Screw Compressor Pipe Bend Resonator for Pulsation Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Screw compressors generate pressure shocks leading to pulsation waves that can damage downstream components like silencers, coolers, or separators during operation.
Innovation Solution
A pipe bend with an insert forming a resonator space between its inner and outer walls is used to conduct compressed gas from the compressor to the silencer, effectively damping pulsations by creating a λ/4 resonator that cancels sound pressures and reduces sound power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pipe connection is used to conduct compressed gas from the compressor to the silencer, then the device complexity is low, but pulsation waves cause damage to downstream components
Solution Approach 1:
An insert is introduced as an intermediary element within the pipe bend. This insert creates a resonator space between its outer wall and the pipe bend's inner wall, acting as a mediator to dampen pulsation waves while the pipe bend itself continues to conduct the compressed gas flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed to create a resonator that utilizes mechanical vibration principles. The resonator space, formed between the insert's outer wall and the pipe bend's inner wall, generates counter-vibrations that cancel out the harmful pulsation waves, thereby protecting downstream components.
2Reliability
If no pulsation damping measure is taken, then the device complexity remains low, but pulsation waves lead to damage in downstream plant components
Solution Approach 1:
The insert serves as an intermediary component that can be integrated into the existing pipe bend structure. Rather than adding a completely separate pulsation damping device, the insert modifies the pipe bend itself to create the resonator function, thereby protecting downstream components with minimal additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is nested within the pipe bend structure. The resonator space is formed by the space between the insert's outer wall and the pipe bend's inner wall, effectively nesting the damping function within the existing flow conduit without requiring a separate external device.
3Reliability
If a resonator is added to the pipe bend to dampen pulsations, then downstream components are protected from damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator is nested within the pipe bend by positioning the insert inside the pipe bend's flow channel. The resonator space is formed by the annular gap between the insert's outer wall and the pipe bend's inner wall, creating a compact integrated structure that protects downstream components without requiring external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator functionality is added in the radial dimension rather than requiring additional longitudinal space. By creating the resonator space in the annular gap between the insert and pipe bend wall, the solution utilizes the radial dimension of the existing pipe bend to provide pulsation damping.
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 resonator design significantly reduces the risk of damage to downstream components by effectively damping pulsations, ensuring reliable operation of the screw compressor.
Implementation Method 1
an outer wall of the insert projecting into the flow channel of the pipe bend and a portion of the inner wall of the pipe bend inclosing this outer wall on the outside delimit a space acting as resonator, which is coupled to the flow channel of the pipe bend
Implementation Method 2
the resonator design significantly reduces the risk of damage to downstream components by effectively damping pulsations
Data Source
AI summary
A screw compressor having screw rotors for compressing a process gas, a pipe bend conducting compressed process gas towards a silencer. The pipe bend at an inlet-side portion comprises a first connecting piece fastening the pipe bend to a pressure port and on an outlet-side portion a second connecting piece for fastening the pipe bend to the silencer. The pipe bend has a flow channel between the connecting pieces defined by an inner wall and an insert that projects into the inlet-side portion of the pipe bend. An outer wall of the insert projecting into the flow channel of the pipe bend and a portion of the inner wall of the pipe bend enclosing this outer wall on the outside delimit a space acting as resonator, coupled to the flow channel of the pipe bend.