Device for measuring solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in compressor

By using an ultrasonic measuring device, the solubility and viscosity of refrigerant in lubricating oil can be measured efficiently and at low cost without modifying the compressor casing. This solves the problems of measurement difficulty and high cost in existing technologies and enables efficient monitoring of the condition of compressor lubricating oil.

CN223551668UActive Publication Date: 2025-11-14XI AN JIAOTONG UNIV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423011908.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-06
Publication Date
2025-11-14
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies make it difficult to efficiently measure the solubility and viscosity of refrigerants in lubricating oil without modifying the compressor housing, and the high cost of sensors and probes makes them difficult to widely apply to batch testing.

Method used

Using an ultrasonic generator and receiver, the solubility and viscosity are calculated by measuring the propagation speed of ultrasonic waves in a mixture and combining it with a pre-calibrated relationship between the sound velocity of lubricating oil and refrigerant. The device has a simple structure, low cost, and is suitable for large-scale use.

Benefits of technology

It enables efficient and stable measurement of lubricating oil solubility and viscosity without modifying the compressor housing, reducing measurement costs. It features high-frequency acquisition and high precision, making it suitable for monitoring the transient state of compressors.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A device for measuring solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor comprises an ultrasonic generating device and an ultrasonic receiving device, a mixture formed by mixing a refrigerant and the lubricating oil according to a certain proportion is stored at the bottom of the inner side of a compressor shell, and the ultrasonic generating device and the ultrasonic receiving device are connected with a signal processing device through cables. The signal processing device activates the ultrasonic generating device to emit ultrasonic waves through a sent signal, the ultrasonic waves are received by the ultrasonic receiving device and converted into receiving signals after passing through the mixture, and the sound velocity of the ultrasonic waves propagating in the mixture is calculated according to the time difference between the sent signal and the receiving signal and the ultrasonic propagation distance; and calculating the solubility and the viscosity of the mixture according to the sound velocity of the ultrasonic wave propagating in the mixture based on the sound velocity corresponding to different solubility and the sound velocity corresponding to different viscosity of the lubricating oil and the refrigerant of the same variety calibrated in advance. According to the utility model, the measurement convenience is improved, and the measurement stability can be ensured.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of compressor technology and relates to a device for measuring the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor. Background Technology

[0002] Under high pressure, the refrigerant in a refrigeration compressor dissolves into the lubricating oil. The physical properties of the lubricating oil change significantly after the refrigerant dissolves, and its condition is crucial for the compressor's normal operation. For example, under conditions of low exhaust superheat and high load, excessively high lubricating oil solubility or excessively low viscosity can easily lead to compressor bearing wear, causing compressor failure. Therefore, real-time monitoring of the compressor lubricating oil's solubility and viscosity is an important condition for compressor development and the optimization of actual operation control of the refrigeration system.

[0003] In existing technologies, lubricating oil viscosity can be measured using the reciprocating or rotating motion of a miniature piston probe, or the solubility of lubricating oil can be obtained through light absorptivity, refractive index, and dielectric constant. However, miniature piston probe sensors are expensive, often costing tens to hundreds of thousands of yuan, while refractive index probes require a transparent medium, and dielectric constant probes need to be inserted deep into the compressor oil sump. Furthermore, all of these methods require modification of the compressor housing. Therefore, existing methods are often used for laboratory research or single-unit compressor testing, and are difficult to widely apply to batch testing of actual products. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems in the prior art by providing a device for measuring the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor. This device can measure the state of the compressor lubricating oil in a transient and efficient manner. It is low in cost and can be used in large quantities.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A device for measuring the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor includes an ultrasonic generator and an ultrasonic receiver. A mixture of refrigerant and lubricating oil in a specific ratio is stored at the bottom inside the compressor housing. The ultrasonic generator and receiver are electrically connected to a signal processing device. The signal processing device activates the ultrasonic generator to emit ultrasonic waves by sending a signal. The ultrasonic waves are received by the ultrasonic receiver after passing through the mixture and converted into a received signal. The speed of sound of the ultrasonic waves propagating in the mixture is calculated based on the time difference between the emitted and received signals and the ultrasonic wave propagation distance. The solubility and viscosity of the mixture are calculated based on pre-calibrated speeds of sound corresponding to different solubilities and viscosities of the same type of lubricating oil and refrigerant, and the speed of sound of sound propagating in the mixture.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic generating device and the ultrasonic receiving device are respectively installed on the outside of the compressor housing. The crankshaft of the compressor rotates when the compressor is running and pumps the mixture to the parts that need lubrication through the oil pump. The surface of the existing parts inside the compressor housing is used as the ultrasonic reflecting device. The ultrasonic generating device, the ultrasonic receiving device, the signal processing device and the ultrasonic reflecting device together constitute an ultrasonic measuring device.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the compressor housing at the location of the ultrasonic generating device is [missing information]. The distance between the surface of the ultrasonic generating device and the ultrasonic reflecting device is The thickness of the compressor housing at the location of the ultrasonic receiving device is... The distance between the surface of the ultrasonic receiver and the ultrasonic reflector is The speed at which ultrasound propagates in the compressor housing is ;

