Centrifugal Compressor Labyrinth Seals for Gas Bearing Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal compressors with oil-free lubrication require a gas supply system for gas bearings, which increases manufacturing complexity and cost due to the need for additional gas supply pipes or drilling holes for gas channels.
Innovation Solution
The design integrates labyrinth sealing mechanisms with gas bearing assemblies, where gas leakage from impeller assemblies is channeled to the gas bearings, eliminating the need for additional gas supply systems by utilizing the existing gas leakage for lubrication and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional gas supply pipes or drilled holes are added to create gas supply channels for gas bearings, then the gas supply requirement is met, but the manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas leakage from the impeller assembly that would otherwise be wasted is captured and redirected to supply the gas bearings. The system uses its own byproduct (gas leakage) to fulfill its own requirement (gas supply to bearings), eliminating the need for external gas supply systems and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gas leakage, which is typically considered a harmful waste or inefficiency in centrifugal compressors, is converted into a beneficial resource by directing it to the gas bearings for lubrication and cooling. This transforms a negative aspect into a positive function, eliminating the need for additional gas supply infrastructure
2Productivity
If oil-free lubrication technology is adopted to replace oil circuit lubrication, then operation efficiency and cleanliness improve, but a gas supply system must be added for gas bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bearing system is self-sufficient by using the compressor's own operating gas leakage as its supply source. The gas bearings serve themselves by capturing and utilizing the leakage gas that would otherwise be wasted, eliminating the need for external gas supply infrastructure and maintaining the simplicity of the oil-free lubrication system
Solution Approach 2:
The gas leakage from the impeller assembly serves multiple functions: it provides lubrication to the gas bearings, cools the bearing surfaces, and maintains the gas film necessary for oil-free operation. This multi-functional use of the same gas source eliminates the need for separate systems for each function
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 approach simplifies and economizes the gas supply to gas bearings, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while maintaining efficient operation and cleanliness of the centrifugal compressor.
Implementation Method 1
a first labyrinth sealing mechanism for reducing gas leakage from one side of the first impeller assembly close to the motor cavity
Implementation Method 2
a first gas bearing assembly provided between the motor cavity and the first impeller assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal compressor, including: a housing; a motor assembly disposed in the housing and a motor cavity and a motor shaft located in the motor cavity, the motor shaft having a first end and a second end extending from the motor cavity; a first impeller assembly located at the first end of the motor shaft and provided with a first labyrinth sealing mechanism; a second impeller assembly located at the second end of the motor shaft and provided with a second labyrinth sealing mechanism; a first gas bearing assembly provided between the motor cavity and the first impeller assembly; and a second gas bearing assembly provided between the motor cavity and the second impeller assembly; wherein the first labyrinth sealing mechanism is kept in gas communication with the first gas bearing assembly, and the second labyrinth sealing mechanism is kept in gas communication with the second gas bearing assembly.