[0001] The present invention relates to a drying apparatus for drying a pipeline.
[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for drying a pipeline using the drying
apparatus.
[0003] Known drying systems or apparatuses are conventionally adapted to a specific application,
i.e. drying of a specific hollow object, which means that they are not capable of
providing an effective drying within a wide range of applications.
[0004] Changing the application of a drying apparatus is equal to different demands on the
performance of the drying apparatus. If a drying apparatus is to be used for a variety
of different situations while still operating with high efficiency at all time it
is necessary that the components of the drying apparatus are capable of operating
with different performances depending on the specific situation.
[0005] European patent application no.
EP 0 835 694 A1 discloses a drying system used for drying a coated product in a spray booth. A blower
motor and an associated frequency drive system controls the amount of dried air and
a dehumidification unit, which is either heat-based or refrigeration-based, provides
for the drying of the air. In this system the efficiency of the drying process is
difficult to control under changing working conditions and it is therefore not suited
for purposes for prolonged drying tasks requiring high efficiency regarding the removal
of fluid.
[0006] US 2004/060315 A1 describes a drying apparatus capable of controlling the amount of intake airflow
and the performance of the refrigerating unit.
[0007] US 3,864,102 A describes a method for drying a pipeline using a portable dry air generating plant.
[0008] Hence there is a need within the art for improved apparatuses for producing dry air
from an inexpensive air source such as atmospheric air.
[0009] As used in the present application the term "performance", e.g. of a mechanism, means
the size of the output from the mechanism.
[0010] As used in the present application the term "regulate", e.g. of the performance,
includes controlling and adjusting to a required or desired level or output.
[0011] In a first aspect according to the present invention is provided a drying apparatus
of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph capable of drying a wide variety of
hollow objects with different dimensions, while still keeping the same effective drying.
[0012] In a second aspect according to the present invention is provided a drying apparatus
of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph capable of utilizing intake airflow
such as atmospheric air for effective drying of different hollow objects.
[0013] In a third aspect according to the present invention is provided a drying apparatus
of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph where the fluid content of the air
processed by the drying apparatus is reduced.
[0014] In a fourth aspect according to the present invention is provided a drying apparatus
of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph where the refrigerating unit is better
prevented from blocking with ice when the performance of the drying apparatus is reduced
than with known apparatuses.
[0015] In a fifth aspect according to the present invention is provided a drying apparatus
of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph where the efficiency of the dehumidifier
is better prevented from decreasing when the performance of the drying apparatus is
increased than with known apparatuses.
[0016] In a sixth aspect according to the present invention is provided a drying apparatus
of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph that is easy to use and transport.
[0017] The novel and unique way whereby this is achieved according to the present invention
is the fact that the drying apparatus comprises a first means for transporting an
intake airflow through the apparatus for drying of the pipeline, a refrigerating unit
for initial removal of moisture from the intake airflow, thereby defining a first
process airflow, a dehumidifier for further removal of moisture from the first process
airflow to produce a second process airflow having a reduced moisture content, where
the dehumidifier is arranged for providing a dew point of the second process airflow
(C) of about -30 °C or lower, a first frequency transformer for regulating the amount
of intake airflow, and a second frequency transformer for regulating the performance
of the refrigerating unit, where the regulation by the second frequency transformer
is based on data that is representative of the humidity and/or the temperature of
the first process airflow.
[0018] Changing working conditions normally means that the amount of air transported through
the drying apparatus must be changed. This change is expediently obtained by means
of the first frequency transformer, which controls and adjusts the operation of the
first means for transporting air to the current need and requirements.
[0019] The second frequency transformer serves for regulating the performance of the refrigerating
unit to control the temperature of the first airflow of processed air leaving the
refrigerating unit.
[0020] The advantage of controlling both the first means for transporting an intake airflow
through the apparatus and the refrigerating unit is that when the working conditions
of the drying apparatus changes over time during a specific drying task or changes
when the drying apparatus is to be used for different drying tasks, the drying apparatus
still provides an effective drying at all time, because the performance of the refrigerating
unit is continuously adapted to the performance of the first means for transporting
an intake airflow through the apparatus.
