Piston compressor and method for operating same

The lubrication system for piston compressors, featuring a lubricant sensor and control unit that adjust lubricant application based on measured film thickness, addresses the issue of overlubrication, reducing wear, costs, and improving component lifespan.

EP4112932B1Active Publication Date: 2025-04-02HOERBIGER WIEN GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2022180868
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-06-28
Filing Date
2022-06-24
Publication Date
2025-04-02
Estimated Expiration
2042-06-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing piston compressor lubrication systems often result in overlubrication, leading to increased wear on components, reduced lifespan, and higher operating costs due to excessive lubricant consumption and the need for additional equipment to manage excess lubricants.

Method used

A lubrication system that includes a lubricant sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor, to measure the lubricating film thickness on the cylinder running surface, and a control unit that adjusts the lubricant amount based on the measured film state, ensuring the precise amount of lubricant is applied during operation.

Benefits of technology

This solution reduces lubricant consumption, prevents overlubrication, and extends the lifespan of compressor components, thereby lowering operational costs and improving compressor availability.

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Abstract

To prevent over-lubrication of the cylinders (2) in a piston compressor (1) and to reduce the amount of lubricant to a level required for operation, a lubrication system with a lubrication system control unit (14) is provided according to the invention, in which at least one lubricant sensor (15) is provided for detecting a lubricant film measurement parameter (S) representative of a lubricant film thickness (11) on the cylinder running surface of the cylinder (2), wherein the lubrication system control unit (14) is configured to operate the lubrication system at least once in a predetermined calibration operating mode during the operation of the piston compressor (1) and to determine a lubricant film condition value (SZ) on the basis of the lubricant film measurement parameter (S) detected during the execution of the calibration operating mode, and wherein the lubrication system control unit (14) is configured toAfter the calibration operating mode has ended, the amount of lubricant to be introduced during operation of the piston compressor (1) is to be controlled depending on the determined lubricant film condition value (SZ).
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