A sorbent which is brought into direct contact with the hydraulic fluid, withdraws this water much faster than is possible by means of the known from the prior art membrane separation process.

Furthermore, a device for dewatering a hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system, in particular in the air and space area, with a tank, an inlet and a return. The container has a sorbent. By means of the inlet, the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic system for passing the hydraulic fluid through the sorbent is added to the reservoir

Draining the hydraulic fluid supplied in a dewatering mode of the device. The return path returns the dewatered hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the hydraulic system in the dewatering mode of the device.

This structurally simple solution makes it possible to bring a hydraulic fluid into contact with a sorbent, wherein the hydraulic fluid flows through the sorbent and the hydraulic fluid is therefore continuously dehydrated. The advantages already mentioned for the procedure apply accordingly.

Furthermore, a unit for dehydrating a hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system, in particular in the aerospace sector, with at least two of the invention

Devices provided. According to a method for controlling the unit according to the invention, the devices are merely switched alternately into the regeneration mode by means of a common control device.

By "only ¹ " herein is meant that the devices are never in regeneration mode at the same time. This has the advantage that dehydration of the hydraulic fluid can take place continuously and thus takes place quickly.

Furthermore, an aircraft or spacecraft is provided with the device according to the invention or with the unit according to the invention.

In such an aircraft or spacecraft, it comes because of the continuous drainage by means of the device or the unit not even to a significant increase in the water content in the hydraulic fluid. This significantly reduces the service life of the aircraft or spacecraft.

Still further, a soil maintenance machine is provided with the device according to the invention or with the unit according to the invention, wherein the soil maintenance machine can be connected to a hydraulic system of an aircraft or spacecraft for dewatering the hydraulic fluid.

By means of such a soil maintenance machine, it can be avoided to carry additional components in the aircraft or spacecraft, which advantageously entails a reduction in the weight of the aircraft.

In the dependent claims are advantageous embodiments and refinements of the invention.

According to a preferred development, the water content of the hydraulic fluid is determined before and / or after passage through the sorbent.

Based on the water content in the hydraulic fluid can be detected whether the sorption capacity of the sorbent is exhausted, d. H. the sorbent is no longer able to bind water itself or to bind water in sufficient amount per unit time per se.

According to a further preferred embodiment, when the measured water content, in particular the water content after passing through the sorbent, is above a first limit, a regeneration mode for regenerating the sorbent is started.

In particular, the water content should be measured after passing through the sorbent, since then clearly and It can be determined immediately whether the sorbent still has a sufficient sorption capacity.

For example, the first limit value may correspond to 0.5% water content in the hydraulic fluid, which is the one in the

Aviation is authorized maximum value. Such a method is very easy to implement control technology. Preferably, the first limit value is set slightly below the 0.5% limit, for example 0.3 or 0.4%, so that the water content in the hydraulic fluid at no time, even during the regeneration of the sorbent, does not exceed the predetermined 0 , 5% limit rises.

In the present context, a "regeneration mode" comprises the operating modes which are necessary for a resumption of the dewatering mode, after it has been established that the sorption capacity of the sorption agent has been exhausted. To restart the dewatering mode it is necessary to restore the sorption capacity of the sorbent.

Overall, as will become clear from the explanations below, five different operating modes of the device are possible: The device may be in dewatering mode or in regeneration mode. The regeneration mode is in turn subdivided into a discharge operation, re-drying operation, filling operation and / or cleaning operation.

According to a further preferred embodiment, when the

Amount of the difference of the measured water content before and after passing through the sorbent is below a second threshold, wherein the second threshold is determined depending on the measured water content before or after the passage, a regeneration mode for regenerating the sorbent started. The amount of the difference gives an indication of the extent to which the sorption capacity of the sorbent is exhausted. If, for example, this is already largely exhausted, the amount of the difference will be correspondingly small, but only if there is a certain water content in the hydraulic fluid - with a very low water content in the hydraulic fluid, the amount of the difference must inevitably be small. This fact does justice to this improvement of the method, the second limit value being determined as a function of the measured water content.

According to the development described above, it can be recognized early on whether the sorbent needs to be replaced in the near future.

In a further preferred embodiment, in the regeneration mode, the sorbent is separated from the hydraulic fluid and the sorbent is dried back. By "back-drying" is meant here the removal of the water bound in the sorbent.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the re-drying of the sorbent is carried out by means of heat and / or by means of reduced pressure. These represent very simple measures for re-drying the sorbent.

In a further preferred embodiment, the re-drying is carried out at least by means of reduced pressure and the end of the Rücktrocknens by falling below a

Limit value for the pressure change determined.

If the pressure falls below the limit, it is clear that a sufficient amount of water has been withdrawn from the sorbent in order to restore its sorption capacity. In a further preferred development, the degree of soiling of the hydraulic fluid is measured, and if the degree of contamination exceeds a contamination limit value, the sorbent after being re-dried is rinsed with a cleaning agent for removing dirt particles from the sorbent.

Not only the binding of water can degrade the sorption capacity of the sorbent, but also the incorporation of dirt particles into it. Therefore, the sorbent must be cleaned with appropriate contamination by dirt particles. When deciding whether to clean the sorbent, it is also possible to take into account the period over which the contamination limit has been exceeded. This gives an indication of the amount of dirt stored in the sorbent.