[0021] Preferably the refrigerating unit can be a vapour compression refrigeration system
of the kind comprising an evaporator, a compressor, an expansion valve, a refrigerating
agent, and a condenser.
[0022] Advantageously the regulation by the first frequency transformer can be based on
data selected from the group comprising the pressure of the output airflow from the
drying apparatus, the temperature of the output airflow from the drying apparatus,
the dew point of the second process airflow, and the amount of intake airflow. In
another embodiment an operator can control the first frequency transformer manually.
[0023] In order to sustain an effective drying the second frequency transformer can regulate
the pressure of the refrigerating agent in the evaporator by controlling the performance
of the compressor. For example can the second frequency transformer regulate the rotational
speed of the compressor, thereby regulating and controlling the evaporation pressure
of the refrigerating agent in the evaporator to provide regulation of the surface
temperature of the evaporator, which surface is the location where the actual cooling
of the airflow takes place. If the load on the refrigerating unit decreases this regulation
prevents the evaporator from blocking with ice by reducing the performance of the
compressor and thereby substantially preventing the surface temperature of the evaporator
from decreasing.
[0024] Blocking with ice is highly undesirable because it would inhibit an optimum airflow
through the refrigerating unit since ice presents a physical obstacle to the airflow.
Blocking with ice is also undesirable because removing the ice would require shutting
the drying apparatus down or reducing the performance of the refrigerating unit with
reduced efficiency of the drying apparatus as a result. Blocking with ice is even
further undesirable because it could cause mechanical damage to the refrigerating
unit.
[0025] In another situation where the load on the refrigerating unit increases, the regulation
of the compressor prevents an increase in the temperature of the first process airflow
by increasing the performance of the compressor and thereby preventing the surface
temperature of the evaporator from increasing. An increase in the temperature of the
first process airflow is highly undesirable because it would result in a decrease
in the efficiency of the subsequent dehumidifier.
[0026] Advantageously the regulation by the second frequency transformer can be based on
data selected from the group comprising the pressure of the refrigerating agent measured
in the evaporator, the temperature of the first process airflow, and the surface temperature
of the evaporator, hence the data is used as input and/or feed-back data for the drying
process. This regulation could also be based on other kinds of data that is representative
of the humidity and/or the temperature of the first process airflow. Preferably a
pressure transmitter can be used for measuring said pressure.
[0027] Hence, these data is used as information relevant to the necessary performance of
the refrigerating unit in order to provide a first process airflow that is effectively
dried and with a constant temperature, which enables an efficient operation of the
dehumidifier.
[0028] The pressure of the refrigerating agent measured in the evaporator can preferably
be between -10 °C and 2 °C, and more preferably between -8 °C and 0 °C, and most preferably
between -6 °C and -2 °C, in order to provide an optimum drying of the first process
airflow.
[0029] The surface temperature of the evaporator can preferably be between -2 °C and 12
°C, and more preferably between -1 °C and 6 °C, and most preferably between 0 °C and
3 °C.
[0030] Preferably the refrigerating agent is R22 (chlorodifluoromethane), but other agents
can also be used.
[0031] The temperature of the first process airflow from the refrigerating unit can preferably
be between 0 °C and 12 °C, more preferably between 1 °C and 8 °C, and most preferably
between 2 °C and 4 °C.
[0032] Advantageously the drying apparatus can further comprise a second means for transporting
air that removes heat from the refrigerating agent in the condenser, in order to increase
the capacity of the refrigerating unit, which is especially desirable in situations
where the load on the drying apparatus is especially high.
[0033] The performance of the second means for transporting air can advantageously be regulated
by means of a third frequency transformer, in order to obtain a more efficient performance
of the refrigerating unit.
[0034] The regulation by the third frequency transformer can advantageously be based on
data representing the pressure of the refrigerating agent measured in the condenser.
This regulation can also be based on other kinds of data representing the performance
of the compressor, such as the rotational speed of the compressor.
[0035] To facilitate the transport of air through the drying apparatus a third means for
transporting air can be located between the refrigerating unit and the dehumidifier.
