Claims:1. An air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system, comprising:
a first receptacle (22) that is disposed in an interior of an outer shell (26), with said first receptacle (22): being configured to be wide at a top portion and narrow at a bottom portion; and being filled with a desiccating agent (21);
a second receptacle (24) that is disposed in said interior of said outer shell (26), said second receptacle (24): being configured as a dome; and comprising a plurality of perforated holes, with said desiccating agent (21) being filled in said second receptacle (24);
a first perforated member (23) that facilitates the disposing of a cover over said dome configuration of said second receptacle (24);
an at least a first filtration unit that comprises:
a holder (16) that holds an at least a fluid filtration member (17a);
a mesh member (18) that is covered by an at least a fluid filtration member (17b) and a second perforated member (29), with: said mesh member (18) being associated with said holder (16); said mesh member (18) facilitating the filtration of fluid particles; and said second perforated member (29) facilitating the avoiding of attrition of said desiccating agent (21); and
a fluid flow controlling member (15) that is associated with said holder (16), with:
a bottom portion of said fluid flow controlling member (15) being associated with a top surface of a mounting member (11) that comprises: an inlet member (27); a delivery member (28); and an at least a locking member (12) folded on said inlet member (27); and
said fluid flow controlling member (15) comprising: a flap configured as an index finger; a first sealing point (15a) that is associated with an inner peripheral of the holder (16) housing; and a second sealing point (15b) that is associated with said mounting member (11);
an at least a second filtration unit (19) that comprises: a perforated ring (19a); a top cover (19b); a bottom cover (19c); and a plurality of filtration members (19d) wrapped one over another tightly, with:
said plurality of filtration members (19d) being disposed between said top cover (19a) and said bottom cover (19b);
sealing elements (19e) being disposed on both said top cover (19a) and said bottom cover (19b);
said at least one second filtration unit (19) being configured to filter aerosols and fluid; and
said at least one second filtration unit (19) being: associated with said holder (16); covered by said at least one first filtration unit; and associated with a housing configured as a “T” (20) to form a first housing (10a), in which said desiccating agent (21) is filled;
a second housing (10b) that is formed through the association of said second receptacle (24) with said first receptacle (22), said second housing (10b) being disposed in said interior of the outer shell (26), with said first housing (10a) being disposed over said second housing (10b);
the holder (16) housing that comprises a plurality of elongated holes (16a), which are formed circumferentially on an outer circumferential portion, said plurality of elongated holes (16a) being covered by the sealing points (15a and 15b);
an at least a compression member (25) that is disposed below a concave portion of said outer shell (26), with: the ends of said at least one locking member (12) and the outer edges of the outer shell (26) being double-rolled together against said at least one compression member (25); and said sealing points (16, 14, and 19e) being locked by compression force;
an at least a separation seal element (14) that is disposed in a gap G2, and compressed axially through force;
an at least a seal member (13) that is disposed in a groove of said at least one locking member (12);
a space S1 in said at least one first filtration unit, a space S2, and a space S3 in said at least one second filtration unit (19), where fluid, dust, and moisture are removed;
an annular space S4, through which compressed air flows to said first receptacle (22), where it is dried; and
a space S5, in which droplets are trapped,
with said air drying device being configured to ensure free flow of air without restriction or backpressure.
2. The air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air drying device is configured as a cartridge.
3. The air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid is oil.
4. The air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one second filtration unit (19) comprises four filtration members.
5. The air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder (16) housing comprises eight holes.
6. The air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one compression member (25) is a spring.
7. The air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the volume of said desiccating agent (21) in said first receptacle (22) is 420 cc, with said desiccating agent (21) in said first receptacle (22) being molecular sieve type 4A;
the volume of said desiccating agent (21) in said second receptacle (24) is 220 cc, with said desiccating agent (21) in said second receptacle (24) being activated alumina; and
the volume of said desiccating agent (21) in said at least one second filtration unit (19) is 223 cc, with said desiccating agent (21) in said at least one second filtration unit (19) being silica gel. , Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION: AN AIR DRYING DEVICE FOR A COMPRESSED AIR TREATMENT SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure is generally related to an air drying device. Particularly, the present disclosure is related to an air drying device for a compressed air treatment system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, in automotive vehicles such as trucks and buses, pneumatic-based braking and vehicle control systems are used. Such pneumatic systems are operated through compressed air and valves.