In a further preferred embodiment, the hydraulic fluid is again passed through the sorbent after the regeneration mode.

Thus, the original state is restored, and the device can its purpose, namely the dewatering of the hydraulic fluid, correspond again.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sorbent is selected from the group consisting of silica gel, sepiolite and molecular sieve, and / or the hydraulic fluid based on phosphate ester.

Phosphate ester is a widely used in aviation hydraulic fluid. Advantageously, the sorbents can have geometries with large surfaces, so as to achieve a high sorption capacity.

According to a preferred development, moisture sensors for measuring are in the inlet and / or in the return the water content provided in the hydraulic fluid and is further provided a control device which is connected by signal technology with the humidity sensors.

Of course, the humidity sensors could also be provided in the hydraulic system itself, but this is inconvenient in certain applications of the apparatus, especially in connection with a ground maintenance machine, since this would require provision of such sensors in each aircraft, rather than providing such sensors once the soil maintenance machine.

Such moisture sensors are preferably based on a capacitive measurement, in particular taking into account the temperature of the hydraulic fluid.

In a further preferred embodiment, the tax on ^{'ereinrichtung} the device from the dewatering mode to a regeneration mode for the regeneration of the sorbent, when the measured water content, in particular the water content in the return flow, over a first threshold.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the control device switches the device from the dewatering mode to a regeneration mode for regenerating the sorbent when the amount of the difference in water content in the inlet and the return is below a second threshold, the control device setting the second threshold in dependence on the measured water content in the inlet or return determined.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the container is coupled to the inlet by means of an inlet valve and to the return by means of a return valve. This allows flexible control of the hydraulic fluid in the container. Preferably, the inlet valve is provided at an upper end of the container and the return valve is provided at a lower end of the container, with "top" and "bottom" referring to the ground.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container is coupled by means of a compressed air valve with a compressed air line, wherein the control device blocks the inlet valve in a discharge operation of the regeneration mode and opens the return valve, wherein the compressed air empties the hydraulic fluid from the container in the return through the open return valve.

Such emptying is easy to implement and runs off very quickly.

In the present context, a "locked" valve means a state in which the valve prevents a flow of fluid therethrough and an "open" valve means a state in which the valve releases a flow of fluid therethrough.

In a further preferred embodiment, the control device locks in the emptying operation, the compressed air valve again when a signal technically connected to the control device level sensor signals that the hydraulic fluid is discharged from the container.

This prevents compressed air from being forced into the return line, causing it to enter the hydraulic system and cause damage.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container is coupled to a vacuum line by means of a vacuum valve, the control device blocking the return valve in a back-drying operation of the regeneration mode downstream of the emptying operation and opening the vacuum valve, wherein the vacuum applied to the container then re-dries the sorbent.

The "vacuum" is nothing else than the reduced pressure already described in connection with the process. The applied to the sorbent vacuum leads to evaporation of the bound water in the sorbent, wherein the resulting water vapor is removed via the vacuum valve.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container is coupled by means of a vent valve with a vent line, wherein a heating device is provided, wherein the control device blocks the return valve, opens the vent valve and the heating device for supplying heat in a subsequent to the emptying operation Rücktrocknungsbetrieb the regeneration mode the sorbent for a re-drying of the same switches.

The supply of heat to the sorbent for vaporizing the water bound in it provides an additional or alternative possibility for re-drying the sorbent to the previously described embodiment in which the sorbent is re-dried by applying a vacuum. Advantageously, both embodiments are used simultaneously, wherein at least the amount of heat is supplied by means of the heating device, which is withdrawn from the sorbent during the evaporation process. The venting valve can then serve as a vacuum valve at the same time and the venting line can accordingly serve as a vacuum line. Thus, a very rapid re-drying can take place, whereby components can be saved.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the container is coupled to a venting line by means of a venting valve, wherein the control device is connected to a filling line downstream of the re-drying operation. neriermodus opens the vent valve and the inlet valve for filling the container with the hydraulic fluid.

In order to switch the device back into the dewatering mode, it is necessary that the inlet valve is opened, whereby hydraulic fluid can again flow into the container. However, the air in the container must be able to escape. This can be done through the open vent valve. Finally, the feed valve must be reopened to allow re-flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic system into and out of the sorbent container through the return to the hydraulic system.

According to a further preferred development, the control device closes the venting valve again in the filling operation and opens the return valve when a fill level sensor which is signal-technically coupled to the control device signals a desired fill level. Subsequently, the control device switches the device again from the regeneration mode to the drainage mode.

By means of this embodiment prevents hydraulic fluid flows into the vent line. Rather, it can be switched off exactly when the container is sufficiently filled with hydraulic fluid. Thereafter, the dewatering mode can be resumed.

