Ionic Liquid Compressor Packing for Hydrogen Leak Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating compressors, particularly those handling hydrogen, suffer from significant gas leaks due to the low viscosity and molecular weight of hydrogen, which conventional packing systems fail to adequately seal, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an additional sealing unit with a cavity filled by an ionic liquid that acts as a barrier, utilizing inlet and outlet ducts to circulate the ionic liquid and prevent gas leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packing systems are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but gas leaks occur due to inadequate sealing
Solution Approach 1:
An ionic liquid is introduced as an intermediary substance between the packing elements and the hydrogen gas. The ionic liquid circulates through channels in the packing structure and forms a sealing barrier that prevents hydrogen leakage, while allowing the mechanical packing structure to remain relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a fluid (ionic liquid) circulating through hydraulic-like channels within the packing structure to achieve sealing. The ionic liquid is pumped through inlet and outlet conduits and flows through channels in the packing elements, using fluid dynamics to maintain effective sealing contact
2Reliability
If conventional packing systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but hydrogen leaks significantly due to low viscosity and molecular weight
Solution Approach 1:
The ionic liquid acts as a mediator that specifically addresses hydrogen's low viscosity and molecular weight characteristics. It forms a barrier that conventional solid packing materials cannot provide, preventing hydrogen diffusion while the packing structure itself remains relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sealing mechanism from purely mechanical contact to a chemical-physical barrier using ionic liquid. The ionic liquid's unique properties (high ionic conductivity, low volatility, high stability) are exploited to create effective sealing against hydrogen, representing a parameter change in the sealing approach
3Reliability
If ionic liquid circulation system is implemented, then gas leaks are reduced to imperceptible levels, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packing structure is segmented to include separate channels for ionic liquid circulation. Inlet and outlet conduits are provided, and the packing elements contain internal channels that guide the ionic liquid flow, creating a segmented path that enables effective sealing while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ionic liquid circulation system performs multiple functions: it seals against hydrogen leakage, lubricates the packing elements, and can be designed to allow for easy maintenance and replacement. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single 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 ionic liquid effectively reduces gas leaks to imperceptible levels, providing a more airtight sealing system applicable to various types of compressors.
Implementation Method 1
the ionic liquid is a barrier for the gas. The gas leaks through the compressor packing can therefore be reduced to almost imperceptible amounts
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention discloses a compressor packing (1) comprising a fixation plate (2) fixed to a set of sealing units (3A-3F) making up a longitudinal piling, where each sealing unit (3A-3F) comprises a body (31) and, at least, a disc (32) housed in said body (31). The packing (1) is fixed to an end wall of the chamber (CA) of a compressor for separating said chamber (CA) from a longitudinally adjacent space (ES) of the compressor to prevent leaks. The packing (1) is particular in that it comprises an inlet duct (4) and an outlet duct (5) in communication with a cavity (61) of an additional sealing unit (6) for pumping an ionic liquid (LI) to said cavity (61). The ionic liquid (LI) of the cavity makes up a barrier against gas leaks.