In such pneumatic systems, the compressed air generated and supplied by air compressors is stored in a storage tank. The downstream valves draw the compressed air from the storage tank based on demand, to perform their intended operations.
Normally, the compressed air generated and supplied by the air compressors has contaminants, such as moisture, oil, and dirt particles, which affect corrosive parts of the pneumatic systems and the storage tank. Hence, an air dryer is typically positioned in between the compressor and the storage tank to separate the contaminants from the compressed air.
The air dryer includes a desiccant that removes moisture from the air supplied by the compressor so as to prevent the downstream deposition of said moisture in the pneumatic system. To address the build-up of moisture in the desiccant, the air dryer is periodically purged to atmosphere with dry air from the storage tank. Purging of the desiccant is typically undertaken during periods when the compressor is idle.
It is also a known fact that the air supplied by the compressor also includes very fine oil droplets. The oil droplets are generated from the lubricating oil present in the compressor by the reciprocating action of the compressor. The oil droplets typically pass through the air dryer and are subsequently deposited in the storage tank or further downstream in the pneumatic system.
While oil deposited in this manner is much less likely to damage the pneumatic system components in the same manner as moisture, its deposit may lead over time to problems, such as the constriction of narrow passageways in the pneumatic system components and the degradation of elastomeric seals.
There are many such air dryers are available in the market to address the problem. However, the quality of air filtration and efficiencies are quite low, and there is considerable scope for advancement.
There is, therefore, a need in the art for an air drying device for a compressed air treatment system, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system is disclosed. Said air drying device broadly comprises: a first receptacle; a second receptacle; a first perforated member; an at least a first filtration unit; an at least a second filtration unit; an at least a compression member; an at least a separation seal element; and an at least a seal member.
Said first receptacle is: disposed in an interior of an outer shell; configured to be wide at a top portion and narrow at a bottom portion; and filled with a desiccating agent.
Said second receptacle is: disposed in said interior of said outer shell: configured as a dome; and comprises a plurality of perforated holes, with said desiccating agent being filled in said second receptacle. Said first perforated member facilitates the disposing of a cover over said dome configuration of said second receptacle.
The at least one first filtration unit comprises: a holder that that holds an at least a fluid filtration member; a mesh member; and a fluid flow controlling member.
Said mesh member is covered by an at least a fluid filtration member and a second perforated member, with: said mesh member being associated with said holder; said mesh member facilitating the filtration of fluid particles; and said second perforated member facilitating the avoiding of attrition of said desiccating agent.
Said fluid flow controlling member is associated with said holder. A bottom portion of said fluid flow controlling member is associated with a top surface of a mounting member that comprises: an inlet member; a delivery member; and an at least a locking member folded on said inlet member.
Said fluid flow controlling member comprises: a flap configured as an index finger; a first sealing point that is associated with an inner peripheral of the holder housing; and a second sealing point that is associated with said mounting member.
The at least one second filtration unit comprises: a perforated ring; a top cover; a bottom cover; and a plurality of filtration members wrapped one over another tightly. Said plurality of filtration members is disposed between said top cover and said bottom cover, while sealing elements are disposed on both said top cover and said bottom cover.
Said at least one second filtration unit is: configured to filter aerosols and fluid; associated with said holder; covered by said at least one first filtration unit; and associated with a housing configured as a “T” to form a first housing, in which said desiccating agent is filled.
A second housing is formed through the association of said second receptacle with said first receptacle. Said second housing is disposed in said interior of the outer shell, with said first housing being disposed over said second housing.
Said at least one compression member is disposed below a concave portion of said outer shell. The ends of said at least one locking member and the outer edges of the outer shell are double-rolled together against said at least one compression member.
Said at least one separation seal element is disposed in a gap, and compressed axially through force.
Said at least one seal member is disposed in a groove of said at least one locking member.
Said air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system comprises various spaces, where fluid, dust, and moisture are removed. Compressed air flows to the first receptacle, where it is dried, through an annular space, while droplets are trapped in another space.
The disclosed air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system is: simple in construction; cost-effective; and ensures high quality filtration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of an air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system, in accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates the dimensions of an air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a second filtration unit of an air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 and Figure 4.1 illustrate a first housing of an air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a second housing of an air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates the association between a first housing and a second housing of an air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates a fluid flow controlling member of an air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 illustrates the dimensions of a fluid flow controlling member of an air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 illustrates the direction of air flow within an air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system during a charging cycle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 10 illustrates the direction of air flow within an air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system during a regeneration cycle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Throughout this specification, the use of the words "comprise", “have”, “contain”, and “include”, and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", “having”, “contains”, “containing”, “includes”, and “including” may imply the inclusion of an element or elements not specifically recited. The disclosed embodiments may be embodied in various other forms as well.
