An oil separator

Abstract

The present invention relates to an oil separator. In particular, the present invention relates to an oil separator to separate the gas and oil vapour coming out of the compressor in refrigeration systems.

Description

[0001] AN OIL SEPARATOR

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to an oil separator.

[0004] The invention particularly relates to an oil separator to separate the gas and oil vapour coming out of the compressor in refrigeration systems.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Refrigeration systems are equipment and technologies generally used to control, reduce or keep the temperature of a system, device or environment at a desired level. Refrigeration systems are widely used in many industries and application areas. Among the various refrigeration cycles used in refrigeration systems, there are generally two main types based on the principles of vapour compression and expansion: These cycles are based on the use of compressors and their technical characteristics can be summarised as follows.

[0007] The vapour compression cycle is commonly used in domestic air conditioners, refrigerators, industrial refrigeration systems and automotive refrigeration systems. The cycle comprises four main stages: evaporation, compression, condensation and expansion:

[0008] • Evaporation: The refrigeration cycle begins with a phase in which the refrigerant gas evaporates in a heat exchanger. This allows the refrigerant gas to absorb heat from the environment and evaporate.

[0009] • Compression: The compressor compresses the evaporated refrigerant gas and increases its pressure and temperature. This stage involves bringing the gas to a hot, high-pressure state.

[0010] • Condensation: The refrigerant gas, which is under high pressure and temperature, condenses in a condenser in the third stage of the cycle and releases heat to the external environment.

[0011] • Expansion: The condensed refrigerant gas returns to the evaporation phase by reducing its pressure through an expansion valve or device. The absorption cycle is generally used in industrial-sized cooling systems or in some special applications. In this cycle, there is an absorber, a compressor, a condenser and an expansion valve. The refrigerant gas reacts with a solution in an absorber evaporator. As a result of this reaction, the refrigerant gas is absorbed from the solution. This absorbed gaseous solution is brought into contact with heat in an evaporator, causing the refrigerant gas to be released and the solution ready for use again. The condenser and expansion valve manage the evaporation and condensation stages in this cycle.

[0012] The compressor plays a critical role in both cycles. In the vapour compression cycle, the compressor compresses the refrigerant gas to a state of high pressure and temperature. In this way, the compressor is a key component that helps refrigeration systems achieve the desired temperature level. Oil circulating in refrigeration systems does not provide any benefit to the refrigeration system. For this reason, it is important for compressors used in refrigeration systems to clean the oil in the gas they operate in, especially for the following reasons:

[0013] • Efficiency of the compressor: Compressors are often used to compress and pressurize gas. However, during this process, it is possible that the oil in the gas will come into the compressor. If oil accumulates in the internal mechanisms of the evaporator, this can reduce the efficiency of the compressor. It is essential for oil to return to the compressor; it reduces friction and wear on moving parts. Lack of oil may cause the compressor to consume more energy and break down more frequently.

[0014] • Heat exchange: The presence of oil in the compressor in the system can also have a negative effect on heat exchange. While refrigeration systems manage the transfer of heat, the oil inside the compressor must be isolated from the system. Because the oil evaporates with the gas during the compression process and is lost from the compressor.

[0015] • If the oil entrained with gas in the refrigeration system does not return to the compressor, the heat transfer conductivity decreases. Oil that does not return to the compressor leaves the compressor oil-free. Using a clean refrigerant provides lower energy consumption and longer life in the system.

[0016] • Environmental awareness: The accumulation of oil in the compressor and the fact that this oil does not mix with gas in the system does not provide environmental and thermal conductivity. Release of oil into the atmosphere may cause environmental pollution. Therefore, the ability of compressors used in refrigeration systems to remove oil from gas is important to meet environmental standards.

[0017] For the reasons mentioned above, compressors used in refrigeration systems are often equipped with special designs and filtering systems. These filtration systems separate the oil from the gas and allow the compressor to operate cleanly and efficiently. Additionally, proper oil levels and changing the oil regularly to prevent oil from circulating within the system is also an important maintenance practice. In refrigeration systems, special oils are used to lubricate the refrigerant gas and the compressor to prevent friction. The oils mentioned should only be used to lubricate the compressor, and apart from this, the oils in the refrigeration system also damage the heat transfer feature of the refrigeration system.