Preferably this third means can provide a pressure sufficient to transport up to 6000
m
3 of air per hour through the refrigerating unit and the subsequent dehumidifier on
its own.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment the drying apparatus can comprise pressure measuring means
for measuring the pressure of the airflow before and after the third means for transporting
air, so that, based on these measurement data, the first air transport means can be
shut down in case the third air transport means malfunctions or its performance otherwise
decreases.
[0037] Preferably the dehumidifier can comprise a dehumidification zone where fluid is removed
from the first process airflow.
[0038] An effective drying of the hollow object is obtained when the dew point of the second
process airflow is -30 °C or lower, as this means that the humidity of the second
process airflow is very low.
[0039] If the dew point of the airflow entering the refrigerating unit decreases, then the
load on the drying apparatus also decreases, resulting in a more economical performance
of the drying apparatus. In extreme situations the drying apparatus can rely on the
dehumidifier as the only means for removal of fluid while the refrigerating unit is
turned off.
[0040] As the drying apparatus often is used in prolonged drying tasks the dehumidifier
can advantageously be a sorption dehumidifier comprising a sorption rotor, where the
rotation of the sorption rotor can cause each part of the rotor to cycle past the
dehumidification zone, a regeneration zone and a cooling zone in a continuously cycle.
After sorbing of fluid in the dehumidification zone follows the regeneration zone
where a fourth means for transporting air can provide a heated airflow to the rotor,
and thereby remove fluid from the rotor. Then follows a cooling zone where the temperature
of the rotor is lowered before entering the dehumidification zone and thereby starting
the cycle all over.
[0041] The combination of the regeneration and the cooling of the sorption rotor provide
a very efficient removal of fluid from the first process airflow.
[0042] Advantageously the sorption rotor can comprise a humidity sorbing material that enables
a highly efficient sorbing and retention of moisture, so that the second process airflow
has a very low dew point. In one preferred embodiment this material can be silica
gel, but other highly humidity sorbing materials could also be used.
[0043] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the dehumidifier can be a dessicant
dehumidifier MX5200 or MX6200 obtainable from Munters, Ryttermarken 4, 3520 Farum,
Denmark with a rotational speed of the sorption rotor of about 6 to 10 rotations per
hour during use.
[0044] Preferably the performance of the first means for transporting air can be between
800 m
3 per hour and 10000 m
3 per hour, more preferably between 1500 m
3 per hour and 8000 m
3 per hour, and most preferably between 2000 m
3 per hour and 6000 m
3 per hour, and the first means for transporting air can preferably provide a maximum
differential pressure of 0,01 bar to 7 bar, more preferably 0,02 bar to 3 bar, and
most preferably 0,03 bar to 1,3 bar between an outlet and an inlet of the first means
for transporting air.
[0045] With this kind of capacity the drying apparatus is capable of drying large hollow
objects, such as e.g. oil pipelines with lengths of e.g. 200 kilometres or even more
and diameters of several meters, within an acceptable time. Within the scope of the
present invention the apparatus can however quite as well be used for not hollow objects.
[0046] An extreme example of drying an object for which the apparatus according to the present
invention is especially suited, is the drying of an oil pipeline with a length of
100 km, a diameter of 1,4 meters, containing 22 tons of water, and primarily located
in the ground which has a temperature of 20 °C. The present invention can solve this
drying task within about 200 hours, provided that a predryer initially has removed
the major part of easy accessible water.
[0047] Preferably one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth means for transporting
air can be at least one fan.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the first means for transporting
air can be a positive displacement blower that is capable of providing a constant
volumetric air displacement at a given rotational speed and independently of changes
in the differential pressure between the outlet and the inlet of the first means for
transporting air.
[0049] Advantageously the drying apparatus can further comprise a generator providing any
or all of the compressor, the dehumidifier, and the first, second, third, and fourth
means for transporting air with electrical energy. The generator is preferably a diesel
generator with a fuel tank.
[0050] Preferably the drying apparatus can be integrated in a single compartment, more preferably
a mobile single compartment, and most preferably a standard freight container. In
this way the drying apparatus can easily be transported from location to location.
