Economizer Threaded Lead-In Pipe for Centrifugal Gas-Liquid Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing economizers in refrigeration systems fail to effectively separate gas and liquid refrigerant phases, leading to increased compressor power consumption and potential liquid hammer due to high liquid content in the gaseous refrigerant entering the compressor.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system economizer with a threaded portion on the inner wall of the lead-in pipe, utilizing centrifugal action for gas-liquid separation, combined with orifice plates and a liquid baffle to enhance separation efficiency, directing separated gas back to the compressor and liquid to the evaporator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lead-in pipe has a smooth inner wall, then the refrigerant flows smoothly, but gas-liquid separation is insufficient and liquid droplets enter the compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The inner wall of the lead-in pipe is modified locally by adding threaded structures at specific positions rather than changing the entire pipe structure. The threaded portion is located at the inlet end of the economizer tank, creating a localized turbulence zone that enhances gas-liquid separation without affecting the overall smooth flow characteristics of the pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded structure extends partially along the lead-in pipe (20-30mm length) rather than covering the entire pipe. This partial modification is sufficient to create the necessary turbulence for effective gas-liquid separation while minimizing pressure loss and maintaining smooth flow in the remaining pipe sections
2Volume of moving object
If the economizer tank space is narrow, then the device is compact, but complete gas-liquid separation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded structure in the lead-in pipe performs preliminary gas-liquid separation before the refrigerant enters the economizer tank. This preliminary action reduces the liquid content in the incoming two-phase refrigerant, making the subsequent separation in the compact tank more effective and enabling complete separation even in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The gas-liquid separation process is divided into multiple stages: first separation in the threaded portion of the lead-in pipe, second separation in the economizer tank using orifice plates and liquid baffles. This segmentation allows effective separation to be achieved in a compact overall volume by distributing the separation function across different components
3Productivity
If liquid refrigerant enters the compressor, then the refrigeration cycle continues, but compressor power consumption increases and liquid hammer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded structure in the lead-in pipe and the orifice plates in the economizer tank perform preliminary gas-liquid separation to remove liquid refrigerant before it can enter the compressor. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of liquid entry while maintaining the refrigeration cycle continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The economizer tank with threaded structure and orifice plates acts as an intermediary device between the condenser and compressor. It separates the gas and liquid phases of the refrigerant, allowing only gaseous refrigerant to reach the compressor, thereby preventing liquid hammer and reducing power consumption while maintaining system 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
Improves gas-liquid separation efficiency, reducing liquid content in the gas outlet and enhancing overall system efficiency and cooling capacity without additional costs, suitable for various refrigeration systems.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded portion is provided on the inner wall of the lead-in pipe for performing gas-liquid separation for the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant by means of centrifugal action
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to an economizer 100 for a refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising a refrigerant circuit formed by sequentially connecting a compressor, a condenser, an expansion mechanism and an evaporator, wherein the economizer 100 comprises: a tank 110 extending in a horizontal direction; a lead-in pipe 120 arranged at one end of the tank 110 for introducing gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant from the condenser; a gas outlet portion 130 arranged at the other end of the tank 110 for directing gaseous refrigerant back to the compressor; and a liquid outlet portion 140 arranged below the gas outlet portion 130 for directing liquid refrigerant to the evaporator, wherein a threaded portion 121 is provided on an inner wall of the lead-in pipe 120 for performing gas-liquid separation for the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant by means of centrifugal action. The present invention further provides a refrigeration system provided with the economizer 100. The economizer 100 for a refrigeration system according to the present invention can greatly improve the gas-liquid separation efficiency of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant.