Compressor system and liquid separation device for such a compressor system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compressor system (1) having: a compressor (10) and at least one liquid separation unit (21, 22) which has at least one liquid separator (21a, 22a) and at least one liquid removal device (21b, 22b), wherein at least one liquid removal channel (21c, 22c) is connected to the at least one liquid removal device (21b, 22b) and is configured to discharge a separated liquid from the at least one liquid removal device (21b, 22b) in the direction of at least one suction channel (40) for a liquid supply line to a compressor unit (10b) of the compressor (10), and the at least one liquid removal channel (21c, 22c) are connected to one another via at least one buffer chamber (30), having a buffer volume (31), arranged between the at least one liquid removal channel (21c, 22c) and the at least one suction channel (40).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Compressor system and liquid separation device for such a

[0003] Compressor system

[0004] The present invention relates to a compressor system and a liquid separation device for such a compressor system.

[0005] In oil-lubricated compressors, such as oil-lubricated screw compressors, the oil used for lubrication and cooling is separated after the compression process using suitable oil separators to prevent it from entering downstream compressed air systems. The separated oil is then returned to the compressor, for example, the screw block in oil-lubricated screw compressors.

[0006] In conventional oil-lubricated screw compressors, for example, oil separated by a fine separator can be collected in a separator basin, also known as a spherical cap. Due to a predetermined pressure differential, the separated oil can flow from the separator basin into the screw block via an oil return line. However, if the compressor is shut down, a compressor-side intake check valve closes, and the pressure on the screw block side exceeds the pressure level at the separator basin, at least briefly. The reverse pressure differential forces the oil back into the fine separator. This can also affect a connection between the screw block and a coarse separator in a similar manner. The unwanted backflow into a respective separator continues until the respective connection pressures are equalized.

[0007] To avoid the problem described above, the installation of check valves is known. These allow only one direction of flow of the separated oil toward the screw block. However, the installation of these check valves is associated with corresponding costs. Furthermore, the check valves do not always seal reliably, especially considering the usual design based on a ball-type seal.

[0008] In view of the above, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a compressor system which is improved compared to the prior art, in particular with regard to reducing costs while ensuring safe operation.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the invention, a compressor system comprises a compressor and at least one liquid separation device with at least one liquid separation unit, which has at least one liquid separator and at least one liquid removal device. At least one liquid removal channel is connected to the at least one liquid removal device and is configured to discharge a separated liquid from the at least one liquid removal device in the direction of at least one suction channel for a liquid supply line to a compressor unit of the compressor. The at least one liquid removal channel and the at least one suction channel are connected to one another via at least one buffer chamber having a buffer volume arranged between the at least one liquid removal channel and the at least one suction channel.

[0011] The at least one liquid separation unit of the at least one liquid separation device can, for example, be a fine separation unit or a coarse separation unit. The liquid separation device can also have both at least one coarse separation unit and at least one fine separation unit downstream in the flow direction of the fluid to be separated, as will be described below. The at least one liquid separation unit has at least one liquid separator, i.e., according to the above example, a fine separator or coarse separator. The at least one liquid separator is configured to separate a liquid contained in a supplied fluid mixture, for example, a lubricant from a gas-liquid mixture. The separated liquid is then collected in a liquid removal device.The liquid extraction device is located, for example, in a position that allows the separated liquid to be collected by gravity. Thus, when used as intended and positioned accordingly in the direction of gravity below the at least one liquid separator, the liquid extraction device can be located in at least partial surface overlap with the at least one liquid separator, i.e., with a collection area directly below the liquid separator. Alternatively, the separated liquid from the liquid separator may not flow directly into the liquid extraction device, but rather be guided to the liquid extraction device via other collection surfaces that are, for example, inclined downwards in the direction of gravity toward the liquid extraction device.