Throughout this specification, the phrases “at least a”, “at least an”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “device” is to be construed as a set of technical components that are communicatively or operably associated with each other, and function together as part of a mechanism to achieve a desired technical result.
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “communication”, “couple”, and their variations (such as communicatively) are to be construed as being inclusive of: one-way communication (or coupling); and two-way communication (or coupling), as the case may be.
Throughout this specification, the disclosure of a range is to be construed as being inclusive of the lower limit of the range and the upper limit of the range.
Throughout this specification, the words “the” and “said” are used interchangeably with the same meaning.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “desiccating agent” may refer to the same desiccating agent or different desiccating agents, as the case may be.
Also, it is to be noted that embodiments may be described as a method (sequential process). However, many of the operations may be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A method may be terminated when its operations are completed, but may also have additional steps.
An air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air drying device is configured as a cartridge for use in a commercial vehicle, such as a truck and/or a bus.
As illustrated in Figure 1, an embodiment of the air drying device comprises a first receptacle (22) that is disposed in an interior of an outer shell (26). A desiccating agent (21) is filled to D1 in the first receptacle (22). The first receptacle (22) is configured to be wide at a top portion and narrow at a bottom portion. This configuration ensures the complete separation of the desiccating agent (21) and fluid filter elements, in addition to achieve split-type configuration.
A second receptacle (24) is also disposed in the interior of the outer shell (26). The second receptacle (24) is configured as a dome, and comprises a plurality of perforated holes. The desiccating agent (21) is filled to D2 in the second receptacle (24), and is covered by a first perforated member (23), said first perforated member (23) facilitating the disposing of a cover over the dome configuration. The dome configuration provides for maximum space utilization of the outer shell (26).
An at least a first filtration unit of the air drying device comprises: a holder (16) that holds an at least a fluid filtration member (17a); a mesh member (18) that is covered by an at least a fluid filtration member (17b) and a second perforated member (29), said mesh member (18) being associated with the holder (16); and a fluid flow controlling member (15) that is associated with the holder (16). The holder (16) is configured to traverse the lower level of D1. The mesh member (18) facilitates the filtration of heavy fluid particles, while the second perforated member (29) facilitates the avoiding of attrition of the desiccating agent (21).
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid is oil.
The fluid flow controlling member (15) may be of any type known in the art. A bottom portion of said fluid flow controlling member (15) is associated with a top surface of a mounting member (11). The mounting member (11) comprises: an inlet member (27); a delivery member (28); and an at least a locking member (12) folded on the inlet member (27).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dimensions of the air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system are as illustrated in Figure 2. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the dimensions may vary based on requirements
As illustrated in Figure 3, an embodiment of an at least a second filtration unit (19) of the air drying device comprises: a perforated ring (19a); a top cover (19b); a bottom cover (19c); and a plurality of filtration members (19d) (for example, four filtration members) wrapped one over another tightly.
The plurality of filtration members (19d) is disposed between the top cover (19a) and the bottom cover (19b). Sealing elements (19e) are disposed on both the top cover (19a) and the bottom cover (19b).
The at least one second filtration unit (19) is configured to filter: aerosols; heavy fluid particles; small particles of fluid and aerosols; and fluid through coalescing effect.
As illustrated in Figure 4.1, the at least one second filtration unit (19) is associated with the holder (16) and covered by the at least one first filtration unit. It is disposed on a housing configured as a “T” (20), in which the desiccating agent (21) is filled to D3, and associated (for example, by snap-fitting) with the housing configured as a “T” (20) to form a first housing (10a), as illustrated in Figure 4.
The second receptacle (24) is associated (for example, by snap-fitting) with the first receptacle (22) to form a second housing (10b), as illustrated in Figure 5. The second housing (10b) is disposed in the interior of the outer shell (26). As illustrated in Figure 6, the first housing (10a) is disposed over the second housing (10b).
As illustrated in Figure 7, the fluid flow controlling member (15) comprises: a flap configured as an index finger; a first sealing point (15a); and a second sealing point (15b). The first sealing point (15a) is associated with an inner peripheral of the holder (16) housing, while the second sealing point (15b) is associated with the mounting member (11).
