Including a system for cooling devices used to enclose the machine within a pressurized housing.

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system comprising: a pressure housing defining an enclosure for at least one machine; a cooling device including: a cooling jacket located inside the pressure housing; and at least one removable sealing element between the cooling jacket and either a cooling medium inlet pipe or a cooling medium outlet pipe located outside the pressure housing, wherein the removable sealing element includes an inner cylindrical member and an outer cylindrical member extending coaxially through the pressure housing and includes a flange attached to the pressure housing to retain the cylindrical member, the inner cylindrical member for circulating the cooling medium between the cooling jacket and either the cooling medium inlet pipe or the cooling medium outlet pipe, and the removable sealing element including a cooling medium sealing barrier and a gas sealing barrier, the cooling medium sealing barrier including a seal located between the inner cylindrical member and the cooling jacket, and the gas sealing barrier including a seal located between the outer cylindrical member and the cooling jacket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to machines enclosed in a pressurized housing.

[0002] Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a cooling device for a machine enclosed in a pressurized housing, and more specifically to a removable sealing element of the cooling device for circulating a cooling medium through the pressurized housing.

[0003] It is worth noting that integrated electric motor-compressor units are known, in which both the electric motor and the compressor are hermetically enclosed in a cylindrical housing.

[0004] When integrating a cooling device into such a configuration, certain safety precautions are necessary to address the pressure difference between the cooling medium (e.g., water) and the pressurized gas inside the casing. It is worth noting that pressurized gas tends to move towards the lower-pressure cooling medium, and this mixing can expose the cooling system to a potential overpressure risk.

[0005] Related technical descriptions

[0006] Typical integration involves welding the cooling unit into the interior of the pressurized housing.

[0007] However, manufacturing is complex, and the location of the weld points poses accessibility issues. Furthermore, welding on a cast iron casing is difficult.

[0008] Another commonly used solution places the O-ring between the cooling jacket and the housing. While simple, this method requires frequent and complex maintenance to replace the fitting, involving a complete disassembly of the system. Furthermore, potential damage to the O-ring during assembly will only be identified after full assembly, requiring another complete disassembly of the system.

[0009] It is necessary to avoid at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages, particularly by preventing the mixing between the cooling medium circuit and the pressurized gas inside the casing. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect, a system is proposed that includes a pressurized housing and a cooling device. The pressurized housing defines an enclosure for at least one machine.

[0011] The cooling device includes:

[0012] Cooling jacket located inside the pressurized housing;

[0013] At least one removable sealing element between the cooling jacket and the cooling medium inlet pipe or cooling medium outlet pipe located outside the pressurized housing.

[0014] The removable sealing element includes an inner cylindrical member and an outer cylindrical member extending coaxially through the pressure housing, and includes a flange attached to the pressure housing to retain the cylindrical member.

[0015] The inner cylindrical component is used to circulate the cooling medium between the cooling jacket and the cooling medium inlet pipe or cooling medium outlet pipe.

[0016] The removable sealing element includes a cooling medium sealing barrier and a gas sealing barrier. The cooling medium sealing barrier includes a sealing device located between the inner cylindrical member and the cooling jacket, and the gas sealing barrier includes a sealing device located between the outer cylindrical member and the cooling jacket.

[0017] Preferably, the inner cylindrical member and the outer cylindrical member are separated from each other to form a gap that connects to a vent leading to the outside of the pressurized housing.

[0018] Advantageously, the removable sealing element may include an adapter located between the pressure housing and the flange, and retaining the inner and outer cylindrical parts.

[0019] Advantageously, the vent can be located in the adapter.

[0020] Preferably, the gas sealing barrier further includes a sealing device located between the outer cylindrical member and the pressurized housing.

[0021] Preferably, the cooling medium sealing barrier further includes an additional sealing device located between the inner cylinder and the adapter, or, if the removable sealing element does not include the adapter, between the inner cylinder and the flange. Alternatively, the additional sealing device may be located between the inner cylinder and the pressure housing.

[0022] Advantageously, the cooling device includes:

[0023] A first removable sealing element is used to circulate the cooling medium between the cooling jacket and the cooling medium inlet pipe located outside the pressurized housing.

