EP3356010A1

EP3356010A1 - Valve arrangement and adsorber station

Info

Publication number: EP3356010A1
Application number: EP16785092.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Valdo Bahner; Erich Eichhorn
Original assignee: Linde GmbH
Current assignee: Linde GmbH
Priority date: 2015-09-29
Filing date: 2016-09-20
Publication date: 2018-08-08
Also published as: US20180280865A1; WO2017054906A1; CN108136313B; CN108136313A; US10843119B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve arrangement (4, 5), in particular a four-way switch, for an adsorber station (1) of an air separation system (40), comprising a first valve device (17) having a first gas inlet/gas outlet (24), a second valve device (18) having a second gas inlet/gas outlet (30), a first connecting piece (21) which fluidically connects a first housing section (19) of the first valve device (17) to a second housing section (20) of the second valve device (18), wherein the first connecting piece (21) has a third gas inlet/gas outlet (36), and a second connecting piece (22), which fluidically connects the first housing section (19) of the first valve device (17) to the second housing section (20) of the second valve device (18), wherein the second connecting piece (22) has a fourth gas inlet/gas outlet (37), wherein the valve arrangement (4, 5) can be switched optionally into a first switch condition in which the first gas inlet/gas outlet (24) is fluidically connected to the fourth gas inlet/gas outlet (37) and the second gas inlet/gas outlet (30) is simultaneously fluidically connected to the third gas inlet/gas outlet (36), or into a second switch condition in which the first gas inlet/gas outlet (24) is fluidically connected to the third gas inlet/gas outlet (36) and the second gas inlet/gas outlet (30) is simultaneously fluidically connected to the fourth gas inlet/gas outlet (37).

Description

description

Valve arrangement and adsorber station

The invention relates to a valve arrangement, in particular a four-way switch, for an adsorber station of an air separation plant and an adsorber station for an air separation plant with such a valve arrangement.

Cryogenic air separation is a technical process for gas separation in which gas mixtures, such as air, and individual atmospheric gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen and noble gases are liquefied in large quantities. The fresh air or feed air supplied to a cryogenic air separation plant has to be freed of water vapor, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons before cooling in order to remove solid matter in the low-temperature part of the

Cryogenic air separation plant to avoid. Usually, these components of the fresh air before entering a main heat exchanger of

Cryogenic air separation plant removed by adsorption. Adsorbers filled with synthetic zeolites, so-called molecular sieves, are frequently used for this purpose.

For a reliable operation of the molecular sieves or adsorbers in general, it is necessary to regenerate them from time to time with a suitable regeneration gas. For an uninterrupted operation, therefore, at least two adsorbers are needed, one of which is loaded with the substances to be removed, while the other is regenerated.

The piping of at least two adsorber has for each adsorber on and a derivative of the product gas to be purified and an inlet and a derivative of the regeneration gas. In addition, appropriate valves and flaps must be arranged in the various pipes in order to switch the two adsorbers between Adsorptionsphase and Regenerierphase can. EP 1 314 469 A1 describes an adsorber station with a first adsorber and a second adsorber, the first and the second adsorber each having a product gas supply line provided with a product gas supply valve, a product gas discharge line provided with a product gas discharge valve, one with a Regeneriergaszuleitungsventil provided Regeneriergaszuleitung and provided with a regeneration gas discharge valve Regeneriergasableitung own.

Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved valve arrangement for an adsorber station of an air separation plant.

Accordingly, a valve arrangement, in particular a four-way switch, is proposed for an adsorber station of an air separation plant. The valve assembly includes a first valve device that includes a first gas inlet / gas outlet, a second valve device that includes a second gas inlet / gas outlet, a first connector that defines a first housing portion of the first

Valve means fluidly connects to a second housing portion of the second valve means, wherein the valve means or the housing portions are arranged parallel to each other and spaced from each other, wherein the first

Connecting piece has a third gas inlet / gas outlet, and a second connecting piece, which fluidly connects the first housing portion of the first valve means with the second housing portion of the second valve means, wherein the second connecting piece has a fourth gas inlet / gas outlet, wherein the valve arrangement optionally in a first switching state, in which the first

Gas inlet / gas outlet fluidly with the fourth gas inlet / gas outlet and the second gas inlet / gas outlet simultaneously fluidly with the third

Gas inlet / gas outlet, or in a second switching state in which the first

Gas inlet / gas outlet fluidly with the third gas inlet / gas outlet and the second gas inlet / gas outlet simultaneously fluidly with the fourth

Gas inlet / gas outlet is connected, switchable.