In case the apparatus is integrated in a standard freight container it is preferred
that the freight container is of the kind that can be approved for transport by container
ships, so that quick and economical transport of the drying apparatus over long distances
is possible.
[0051] In a situation where the drying apparatus is integrated in a single compartment,
it is preferred that the drying apparatus has unlimited access to air from the surrounding
during use. This can e.g. be obtained when the single compartment is provided with
one or more doors in proximity to the evaporator and when these doors are kept open
during use.
[0052] A method for drying a hollow or otherwise configured objects, such as a pipeline
or flat, wavy or the like objects, may advantageously make use of the above discussed
drying apparatus.
[0053] Such a method comprises the steps of establishing a fluid communication between the
drying apparatus and the hollow object for providing dried air to the hollow object,
continuous regulation of the performance of the first means for transporting air by
means of the first frequency transformer, and continuous regulation of the performance
of the refrigerating unit by means of the second frequency transformer, and optionally
the step of a continuous regulation of the operating performance of the second means
for transporting air by means of the third frequency transformer.
[0054] In case of tasks including removal of large amounts of fluid from the hollow object
the method may also comprise a pretreament step of predrying the hollow object prior
to or in conjunction with using the apparatus described above.
[0055] The invention will be explained in greater detail below where further advantageous
properties and example embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, in
which
Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention,
Fig. 2 is another schematic view of the first embodiment, but with a more detailed
indication of the various airflows,
Fig 3 is a schematic view similar to fig. 2 but illustrating a second embodiment,
and
Fig. 4 schematically shows the structure of the dehumidifier.
[0056] The drying apparatus is in the figures designated in general by the reference numeral
1.
[0057] Fig. 1 and 2 show a preferred first embodiment of the drying apparatus 1 and will
be described in conjunction in the following.
[0058] The drying apparatus 1 is indicated as integrated in a single compartment 2. The
arrows A, B, C, and D indicate the flow direction of the various airflows through
the drying apparatus 1. A first motor M1, as seen only in fig. 1, drives a fan 3,
representing the first means 3 for transporting air, and draws or otherwise transports
the intake airflow A through the apparatus 1. First, the fan draws the intake air
A through the refrigerating unit, generally designated by the reference numeral 4.
The cooled first process airflow B exits the refrigeration unit 4 and is by means
of the fan 5, representing the third air transport means 5, transported to the dehumidifier
6. A dehumidified second process airflow C exits the dehumidifier 6, passes the fan
3 and exits the apparatus 1 as dried air, as indicated by the arrow D.
[0059] In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1 the first means 3 is positioned after
the dehumidifier 6, but in another embodiment (not shown) it could e.g. be positioned
before the refrigerating unit 4.
[0060] The refrigerating unit 4 has an evaporator 7 for providing an initial removal of
fluid from the intake airflow A, thereby producing a first process airflow B. A refrigerating
agent 8 cycles from the evaporator 7 to the compressor unit 9, which includes a motor
M2 (as seen only in fig. 1) for driving the compressor, to the condenser 10, to the
expansion valve 11, and back to the evaporator 7 to complete a refrigerating cycle.
[0061] The drying apparatus 1 has a first frequency transformer 12 for regulating the performance
of the fan 3, and a second frequency transformer 13 for regulating the performance
of the compressor 9.
[0062] The drying apparatus 1 further has a second means 14 for transporting air, which
second means 14 provides removal of heat from the refrigerating agent 8 in the condenser
10 by removing air from the condenser 10.
[0063] In the preferred embodiments shown in fig. 1 and 2 the drying apparatus 1 also has
a generator 15 that provides electrical energy to the compressor 9, the dehumidifier
6, the fan 3, the second means 14, and the fan 5 as indicated by the arrowed connection
lines 16a, 16b, and 16c.
[0064] Fig. 3 shows a second preferred embodiment of the drying apparatus 1 corresponding
to the first embodiment shown in figs. 1 and 2, except that it also has a third frequency
transformer 17 for regulating the performance of the second means 14.