In a further preferred embodiment, a contamination sensor is provided which measures a degree of contamination of the hydraulic fluid and provides it to the control device, wherein the container is coupled by means of a detergent inlet valve with a Reinigungsmittelzu- run and by means of a detergent return valve with a detergent return, wherein the control device after the re-drying plant and before filling operation, the device switches into a cleaning operation for removing dirt from the sorbent when the control device determines that the degree of contamination exceeds a contamination limit, the controller closes the vacuum valve and / or the vent valve and opens the detergent supply and return valve, wherein then the detergent flows through the sorbent and this deprives it dirt.

According to a further preferred development, the detergent feed and the detergent return are coupled to a cleaning container, wherein a cleaning agent pump and a filter for cleaning the cleaning agent are provided, wherein the cleaning agent pump the cleaning agent through the container, the detergent return

Reinigungsεmittelbehälter, circulating the filter and the detergent feed in the cleaning operation, the filter filters dirt from the detergent.

This can be easily removed dirt from the sorbent, the dirt itself is caught in a filter.

Preferably, the filter is provided with a clogging indicator and replaceable. This makes it possible to replace the filter as soon as it is dirty.

According to a further preferred development, the detergent container has a vent, wherein the control device in the cleaning operation after circulating the detergent for emptying it from the container closes the detergent return valve and opens the compressed air valve, wherein the compressed air empties the detergent into the detergent feed and compressed air escapes from the detergent container through the vent. The removal of the detergent from the container by means of compressed air is very fast. The thereby in the detergent circuit - since this is interrupted by means of the locked detergent return valve - resulting Ü- pressure, can escape through the vent advantageous.

In a further preferred embodiment, the detergent pump and the filter are arranged in the detergent feed or in the detergent return, wherein a cleaning agent discharge line is provided with a detergent emptying valve, which bypasses the detergent pump and / or the filter, wherein the control means for emptying the container, the cleaning agent - the drain valve opens and the detergent inlet valve or the detergent return valve is blocked.

By means of this configuration, the cleaning agent can very quickly be emptied out of the container, since it does not have to flow through the detergent pump or the filter, which represent a high flow resistance. In addition, a flow through the filter in the reverse direction could lead to the fact that the dirt particles trapped in it are distributed in the detergent circuit.

In a further preferred embodiment, a detergent soiling sensor is provided which measures a level of contamination of the detergent and provides it to the controller, wherein the controller provides a warning signal to a display when the level of contamination of the detergent exceeds a detergent soiling threshold. Thus, it can be ensured that the cleaning agent is replaced when it is itself dirty. For certain types of contamination, it may well be that the filter is unable to adequately clean the cleaning agent, particularly in the case of fluid dirt in the cleaning agent. According to a preferred development of the unit according to the invention, four of the devices, for example devices A, B, C and D, are provided, the common control devices of which only alternately enter the dewatering mode, emptying mode, re-drying mode and _. Switch on filling operation.

That is, when device A is in the dewatering mode, device B is in the draining operation, device C is in the re-drying operation, and device D is in the filling operation. Thus, the required amount of sorbent per container can be minimized, because the amount of sorbent provided in each container just has to last as long as the longest operation (emptying operation, re-drying operation or filling operation) lasts. Thus, the size of the container can be minimized.

The invention will be explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings.

From the figures show:

Fig. 1 is a unit with four devices according to a

Embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a moisture sensor according to the exemplary embodiment; FIG.

3 schematically shows a circuit diagram according to the exemplary embodiment;

4 shows one of the devices from FIG. 1 with an associated cleaning device according to the exemplary embodiment, wherein the cleaning agent flows through the container; and Fig. 5 shows the arrangement of Fig. 4, wherein the cleaning agent has been emptied from the container.

In the figures, the same reference numerals designate the same or functionally identical components, unless indicated otherwise.

1 shows schematically a unit 1 for dewatering a hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system 2, for example that of an aircraft. In the case of the present embodiment, the hydraulic fluid is a phosphate ester.

Preferably, the unit 1 is part of a ground maintenance machine, as it is typically found at airports.

The unit 1 comprises a first device 3, a second device 4, a third device 5 and a fourth device 6. Each of the devices 3 to 6 has a container 10, wherein the containers 10 are all fluidly coupled by means of a common inlet 11 and a common return 12 with the hydraulic system 2.

The coupling of the unit 1 with the hydraulic system 2 takes place, for example, during maintenance of the aircraft with the hydraulic system 2 and is temporary in nature, ie. H. the connections 13, 14 of the inlet 11 and return 12 to the hydraulic system 2 are designed to be detachable.

In the inlet 11 and in the return 12 are the terminals 13 and 14 below each check valves 15, 16 are arranged, which are opened after the coupling of the unit 1 to the hydraulic system 2 and before uncoupling the unit 1 from the hydraulic system 2 closed. In order to a leakage of residual hydraulic fluid from the unit 1 after disconnection of the hydraulic system 2 is prevented.

Following the check valve 15, a hydraulic pump 17, which pumps the hydraulic fluid through the unit 1, is preferably arranged in the inlet 11.

Subsequent to the hydraulic pump 17, a filter 18 with a clogging indicator is preferably arranged in the inlet 12. A corresponding filter 22 with clogging indicator is also preferably arranged in the return 12 following the check valve 16. By means of the filters 18, 22, dirt particles can be filtered out of the hydraulic fluid. If the clogging indicators of the filters 18, 22 indicate they are dirty, the filters 18, 22 may be replaced.

