WO2006128453A1

WO2006128453A1 - Filter system and method for operation thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2006128453A1
Application number: PCT/DE2006/000988
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Blanke; Christoph Burghardt; Thomas Diestel; Thomas Farwerk; Axel Kolbe; Christoph Kopp; Volker Kurtenbach; Siegfried Langhein; Frank Meister; Achim Neumayr
Original assignee: Pro Net Gmbh
Priority date: 2005-06-03
Filing date: 2006-06-02
Publication date: 2006-12-07
Also published as: DE112006002102A5; EP1901827A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter system for unpurified gases and gas mixtures, comprising a pre-filtration stage (A), a main filtration stage (B) and a subsequent terminal filter stage (C) for the gas flow. The main filter stage (B) is provided with several parallel arranged filer units (10.1, 10.2) into which the gas flow from the pre-filtration stage (A) may be selectively introduced by means of switching elements (8), whereby at least two filter units (10.1, 10.2) forming a pair are provided with the gas filters for absorption of gas impurities (x, y, z) from the gas flow, which may be alternately switched. The control is achieved by sensor units (7) in the form of multifunctional sensors dependent on filtering degree and/or the determined impurities. The filter unit (10.1, 10.2) of the filter pair not required for filtering is available for desorption.

Description

FILTER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ITS OPERATION

The invention relates to a filter system for the elimination of particles, gases and biological loads, in particular air-polluting particles, gases, toxins, viruses and bacteria.

Such a broadband filter system is known from DE 10 2004 027 354 Al.

This modular and multivalent broadband filtration system has both a purely mechanical separation effect and physical, chemical and antimicrobial effects against air pollutants, while at the same time registering and regulating the monitoring of the load level of the system. In particular, superoxidation plants, fine filters, adsorption filters with heating, ionization grid, catalysts, nonwoven webs of stabilizer fiber and carbon fiber and sensors for control are used.

Innovative approaches from textile technology coupled with novel research and development know-how from filter, electrical and sensor technology are creating opportunities to get away from focusing on the exclusion of usually only one specific, air-polluting component. This is particularly important for sensitive areas of public space, such as operating areas of clinics, clean rooms, authorities and public facilities with large numbers of visitors but also public transport.

DE 103 30 368 A1 describes a method for identifying and / or differentiating substances displayed by sensors in gas mixtures a sensor, at least part of the substances detected in gas mixtures and / or at least part of the data generated by this sensor are automatically evaluated by a computer program and the identification and / or differentiation of substances on the basis of specifiable criteria and / or patterns performs. In the evaluation by the computer program methods of artificial intelligence are used.

The result thus obtained is displayed, directly or after being transmitted by a communication system.

This is certainly advantageous for the mentioned applications such as leak detection, intrusion protection of containers, monitoring of industrial plants and also signaling of forest fires. But the best alarm does not protect people who have already inhaled or are in danger of doing so in rooms that have been polluted. In addition, it may be necessary to evacuate certain rooms after such an alarm is triggered, which is associated with experience of panic and associated personal injury and property damage.

Based on the possibilities of identifying gases in gas mixtures and broadband filter systems, which have both a purely mechanical separation effects and adsorption options for chemical and microbiological contaminants, it is an object of the invention to propose a filter system, the supply of rooms with safe and clean Reliable air can ensure.

This object is achieved with the method claims 1 and 2 and the device claims 7 and 8, advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. The essence of the process according to the invention is that the gas or gas mixture to be filtered, which is to be directed into certain rooms, is safely cleaned of impurities (x, y, z), in particular of hazardous substances and gases, in areas where people are to be sent, and as a function of the measurement result, an activation of the contaminant (x, y, z) absorbing filter elements takes place. In this case, the filter elements are arranged at least in pairs, so that when detecting a filter breakthrough can be switched to a corresponding other filter element that takes over the adsorption, while the "spent filter element" is regenerated in the system by desorption and / or taking out and neutralization of the harmful gas components The filter stage thus remains in the overall system and is available to the system again after the desorption phase.

