Reciprocating Compressor Partition Member Oil Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In reciprocating compressors, the high return speed of leak gas causes lubricant to be excessively discharged, leading to oil loss, especially when transitioning from no load to load operation, as the pressure difference between the crank and intake chambers increases, and lubricant droplets are blown into the pressure equalization path.
Innovation Solution
A partition member with multiple partition plates is positioned between the crank shaft and the pressure equalization path opening, collecting and redirecting lubricant droplets into the oil storage chamber, and an oil separator with a labyrinth portion and hollow section is used to further separate oil droplets from gas, reducing the amount of lubricant entering the pressure equalization path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure equalization path is provided to prevent crank chamber pressure rise, then the leak gas can return to the intake chamber, but the lubricant droplets are blown into the pressure equalization path and discharged, causing oil loss
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization path is segmented into multiple sections with different functions: a first pressure equalization path for leak gas return and a second pressure equalization path with a check valve for lubricant control. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path's function to prevent lubricant discharge while maintaining effective leak gas return.
Solution Approach 2:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the second pressure equalization path. The check valve acts as a mediator that allows controlled flow of gas while preventing backward flow of lubricant droplets into the pressure equalization path, thus solving the oil loss problem.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the return speed of leak gas is increased to maintain pressure balance, then the pressure difference is reduced, but the lubricant droplets are blown faster into the pressure equalization path, increasing oil loss
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the pressure equalization path (blowing lubricant droplets) is extracted and isolated by creating a separate second pressure equalization path with a check valve. This allows the first pressure equalization path to maintain high return speed for pressure balance while the second path prevents lubricant discharge through the check valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The high return speed of leak gas, which originally causes harmful lubricant discharge, is converted into a beneficial effect by using the pressure differential created during high-speed return to drive the check valve mechanism. The check valve utilizes this pressure differential to maintain open position for gas flow while automatically closing to prevent lubricant backflow.
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 solution effectively reduces lubricant discharge from the compressor, preventing oil loss by minimizing the flow of lubricant into the intake chamber through the pressure equalization path, even during high return speeds, thereby maintaining lubricant levels.
Implementation Method 1
A partition member with multiple partition plates is positioned between the crank shaft and the pressure equalization path opening, collecting and redirecting lubricant droplets into the oil storage chamber
Implementation Method 2
an oil separator with a labyrinth portion and hollow section is used to further separate oil droplets from gas
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A reciprocating compressor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing which includes an intake chamber, a discharge chamber, a cylinder, and a crank chamber, the crank chamber having a lower portion formed as an oil storage chamber configured to store lubricant; a piston which is reciprocatively located in the cylinder; a crank shaft which is rotatably arranged in the crank chamber and is coupled to the piston via a connecting rod; a pressure equalization path through which the intake chamber and the crank chamber communicates, the pressure equalization path having an opening end open to the crank chamber; and a partition member which is located between the crank shaft and the opening end of the pressure equalization path. The partition member extends below the crank shaft from one side of the crank shaft to the other side of the crank shaft so as to cover at least the lower side of the crank shaft.