Following the filter 18, a flow sensor 23 is preferably provided in the inlet 11. By means of the flow sensor 23 it can be determined whether and in what quantity hydraulic fluid flows through the unit 1.

The flow sensor 23 is preferably followed by an adjustable pressure reduction valve 24 in the inlet 11, by means of which the pressure in the hydraulic fluid, which is supplied to the containers 10, is adjustable.

A check valve 25 adjoining the pressure reduction valve 24 in the inlet 11 prevents flow of the hydraulic fluid opposite to the direction of flow in the inlet 11 provided with the reference number 26.

Preferably, the inlet 11 below the check valve 25 has a safety line 27 connected to the return 12 with a safety valve 28. The safety valve is in the normal state in the position shown in Fig. 1, wherein there is a flow of hydraulic prevents liquid from the inlet 11 in the return 12 through the safety line 27. If, however, an error occurs which prevents the hydraulic fluid from flowing from the inlet 11 through the container 10 into the return 12, and the pump 17 continues to supply hydraulic fluid, the safety valve 28 opens when a certain limit value for the permissible hydraulic fluid pressure is exceeded and the hydraulic fluid can then flow from the inlet 11 in the return line 12. Damage to, for example, lines and valves can thus be prevented.

The inlet 11 and the return 12 preferably have, downstream of the filters 18 and 22, respectively, a moisture sensor 32 or 33 which measures a water content in the hydraulic fluid.

In FIG. 2, one of the humidity sensors 32, 33 is shown by way of example, which protrudes with its moisture sensor 32a into the inlet 11 and there measures the moisture of the hydraulic fluid capacitively. The humidity sensor is further equipped with a temperature sensor 32b, which provides a temperature of the hydraulic fluid. The measured temperature flows in determining the humidity of the hydraulic fluid.

According to the present embodiment, only two humidity sensors 32, 33 are arranged in the inlet 11 and return 12, respectively. Likewise, it is possible that each of the devices 3 to 6 has two humidity sensors, one before and the other after the container 10, so that the water content before and after each of the containers 10 can be determined individually for each of the devices 3 to 6 is. However, the variant shown in Fig. 1 is comparatively parts-saving, since it works with only two moisture sensors 32, 33. The devices 3 to 6 are identical. Therefore, the structure of the device 3 will be exemplified below.

The container 10 is a cartridge, d. H. as a cylindrical container, which extends substantially perpendicular to a not further illustrated soil 40 is formed. "Below" and "above" below always refer to the ground 40.

The container 10 is at its upper end 29 by means of an electromagnetically actuated 2/2-way valve inlet valve 34 to the inlet 12 and at its lower end 30 by means of a electromagnetically actuated 2/2-way valve formed return valve 35 with the return 12 fluidly coupled.

In the open position of the inlet valve 34 and the return valve 35 shown in FIG. 1 for the device 3, hydraulic fluid can flow from the inlet 12 into the container 10 and out of this back into the return 12.

In the closed position of the inlet valve 34 and the return valve 35 shown in FIG. 1 for the device 5, the hydraulic fluid can flow neither from the inlet 11 into the container 10, nor from the container 10 in the return line 12.

Between the return valve 35 and the return 12, a check valve 36 is preferably arranged, which prevents a flow of hydraulic fluid from the return line 12 into the container 10 at any time. This prevents mutual interference of the containers 10 of the devices 3 to 6. ^• In particular, the check valve 36 seals off a container 10 which is later sawn in greater detail in the described emptying operation, from the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the return 12 from.

On the container 10, an upper and a lower level sensor 37 and 38 are provided which generate a signal when a first limit value for the level in the container 10 is exceeded or when a level in the container 10 exceeds a second threshold , The fill level sensors 37 and 38 are preferably arranged on a measuring column 39 whose lower end is fluidically connected to a line 43 connecting the return valve 35 to the return line 12 and whose upper end is connected to the upper end of the container 10.

A level 44 of the hydraulic fluid in the metering column 39 corresponds to the level 45 of the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir. According to the present embodiment, the lower level sensor 38 generates a signal only when the line 43 is at least partially emptied, so that the level gel 44 in the measuring column below the position of the level sensor 38 decreases. This ensures that the level sensor 38 only generates a signal when the container 10 is completely emptied.

The container 10 has in its interior a sorbent 46, for example a silica gel on. The sorption agent 46 is suitable for extracting water from the hydraulic fluid.

The container 10 further has a heating device 47, which is designed, for example, as heating rods, which flow through current when an electromagnetic switch 48 is closed and generate heat which heats the sorption agent 46.

The container 10 is at its upper end 29 by means of a formed as an electromagnetically actuated 3/3-way valve compressed air valve 52 with a compressed air line 53 fluid. physically coupled. The compressed air line 53 is acted upon by means of a compressor 54 and a downstream filter 55 with filtered compressed air.

The container 10 is further fluidly coupled by means of the compressed air valve 52 with a vent line 56, the vent line 56 having a filter 57 and a vent 58, which is at atmospheric pressure has.

