Patent FR-2815273-A1 (FR)
Title: Adsorbent cartridge, for use in vapor exhaust channel, e.g. for rolling stock cistern, monitors presence of volatile organic matter for automatic heat regeneration and flushing action
Inventor: LAC JEAN PIERRE
IPC: B01J20/34
Filed: 2000-10-13
Abstract: To desorb an adsorbent cartridge (1) in an exhaust channel in an exhaust extraction channel (I), especially of active carbon fibers which can be regenerated by Joule effects, the cartridge is isolated from the cistern (2) and the ambient atmosphere by closing the channel valves, with a check that the cartridge is under a vacuum. The cartridge is flushed with a hot non-inflammable liquid to render the cartridge inert and to desorb organic volatile molecules which have been adsorbed, with a heat control of all or nothing. The vapor flow from the cartridge is cooled to condense the molecules to be held in a bottle, and the clean vapor is released. After a set flushing time duration, the hot liquid flow is stopped, the cartridge heating is cut, and the valves are opened to link the cartridge again to the cistern and the ambient atmosphere.  To desorb an adsorbent cartridge, the cleaned vapor flow is passed through a safety cartridge (14) before release into the atmosphere. The hot liquid flow is a carbon anhydride. When the cartridge is in use, the vapor flow into the atmosphere is monitored constantly for the presence of volatile organic components, and the cleaning action is triggered automatically if their level breaches a given threshold. Before the valves (6,7) are opened, the cartridge is flushed with cold air. An Independent claim is included for an exhaust channel assembly with an adsorbent cartridge in the exhaust channel between a cistern and the ambient atmosphere. The two valves (6,7) flank the adsorbent cartridge, to close the exhaust channel. A sensor (5) constantly monitors the flow, to detect the presence of volatile organic matter in the exhaust gas flow to the ambient atmosphere. The cartridge flushing circuit (II) has a bottle of non-flammable liquid, and especially carbon anhydride and is linked to the atmosphere. The flushing circuit has a closure valve (10) directly downstream of the bottle. A heater (11) raises the temperature of the gas penetrating the cartridge, and a cooler (12) chills the gas flow leaving the cartridge. A bottle (13) collects the condensation from the cooling unit. Preferred Features: The flushing circuit has a safety cartridge, downstream of the bottle, to collect the condensation. The heating and cooling units are heat exchangers, preferably in a plate structure. The heat control circuit (III), for the heating and cooling actions, has a compressed air bottle (15) and is linked to the atmosphere. The circuit has a barrier valve (18) directly downstream of the compressed air bottle. A three-way vortex (19), to generate a turbulence, has an inlet (20) and two opposing outlets at right angles with a hot outlet (21) from the heater and a cold outlet (22) from the cooler. A cooling channel (IV) is linked to the vortex cold outlet and is upstream of the cartridge and downstream of the heater, and is fitted with a barrier valve (25). The adsorbent cartridge has a thermal sensor (23) and a pressure monitor (24). The sensors and monitors are linked to a control (26) which, according to the signals, opens and closes the valves automatically.