[0024] A second removable sealing element is used to circulate the cooling medium between the cooling jacket and the cooling medium outlet pipe located outside the pressurized housing.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the cooling jacket and the inner cylindrical member are attached by complementary threads to form a cooling medium sealing barrier between the inner cylindrical member and the cooling jacket.

[0026] Advantageously, the cooling jacket may include two separate upper and lower sections that surround the cooling circuit and are welded to each other at their ends.

[0027] According to the alternative implementation, the cooling jacket is manufactured by additive manufacturing.

[0028] According to another alternative implementation, the cooling jacket is manufactured by a casting process.

[0029] In addition, the pressurized housing may enclose at least one of the following machines: turbine, generator, compressor, and electric drive. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description of the embodiments (in no way limiting) and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] [ Figure 1 [This refers to an embodiment of the system according to the invention, which includes a cooling device for a machine housed in a pressurized housing;]

[0032] [ Figure 2 [Illustration 1] is a detailed view of a removable sealing element according to an embodiment of the present invention, including an adapter;

[0033] [ Figure 3 [This is a detailed view of a removable sealing element according to another embodiment of the present invention;]

[0034] [ Figure 4 [This is a detailed view of a removable sealing element according to another embodiment of the invention, including a threaded seal; and]

[0035] [ Figure 5 [This refers to another embodiment of the system according to the invention, which includes a cooling device for housing a machine within a pressurized housing, and includes a channel for a power supply cable.] Detailed Implementation

[0036] The embodiments described herein disclose an arrangement of a compressor cooling system including at least one removable sealing element for circulating a cooling medium in a cooling device extending between the interior and exterior of a pressurized housing.

[0037] The removable sealing element includes at least one cooling medium sealing barrier and a gas sealing barrier to prevent mixing between the cooling medium flowing in the cooling circuit and the gas contained in the pressurized housing.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 This represents an implementation of system 1. The system includes a pressurized housing 2 and a cooling device 4. The pressurized housing defines an enclosure for at least one machine 3.

[0039] In the example shown, machine 3 is an electric motor compressor unit. However, the pressurized housing encloses at least one of the following machines: a turbine, a generator, a compressor, and an electric drive.

[0040] The pressurized housing 2 extends around the central axis A, which coincides with the rotation axis of the electric motor compressor unit.

[0041] The cooling device 4 includes a cooling jacket 5 located inside the pressurized housing 2, which preferably abuts against the inner surface of the pressurized housing 2.

[0042] As an example, the cooling jacket 5 shown includes two separate upper and lower parts, 5a and 5b, which surround the cooling circuit 6. The upper part 5a and the lower part 5b are welded to their ends by welding points 7 and 8.

[0043] According to alternative implementations, the cooling jacket 5 can be manufactured by additive manufacturing or by casting.

[0044] The cooling circuit 6 can be extended as a coil within the cooling jacket 5.

[0045] Additionally, in the example shown, the cooling medium is water.

[0046] The cooling device 4 also includes at least one removable sealing element between the cooling jacket 5 and the cooling medium inlet pipe or cooling medium outlet pipe located outside the pressurized housing 2.

[0047] Preferably, the cooling device 4 includes two removable sealing elements, a first removable sealing element 9a for circulating the cooling medium between the cooling jacket 5 and the cooling medium inlet pipe 10, and a second removable sealing element 9b for circulating the cooling medium between the cooling jacket 5 and the cooling medium outlet pipe 11.

[0048] Therefore, the cooling medium from the cooling medium inlet pipe 10 can penetrate the pressurized housing 2 through the first removable sealing element 9a, circulate within the cooling jacket 5, and then exit the pressurized housing 2 through the second removable sealing element 9b toward the cooling medium outlet pipe 11.

[0049] Each removable sealing element includes an inner cylindrical member and an outer cylindrical member, 12 and 13, extending coaxially through the pressurized housing 2. The inner and outer cylindrical members extend within openings (14 and 15, respectively) provided for this purpose to the removable sealing element.