The compressed air valve 52 has a first position, in which the container 10 is coupled neither to the compressed air line 53 nor to the vent line 56. In a second position, the container 10 is coupled to the compressed air line 53. In a third position of the compressed air valve 52, the container 10 is coupled to the vent line 56.

Furthermore, the upper end 29 of the container 10 can be fluidically coupled to a vacuum line 63 by means of a vacuum valve 62 designed as a 2/2-way valve, the vacuum line 63 preferably having a settling tank 64, a vacuum pump 65 and preferably a water separator 66 in the following order , The settling tank 64 protects the pump from solid and liquid components. By means of the vacuum pump 65, the vacuum line 63 with a vacuum (based on the atmospheric pressure) acted upon.

The vacuum valve 62 has two positions: in a first position, as shown in FIG. 1 for the device 3, the vacuum line 63 is decoupled from the container 10, ie there is no vacuum on the container 10. In a second position of the vacuum valve 62, the container 10 is fluidically coupled to the vacuum line 63 and there is a vacuum on the interior thereof. Dirt particles in the extracted air can be filtered out in the settling tank 64 to protect the vacuum pump 65. The water separator 66, for example an electrostatic precipitator, extracts from the air sucked out of the container 10 the water possibly containing hydraulic fluid {resp. with their additives) is contaminated.

Further, a control device 67 is provided, which with 'all switchable elements 15, 16, 17, 24, 34, 62, 48, 35,

10 54, 65 is technically connected to the control of this and with all the signaling elements 18, 22, 33, 23, 32, 37, 38, 68, 69 signal technology for evaluating signals thereof is connected (the electrical lines were not reasons of clarity shown). Vorzugswei-

15 se, the controller 67 is designed as a flexible programmable PLC (memory-programmable controller).

^■ Preferably, the control device 67 is equipped with a display device 73 (see also Fig. 3), on which 20, for example, measured values, the various operating states of the individual devices 3 to 6 or warning signals, for example, that a filter is to be exchanged, can be represented.

25 The interconnection of the control device 67 is schematically illustrated in FIG. By way of example, the control device 67 is connected to the humidity sensor 32. Furthermore, the control device is connected to the already mentioned display device 73. Furthermore, the control device 67

30 is connected to a warning light 64 for warning an operator of the unit 1. The power supplied by means of a plug-in power supply 75 control device 67 is flexibly programmable by means of a personal computer (PC) 76, which, for example, the input of different limits for

35 the permissible water content in the hydraulic fluid - these may for example be different for different types of aircraft - allowed. Of course, each of the devices 3 to 6 could each have a compressed air line 53, vent line 56, vacuum line 63 and control device 67 (each with associated components), however, according to the present embodiment, to save parts, the devices 3 to 6 provided with a common compressed air line 53, vent line 56, vacuum line 63 and control device 67.

4 and 5, the device 3 is shown supplemented by a cleaning device 80. Of course, each of the devices 3 to 6 may have such a cleaning device 80.

A detergent inlet 81 is fluidically coupled to the line section 82 connecting the return valve 35 to the container 10, and a detergent return 83 is fluidically coupled to the line section 84 connecting the inlet valve 34 to the container 10.

In the detergent inlet or cleaning agent return 80 and 83 respectively first check valves 85, 86 are provided, which ensure in the closed state that no detergent 87 unintentionally penetrates into the lines 82, 84.

Preferably, after the check valve 85, a drain line 92 branches off from the detergent inlet 81, wherein the drain line 92 can be fluidically coupled to a detergent container 94 by means of a drain valve 93 designed as an electromagnetically controllable 2/2 way valve.

Downstream of the discharge line 92, the detergent feed 81 has a detergent feed valve 95 designed as an electromagnetically controllable 2/2-way valve. ne detergent pump 96 and preferably a cleaning agent filter 97 with clogging indicator, after which the cleaning agent feed 81 opens into the detergent tank 94.

In the detergent return 83 to the check valve 86 downstream of a trained as electromagnetically controllable 2/2-way valve cleaning agent return valve 98 is provided, after which the detergent return 83 opens into the container 94.

Also, the detergent container 94 is aligned substantially perpendicular to the ground 40 and has at its upper end 102 a vent 103 via a filter 104.

Each of the devices 3 to 6 can now be operated in the following enumerated operating modes: in a dewatering mode, see FIG. 1, device 3, in a discharge mode associated with a re-drying mode, see FIG. 1, device 4, in a 1, device 5, and in a filling operation associated with the regeneration mode, see FIG. 1, device 6.

In the dewatering mode illustrated for the device 3 in FIG. 1, the hydraulic fluid flows from the hydraulic system 2 by means of the pump 16 through the inlet 11 into the container 10, where it flows through the sorbent 46, which removes water from the hydraulic fluid.

Thereafter, the hydraulic fluid flows from the container 10 in the return 12 and back into the hydraulic system 2.

The humidity sensors 32, 33 constantly measure the

Water content in the hydraulic fluid. The humidity sensor 32 provides the control device 67 with the measured water water content in the feed as a measured value MZ and the humidity sensor 33 the water content measured in the return as a measured value MR ready.

