Centrifugal Compressor Internal Liquid Drainage via Intake Plenum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal compressors in the 'Oil & Gas' field, especially those for subsea applications, face challenges with liquid accumulation and external drainage systems, which increase complexity, cost, and maintenance, as existing designs require external drainage systems and separators to manage varying liquid levels in gaseous working fluids.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of centrifugal compressors with a vertical axis, a lower intake plenum, and upper discharge scroll, featuring multiple drainage pipes that direct liquid to the intake plenum, ensuring all liquid entering the compressor is processed and exits through the discharge, eliminating the need for external drainage systems and separators by utilizing inclined and skew pipes to facilitate liquid entrainment by the working fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external drainage system is installed to remove liquid from the compressor casing, then liquid accumulation is prevented, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful liquid is extracted from the compressor casing through drainage pipes and redirected to the intake plenum, where it is then carried out through the discharge. This removes the need for external drainage systems while maintaining liquid removal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor uses its own intake flow to carry the drained liquid out through the discharge. The working fluid itself serves as the transport medium for liquid removal, eliminating the need for separate external drainage infrastructure.
2Quantity of substance
If separators are used to reduce liquid in the working fluid, then liquid content decreases, but plant complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor handles its own liquid management by using the intake flow to pick up drained liquid and carry it out through the discharge. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external separators or liquid management equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor performs multiple functions: compression of gas and simultaneous transport of liquid from the casing to the discharge. The intake plenum and working fluid serve dual purposes of gas intake and liquid transport.
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 effectively prevents liquid accumulation within the compressor casing, simplifies design and maintenance, and reduces operational costs by ensuring all liquid is processed and discharged, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of centrifugal compressors in 'Oil & Gas' applications.
Implementation Method 1
drainage pipes ending at the intake plenum. The intake plenum is arranged in the lower portion of the compressor
Implementation Method 2
centrifugal compressor has a vertical axis, a lower inlet with an intake plenum and an upper outlet with a discharge scroll
Implementation Method 3
The drained liquid is entrained by the working fluid of the compressor. The drained liquid may be fed upstream the first stage of the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor has a lower inlet with an intake plenum and an upper outlet with a discharge scroll; the compressor includes a plurality of drainage pipes ending at the intake plenum.