[0050] In another embodiment, the inner cylindrical member 12 and the outer cylindrical member 13 may also be combined into a single element. In this case, an vent hole is drilled between the seals.

[0051] The inner cylindrical part 12 is used to circulate the cooling medium between the cooling jacket 5 and the cooling medium inlet pipe 10 or the cooling medium outlet pipe 11.

[0052] Advantageously, for safety precautions, the inner cylindrical member 12 and the outer cylindrical member 13 are separated from each other to form a gap 16, which connects to a vent 17 leading to the outside of the pressurized housing 2. Figure 2 (See image). In the event of a leak through vent 17, it is possible to quickly identify whether the sealing element is malfunctioning.

[0053] Flange 18 is attached to the pressure housing 2 to hold the cylindrical component. For example, flange 18 can be attached by screws. An opening is provided through flange 18 for circulating the cooling medium between the removable sealing element and the cooling medium inlet pipe 10 or the cooling medium outlet pipe 11.

[0054] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiment of the removable sealing element shown includes an adapter 19. The adapter 19 is an intermediate piece located between the pressure housing 2 and the flange 18, and holds the inner cylinder 12 and the outer cylinder 13 within the pressure housing 2. As an example, the flange 18 can be attached to the pressure housing 2 by a screw passing through the adapter 19.

[0055] As shown in the figure, the vent 17 can be located in the adapter 19.

[0056] according to Figure 3 In the alternative embodiment shown, flange 18 can be configured to replace adapter 19. In this case, flange 18 may include a vent 17. Figure 3 As shown, the upper diameter of the inner cylindrical member 12 can be advantageously used to mate with the flange 18.

[0057] In addition, each removable sealing element includes a cooling medium sealing barrier, which includes a sealing device 20 located between the inner cylinder 12 and the cooling jacket 5, thereby preventing the cooling medium from leaking from the cooling circuit 6 to the outside of the inner cylinder 12.

[0058] Each removable sealing element also includes a gas sealing barrier, which includes a sealing device 21 located between the outer cylinder 13 and the cooling jacket 5, thereby preventing gas from leaking from the pressurized housing 2 into the interior of the outer cylinder 13.

[0059] In the example shown in the attached figures, the sealing device for the cooling medium sealing barrier and the gas sealing barrier includes a gasket, preferably an O-ring.

[0060] This forms a double-sealed barrier to prevent the cooling medium and gas from mixing.

[0061] The gas sealing barrier also includes a sealing device 22, preferably located between the outer cylindrical member 13 and the pressurized housing 2.

[0062] The cooling medium sealing barrier of each removable sealing element in the illustrated embodiment also includes an additional sealing device 23 located between the inner cylindrical member 12 and the adapter 19, such as... Figure 2 As shown. This additional sealing device 23 can also be located between the inner cylindrical member 12 and the flange 18, as... Figure 3 As shown, or if the removable sealing elements 9a, 9b do not include the adapter 19, they are located between the inner cylindrical member 12 and the pressure housing 2 (not shown here).

[0063] Each sealing device in the cooling medium sealing barrier is located at one end of the inner cylindrical member 12, and each sealing device in the gas sealing barrier is located at one end of the outer cylindrical member 13.

[0064] The inner cylindrical member 12 may include an upper edge 24 that mates with the adapter 19 or the flange 18 (if the adapter 19 is not provided) to be well positioned and well aligned within the openings 14, 15 of the pressurized housing 2.

[0065] Now refer to Figure 4 It depicts another embodiment of a cooling medium sealing barrier, in which the cooling jacket 5 and the inner cylindrical member 12 are attached by complementary threads to form a sealing device 20 for the cooling medium sealing barrier between the inner cylindrical member 12 and the cooling jacket 5. The sealing device may be, for example, a gas thread or an NPT thread (“National Pipe Thread”).

[0066] In addition, the pressurized housing 2 of system 1 may also be provided with an opening 25 for a passage of the power supply cable from machine 3 to terminal box 26, such as Figure 5 As can be seen in the text.

[0067] In this embodiment, the cooling jacket 5 is advantageously provided with a channel 27.