The control device 67 compares the measured value MR with a limit value Gl which, for example, amounts to 0.45% water content and is therefore just below the maximum permissible water content in the hydraulic fluid of 0.5%.

If the control device 67 now determines that the measured value MR is above the limit value Gl, it decides that the sorbent 46 no longer has sufficient sorption capacity to permanently keep the water content in the hydraulic fluid below 0.5%, ie the maximum permissible value , Then, the controller 67 switches the device 1 to the regeneration mode and starts the purge operation within the regeneration mode as shown for the device 4 in FIG.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the

Control means 67 constantly determines the amount of the difference BD between the measured value MR and the measured value MZ and compares this value BD with a limit value G2. The limit value G2 is preferably calculated as a function of the measured value MZ. The limit G2 represents an expected

Amount of the difference in a sorption agent 46 with "normal" sorption capacity. These values can for example be stored in a table.

In addition, the flow rate DR signaled by the flow sensor 23 can also be used in the determination of the limit value G2, since the flow rate influences the expected amount of the difference between the measured values MZ and MR - for example, at a high flow rate the effective time of the sorption agent 46 reduced to the hydraulic fluid. Therefore, a smaller amount of the difference is expected. If the controller now determines that the value BD is above the value G2, then it also switches the device into the regeneration mode, and first in the emptying operation, as shown for the device 4 in Fig. 1. By means of the second calculation method, it can be predicted earlier that the sorption capacity of the sorbent 46 is exhausted.

For the emptying operation, the control device 67 closes the inlet 11 by means of the inlet valve 34 and switches the compressed air valve 52 such that compressed air flows from the compressed air line 53 into the container 10. In this case, the hydraulic fluid in the container 10 is discharged from the compressed air 105 in the return 12 through the open return valve 35. The lower level sensor 38 signals the controller 67 when the container 10 is completely deflated and even a portion of the conduit 43 is deflated. This ensures that the container 10 is completely emptied.

Then, the control device 67 switches the compressed air valve 52 again such that no more compressed air flows from the compressed air line 53 into the container 10. Subsequently, the control device 67 closes the return valve 35, so that the container 10 is no longer fluidly coupled to the return 12.

Thereafter, the controller 67 enters the re-drying operation, switching the vacuum valve 62 so that the container 10 is connected to the vacuum line 63 and a vacuum is applied to the container. Due to the vacuum, the water bound by the sorbent 46 evaporates and escapes through the vacuum valve 62 and the conduit 63.

In addition, the control device 67 switches the switch 48 so that current passes through the heating elements of the heating device 47. flows and the sorbent is heated. As a result, the evaporation of the water bound in the sorbent 46 is further stimulated. On the basis of the pressure MD measured by the pressure sensor 68 in the vacuum line, the control device 67 constantly calculates the temporal pressure change MDZ and compares this with a limit value for the pressure change GD. If the value MDZ falls below the value GD, it is clear that the water bound in the sorbent 46 has dropped to a desired (low) content. Thereafter, the heater 47 is switched off again by means of switching the switch 48 and the vacuum valve 62 is closed again.

Subsequently, it is possible to still clean the sorbent 46, d. H. This is to be rid of dirt particles that are stored by the hydraulic fluid in this. Whether it is switched to such a cleaning operation, for example, on the basis of a reported from the filter 22 to the control device 67 measured value, which reflects the degree of contamination of the hydraulic fluid with Schmutzparti- done. If the degree of contamination exceeds a predetermined limit value, then the control device 67 may decide to switch to the cleaning mode.

In the cleaning operation, the check valves 85, 86 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and the detergent inlet valve 95 and the detergent return valve 98 are opened. The drain valve 93 is closed.

Then, the controller 67 starts the pump 96 and the cleaning agent 87 is circulated through the sorbent 46, whereby dirt particles are flushed out of the sorbent 46. The washed-out dirt particles are in turn filtered out of the cleaning agent 87 by means of the filter 97. After a certain time, when it is assumed that the sorbent 46 has been cleaned, the controller 67 stops the pump 96 again, closes the detergent inlet valve 85 and the detergent return valve 98 and opens the drain valve 93 as shown in FIG. 5.

Then, the control device 67 switches the compressed air valve 52 such that compressed air 105 flows from the compressed air line 53 into the container 10 and empties the cleaning agent 87 from the container 10 into the detergent inlet 81 (see FIG. 5), the cleaning agent 87 then is emptied into the detergent tank 93 through the drain line 92 and through the opened drain valve 93, displacing the air 106 present in the detergent tank 94 from the detergent tank 94 through the filter 104 and the vent 103. The compressed air valve 52 is closed again, so that no more compressed air flows into the container 10, when it is determined that the entire cleaning agent 87 has been displaced from the container '10. For this purpose, a suitable, not-shown sensor can be provided.

If the measurement signal provided by the turbidity sensor 99 to the control device 67, which indicates a turbidity of the cleaning agent 87, exceeds a limit value for the authorized turbidity of the cleaning agent, the cleaning agent 87 can be replaced at this point.