In detail, the following 2 methods are used, which differ in the arrangement of the multifunction sensors and thus in the type of monitoring and control of the filter system:

The first method for operating a contaminated gas and gas mixture filter system

a) a filter precursor, a primarily mechanical filter stage for retaining particles below 1 μm. The particles add the individual filters to this filter precursor and reduce the flow rate of the gases and gas mixtures. Therefore, this stage has in known manner sensors for detecting the pressure difference. Above a certain value, the filters must be replaced

b) a filter main stage with a plurality of filter units arranged in parallel in the optionally the gas flow of the filter Pre-stage is initiated by means of switching elements, wherein at least two filter units forming a pair are equipped with the same gas filters for adsorbing Gasverunreini ^¬ tions (x, y, z) from the gas stream and are controlled alternately and

c) a subsequent filter stage for the gas stream, which is equipped with at least one multi-function sensor which analyzes the gas flow from the main filter stage with respect to the presence of at least gas contaminants (x, y, z),

wherein, as a function of the size of the measured values of the multifunction sensor relating to the gas contamination (x, y, z), switching to the second filter unit of the filter pair of the main filter stage takes place, so that it takes over the filtering of the gas flow coming from the filter precursor and the 1 Filter unit of the filter pair is available for desorption.

The overall system is thus a 3-dimensional filter with parallel, similar regenerable filter stages.

The second method of operating a contaminated gas and gas mixture filter system

a) a filter precursor as described above and having at least one multi-function sensor which analyzes the gas flow through the filter precursor over the entire area with respect to at least the presence of gas contaminants (x, y, z),

b) a main filter stage with a plurality of parallel filter units, in which optionally the gas flow of the filter precursor is introduced by means of switching elements, wherein at least two pairs of filter units are equipped with the same gas filters for adsorption of gas impurities (x, y, z) from the gas stream and are mutually driven and

c) a subsequent filter stage for the gas stream, which is equipped with at least one multifunction sensor which analyzes the gas flow from the main filter stage at least with respect to the presence of gas contaminants (x, y, z),

wherein gas contaminants (x, y) detected by the multifunction sensor of the filter precursor are used as a signal for sensitizing the multifunction sensor of the filter output stage to check the presence of the gas impurities x, y and wherein, depending on the size of the measured values of the multifunction sensor of the filter end stage relating to the gas contamination (x, y) switching over to a second filter unit of the filter pair of the main filter stage takes place, so that it takes over the filtering of the gas stream coming from the filter precursor and the first filter unit of the filter pair is available for desorption.

In the event that a further gas contamination (u) is detected by a multi-function sensor, which is not filterable by the gas filter for the impurities (x, y, z), is provided in a further embodiment that by controlling the gas flow in pairs in the main filter stage gas filters are controlled, including a filter of a pair for the impurity (u). In these alternatives, it is assumed that the contamination of the gas or gas mixture is adsorbable through the filter elements of the main filter stage. In order to respond to such impurities that are currently not or only technically consuming adsorbable, such as carbon monoxide (CO), provides a preferred embodiment that the filter precursor and / or the filter end is equipped with at least one multi-functional sensor, the gas flow over the entire surface analyzed with respect to the presence of gas contaminants (v, x, y, z), wherein when measuring a gas contamination (v) by a multi-functional sensor which is not adsorbable by the gas filters of the main filter stage, a switching of the gas flow takes place in the exhaust duct.

Instead of switching to an exhaust duct is also provided that when measuring a gas contamination (v) by a multi-functional sensor which is not adsorbed by the gas filter of the main filter stage, the Filterendstufe is closed on the output side, or the filter system is switched off, a direction reversal of the flow takes place or is switched to recirculation.

Taking into account permissible limit values for impurities and also the sensor sensitivity, it is further provided on the method side that the switching between the filter units of a pair and / or the discharge into a withdrawal shaft and / or the closing of the final filter stage and / or the flow direction reversal and / or the Switching off the filter system and / or switching to circulating air in response to predetermined limits occurs.

By the evaluation of the sensor data, in particular won from difference quantities, and the connection with learning-capable Networks (neural network or other (eg Fuzzi)), which are based on a library of gases such as exhaust gases, fuels, fire and smoke gases, tobacco smoke, etc., ensure a high sensitivity and wide range of applications / creates a holistic solution for modern climate and ventilation technology.

All pollutants in the air can be eliminated as required or polluted air is rejected.