[0012] The at least one liquid extraction device of the separation unit can be designed as a detachable cover for attachment to the housing of the liquid separation device. Accordingly, for example, the at least one liquid extraction device can be easily removed for maintenance purposes and to provide corresponding accessibility to the separation unit, without the need to dismantle return lines beforehand. Since liquid extraction channels are formed adjacent to the respective liquid extraction device through the housing of the liquid separation device, no further bridging is required when dismantling the respective cover. The respective cover can, for example, be screwed into the housing, bolted on, and / or otherwise releasably fastened to or in the housing in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.The connection of the liquid outlet from the cover thus goes directly into the liquid extraction channel of the housing of the liquid separator, so that disassembly of the cover separates the liquid return and reconnects the liquid return when the cover is reassembled.

[0013] To ensure that the respective liquid outlet of the respective cover is covered by the respective assignable liquid extraction channel, an assembly end position can be provided, for example by screwing the cover against a stop, a corresponding drilling pattern or also markings to be aligned on the cover and the housing.

[0014] To ensure a fluid seal between the lid, but also generally between the fluid extraction device or the fluid outlet, and the respective fluid extraction channel, a seal, such as an O-ring, can be arranged on the fluid outlet and / or the fluid extraction channel facing the fluid outlet. This seal creates a fluid-tight seal between the fluid outlet and the fluid extraction channel. Leakage can be prevented accordingly.

[0015] The liquid separation device serves to separate a liquid from a liquid-gas volume flow of the compressor system. For example, in an oil-lubricated compressor, such as an oil-lubricated screw compressor, the liquid separation device downstream in the flow direction can separate oil from an oil-air volume flow. In such a case, the liquid separation device is an oil separation device that separates the oil from the compressed compressed air. Alternatively, other liquids, such as those used for cooling and / or lubricating the compressor, can also be separated. Likewise, a gas other than air can be compressed by the compressor.

[0016] The separated liquid collected in the liquid extraction device can be fed from the liquid extraction device to the at least one suction channel via the at least one connected liquid extraction channel. The separated liquid can then be fed back to the compressor unit of the compressor via the at least one suction channel, for example for lubrication. The compressor unit can refer to the unit of the compressor intended for compression or to another functional unit of the compressor that can utilize the separated liquid. If the separated liquid can be fed to several functional units of the compressor, these can also be understood as a compressor unit. The term compressor unit thus represents a utilization unit of the compressor for the separated liquid.

[0017] Since the buffer chamber with the buffer volume is arranged between the at least one liquid extraction channel and the at least one suction channel, it can be prevented that when the suction is shut down or the compressor is switched off, the resulting pressure difference forces the separated liquid back into the liquid separation unit. This would otherwise reduce the efficiency of the recirculation and also pose the risk of the forced-back liquid reaching the clean air side of the liquid separation unit or liquid separation device.

[0018] The buffer volume of the buffer chamber does not have to correspond to the internal volume of the buffer chamber, but can also be a volume that is smaller than the internal volume of the buffer chamber. In other words, the buffer volume corresponds to at least a portion of the internal volume of the buffer chamber, with the buffer volume referring to a receiving volume for the separated liquid between the supply line from the at least one liquid extraction channel into the buffer chamber and the discharge line to the at least one suction channel from the buffer chamber. The terms supply line and discharge line refer to the flow direction of the separated liquid intended during normal operation.

[0019] The buffer volume thus eliminates the need for a check valve in the at least one liquid extraction channel and / or in the at least one suction channel. In one embodiment, the buffer volume of the at least one buffer chamber or several buffer chambers corresponds to at least one volume of the suction channel, in particular a volume of the suction channel and the volume of the at least one liquid extraction channel.

[0020] The volume of the suction channel refers to the maximum volume of liquid that can be present from the suction point to the compressor unit and thus could be pushed back. Accordingly, the volume of the suction channel refers to a length and a line cross-section of a suction line of the suction channel that is present over the length, whereby additional volumes up to the point where the liquid is removed by the compressor unit may also be taken into account. Accordingly, the maximum amount of liquid in the suction channel can be completely emptied into the buffer volume before the at least one liquid removal channel is reached, given a pressure difference that forces the liquid from the suction channel toward the at least one liquid removal channel.

