Automatic oil supplementing device of shale gas compressor
By automatically controlling the replenishment of lubricating oil through a liquid level sensor and control system, the problem of lubricating oil replenishment in shale gas compressors relying on manual operation has been solved, achieving efficient and precise lubricating oil management and ensuring the stable operation of the compressor.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520053550.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-09
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, lubricating oil replenishment for shale gas compressors relies on manual operation, which leads to low efficiency, time-consuming and labor-intensive processes, safety risks, and difficulty in accurately controlling the oil level.
The system uses a level sensor and control system to monitor oil level changes, automatically controls the start and stop of the oil replenishment pump to achieve automatic replenishment of lubricating oil, and optimizes oil quality through a filter pipeline and temperature control system to ensure accurate oil replenishment.
It enables automatic lubricant replenishment, reduces the labor intensity of operators, improves the accuracy and efficiency of lubrication replenishment, ensures stable operation of the compressor, and reduces the adverse effects caused by insufficient personnel.
Smart Images
Figure CN223483958U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of shale gas compressor technology, specifically to an automatic oil replenishment device for a shale gas compressor. Background Technology
[0002] In the shale gas extraction process, the compressor is an indispensable key piece of equipment. It is responsible for pressurizing the extracted shale gas for subsequent transportation and processing. During the operation of the shale gas compressor, lubricating oil is mainly used in key friction parts such as bearings, gears, and piston rings. By forming a lubricating film, it reduces friction and wear between components, thereby extending the service life of the equipment. At the same time, lubricating oil also has multiple functions such as cooling, sealing, rust prevention, and cleaning, ensuring the stable operation of the compressor under harsh conditions of high temperature and high pressure.
[0003] However, in real-world shale gas extraction scenarios, such as the Jiaozuo-Yeqi well sites, there are numerous operating compressor units, and each compressor requires regular lubrication. Due to the continuous operation of the compressors and the gradual consumption of lubricating oil, the frequency of oil replenishment is relatively high. In this situation, on-site operators face a shortage of manpower, making the oil replenishment work particularly arduous and time-consuming.
[0004] Traditional oil replenishment methods mostly rely on manual operation, which is not only inefficient but also poses safety risks. Operators need to frequently check the oil level in the tank and manually turn on the oil replenishment pump to replenish oil. This process is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also prone to inaccurate or excessive oil replenishment due to human factors, which in turn affects the normal operation of the compressor. Utility Model Content
[0005] The present invention aims to provide an automatic oil replenishment device for shale gas compressors to solve the technical problem that the oil replenishment work of on-site operators is arduous and time-consuming in the prior art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an automatic oil replenishment device for a shale gas compressor, comprising: an oil storage tank, an oil replenishment pump, and an elevated oil tank; the oil storage tank is used to provide oil to the compressor unit, and an oil outlet is provided near the bottom of the oil storage tank; the inlet of the oil replenishment pump is connected to the oil outlet of the oil storage tank through a first oil pipeline, and the outlet of the oil replenishment pump is connected to the oil inlet of the elevated oil tank through a second oil pipeline, and the oil outlet of the elevated oil tank is connected to the oil supply passage of the compressor unit;
[0007] The oil replenishment pump is connected to the control system via electrical signals to receive start or stop commands. High-level switches and low-level switches are installed in the elevated oil tank at preset maximum and minimum liquid levels, respectively. The high-level switches and low-level switches are connected to the control system via electrical signals to send oil replenishment request signals and oil replenishment stop signals to the control system.
[0008] The principle and advantages of this scheme are as follows: In practical application, monitoring points for the highest and lowest liquid levels are preset in the elevated oil tank. These monitoring points are equipped with high-level and low-level switches, respectively. These two switches monitor the oil level changes in the elevated oil tank in real time. When the oil level in the elevated oil tank gradually decreases due to compressor operation and reaches the set value of the low-level switch, the low-level switch will activate, sending a refill request signal to the control system. Conversely, when the oil level in the elevated oil tank rises to the set value of the high-level switch due to refilling operations, the high-level switch will activate, sending a stop refill signal to the control system.