[0009] The ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves, which penetrate the thickness of the compressor housing. After the distance, it is transferred in the mixture. The distance is reached and the sound continues to propagate through reflection by the ultrasonic reflector. After reaching a certain distance, the ultrasonic waves are received by an ultrasonic receiver and converted into received signals; the signal processing device records the time of signal transmission. and the time of receiving the signal The speed of sound propagating in the mixture can be calculated using the following formula:

[0010] .

[0011] As a preferred option, the surfaces of existing components inside the compressor housing can be selected from the bottom surface of the crankshaft or the surface of the bearing housing.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic generating device and the ultrasonic receiving device constitute an integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device, which extends into the compressor housing and is installed inside the mixture; an ultrasonic reflecting device is fixed on the upper part of the integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device, and the integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device, the signal processing device, and the ultrasonic reflecting device together constitute an ultrasonic measuring device.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, when measuring the distance between the integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device and the ultrasonic reflecting device, the distance between the surface of the ultrasonic generating device and the ultrasonic reflecting device that constitute the integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device is... Equal to the distance between the surface of the ultrasonic receiver and the ultrasonic reflector The ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves, which then propagate through the mixture. After traveling a distance, it reaches the ultrasonic reflector and continues to be transmitted through reflection by the ultrasonic reflector. After reaching a distance, the ultrasonic waves are received by an integrated ultrasonic generator and receiver, and converted into received signals; the signal processing device records the time of signal transmission. and the time of receiving the signal The speed of sound propagating in the mixture can be calculated using the following formula:

[0014] .

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, a temperature and pressure probe is inserted into the compressor housing to measure the internal temperature and pressure of the mixture to correct the measurement results.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic reflection device is a metal reflector.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic generating device and the ultrasonic receiving device employ piezoelectric ceramic ultrasonic sensors or MEMS sensors.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment, the ultrasound generating device and the ultrasound receiving device are connected to the signal processing device via cables.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0020] This invention's measuring device requires no modification to the compressor housing during use. It utilizes an ultrasonic generator and receiver to measure the acoustic properties of a refrigerant and lubricating oil mixture stored at the bottom inner side of the compressor housing, improving measurement convenience and ensuring stability. The signal processing device activates the ultrasonic generator to emit ultrasonic waves, which are then received and converted into received signals after passing through the mixture. The speed of sound within the mixture is calculated based on the time difference between the emitted and received signals and the ultrasonic propagation distance. Using pre-calibrated sound velocities corresponding to different solubilities and viscosities of the same type of lubricating oil and refrigerant, the solubility and viscosity of the mixture are calculated based on the speed of sound propagation within the mixture. The device has a simple structure and eliminates the need for expensive miniature piston probe sensors, refractive index probes, and dielectric constant probes, significantly reducing costs and facilitating mass production. Furthermore, this measuring device can employ high-frequency ultrasound, featuring high acquisition frequency, good dynamic characteristics, and high accuracy, which is beneficial for efficient transient measurement of the compressor lubricating oil condition. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the measuring device for the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor according to this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the signal processing device transmitting and receiving signals according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sound velocity corresponding to different solubilities of the same type of lubricating oil and refrigerant in a pre-calibrated embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sound velocity corresponding to different viscosities of the same type of lubricating oil and refrigerant under different viscosities, as per the embodiments of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the measuring device for the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in the compressor of this utility model;