The valve devices and housing sections arranged parallel to one another and at a distance from one another enable a flexible switching of the gas flows, which are perpendicular to one another. The housing sections and the connecting pieces form a valve housing of the valve arrangement. In particular, the adsorber station can have the valve device. With the adsorber station, compressed fresh air can be purified from substances such as carbon dioxide, water or hydrocarbons. The fresh air can also be referred to as feed gas or feed air. After the adsorber station is the purified fresh air, which is then also referred to as product gas can be subjected to a cryogenic decomposition. To regenerate the adsorber, a regeneration gas, in particular a nitrogen-rich or oxygen-rich dry gas mixture originating from the low-temperature decomposition, can be used. With the aid of the valve arrangements, it is possible to switch adsorber of the adsorber station between an adsorption phase and a regeneration phase without interrupting the influx of fresh air to the adsorber station. That is, the fresh air can be continuously supplied to the adsorber even during the switching of the adsorber. Due to the use of switchable

Valve arrangements, the adsorber station compared to known

Adsorberstationen be constructed with significantly fewer lines, flaps and valves. The reduced number of flaps and valves and the simplified piping will save costs. Furthermore, the

Control for switching the adsorber simplified by the smaller number of valves and flaps.

According to one embodiment, the valve arrangement is switchable to a third switching state, in which the first gas inlet / outlet, the second

Gas inlet / outlet, the third gas inlet / outlet and the fourth

Gas inlet / outlet are simultaneously fluidly interconnected.

When switching the adsorber from the adsorption phase to the regeneration phase, the valve arrangement is switched to the third switching state. In the third

Switching state, both adsorber are charged with fresh air. According to a further embodiment, the valve arrangement comprises a pressure build-up valve arranged between the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece for pressure equalization between the connecting pieces.

With the help of the pressure build-up valve, an inadmissible pressure surge is prevented when switching from the regeneration phase into the adsorption phase. This will be a

Damage to the adsorber station avoided. The pressure build-up valve may be integrated in the valve housing of the valve arrangement.

According to a further embodiment, the first valve device and the second valve device are simultaneously switchable, so that the first valve device and the second valve means at the same time between the first switching state and the second switching state are switched back and forth.

The valve devices can be switched by means of a drive device, for example a linear motor. For example, each valve device a

Be assigned drive device.

According to a further embodiment, the first valve device comprises a first valve seat, a second valve seat and a first valve body arranged between the first valve seat and the second valve seat, wherein the first valve body in the first switching state on the first valve seat and in the second

Switching state is applied to the second valve seat.

The valve body is operatively connected to an actuating rod. The actuating rod can be led out of the first housing section via a pipe section. The actuating rod is coupled to the drive device.

According to a further embodiment, the first gas inlet / gas outlet is arranged between the first valve seat and the second valve seat.

The first gas inlet / outlet is preferably positioned opposite and between the connectors.

According to a further embodiment, the first valve seat and the second valve seat are annular and the first valve body is disk-shaped.

The first valve body may also be referred to as the first valve disk. The valve seats preferably completely surround the first housing section on the inside.

According to a further embodiment, the first valve body with the aid of the valve arrangement supplied fresh air in the first switching state against the first valve seat and in the second switching state against the second valve seat can be pressed. The pressure of the fresh air can act against the pressure of the regeneration gas. The pressure of the fresh air is higher than the pressure of the regeneration gas. Because the fresh air presses the first valve body against the respective valve seat, the sealing effect is increased and the drive device does not have to work against the pressure of the fresh air. As a result, the drive device can be made smaller. This provides additional security against improper use

Pressure surge dar.

According to a further embodiment, the first valve body in the first housing section along a longitudinal direction thereof is axially displaceable.

This results in a particularly simple construction of the first valve device, since a rotational movement of the first valve body is dispensable. Furthermore, this also high wear resistance of the first valve body and the valve seats is achieved because the first valve body is moved linearly against the valve seats and away from them.

According to a further embodiment, the second valve device comprises a third valve seat, a fourth valve seat, a second valve body and a third valve body, wherein the third valve seat and the fourth valve seat between the second valve body and the third valve body are arranged, wherein the third valve body in the first Switching state is applied to the fourth valve seat and wherein the second valve body in the second switching state rests against the third valve seat. In particular, the third valve body in the second switching state and the second valve body in the first switching state is not applied to any of the valve seats. The

Valve body are preferably coupled to a common actuating rod. The actuating rod can be operatively connected to a drive device. According to a further embodiment, the second gas inlet / gas outlet is arranged between the third valve seat and the fourth valve seat.