Thereafter, or if it is determined that no cleaning operation is required immediately after the re-drying operation, the controller 67 enters the filling mode and opens the inflow valve 34 and switches the compressed air valve 52 so that the container 10 is connected to the vent line 56, whereupon the hydraulic fluid flows from the inlet 11 into the container 10 and the compressed air 105 present there is displaced from the container 10 into the ventilation line 56 through the filter 57 and the vent 58 (shown in FIG. 1 for the device 6). If the level 45 of the hydraulic fluid in the container 10 rises to a certain level, it activates the level sensor 37 and this signals the controller 67 that the container is refilled.

Thereafter, the control device 67 switches the device 3 back into the dewatering mode, in which the hydraulic fluid is dewatered again by means of the sorbent 46.

The control device 67 switches the devices 3 to 6, only alternately into the dewatering mode, emptying mode, re-drying mode and filling mode. That is, when device 3 is in the dewatering mode, device 4 is in the dump mode, device 5 in the re-dry mode, and device 6 in the fill mode (see FIG. 1).

It is conceivable to provide a further device according to the invention, in which case the control device 67 switches the devices 3 to 6 and the further device only alternately into the dewatering mode, emptying mode, re-drying mode, cleaning mode and filling mode.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not limited thereto, but modifiable in a variety of ways.

C o m p a n c e m e n t i o n s

1 unit 2 hydraulic system

3 device

4 device

5 device

6 Apparatus 10 containers

11 inlet

12 return

13 connection

14 connection 15 check valve

16 check valve

17 hydraulic pump

18 Filter 22 Filter 23 Flow sensor

24 pressure reducing valve

25 check valve

26 flow direction

27 Safety line 28 Safety valve

29 Upper end

30 Lower end

32 Moisture sensor 32a Capacitive sensor 32b Temperature sensor

33 humidity sensor

34 inlet valve

35 return valve

36 Check valve 37 Level sensor

38 level sensor

39 measuring column 40 soil

43 line

44 levels

45 levels

46 sorbents

47 heating device

48 switches

52 compressed air valve

53 compressed air line

54 compressor

55 filters

56 venting line

57 filters

58 ventilation

62 vacuum valve1

63 vacuum line

64 settling tanks

65 vacuum pump

66- separator

68 pressure sensor

69 filling sensor

73 Display

74 warning light

75 power supply

76 line

80 cleaning device

81 detergent feed

82 line

83 detergent return

84 line

85 check valve

86 check valve

87 detergent

92 drainage pipe

93 Enventsventi1

94 detergent container

95 detergent inlet valve 96 detergent filter

98 detergent return valve

99 Turbidity sensor 103 Ventilation 104 Filter

105 compressed air

106 compressed air

BD amount of difference DR measured flow rate

Gl limit

G2 limit

GD pressure limit

MDZ pressure change MD measured pressure

MZ measured water content in the feed

MR measured water content in the return

Claims

Patent claims

1. A method for dehydrating a hydraulic fluid, in particular in the aerospace sector, wherein the hydraulic laulikflüssigkeit is passed through a sorbent (46) in a container (10) which withdraws water from the hydraulic fluid, characterized in that the water content of the hydraulic fluid before and / or after passing through the sorbent (46), and when the measured water content (MZ, MR) is above a first threshold (Gl), a regeneration mode for regenerating the sorbent (46) and thereby recovering the sorption capacity of the sorbent (46) is started.

2. A method for dewatering a hydraulic fluid, in particular in the aerospace sector, wherein the hydraulic laulikflüssigkeit is passed through a sorbent (46) in a container (10) which withdraws hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid, characterized in that the water content of the hydraulic fluid before and after passing through the sorbent (46), and when the amount of difference (BD) in the measured water content (MZ, MR) before and after passing through the sorbent (46) is below a second threshold (G2). wherein the second limit (G2) is determined depending on the measured water content (MZ, MR) before or after passage, a regeneration mode for regenerating the sorbent (46) and thereby restoring the sorption capacity of the sorbent (46) is started.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the regeneration mode, the sorbent (46) separated in a discharge operation of the hydraulic fluid and then the sorbent (46) is back-dried in a Rücktrocknungsbetrieb.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that in the emptying operation of the Regeneriermodus an inlet valve (34) is blocked and a compressed air valve (52) is opened, wherein the hydraulic fluid by means of compressed air (105) from the container (10) in a return (12 ) is emptied by an open return valve (35).

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein in the emptying mode the compressed air valve (52) is again blocked when from a filling level sensor

(38) is signaled that the hydraulic fluid from the container (10) has been emptied.

6. The method according to at least one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that in the re-drying operation, the re-drying of the sorbent (46) is carried out by means of heat and / or by means of reduced pressure.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the re-drying is carried out at least reduced pressure and the end of the Rücktrocknens by falling below a limit value (GD) for the pressure change (MDZ) is determined.

8. The method according to at least one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that in the Rücktrocknungsbetrieb the return valve (35) is blocked and the vacuum valve (62) is opened, wherein the sorbent (46) by means of the container (10) immediately applied Vacuum is back-dried.

Method according to at least one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that in the re-drying mode of the regeneration mode the return valve (35) is blocked, a vent valve (62) is opened and a heater (47) for supplying heat to the sorbent (46). for a re-drying of the same is switched.

