Twin tower air dryer system with shuttle mechanism
US5983516A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 7, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/2567
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An air dryer includes two desiccant chambers, a control system and a cover member into which a shuttle valve mechanism has been incorporated. Secured atop the chambers, the cover member defines an outlet port, first and second passages, and a horizontal chamber between the passages in which a shuttle valve can be moved reciprocatingly. The horizontal chamber has two ends, a first interconnected to the first desiccant chamber by the first passage and a second interconnected to the second desiccant chamber by the second passage. The outlet port of the dryer extends from the horizontal chamber. Governing the flow of air into and out of the dryer, the control system periodically switches the incoming flow of untreated air between the two desiccant chambers. The control system thus determines which desiccant chamber will operate in a drying mode, with the other being operated in a purge mode. The desiccant chamber from which dried air is provided determines the end of the horizontal chamber to which the shuttle valve is moved. When moved to the second end, the shuttle valve opens the first passage to the outlet port. When moved to the first end, the shuttle valve opens the second passag…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.