High-pressure balance pipeline system for axial flow compressor
By introducing temperature sensors and controllers into the high-pressure balance piping system of the axial compressor, the gas flow rate is regulated by adjusting the valve opening, thus solving the problem of thrust bearing operation under non-constant conditions and achieving load reduction and life extension of the thrust bearing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- XIAN SHAANGU POWER CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
The thrust bearings of existing axial compressors cannot maintain good operation under non-constant operating conditions, resulting in uneven stress on the thrust bearings and even damage.
Temperature sensors and controllers are introduced into the high-pressure balancing pipeline system of the axial compressor. The opening of the valve is adjusted by detecting the temperature of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing, thereby regulating the gas flow in the high-pressure balancing pipeline and reducing the load on the thrust bearing.
By regulating the flow rate, the thrust bearing is ensured to operate in good condition, reducing the load and extending its lifespan.
Smart Images

Figure CN224200851U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of axial flow compressor technology, specifically a high-pressure balanced piping system for axial flow compressors. Background Technology
[0002] Axial flow compressors are commonly used for blast furnace blasting. The purpose of using axial flow compressors to blow air into the blast furnace is to ensure the oxygen required for the combustion of coke and the injection of fuel in the blast furnace. In addition, a certain air pressure can overcome the resistance loss of the air supply system and the burden column, so as to maintain a certain top pressure in the blast furnace.
[0003] Different series of axial compressors calculate the balancing pipe diameter based on the maximum flow rate and velocity of the high-pressure gas leaking from the exhaust side of each series. Standard pipes are selected according to relevant standards, and matching standard flanges are used to form a high-pressure balancing pipe system for the axial compressor. Currently, the commonly used high-pressure balancing pipe system for axial compressors requires machining flanges on the top of the exhaust side of the compressor casing and on the upper end face of the intake side. The two sides of the high-pressure balancing pipe are connected to the corresponding flanges on the casing, thus guiding the high-pressure gas from the exhaust side to the balancing piston on the intake side to balance the axial force. Reducing the axial thrust of the axial compressor rotor can reduce the size of the thrust bearing, simplifying rotor system design and reducing costs. However, because the operating conditions of the axial compressor are not constant throughout its operation, and the gas flow rate in the high-pressure balancing pipe connected to the compressor is also inconsistent, the thrust bearing cannot operate in a good condition, resulting in extremely uneven stress on the thrust bearing and even damage to the thrust bearing pads.
[0004] Therefore, it is essential to provide a high-pressure balanced piping system for axial compressors that can reduce the load on the thrust bearing and increase its lifespan. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the aforementioned problems in the prior art and to provide a high-pressure balanced piping system for axial flow compressors, which reduces the load on the thrust bearing and extends its lifespan.
[0006] This utility model provides a high-pressure balancing pipeline system for an axial compressor, including a high-pressure balancing pipeline. One end of the high-pressure balancing pipeline is connected to the high-pressure exhaust side of the axial compressor casing via an exhaust flange, and the other end of the high-pressure balancing pipeline is connected to the low-pressure intake side of the axial compressor casing via an intake flange. A valve is provided on the high-pressure balancing pipeline.
[0007] A temperature sensor is installed on the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing of the axial compressor to detect the temperature of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing of the axial compressor.
[0008] A controller, connected to a valve and a temperature sensor, is used to adjust the valve opening based on the temperature sensor's detection results.
[0009] Preferably, when the temperature of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing detected by the temperature sensor is ≥80℃, the controller adjusts the valve opening to increase; when the temperature of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing detected by the temperature sensor is <80℃, the controller stops adjusting the valve.
[0010] Preferably, the controller adjusts the valve opening at a rate of 0.5% opening / s.
[0011] Preferably, both the temperature sensor and the valve are connected to the controller via cables.
[0012] Preferably, the valve is located on the high-pressure balance line near the low-pressure side of the axial compressor housing.
[0013] Preferably, the temperature sensor is a platinum resistance thermometer probe.
[0014] Preferably, the high-pressure balancing pipeline further includes multiple pipes, two connecting flanges, and multiple elbows. The multiple pipes and multiple elbows correspond one-to-one and are connected sequentially to form a high-pressure balancing pipeline. The valve is connected to one pipe through one connecting flange, and the valve is connected to another pipe through another connecting flange.
[0015] Preferably, the high-pressure balancing pipeline and valves are made of pressure-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0017] This utility model discloses a high-pressure balancing pipeline system for an axial compressor. In this system, one end of the high-pressure balancing pipeline is connected to the low-pressure side of the axial compressor housing, and the other end is connected to the top of the high-pressure side of the axial compressor housing. The high-pressure gas from the exhaust side of the axial compressor is directed to the balancing piston on the intake side of the axial compressor through the high-pressure balancing pipeline. The controller determines the opening degree of the regulating valve based on the temperature value of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing detected by the temperature sensor, thereby regulating the flow rate in the high-pressure balancing pipeline. This ensures that the thrust bearing of the axial compressor is in good operating condition, reduces the load on the thrust bearing, and increases its lifespan. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the high-pressure balanced piping system for an axial flow compressor according to the present invention.