[0065] Fig. 4 shows the structure of a preferred embodiment of a dehumidifier 6 for use
in the apparatus 1 according to the present invention, and especially the sorption
rotor 18 and the fourth means 19 for transporting air. The sorption rotor 18 has a
dehumidification zone 20, a regeneration zone 21, and a cooling zone 22. The first
process airflow B enters the dehumidification zone 20 and the second process airflow
C exits the dehumidification zone 20. The rotation of the sorption rotor 18 is indicated
by the arrow G, which shows that each part of the sorption rotor 18 is rotated in
a cycle from the dehumidification zone 20 into the regeneration zone 21 followed by
the cooling zone 22, and back to the dehumidification zone 20 to complete the cycle.
[0066] The fourth means 19 provides a heated airflow E that enters the regeneration zone
21 and exits the regeneration zone 21 as a humid containing airflow F.
[0067] The apparatus according to the present invention is primarily used for drying pipelines,
oil pipes, fuel tanks, and reservoirs, but is not limited to these applications as
it could also be used for drying other kinds of objects, including flat object.
[0068] The apparatus according to the present invention utilises in particular the fact
that humidity in a hollow object can be removed by providing an airflow through the
hollow object, where the humidity of the air in the provided airflow is lower than
the humidity of the air original present in the hollow object. The initial removal
of fluid in the refrigerating unit is based on the principle that fluid, such as humidity,
condenses when the temperature is decreased.
[0069] In addition to the amount of intake air passing through the drying apparatus, an
effective drying is also dependent on a sufficient low and stabile temperature of
the first process airflow, which subsequent enters the dehumidifier. This is advantageously
obtained by means of the second frequency transformer, which regulates the performance
of the refrigerating unit depending on data representing e.g. the humidity of the
first process airflow, so that the performance of the refrigerating unit at all time
is adjusted to the present situation.
1. A drying apparatus (1) for drying a pipeline, said apparatus (1) comprises:
- a first means (3) for transporting an intake airflow (A) through the apparatus (1)
for drying of the pipeline,
- a refrigerating unit (4) for initial removal of moisture from the intake airflow
(A), thereby defining a first process airflow B,
- a dehumidifier (6) for further removal of moisture from the first process airflow
(B) to produce a second process airflow (C) having a reduced moisture content, the
dehumidifier being arranged for providing a dew point of the second process airflow
(C) of about -30 °C, or lower,
- a first frequency transformer (12) for regulating the amount of intake airflow (A)
by adjusting the performance of said first means (3), and
- a second frequency transformer (13) for regulating the performance of the refrigerating
unit (4), the regulation by the second frequency transformer (13) being based on data
that is representative of the humidity and/or the temperature of the first process
airflow.
2. A drying apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the refrigerating unit (4) is a vapour compression refrigeration system of the kind
comprising one or more of an evaporator (7), a compressor (9), an expansion valve
(11), a refrigerating agent (8), and a condenser (10).
3. A drying apparatus (1) according to claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the regulation by the first frequency transformer (12) is based on one or more data
selected from the group comprising the pressure of the output airflow from the drying
apparatus, the temperature, of the output airflow from the drying apparatus, the dew
point of the second process airflow, and the amount of intake airflow.
4. A drying apparatus (1) according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the second frequency transformer (13) regulates the pressure of the refrigerating
agent (8) in the evaporator (7) by controlling the performance of the compressor (9),
where the regulation is based on data representing the humidity and/or the temperature
of the first process airflow.
5. A drying apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the temperature of the first process airflow (B) from the refrigerating unit (4)
is between 0 °C and 12 °C, more preferably between 1 °C and 8 °C, and most preferably
between 2 °C and 4 °C.
6. A drying apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims 2 - 5, characterized in that the drying apparatus (1) further comprises a second means (14) for transporting air
that removes heat from the refrigerating agent (8) in the condenser (10), where the
performance of the second means (14) is regulated by means of a third frequency transformer
(17).
7. A drying apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 6, characterized in that a third means (3) for transporting air is arranged between the refrigerating unit
(4) and the dehumidifier (6).
