Compressor System and Method of Lubricating the Compressor System

Abstract

A compressor system comprising a compressor (e.g., rotary screw compressor) a gearbox and a lubrication system for providing lubrication to the compressor and the gearbox is disclosed. The compressor and the gearbox are provided in operational association with one another within a compressor housing. The compressor system further comprises a gear pump for lubricating the gearbox and a compressor oil circuit for lubricating the compressor from a lubricant source within the lubrication system. The lubrication system further includes at least two lubricant feeds, with one feed connecting the gear pump and one feed connecting the compressor oil circuit. Upon activation of the gear pump and / or the compressor oil circuit, lubricant from the lubricant source is encouraged to flow through the associated lubricant feed for distribution to the associated portion of the compressor system. An additional connection line connecting the gear pump and the compressor oil circuit is provided to continuously provide lubrication to associated portions upon the gear pump or the lubricant feed connecting the compressor oil circuit becomes inoperative.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 989,527 filed Nov. 21, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to compressors and compressor components, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for providing lubrication to such compressors and compressor components. In one aspect, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing lubrication to compressors having internal gearboxes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Compressors are used, for example, in compression systems (e.g., refrigeration systems) to compress gas, such as “halocarbon”, ammonia, natural gas, or the like. Typically, compressors employ a wide variety of components in operational association with one another. When the compressor is operated, many of these components contact each other such that surfaces of the components rub, an...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

When the compressor is operated, many of these components contact each other such that surfaces of the components rub, and / or wear against each other.

If the components are not adequately lubricated, numerous undesirable conditions can be encountered.

For example, shifting, sliding, abrading, of rotating components, as well as other components that are in “intimate” contact with each other, can subject such components to wear and tear due to friction.

As such, without adequate lubrication, friction tends to inhibit, or potentially prevent altogether, relative movement of the components.

Abrasion of non-lubricated, or sparsely lubricated, components in intimate engagement or contact can cause surfaces of the components to become scored, pitted, gouged, or otherwise damaged.

Although sufficient in many respects, such pumps may not be adequate in at least some circumstances.

For example, in the event of a pump becoming inoperative, the flow of lubricant to the portions of the compressor system lubricated by that pump is obstructed.

Additionally, if unobserved, substantial damage to certain compressor components can potentially occur and can thus affect the overall functioning of the compressor system.

Images