[0021] By further increasing the buffer volume to a volume of the suction channel and the at least one liquid removal channel, it can also be prevented that liquid present in the buffer volume from the at least one liquid removal channel reduces the amount of liquid absorbed from the suction channel.

[0022] If liquid can be introduced into the buffer volume from more than one liquid extraction channel, the buffer volume preferably refers to the volume of the extraction channel and the total volume of all liquid extraction channels connected to the buffer chamber. This also prevents separated liquid from one liquid extraction channel from entering another. Accordingly, a bypass across the multiple liquid extraction channels can be prevented.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cross section of a supply opening of the at least one liquid removal channel to the buffer chamber and / or the cross section of a discharge opening from the buffer chamber to the suction channel is smaller than a corresponding wall section of the buffer chamber.

[0024] Accordingly, the pressure of a liquid introduced into the buffer chamber is reduced, which also allows a pressure difference to equalize more quickly. The buffer chamber does not have to be understood as a separate component, but can also be formed as a corresponding volume section integral with the at least one liquid extraction channel and / or with the at least one suction channel.

[0025] In one embodiment, the compressor system has at least two liquid separation units, in particular at least one coarse separation unit and at least one fine separation unit.

[0026] For example, the compressor system may comprise a liquid separation device with a coarse separation unit and a liquid separation device with a fine separation unit. However, the liquid separation device may also comprise the coarse separation unit and the fine separation unit.

[0027] The liquid separation thus occurs in several stages, i.e., in at least two stages: via the coarse separation unit and then via the fine separation unit. The multi-stage design of the liquid separation device can, for example, increase the separation efficiency. The multi-stage design can also have a positive effect on the service life of the individual separators used, especially fine separators.

[0028] For example, a baffle plate can be used as a coarse separator in the coarse separation unit, onto which the liquid-gas volume flow introduced into the coarse separation unit is initially directed at a comparatively high speed. Other designs for coarse separators include cyclone separators or meshes, e.g., wire mesh. The liquid-gas volume flow, from which liquid has already been separated in the coarse separation unit, can then be passed on to the fine separation unit. The fine separation unit, for example, has a coalescence filter as a fine separator, on the outlet side of which liquid is again separated from the liquid-gas volume flow. However, in the sense of multi-stage separation, the coarse separation unit and the fine separation unit do not necessarily have to differ in the type of coarse and fine separator.For example, a multi-stage separation system can also comprise identical or at least similar separation units, whereby the term "coarse separation unit" then refers to the fact that larger quantities of liquid are contained in the liquid-gas volume flow compared to the fine separation unit. The separation units are thus run through serially, with the proportion of liquid in the liquid-gas volume flow decreasing sequentially, i.e., from the coarse separation unit to the fine separation unit.

[0029] In both the coarse separation unit and the fine separation unit, at least one liquid removal device with at least one correspondingly connected liquid removal channel is provided.

[0030] In particular, the respective liquid extraction channels of the at least two liquid separation units are connected to the suction channel via the at least one common buffer chamber.

[0031] Accordingly, the respective liquid extraction channels of the at least two liquid extraction channels are merged via the buffer chamber before the liquid from the respective liquid extraction channels is drained into the suction channel. Thus, the buffer chamber with the appropriate buffer volume can not only prevent backflow of the separated liquid from the suction channel toward the respective liquid separation units, but also prevent a bypass from one liquid separation unit to another.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the respective liquid extraction channels of the at least two liquid separation units are connected to the suction channel via at least one separate buffer chamber. The alternative connection of the respective liquid extraction channels to the suction channel via a separate buffer chamber or a separate buffer volume enables direct separation of the respective liquid extraction channels of different liquid separation devices, so that the formation of a direct bypass can be prevented. The separate buffer chamber can also be provided as an additional buffer chamber to a common buffer chamber. Accordingly, at least one separate buffer chamber is provided for each respective liquid extraction channel, with the respective liquid extraction channels then being combined into a common buffer chamber. This supports the modularity of the compressor system.For example, the common buffer chamber can have a buffer volume tailored to the suction channel, while the separate buffer chambers can have a buffer volume tailored to the respective liquid extraction channels.