8. A drying apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the performance of the first means (3) for transporting air is between 800 m3 per hour and 10000 m3 per hour, more preferably between 1500 m3 per hour and 8000 m3 per hour, and most preferably between 2000 m3 per hour and 6000 m3 per hour.
9. A drying apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 8, characterized in that the first means (3) for transporting air provides a maximum differential pressure
of 0,01 bar to 7 bar, more preferably 0,02 bar to 3 bar, and most preferably 0,03
bar to 1,3 bar between the outlet and the inlet of the first means (3) for transporting
air.
10. A drying apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 9, characterized in that the drying apparatus (1) further comprises a generator (15).
11. A drying apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 10, characterized in that the drying apparatus (1) is integrated in a single compartment, more preferably a
mobile single compartment, and most preferably a freight container.
12. A method for drying a pipeline using the drying apparatus (1) according to any of
the preceding claims 1 - 11, wherein the method comprises the step of:
- establishing a fluid communication between the drying apparatus (1) and the pipeline
for providing dried air to the pipeline,
- continuous regulation of the performance of the first means (3) for transporting
air by means of the first frequency transformer (12), and
- continuous regulation of the performance of the refrigerating unit (4) by means
of the second frequency transformer (13).
13. A method according to claim 12,
characterized in that the method further comprises the step of
- continuous regulation of the operating performance of the second means (14) for
transporting air by means of the third frequency transformer (17).
14. A method according to any of the preceding claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the method further comprises the step of predrying the pipeline prior to or in conjunction
with using the apparatus (1).
1. Eine Trockenvorrichtung (1) zum Trocknen einer Rohrleitung mit:
- einem ersten Mittel (3) zum Fördern eines Einlassluftstroms (A) durch die Vorrichtung
zum Trocknen der Rohrleitung,
- einer Kühleinheit (4) zum anfänglichen Entfernen vom Dampf aus dem Einlassluftstrom
(A), wodurch ein erster Prozessluftstrom (B) definiert wird,
- einem Entfeuchter (6) zum weiteren Entfernen von Dampf aus dem ersten Prozessluftstroms
(B) zum Erzeugen eines zweiten Prozessluftstroms (C), dessen Dampfgehalt geringer
ist, wobei der Entfeuchter dazu verwendet wird, einen Taupunkt des zweiten Prozessluftstroms
(C) von etwa -30 °C oder tiefer zu schaffen,
- einem ersten Frequenzwandler (12) zum Regulieren des Betrags des Einlassluftstroms
(8) durch Justieren der Leistung des ersten Mittels (3) und
- einem zweiten Frequenzwandler (13) zum Regulieren der Leistung der Kühleinheit (4),
wobei die Regulierung des zweiten Frequenzwandlers (13) auf Daten basiert, die für
die Feuchtigkeit und/oder die Temperatur des ersten Prozessluftstroms repräsentativ
sind.
2. Eine Trockenvorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kühleinheit (4) ein Dampfkompressinonskühlsystem von der Art mit einem oder mehreren
Verdampfern (7), einem Verdichter (9), einem Expansionsventil (11), einem Kühlmittel
(8) und einem Kondensor (10) ist.
3. Eine Trockenvorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Regulation durch den ersten Frequenzwandler (12) auf einem oder mehreren Daten
ausgehend aus der Gruppe bestehend aus dem Druck des Ausgangs des Auslassluftstroms
aus der Trockenvorrichtung, die Temperatur des Ausgangsluftstroms aus der Trockenvorrichtung,
dem Taupunkt des zweiten Prozessluftstroms und der Menge des Einlassluftstroms basiert.
4. Eine Trockenvorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der zweite Frequenzwandler (13) den Druck des Kühlmittels (8) in dem Verdampfer (7)
durch Steuern der Leistung des Kompressors (9) regelt, wobei die Regulation auf Daten
basiert, die die Feuchtigkeit oder die Temperatur des ersten Prozessluftstroms repräsentieren.
5. Eine Trockenvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1 - 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Temperatur des ersten Prozessluftstroms (B) aus der Kühleinheit (4) zwischen
0 °C und 12 °C liegt, besonders bevorzugt zwischen 1 °C und 8 °C, ganz besonders bevorzugt
zwischen 2 °C und 4 °C.