[0018] In the state of the art, universal conventional oil purifiers are generally used. The oil separation capacity in these systems is approximately 80% to 85%. In systems with coalescent filters, that is, glass fiber reinforced filters, oil separation efficiency reaches up to 99.5%. In coalescent oil separators, the filter becomes clogged or explodes after a certain period of time. During clogging, a high-pressure difference occurs between the inlet pressure and outlet pressure of the oil separator. To prevent these, frequent periodic maintenance is needed, which causes both cost and time loss and causes a decrease in working efficiency.

[0019] As a result of the research made on the subject, application numbered EP3712542B1 is encountered. The subject application discloses an oil separator, said oil separator having a first pipe connected to a discharge port of a compressor and a second pipe connected to a suction port of the compressor. Further, the oil separator has a third pipe connecting the first inlet pipe and the second outlet pipe, and the third pipe is connected to the suction pipe of the compressor. The third pipe sends the separated oil back to the compressor. The pressure pipe from the compressor is connected to the pressurised inlet pipe at the oil separator and the pressure pipe from the oil separator is connected to the suction pipe of the condenser. It is configured to create a differential pressure between the pressurised refrigerant pressure and the low-pressure refrigerant pressure flowing in the second pipe. The filter section in the differential pressure generating mechanism is configured to collect the lubricating oil in vapour form contained in the high-pressure refrigerant through differential pressure. The filter section in the differential pressure generating mechanism is configured to collect the lubricating oil in vapour form contained in the high-pressure refrigerant through differential pressure.

[0020] As a result, due to the abovementioned disadvantages and the insufficiency of the current solutions regarding the subject matter, a development is required to be made in the relevant technical field.

[0021] Object of the Invention

[0022] The present invention aims to solve the abovementioned disadvantages by being inspired from the present situations.

[0023] The main object of the present invention is to separate the gas and oil vapour coming out of the compressor in refrigeration systems.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to ensure that the gas and oil vapour trapped in refrigeration systems, as soon as the compressor starts to operate, return to the compressor before reaching the condenser.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to maximize the heat transfer property of the gas entering the refrigeration system by ensuring the separation of gas and oil vapour with high purity (99.9%).

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide an oil separator that can be used in low, medium and high condensation conditions.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to produce an oil separator with minimum maintenance and repair needs.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to produce an oil separator with particle cleaning feature that does not create a pressure difference between the inlet pressure and outlet pressure of the oil separator.

[0029] In order to fulfil the above-mentioned purposes, an oil separator is used to separate the superheated gas and oil vapour from the compressors in the refrigeration systems used to control, reduce or maintain the temperature of a system, device or environment at a desired level and to compress the gas or vapour to a high pressure and high temperature state, comprising of the following: a body that acts as a chassis and in which the separated oil is collected at the base,

[0030] • a first port through which superheated gas enters said body,

[0031] • a pipe connected to said first port through which the gas entering from said first port travels,

[0032] • an orifice plate connected to said pipe to direct the gas coming from said pipe,

[0033] • a first sieve to separate the oil in the form of droplets in the hot gas that passes through said orifice plate by friction,

[0034] • a first turbulence zone to ensure the separation of the oil remaining in the gas and reached by the gas passing through the said first sieve,

[0035] • a second sieve, through which the gas in said first turbulence zone is forced to pass by the effect of turbulence and to separate the oil in the gas as droplets passing through it by friction,

[0036] • a second turbulence zone for the separation of the oil remaining in the gas, which is reached by the gas passing through said second sieve, and

[0037] • a second port located on said body through which the separated gas can exit.