The index finger configuration of the flap ensures that the fluid flow controlling member (15) allows fluid to pass through in one direction only. It further facilitates the maintaining of low opening pressure or crack-off pressure. For example, 0.2 bar + atmospheric pressure is enough to open/close the fluid flow controlling member (15).
The holder (16) housing comprises a plurality of elongated holes (16a) (for example, eight holes), which are formed circumferentially on an outer circumferential portion. The plurality of elongated holes (16a) is covered by the sealing points (15a and 15b).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dimensions of the fluid flow controlling member (15) are as illustrated in Figure 8. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the dimensions may vary based on requirements.
Referring back to Figure 1, an at least a compression member (25) (for example, a spring) is disposed below a concave portion of the outer shell (26) adjacent to the second receptacle (24). An at least a separation seal element (14) is disposed in a gap G2, and compressed axially through force.
The at least one compression member (25) facilitates: the tight packing of the desiccating agent (21); the exerting of compressive force on the desiccating agent (21); and the avoiding of attrition of the desiccating agent (21), in addition to the locking of the air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system.
The ends of the at least one locking member (12) and the outer edges of the outer shell (26) are double-rolled together against the at least one compression member (25). An at least a seal member (13) is disposed in a groove of the at least one locking member (12).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the volume of the desiccating agent (21) in the first receptacle (22), the second receptacle (24), and the at least one second filtration unit (19) is between 220 cc and 420 cc. For example: the volume of the desiccating agent (21) in the first receptacle (22) is 420 cc; the volume of the desiccating agent (21) in the second receptacle (24) is 220 cc; and the volume of the desiccating agent (21) in the at least one second filtration unit (19) is 223 cc. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the volume of the desiccating agent (21) may vary based on requirements.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the desiccating agent (21) is molecular sieve 4A grade. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the granule size may vary based on requirements.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the air drying device is configured to ensure free flow of air without restriction or backpressure. For example, molecular sieve type 4A is filled to D1 in the first receptacle (22), activated alumina is filled to D2 in the second receptacle (24), and silica gel is filled to D3 in the at least one second filtration unit (19).
The method of operation of the air drying device shall now be explained.
Compressed air, which contains moisture, fluid, and dirt particles, flows from an air compressor into the air drying device, through the inlet member (27).The compressed air flows to: a space S1 in the at least one first filtration unit, where heavy fluid and dust particles are removed and/or deposited; a space S3 in the at least one second filtration unit (19), where fine fluid and dust particles are removed and/or deposited; and a space S2, where moisture is removed.
After fluid filtration, the compressed air flows through an annular space S4 to the first receptacle (22), where it is dried. The dried air subsequently flows to the second receptacle (24), where it is dried further, and flows into the delivery member (28). Consequently, no fluid and moisture contents remain in the compressed air. This operation is termed as charging cycle (Figure 9). Mist is formed and the droplets are trapped in a space S5. The orange or yellow dots represent sealing points (16, 14, and 19e) that facilitate the flow of air along designated path.
The filtration units may be cleaned periodically by changing the direction of flow of the compressed air. Figure 10 illustrates the direction of air flow within the air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system during a regeneration cycle (fluid flow happens in the opposite direction).
The disclosed air drying device that is configured for a compressed air treatment system is: simple in construction; cost-effective; and ensures high quality filtration.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations and improvements without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure may be made by a person skilled in the art. Such modifications, additions, alterations and improvements should be construed as being within the scope of this disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10a – First Housing
10b – Second Housing
11 – Mounting Member
12 – At Least One Locking Member
13 - At Least One Seal Member
14 – At Least One Separation Seal Element
15 - Fluid Flow Controlling Member
15a – First Sealing Point
15b – Second Sealing Point
16 – Holder
16a - Plurality of Elongated Holes
17a – At Least One Fluid Filtration Member that is Held by a Holder
17b – At Least One Fluid Filtration Member that Covers a Mesh Member
18 – Mesh Member
19 – At Least One Second Filtration Unit
19a – Perforated Ring
19b - Top Cover
19c - Bottom Cover
19d - Plurality of Filtration Members
20 – Housing Configured as a “T”
21 - Desiccating Agent
22 – First Receptacle
23 – First Perforated Member
24 – Second Receptacle
25 – At Least One Compression Member
26 – Outer Shell
27 – Inlet Member
28 – Delivery Member
29 – Second Perforated Member