A compressor refrigeration pipe structure

Abstract

This application discloses a compressor refrigeration pipeline structure, relating to the field of compressor technology. It includes a return gas pipeline, with both ends connected to an evaporator outlet pipeline and a compressor suction port, respectively. The structure further includes a buffer structure in the return gas pipeline section with a height difference. The buffer structure consists of at least one continuous, meandering Z-shaped bend in a vertical plane. Each bend is formed by a smoothly connected in-line section, rising section, top bend, descending section, and outlet section. The outlet section is lower than the in-line section in the vertical direction. The beneficial effect of this application is that by designing the return gas pipeline itself, the kinetic energy of liquid impact is dissipated, thereby solving the liquid hammer problem caused by the accumulation of liquid refrigerant in the return gas pipeline during compressor startup.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of compressor technology, and in particular to a compressor refrigeration pipe structure. Background Technology

[0002] In refrigeration systems, the evaporator and compressor often have a significant height difference due to layout requirements. During system shutdown, liquid refrigerant accumulates in the return gas pipe near the evaporator due to factors such as pressure and temperature. Upon compressor startup, the liquid accumulated in the return gas pipe, before it can evaporate, is entrained by the refrigerant gas and rushed towards the compressor. Because liquid is much denser than gas and is incompressible, when a large amount of liquid is propelled by the high-speed airflow from a high point in the pipe to a low point and suddenly encounters a bend or valve, it causes a huge momentum impact, triggering pipe vibration and noise—this is the "liquid hammer" phenomenon. Over time, this can lead to loosening of pipe supports and fatigue damage to the pipe walls. More seriously, a strong liquid hammer effect can push a large amount of liquid into the compressor cylinder, causing a "liquid slugging" accident where the incompressible liquid is forcibly compressed by the piston. This can damage critical components such as compressor valves and connecting rods, or even render the entire unit unusable, severely impacting the safety and reliability of the refrigeration system.

[0003] In existing technologies, liquid hammer phenomena are usually mitigated by optimizing pipe support, adding liquid receivers or liquid hammer eliminators, or changing refrigerant composition. However, these methods have drawbacks such as high cost, complex structure, or limited effectiveness. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as high cost, complex structure, or limited effectiveness, by proposing a compressor refrigeration pipe structure. Its advantages lie in that it does not rely on external auxiliary equipment but instead dissipates the kinetic energy of liquid impact through the pipe's own design, thereby suppressing liquid hammer.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: a compressor refrigeration pipeline structure, including a return gas pipeline, the two ends of which are respectively connected to an evaporator outlet pipeline and a compressor suction port, and further including: a buffer structure provided in the return gas pipeline section with a height difference, the buffer structure being composed of at least one continuous, meandering Z-shaped bend in the vertical plane, each Z-shaped bend being composed of an inlet section, a rising section, a top bend, a descending section and an outlet section smoothly connected in sequence, the outlet section being lower than the inlet section in the vertical direction.

[0006] Preferably, the top elbow is provided with a liquid storage chamber with a diameter larger than that of the return gas pipe, and the central axis of the liquid storage chamber coincides with the central axis of the top elbow.

[0007] Preferably, the inner wall of the zigzag bend is provided with a flow-disrupting structure.

[0008] Preferably, the turbulence structure is a plurality of uniformly distributed baffles extending radially along the inner wall of the V-shaped bend.

[0009] Preferably, the turbulence structure is a guide vane that extends spirally along the inner wall of the zigzag bend.

[0010] Preferably, the buffer structure and the return gas pipe are integrally formed or connected by welding.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: (1) By adding a zigzag bend in the return gas pipe, the linear impact motion of the liquid falling vertically is transformed into a tortuous motion that requires continuous climbing and descending. By extending the path, changing the flow direction, and increasing friction, the impact kinetic energy of the liquid is directly consumed, effectively suppressing liquid hammer and reducing vibration and noise. At the same time, it effectively reduces the total amount and velocity of liquid refrigerant entering the compressor, greatly reducing the risk of liquid hammer and protecting the compressor.

[0012] (2) No additional moving parts or equipment are required. Only a buffer structure is added to the existing pipeline layout. The cost is extremely low, there are no additional points of failure, and the service life is consistent with the pipeline system. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model installed in a refrigeration system.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the zigzag bend in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the baffle in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the guide vane in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of the guide vane in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal connection between the inlet of the buffer structure and the outlet pipe of the evaporator of this utility model.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Compressor; 2. Evaporator; 3. Return gas pipe; 31. Buffer structure; 4. Z-shaped bend; 41. Inlet section; 42. Rising section; 43. Top bend; 44. Falling section; 45. Outlet section; 431. Liquid storage chamber; 5. Turbulence structure; 51. Baffle; 52. Guide vane. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present application will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., which indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this application.

[0022] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0023] Example 1 One preferred embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, a compressor refrigeration piping structure includes: a return gas pipe 3, the two ends of which are connected to the outlet pipe of the evaporator 2 and the suction port of the compressor 1, respectively; and a buffer structure 31 is provided in the section of the return gas pipe 3 where there is a height difference. The buffer structure 31 is composed of at least one continuous, meandering Z-shaped bend 4 in the vertical plane. Each Z-shaped bend 4 is composed of an inlet section 41, a rising section 42, a top bend 43, a descending section 44, and an outlet section 45 connected smoothly in sequence. The outlet section 45 is lower than the inlet section 41 in the vertical direction.

[0024] Further reference Figure 1 The buffer structure 31 and the return gas pipe 3 are integrally formed or connected by welding.

[0025] like Figure 1As shown, in the refrigeration system, the evaporator 2 is installed at a high position, and the compressor 1 is located at a low position, with a height difference between them. On the return gas pipe 3 connecting them, near the suction port of the compressor 1, there is a buffer structure 31 consisting of at least one V-shaped bend 4. When the system stops, liquid refrigerant accumulates in the return gas pipe 3 near the evaporator 2 due to pressure, temperature, and other factors. When the compressor 1 starts, the high-speed refrigerant gas pushes the liquid through the return gas pipe 3. After entering the V-shaped bend 4 of the buffer structure 31, it first climbs upward along the rising section 42, passes the top bend 43, and then flows downward through the descending section 44. This process is repeated through multiple V-shaped bends 4 before finally flowing to the compressor 1. This process greatly extends the flow path, consumes the kinetic energy of the liquid, and elongates and segments the liquid column, thereby transforming the huge instantaneous impact into a smooth flow and effectively eliminating liquid hammer. At the same time, the speed at which the liquid rushes towards the compressor 1 is slowed down from the source. Some of the liquid remains in the buffer structure 31 due to the depletion of kinetic energy, which prevents a large amount of liquid from entering the compressor 1 at the moment of startup. This effectively prevents the liquid hammer accident of the compressor 1 caused by liquid hammer and extends the service life of the equipment.

[0026] Optionally, the key dimensions of the Z-shaped bend 4 in this application can be optimized according to the system operating conditions. Let the height difference between the evaporator 2 and the compressor 1 be H, the radius of the inner wall of the return gas pipe 3 be R, the radius of curvature of the top bend 43 be R1, and the effective drop between the outlet section 45 and the inlet section 41 be H1. The dimension determination principle of this preferred embodiment is as follows: H1 ≥ 0.1H, and H1 ≥ 2R; 1.5R ≤ R1 ≤ 3R, to balance flow resistance and buffering effect. For example, for a system where the inner wall radius R of the return gas pipe 3 is 50mm and the height difference H between the evaporator 2 and the compressor 1 is 8 meters, multiple Z-shaped bends 4, each with H1 of 1.2 meters and R1 of 100mm, installed close to the compressor 1, can be designed and connected end-to-end to form a buffer structure 31.

[0027] Optionally, refer to Figure 6 Depending on the actual height difference between the evaporator 2 and the compressor 1, the inlet of the buffer structure 31 can also be the horizontal section of the outlet pipe of the evaporator 2.

[0028] Example 2 Another preferred embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the top elbow 43 is provided with a liquid storage chamber 431 with a diameter larger than that of the return gas pipe 3, and the central axis of the liquid storage chamber 431 coincides with the central axis of the top elbow 43.

[0029] In the compressor refrigeration piping structure proposed in this application, the Z-shaped bend 4 can be a continuous inverted U-shaped bend, or a horizontal pipe section can be provided at the top bend 43 to provide better liquid storage effect. In terms of basic structure, designing the top bend 43 as a liquid storage chamber 431 with a larger diameter increases the liquid capacity, providing an effective buffer space for accumulated liquid. Its volume can be calculated and determined according to the specific system conditions. When the compressor 1 starts, the expanded flow cross-section of the liquid storage chamber 431 allows refrigerant gas to pass through preferentially, creating an orderly suction effect on the liquid within the chamber. This transforms the potential impact of a solid liquid column into a slow, continuous segmented liquid flow, which then works in conjunction with other pipe sections of the Z-shaped bend 4 to dissipate the impact kinetic energy of the liquid, achieving a better liquid hammer elimination effect. The fact that the central axis of the liquid storage chamber 431 coincides with the central axis of the top bend 43 means that the liquid storage chamber 431 is a cavity formed by uniformly expanding the diameter of the pipe at the top bend 43. This coaxial expansion design ensures that the refrigerant gas flows smoothly and with minimal pressure loss during normal operation.

