Compressor End Head Thermal Barrier for Cryogenic Seal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal compressors in oil and gas industries face performance issues due to non-uniform thermal contraction across varying temperatures, causing interference between mechanical seals and end heads, which affects smooth operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of radial and axial thermal barriers around the mechanical seal, comprising an inner and outer end head with grooves and flow paths, to minimize thermal stress and ensure smooth operation by maintaining a consistent temperature gradient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the compressor operates at cryogenic temperatures, then the compressor can process boiled off gas applications, but thermal contraction occurs causing non-uniform contraction and interference between mechanical seals and end heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal expansion principles by introducing heating arrangements (electrical heating elements or hot fluid circulation systems) to the end head and mechanical seal areas. This actively compensates for the thermal contraction that occurs during cryogenic operation, maintaining proper clearance and preventing interference between moving and stationary components, thereby ensuring reliable operation across the full temperature range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter (temperature) of specific components through heating arrangements. By locally heating the end head and mechanical seal areas, the patent alters the thermal state of these components to counteract the overall cryogenic contraction, maintaining dimensional stability and preventing operational interference.
2Reliability
If thermal barriers are introduced around the mechanical seal, then thermal stress and interference are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the end head into distinct thermal zones by introducing separate heating arrangements for different areas (e.g., mechanical seal area, bearing area, diffuser area). This segmentation allows independent thermal control of each zone, addressing local thermal contraction issues without requiring a complex global heating system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
The thermal barriers effectively reduce thermal stress and prevent interference between the dry gas seal and end head, ensuring smooth operation of the compressor across a wide temperature range, particularly at cryogenic temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
providing a thermal barrier near a mechanical seal
Implementation Method 2
Due to the cryogenic temperature, thermal contraction occurs in the components. The contraction is not uniform due to variation in temperature on different parts.
Implementation Method 3
minimize thermal tension and stress on the mechanical seal and the end head
Data Source
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AI summary
A compressor end head (200) for providing a thermal barrier near a mechanical seal includes an inner end head (210) and an outer end head (220). The outer end head (220) includes an opening (221) in the center for enclosing the inner end head (210), an outlet (224) and grooves (225) alongside surfaces radially adjacent the opening (221). The inner end head (210) has an opening (211) in the center, an inlet (213), grooves (212) in the opening (211) for enclosing an end portion of a compressor shaft and a flow path along an outer surface.