Gas-liquid separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas-liquid separators in refrigerating systems have complex filter components that lead to complicated assembly procedures and high material costs, with a risk of damage during the welding process due to the small size of the welding portion and inability to withstand large forces.
Innovation Solution
A gas-liquid separator with a simplified gas guide element comprising a baffle, flange, and bottom plate, where the baffle is inclined to shield the gas inlet of the outlet tube, reducing the flow rate of the gas-liquid mixture and preventing liquid from entering the outlet tube, and is fixedly connected to the cylindrical body and outlet tube to stabilize the outlet tube and reduce manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter component with filter screen and filter screen seat is used, then gas-liquid separation function is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex filter screen and filter screen seat components from the gas-liquid separator. Instead of using these traditional filtering components, the patent employs a simplified outlet tube structure with a flange connection that achieves the same gas-liquid separation function without the additional complexity of mesh filters and their mounting assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet tube is segmented into multiple functional parts: the tube body, the flange portion, and the connection structure. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall structure compared to an integrated filter assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If outlet tube is fixed by small welding portion, then assembly is simplified, but strength and reliability deteriorate due to inability to withstand large forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outlet tube with a flange structure to create an integrated connection component. The flange portion is formed as an integral part of the outlet tube, combining the functions of the outlet tube and the connection element into a single piece, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange-connected outlet tube structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the outlet tube for gas discharge, provides a strong connection interface to the external piping system, and serves as a structural support element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate welding operations while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If outlet tube is kept in suspension state at certain height, then gas-liquid separation is improved, but positioning stability worsens and positioning device is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the outlet tube positioning function with the flange connection structure. The flange portion inherently provides positional stability and support for the outlet tube, eliminating the need for separate positioning devices while maintaining the required suspension height for effective gas-liquid separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange-connected outlet tube structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains the outlet tube at the correct height for separation, provides structural support, enables strong mechanical connection, and ensures positional stability. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
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 gas guide element effectively separates gas and liquid mixtures while reducing manufacturing costs and eliminating the need for a positioning device, enhancing the stability and reliability of the gas-liquid separator, particularly in large and medium-sized refrigerant systems.
Implementation Method 1
The gas, after entering into the inner chamber, passes through the filter screen 161, and passes through the gas guide holes 163 into the inner chamber of the cylindrical body 5 under the blocking of the filter screen seat 162. The liquid of the gas-liquid mixture falls towards the bottom of the inner chamber of the cylindrical body 5 because of the pull of gravity.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas-liquid separator applicable to a refrigeration system includes a cylindrical body, an inlet pipe fixedly connected to an upper end of the cylindrical body and an outlet pipe fixedly connected to a lower end of the cylindrical body, and further includes a gas guiding element, the gas guiding element further including a baffle, a flange located at one end of the baffle, and a bottom plate located at the other end of the baffle, the baffle being located above the outlet pipe and blocking a gas inlet of the outlet pipe; the flange being fixedly connected to an inner wall of the cylindrical body; and the bottom plate being fixedly connected to a side wall of a gas inlet end of the outlet pipe.