[0009] Upon receiving a refueling request signal, the control system immediately activates the refueling pump. The pump draws oil from the storage tank via the first pipeline and then delivers it to the overhead tank via the second pipeline. When the control system receives a stop refueling signal, it shuts down the pump, thus halting the refueling operation.
[0010] By introducing a liquid level sensor and control system, automatic lubricant replenishment is achieved, eliminating the need for frequent manual checks and operations, significantly reducing the workload of operators. Precise control of the oil level in the overhead oil tank avoids inaccurate or excessive replenishment due to human error, thus ensuring stable compressor operation. This solution can achieve automatic oil replenishment over a period of time, reducing the frequency of replenishment and avoiding the adverse effects of insufficient manpower, thereby improving overall work efficiency.
[0011] As an improvement, there are multiple elevated oil tanks, and the second oil pipeline is arranged as a pipeline with one inlet and multiple outlets. The inlet of the second oil pipeline is connected to the outlet of the replenishment pump, and the outlet of the second oil pipeline is connected to the inlet of each elevated oil tank in sequence. Each outlet end of the second oil pipeline is equipped with a branch valve, and each branch valve is connected to the control system electrical signal to receive opening or closing commands.
[0012] The beneficial effects of this improvement are: it enables flexible oil replenishment from one storage tank to multiple elevated tanks. When the oil level in a particular elevated tank drops to the point where replenishment is needed, the control system precisely opens the corresponding branch valve and starts the replenishment pump, replenishing only that elevated tank. When the oil level reaches the preset high level, the control system closes the corresponding branch valve and decides whether to stop the replenishment pump as needed. This design significantly reduces the workload of operators, as they only need to monitor the status of one storage tank, without having to manage the replenishment process for multiple tanks separately. At the same time, this flexible replenishment method also improves the efficiency and accuracy of replenishment.
[0013] As an improvement, the oil replenishment device also includes a filter pipeline. The inlet end of the filter pipeline is connected to the bottom of the oil storage tank, and the outlet end of the filter pipeline is connected to the top of the oil storage tank. A filter is installed on the filter pipeline, and a filter pump is provided near the inlet end of the filter pipeline for pumping oil from the bottom of the oil storage tank into the filter pipeline. The oil outlet of the oil storage tank is higher than the inlet end of the filter pipeline. The filter pipeline is also equipped with a first valve and a second valve, and the filter is located between the first valve and the second valve.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this improvement are: it enables online filtration of the oil in the storage tank. When the filter element needs to be replaced, simply closing the first and second valves cuts off the oil supply to the filtration pipeline without stopping the entire oil replenishment system. This allows the storage tank to continue supplying oil to the overhead tanks, ensuring the continuity and stability of the oil replenishment system. Furthermore, the storage tank's outlet is higher than the filtration pipeline's inlet, ensuring that oil containing impurities is pumped out by the filtration pump, while clean oil is pumped out by the replenishment pump.
[0015] As an improvement, the filter pipeline is also equipped with a heater and a cooler, which are electrically connected to the control system to receive start or stop commands. The heater and cooler are arranged adjacent to each other and work alternately. A temperature sensor is provided on the filter pipeline at the rear end of the heater and cooler, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the control system to transmit real-time temperature data to the control system.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this improvement are: the alternating operation of the heater and cooler allows the oil temperature within the filter pipeline to vary periodically within a certain range. This temperature variation helps to expand and contract the pipeline, thereby promoting the shedding of deposits or impurities adhering to the inner wall of the filter pipeline and improving the filtration effect. Simultaneously, because the control system can receive real-time data from the temperature sensor, it can more accurately control the operating status of the heater and cooler, thus achieving precise regulation of the oil temperature.
[0017] As an improvement, the control system controls the heater and cooler to work alternately to maintain the oil temperature in the filter line between 35°C and 75°C, and makes the oil temperature change in a periodic gradient, including a rising phase, a holding phase, a falling phase, and a holding phase again.
[0018] The beneficial effects of this improvement are: this temperature range has a smaller impact on oil quality, while the periodic gradient change also helps to remove impurities. Furthermore, by optimizing the period and amplitude of temperature changes, the energy consumption for heating and cooling can be further reduced, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the oil replenishment system.