The second gas inlet / gas outlet is preferably positioned opposite and between the connectors. According to another embodiment, the third valve seat and the fourth valve seat are annular and the second valve body and the third valve body are disk-shaped. The second valve body or the third valve body may be referred to as a second valve disc or as a third valve disc. The valve seats preferably completely surround the second housing section on the inside. The valve seats can be made of a suitable, in particular elastically deformable, material. The material may be a metallic material, rubber or a plastic material.

According to a further embodiment, the third valve body with the aid of the valve arrangement supplied fresh air in the first switching state against the fourth valve seat can be pressed, wherein the second valve body in the second switching state is pressed against the third valve seat.

The fact that the fresh air presses the valve body against the respective valve seat, the sealing effect is increased and the drive device does not have to work against the pressure of the fresh air. As a result, the drive device can be made smaller.

According to a further embodiment, the second valve body and the third valve body in the second housing portion are jointly axially displaceable along a longitudinal direction thereof. This results in a particularly simple construction of the second valve device, since a rotational movement of the valve body is dispensable. Furthermore, this also high wear resistance of the valve body and the valve seats is achieved because the valve bodies are moved linearly against the valve seats and away from them. Furthermore, an adsorber station for an air separation plant is proposed. The adsorber station comprises a first adsorber, a second adsorber and at least one such valve arrangement, wherein the first adsorber and the second adsorber with the aid of the at least one valve arrangement between a

Adsorption and a regeneration phase are switchable. The Adsorberstation can also be used as Molsiebstation and the adsorber as

Molsiebadsorber be designated. The Adsorberstation is adapted to fresh air, which is subjected to an air separation of substances such as water,

To clean carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons or the like. Preferably, the adsorber station has two such valve arrangements. The adsorber station further includes conduits fluidly connecting the valve assemblies to the adsorbers. Furthermore, the Adsorberstation includes a pressure build-up valve and a pressure reduction valve to prevent inadmissible pressure surges when switching between the adsorption phase and the regeneration phase and vice versa, and several flaps and a heater. With the help of the heater, the regeneration gas can be heated for a baking phase. The heating phase is part of the regeneration phase.

Further possible implementations of the valve arrangement and / or the

Adsorber stations also do not explicitly include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. The expert is also individual aspects as

Add improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the valve assembly and / or the adsorber station. Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the valve arrangement and / or the Adsorberstation are the subject of the dependent claims and the embodiments of the valve assembly described below and / or the

Adsorber. In addition, the valve arrangement and / or the

Adsorber station with reference to the accompanying figures explained in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an adsorber station for an air separation plant;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a valve assembly for the

Adsorber station according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a further schematic sectional view of the valve arrangement according to FIG.

2; FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the adsorption station according to FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 5 shows a further schematic sectional view of the adsorber station according to FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 6 shows a further schematic sectional view of the adsorption station according to FIG. 1; FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a further schematic sectional view of the adsorber station according to FIG. 1; FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a further schematic sectional view of the adsorber station according to FIG. 1; FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a further schematic sectional view of the adsorber station according to FIG. 1; FIG. and

10 shows a schematic sectional view of a further embodiment of a valve arrangement for the adsorber station according to FIG. 1. In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are with the same

Unless otherwise indicated.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a molecular sieve station or adsorber station 1 for a cryogenic air separation plant or

Air separation plant 40. The air separation plant 40 may include the adsorber 1. With the help of the adsorber station 1, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons and water vapor can be removed from fresh air L to be treated. After removal of the aforementioned substances, the fresh air L becomes one

Cryogenic decomposition supplied. The Adsorberstation 1 comprises two switchable Molsiebadsorber or adsorber 2, 3, which alternately with the to be removed

Be loaded or regenerated substances. In FIG. 1, the adsorber 2 is in an adsorption phase and the adsorber 3 is in a regeneration phase. The

Adsorption phase can also be referred to as a loading phase. The adsorber station comprises two valve arrangements 4, 5, which can also be referred to as four-way switches. The valve assemblies 4, 5 are preferably identical. The valve assemblies 4, 5 are in different

Switch positions can be moved. The adsorbers 2, 3 are cyclically switchable by means of the valve arrangements 4, 5, preferably approximately every four hours, the duration of the filling volume of the adsorber 2, 3 is determined. The supply of fresh air L takes place continuously.