6. Eine Trockenvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 2 - 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Trockenvorrichtung (1) weiter ein zweites Mittel (14) zum Transportieren von
Luft aufweist, die Wärme von dem Kühlmittel (8) in dem Kondensor (10) abführt, wobei
die Leistung des zweiten Mittels (14) mittels eines dritten Frequenzwandlers (17)
geregelt wird.
7. Eine Trockenvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1 - 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein drittes Mittel (3) zum Fördern von Luft zwischen der Kühleinheit (4) und dem
Entfeuchter (6) angeordnet ist.
8. Eine Trockenvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1 - 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Leistung des ersten Mittels zum Transportieren von Luft zwischen 800 m3 pro Stunde und 10.000 m3 pro Stunde beträgt, bevorzugt zwischen 1.500 m3 pro Stunde und 8.000 m3 pro Stunde und besonders bevorzugt zwischen 2.000 m3 pro Stunde und 6.000 m3 pro Stunde.
9. Eine Trockenvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1 - 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Mittel (3) zum Fördern von Luft einen maximalen Differenzdruck von 0,01
bar bis 7 bar, bevorzugt 0,02 bar bis 3 bar und besonders bevorzugt 0,03 bar bis 1,3
bar zwischen dem Auslass und dem Einlass des ersten Mittels (3) zum Fördern der Luft
erzeugt.
10. Eine Trockenvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1 - 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Trockenvorrichtung (1) weiter einen Generator (15) aufweist.
11. Eine Trockenvorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1 - 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Trockenvorrichtung (1) in einer einzigen Kammer integriert ist, vorzugsweise
einer transportablen einzigen Kammer und besonders bevorzugt einem Frachtcontainer.
12. Ein Verfahren zum Trocknen einer Rohrleitung unter Verwendung einer Trockenvorrichtung
(1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 1 - 11, wobei, mit den folgenden Schritten:
- Bewirken einer fluidischen Kommunikation zwischen der Trockenvorrichtung (1) und
der Rohrleitung zum Liefern getrockneter Luft zu der Rohrleitung (1),
- kontinuierliches Regeln der Leistung des ersten Mittels (3) zum Fördern von Luft
mittels des ersten Frequenzwandlers (12) und
- kontinuierliches Regeln der Leistung der Kühleinheit (4) mittels des zweiten Frequenzwandlers
(13).
13. Ein Verfahren nach Anspruch 12,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verfahren weiter die folgenden Schritte aufweist:
- kontinuierliches Regeln der Arbeitsleistung des zweiten Mittels (14) zum Transportieren
von Luft mittels des dritten Frequenzwandlers (17).
14. Ein Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche 12 oder 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verfahren weiter den Schritt des Vortrocknens der Rohrleitung vor oder in Verbindung
mit der Verwendung der Vorrichtung (1) aufweist.
1. Appareil de séchage (1) pour sécher une canalisation, ledit appareil (1) comprenant
:
- un premier moyen (3) pour transporter un écoulement d'air d'aspiration (A) à travers
l'appareil (1) pour sécher la canalisation ;
- une unité de réfrigération (4) pour l'élimination initiale d'humidité à partir de
l'écoulement d'air d'aspiration (A), pour ainsi définir un premier écoulement d'air
de processus (B) ;
- un déshumidificateur (6) pour l'élimination ultérieure d'humidité à partir du premier
écoulement d'air de processus (B) pour obtenir un deuxième écoulement d'air de processus
(C) possédant une teneur réduite en humidité, le déshumidificateur étant arrangé pour
obtenir un point de rosée du deuxième écoulement d'air de processus (C) d'environ
-30 °C ou moins ;
- un premier transformateur de fréquence (12) pour réguler la quantité de l'écoulement
d'air d'aspiration (A) en réglant la performance du premier moyen (3) ; et
- un deuxième transformateur de fréquence (13) pour réguler la performance de l'unité
de réfrigération (4), la régulation via le deuxième transformateur de fréquence (13)
se basant sur des données qui sont représentatives de l'humidité et/ou de la température
du premier écoulement d'air de processus.