[0033] In one embodiment, the liquid separation device is arranged outside a housing of the compressor.

[0034] The liquid separation device is therefore external to the compressor. This further supports the modularity of the compressor system. With appropriate arrangement, the outlet of the liquid separation device can be connected directly to a corresponding inlet of the compressor without the need for additional external lines. Alternatively, if the liquid separation device is at least locally close to the compressor, the distance from a housing of the liquid separation device to a housing of the compressor can be bridged with a very short return line. This can increase the compactness of the compressor system and reduce maintenance effort by reducing the number of components. In addition, further protective measures for external lines can be omitted or reduced to just a few lines.

[0035] In one embodiment, the at least one suction channel is arranged at least partially within the compressor. Thus, the compressor can have a basic configuration that can then be connected to a buffer chamber or a corresponding buffer volume adapted at least to the at least one suction channel. The intake channel can also be formed from several sections, with at least one of the sections being arranged within the compressor.

[0036] In particular, the at least one buffer chamber is arranged in the compressor.

[0037] The compressor thus includes not only the suction channel but also the buffer chamber. This also allows the compressor to provide a basic configuration in which, under certain circumstances, only the liquid extraction channels connected to the buffer chamber would need to be adapted, for example, by adding an additional corresponding buffer chamber and / or dimensioning the line length and / or diameter. However, it is also possible to connect liquid separation devices that are not matched to the buffer volume of the buffer chamber arranged in the compressor to the buffer chamber via available liquid extraction channels. The buffer volume then at least reduces the risk or extent of the separated liquid being returned to the respective liquid separation device.

[0038] In a further development, the at least one liquid removal channel is arranged at least partially in the compressor.

[0039] The compressor thus comprises the at least one suction channel, the buffer chamber, and at least a partial section of the at least one liquid extraction channel. These are then preferably coordinated with one another in such a way that a return of the separated liquid into the liquid separation device to be connected to the compressor is prevented. If the at least one liquid extraction channel is only partially arranged in the compressor, an additional liquid extraction channel section to be connected to it can be dimensioned such that the additional volume thereby created can still be absorbed by the buffer volume. Alternatively or additionally, the additional liquid extraction channel section to be connected can also have an additional buffer chamber with a corresponding buffer volume.

[0040] In one embodiment, the compressor is a screw compressor, in particular an oil-lubricated screw compressor, and the suction channel connects the buffer chamber to a screw block of the screw compressor.

[0041] The screw block of the screw compressor can thus be supplied with the separated liquid, such as an oil for lubricating components of the screw block, from the liquid separation device without the separated liquid being forced back into the liquid extraction device via the connection.

[0042] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid separation device for a compressor system as described above, wherein the liquid separation device at least partially includes the at least one liquid removal channel.

[0043] The liquid extraction channel or a section of the liquid extraction channel that can be assigned to the liquid separation device can be adapted to a predetermined buffer volume of a buffer chamber provided for connection.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to form at least sections of the at least one liquid removal channel in the liquid separation device by at least one separate liquid removal channel line.

[0045] In one embodiment, the at least one liquid removal channel is formed by a housing of the liquid separation device.

[0046] Accordingly, the at least one liquid extraction channel can be formed directly during the manufacture of the housing of the liquid separation device. For example, the at least one liquid extraction channel can be incorporated as a cast part during the manufacture of the housing of the liquid separation device. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one liquid extraction channel can be formed by bores.

[0047] In one embodiment, the at least one liquid extraction channel is designed as a branch line or ring line.

[0048] The branch line can be easily implemented via a borehole and allows for short distances. Alternatively, the at least one fluid extraction channel can be designed as a ring line, for example, to bridge longer distances. However, the at least one fluid extraction channel can also be composed of branch and ring line sections and, if necessary, additional line sections of a different form.