[0038] In order to fulfil the above-mentioned purposes, a method is used to separate the superheated gas and oil vapour from the compressors in the refrigeration systems used to control, reduce or maintain the temperature of a device or environment at a desired level and to compress the gas or vapour to a high pressure and high temperature state, comprising of the following process steps:

[0039] • superheated vapour reaching the first region to be directed by the orifice plate,

[0040] • oil passing through the first sieve by friction and reaching the second region to separate it from the vapour as droplets,

[0041] • reaching the third region to provide initial turbulence to the vapour,

[0042] • oil passing through the second sieve by friction and reaching the fourth region to separate it from the vapour as droplets for the second time, vapour reaching the fifth region to provide the second turbulence and leaving the oil separator or

[0043] • reaching the fifth region to provide initial turbulence to the superheated vapour,

[0044] • oil passing through the second sieve by friction and reaching the fourth region to separate it from the vapour as droplets,

[0045] • reaching the third region to provide second turbulence to the vapour,

[0046] • oil passing through the first sieve by friction and reaching the second region to separate it from the vapour as droplets for the second time,

[0047] • vapour reaching the first region to be directed by the orifice plate and leaving the oil separator.

[0048] The structural and characteristic features of the present invention will be understood clearly by the following drawings and the detailed description made with reference to these drawings and therefore the evaluation shall be made by taking these figures and the detailed description into consideration.

[0049] Figures Clarifying the Invention

[0050] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the oil separator.

[0051] Figure 2 is the front view of the oil separator.

[0052] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the oil separator.

[0053] Figure 4a is a cross-sectional view showing the working structure of the oil separator consisting of five regions.

[0054] Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view showing the working structure of the oil separator consisting of five regions.

[0055] Figure 5 is the schematic view of the refrigeration system.

[0056] Description of the Part References

[0057] 10 Compressor

[0058] 20 Oil separator

[0059] 21 Orifice plate 22 First sieve

[0060] 23 First turbulence zone

[0061] 24 Second sieve

[0062] 25 Second turbulence zone

[0063] 26 First port

[0064] 27 Second port

[0065] 28 Pipe

[0066] 29 Sight glass

[0067] 210 Body

[0068] 211 Cover

[0069] 212 Pump

[0070] 30 Condenser

[0071] 40 Liquid tank

[0072] 50 Particle cleaner

[0073] 60 Solenoid valve

[0074] 70 Expansion valve

[0075] 80 Evaporator

[0076] 90 Liquid holder

[0077] 100 Suction filter

[0078] 1 First region

[0079] 2 Second region

[0080] 3 Third region

[0081] 4 Fourth region

[0082] 5 Fifth region

[0083] A Refrigeration system

[0084] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0085] In this detailed description, the preferred embodiments of the inventive oil separator (20) are described by means of examples only for clarifying the subject matter.

[0086] The inventive oil separator (20) enables the separation of gas and oil vapour from compressors (10) which compress gas and oil vapour to a high pressure and high temperature state by compressing gas and oil vapour in refrigeration systems (A) used to control, reduce or maintain the temperature of a system, device or environment at a desired level. The oil separator (20) comprises elements located in a body (210), which preferably has a cylindrical form. There is a first port (26) and a second port (27) on the body (210). Gas can enter the body (210) from the first port (26) and exit from the second port (27), or vice versa, it can enter from the second port (27) and exit from the first port (26). While the first port (26) is connected to a pipe (28) located inside the body (210), the second port (27) is directly connected to the inner part of the body (210).

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the superheated gas and oil vapour mixture from the compressor (10) enters the first port (26) and passes through an orifice plate

[0088] (21 ) through the pipe (28). The orifice plate (21 ) provides the orientation of the superheated vapour and the superheated vapour passing through the orifice plate (21) reaches a first sieve (22). The first sieve (22) is preferably made of stainless material and is the part where the superheated vapour passes by friction. The first sieve (22) separates the oil in the hot vapour into droplets, and the separated oil droplets become heavier and fall to the bottom of the body (210) and accumulate there. The first sieve

