Integrated Centrifugal Compressor Gas Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal motor compressors used in low-power applications face challenges with liquid/gas separation, leading to potential compressor damage and pressure loss, especially when installed on platforms like FPSO, where maintenance and ground control are complicated due to the presence of a liquid/gas separator.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal motor compressor unit with an integrated sump containing a gas separator stage, where the compressor stage is optimized to receive the separated gaseous phase, reducing ground control and pressure loss, and utilizing active magnetic bearings and a modular design for easier maintenance, with a cooling system for gas recirculation or suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid/gas separator is placed upstream of the motor compressor unit, then the gas admitted to the compressor is kept dry and compressor damage is prevented, but the volume and ground control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid/gas separator and compressor are merged into a single integrated unit where the compressor is installed directly within the separator housing. The separator serves dual functions: separating liquid from gas and housing the compressor, thereby eliminating the need for separate external components and reducing overall ground control volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor is nested within the separator structure, with the compressor housing positioned inside the separator chamber. This nesting arrangement allows the compressor to utilize the separator's existing structural space, minimizing additional volume requirements while maintaining both separation and compression functions.
2Reliability
If a liquid/gas separator is placed upstream of the motor compressor unit, then liquid phases are prevented from intruding into the compressor, but pressure loss between the separator and compressor increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the separator and compressor into a single integrated unit with direct internal connection, the patent eliminates intermediate piping and connection points between the separator outlet and compressor inlet. This direct integration minimizes pressure loss by removing unnecessary flow path obstacles and reducing the distance gas must travel.
3Ease of repair
If the compressor is installed in a separate location from the separator, then maintenance operations are simplified, but the ground control volume and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated unit is designed with modular segmentation, allowing the compressor to be independently accessed and maintained through dedicated access points in the separator housing. The compressor can be removed and serviced separately while the separator remains in place, simplifying maintenance operations without requiring disassembly of the entire system.
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 solution significantly reduces ground control and maintenance complexity, minimizes pressure loss, and allows for a more compact and cost-effective design by integrating the compressor stage within the separator, while ensuring dry gas delivery to prevent erosion and enhance operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sump internally equipped with at least one gas separator stage for separating a gaseous phase and a liquid phase admitted within the sump
Implementation Method 2
a set of active magnetic bearings axially and radially support the tree line of the motor compressor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This liquid / gas separator for centrifugal motor compressor includes a sump (8) internally equipped with at least one gas separator stage (10, 11) suitable to separate a gaseous phase from a liquid phase accepted in sump entry. The sump (8) internally includes a compartment (13) in which flows the gaseous phase separated by said separator stage (10, 11) and in which is assembled a compressor stage (4) of the motor compressor (1).