[0027] In the attached diagram: 1-compressor housing, 2-mixture, 3-crankshaft, 4-oil pump, 5-ultrasonic generator, 6-ultrasonic receiver, 7-signal processing device, 8-integrated ultrasonic generator and receiver, 9-metal reflector. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] This invention provides a device for measuring the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor. The device includes an ultrasonic generator 5 and an ultrasonic receiver 6. A mixture 2, formed by mixing refrigerant and lubricating oil in a certain proportion, is stored at the bottom inside the compressor housing 1. The ultrasonic generator 5 and the ultrasonic receiver 6 are connected to a signal processing device 7 via a cable. The signal processing device 7 activates the ultrasonic generator 5 to emit ultrasonic waves by sending a signal. After passing through the mixture 2, the ultrasonic waves are received by the ultrasonic receiver 6 and converted into a received signal. The speed of sound propagating within the mixture 2 is calculated based on the time difference between the emitted and received signals and the ultrasonic wave propagation distance. The solubility and viscosity of the mixture 2 are calculated based on pre-calibrated speeds of sound corresponding to different solubilities and viscosities of the same type of lubricating oil and refrigerant, and the speed of sound propagating within the mixture 2.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, in Embodiment 1 of this utility model, the ultrasonic generating device 5 and the ultrasonic receiving device 6 are respectively installed on the outside of the compressor housing 1. The crankshaft 3 of the compressor rotates when the compressor is running, and the mixture 2 is pumped to the part that needs to be lubricated by the oil pump 4. The bottom of the crankshaft 3 is used as an ultrasonic reflecting device. The ultrasonic generating device 5, the ultrasonic receiving device 6, the signal processing device 7 and the bottom of the crankshaft 3 together constitute an ultrasonic measuring device.

[0031] like Figure 5 As shown, in Embodiment 2 of this utility model, an integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device 8 is composed of an ultrasonic generating device 5 and an ultrasonic receiving device 6. The integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device 8 extends into the compressor housing 1 and is installed inside the mixture 2. A metal reflector 9 is fixed on the upper part of the integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device 8 as an ultrasonic reflecting device. The integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device 8, the signal processing device 7, and the ultrasonic reflecting device together constitute an ultrasonic measuring device.

[0032] In one possible implementation, according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, if the integrated ultrasonic generator and receiver 8 extends into the compressor housing 1 and is installed inside the mixture 2, then a temperature and pressure probe can also be inserted into the compressor housing 1 to measure the internal temperature and pressure of the mixture 2 to correct the measurement results and improve accuracy.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the ultrasonic generating device 5 and the ultrasonic receiving device 6 are to convert electrical signals into ultrasonic signals and ultrasonic signals into electrical signals, and can be a piezoelectric ceramic ultrasonic sensor or a MEMS ultrasonic sensor.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 The method for measuring the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor, based on an embodiment of this utility model, includes:

[0035] An ultrasonic generator 5 and an ultrasonic receiver 6 are installed on the outside of the compressor housing 1, and the surfaces of existing components inside the compressor housing 1 are used as ultrasonic reflection devices; the ultrasonic generator 5 and the ultrasonic receiver 6 are connected to the signal processing device 7 via cables.

[0036] The thickness of the compressor housing 1 at the location of the ultrasonic generating device 5 is recorded. The distance between the surface of the ultrasonic generating device 5 and the ultrasonic reflecting device The thickness of the compressor housing 1 at the location of the ultrasonic receiving device 6 and the distance between the surface of the ultrasonic receiver 6 and the ultrasonic reflector. The speed at which ultrasound propagates within the compressor housing 1 is obtained based on the material of the compressor housing 1. ;

[0037] Signal processing device 7 transmits Figure 2 The signal shown activates the ultrasonic generator 5 to emit ultrasonic waves, which pass through the compressor housing 1. After the distance, it is transferred in mixture 2. The distance is reached and the sound continues to propagate through reflection by the ultrasonic reflector. After reaching a distance, the ultrasonic waves are received by the ultrasonic receiver 6 and converted into received signals;

[0038] Signal processing device 7 records the time of signal transmission. and the time of receiving the signal By processing the time difference between the two signals, the speed of sound propagating in mixture 2 is calculated; the calculation expression is as follows:

[0039]

[0040] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 Based on the pre-calibrated sound velocities corresponding to different solubilities and different viscosities of the same type of lubricating oil and refrigerant, the solubility and viscosity of mixture 2 can be obtained by inversely calculating the sound velocity of ultrasonic waves propagating in mixture 2.

