Multi-Stage Compressor Gas Leak Detection via Pressure Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-stage compressors face challenges in detecting gas leaks effectively due to pressure variations and sealing performance deterioration across compressing units.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a multi-stage compressor that calculates the proportion of discharge pressure from one compressing unit to the suction or discharge pressure of another and sets a threshold to determine if a gas leak is occurring, utilizing pressure sensors and temperature sensors to monitor and detect leaks through specific valve and piston ring performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-stage compressors are used without proportional pressure monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect gas leaks is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the proportional relationship between discharge pressure from one compressing unit and suction pressure into the next compressing unit. When this proportion deviates from expected ranges, the system generates alerts indicating potential gas leaks. This feedback-based approach enables reliable leak detection without requiring complex additional hardware, as it utilizes existing pressure measurement points and applies computational analysis to the pressure ratio data.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors and temperature sensors are added to monitor each compressing unit, then gas leak detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by using existing pressure sensors in the multi-stage compressor system for dual purposes: their original function of monitoring compression operation and the additional function of detecting gas leaks through proportional analysis. The same pressure measurement points are utilized to calculate pressure ratios that indicate leaks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated leak detection sensors and avoiding additional hardware complexity while maintaining high detection precision.
3Reliability
If proportional pressure monitoring is implemented across all compressing units, then gas leak detection reliability is improved, but the cost of the compressor system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by utilizing the compressor's own existing pressure measurement infrastructure and operational data to perform gas leak detection. The system monitors the natural proportional relationships between pressures at different stages of compression that already exist during normal operation, converting this inherent operational data into leak detection information without requiring external monitoring equipment or additional measurement systems, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas leak determining method for a multi-stage compressor including: a first compressing unit that compresses a gas; and a second compressing unit that further compresses the gas compressed by the first compressing unit includes: a step of calculating a proportion of discharge pressure from the second compressing unit to discharge pressure from the first compressing unit or suction pressure into the second compressing unit; and a step of determining that a gas is leaking from the second compressing unit when the proportion becomes equal to or less than a set value.