Via a line 6, the compressed fresh air L - the compression of the fresh air L is not shown in Fig. 1 - a first valve assembly 4 is supplied. At the first valve arrangement 4, the line 6 divides into two lines 6a and 6b which connect the first valve arrangement 4 fluidically to a first adsorber 2 and to a second adsorber 3, respectively. The first valve assembly 4 is switched so that the fresh air to be treated L, which can also be referred to as feed gas, the first adsorber 2 is supplied. The fresh air flow is marked in FIG. 1 with thick lines.

Downstream of the adsorbers 2, 3, a second valve arrangement 5 is provided, which is fluidically connected to the adsorbers 2, 3 by means of lines 7a, 7b. The line 7a is assigned to the first adsorber 2 and the line 7b to the second adsorber 3. Via a line 7, the treated fresh air L, which also as

Product gas can be called subtracted. The second valve arrangement 5 is connected in such a way that the line 7a is fluidically connected to the line 7. The valve assemblies 4, 5 are thus connected so that the fresh air L through the

Adsorber 2 is passed, in which the fresh air L, the substances to be removed are withdrawn. The adsorber 2 is thus in the adsorption phase. Due to the heat of adsorption, the fresh air L drawn off via the line 7 has a higher temperature than the inlet temperature. Meanwhile, the adsorber 3 is in the regeneration phase. Here, the adsorber 3, a regeneration gas RG is supplied. The Regeneriergasstrom is characterized in Fig. 1 with thin lines. The regeneration gas RG is, for example, a nitrogen-rich or oxygen-rich dry gas mixture originating from the low-temperature decomposition. The regeneration gas RG is supplied via a line 8. The line 8 is divided into two lines 8a, 8b. The lines 8a, 8b connect the Line 8 with a line 9, which in turn is fluidly connected to the second valve assembly 5. The line 8a has a valve or a flap 10. The line 8b also has a valve or a flap 1 1. Furthermore, between the

Lines 8a, 8b provided a heater or a heater 12. The flaps 10, 1 1 can be switched so that the regeneration gas RG for heating the same through the conduit 8 a passed through the heater 12 or is passed over the line 8 b to the heater 12 around. The flaps 10, 1 1 can be replaced by a two-way switch according to FIG. 10. The regeneration phase usually has a heating phase. The duration of the

Baking phase is about 1/3 of the regeneration phase. During the quenching phase, the regeneration gas RG is performed with the door open 10 and flap 1 1 closed over the heater 12 and heated to a temperature of about 100 to 200 ° C. After the regeneration phase of the second adsorber 3 is on again

Operating temperature cooled. For this purpose, the flap 10 is closed and the flap 11 is opened. The cold regeneration gas RG from the cryogenic separation then flows directly into the second adsorber 3 and brings it to the required

Operating temperatur. While the second adsorber 3 is in the regeneration phase, the second valve arrangement 5 is switched so that the line 9 is fluidically connected to the line 7b. The regeneration gas RG is thus via the line 9, the second

Valve assembly 5 and the line 7b supplied to the second adsorber 3. Between the line 9 and the line 7, a pressure build-up valve 13 is provided, whose function will be explained later. The first valve assembly 4 is connected so that the

Line 6b is fluidically connected to a line 14, with which the regeneration gas RG is withdrawn from the adsorber 1. The conduit 14 further comprises a valve or flap 15 and a pressure reduction valve 16 connected in parallel with the flap 15. The function of the flap 15 and the pressure relief valve 16 will be explained later.

By switching the valve arrangements 4, 5, the first adsorber 2 can be brought into the regeneration phase and the second adsorber 3 in the adsorption phase. This happens without an interruption of the fresh air supply. That is, the fresh air L is the adsorber 1 even during the switching of the adsorber 2, 3 of the regeneration phase in the adsorption phase and vice versa continuously fed. The pressure in the adsorbers 2, 3 is significantly higher during the adsorption phase than in the regeneration phase. In order to avoid pressure surges, the pressure in the second adsorber 3 is therefore reduced before the regeneration gas RG is introduced via the pressure reduction valve 16. Before the two adsorbers 2, 3 are switched over, the pressure in the second adsorber 3 is slowly increased to the operating pressure via the pressure increase valve 13 in order to avoid pressure surges when switching over.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the valve arrangement 4 in a first switching state. FIG. 3 shows the valve arrangement 4 in a second switching state. Since the valve assemblies 4, 5 are substantially identical, reference will be made below only to the valve assembly 4.