[0041] In one possible implementation, when using the surface of an existing component inside the compressor housing 1 as an ultrasonic reflection device, the bottom surface of the crankshaft 3 or the surface of the bearing housing is selected as the ultrasonic reflection device.

[0042] Please see Figure 5 The method for measuring the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor, based on an embodiment of this utility model, includes:

[0043] An integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device 8, consisting of an ultrasonic generating device 5 and an ultrasonic receiving device 6, is inserted into the compressor housing 1 and installed inside the mixture 2; a metal reflector 9 is fixed on the upper part of the integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device 8 as an ultrasonic reflecting device; and the integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device 8 is connected to the signal processing device 7 via a cable.

[0044] Record the distance between the integrated ultrasound generating and receiving device 8 and the ultrasound reflecting device, that is, the distance between the surface of the ultrasound generating device 5 and the ultrasound reflecting device. Equal to the distance between the surface of the ultrasonic receiver 6 and the ultrasonic reflector. ;

[0045] Signal processing device 7 transmits Figure 2 The signal shown activates the ultrasonic generator 5 to emit ultrasonic waves, which then propagate through the mixture 2. After traveling a distance, it reaches the ultrasonic reflector and continues to be transmitted through reflection by the ultrasonic reflector. After the distance is reached, the ultrasonic waves are received by the integrated ultrasonic generator and receiver 8 and converted into a received signal.

[0046] Signal processing device 7 records the time of signal transmission. and the time of receiving the signal By processing the time difference between the two signals, the speed of sound propagating in mixture 2 is calculated; the calculation expression is as follows:

[0047]

[0048] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 Based on the pre-calibrated sound velocities corresponding to different solubilities and different viscosities of the same type of lubricating oil and refrigerant, the solubility and viscosity of mixture 2 can be obtained by inversely calculating the sound velocity of ultrasonic waves propagating in mixture 2.

[0049] In one possible implementation, if the integrated ultrasonic generator and receiver 8 extends into the compressor housing 1 and is installed inside the mixture 2, a temperature and pressure probe can also be inserted into the compressor housing 1 to measure the internal temperature and pressure of the mixture 2 to correct the measurement results and improve accuracy.

[0050] This invention utilizes ultrasonic transmitting and receiving devices to measure the acoustic properties of mixtures, offering advantages such as high stability and minimal modification to the compressor, thus improving measurement convenience. The ultrasonic generating and receiving devices are piezoelectric ceramic ultrasonic sensors or MEMS ultrasonic sensors, with readily available materials and simple structures, significantly reducing device cost and facilitating mass production. The device for measuring the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil within the compressor can employ high-frequency ultrasound, featuring high acquisition frequency, good dynamic characteristics, and high accuracy, which is beneficial for efficient transient measurement of the compressor lubricating oil's condition.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features disclosed in this disclosure that have similar functions.

[0052] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

[0053] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of several embodiments of this disclosure. However, this disclosure is not limited to these specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various variations and modifications based on the concept of this disclosure, and all such variations and modifications should fall within the scope of protection claimed by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor, characterized in that, Includes an ultrasonic generating device (5) and an ultrasonic receiving device (6). A mixture (2) formed by mixing refrigerant and lubricating oil in a certain proportion is stored at the bottom inside the compressor housing (1). The ultrasonic generating device (5) and the ultrasonic receiving device (6) are electrically connected to a signal processing device (7). The signal processing device (7) activates the ultrasonic generating device (5) to emit ultrasonic waves by emitting a signal. After passing through the mixture (2), the ultrasonic waves are received by the ultrasonic receiving device (6) and converted into a received signal. The sound speed of the ultrasonic waves in the mixture (2) is calculated based on the time difference between the emitted signal and the received signal and the ultrasonic wave propagation distance. Based on the pre-calibrated sound speeds corresponding to different solubilities and different viscosities of the same type of lubricating oil and refrigerant, the solubility and viscosity of the mixture (2) are calculated based on the sound speed of the ultrasonic waves in the mixture (2).

