1. Design of a Bed Seal System for an Adsorber Vessel
Amy Boyce
JR Daversa
Ben Gatto
Jake Mattern
Brian Smith

2. Introduction Background Problem
Explanation of an adsorber vessel and adsorbent material
Problem
Discussion of material leakage issues
Sources of leakage

3. The adsorber vessel and material
Air separation process
Role of adsorbent material
Temperature Swing Adsorption
(20-170ºC)

4. Material Leakage What is happening? Why is this such a big problem?
Thermal expansion
(0.14 inch difference)
Adsorbent material is slipping through seal
Why is this such a big problem?
Reduces efficiency
Requires periodic shutdown

5. Sources of Leakage Key locations What causes the gaps?
Wall-grate interface
Flange-grate interface
What causes the gaps?
Thermal cycling
Poor material choice (Brass wool)
Bending

6. Our Design
Ways it
addresses
the problem
Key features

7. Ways it addresses the problem
Bending eliminated in hold down ring
Seal optimized between bed support components
Travel paths of beads eliminated
Thermal expansion no longer contributes to leakage

8. Key features Banding of grate Overlapping hold-down ring
Even mating surface between components
Change of sealant material: brass wool to PTFE

9. Testing Prototype description Testing mechanism Life-size model
Straight Section
Testing mechanism
Mechanical simulation
Crank-rocker (0.25 inch motion)
Will simulate 20 years at 6 cycles a day

10. Off-Design Performance
Extra 0.1 inch of motion in the prototype
Demonstrates that a greater temperature swing would still work with this design

11. Conclusions If successful:
New design will work not only for current process but for expanded temperature range
Leakage will be eliminated
Shut-down times will be eliminated due to downstream absorbent material