[0049] In one embodiment, the at least one liquid removal channel is designed at least such that it has two channel sections, of which the at least one channel section is fluidically connected, for example, to a liquid removal device of a coarse separation unit and the at least one other channel section is fluidically connected to a liquid removal device of a fine separation unit.

[0050] According to such an embodiment, the separated liquids from the coarse separation unit and the fine separation unit are combined via the channel sections in a liquid removal channel.

[0051] Alternatively, the liquid separation device has at least two liquid extraction channels, of which at least one liquid extraction channel is fluidically connected, for example, to a liquid extraction device of a coarse separation unit, and the at least one other liquid extraction channel is fluidically connected to a liquid extraction device of a fine separation unit. Accordingly, a separate liquid extraction channel is provided for each of the coarse separation unit and the fine separation unit.

[0052] In one embodiment, the liquid separation device includes at least one buffer chamber.

[0053] Here, the liquid separation device then provides at least one liquid extraction device and the buffer chamber. The buffer volume of the buffer chamber can take into account the volume of at least one liquid extraction channel as well as the volume of a conventional application-specific suction channel. Tolerance ranges regarding the suction channel can be covered by a minimum buffer volume subject to a corresponding surcharge.

[0054] In particular, the liquid separation device at least partially includes the at least one suction channel.

[0055] The liquid device thus includes at least a large portion of the return line for the separated liquid, allowing the buffer volume to be largely tailored to the liquid separation device. In other words, the compressor only needs to be considered to a limited extent when designing the buffer volume. This is especially true if the suction channel is entirely encompassed by the liquid separation device and can essentially be connected directly to a compressor unit. Here, too, safety margins can be considered when dimensioning the buffer volume to expand the range of applications.

[0056] The features of the fluid separation device described in the above description of the compressor system are equally applicable to the liquid separation device. Likewise, features described for the liquid separation device are transferable to the compressor system, unless they have already been described for this purpose. According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a rail vehicle with a compressor system and / or a fluid separation device described above.

[0057] The compressor system and fluid separation device enable low-loss, cost-effective, and process-reliable fluid recirculation, which operates reliably even under demanding rail vehicle applications. The requirement for high availability of rail vehicles is also supported by increased ease of maintenance.

[0058] The features described in the above description of the compressor system and the fluid separation device are equally applicable to the rail vehicle. Likewise, features described for the compressor system and the fluid separation device in relation to the rail vehicle are transferable to the latter, unless they have already been described for this purpose.

[0059] Accordingly, the compressor system for a rail vehicle comprises a compressor system as described above and / or a fluid separation device as described above for use in a rail vehicle.

[0060] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0061] In detail,

[0062] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a compressor system to which the present invention is applicable; and

[0063] Fig. 2 shows a section of a compressor system according to Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a compressor system 1 to which the present invention is applicable. The compressor system 1 comprises a compressor 10 with a housing 10a and a compressor unit 10b arranged therein and a liquid separation device 20 with a housing 20a. The housing 10a of the compressor is directly adjacent to the housing 20a of the liquid separation device 20. In the present configuration, the compressor system 1 can also be referred to as a compressor system with a compressor and external liquid separation device. In the exemplary embodiment, the compressor 10 is an oil-lubricated screw compressor for generating compressed air.Accordingly, the compressor unit here is a screw block of the screw compressor, and the liquid separation device 20 is an oil separation device. In alternative embodiments, the medium to be compressed can also be a gas other than air, and the liquid is not limited to oil for lubrication and / or cooling. Likewise, alternative embodiments can also involve other functional units of a screw compressor or even a different compressor type.

