Multi-Stage Compressor Synchronization for Pressure Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-stage high-pressure compression installations react slowly to gas consumption fluctuations and require large intermediate tanks, leading to increased space and cost due to the sequential operation of compressors, which results in unstable gas pressure and inefficient gas distribution.
Innovation Solution
A control system that synchronizes the operation of multiple compressors in series, ensuring both compressors run under load or idle simultaneously based on buffer tank pressure, maintaining constant pressure between stages and reducing the need for intermediate storage tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compressors operate sequentially based on individual tank pressure thresholds, then each compressor can be controlled independently, but the system responds slowly to gas consumption fluctuations and causes pressure instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple compressors by connecting their drives to a common control panel that monitors a single buffer tank pressure. This unified control approach allows simultaneous activation of multiple compressors when needed, enabling rapid response to gas consumption fluctuations while maintaining simple operational control through centralized pressure-based decision making.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a large intermediate tank is used between compressors, then gas pressure stability is maintained during compressor loading, but space requirements and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure stabilization function from the traditional large intermediate tank design and replaces it with an active control system. The control panel monitors buffer tank pressure and simultaneously activates multiple compressors when pressure drops below a threshold, thereby maintaining pressure stability without requiring a large physical storage tank. This eliminates the need for excessive intermediate storage volume while preserving pressure composition stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary action by activating compressors before significant pressure drops occur in the buffer tank. When the pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, the control panel immediately activates one or both compressors to replenish the buffer, preventing pressure instability before it occurs and eliminating the need for oversized tanks.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are used for each compression stage, then precise pressure monitoring is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single pressure sensor and control panel that serves multiple compression stages simultaneously. The control panel monitors the buffer tank pressure and uses this single measurement to control both the first and second compressors, making the control system multi-functional rather than requiring separate sensing and control elements for each stage. This reduces device complexity while maintaining effective pressure monitoring and control.
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 minimizes pressure fluctuations, reduces the volume and cost of intermediate tanks, and allows for efficient gas distribution with a single pressure sensor, resulting in a more responsive and cost-effective high-pressure compression system.
Implementation Method 1
the installation is equipped with means to determine the pressure prevailing at the output of the main pipe, whereby said installation is connected to a control panel, characterized in that this control panel is connected to at least two of the aforesaid compressor drives and in that it controls the compressors in such a way that they will either both run under load or both run idle
Implementation Method 2
at least two compressors are mounted in series, each with their own drive
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage compression installation is formed of a main pipe (2) emerging in a baffle plate (3), where at least two compressors (4, 5) are mounted in series each having its own drive member (9, 10). The installation is equipped with a system for determining the pressure at the output of the main pipe (2), the installation being connected to a control box (8). Typically, the control box (8) is connected to at least two of the drive members (9, 10) of the compressors (4, 5) and ensures monitoring of the compressors such that the latter rotate jointly whether charged or uncharged. Thus, the compressors (4, 5) are jointly charged based on the pressure prevailing in the baffle plate (3), such that the charging of the compressor representing the overpressure stage, the compressor(s) of the lower compression stages are automatically and jointly charged.