[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0020] 1. Pipeline; 2. Valve; 3. Connecting flange; 4. Elbow. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 The specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below, but it should be understood that the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0022] This invention solves the problem that the high-pressure balancing pipeline used with axial compressors is in a fully open state, making it impossible to regulate the flow rate within the pipeline. This results in the thrust bearing of the axial compressor not being in a good operating condition, leading to extremely uneven stress on the thrust bearing and even damage to the thrust bearing pads.
[0023] In view of this, the present invention provides a high-pressure balancing pipeline system for axial flow compressors, which reduces the load on the thrust bearing and increases the life of the thrust bearing.
[0024] The high-pressure balanced piping system for axial compressors provided in this utility model has been applied to axial compressor products and has shown good results.
[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a high-pressure balancing pipeline system for an axial compressor, comprising: a high-pressure balancing pipeline, one end of which is connected to the top of the high-pressure exhaust side of the axial compressor casing via an exhaust flange, and the other end of which is connected to the low-pressure intake side of the axial compressor casing via an intake flange; a valve 2 is provided on the high-pressure balancing pipeline for regulating the flow rate within the high-pressure balancing pipeline; a temperature sensor is provided on the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing of the axial compressor for detecting the temperature of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing of the axial compressor; and a controller is connected to the valve 2 and the temperature sensor, wherein the controller is used to adjust the opening degree of the valve 2 according to the detection result of the temperature sensor.
[0026] This invention is based on the existing high-pressure balancing pipeline, and through optimized and improved design, it enables the high-pressure balancing pipeline to have the function of adjusting gas flow.
[0027] In operation, the high-pressure balancing pipeline system for the axial compressor, as described above, is connected to the top of the high-pressure side and the low-pressure intake side of the axial compressor casing. The high-pressure gas from the exhaust side of the axial compressor is directed to the balance piston on the intake side via the high-pressure balancing pipeline. This balances the axial thrust acting on the rotor towards the intake side caused by aerodynamic forces. The flow rate within the high-pressure balancing pipeline is regulated by adjusting the opening of the temperature control valve 2 on the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing. This ensures the thrust bearing of the axial compressor operates in a good condition, reduces its load, and increases its lifespan. Adding valve 2 to the high-pressure balancing pipeline facilitates flow rate regulation within the axial compressor during on-site unit operation, reducing the load on the thrust bearing and extending its lifespan.
[0028] During operation, the temperature on the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the axial compressor's thrust bearing is monitored in real time, and the opening of valve 2 is adjusted according to the temperature values of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the axial compressor's thrust bearing. When valve 2 is in its initial position, the valve is fully closed (0% opening).
[0029] The temperature of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing of the axial compressor can be set according to the specific bearing selected; the set value given here is 80℃.
[0030] When the temperature of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the axial compressor's thrust bearing detected by the temperature sensor is ≥80℃, the controller will increase the opening of valve 2. When the temperature of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the axial compressor's thrust bearing detected by the temperature sensor is <80℃, the controller will stop regulating valve 2, and the opening of valve 2 must remain unchanged.
[0031] When adjusting valve 2, it is important to proceed slowly. The controller adjusts valve 2 at an opening rate of 0.5% / s. This setting aims to allow the airflow to increase or decrease slowly, while also ensuring stable system operation and precise control. It prevents drastic fluctuations in system pressure and flow, avoids rapid airflow impact on the thrust bearing, and enables more precise control of flow or pressure, bringing it closer to the set value, further reducing errors and preventing rapid airflow impact on the thrust bearing.
[0032] Specifically, valve 2 is located on the high-pressure balancing pipeline near the low-pressure side of the axial compressor housing inlet. This valve can also be a manual valve. Valve 2 is located on the high-pressure balancing pipeline near the low-pressure side of the axial compressor housing inlet because the housing temperature on the inlet side of the axial compressor is low, operation is safe, and adjustment is convenient.
[0033] Specifically, both the temperature sensor and valve 2 are connected to the controller via cables. The controller automatically adjusts the opening of valve 2 based on the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor on the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing. The opening adjustment still meets the following requirements: when the temperature of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing detected by the temperature sensor is ≥80℃, the controller increases the opening of valve 2; when the bearing temperature of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing detected by the temperature sensor is <80℃, the controller keeps the opening of valve 2 unchanged.