The valve arrangement 4 comprises a first valve device 17 and a second one

Valve device 18. The first valve device 17 has a tubular first housing section 19 and the second valve device 18 has a tubular second housing section 20. The valve devices 17, 18 or the

Housing sections 19, 20 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced from each other. The first housing portion 19 is by means of two tubular

Connecting pieces 21, 22, namely a first connecting piece 21 and a second connecting piece 22, fluidly connected to the second housing portion 20. The connecting pieces 21, 22 may be screwed or welded to the housing sections 19, 20, for example. The connecting pieces 21, 22 are spaced from each other and positioned parallel to each other. The connecting pieces 21, 22 are arranged perpendicular to the housing sections 19, 20, so that the connecting pieces 21, 22 with the housing sections 19, 20 form a rectangular valve housing 23 of the valve arrangement 4.

Provided on the first housing section 19 of the first valve device 17 is a first gas inlet / gas outlet 24, to which, for example, the line 7 or 6 (FIG. 1) can be connected. That is, in or out of the first one

Gas inlet / outlet 24 flows depending on the positioning of the valve assembly 4 in the adsorber 1 and regardless of the switching state of the valve assembly 4, the fresh air L on or off. In the first housing portion 19 is a

disc-shaped first valve body 25 is provided. The first valve body 25 may also be referred to as the first valve disk. The first valve body 25 is in one Longitudinal direction L _{19 of} the first housing portion 19 linearly displaceable. The first valve body 25 is coupled to an actuating rod 26. The actuating rod 26 is led out of the first housing section 19 via a pipe section 27 provided on the front side of the first housing section 19. The

Operating rod 26 may be operatively connected to a drive device, such as a linear motor or a pneumatic drive. With the aid of the drive device, the first valve body 25 can be linear in the first

Housing section 19 are moved. The first valve device 17 further comprises a first valve seat 28 and a second valve seat 29. The first valve body 25 is arranged between the valve seats 28, 29. Furthermore, the first gas inlet / gas outlet 24 is also arranged between the valve seats 28, 29. The valve seats 28, 29 are annular and completely surround the first housing section 19 on the inside. In the first switching state of the valve arrangement 4 shown in FIG. 2, the first valve body 25 bears against the first valve seat 28, whereby the fluidic connection between the first gas inlet / gas outlet 24 and the first connection piece 21 is interrupted. In the second switching state of the valve arrangement 4 shown in FIG. 3, the first valve body 25 rests against the second valve seat 29, whereby the fluidic

Connection between the first gas inlet / outlet 24 and the second

Connector 22 is interrupted. In both switching states, the first valve body 25 is pressed by a pressure P _{L of} the fresh air L against the respective valve seat 28, 29, whereby the sealing effect is improved. The pressure P _{L of} the fresh air L is significantly higher than a pressure of the regeneration gas RG.

Provided on the second housing section 20 of the second valve device 18 is a second gas inlet / gas outlet 30, to which, for example, the line 9 or 14 (FIG. 1) can be connected. That is, in or out of the second

Gas inlet / outlet 30 flows depending on the positioning of the valve assembly 4 in the adsorber 1 and regardless of the switching state of the valve assembly 4, the regeneration gas RG on or off. In the second housing portion 20, a disc-shaped second valve body 31 is provided. The second valve body 31 may also be referred to as a second valve disk. Furthermore, in the second

Housing portion 20, a disk-shaped third valve body 32 is provided. The third valve body 32 may also be referred to as a third valve disk. The Valve body 31, 32 are together in a longitudinal direction L _{20 of} the second

Housing section 20 linearly displaceable. The longitudinal direction L ₂₀ is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction L ₁₉ . The valve bodies 31, 32 are coupled to an actuating rod 33. The valve body 31, 32 are arranged spaced from each other on the actuating rod 33. The actuating rod 33 is provided with a pipe section 39 from the second housing section 20 via a pipe section 39 provided on the front side on the second housing section 20

led out. The actuating rod 33 may be operatively connected to a drive device, for example a linear motor or a pneumatic drive. With the aid of the drive device, the second valve body 31 and the third valve body 32 can be displaced together in a linear manner in the second housing section 20. The second valve device 18 further comprises a third valve seat 34 and a fourth valve seat 35. The second gas inlet / gas outlet 30 is between the

