A centrifugal compressor inter-stage air inlet seal structure
By designing a connecting mechanism of limiting groove, spring, slider, retaining shaft and push block at the air inlet of the compressor stage, as well as a sealing ring of multi-layer composite material, the problem of easy displacement of the sealing ring during installation is solved, achieving efficient and reliable sealing performance and simplified maintenance process, adapting to the harsh operating conditions of the compressor.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JINCHUAN GROUP NICKEL COBALT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, the sealing ring at the connection between the compressor inlet pipe and the gas cooler flange is prone to displacement or misalignment during installation, resulting in uneven stress on the sealing surface, affecting sealing reliability and potentially causing media leakage, thus restricting the overall operating efficiency and safety of the machine.
A centrifugal compressor interstage air inlet sealing structure was designed, employing a connection mechanism consisting of a limiting groove, spring, slider, retaining shaft, and push block to achieve rapid pre-installation and locking of the sealing ring. Combined with a multi-layer composite material sealing ring, the sealing ring is ensured to be accurately and stably positioned before the flange bolts are tightened. A multi-layer composite structure consisting of a corrosion-resistant layer, a reinforcing layer, a wear-resistant layer, and a sealing layer is used to improve sealing performance.
It enables quick and reliable installation and removal of the sealing ring, improves the reliability and efficiency of connection operations, extends the service life of the sealing ring, maintains a long-term reliable sealing effect under high temperature, high pressure, and high frequency vibration conditions, and simplifies the maintenance process.
Smart Images

Figure CN224551026U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of compressor pipeline sealing technology, specifically a centrifugal compressor interstage air inlet sealing structure. Background Technology
[0002] A compressor is a device that compresses gas through mechanical action to increase its pressure or density. It can convert low-pressure gas into high-pressure gas, thereby enabling gas transportation, storage, or providing circulating power for refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as well as providing high-pressure media for pneumatic tools and chemical reactions in industrial production. It is a key device for realizing gas energy conversion and utilization in many fields such as industrial manufacturing, energy supply, and refrigeration and preservation.
[0003] In large compressor systems, the sealing performance at the connection between the inlet pipe and the gas cooler flange is crucial for ensuring the unit's efficient and stable operation. Currently, the conventional sealing method involves installing a sealing ring between the gas cooler outlet flange and the interstage piping. However, this sealing ring cannot be pre-positioned and installed on the flange sealing surface before pipeline assembly; it must be manually placed and positioned during on-site flange alignment. Therefore, when tightening bolts and nuts, the sealing ring is prone to displacement or misalignment due to the lack of effective fixation, resulting in uneven stress on the sealing surface. This severely affects the reliability of the seal and may even cause media leakage, thus restricting the overall operating efficiency and safety of the unit. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an interstage air inlet sealing structure for a centrifugal compressor to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0006] A centrifugal compressor interstage air inlet sealing structure includes a compressor inlet pipe, a gas cooler pipe on the left side of the compressor inlet pipe, a connecting mechanism on the left side of the gas cooler pipe, flanges fixedly connected to the outer walls of both the compressor inlet pipe and the gas cooler pipe, bolts movably connected inside the flanges, nuts threaded onto the outer walls of the bolts, and a sealing ring body on the left side of the connecting mechanism.
[0007] The connecting mechanism includes a limiting groove, which is opened inside the gas cooler pipe. A spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the limiting groove. A slider is fixedly connected to the end of the spring away from the inner wall of the limiting groove. A retaining shaft is fixedly connected to the side of the slider away from the spring. A protrusion is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the sealing ring body. A push block is fixedly connected to the left side of the slider.
[0008] Sealing grooves are provided on the left side of the gas cooler pipe and the right side of the compressor inlet pipe. The sealing ring body is movably connected to the inner wall of the sealing groove to ensure the stability of the connection and sealing between the compressor inlet pipe and the gas cooler pipe.
[0009] A slot is provided on the left side of the gas cooler pipe, and the pusher block passes through the slot, allowing the pusher block to move through the slot.
[0010] The gas cooler pipe has a movable hole inside, and the retaining shaft passes through the movable hole and moves, so that the retaining shaft can move through the movable hole.
[0011] A slot is provided on the left side of the gas cooler pipe, and the protrusion is movably connected to the inner wall of the slot to achieve the purpose of initial installation of the sealing ring body.