An advantageous embodiment of the broadband filter system consists of a filter precursor, a main filter stage and a filter output stage arranged in series in a Filterge ^¬ housing, the filter precursor preferably comprises and arranged in layers in a filter housing a gas inlet preferably with fan, if the installation is not carried out in existing ventilation systems, a coarse and fine filter, a UV stage, a particulate filter and a sensor unit, the main stage is at least formed by two parallel gas filter units with switching elements arranged to change the gas filter units for the gas stream respectively in front of and behind the gas filter units, and the final stage at least comprises one Sensor unit and a dispenser module with Superoxidationsanlage and the gas outlet.

The sensor units are preferably installed twice in order to compensate for failures or failures (reliability).

In particular, by the parallel arrangement of at least two gas filter units, preferably activated carbon filter units, in the form of a bypass arrangement, the possibility for created a reciprocal operation of these broadband filter components in each case an adsorption or Desσrpti- onsphase. The desorbed pollutants can be about cleaning openings in the filter main stage ent ^¬ distant. For this purpose, additional cleaning blower preference ^¬ may be provided with exhaust air ducts behind the cleaning openings to ^¬ sammenwirkend. The necessary temperature for desorption is provided by heating coils or additional heating cartridges.

Of course, such filter units can also be replaced in this non-use phase.

The following overview shows the controllability of the most diverse hazard components with the filter system according to the invention.

Gas-conducting or gas-entangling measures are provided for optimizing the gas flow rate and increasing the effectiveness of the respective filter unit.

As a sensor unit multifunction sensors, also referred to as broadband sensors, and sensor arrays are provided. Moreover, depending on the application, it is also possible to additionally provide individual sensors for certain harmful gases. The semiconductor gas sensors, which preferably function as multifunction sensors, have a long service life and have a high sensitivity (ppm range). The sampling rate of such a sensor is 100 ms and thus ensures a rapid response in the filter system by initiating u. a. of switching.

A filter arrangement according to the invention is shown in the drawing.

This broadband filter system consists of a filter precursor A, a main filter stage B and a filter output stage C, arranged in series in a filter housing 1. The filter stage A here comprises in layers in series in the filter housing 1 arranged a gas inlet 0 with fan, a coarse and fine filters 2, 3, a Verwirbelungsscheibe 4, a UV stage 5, a particle filter 6 and a sensor unit 7. Not shown are pressure measuring sensors for Determination of the degree of contamination of filters of filter stage A.

As fine filter 3, a filter for particle sizes between 10 .mu.m and 1 .mu.m is provided here as an alternative to the fine-meshed PE fabric here.

The arrangement of the sensor unit 7 at the end of the filter precursor (A) is advantageous because the one or more multi-functional sensors are not polluted by suspended solids and various contaminants have already been decontaminated or destroyed by the UV stage taking effect.

Before the following Filtefhauptstufe B, which includes only two parallel filter units 10.1, 10.2 with activated carbon filters, a switching element 8 is arranged. This urαschaltelement 8 directs the gas flow either in the filter unit 10.1 or 10.2, which are preceded by each gas guide elements 9, which conduct the flow optimally in and / or through the activated carbon filter.

The filter units 10.1, 10.2 can be heated for cleaning purposes, preferably via heating cartridges. Furthermore, the filter units 10.1 and 10.2 have cleaning openings 12.

By blowing on and off blower blown gas can be derived as exhaust air with the remains of the desorption on the cleaning openings 12 with exhaust air ducts. The filter units 10.1 and 10.2, a further switching element 11 is connected downstream that directs the gas flow in the filter output stage C.

The final stage C comprises a sensor unit 13, a turbulence disk 14 and a dispenser module 15 with superoxidation system and the gas outlet 16.

Of course it is also possible to regard the sensor units 7, 13 as an input or output from the filter main stage B. The key is that they can fulfill their gas flow control function as described.