Valve seats 34, 35 arranged. The valve seats 34, 35 are annular and completely surround the second housing section 20 on the inside. The valve bodies 31, 32 are not arranged between the valve seats 34, 35 but outside of these. In the

Orientation of FIGS. 2 and 3, the second valve body 31 is provided to the left of the third valve seat 34 and the third valve body 32 to the right of the fourth valve seat 35. In the first switching state of the valve arrangement 4 shown in FIG. 2, the third valve body 32 bears against the fourth valve seat 35, whereby the fluidic connection between the second gas inlet / gas outlet 30 and the second connection piece 22 is interrupted. In the second shown in FIG

Switching state of the valve assembly 4, the second valve body 31 abuts against the third valve seat 34, whereby the fluidic connection between the second

Gas inlet / gas outlet 30 and the first connector 21 is interrupted. In both switching states, the third valve body 32 is pressed by the pressure P _L against the fourth valve seat 35 and the second valve body 31 against the third valve seat 34, whereby the sealing effect is improved.

The first connecting piece 21 comprises a third gas inlet / gas outlet 36, to which the line 6a or 7a (FIG. 1) can be connected. That is, in and out of the third gas inlet / gas outlet 36 flows depending on the positioning of Valve assembly 4 in the adsorber 1 and depending on the switching state of

Valve assembly 4, the fresh air L or the regeneration gas RG on or off. The second connecting piece 22 comprises a fourth gas inlet / gas outlet 37, to which the line 6b or 7b (FIG. 1) can be connected. That is, in or from the fourth gas inlet / gas outlet 37 flows depending on the positioning of the valve assembly 4 in the adsorber station 1 and depending on the switching state of the valve assembly 4, the fresh air L or the regeneration gas RG on or off.

During operation of the adsorber station 1 (FIG. 1), the valve arrangement 4 is selectively in the first switching state, in which the first gas inlet / gas outlet 24 is fluidic with the fourth gas inlet / gas outlet 37 and the second gas inlet / gas outlet 30 is fluid with the third gas inlet / gas outlet 36 is connected, or in the second

Switchable state in which the first gas inlet / outlet 24 fluidly connected to the third gas inlet / gas outlet 36 and the second gas inlet / gas outlet 30 fluidly connected to the fourth gas inlet / gas outlet 37. The valve assembly 4 is further, as will be explained below, switchable to a third switching state.

FIGS. 4 to 9 each show schematic sectional views of the adsorber station 1 according to FIG. 1. The functioning of the adsorber station 1 and of the valve arrangements 4, 5 will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS.

The valve assemblies 4, 5 may each comprise a manhole or a service opening 38. The maintenance opening 38 is closed by means of a removable lid. The maintenance opening 38 may be provided on the first valve device 17 and / or on the second valve device 18. Furthermore, the pressure build-up valve 13 may be integrated into the second valve arrangement 5. With the help of the pressure build-up valve 13, the first connector 21 is fluidly connected to the second connector 22 to allow pressure equalization between them.

In FIG. 4, the first adsorber 2 is in the adsorption phase and the second adsorber 3 is in the regeneration phase. The valve assemblies 4, 5 are both switched to the second switching state in which the first gas inlet / outlet 24 fluidly with the third gas inlet / outlet 36 and at the same time the second

Gas inlet / outlet 30 is connected to the fourth gas inlet / gas outlet 37. The pressure build-up valve 13 is closed. The flaps 10, 11 and 15 are open and the pressure relief valve 16 is closed or opened. The compressed fresh air L is supplied to the first adsorber 2 via the conduits 6 and 6a, and the purified fresh air L is withdrawn via the conduits 7a and 7b. The regeneration gas RG is supplied to the second adsorber 3 via the lines 9 and 7b and withdrawn via the lines 6b and 14. The fresh air L has a much higher pressure than the regeneration gas RG.

5 shows the adsorber 1 before switching the adsorber 2, 3. The two valve assemblies 4, 5 are still in the second switching state. The flaps 10, 11 are closed, so that the second adsorber 3 no

Regeneration gas RG is fed more. The flap 15 and the pressure reduction valve 16 are closed. The pressure increase valve 13 is opened, so that the pressure in the second adsorber 3 increases. As a result, an impermissible surge in the

Switching the adsorber 2, 3 avoided.

