Adjustable Cam Actuated Valve Timing for Reciprocating Compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cam actuated valves in reciprocating compressors have fixed opening instants and time intervals, which lack flexibility and are not optimized for different working fluids and compression conditions, particularly in the oil and gas industry where fluids are often corrosive and flammable.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cam mechanism with a non-conventional three-dimensional profile and a controller that adjusts the angular position and angle span of the oblong portion, allowing for adjustable timing of the valve opening and duration of the open state, enabling optimization of the compression cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-profile cams are used, then the valve opening instant and time interval are determined, but flexibility for optimizing compression cycles for different working fluids and conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is made dynamically adjustable through a variable cam profile that can change its geometry during operation. The cam includes multiple profiles on different circumferential locations, and a mechanism allows selection between these profiles, enabling the valve timing to be optimized for different working fluids and compression conditions without fixing the timing permanently.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating variable timing capabilities. The same cam mechanism can accommodate different cam profiles to serve different compression requirements, making it a universal solution that replaces the need for multiple fixed cams for different applications.
2Extent of automation
If automatic valves with large clearance volume are used, then valve switching is automated, but the clearance volume occupied by the valves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional automatic valve switching mechanisms with a cam-actuated system. The cam mechanism provides automated valve switching through mechanical cam-follower action, eliminating the need for large automatic valve assemblies while maintaining automated operation. This substitution reduces the clearance volume occupied by the valve mechanism.
3Speed
If cam actuation with large forces and short response times is implemented, then valve actuation speed improves, but the forces required for actuation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile utilizes optimized curved geometries to distribute the actuation forces more effectively. The cam profile is designed with specific curvature characteristics that reduce peak forces while maintaining short response times. The curved surface of the cam provides gradual force application to the follower, reducing shock loads and required actuation forces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides flexibility in adjusting the valve timing, optimizing the compression cycle for various fluids and conditions, reducing the forces required for actuation and improving response times, while maintaining compliance with industry standards like API618.
Implementation Method 1
One mechanism that may be employed to provide the required large forces and short actuation times uses cams that are continuously rotated
Data Source
AI summary
Cam actuated valves for compressors including mechanisms for changing an instant when the cam actuated valve is opened and/or a time interval during which the cam actuated valve is in an open state within the time range of a compression cycle. A reciprocating compressor has: a body including a compression chamber; a cam having an oblong portion, being located inside the body and being configured to be rotated around a rotation axis, to perform a rotation during each compression cycle; an actuating element located inside the body and configured to receive a linear displacement or an angular displacement due to the oblong portion of the cam; and a valve located on a flow path of the fluid toward or from the compression chamber and configured to be switched to an open state by the actuating element. The reciprocating compressor also includes a controller configured to adjust timing of the valve.