[0019] As an improvement, the control system controls the heater and cooler to work alternately in a periodic temperature gradient change, including: the oil temperature in the filter pipeline gradually increases from 35°C to 55°C in 0-2 hours, and maintains the temperature at 55°C in 2-5 hours; the temperature decreases from 55°C to 35°C in 5-7 hours, and maintains the temperature at 35°C in 7-9 hours, completing one temperature gradient cycle.
[0020] The beneficial effects of this improvement are: this temperature change cycle is an optimized value that minimizes energy consumption while ensuring effective impurity removal. Furthermore, this periodic temperature change also helps improve the stability and fluidity of the oil, thereby further extending the service life of the oil replenishment system.
[0021] As an improvement, the top of the oil storage tank is provided with a vent, and a breather valve is installed at the vent to prevent overpressure and negative pressure inside the storage tank.
[0022] The beneficial effects of this improvement are: the breather valve can automatically open or close according to changes in the pressure inside the oil storage tank, thereby maintaining a relatively stable pressure inside the tank. This design helps protect the structural integrity of the oil storage tank and prevents safety accidents caused by abnormal pressure. At the same time, the breather valve can also prevent external air or moisture from entering the oil storage tank, thereby maintaining the cleanliness and dryness of the oil. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Example 1.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline structure in Example 2.
[0025] Figure 3 This is a line graph showing the periodic temperature gradient changes in Example 2. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:
[0027] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: oil storage tank 1, oil replenishment pump 2, overhead oil tank 3, first oil pipeline 4, second oil pipeline 5, filter pipeline 6, branch valve 7, filter pump 8, filter 9, first valve 10, second valve 11, heater 12, cooler 13, and temperature sensor 14.
[0028] Example 1
[0029] The basics are as follows: Figure 1 As shown, an automatic oil replenishment device for a shale gas compressor includes an oil storage tank 1, an oil replenishment pump 2, and an elevated oil tank 3.
[0030] Oil storage tank 1, serving as the main oil source for the automatic oil replenishment system, has a vent at its top with a breather valve to prevent overpressure and negative pressure. Near the bottom, oil storage tank 1 has an oil outlet, which is connected to the inlet of oil replenishment pump 2 via a first oil pipeline 4. The outlet of oil replenishment pump 2 is connected to the inlet of elevated oil tank 3 via a second oil pipeline 5. Oil replenishment pump 2 pumps oil from oil storage tank 1 to elevated oil tank 3 via the first and second oil pipelines 4 and 5. The motor of oil replenishment pump 2 is connected to the control system's electrical signal to receive start or stop commands from the control system.
[0031] The oil outlet of the elevated oil tank 3 is connected to the oil supply passage of the compressor, allowing the oil in the elevated oil tank 3 to enter the lubrication area inside the compressor by gravity. High-level switches and low-level switches are installed in the elevated oil tank 3 at preset maximum and minimum liquid levels, respectively. The high-level switches and low-level switches are connected to the control system's electrical signals to send oil replenishment request signals and oil replenishment stop signals to the control system.
[0032] The specific implementation process is as follows:
[0033] When the oil level in the elevated oil tank 3 drops to the low-level switch setting, the switch activates, sending a refueling request signal to the control system. Upon receiving the signal, the control system starts the refueling pump 2, which draws oil from the storage tank 1 via the first oil pipeline 4 and delivers it to the elevated oil tank 3 via the second oil pipeline 5. When the oil level in the elevated oil tank 3 rises to the high-level switch setting, the switch activates, sending a stop refueling signal to the control system. Upon receiving the signal, the control system shuts down the refueling pump 2, completing one automatic refueling operation.
[0034] The oil storage tank 1 is equipped with an oil outlet valve, and the first oil pipeline 4 is equipped with a filter for filtering impurities from the oil. The container of the oil storage tank 1 can be configured according to actual needs. For example, in this embodiment 1, if the volume of the elevated oil tank is set to 80L, then the volume of the oil storage tank providing the main oil source to the elevated oil tank is set to 500L, resulting in an average oil replenishment cycle of 60 days. The second oil pipeline 5 can be made of rubber hose.