[0064] The liquid separation device 20 comprises a coarse separation unit 21 with a coarse separator 21a and a fine separation unit 22 with a fine separator 22a. For example, the coarse separator 21a is designed as a baffle plate and the fine separator 22a as a coalescing filter. A liquid extraction device 21b, 22b is arranged in each of the separation units 21, 22 in the drip direction of the separated liquid, here below the respective separator 21a, 22a. A respective liquid extraction channel 21c, 22c extends from the lowest point, in the drip direction, of the liquid extraction device 21b of the coarse separation unit 21 and the liquid extraction device 22b of the fine separation unit 22.The liquid removal channel 21c of the coarse separation unit 21 drains away separated liquid that has collected in the liquid removal device 21b of the coarse separation unit 21 in order to make it available again to the compressor 10. This is done analogously for the fine separation unit 22 via the liquid removal channel 22c of the fine separation unit 22. The collection and drainage of the separated liquid takes place in a flow-calmed area, so that entrainment of the already collected liquid by the flow in the respective

[0065] Separation unit 21, 22 is avoided. The respective liquid extraction devices 21b and 22b are designed here as the cover of the respective separation unit 21, 22, which are detachably attached to the housing 20a. For maintenance purposes, the respective connection can be released. Since the respective liquid outlet of the liquid extraction devices 21b and 22b directly adjoins the respective liquid extraction channels 21c and 22c formed in the housing 20a, the respective separation units 21, 22 can be opened without dismantling additional bridging lines.

[0066] The liquid extraction channel 21 c of the coarse separation unit 21 has a check valve 21 d as a backflow prevention device at its end facing the liquid extraction device 21 b. The check valve 21 b prevents liquid from the liquid extraction channel 21 c from flowing back into the

[0067] Liquid removal device 21 b flows. According to the embodiment of the compressor system 1 described below with reference to Fig. 2, the

[0068] However, the check valve is only optional and can also be omitted. Here, the check valve 21 d is provided only as a precautionary measure, for example, if a buffer volume described later is insufficiently dimensioned or if other malfunctions occur.

[0069] Further downstream from the liquid extraction device 21b, a nozzle 21e is also arranged in the liquid extraction channel 21c. The nozzle 21e can throttle the liquid or liquid-gas volume flow potentially still containing the gas, so that gas losses can be reduced. The liquid extraction channel 21c is formed directly in the housing 20a of the liquid separation device 20. The formation takes place here by constructing a corresponding cast part as the housing 20a. In addition, the design of the liquid extraction channel 21c provides threaded sections in the area of ​​the check valve 21d and the nozzle 21e, so that the check valve 21d and the nozzle 21e can be screwed into the liquid extraction channel 21c.Further downstream of the nozzle 21e, the separated liquid is fed directly back to the compressor 10 or the compressor unit 10b, here the screw block of the screw compressor, via another section of the liquid removal channel 21c (not shown). The return line takes place within the housings 10a, 20a, eliminating the need for additional external lines.

[0070] The structure of the liquid extraction channel 22c of the fine separation unit or the arrangement of a check valve 22d as a backflow prevention device and a nozzle 22e for throttling is analogous to the above explanations for the liquid extraction channel 21c of the coarse separation unit 21. However, since different pressure levels prevail in the coarse separation unit 21 and in the fine separation unit 22, which ensure different pressure conditions when the separated liquid is sucked out of the respective liquid extraction devices 21b, 22b via the respective liquid extraction channels 21c, 22c, the respective check valves 21d, 22d and nozzles 21e, 22e differ from one another. In other words, the check valve 21 d and the nozzle 21 e, which are to be assigned to the coarse separation unit 21, are adapted to the prevailing pressure level in the coarse separation unit 21 and the resulting pressure ratio.Conversely, the check valve 22d and the nozzle 22e, which are assigned to the fine separation unit 22, are adapted to the prevailing pressure level in the fine separation unit 22 and the resulting pressure ratio.

