Patent ID: 6070339
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: B01D,B60T

Abstract:
A control system for a membrane gas dryer of the type having an inlet end for receiving moisture laden gas ultimately from a compressor, an outlet end for discharging dried gas to a pneumatic component and a drain port for expelling permeate sweep gas inclusive of permeate water vapor from said gas dryer, said control system comprising:(a) a purge valve for said control system, connected to said drain port of said gas dryer, capable of being closed so as to prevent said permeate sweep gas from exhausting into the atmosphere via said drain port; and(b) a means for controlling said purge valve for said control system such that (i) when said compressor is unloaded, said means for controlling closes said purge valve and thereby prevents said permeate sweep gas from exhausting into the atmosphere and (ii) when said compressor is loaded, said means for controlling opens said purge valve thereby allowing said permeate sweep gas to exhaust into the atmosphere via said drain port of said gas dryer.