[0012] The slider is slidably connected to the inner wall of the limiting groove, and a locking hole is provided on one side of the protrusion. The locking shaft is movably connected to the inner wall of the locking hole, so that the locking shaft can limit the protrusion through the locking hole.
[0013] The sealing ring body includes a corrosion-resistant layer, a reinforcing layer is fixedly connected to one side of the corrosion-resistant layer, an anti-wear layer is fixedly connected to the reinforcing layer, and a sealing layer is fixedly connected to one side of the anti-wear layer, further improving the stability of the sealing ring body during use.
[0014] The corrosion-resistant layer is made of stainless steel, the reinforcing layer is made of flexible graphite foil, the wear-resistant layer is made of metal wire mesh, and the sealing layer is made of copper foil, ensuring good sealing performance while also providing wear resistance.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides an interstage air inlet sealing structure for a centrifugal compressor, which has the following advantages:
[0016] 1. This utility model achieves rapid pre-installation and locking of the sealing ring through a specially designed connecting mechanism. During the insertion of the protrusion, the inclined retaining shaft is compressed and contracts. After the protrusion is in place, the spring pushes the retaining shaft to automatically spring into the retaining hole to complete the locking. This process requires no additional tools or manual assistance, simplifying the sealing ring assembly process and ensuring the accuracy and stability of the sealing ring position during subsequent flange bolt tightening. This effectively avoids sealing failure caused by sealing ring displacement, significantly improving the reliability and efficiency of the connection operation. Furthermore, the locking can be released simply by pushing the push block, making the disassembly and maintenance of the sealing ring equally convenient and efficient.
[0017] 2. This utility model adopts a multi-layer composite sealing ring consisting of a corrosion-resistant layer, a reinforcing layer, an anti-wear layer, and a sealing layer. This fully leverages the performance advantages of each layer's materials, synergistically improving the overall performance of the sealing component. The stainless steel corrosion-resistant layer provides core structural support and corrosion resistance; the flexible graphite reinforcing layer ensures excellent initial sealing and adaptive compensation for flange surface deformation; the metal wire mesh anti-wear layer effectively resists the scouring and mechanical wear of high-speed airflow; and the innermost copper foil sealing layer plastically flows under high pressure to fill microscopic defects and acts as a sacrificial layer to prevent flange seizing. This structural design enables the sealing ring to maintain a long-lasting and reliable sealing effect even under the harsh conditions of high temperature, high pressure, and high-frequency vibration between compressor stages, and also provides a longer service life and ease of maintenance and replacement. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view of the structure of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 2 Left view of the flange;
[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the protrusion.
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the pivot point;
[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structural components of the sealing ring body.
[0024] In the diagram: 1. Compressor inlet pipe; 2. Connecting mechanism; 21. Limiting groove; 22. Spring; 23. Slider; 24. Push block; 25. Snap pin; 26. Protrusion; 3. Flange; 4. Nut; 5. Bolt; 6. Sealing ring body; 61. Corrosion resistant layer; 62. Reinforcing layer; 63. Wear resistant layer; 64. Sealing layer; 7. Gas cooler pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0026] This utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0027] Example 1
[0028] Combination Figures 1 to 6 A centrifugal compressor interstage air inlet sealing structure includes a compressor inlet pipe 1, a gas cooler pipe 7 on the left side of the compressor inlet pipe 1, a connecting mechanism 2 on the left side of the gas cooler pipe 7, flanges 3 fixedly connected to the outer walls of both the compressor inlet pipe 1 and the gas cooler pipe 7, bolts 5 movably connected inside the flanges 3, and nuts 4 threadedly connected to the outer walls of the bolts 5. A sealing ring body 6 is located on the left side of the connecting mechanism 2. By setting an independent connecting mechanism 2, this mechanism can automatically pre-fix the sealing ring body 6 before tightening the flange bolts 5, effectively solving the problem of easy displacement of the sealing ring and the need for manual support in traditional installation. It provides a stable centering foundation for applying huge bolt pre-tightening force and ensures the reliability of the high-pressure sealing connection between the compressor and the cooler.