2. The measuring device for the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in the compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic generating device (5) and ultrasonic receiving device (6) are respectively installed on the outside of the compressor housing (1). The crankshaft (3) of the compressor rotates when the compressor is running and pumps the mixture (2) to the part that needs to be lubricated through the oil pump (4). The surface of the existing parts inside the compressor housing (1) is used as an ultrasonic reflection device. The ultrasonic generating device (5), ultrasonic receiving device (6), signal processing device (7) and ultrasonic reflection device together constitute an ultrasonic measuring device.

3. The measuring device for the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in the compressor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the compressor housing (1) at the location of the ultrasonic generating device (5) is The distance between the surface of the ultrasonic generating device (5) and the ultrasonic reflecting device is The thickness of the compressor housing (1) at the location of the ultrasonic receiving device (6) is... The distance between the surface of the ultrasonic receiver (6) and the ultrasonic reflector is The speed at which ultrasound propagates in the compressor housing (1) is ; The ultrasonic generating device (5) emits ultrasonic waves, which pass through the thickness of the compressor housing (1). After the distance, it is transferred in the mixture (2). The distance is reached and the sound continues to propagate through the reflection of the ultrasonic reflector. After reaching a distance, the ultrasonic waves are received by the ultrasonic receiving device (6) and converted into received signals; the signal processing device (7) records the time of signal transmission. and the time of receiving the signal The speed of sound propagating in mixture (2) is calculated using the following formula: 。 4. The measuring device for the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in the compressor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The surface of the components inside the compressor housing (1) can be selected from the bottom surface of the crankshaft (3) or the surface of the bearing seat.

5. The measuring device for the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, An integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device (8) is formed by the ultrasonic generating device (5) and the ultrasonic receiving device (6). The integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device (8) extends into the compressor housing (1) and is installed inside the mixture (2). An ultrasonic reflecting device is fixed on the upper part of the integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device (8). The integrated ultrasonic generating and receiving device (8), the signal processing device (7) and the ultrasonic reflecting device together constitute an ultrasonic measuring device.

6. The measuring device for the solubility and viscosity of the lubricating oil in the compressor according to claim 5, characterized in that, When measuring the distance between the integrated ultrasonic generator and receiver (8) and the ultrasonic reflector, the distance between the surface of the ultrasonic generator (5) constituting the integrated ultrasonic generator and receiver (8) and the ultrasonic reflector is... The distance between the surface of the ultrasonic receiving device (6) and the ultrasonic reflecting device is equal to the distance between the ultrasonic receiving device (6) and the ultrasonic reflecting device. The ultrasonic generating device (5) emits ultrasonic waves, which are transmitted in the mixture (2). After traveling a distance, it reaches the ultrasonic reflector and continues to be transmitted through reflection by the ultrasonic reflector. After reaching a distance, the ultrasonic waves are received by the ultrasonic generator and receiver (8) and converted into received signals; the signal processing device (7) records the time of signal transmission. and the time of receiving the signal The speed of sound propagating in mixture (2) is calculated using the following formula: 。 7. The measuring device for the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor according to claim 5, characterized in that, Temperature and pressure probes are inserted into the compressor housing (1) to measure the internal temperature and pressure of the mixture (2) to correct the measurement results.

8. The measuring device for the solubility and viscosity of the lubricating oil in the compressor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ultrasonic reflection device is a metal reflector (9).

9. The measuring device for the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic generating device (5) and ultrasonic receiving device (6) employ piezoelectric ceramic ultrasonic sensors or MEMS sensors.

10. The measuring device for the solubility and viscosity of lubricating oil in a compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic generating device (5) and the ultrasonic receiving device (6) are connected to the signal processing device (7) via cables.