[0035] Example 2
[0036] The difference from Example 1 is that, as shown in the appendix Figure 2As shown, there are multiple compressor units, each equipped with a corresponding elevated oil tank 3. Therefore, the oil storage tank 1 needs to supply oil to multiple elevated oil tanks 3. The second oil pipeline 5 is configured as a one-in-multiple-outlet pipeline. The inlet of the second oil pipeline 5 connects to the outlet of the oil replenishment pump 2, and the outlets of the second oil pipeline 5 sequentially connect to the inlets of each elevated oil tank 3. Each outlet end of the second oil pipeline 5 is equipped with a branch valve 7. Each branch valve 7 is connected to the control system's electrical signal and is used to receive opening or closing commands from the control system.
[0037] When the low-level switch of a certain elevated oil tank 3 is triggered, a replenishment request signal is sent to the control system. Upon receiving the signal, the control system opens the corresponding branch valve 7 and starts the replenishment pump 2 to transport oil to that elevated oil tank 3. When the oil level in the elevated oil tank 3 rises to the high-level switch set value, a stop replenishment signal is sent to the control system. Upon receiving the signal, the control system closes the branch valve 7 corresponding to that elevated oil tank 3. If no other elevated oil tank 3 is currently in the replenishment process, the replenishment pump 2 is stopped. If other elevated oil tanks 3 are currently in the replenishment process, a stop command is sent to the replenishment pump 2 only after they no longer require replenishment.
[0038] Because the oil storage tank 1 supplies oil to multiple overhead oil tanks 3 at the same time, the oil flow rate of the first oil pipeline 4 is relatively large. This increases the frequency of cleaning and replacing the filter installed on the first oil pipeline 4. When the filter on the first oil pipeline 4 is cleaned or replaced, the oil supply from the oil storage tank 1 to the overhead oil tank 3 stops. If there is a shortage of oil in the overhead oil tank 3 at this time, it will affect the normal operation of the compressor.
[0039] Meanwhile, in this embodiment 2, the oil storage tank 1 needs to supply oil to multiple elevated oil tanks 3, therefore the volume of the oil storage tank 1 needs to be larger to reduce the workload of operators in replenishing oil. During transportation and storage, the oil may contain impurities due to factors such as oxygen levels, moisture, and dust. When such oil is temporarily stored in the oil storage tank 1, these impurities will settle at the bottom of the tank. The more oil the oil storage tank 1 holds, the more sediment will accumulate at the bottom, and the more difficult it will be to remove the sediment, thus increasing the maintenance workload of the device.
[0040] To further reduce labor costs, the filter installation location in Example 1 is changed. A filter pipeline 6 is installed outside the oil storage tank 1. The inlet end of the filter pipeline 6 is connected to the bottom of the oil storage tank 1, and the outlet end of the filter pipeline 6 is connected to the top of the oil storage tank 1. A filter 9 is installed on the filter pipeline 6. A filter pump 8 is installed on the filter pipeline 6 near the inlet end, and the filter pump 8 pumps the oil from the bottom of the oil storage tank 1 into the filter pipeline 6.
[0041] The oil outlet of the oil storage tank 1 is higher than the inlet of the filter pipeline 6. The filter pipeline 6 is also equipped with a first valve 10 and a second valve 11. The filter 9 is located between the first valve 10 and the second valve 11. When the filter element of the filter 9 needs to be replaced, it is only necessary to close the first valve 10 and the second valve 11 to cut off the oil circuit of the filter pipeline 6. At this time, the oil storage tank 1 can still supply oil to each elevated oil tank 3 normally, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the device.
[0042] The filter line 6 is also equipped with a heater 12 and a cooler 13, which control the oil temperature within the filter line 6. The heater 12 and cooler 13 are electrically connected to the control system to receive start or stop commands from the control system. The heater 12 and cooler 13 are arranged adjacent to each other and operate alternately. A temperature sensor 14 is installed on the filter line 6 at the rear end of the heater 12 and cooler 13 to monitor the oil temperature within the filter line 6. The temperature sensor 14 is electrically connected to the control system to transmit real-time temperature data to the control system.