[0029] The connecting mechanism 2 includes a limiting groove 21, which is located inside the gas cooler pipe 7. A spring 22 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the limiting groove 21. A slider 23 is fixedly connected to the end of the spring 22 away from the inner wall of the limiting groove 21. A retaining shaft 25 is fixedly connected to the side of the slider 23 away from the spring 22. A protrusion 26 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the sealing ring body 6. A push block 24 is fixedly connected to the left side of the slider 23. By utilizing the energy storage and release of the spring 22, as well as the cooperation between the inclined retaining shaft 25 and the protrusion 26, automatic displacement during insertion and automatic locking after positioning are achieved. The operation is reliable, requires no external power, simplifies the operation steps, and enables quick installation and locking of the sealing ring.
[0030] Sealing grooves are provided on the left side of the gas cooler pipe 7 and the right side of the compressor inlet pipe 1. The sealing ring body 6 is movably connected to the inner wall of the sealing groove. By opening the sealing groove, the sealing ring body 6 is provided with an accurate installation position and radial limit, ensuring that it will not be laterally squeezed or twisted when compressed with the flange end face, thereby ensuring the integrity of the final sealing surface and the stability of the sealing effect.
[0031] A slot is provided on the left side of the gas cooler pipe 7, through which the push block 24 passes. The design of the push block 24 being exposed in the slot provides the operator with a direct and convenient operating interface. Simply push the push block 24 inward to drive the entire slider 23 and the retaining shaft 25 to move, thereby releasing the lock on the protrusion 26 and making the disassembly and maintenance of the sealing ring easier.
[0032] The gas cooler pipe 7 has a movable hole inside, through which the retaining shaft 25 passes and moves. The movable hole provides precise guidance and limit for the reciprocating motion of the retaining shaft 25, ensuring that its movement trajectory is always aligned with the retaining hole on the protrusion 26, avoiding jamming or uneven wear, and ensuring smooth and reliable locking and disengaging actions.
[0033] A slot is provided on the left side of the gas cooler pipe 7, and the protrusion 26 is movably connected to the inner wall of the slot. The slot realizes the initial positioning and radial constraint of the sealing ring with the protrusion 26, which creates conditions for the subsequent precise insertion and locking of the locking shaft 25. It is the basis for realizing the process concept of "pre-installation and then fastening".
[0034] The slider 23 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the limiting groove 21. A locking hole is provided on one side of the protrusion 26. The locking shaft 25 is movably connected to the inner wall of the locking hole. The sliding cooperation between the slider 23 and the limiting groove 21 forms a stable kinematic pair, ensuring that the force is always transmitted axially. The cooperation between the locking shaft 25 and the locking hole forms a reliable mechanical interlock, which can withstand a certain reverse force and prevent the sealing ring from loosening under vibration.
[0035] The sealing ring body 6 includes a corrosion-resistant layer 61, a reinforcing layer 62 fixedly connected to one side of the corrosion-resistant layer 61, an anti-wear layer 63 fixedly connected to the reinforcing layer 62, and a sealing layer 64 fixedly connected to one side of the anti-wear layer 63. The multi-layer composite structure design enables the sealing ring body 6 to combine strength, elasticity, wear resistance, and sealing performance. The functions are clearly defined and work together to cope with complex working conditions such as high pressure, vibration, thermal cycling, and media corrosion at the compressor pipeline connection, which significantly extends the service life and sealing reliability of the sealing element.
[0036] The corrosion-resistant layer 61 is made of stainless steel, the reinforcing layer 62 is made of flexible graphite foil, the wear-resistant layer 63 is made of metal mesh, and the sealing layer 64 is made of copper foil. The stainless steel corrosion-resistant layer 61 provides core structural strength and corrosion resistance; the flexible graphite reinforcing layer 62 ensures excellent compression resilience and initial sealing; the metal mesh wear-resistant layer 63 enhances resistance to erosion and mechanical damage; and the soft copper foil sealing layer 64 plastically flows under high pressure to perfectly fill microscopic defects. The combination of the above four materials scientifically balances mechanical and sealing performance, enabling the sealing ring to adapt to more demanding working conditions.
