Dynamic Variable Orifice for Reciprocating Compressor Pulsation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulsation attenuation methods in reciprocating compressor systems, such as fixed orifice plates, are ineffective in adjusting to varying operating conditions, leading to suboptimal pulsation control and increased power consumption, as they cannot dynamically change their orifice size to accommodate changing compressor conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic variable orifice (DVO) apparatus that adjusts its effective orifice size in response to changing operating conditions, allowing for manual or automated adjustment of orifice size using a conical or disc-like design with a bevel gear drive, enabling optimal pulsation control with minimal pressure drop and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed orifice plates are used for pulsation attenuation, then pulsation control is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to varying operating conditions leading to suboptimal control and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed orifice plate into a dynamic variable orifice (DVO) apparatus. The DVO includes a rotatable component with multiple ports that can be rotated to different angular positions, dynamically changing the effective orifice area. This allows the system to adapt to varying operating conditions (different compressor speeds, pressures, and flow rates) by adjusting the orifice opening, thereby optimizing pulsation control and minimizing power consumption across different operating points rather than being locked into a single fixed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the orifice area parameter from a fixed value to a variable value. The DVO apparatus enables continuous adjustment of the effective orifice area through rotation, allowing the system to change this critical parameter in response to varying operating conditions. This parameter change capability directly addresses the adaptability issue and enables optimal energy efficiency across different compressor operating points.
2Ease of operation
If fixed orifice plates are used, then pulsation attenuation is provided, but the orifice size cannot be changed without shutting down the compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The DVO apparatus enables dynamic adjustment of orifice size during compressor operation through rotation of the adjustable component. The mechanism is designed to be operated via handwheel or actuator while the compressor is running, eliminating the need for shutdowns. This dynamic adjustment capability directly resolves the contradiction by making orifice size change a simple operational adjustment rather than a maintenance intervention requiring downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service capabilities through the manually operable handwheel or actuator mechanism that allows operators to adjust the orifice size independently without requiring shutdown procedures or specialized maintenance interventions. The design enables operators to respond to changing operating conditions in real-time, making the system self-adaptive without external intervention or downtime.
3Loss of energy
If larger orifice size is used, then pressure drop is reduced, but pulsation control effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The DVO apparatus resolves this contradiction by enabling dynamic adjustment of the orifice size to match operating conditions. During high-flow conditions, the orifice can be opened wider to minimize pressure drop and energy loss. During low-flow or high-pulsation conditions, the orifice can be restricted to enhance pulsation attenuation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the trade-off between pressure drop and pulsation control effectiveness based on real-time operating parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orifice area parameter dynamically to balance pressure drop and pulsation control. By adjusting this parameter according to operating conditions, the system can maintain optimal performance across different scenarios - using larger openings when pressure drop is the concern and smaller openings when pulsation control is critical, rather than being constrained to a fixed compromise value.
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 DVO apparatus effectively controls pressure and flow pulsations across varying compressor conditions, reducing power consumption and maintaining optimal pulsation damping, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of reciprocating compressor systems.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the outer conical cage causing the plurality of inner conical cage ports and the plurality of outer conical cage ports to be selectively aligned, the relative alignment of the plurality of inner conical cage ports with the plurality of outer conical cage ports determining the effective orifice size of the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A pulsation dampening apparatus for providing a selectively variable orifice size for a reciprocating compressor system includes a rotatable conical cage and a fixed conical cage, the conical cages being aligned along a central axis to form a central cylindrical port. The conical cages each include at least one window or port and have mating contours allowing the conical cages to rotatably slide over one another, allowing their respective ports to be selectively aligned in any configuration to create any desired effective orifice size. In one embodiment, each of the conical cages include a plurality of ports which can be selectively aligned, the relative alignment of the ports determining the effective orifice size of the pulsation dampening apparatus.