Liquid separation device for a compressor system and compressor system having such a liquid separation device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil-lubricated compressor systems face inefficiencies and maintenance challenges due to external recirculation lines, check valves, and nozzles that are exposed to ambient temperatures, leading to potential freezing and air leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage liquid separation device with integrated liquid removal channels, including coarse and fine separation units, that recirculates separated liquids internally, reducing external lines and protecting components from external influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external recirculation line is used to recirculate separated oil back to the compressor, then the liquid separation function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance difficulty increases due to external lines requiring installation and uninstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the recirculation line directly into the housing of the liquid separation device, merging the separation function and recirculation function into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate external recirculation lines, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable liquid separation and recirculation capabilities
2Ease of operation
If check valve and nozzle are arranged in the external recirculation line, then oil recirculation is enabled, but the risk of freezing increases due to exposure to ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve and nozzle are integrated into the housing of the liquid separation device, combining the recirculation components with the main body. This placement protects them from ambient temperature exposure, reducing freezing risk while maintaining ease of operation during oil recirculation
3Quantity of substance
If additional riser pipe is used to suction oil at the clean-air side of the coalescence filter, then oil removal is achieved, but air leakage risk increases due to permanent air leakage flow
Solution Approach 1:
The riser pipe is integrated into the housing structure of the liquid separation device, merging the oil suction function with the main body. This integration eliminates permanent air leakage paths while maintaining effective oil removal quantity through the suction process
4Ease of repair
If external recirculation line is used, then oil recirculation is possible, but maintenance difficulty increases as the line must be uninstalled during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation line is integrated directly into the housing of the liquid separation device, combining the recirculation pathway with the main structure. This integration eliminates the need to uninstall separate external lines during maintenance, improving ease of repair while reducing overall device complexity
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 enhances efficiency by minimizing gas losses and maintaining reliability through reduced exposure to ambient temperatures, while also simplifying maintenance by eliminating external lines and reducing the risk of freezing and air leakage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one coarse separation unit, which has at least one coarse separator
Implementation Method 2
the compressed oil-air volume flow impinges on a coalescence filter
Implementation Method 3
one liquid removal device arranged in a dripping direction, in relation to the particular separator, for the separated-off liquid
Implementation Method 4
the separated-off oil is suctioned away to the injection point on the screw block by way of the pressure gradient
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid separation device for a compressor system has at least one coarse separation unit, which has at least one coarse separator and a liquid removal device; at least one fine separation unit, which has at least one fine separator and a liquid removal device; and at least one liquid removal channel which leads off a liquid from the respective liquid removal devices, wherein the at least one liquid removal channel is formed in the liquid separation device.