Water-Injected Gas Compressor Water Mixing for Corrosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the water supply in water-injected gas compressors rely on conductivity measurements, which are not precise enough, leading to inconsistent cooling water quality and increased corrosion, reducing compressor lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The method adjusts the proportion of demineralized and non-demineralized water based on locally available drinking water quality, eliminating the need for complex conductivity measurements in the cooling circuit, ensuring consistent conductivity and calcium carbonate content in the cooling water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductivity measurements are used to control water supply, then the cooling water quality can be monitored, but the measurement precision is insufficient leading to inconsistent quality and increased corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from conductivity measurement to direct measurement of calcium carbonate content and pH value. This parameter change enables precise monitoring of the actual chemical composition of cooling water, allowing for consistent quality control and reduced corrosion by maintaining optimal pH levels and calcium carbonate concentration.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If demineralized water is used to reduce mineralization, then sediment formation decreases, but the buffer capacity against carbonic acid is reduced increasing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously measures both calcium carbonate content and pH value of the cooling water. Based on these measurements, the system automatically adjusts the water treatment process to maintain optimal levels of both parameters, dynamically balancing the prevention of sediment formation with the prevention of corrosion by maintaining adequate buffer capacity.
3Productivity
If cooling water is circulated in a closed circuit, then operation efficiency increases, but pH alteration through evaporation and ion absorption leads to corrosive effects
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors pH value and calcium carbonate content in the closed circulation circuit. When pH drifts outside the optimal range or calcium carbonate levels change, the system automatically adjusts treatment parameters to restore optimal conditions, enabling long-term stable operation of the closed circuit while preventing corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent actively manages the chemical parameters (pH and calcium carbonate content) of the cooling water in the closed circuit through controlled adjustment of water treatment processes. This parameter management prevents the natural drift toward corrosive conditions that would otherwise occur through evaporation and ion absorption during continuous operation.
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 provides a consistent and optimized cooling water quality, minimizing calcification and corrosion, and extending the compressor's operational life by maintaining a stable pH and calcium carbonate level.
Implementation Method 1
absorption of free carbonic acid
Implementation Method 2
evaporation of the cooling water causes the relative mineralization of the cooling water to increase
Implementation Method 3
absorption of atmospheric humidity into the cooling water
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the water supply of a water-injected compressor, into the cooling water circuit of which is injected demineralized and non-demineralized water as fresh water. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the fresh water supplied is a mixture of demineralized and non-demineralized water, and the proportions of the demineralized and non-demineralized water in the fresh water are dependent on the conductivity of the demineralized and non-demineralized water. The invention also relates to a water-injected gas compressor that may be operated with such a method.