FIG. 6 shows the adsorber station 1 when the adsorbers 2, 3 are switched over. The two valve arrangements 4, 5 are in a third switching state. In the third switching state, all gas inlets / gas outlets 24, 30, 36, 37 are fluidly connected to one another. The pressure build-up valve 13, the flaps 10, 11 and 15 and the pressure reduction valve 16 are closed. The fresh air L is supplied via the line 6 and the lines 6a, 6b both adsorbers 2, 3 simultaneously and over the

Lines 7a, 7b and 7 deducted. FIG. 7 shows the adsorber station 1 immediately after the switching of the adsorbers 2, 3, wherein a pressure reduction is carried out in the first adsorber 2. Both

Valve assemblies 4, 5 are switched to the first switching state, in which the first gas inlet / gas outlet 24 is fluidically connected to the fourth gas inlet 37 and at the same time the second gas inlet / gas outlet 30 to the third gas inlet / gas outlet 36. The pressure build-up valve 13 and the flaps 10, 11, 15 are

closed. The pressure reduction valve 16 is opened, so that the pressure in the first adsorber 2 is reduced. The fresh air L is supplied to the second adsorber 3 via the lines 6 and 6b and withdrawn via the lines 7b and 7. In FIG. 8, the first adsorber 2 is in the regeneration phase and the second adsorber 3 is in the adsorption phase. That is, the switching of the adsorbers 2, 3 is completed. The flaps 10, 11 and 15 are open. The pressure buildup valve 13 is closed and the pressure relief valve 16 is either open or closed. The fresh air L is supplied to the second adsorber 3 via the lines 6 and 6b and withdrawn via the lines 7b and 7. The regeneration gas RG is supplied to the first adsorber 2 via the lines 9 and 7a and withdrawn via the lines 6a and 14. FIG. 9 shows the adsorber station 1 once again when the adsorbers 2, 3 are switched, with the first adsorber 2 being switched to the adsorption phase and the second adsorber 3 being switched to the regeneration phase. Here, both valve assemblies 4, 5 are switched to the first switching state. The flaps 10, 11 and 15 and the

Pressure reduction valve 16 are closed. The pressure build-up valve 13 is opened to achieve a pressure build-up in the first adsorber 2. This is when

Switching the adsorber 2, 3 prevents a pressure surge.

With the help of the valve assemblies 4, 5, it is possible to switch the adsorber 2, 3 without the fresh air flow is interrupted. That is, the fresh air L, the adsorber 1 can be supplied continuously even during the switching of the adsorber 2, 3. Due to the use of the switchable valve assemblies 4, 5, the adsorber 1 can be constructed in comparison to known adsorber with significantly fewer lines, flaps and valves. The reduced number of flaps and valves and the simplified piping will save costs. The control for switching the adsorber 2, 3 is also simplified by the smaller number of valves and flaps. The simplified design of the adsorber station 1 also results in a reduced maintenance effort and a reduction in the material expenditure. FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a valve arrangement 4

Valve arrangement 4 according to FIG. 10 differs from the valve arrangement 4 according to FIGS. 2 and 3 only in that the valve arrangement 4 has only one

Valve device 17 has. The valve arrangement 4 according to FIG. 0 can also be referred to as a two-way diverter. With the aid of the valve arrangement 4 according to FIG. 10, the flaps 10, 11 can be replaced. Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it is variously modifiable.

Used qualifier

1 adsorber station

2 adsorbers

3 adsorbers

4 valve arrangement

5 valve arrangement

6 line

6a line

6b line

7 line

7a line

7b line

8 line

8a line

8b line

9 line

10 flap

11 flap

12 heating device

13 pressure build-up valve

14 line

15 flap

16 pressure reduction valve

17 valve device

18 valve device

19 housing section

20 housing section

21 connector

22 connector

23 valve housing

24 gas inlet / gas outlet

25 valve body

26 operating rod

27 pipe section 28 valve seat

29 valve seat

30 gas inlet / gas outlet

31 valve body

32 valve body

33 operating rod

34 valve seat

35 valve seat

36 Gas inlet / outlet 37 Gas inlet / outlet

38 Maintenance opening

39 pipe section

40 Air separation unit L Fresh air

L19 longitudinal direction

L20 longitudinal direction

PL pressure

RG regeneration gas

Claims

claims

Valve arrangement (4, 5), in particular four-way switch, for an adsorber station (1) of an air separation plant (40), with a first valve device (17), which comprises a first gas inlet / gas outlet (24), a second valve device (18), which has a second gas inlet / gas outlet (30), a first