[0034] Specifically, valve 2 is a ball valve or other simple and easy-to-operate valve. The diameter of the ball valve's flow channel is basically the same as the inner diameter of the high-pressure balancing pipeline, resulting in very low resistance to fluid flow. This low flow resistance characteristic makes the ball valve perform excellently in applications with high flow rates and low pressure drops. Furthermore, the ball valve size is selected according to the corresponding ball valve standard based on the pipeline size. After connecting the ball valve to the controller via a cable, the controller compares the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor on the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing with the set value, thereby adjusting the opening degree of valve 2.
[0035] Specifically, the temperature sensor is a platinum resistance thermometer (RTD) probe, which measures temperature by utilizing the characteristic that the resistance of platinum metal changes with temperature. This platinum RTD probe has advantages such as high measurement accuracy, good measurement stability, and a wide measurement range. After connecting the platinum RTD probe to the controller via a cable, the temperature value detected by the probe on the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing can be quickly transmitted to the controller. The controller determines the relationship between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the set temperature of 80°C, and then selects the appropriate opening degree for the control valve 2.
[0036] Specifically, the high-pressure balancing pipeline also includes multiple pipes 1, two connecting flanges 3, and multiple elbows 4. The multiple pipes 1 and multiple elbows 4 correspond one-to-one and are connected sequentially to form the high-pressure balancing pipeline. The valve 2 is connected to one pipe 1 through a connecting flange 3, and the valve 2 is connected to another pipe 1 through another connecting flange 3.
[0037] The ball valve is connected to the pipeline at both ends via connecting flanges. When disassembling and installing the bearing box below the balance pipeline, a small section of the pipe connected to the housing on the air intake side can be removed without disassembling the entire balance pipeline, which greatly facilitates on-site installation and disassembly.
[0038] Specifically, both the high-pressure balancing pipeline and valve 2 are made of pressure-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials. These materials can be any of stainless steel, nickel-based alloys, and titanium alloys. Stainless steel is typically chosen due to cost considerations. The type of stainless steel can be selected according to actual needs; for example, austenitic stainless steel, such as 304, 316, or 316L stainless steel, or duplex stainless steel, such as 2205 or 2507 stainless steel, can be used.
[0039] This utility model discloses a high-pressure balancing pipeline system for an axial compressor. In this system, one end of the high-pressure balancing pipeline is connected to the low-pressure side of the axial compressor housing, and the other end is connected to the top of the high-pressure side of the axial compressor housing. The high-pressure gas from the exhaust side of the axial compressor is directed to the balancing piston on the intake side of the axial compressor through the high-pressure balancing pipeline. The controller determines the opening degree of the regulating valve based on the temperature value of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing detected by the temperature sensor, thereby regulating the flow rate in the high-pressure balancing pipeline. This ensures that the thrust bearing of the axial compressor is in good operating condition, reduces the load on the thrust bearing, and increases its lifespan.
[0040] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A high-pressure balancing piping system for an axial compressor, comprising a high-pressure balancing pipeline, characterized in that, One end of the high-pressure balance pipeline is connected to the high-pressure exhaust side of the axial compressor casing via an exhaust flange, and the other end of the high-pressure balance pipeline is connected to the low-pressure intake side of the axial compressor casing via an intake flange. A valve (2) is provided on the high-pressure balance pipeline. A temperature sensor is installed on the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing of the axial compressor to detect the temperature of the main and auxiliary thrust surfaces of the thrust bearing of the axial compressor. A controller is connected to the valve (2) and a temperature sensor. The controller is used to adjust the opening degree of the valve (2) according to the detection result of the temperature sensor.
2. The high-pressure balanced piping system for an axial compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the temperature of the thrust bearing main and auxiliary thrust surfaces detected by the temperature sensor is ≥80℃, the controller adjusts the opening of valve (2) to increase; when the temperature of the thrust bearing main and auxiliary thrust surfaces detected by the temperature sensor is <80℃, the controller stops adjusting valve (2).
3. The high-pressure balanced piping system for an axial compressor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The temperature sensor and valve (2) are both connected to the controller via cables.
4. The high-pressure balanced piping system for an axial compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve (2) is located on the high-pressure balance pipeline near the low-pressure side of the axial compressor casing.
5. The high-pressure balanced piping system for an axial compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor is a platinum resistance thermometer probe.
6. The high-pressure balanced piping system for an axial compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-pressure balancing pipeline also includes multiple pipes (1), two connecting flanges (3) and multiple elbows (4). The multiple pipes (1) and multiple elbows (4) correspond one to one and are connected in sequence to form a high-pressure balancing pipeline. The valve (2) is connected to a pipe (1) through a connecting flange (3), and the valve (2) is connected to another pipe (1) through another connecting flange (3).
7. The high-pressure balanced piping system for an axial compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-pressure balancing pipeline and valve (2) are both made of pressure-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials.