Improvements in gas-liquid separators
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522487940.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-24
AI Technical Summary
[0003]气液分离器被广泛应用在能源高效利用与热管理领域，并在热泵（制冷）系统中扮演着至关重要的角色，其主要作用是确保进入压缩机的制冷剂是纯净的气态，传统的气液分离器中进气管与出气管一般为直管口或收缩管口，出气管边缘易存在高速射流区，使得热泵产品中的气液分离器在部分频率范围容易出现高频啸叫音，造成噪声污染，客户投资隐患极高；且气态冷媒经过出气管口时流速过快，容易将已经分离或正在分离部分小液滴随气态冷媒卷携进入压缩机，造成压缩机带液的问题；以及传统管口结构会因热泵设计或调试不当原因，导致冷媒流速过大的问题，在管口或气液分离器内部出现较强的涡流，强烈的出口涡流会卷吸气液分离器底部或壁面的液体，将其甩向出口中心并被气流带走
1、该气液分离器的改进结构，通过在气液分离器出气管管口位置增加扩口结构，能够增加气流的接触面积，降低流速，使得液态冷媒不易被带出气液分离器，加强气液分离器的分离效果，也能够降低气态冷媒在出口处的动能，避免出口处出现湍动能加大的情况发生。
Smart Images
Figure CN224887377U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat pump gas-liquid separator technology, specifically an improved structure of a gas-liquid separator. Background Technology
[0002] A gas-liquid separator is a separation device that uses centrifugal separation and wire mesh filtration to remove liquid. It mainly consists of a cylinder, cyclone separator, high-efficiency defoaming screen, and drain valve. It is typically installed before a drying unit to perform coarse filtration, removing some moisture from the air and reducing the workload of the drying unit.
[0003] Gas-liquid separators are widely used in energy efficiency and thermal management, and play a crucial role in heat pump (refrigeration) systems. Their main function is to ensure that the refrigerant entering the compressor is a pure gaseous state. In traditional gas-liquid separators, the inlet and outlet pipes are generally straight or constricted. High-speed jet zones are prone to exist at the edge of the outlet pipe, causing high-frequency whistling noises in certain frequency ranges of the gas-liquid separator in heat pump products, resulting in noise pollution and posing a significant risk to customer investment. Furthermore, the excessively high flow velocity of the gaseous refrigerant when passing through the outlet pipe can easily entrain small droplets that have already been separated or are in the process of separation into the compressor, causing liquid carryover in the compressor. In addition, the traditional pipe structure can lead to excessive refrigerant flow velocity due to improper heat pump design or debugging, resulting in strong vortices at the pipe outlet or inside the gas-liquid separator. The strong outlet vortex can entrain liquid at the bottom or wall of the gas-liquid separator, throwing it towards the outlet center and carrying it away by the airflow. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an improved structure for a gas-liquid separator, which solves the problems mentioned in the background section and has the advantages of reducing outlet flow velocity, improving flow field uniformity, reducing outlet eddies, and reducing total pressure loss when gas exits the separator.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution: an improved structure for a gas-liquid separator, which is installed inside the gas-liquid separator. The gas-liquid separator includes a cylindrical shell, with an upper end cover connected to the top of the cylindrical shell and a lower end cover disposed at the bottom of the cylindrical shell. A cold medium inlet pipe and a cold medium outlet pipe are installed inside the cylindrical shell, and the outlet of the cold medium inlet pipe is lower than the inlet of the cold medium outlet pipe. An oil return port is provided at the bottom of the cold medium outlet pipe, and a flared structure is connected to the inlet of the cold medium outlet pipe, with the inlet of the flared structure being a flared opening.
[0006] Furthermore, the cylindrical shell, upper and lower end caps, and inlet and outlet pipes of the gas-liquid separator are sealed together by welding. The top inlet of the cold medium inlet pipe is located outside the upper end cap, and the outlet is located inside the cylindrical shell. The inlet of the cold medium outlet pipe is located inside the cylindrical shell, and the outlet extends to the outside of the upper end cap.
[0007] Furthermore, the flaring angle of the flared structure is between 5° and 12°, and the pipe diameter is increased to 1.2 to 1.5 times the original diameter of the cold medium outlet pipe.
[0008] Furthermore, the flared structure is a technology that allows for the expansion of pipe diameter.
[0009] Furthermore, the flared structure is a right-angle flared shape, and its flared position is an outwardly enlarging conical structure.
[0010] Furthermore, the flare structure is a rounded flare, and its flare position is divided into two parts. The part that connects with the cold medium outlet pipe is an outwardly expanding arc structure, and the outermost end of the flare is an outwardly curved arc structure.
[0011] This utility model provides an improved structure for a gas-liquid separator, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. The improved structure of the gas-liquid separator increases the contact area of the airflow and reduces the flow velocity by adding a flared structure at the outlet of the gas-liquid separator. This makes it less likely for the liquid refrigerant to be carried out of the gas-liquid separator, thus enhancing the separation effect of the gas-liquid separator. It also reduces the kinetic energy of the gaseous refrigerant at the outlet, preventing the occurrence of increased turbulent kinetic energy at the outlet.
[0012] 2. The improved structure of this gas-liquid separator utilizes the flared structure to function as a rectifier in the entire flow field, which can make the airflow velocity distribution at the outlet more uniform, help weaken the high-speed jet region, and reduce the probability of high-frequency whistling sound.
[0013] 3. The improved structure of this gas-liquid separator supplements the traditional straight pipe and constricted pipe by flaring out the structure. This can avoid the problem of excessive refrigerant flow rate caused by improper design or debugging of the heat pump. At the same time, it can also reduce the phenomenon of strong vortex entrainment of liquid at the bottom or wall of the gas-liquid separator, thereby suppressing or weakening the vortex noise.
[0014] 4. The improved structure of this gas-liquid separator enables the refrigerant kinetic energy of heat pump systems that require fan and compressor drive systems to be converted into static pressure energy, reducing the total pressure loss when the gas flows out of the separator and helping to save system energy consumption. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1This is a partial cross-sectional view of a gas-liquid separator with this improved structure; Figure 2 This is a top view of the gas-liquid separator; Figure 3 This is a front view of the gas-liquid separator; Figure 4 An isometric view of a gas-liquid separator; Figure 5 This is a diagram of the right-angle flared structure of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the rounded corner flare of this utility model.
[0016] In the diagram: 1. Refrigerant inlet pipe; 2. Refrigerant outlet pipe; 3. Flared structure; 4. Upper end cap; 5. Cylindrical shell; 6. Oil return port; 7. Lower end cap. Detailed Implementation
[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.
[0018] Please see Figure 2-4 This utility model provides a technical solution: an improved structure for a gas-liquid separator, including a flared structure 3, which is installed on the gas outlet inside the gas-liquid separator. The gas-liquid separator includes a cylindrical shell 5, inside which are the relevant structures for the operation of the gas-liquid separator. An upper end cover 4 is sealed and welded to the top of the cylindrical shell 5 to seal the top of the gas-liquid separator, prevent gas leakage, ensure system pressure stability, and also provide mechanical support to prevent internal components from being damaged by pressure or vibration. A lower end cover 7 is sealed and welded to the bottom of the cylindrical shell 5 to seal the bottom, prevent leakage of liquid refrigeration or lubricating oil, and also prevent the entry of external impurities. Together with the upper end cover 4, it maintains the sealing and mechanical stability of the gas-liquid separator, ensuring the normal operation of the gas-liquid separator under high and low pressure environments.
[0019] Please see Figure 1The cylindrical shell 5 is equipped with a refrigerant inlet pipe 1 and a refrigerant outlet pipe 2. The refrigerant inlet pipe 1 is located at the top of the cylindrical shell 5 and is connected to an external air source. The refrigerant outlet pipe 2 extends to the bottom of the cylindrical shell 5 and is connected to an external exhaust device. The inlet of the refrigerant outlet pipe 2 is higher than the outlet of the refrigerant inlet pipe 1. The bottom of the refrigerant outlet pipe 2 is generally equipped with an oil return port 6, which is located on the side of the curved part of the refrigerant outlet pipe 2 and is used to recover the separated lubricating oil. The specific working principle of the refrigerant inlet pipe 1, the refrigerant outlet pipe 2 and the oil return port 6 is existing technology and can be directly obtained by those skilled in the art, so it will not be described in detail here.
[0020] Please see Figure 1 The inlet of the refrigerant outlet pipe 2 is connected to a flared structure 3. The flared structure 3 is an inlet flared structure, which increases the contact area with the airflow, thereby increasing the outlet cross-section for the same amount of refrigerant and relatively reducing the flow velocity. This reduces the gas flow velocity and prevents small droplets that have already separated or are in the process of separation from being entrained in the compressor along with the gaseous refrigerant, thus preventing liquid carryover in the compressor. This enhances the separation effect of the gas-liquid separator. At the same time, the reduced outlet velocity means that the kinetic energy of the gaseous refrigerant at the outlet is reduced, causing some of the dynamic pressure of the gaseous refrigerant to be converted into static pressure. This reduces the total pressure drop at the outlet and prevents the occurrence of increased turbulent kinetic energy at the outlet, thereby suppressing or weakening the intensity of eddies. In addition, the flared structure 3 acts as a rectifier in the entire flow field inside the cylindrical shell 5, making the velocity distribution at the outlet more uniform. This helps to weaken the high-speed jet region and makes the flow velocity at the entire outlet cross-section smoother and more uniform, reducing the probability of high-frequency whistling sounds and thus reducing outlet noise and improving the customer's user experience.
[0021] Please see Figure 5 This is the first embodiment of the improved structure, which is a right-angle structure. Its manufacturing process is simple. During manufacturing, the opening of the refrigerant outlet pipe 2 is enlarged according to the designed flaring mold. The flaring angle and diameter depend on the original pipe diameter of the refrigerant outlet pipe 2. The flaring angle is between 5° and 12°, and the pipe diameter is enlarged to 1.2 to 1.5 times the original pipe diameter. The specific pipe diameter enlargement ratio and flaring style can be adjusted according to existing technology. It is low in cost and highly practical.
[0022] Please see Figure 6 This is the second embodiment of the improved structure. Its exterior has rounded corners and smooth edges, resulting in fewer cleaning dead spots and reducing cleaning difficulty.
[0023] In summary, the improved structure of this gas-liquid separator allows the external gas-liquid mixture to enter the interior of the cylindrical shell 5 through the refrigerant inlet pipe 1 and flow circumferentially within the shell 5. Under centrifugal force, droplets are thrown against the inner wall of the container and gradually deposit at the bottom. The gas is discharged through the refrigerant outlet pipe 2 via the compressor. Due to the high-speed fluid flow, a negative pressure exists at the oil return port 6, and the lubricating oil is carried back to the compressor under this negative pressure. The gas enters the refrigerant outlet pipe 2 through the flared structure 3, where the airflow velocity is gradually reduced. The kinetic energy of the gaseous refrigerant at the outlet is reduced, and some of the dynamic pressure is converted into static pressure. The high-speed jet zone of the outlet pipe is weakened, and the flow velocity at the outlet section is relatively gentle and uniform. At the same time, the vortex intensity is also reduced.
[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model; the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances. Moreover, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
[0025] 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. An improved structure for a gas-liquid separator, which is installed inside the gas-liquid separator, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separator includes a cylindrical shell (5), with an upper end cover (4) connected to the top of the cylindrical shell (5) and a lower end cover (7) at the bottom. The cylindrical shell (5) is equipped with a cold medium inlet pipe (1) and a cold medium outlet pipe (2), and the outlet of the cold medium inlet pipe (1) is lower than the inlet of the cold medium outlet pipe (2). The bottom of the cold medium outlet pipe (2) is provided with an oil return port (6), and the inlet of the cold medium outlet pipe (2) is connected with a flared structure (3), and the inlet of the flared structure (3) is flared.
2. The improved structure of the gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cylindrical shell (5), upper and lower end caps, and inlet and outlet pipes of the gas-liquid separator are sealed by welding. The top inlet of the cold medium inlet pipe (1) is located outside the upper end cap (4), and the outlet is located inside the cylindrical shell (5). The inlet of the cold medium outlet pipe (2) is located inside the cylindrical shell (5), and the outlet extends to the outside of the upper end cap (4).
3. The improved structure of a gas-liquid separator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flaring angle of the flaring structure (3) is between 5° and 12°, and the pipe diameter is enlarged to 1.2 to 1.5 times the original pipe diameter of the cold medium outlet pipe (2).
4. An improved structure of a gas-liquid separator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flared structure (3) is a technology that can enlarge the pipe diameter.
5. An improved structure of a gas-liquid separator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flared structure (3) is a right-angle flared shape, and its flared position is an outwardly enlarged conical structure.
6. An improved structure of a gas-liquid separator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flared structure (3) is in a rounded flared state. Its flared position is divided into two parts. The part that connects with the cold medium outlet pipe (2) is an outwardly enlarging arc structure, and the outermost end of the flared is an outwardly curved arc structure.