2. Appareil de séchage (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'unité de réfrigération (4) est un système de réfrigération par compression de vapeur
du type comprenant un ou plusieurs éléments choisis parmi le groupe comprenant un
évaporateur (7), un compresseur (9), un détendeur (11), un agent de réfrigération
(8) et un condenseur (10).
3. Appareil de séchage (1) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la régulation par le premier transformateur de fréquence (12) se base sur une ou
plusieurs données choisies parmi le groupe comprenant la pression de l'écoulement
d'air de sortie à partir de l'appareil de séchage, la température de l'écoulement
d'air de sortie à partir de l'appareil de séchage, le point de rosée du deuxième écoulement
d'air de processus et la quantité de l'écoulement d'air d'aspiration.
4. Appareil de séchage (1) selon la revendication 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que le deuxième transformateur de fréquence (13) régule la pression de l'agent de réfrigération
(8) dans l'évaporateur (7) en réglant la performance du compresseur (9), la régulation
se basant sur des données qui représentent l'humidité et/ou la température du premier
écoulement d'air de processus.
5. Appareil de séchage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à
4, caractérisé en ce que la température du premier écoulement d'air de processus (B) à partir de l'unité de
réfrigération (4) se situe entre 0 °C et 12 °C, de manière plus préférée entre 1 °C
et 8 °C, et de manière de loin préférée entre 2 °C et 4 °C.
6. Appareil de séchage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 2 à
5, caractérisé en ce que l'appareil de séchage (1) comprend en outre un deuxième moyen (14) pour transporter
de l'air qui élimine la chaleur à partir de l'agent de réfrigération (8) dans le condenseur
(10), la performance du deuxième moyen (14) étant régulée au moyen d'un troisième
transformateur de fréquence (17).
7. Appareil de séchage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à
6, caractérisé en ce qu'un troisième moyen (3) pour transporter de l'air est monté entre l'unité de réfrigération
(4) et le déshumidificateur (6).
8. Appareil de séchage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à
7, caractérisé en ce que la performance du premier moyen (3) pour transporter de l'air se situe entre 800
m3 par heure et 10.000 m3 par heure, de manière plus préférée entre 1.500 m3 par heure et 8.000 m3 par heure, et de manière de loin préférée entre 2.000 m3 par heure et 6.000 m3 par heure,
9. Appareil de séchage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à
8, caractérisé en ce que le premier moyen (3) pour transporter de l'air fournit une pression différentielle
maximale de 0,01 bar à 7 bar, de manière plus préférée de 0,02 bar à 3 bar, et de
manière de loin préférée de 0,03 bar à 1,3 bar entre la sortie et l'entrée du premier
moyen (3) pour transporter de l'air.
10. Appareil de séchage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à
9, caractérisé en ce que l'appareil de séchage (1) comprend en outre un générateur (15).
11. Appareil de séchage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à
10, caractérisé en ce que l'appareil de séchage (1) est intégré dans un seul compartiment, de manière plus
préférée un seul compartiment mobile, et de manière de loin préférée, un conteneur
de fret.
12. Procédé pour sécher une canalisation en utilisant l'appareil de séchage (1) selon
l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, dans lequel le procédé comprend les étapes
consistant à :
- établir une communication par fluide entre l'appareil de séchage (1) et la canalisation
pour fournir de l'air séché à la canalisation ;
- réguler en continu la performance du premier moyen (3) pour transporter de l'air
au moyen du premier transformateur de fréquence (12) ; et
- réguler en continu la performance de l'unité de réfrigération (4) au moyen du deuxième
transformateur de fréquence (13).
13. Procédé selon la revendication 12,
caractérisé en ce que le procédé comprend en outre l'étape consistant à :
- réguler en continu la performance de fonctionnement du deuxième moyen (14) pour
transporter de l'air au moyen du troisième transformateur de fréquence (17).
14. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 12 ou 13, caractérisé en ce que le procédé comprend en outre l'étape consistant à soumettre la canalisation à un
séchage préalable avant ou conjointement à l'utilisation de l'appareil (1).