According to the invention, it is provided that the gas stream flows through a heating register arranged there and / or an ionization grid in at least one filter stage. Both can be an integral part of the fine filter 3 or separate units. A heating register as a separate unit is preferably arranged behind the sensor unit 7.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

A filter preliminary stage

B main filter stage

C filter output stage

0 gas entry

1 filter housing

2 coarse filters

3 fine filters

4 turbulator

5 UV level

6 particle filter

7 sensor unit

8 switching element

9 gas guide

10.1 Filter unit preferably with activated carbon filter

10.2 Filter unit preferably with activated carbon filter

11 switching element

12 cleaning opening

13 sensor unit

14 turbulator

15 Dispenser module with superoxidation system

16 Gas leakage u Gas contamination v Gas pollution x Gas contamination y Gas pollution z Gas pollution

Claims

claims

A method for operating a filter system for contaminated gases and gas mixtures comprising

a filter precursor,

a filter main stage with a plurality of parallel filter units in which optionally the gas flow of the filter precursor is introduced by means of switching elements, wherein at least two paired filter units are equipped with the same gas filters for adsorption of gas impurities (x, y, z) from the gas stream and mutually controllable and

a subsequent filter stage for the gas stream, which is equipped with at least one multi-function sensor which analyzes the gas flow from the main filter stage with respect to at least the presence of gas contaminants (x, y, z),

wherein, as a function of the size of the measured values of the multifunction sensor relating to the gas contamination (x, y, z), switching to a second filter unit of the filter pair of the main filter stage takes place so that it takes over the filtering of the gas flow coming from the filter precursor and the first filter unit of the filter pair is available for desorption.

2. A method for operating a filter system for contaminated gases and gas mixtures, comprising

a filter precursor with at least one multi-function sensor that controls the gas flow through the filter precursor analyzed with respect to at least the presence of gas contaminants (x, y, z),

a main filter stage with a plurality of filter units arranged in parallel, in which optionally the gas flow of the filter precursor is introduced by means of switching elements, wherein at least two filter units forming a pair are equipped with the same gas filters for adsorbing gas impurities (x, y, z) from the gas stream and are mutually activatable and

a then for the gas flow following Filterendstufe, with at least one. Equipped with a multi-function sensor which analyzes the gas flow from the main filter stage with respect to at least the presence of gas contaminants (x, y, z),

wherein detected by the multifunction sensor of the filter precursor gas impurities (x, y) is used as a signal to sensitize the multifunction sensor of the filter output stage for checking the presence of the gas contaminants x, y and

wherein, depending on the size of the measured values of the multifunction sensor of the final filter stage relating to the gas contamination (x, y), switching to a second filter unit of the filter pair of the main filter stage takes place so that it takes over the filtering of the gas flow coming from the filter precursor and the first filter unit of the filter pair is available for desorption.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2 for operating a filter system for contaminated gases and gas mixtures, comprising a filter precursor,

a filter main stage with a plurality of filter units arranged in parallel in the optional gas flow of the filter precursor is introduced by means of switching elements, wherein at least two filter units forming a pair equipped with the same gas filters for adsorption of gas impurities (x, y, z) from the gas stream and are mutually controllable,

a then for the gas flow following Filterendstufe, and an exhaust duct,

wherein the filter precursor and / or the filter output stage is equipped with at least one multi-function sensor which analyzes the gas flow over the entire area with respect to the presence of gas contaminants (v, x, y, z),

wherein when measuring a gas contamination (V) by a multi-function sensor which is not adsorbable by the gas filter of the main filter stage, a switching of the gas flow takes place in the exhaust duct.

4. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 3 for operating a filter system for contaminated gases and gas mixtures, comprising a filter precursor,

a filter main stage with a plurality of parallel filter units in the optional gas stream of the filter precursor is introduced by means of switching elements, wherein at least two each forming a pair Filter units are equipped with the same gas filters for the adsorption of gas impurities (u) or (x, y, z) from the gas stream,

as well as a subsequent filter output stage for the gas stream,

wherein the filter precursor and / or the filter end stage is equipped with at least one multi-function sensor which analyzes the gas flow over its entire area with respect to at least the presence of gas contaminants (u, x, y, z),

wherein when measuring a gas contamination (u, x, y, z) by a multi-function sensor which is not filterable by a gas filter alone by controlling the gas flow in pairs in the main filter stage located gas filter are controlled, including one filter of a pair for the contamination (u) and a filter of a pair for the contaminant (x, y, z).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

when measuring a gas contamination (v) by a multi-function sensor that is not adsorbable by the gas filter of the main filter stage, the filter output stage is closed on the output side, or the filter system is switched off or a direction reversal of the flow or the system operates in recirculation mode.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized ge ^¬ indicates that

the switching between the filter units of a pair and / or the discharge into a discharge shaft and / or the closing of the final filter stage and / or the flow direction reversal and / or the shutdown of the filter system in response to predetermined limits occurs.