[0071] During operation of the compressor system 1, with reference to the oil-lubricated screw compressor as compressor 10, the compressed oil-air volume flow, indicated by the black arrows in Fig. 1, is introduced into the coarse separation unit 21. There, the compressed oil-air volume flow strikes the baffle plate as coarse separator 21a, so that a first portion of the oil is separated from the oil-air volume flow at the coarse separator 21a and drips into the liquid extraction device 21b located below. The oil collected in the liquid extraction device 21b of the coarse separation unit 21 is sucked through the liquid extraction channel 21c of the coarse separation unit 21 via the check valve 21d arranged in the liquid extraction channel 21c and the nozzle 21e also arranged therein, and is fed back to the screw block of the compressor 10.

[0072] The compressed oil-air volume flow, from which a portion of the oil has already been separated in the coarse separation unit 21, then flows from the coarse separation unit 21 into the fine separation unit 22. In the fine separation unit 22, the compressed oil-air volume flow flows through the fine separator 22a, whereby oil is again separated and collected in the liquid extraction device 22b of the fine separation unit 22. Analogous to the extraction of oil from the coarse separation unit 21, the extracted oil in the fine separation unit 22 is also extracted and returned through the liquid extraction channel 22c of the fine separation unit 22 via the check valve 22d arranged in the liquid extraction channel 22c and the nozzle 22e also arranged therein into the screw block of the compressor 10.

[0073] Fig. 2 shows a section of a compressor system 1 according to Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Since the check valves 21d, 22d are optional according to the invention and the nozzles 21e and 22e are not essential for the functional principle described below, these components are not discussed again in Fig. 2.

[0074] The section shown in Fig. 2 illustrates the return of the liquid collected in the liquid removal device 21b of the coarse separation unit 21 and in the liquid removal device 22b of the fine separation unit 22, according to the arrows shown. During compressor operation, the liquid separated in the coarse separation unit 21 is discharged via the liquid removal channel 21c, and the liquid separated in the fine separation unit 22 is discharged via the liquid removal channel 22c. The respective liquid removal channels 21c, 22c open into a buffer chamber 30 with a buffer volume 31 shown by hatching. In the present embodiment, the buffer volume 31 is smaller than the internal volume of the buffer chamber 30. The buffer chamber 30 is also connected to an intake channel 40, via which the liquid supplied from the liquid removal channels 21c, 22c of the buffer chamber is passed on to the compressor unit 10b.If the compressor 10 or the compressor unit 10b is now switched off or a pressure difference is otherwise created at which the pressure on the suction channel side is greater than the pressure of at least one of the liquid extraction channels 21c, 22c, the liquid forced from the suction channel 40 back toward the liquid extraction channels 21c, 22c is collected in the buffer volume 31. In the present embodiment, the buffer volume 31 is dimensioned such that it can accommodate not only the volume of the suction channel 40, but also the respective volumes of the liquid extraction channels 21c, 22c. This not only prevents the liquid from being forced back from the suction channel 40 into at least one of the liquid extraction channels 21c, 22c, but also prevents a bypass between the liquid extraction device 21b of the coarse separation unit 21 and the liquid extraction device 22b of the fine separation unit 22.Thus, even with a corresponding pressure difference between the coarse separation unit 21 and the fine separation unit 22, no liquid reaches the fine separation unit via the buffer chamber 30.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the liquid extraction channel 22c of the fine separation unit 22 and the liquid extraction channel 21c of the coarse separation unit 21 are arranged in the housing 20a of the liquid separation device 20. The buffer chamber 30, in which the liquid extraction channels 21c, 22c are combined, is also arranged within the housing 20a of the liquid separation device. The suction channel 40 is also arranged within the housing 20a of the liquid separation device and is then connected to the compressor 10 or the compressor unit 10b. In alternative embodiments, the liquid extraction channel 22c of the fine separation unit 22, the liquid extraction channel 21c of the coarse separation unit 21, the buffer chamber 30, and / or the suction channel 40 can be arranged in the housing 10a of the compressor 10.

[0076] The invention is not limited to the described embodiment. In particular, features described in the embodiment, other refinements, and developments of the invention described herein may be combined with one another, provided they do not reasonably exclude one another.

