Integrated Compressor-Pump Drive for CO2 Phase Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for compressing and pumping CO2 and CO2 mixtures are inefficient due to the need for separate compressors and pumps, which require time-consuming coordination and have a large footprint, and are expensive, while also being sensitive to the precise phase and pressure conditions of the fluid.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a compressor part and a pump part with a single bull gear to rotate both, allowing for the compression of CO2 from a gas phase to a dense phase, which is then pumped to a desired location, reducing the need for separate components and optimizing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate compressors and pumps are used for CO2 compression and pumping, then the system can process CO2 in gas and dense phases, but the system footprint and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a compressor and a pump into a single integrated unit where the compressor compresses CO2 from gas phase to dense phase, and the pump immediately pumps the dense phase CO2 without requiring separate standalone equipment. This merging eliminates the need for separate foundations, housings, and support structures, significantly reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining the capability to process both gas and dense phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit performs multiple functions within a single system: the compressor section handles gas phase compression, the cooling section transforms gas to dense phase, and the pump section handles dense phase transportation. This multi-functionality within one unit avoids the need for separate specialized equipment for each function, reducing space requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate compressors and pumps are manufactured by different providers, then each component can be optimized independently, but the coordination and matching time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the compressor and pump into a single unit manufactured as one system, the patent eliminates the need for coordination between multiple external providers. The entire unit can be designed, manufactured, and commissioned as a single package, drastically reducing the time required for matching and coordination while maintaining optimal performance through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit is designed to be self-sufficient, with the compressor, cooling section, and pump working together as a unified system. The compressor outlet is directly connected to the pump inlet, and the cooling section is integrated between them, creating a self-contained unit that requires minimal external coordination for operation.
3Productivity
If traditional compressors and pumps are fine-tuned to match precise phase conditions, then processing efficiency is maximized, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated unit combines the compressor, cooling section, and pump into one system where the components are inherently coordinated. The compressor is designed to deliver compressed gas directly to the cooling section, which transforms it to dense phase, which then flows directly to the pump. This integrated design maintains optimal phase conditions for maximum efficiency without requiring complex external fine-tuning or coordination between separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit ensures continuous operation with the compressor outlet directly connected to the pump inlet via the cooling section. This continuous flow path maintains optimal pressure and temperature conditions throughout the process, maximizing processing efficiency without requiring intermittent adjustments or fine-tuning between separate systems.
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 integrated system reduces the complexity and cost of fluid handling, enhances efficiency by synchronizing compressor and pump operations, and minimizes the system's footprint, while ensuring precise phase transition and pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor part having at least one impeller configured to compress the fluid in the gas phase
Implementation Method 2
a temperature changing device connected to the compressor part outlet and configured to change the fluid to the dense phase
Implementation Method 3
a pump part having at least one impeller configured to pump the fluid in the dense phase
Implementation Method 4
a single bull gear configured to rotate around an axial axis with a predetermined speed; plural pinions contacting the single bull gear and configured to rotate with predetermined speeds
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for compressing a fluid in a gas phase and for pumping the fluid in a dense phase. The system includes a compressor part having an impeller; a compressor part inlet that receives the fluid in the gas phase; a compressor part outlet that provides the fluid in the gas phase; a temperature changing device that changes a phase of the fluid; a pump part having an impeller; a pump part inlet that receives the fluid in the dense phase from the compressor part outlet; a pump part outlet that outputs the fluid in the dense phase from the system; a single bull gear configured to rotate around an axial axis with a predetermined speed; plural pinions contacting the single gear bull and configured to rotate with predetermined speeds, and a pump shaft configured to rotate the at least one impeller of the pump part.