Hydraulic Gas Compressor Switching Between One- and Two-Stage Compression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulically driven gas compressors are limited to two-stage compression and lack the ability to switch between one-stage and two-stage compression operations.
Innovation Solution
A gas compressor design incorporating a first and second gas booster with on-off valves on communication passages, allowing switching between one-stage and two-stage compression modes by controlling hydraulic pistons and valves to alternate hydraulic oil flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional two-stage gas compressor structure is used, then gas compression capability is provided, but the ability to switch between one-stage and two-stage compression is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The gas compressor is designed with universal functionality to perform both one-stage and two-stage compression operations using the same basic structure. The second compression chamber can operate independently for one-stage compression or receive gas from the first compression chamber for two-stage compression, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements without requiring separate dedicated structures for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic control through on-off valves that can switch the communication state between compression chambers and driving chambers. By dynamically opening or closing these valves, the system can transition between different operational modes (one-stage vs. two-stage compression) and adjust hydraulic oil flow paths to control the gas pistons accordingly, enabling flexible adaptation to varying compression needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If one-stage compression mode is used, then operational flexibility is improved, but compression efficiency for high-pressure applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between one-stage and two-stage compression modes based on the required output pressure and operational conditions. When high compression ratios are needed, the system activates two-stage mode by opening the appropriate on-off valves to enable gas flow from the first to second compression chamber. When lower compression is sufficient, the system operates in one-stage mode for faster, more efficient operation, thus optimizing productivity across different应用场景.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression process parameters (number of stages, pressure ratios, flow paths) are changed based on operational requirements. By adjusting the state of on-off valves, the system modifies the compression parameters to match the desired output, allowing efficient operation whether one-stage or two-stage compression is selected, thereby maintaining high productivity across different operating conditions.
3Productivity
If two-stage compression is used, then compression efficiency is improved, but the ability to operate in one-stage mode is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The gas compressor employs a universal design where the second compression chamber serves dual purposes: it can compress gas independently in one-stage mode or receive pre-compressed gas from the first chamber for two-stage compression. This multi-functional capability ensures that the system maintains high compression efficiency when two-stage operation is selected while preserving the flexibility to switch to one-stage mode when appropriate, preventing loss of adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic valve control to enable seamless switching between compression modes. The on-off valves can be actuated to either connect or disconnect the first and second compression chambers, allowing the system to transition from efficient two-stage compression to flexible one-stage operation based on real-time requirements, thus maintaining both efficiency and adaptability.
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
Enables flexible operation between one-stage and two-stage compression, optimizing efficiency based on gas pressure requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic piston 44, which partitions off a first driving chamber 4a and a second driving chamber 4b from each other
Implementation Method 2
The first hydraulic piston 44 is coupled to the first gas piston 33 by a rod 55, which extends across the first driving chamber 4a
Implementation Method 3
an on-off valve 82 located on a communication passage 81 through which the first driving chamber 4a and the third driving chamber 4c, or the second driving chamber 4b and the fourth driving chamber 4d, communicate with each other
Implementation Method 4
a first gas piston 33, which faces a first compression chamber 3a
Implementation Method 5
compressing gas in two stages
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A gas compressor (1A) according to one embodiment includes a first gas booster (2A) and a second gas booster (2B). The first gas booster (2A) includes a first gas piston (33) and a first hydraulic piston (44), the first gas piston (33) facing a first compression chamber (3a), the first hydraulic piston (44) partitioning off a first driving chamber (4a) and a second driving chamber (4b) from each other and being coupled to the first gas piston (33). The second gas booster (2B) includes a second gas piston (37) and a second hydraulic piston (48), the second gas piston (37) facing a second compression chamber (3b) that is supplied with gas from the first compression chamber (3a), the second hydraulic piston (48) partitioning off a third driving chamber (4c) and a fourth driving chamber (4d) from each other and being coupled to the second gas piston (37). The gas compressor (1A) further includes an on-off valve (82) located on a communication passage (81) through which the first driving chamber (4a) and the third driving chamber (4c), or the second driving chamber (4b) and the fourth driving chamber (4d), communicate with each other.