10. The method according to at least one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that a venting valve (52) and the inlet valve (34) are opened for a filling of the container (10) with the hydraulic fluid in a subsequent to the re-drying operation filling operation of the regeneration mode.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that in the Befüllbetrieb the vent valve (52) closed again and the return valve (35) is opened, when a level sensor (37) a desired level is signaled, and then the device (3 ... 6) is switched from the regeneration mode back to the dewatering mode.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that after the re-drying operation and before Befüllbe- operation in a cleaning operation for removing

Dirt from the sorbent (46) is switched when the degree of contamination is a pollution limit wherein detergent feed and thereby "return valves (85; 86) are opened, wherein the sorbent (46) flows through a cleaning agent (87) and dirt is removed from the sorbent (46).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the cleaning agent (87) by means of a cleaning medium pump (96) through the container (10), a detergent return (83), a detergent container (94), a filter (94) and a Detergent inlet (81) is circulated in the cleaning operation, wherein dirt from the cleaning agent (87) by means of a filter (97) is filtered.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that in the cleaning operation after circulating the cleaning agent (87) for emptying it from the container (10), the detergent return valve (98) is closed and the compressed air valve (52) is opened, the Cleaning agent (87) by means of compressed air (105) in the detergent inlet (81) is emptied.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that for emptying the container (10) a detergent-emptying valve (93) opened and the detergent inlet valve (95) or the detergent return valve (98) is locked.

16. The method according to at least one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the filter (97) is replaced when by a

Contamination indicator of the same is displayed that it is dirty.

17. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that after the regeneration mode, the hydraulic fluid is passed through the sorbent (46) again.

18. Device (3 ... 6) for dehydrating a hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system (2), in particular in the aerospace sector, comprising: a container (10) having a sorbent (46), - an inlet (11), which supplies to the container (10) the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic system (2) for passing the hydraulic fluid through the sorbent (46) for dehydrating the hydraulic fluid in a dehydration mode of the device (3 ... 6); and a return (12) which returns the dehydrated hydraulic fluid from the reservoir (10) to the hydraulic system (2) in the dewatering mode of the device (3 ... 6); characterized in that the device (3 ... 6) further comprises a regeneration mode for regenerating the sorbent (46) and thereby restoring the sorption capacity of the sorptive agent (46), the regeneration mode being in a draining operation for draining the hydraulic fluid the container (10), a Rücktrock- ungsbetrieb for withdrawing the water bound in the sorbent (46) and a filling operation for filling the container (10) with the hydraulic fluid divided.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that in the inlet (11) and / or in the return (12)

Moisture sensors (32, 33) for measuring the water content (MZ, MR) provided in the hydraulic fluid are, and that the device further comprises a control device (67), which is connected by signal technology with the humidity sensors (32, 33).

20. The apparatus of claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the container (10) to the inlet (11) by means of an inlet valve (34) and to the return line (12) by means of a return valve (35) is coupled.

21. The device according to at least one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the container (10) by means of a compressed air valve (52) with a compressed air line (56) is coupled.

22. The device according to at least one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the container by means of a vacuum valve (62) is coupled to a vacuum line (63).

23. The device according to at least one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the container (10) by means of a vent valve (62) coupled to a vent line (63) and / or a heating device (47) is provided.

24. The device according to at least one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that a contamination sensor is provided which measures a degree of contamination of the hydraulic fluid and this to a control device (67) and that the container (10) by means of a detergent inlet valve (85 ) with a cleaning agent (81) and coupled to a detergent return (83) by means of a detergent return valve (86).

25. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that the detergent feed (81) and the detergent return (83) are coupled to a detergent container (94), wherein a detergent pump (96) and a filter (97) for cleaning the cleaning agent ( 87) are provided in the detergent feed (81) or in the detergent return (83).

26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that the detergent container (94) has a vent (103).

27. The apparatus of claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the detergent pump (96) and the filter (97) in the detergent inlet (81) or in the detergent return (82) are arranged, wherein a detergent discharge line (92) with a Detergent drain valve (93) is provided, which bypasses the detergent pump (96) and / or the filter (97).

28. The device according to at least one of claims 18 to 27, characterized in that the sorbent (46) is selected from a group consisting of silica gel, sepiolite and molecular sieve, and / or the hydraulic fluid based on phosphate ester.

29 unit (1) for dewatering a hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system (2), in particular in the air and Space area, with at least two devices (3 ... 6) according to at least one of claims 18 to 28.

A method of controlling the unit (1) according to claim 29, wherein the at least two devices (3 ... 6) are mutually switched to the regeneration mode.

31. Method according to claim 30, characterized in that four of the devices (3 ... 6) are alternately switched to the dewatering mode, emptying mode, re-drying mode and filling mode.

32. Aircraft or spacecraft with a device (3 ... 6) according to at least one of claims 18 to 28 or a unit (1) according to claim 29.

33. A soil maintenance machine with a device (3 ... 6) according to at least one of claims 18 to 28 or a unit (1) according to claim 29, which can be connected to a hydraulic system (2) of an aircraft or spacecraft for dewatering the hydraulic fluid is.