Compressor Check Valve Layout for Low Dead Volume Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid compressors suffer from reduced efficiency due to a large dead volume between the compression piston and check valves, particularly when larger elbow connectors and check valves are used, leading to decreased pumping throughput and compression ratio.
Innovation Solution
The compressor design incorporates multiple ports at each end with check valves aligned inline with the piston's axial direction, eliminating elbow connectors for a straight flow path and reducing dead volume, allowing for increased fluid throughput and improved flow characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elbow connectors are used to connect check valves to fluid ports, then the check valves can be positioned offset from the hydraulic cylinders, but the dead volume between the compression piston and check valves increases, reducing pumping efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elbow connectors from the fluid path, extracting the problematic component that created dead volume. By eliminating the elbow connectors, the check valves are positioned directly at the fluid ports without intermediate offsetting components, thereby reducing dead volume while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning check valves directly at the fluid ports in line with the compression piston's axial direction, rather than offsetting them in a perpendicular dimension via elbow connectors. This dimensional repositioning eliminates the dead volume created by offset connections.
2Productivity
If larger elbow connectors and check valves are used, then the check valves can accommodate higher flow rates, but the dead volume increases, decreasing compression ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the check valve positioning directly with the fluid ports, eliminating the separate elbow connector components. This consolidation allows larger check valves to be positioned at the ports without the added dead volume of intermediate connectors, thereby maintaining compression ratio while accommodating higher flow rates.
3Shape
If check valves are offset from the compression piston, then the hydraulic cylinders have sufficient space, but the flow path becomes longer and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of offsetting the check valves from the compression piston to accommodate hydraulic cylinders, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the check valves directly at the fluid ports in line with the piston. This reversal of the conventional offset arrangement creates a shorter, more efficient flow path while the hydraulic cylinders are positioned in the radial direction where space is available.
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 configuration reduces dead volume, enhances pumping efficiency, and increases the compression ratio by enabling larger fluid volumes to be drawn in and expelled on each stroke, while accommodating various fluid types including multiphase mixtures and abrasive materials.
Implementation Method 1
check valves each associated with one of the four ports for controlling fluid flow through the ports
Implementation Method 2
a piston reciprocally movable in the chamber for compressing the fluid towards a first end of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor comprises a first cylinder for compressing a fluid and a second cylinder for driving a piston in the first cylinder. The first cylinder comprises a chamber configured to receive the fluid. The piston is reciprocally movable in the chamber for compressing the fluid. The chamber comprises four ports at the first end including two inlet ports and two outlet ports with a check valve is connected to each port. Each of the four ports is slanted such that the plurality of check valves and inlet and outlet conduits are spaced apart from the second cylinder. The compressor further comprises an inlet conduit to supply the fluid from a fluid source to the chamber through the inlet ports and an outlet conduit for receiving fluid from the chamber through the outlet ports.