[0089] (22) preferably has a density of 60 mesh. The superheated vapour passing through the first sieve (22) comes to a first turbulence zone (23). A pump (212) connected to the body (210) creates turbulence in a first turbulence zone (23) in the body (210), which forces the superheated vapour therein to pass through a second sieve (24). This turbulence created also causes the oil vapours in the superheated vapour to separate into droplets and accumulate at the base of the body (210). The second sieve (24) separates the oil in the superheated vapour into droplets once again, and the separated oil droplets become heavier and fall to the bottom of the body (210) and accumulate there. Thus, the superheated vapour is passed through the sieve twice and a higher purity separation is achieved. The superheated vapour passing through the second sieve (24) comes to a second turbulence zone (25). In the second turbulence zone (25), it is exposed to turbulence once again and the oil in the superheated vapour is once again separated into droplets. The vapour, which has been separated in high purity in the second turbulence zone (25), is separated from the oil separator (20) from the second port (27).

[0090] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the superheated gas and oil vapour mixture from the compressor (10) enters the second port (27) and is subjected to turbulence in the second turbulence zone (25), so that the oil in the superheated vapour is separated as droplets and passes through the second sieve (24). The second sieve (24) separates the oil in the hot vapour into droplets, and the separated oil droplets become heavier and fall to the bottom of the body (210) and accumulate there. The superheated vapour passing through the second sieve (24) comes to the first turbulence zone (23) and is once again subjected to turbulence, so that the oil in the superheated vapour is separated as droplets and the superheated vapour is forced to pass through the first sieve (22). The oil in the superheated vapour passing through the first sieve (22) is once again separated into droplets. The vapour passing through the first sieve (22) passes through the orifice plate (21) and is conveyed to the first orifice (26) through the pipe (28) and the high purity separated vapour is separated from the first orifice (26) through the oil separator (20).

[0091] In the invention, a sight glass (29) is provided on the body (210) to enable the oils accumulated in the body (210) to be seen. The body (210) has two covers (211 ) on the upper and lower sides. By opening the covers (211 ), the interior of the oil separator (20) can be accessed if necessary, and the dirt accumulated at the bottom of the body (210) can be removed.

[0092] Figures 4a and 4b show the operating zones of the oil separator (20) and the movement of the vapours in the oil separator (20). Accordingly, in the method shown in Figure 4a, the superheated vapour reaches the following regions respectively and the separation process takes place:

[0093] • Superheated vapour reaching the first region (1 ) to be directed by the orifice plate (21 ),

[0094] • oil passing through the first sieve (22) by friction and reaching the second region (2) to separate it from the vapour as droplets,

[0095] • reaching the third region (3) to provide initial turbulence to the vapour,

[0096] • oil passing through the second sieve (24) by friction and reaching the fourth region (4) to separate it from the vapour as droplets for the second time,

[0097] • vapour reaching the fifth region (5) to provide the second turbulence and leaving the oil separator (20)

[0098] In another method shown in Figure 4b, the superheated vapour reaches the following regions and the separation process takes place:

[0099] Reaching the first region (5) to provide initial turbulence to the superheated steam, • oil passing through the second sieve (24) by friction and reaching the fourth region (4) to separate it from the steam as droplets,

[0100] • reaching the third region (3) to provide second turbulence to the steam,

[0101] • oil passing through the first sieve (22) by friction and reaching the second region (2) to separate it from the steam as droplets for the second time,

[0102] • vapour reaching the first zone (1 ) to be directed by the orifice plate (21 ) and leaving the oil separator (20).

[0103] Figure 5 shows a representative diagram of a refrigeration system (A). The structure and operating principle of the refrigeration system (A), which also comprises the oil separator (20) of the invention, is as follows:

