Adaptive Lubricator Box for High Speed Compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lubricator reservoirs, or lube boxes, for natural gas compressors are customized for specific compressor models, requiring extensive inventory and long lead times for replacement, are not adaptable to change pump numbers, prone to leaks, and lack waterproofing, leading to downtime and environmental issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular, adaptable lube box design with a three-part drive shaft, quick-change mounting adapters, and a watertight enclosure that can be mounted on various compressor models, allowing on-site repairs and adjustments to pump numbers and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom-designed lube boxes are manufactured for each specific compressor model, then the lube box fits the specific compressor requirements perfectly, but the inventory requirements and lead times for replacement increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal lube box design that can be adapted to multiple compressor models through interchangeable mounting brackets and drive shaft adapters. The standardized lube box housing and internal components can serve different compressor applications, eliminating the need for custom-designed units for each model while maintaining proper fit and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lube box system is divided into modular components including the main housing, mounting brackets, drive shaft adapters, and pump assemblies. These segmented parts can be independently selected and configured to match different compressor requirements, allowing quick replacement without needing complete custom units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inventory models of lube boxes are stocked to service different compressor requirements, then customer service capability is improved, but inventory costs increase to tens of thousands of dollars
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized lube box design replaces the need to maintain inventory of multiple custom models. The universal design achieves the same service capability across different compressor models, reducing inventory quantity from tens of thousands of dollars worth of varied units to a single standardized unit with interchangeable accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from varying the fundamental lube box design parameters for each model to using a constant base design with variable accessory parameters (mounting brackets, adapters). This allows the same core unit to serve multiple applications without increasing inventory complexity.
3Ease of repair
If lube boxes are removed from compressors for repair at external shops, then repairs can be performed with proper equipment, but compressor downtime increases due to transport and repair time
Solution Approach 1:
The lube box design enables field technicians to perform repairs on-site without removing the unit from the compressor. The modular construction with accessible components allows for self-contained repair capabilities in the field, eliminating the need to transport the heavy lube box to external shops and significantly reducing compressor downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented modular design allows specific faulty components (pumps, seals, drive shafts) to be independently accessed and replaced without disassembling the entire lube box or removing it from the compressor. This enables quick on-site repairs while maintaining high repair quality through proper component replacement procedures.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional lube box designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to change pump numbers and configurations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lube box employs modular pump assemblies and interchangeable mounting brackets that can be easily attached or removed from the standardized housing. This segmented design maintains manufacturing simplicity for the base unit while providing flexibility to configure different numbers and types of pumps based on specific application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates dynamic configurability where pump numbers and arrangements can be changed without redesigning the entire lube box. The standardized interfaces and mounting systems allow the configuration to adapt to different needs while the core manufacturing process remains simple and unchanged.
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricator reservoir uses adapter components so that the lube box that can be mounted on any high speed compressors. The use of a single lubricator reservoir with adapters for different compressors enables reduced inventory and guarantees the owner/operator can always get their compressors up and running in a timely manner and reduce lost revenue.