Compressor Intake Pipe Lubricant Separator and Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current compressor systems face challenges in maintaining lubricant balance between multiple compressors, especially when they include variable capacity or frequency compressors, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage due to lubricant imbalance.
Innovation Solution
An intake pipe system with a lubricant separator and supply pipes that separate lubricant from the compressed fluid and selectively distribute it to compressors with insufficient lubricant, using valves and sensors to manage lubricant distribution based on operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple compressors are connected in parallel to reduce system cost and improve operating efficiency, then system cost and operating efficiency are improved, but lubricant balance between compressors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lubricant from the mixed fluid stream in the common intake pipe using a lubricant separator. This separator removes lubricant that has mixed with the refrigerant or air during compression, preventing lubricant imbalance between parallel compressors by capturing and redirecting the extracted lubricant to compressors that need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lubricant separator and supply system as an intermediary component between the common intake pipe and individual compressors. This intermediary system captures lubricant from the mixed stream and selectively distributes it to compressors with insufficient lubricant, mediating the lubricant balance issue in parallel compressor systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable capacity or variable frequency compressors are used to improve system flexibility, then system adaptability is improved, but lubricant balance control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors to detect lubricant levels or flow conditions in the common intake pipe and uses this feedback information to control the lubricant supply to individual compressors. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of lubricant distribution to match the varying capacity and frequency demands of variable compressors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic lubricant supply system where the lubricant flow to each compressor can be adjusted in real-time based on operational conditions. The system transitions from static, fixed lubricant distribution to dynamic, controllable distribution that adapts to variable compressor capacity and frequency requirements.
3Reliability
If a lubricant separator and supply system is added to solve lubricant imbalance, then lubricant balance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the lubricant separator and supply system to serve multiple functions: separating lubricant from the mixed fluid stream, storing captured lubricant, and selectively distributing it to individual compressors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while improving lubricant balance.
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 effectively alleviates or eliminates lubricant imbalance between compressors, ensuring proper lubrication and preventing damage from excessive lubricant suction, while reducing system costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a lubricant separator, which is configured to separate lubricant from the fluid to be compressed and flowing through the intake pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor system (10) and an intake pipe (300) used for the compressor system (10), wherein the intake pipe (300) comprises: a lubricant separator (310), which is configured to separate a lubricant which is in a compression fluid flowing through the intake pipe (300); and a first lubricant supply pipe (340), which is configured to supply the separated lubricant to a first compressor (100) or a second compressor (200) in the compressor system (10).