[0068] To protect the power cable from the gas, an outer cylindrical member 13 and, for example, an adapter 19 can be inserted into the opening 25 of the pressurized housing 2.

[0069] For reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 An operating cycle of system 1 will be described below. In operation, the cooling medium from the cooling medium inlet pipe 10 can penetrate the interior of the pressurized housing 2 through the inner cylindrical member 12 of the first removable sealing element 9a, and circulate through the cooling circuit 6 of the cooling jacket 5 to cool the motor compressor unit 3.

[0070] The first removable sealing element includes a cooling medium sealing barrier, which includes a sealing device 20 located between the inner cylindrical member 12 and the cooling jacket 5. Additionally, the gas sealing barrier includes a sealing device 21 located between the outer cylindrical member 13 (extending coaxially with the inner cylindrical member 12) and the cooling jacket 5.

[0071] The system’s cooling medium sealing barrier and gas sealing barrier prevent overpressure risks by preventing the mixing of gas and cooling medium.

[0072] In a similar manner, the cooling medium can flow back towards the outside of the pressurized housing 2 through the cooling medium outlet pipe 11 and circulate through the second removable sealing element 9b.

[0073] The removable sealing element design allows for quick and easy maintenance.

Claims

1. A system comprising: A pressurized housing (2), the pressurized housing defining an enclosure for at least one machine (3); Cooling device (4), the cooling device comprising: Cooling jacket (5), the cooling jacket being located inside the pressurized housing (2); At least one removable sealing element is provided between the cooling jacket (5) and a cooling medium inlet pipe or cooling medium outlet pipe located outside the pressurized housing (2). The removable sealing element comprises an inner cylindrical member and an outer cylindrical member extending coaxially through the pressure housing (2) and includes a flange (18) attached to the pressure housing (2) to retain the cylindrical member. The inner cylindrical component (12) is used to circulate the cooling medium between the cooling jacket (5) and the cooling medium inlet pipe or the cooling medium outlet pipe. The removable sealing element includes a cooling medium sealing barrier and a gas sealing barrier. The cooling medium sealing barrier includes a sealing device (20) located between the inner cylindrical member (12) and the cooling jacket (5). The gas sealing barrier includes a sealing device (21) located between the outer cylindrical member (13) and the cooling jacket (5).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the inner cylindrical member and the outer cylindrical member are separated from each other to form a gap (16), the gap being connected to a vent (17) leading to the outside of the pressurized housing (2).

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the removable sealing element includes an adapter (19) located between the pressure housing (2) and the flange (18) and holding the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the removable sealing element includes an adapter (19) located between the pressurized housing (2) and the flange (18) and holding the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and wherein the vent (17) is located in the adapter (19).

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the gas sealing barrier further comprises a sealing device (22) located between the outer cylindrical member (13) and the pressurized housing (2).

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the cooling medium sealing barrier further comprises an additional sealing device (23) located between the inner cylinder (12) and the adapter (19), or between the inner cylinder (12) and the pressurized housing (2), or between the inner cylinder (12) and the flange (18) if the removable sealing element does not include the adapter (19).

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the cooling device comprises: A first removable sealing element (9a) is used to circulate the cooling medium between the cooling jacket (5) and the cooling medium inlet pipe (10) located outside the pressurized housing (2), and A second removable sealing element (9b) is used to circulate the cooling medium between the cooling jacket (5) and the cooling medium outlet pipe (11) located outside the pressurized housing (2).

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the cooling jacket (5) and the inner cylindrical member (12) are attached by complementary threads to form a cooling medium sealing barrier between the inner cylindrical member (12) and the cooling jacket (5).

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the cooling jacket (5) comprises two separate upper and lower portions that surround the cooling circuit and are welded to their ends.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the cooling jacket (5) is manufactured by additive manufacturing and the cooling jacket surrounds the cooling circuit (6).

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the cooling jacket (5) is manufactured by a casting process and the cooling jacket surrounds the cooling circuit (6).

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the pressurized housing (2) surrounds at least one of the following machines (3): a turbine, a generator, a compressor, and an electric drive.

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