Rotary compressor and method

Abstract

An aspect of the present disclosure involves a rotary compressor that is primarily optimized for use without the need for liquid lubricants, such as in the flow path of the fluid being compressed, and is efficient and quiet to use. The compressors described herein are efficient, run quietly, use less power, and last longer than those previously known in the art. The compressors are useful for medical applications and other clean gas applications, for instance, where lubricants could contaminate the fluid being compressed and / or increased noise and / or vibration may be problematic.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 241,331, entitled “Rotary Compressor and Method,” filed Sep. 10, 2009. Priority of the filing date of Sep. 10, 2009, is hereby claimed, and the disclosure of the provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.[0002]The technology presented herein relates to rotary compressors.[0003]U.S. Pat. No. 993,530 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,313,387 disclose rotary compressors. Compressors configured in this manner are commonly used as vacuum pumps and as refrigeration compressors. Liquid lubricants perform several functions within a compressor. Lubricants reduce the friction between contacting components that are in relative motion with respect to one another. This reduces frictional heating and wear. For instance, surrounding the compression space of a compressor small leakage paths exist between adjacent parts that allow compressed gas at a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]An aspect of the present disclosure involves a rotary compressor that is primarily optimized for use without the need for liquid lubricants, such as in the flow path of the fluid being compressed. The compressors described herein are efficient, run quietly, use less power, and last longer than those previously known in the art. The compressors are useful for medical applications and other clean gas applications, for instance, where lubricants could contaminate the fluid being compressed and / or increased noise and / or vibration may be problematic. A specific example being medical respiratory applications, such as, pressure-swing-absorption and vacuum-pressure-swing-absorption oxygen concentrators. The usefulness of the compressors described herein is not limited to traditional clean gas applications. For example, the lubricating oil used in refrigeration compressors coats the inside surfaces of the heat exchangers in the refrigeration system. This reduces the effectiveness of the heat exchangers, which results in a decrease in system efficiency. Use of the disclosed compressor technology in refrigeration systems could improve the efficiency of these systems.

[0013]In certain instances, a rotary compressor of the disclosure does not have a fluid lubricant other than the process fluid within contact of the chamber. For instance, for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of compressor function.

Problems solved by technology

The compressors are useful for medical applications and other clean gas applications, for instance, where lubricants could contaminate the fluid being compressed and / or increased noise and / or vibration may be problematic.

This reduces the effectiveness of the heat exchangers, which results in a decrease in system efficiency.

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