7. Filter system consisting of a filter precursor (A), a main filter stage (B) and a Filterendstufe (C) arranged in series in a filter housing (1) and can be flowed through successively, wherein

the filter stage (A) comprises at least in layers in the filter housing (1) a gas inlet (0), a coarse and fine filter (2, 3), a UV stage (5) and a particle filter (6),

the filter main stage (B) is formed by at least two filter units (10.1, 10.2) arranged in parallel with switching elements (8, 11) for changing the filter units (10.1, 10.2) for the gas stream in front of and behind the filter units (10.1, 10.2) respectively, and

the final stage (c) at least comprises a sensor unit (13) and a dispenser module (15) with superoxidation system and the gas outlet (16),

wherein the sensor unit (13) is computationally connected to the control of the switching elements (8, 11) and generates the switching signal.

8. Filter system consisting of a filter precursor (A), a main filter stage (B) and a Filterendstufe (C), which are arranged in series in a filter housing (1) and can be flowed through successively, wherein

the filter stage (A) at least comprises in layers in the filter housing (1) arranged a gas inlet (0), a coarse and fine filters (2, 3), a UV stage (5), a particle filter (6) and a sensor unit (7) .

the filter main stage (B) is formed by at least two parallel filter units (10.1, 10.2) with the same gas filters and is provided with switching elements (8, 11) for changing the filter units (10.1, 10.2) for the gas flow respectively before and after the Filter units (10.1, 10.2) arranged, and

wherein the sensor units (7, 13) are computationally linked together and the computer, the switching signal for the switching elements (8, 11) is generated.

Filter system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that

at least one filter stage (AC) is connectable to an exhaust duct, wherein the signal for switching the gas flow to the exhaust duct is generated by a sensor unit (7, 13).

10. Filter system according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that

the gas filters of the filter units (10.1, 10.2) are active carbon filters or other physically / chemically or catalytically active substances.

11. Filter system according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that

the filter units (10.1, 10.2) can each be coupled to at least one further filter unit of another filter pair with different filter properties, such that when a gas contamination (u, x, y, z) is measured by a sensor unit (7, 13) that is not alone Filterable by a filter unit (10.1, 10.2) of the gas filter is controlled by a control of Gasstrom.es located in pairs in the main filter stage B gas filter, including a respective filter unit (10.1, 10.2) of a pair for the contaminant (u) and a filter unit of a pair for the contamination (x, y, z).

12. Filter system according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that

the gas stream flows through at least one stage a heating register arranged there and / or an ionization grid.

13. Filter system according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that

in each filter stage (A-C) at least one turbulator (4, 14) or gas guide elements (9) are arranged.

14. Filter system according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that

Before the UV stage (5) and / or before the dispenser module, a turbulator (4, 14) is arranged.

15. Filter system according to one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that

before the filter units (10.1, 10.2) gas guide elements (9) are arranged.

16. Filter system according to one of claims 7 to 15, characterized in that

the filter units (10.1, 10.2) provided with activated charcoal filters are heatable, preferably via heating cartridges and for cleaning purposes.

17. Filter system according to one of claims 7 to 16, characterized in that

the filter units (10.1, 10.2) have cleaning openings (12).

18. Filter system according to claim 17, characterized in that

the filter units (10.1, 10.2) have on and off ^¬ switchable cleaning fan and the exhaust air via the cleaning openings (12) with exhaust air ducts can be derived.

19. Filter system according to one of claims 7 to 18, characterized in that

the UV stage (5) preferably emits UV-C radiation.

20. Filter system according to one of claims 7 to 19, characterized in that

the fine filters (3) filter particle sizes between 10 μm and 1 μm.

21. Filter system according to one of claims 7 to 20, characterized in that

one or more independent layer elements are provided in the structure of the filter for the ionization.

22. Filter system according to claim 12, characterized in that

a heating register is arranged behind the sensor unit (7).

23. Filter system according to one of claims 7 to 22, characterized in that

the sensor units (7, 13) are arranged in pairs for failover.