[0104] High pressure gas and oil vapour produced in the compressor (10) come to the oil separator (20). Oil and gas are separated in the oil separator (20) as described above. The oil returns to the compressor (10), and the gas passes to a condenser (30) as superheated vapour. In the condenser (30), the heat of the superheated steam is removed and the transformation from vapour to liquid is achieved. The gas that turns into liquid is collected in a liquid tank (40). The liquid coming out of the liquid tank (40) enters a particle cleaner (50) (draer filter) to remove particles and dirt. The liquid coming out of the particle cleaner (50) is cleared of residual dirt and particles. A solenoid valve (60) is used to control the liquid here. The gas is compressed and begins to be sprayed in an expansion valve (70), and the gas molecules have now cooled as much as they are compressed. Refrigerant gas droplets fall on an evaporator (80) and release their heat to the evaporator (80) through cooling in the refrigeration cycle. The liquid accumulator is used to convert the liquid residues that cannot be evaporated from the evaporator (80) back into vapour. The dirt and particles formed in the suction line are retained by a suction filter (100) and clean gas vapour is sent to the compressor (10).

Claims

CLAIMS1. An oil separator (20) for separating the superheated gas and oil vapour from the compressors (10) in the refrigeration systems (A) used to control, reduce or maintain the temperature of a system, device or environment at a desired level and which compress the gas and oil vapour to a high pressure and high temperature state, characterized by comprising:• a body (210) that acts as a chassis and in which the separated oil is collected at the base,• a first port (26) through which superheated gas enters said body (210),• a pipe (28) connected to said first port (26) through which the gas entering from said first port (26) travels,• an orifice plate (21) connected to said pipe (28) to direct the gas coming from said pipe (28),• a first sieve (22) to separate the oil in the form of droplets in the hot gas that passes through said orifice (21) plate by friction,• a first turbulence zone (23) to ensure the separation of the oil remaining in the gas and reached by the gas passing through the said first sieve (22),• a second sieve (24), through which the gas in said first turbulence zone (23) is forced to pass by the effect of turbulence and to separate the oil in the gas as droplets passing through it by friction,• a second turbulence zone (25) for the separation of the oil remaining in the gas, which is reached by the gas passing through said second sieve (24), and• a second port (28) located on said body (210) through which the separated gas can exit.

2. The oil separator (20) according to claim 1 , characterized in that; said body (210) is in cylindrical form.

3. The oil separator (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that; said first sieve (22) has a density of 60 mesh.

4. The oil separator (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising a pump (212) for generating turbulence in said body (210).

5. The oil separator (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising a sight glass (29) for allowing the oil accumulated in said body (210) to be seen.

6. The oil separator (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising two covers (211) located at the top and bottom of said body (210) to provide access to the interior of said oil separator (20) and to allow the removal of oil accumulated at the bottom of said body (210).

7. The oil separator (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising a second port (28) through which superheated gas enters said body (210).

8. The oil separator (20) according to claim 7, characterized by comprising a first port (26) on said body (210) through which the separated gas can exit.

9. A method for separating the superheated gas and oil vapour from the compressors (10) in the refrigeration systems (A) used to control, reduce or maintain the temperature of a system, device or environment at a desired level and which compress the gas or vapour to a high pressure and high temperature state, characterized by comprising following process steps:• superheated vapour reaching the first region (1) to be directed by the orifice plate (21 ),• oil passing through the first sieve (22) by friction and reaching the second region (2) to separate it from the vapour as droplets,• reaching the third region (3) to provide initial turbulence to the vapour, oil passing through the second sieve (24) by friction and reaching the fourth region (4) to separate it from the vapour as droplets for the second time,• vapour reaching the fifth region (5) to provide the second turbulence and leaving the oil separator (20).

10. A method for separating the superheated gas and oil vapour from the compressors (10) in the refrigeration systems (A) used to control, reduce or maintain the temperature of a system, device or environment at a desired level and which compress the gas or vapour to a high pressure and high temperature state, characterized by comprising following process steps:• reaching the fifth region (5) to provide initial turbulence to the superheated vapour, • oil passing through the second sieve (24) by friction and reaching the fourth region (4) to separate it from the steam as droplets,• reaching the third region (3) to provide second turbulence to the steam,• oil passing through the first sieve (22) by friction and reaching the second region (2) to separate it from the steam as droplets for the second time, vapour reaching the first zone (1) to be directed by the orifice plate (21) and leaving the oil separator (20).

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