[0077] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0078] 1 compressor system

[0079] 10 Compressor

[0080] 10a Housing (compressor)

[0081] 10b Compressor unit

[0082] 20 Liquid separation device

[0083] 20a Housing (liquid separator)

[0084] 21 Coarse separation unit (liquid separation unit)

[0085] 21a Coarse separator (liquid separator)

[0086] 21 b Liquid extraction device (coarse separation unit)

[0087] 21c Liquid extraction channel (coarse separation unit)

[0088] 21 d Check valve (coarse separation unit;

[0089] Backflow prevention device)

[0090] 21 e nozzle (coarse separation unit)

[0091] 22 Fine separation unit (liquid separation unit)

[0092] 22a Fine separator (liquid separator)

[0093] 22b Liquid extraction device (fine separation unit)

[0094] 22c Liquid extraction channel (fine separation unit)

[0095] 22d Check valve (fine separation unit; backflow prevention device)

[0096] 22e nozzle (fine separation unit)

[0097] 30 Buffer chamber

[0098] 31 buffer volume

[0099] 40 Suction channel

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Compressor system (1) comprising: a compressor (10) and at least one liquid separation device (20) with at least one liquid separation unit (21, 22) which has at least one liquid separator (21a, 22a) and at least one liquid removal device (21b, 22b), wherein at least one liquid removal channel (21c, 22c) is connected to the at least one liquid removal device (21b, 22b) and is configured to discharge a separated liquid from the at least one liquid removal device (21b, 22b) in the direction of at least one suction channel (40) for a liquid supply line to a compressor unit (10b) of the compressor (10), and the at least one liquid removal channel (21c, 22c) and the at least one suction channel (40) are connected via at least one between the at least one liquid removal channel (21c,22c) and the buffer chamber (30) arranged on the at least one suction channel (40) are connected to each other with a buffer volume (31).

2. Compressor system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the buffer volume (31) of the at least one buffer chamber (30) or several buffer chambers (30) corresponds to at least one volume of the suction channel (40), in particular a volume of the suction channel (40) and the volume of the at least one liquid removal channel (21c, 22c).

3. Compressor system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross section of a supply opening of the at least one liquid removal channel (21c, 22c) to the buffer chamber (30) and / or the cross section of a discharge opening from the buffer chamber (30) to the suction channel (40) is smaller than a corresponding wall section of the buffer chamber (30).

4. Compressor system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressor system (1) has at least two liquid separation units (21, 22), in particular at least one coarse separation unit (21) and at least one fine separation unit (22).

5. Compressor system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the respective liquid removal channels (21c, 22c) of the at least two liquid separation units (21, 22) are connected to the suction channel (40) via the at least one common buffer chamber (30).

6. Compressor system (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the respective liquid removal channels (21c, 22c) of the at least two liquid separation units (21, 22) are connected to the suction channel (40) via at least one separate buffer chamber (30).

7. Compressor system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid separation device (20) is arranged outside a housing (10a) of the compressor (10).

8. Compressor system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one suction channel (40) is arranged at least partially in the compressor (10).

9. Compressor system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one buffer chamber (30) is arranged in the compressor (10).

10. Compressor system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one liquid removal channel (21c, 22c) is arranged at least partially in the compressor (10).

11. Compressor system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressor (1) is a screw compressor, in particular an oil-lubricated screw compressor, and the suction channel (40) connects the buffer chamber (30) to a screw block of the screw compressor.

12. Liquid separation device (20) for a compressor system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid separation device (20) at least partially includes the at least one liquid removal channel (21 c, 22 c).

13. Liquid separation device (20) according to claim 12, wherein the liquid separation device (20) includes the at least one buffer chamber (30).

14. Liquid separation device (20) according to claim 13, wherein the liquid separation device (20) at least partially includes the at least one suction channel (40).

15. Rail vehicle with a compressor system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and / or a liquid separation device (20) according to one of claims 12 to 14.

16. Compressor system for a rail vehicle with a compressor system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and / or a liquid separation device (20) according to one of claims 12 to 14.

Images