[0030] Example 3 Another preferred embodiment of this application, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the inner wall of the Z-shaped bend 4 is provided with a turbulence structure 5.

[0031] Further reference Figure 3 The turbulence structure 5 consists of several uniformly distributed baffles 51 extending radially along the inner wall of the zigzag bend 4.

[0032] Baffles 51 are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the Z-shaped bend 4 by welding or integral molding. The height of the baffles 51 is approximately 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the radius of the Z-shaped bend 4. The baffles 51 can further divide and disturb the liquid column, generate eddies, and dissipate its energy more efficiently, thereby achieving a better liquid hammer elimination effect. The baffles 51 are simple to manufacture and low in cost, and their effect on dividing the liquid column is more direct and intense, making them suitable for working conditions with extremely high requirements for eliminating liquid hammer.

[0033] Further reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The turbulence structure 5 is a guide vane 52 that extends spirally along the inner wall of the zigzag bend 4.

[0034] The guide vane 52 generates a rotating flow through the induced liquid, increasing the channel length and wall friction, thereby improving kinetic energy dissipation efficiency. The advantage of the guide vane 52 is that it effectively dissipates the kinetic energy of the liquid impact while offering minimal resistance to the refrigerant gas flow, which helps the system maintain high energy efficiency during normal operation.

[0035] Optionally, the turbulence-disrupting structure 5 is preferably disposed on the inner wall of the top bend 43, and secondarily on the inner wall of the descending section 44. The top bend 43 is one of the key points where the liquid flow direction changes most drastically. Disruption structures 5 are placed here to maximize the consumption of liquid energy, whether through direct cutting by the baffle 51 or swirling guidance by the guide vanes 52, resulting in the highest efficiency. Furthermore, after the liquid flows out of the top bend 43, it accelerates downwards in the descending section 44. Disruption structures 5, especially guide vanes 52, are placed on the inner wall of the descending section 44 to further extend the liquid path and increase friction, thereby further consuming the remaining kinetic energy.

[0036] Optionally, the turbulence structure 5 and the liquid storage chamber 431 can be applied simultaneously in the structure of the top bend 43 to achieve a two-stage buffering effect of "first expanding capacity and decelerating, then turbulence and energy dissipation". Compared with a single structure, this can more thoroughly eliminate liquid hammer impact.

[0037] Working principle: When the system shuts down, liquid refrigerant accumulates in the return gas pipe 3 near the evaporator 2 due to pressure and temperature changes. The buffer structure 31 in this application forms a liquid buffer zone through one or more interconnected V-shaped bends 4. When the compressor 1 starts, a high-speed airflow carries liquid refrigerant into the inlet section 41 of the V-shaped bend 4 and flows upward along the rising section 42. During the upward movement, gravity consumes some of the liquid's kinetic energy; when the liquid passes the top bend 43, the flow direction changes, further dissipating energy; subsequently, the liquid flows downward along the descending section 44. This process greatly extends the flow path, elongating and segmenting the liquid column. Combined with the turbulence structure 5 on the inner wall of the V-shaped bend 4, the huge instantaneous impact is transformed into a smooth flow, effectively eliminating liquid hammer and preventing a large amount of liquid from entering the compressor 1 at startup, thus improving equipment safety.

[0038] The basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application have been described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made to this application without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection claimed by this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A compressor refrigeration piping structure, comprising: The return gas pipe (3) is connected at both ends to the outlet pipe of the evaporator (2) and the suction port of the compressor (1), respectively. It is characterized in that it further includes: a buffer structure (31) is provided in the section of the return gas pipe (3) where there is a height difference. The buffer structure (31) is composed of at least one continuous zigzag bend (4) that meanders in the vertical plane. Each zigzag bend (4) is composed of an inlet section (41), a rising section (42), a top bend (43), a falling section (44), and an outlet section (45) that are smoothly connected in sequence. The outlet section (45) is lower than the inlet section (41) in the vertical direction.

2. The compressor refrigeration pipe structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top elbow (43) is provided with a liquid storage chamber (431) with a diameter larger than that of the return gas pipe (3), and the central axis of the liquid storage chamber (431) coincides with the central axis of the top elbow (43).

3. The compressor refrigeration pipe structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the zigzag bend (4) is provided with a turbulence structure (5).

4. The compressor refrigeration pipe structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The turbulence structure (5) consists of several uniformly distributed baffles (51) extending radially along the inner wall of the zigzag bend (4).

5. A compressor refrigeration pipe structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The turbulence structure (5) is a guide vane (52) that extends spirally along the inner wall of the zigzag bend (4).

6. The compressor refrigeration pipe structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer structure (31) and the return gas pipe (3) are integrally formed or connected by welding.

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