[0043] The control system controls the heater 12 and cooler 13 to work alternately, maintaining the oil temperature in the filter line 6 between 35℃ and 75℃, and creating a periodic temperature gradient. By establishing this temperature gradient, the filter line 6 contracts and sheds deposits, preventing impurities from adhering to and clogging the filter line 6. The periodic temperature gradient includes a rising phase, a holding phase, a falling phase, and a re-holding phase.
[0044] The settings in this embodiment 2 are as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the oil temperature in filter line 6 gradually rises from 35℃ to 55℃ within 0-2 hours, and is maintained at 55℃ within 2-5 hours; then the temperature is reduced from 55℃ to 35℃ within 5-7 hours, and is maintained at 35℃ within 7-9 hours; thus, one temperature gradient cycle is completed.
[0045] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of this utility model. Commonly known technical solutions and / or characteristics are not described in detail here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the technical solution of this utility model. These modifications and improvements should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of this utility model or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.
Claims
1. An automatic oil replenishment device for a shale gas compressor, characterized in that, include: Oil storage tanks, replenishment pumps, and overhead fuel tanks; The oil storage tank is used to supply oil to the compressor unit. The oil storage tank has an oil outlet near the bottom. The inlet of the oil replenishment pump is connected to the oil outlet of the oil storage tank through the first oil pipeline. The outlet of the oil replenishment pump is connected to the oil inlet of the overhead oil tank through the second oil pipeline. The oil outlet of the overhead oil tank is connected to the oil supply passage of the compressor unit. The oil replenishment pump is connected to the control system via electrical signals to receive start or stop commands. High-level switches and low-level switches are installed in the elevated oil tank at preset maximum and minimum liquid levels, respectively. The high-level switches and low-level switches are connected to the control system via electrical signals to send oil replenishment request signals and oil replenishment stop signals to the control system.
2. The automatic oil replenishment device for a shale gas compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elevated oil tanks are multiple, and the second oil pipeline is arranged as a pipeline with one inlet and multiple outlets. The inlet of the second oil pipeline is connected to the outlet of the replenishment pump, and the outlet of the second oil pipeline is connected to the inlet of each elevated oil tank in sequence. Each outlet end of the second oil pipeline is equipped with a branch valve, and each branch valve is connected to the control system electrical signal to receive opening or closing commands.
3. The automatic oil replenishment device for a shale gas compressor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The oil replenishment device also includes a filter pipeline. The inlet end of the filter pipeline is connected to the bottom of the oil storage tank, and the outlet end of the filter pipeline is connected to the top of the oil storage tank. A filter is installed on the filter pipeline. A filter pump is provided near the inlet end of the filter pipeline for pumping oil from the bottom of the oil storage tank into the filter pipeline. The oil outlet of the oil storage tank is higher than the inlet end of the filter pipeline. A first valve and a second valve are also provided on the filter pipeline, and the filter is located between the first valve and the second valve.
4. The automatic oil replenishment device for a shale gas compressor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The filter pipeline is also equipped with a heater and a cooler. The heater and cooler are electrically connected to the control system to receive start or stop commands. The heater and cooler are arranged adjacent to each other and work alternately. A temperature sensor is provided on the filter pipeline at the rear end of the heater and cooler. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the control system to transmit real-time temperature data to the control system.
5. The automatic oil replenishment device for a shale gas compressor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control system controls the heater and cooler to work alternately to maintain the oil temperature in the filter pipeline between 35°C and 75°C, and makes the oil temperature change in a periodic gradient, including a rising phase, a holding phase, a falling phase, and a holding phase again.
6. The automatic oil replenishment device for a shale gas compressor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control system controls the heater and cooler to work alternately in a periodic temperature gradient change, including: the oil temperature in the filter pipeline gradually rises from 35°C to 55°C in 0-2 hours, and maintains the temperature at 55°C in 2-5 hours; in 5-7 hours, the temperature is reduced from 55°C to 35°C, and maintained at 35°C in 7-9 hours, completing one temperature gradient cycle.
7. An automatic oil replenishment device for a shale gas compressor according to claim 6, characterized in that: The top of the oil storage tank is equipped with a vent, and a breather valve is installed at the vent to prevent overpressure and negative pressure inside the storage tank.