[0037] In actual operation, when this device is used, the protrusion 26 is first inserted into the inner wall of the slot on the left side of the gas cooler pipe 7 through the sealing ring body 6. When the protrusion 26 is inserted into the slot, it will contact the retaining shaft 25. Since the retaining shaft 25 is set at an angle, it will drive the slider 23 to move. The slider 23 compresses the spring 22. When the protrusion 26 is fully inserted into the inner wall of the slot, the retaining hole of the protrusion 26 is aligned with the retaining shaft 25. At this time, the retaining shaft 25 has no pushing force. The spring 22, which is in a compressed state, will push the slider 23 to move. The slider 23 can drive the retaining shaft 25 to be inserted into the inner wall of the retaining hole of the protrusion 26, thereby limiting the protrusion 26 and achieving the purpose of pre-installing the sealing ring body 6 to ensure stability in the further connection process. Similarly, pushing the push block 24 through the slider 23 will drive the retaining shaft 25 to be pulled out from inside the protrusion 26, which can also realize the disassembly, replacement and maintenance of the sealing ring body 6.
[0038] The corrosion-resistant layer 61 serves as the supporting skeleton of the sealing ring, providing the main mechanical strength and overall structural protection, effectively resisting bolt preload and pipeline stress, preventing plastic deformation and fracture, while also possessing good corrosion resistance, ensuring the overall lifespan of the sealing ring and the integrity of disassembly.
[0039] With its excellent compressibility and resilience, the reinforcement layer 62 can fill the microscopic defects of the flange sealing surface under low preload, achieve initial sealing, and adapt to the high temperature conditions between compressor stages, effectively overcoming leakage problems caused by flange processing errors or thermal deformation.
[0040] The wear-resistant layer 63, as a reinforcing skeleton, significantly improves tensile strength, erosion resistance, and mechanical wear resistance, preventing material breakage or detachment under high-speed airflow erosion and vibration environments, thereby extending the service life of the sealing ring under harsh working conditions.
[0041] The sealing layer 64 undergoes plastic flow under high pressure to further enhance the seal and fill minor defects; at the same time, as a sacrificial layer, it effectively reduces micro-vibration wear and prevents high-temperature seizing or cold welding between flanges, ensuring convenient disassembly of the sealing ring and avoiding the risk of adhesion and breakage.
Claims
1. A centrifugal compressor interstage air inlet sealing structure, comprising a compressor inlet pipe (1), characterized in that: A gas cooler pipe (7) is provided on the left side of the compressor inlet pipe (1). A connecting mechanism (2) is provided on the left side of the gas cooler pipe (7). A flange (3) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of both the compressor inlet pipe (1) and the gas cooler pipe (7). A bolt (5) is movably connected inside the flange (3). A nut (4) is threaded onto the outer wall of the bolt (5). A sealing ring body (6) is provided on the left side of the connecting mechanism (2). The connecting mechanism (2) includes a limiting groove (21), which is located inside the gas cooler pipe (7). A spring (22) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the limiting groove (21). A slider (23) is fixedly connected to the end of the spring (22) away from the inner wall of the limiting groove (21). A retaining pin (25) is fixedly connected to the side of the slider (23) away from the spring (22). A protrusion (26) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the sealing ring body (6). A pusher (24) is fixedly connected to the left side of the slider (23).
2. The centrifugal compressor interstage air inlet sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas cooler pipe (7) has a sealing groove on the left side and the compressor inlet pipe (1) has a sealing groove on the right side. The sealing ring body (6) is movably connected to the inner wall of the sealing groove.
3. The centrifugal compressor interstage air inlet sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A slot is provided on the left side of the gas cooler pipe (7), and the pusher block (24) passes through the slot.
4. The centrifugal compressor interstage air inlet sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas cooler pipe (7) has a movable hole inside, and the retaining shaft (25) passes through the movable hole and moves.
5. The centrifugal compressor interstage air inlet sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas cooler pipe (7) has a slot on its left side, and the protrusion (26) is movably connected to the inner wall of the slot.
6. The centrifugal compressor interstage air inlet sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slider (23) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the limiting groove (21), and a card hole is provided on one side of the protrusion (26). The card shaft (25) is movably connected to the inner wall of the card hole.
7. The centrifugal compressor interstage air inlet sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing ring body (6) includes a corrosion-resistant layer (61), a reinforcing layer (62) is fixedly connected to one side of the corrosion-resistant layer (61), an anti-wear layer (63) is fixedly connected to the reinforcing layer (62), and a sealing layer (64) is fixedly connected to one side of the anti-wear layer (63).
8. The centrifugal compressor interstage air inlet sealing structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The corrosion-resistant layer (61) is made of stainless steel, the reinforcing layer (62) is made of flexible graphite foil, the wear-resistant layer (63) is made of metal wire mesh, and the sealing layer (64) is made of copper foil.