A connecting piece (21) which fluidly connects a first housing section (19) of the first valve device (17) to a second housing section (20) of the second valve device (18), wherein the valve devices (17, 18) or the housing sections (19, 20 ) are arranged parallel to each other and spaced from each other, wherein the first connecting piece (21) has a third gas inlet / gas outlet (36), and a second connecting piece (22), the first housing portion (19) of the first valve means (17) with the second Housing portion (20) of the second valve means (18) fluidly connects, wherein the second connecting piece (22) has a fourth

Gas inlet / gas outlet (37), wherein the valve assembly (4, 5) optionally in a first switching state in which the first gas inlet / gas outlet (24) fluidly with the fourth gas inlet / gas outlet (37) and the second

Gas inlet / outlet (30) simultaneously fluidic with the third

Gas inlet / gas outlet (36), or in a second switching state in which the first gas inlet / gas outlet (24) fluidly with the third gas inlet / gas outlet (36) and the second gas inlet / gas outlet (30) simultaneously fluidly with the fourth gas inlet / gas outlet (37) is connected, switchable.

Valve arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the valve assembly (4, 5) is switchable to a third switching state in which the first gas inlet / gas outlet (24), the second gas inlet / gas outlet (30), the third gas inlet / gas outlet (36) and fourth gas inlet / outlet (37) are simultaneously fluidly interconnected.

Valve arrangement according to claims 1 or 2, further comprising between the first connecting piece (21) and the second connecting piece (22).

arranged pressure build-up valve (13) for pressure equalization between the first connecting piece (21) and the second connecting piece (22).

4. Valve arrangement according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the first valve means (17) and the second valve means (18) are simultaneously switchable, so that the first valve means (17) and the second valve means (18) simultaneously between the first switching state and the second switching state can be switched back and forth.

5. Valve arrangement according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the first

Valve means (17) comprises a first valve seat (28), a second valve seat (29) and between the first valve seat (28) and the second valve seat (29) arranged first valve body (25) and wherein the first valve body

(25) in the first switching state at the first valve seat (28) and in the second switching state at the second valve seat (29).

The valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the first gas inlet / gas outlet (24) is disposed between the first valve seat (28) and the second valve seat (29).

7. Valve arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first valve seat (28) and the second valve seat (29) are annular and the first valve body (25).

is disc-shaped.

8. Valve arrangement according to one of claims 5-7, wherein the first valve body (25) by means of the valve assembly (4, 5) supplied fresh air (L) in the first switching state against the first valve seat (28) and in the second

Switching state against the second valve seat (29) can be pressed.

9. Valve arrangement according to one of claims 5-8, wherein the first valve body (25) in the first housing portion (19) along a longitudinal direction (L ₁₉ ) thereof is axially displaceable.

10. Valve arrangement according to one of claims 1-9, wherein the second

Valve means (18) comprises a third valve seat (34), a fourth valve seat (35), a second valve body (31) and a third valve body (32), wherein the third valve seat (34) and the fourth valve seat (35) between the second Valve body (31) and the third valve body (32) are arranged, wherein the third valve body (32) in the first switching state at the fourth valve seat (35) is applied and wherein the second Ventiikörper (31) in the second switching state at the third valve seat (34). The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the second gas inlet / gas outlet (30) is disposed between the third valve seat (34) and the fourth valve seat (35).

12. A valve assembly according to claim 10 or 1, wherein the third valve seat (34) and the fourth valve seat (35) are annular and the second valve body (31) and the third valve body (32) are disc-shaped.

13. Valve arrangement according to one of claims 10 - 12, wherein the third valve body (32) by means of the valve assembly (4, 5) supplied fresh air (L) in the first switching state against the fourth valve seat (35) can be pressed and wherein the second Valve body (31) in the second switching state against the third valve seat

(34) is pressable.

14. Valve arrangement according to one of claims 10-13, wherein the second valve body (31) and the third valve body (32) in the second housing portion (20) along a longitudinal direction (L ₂₀ ) thereof are jointly displaceable axially.

15. Adsorberstation (1) for an air separation plant (40), with a first adsorber (2), a second adsorber (3) and at least one valve assembly (4, 5) according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the first adsorber (2 ) and the second adsorber (3) by means of the at least one valve arrangement (4, 5) between a

Adsorption and a regeneration phase are switchable.