Liquid Ejector Seal Gas Pressurization for Rotating Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for providing pressurized seal gas for non-contacting seals in rotating equipment, such as centrifugal compressors, rely on reciprocating compressors, which have high energy consumption, maintenance requirements, and limited reliability, limiting the operational efficiency and lifespan of these systems.
Innovation Solution
A seal system utilizing a liquid ejector subsystem to increase the pressure of seal gas, comprising a liquid ejector with an inlet for liquid and seal gas, a liquid-gas separator, and a pump to form a high-pressure seal gas stream, which is then conveyed to the seal, reducing maintenance and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reciprocating compressors are used to provide pressurized seal gas, then the seal system can maintain reliable operation, but energy consumption increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the reciprocating compressor (mechanical system) with a liquid ejector system that uses fluid dynamics principles. The liquid ejector uses a high-pressure liquid stream to create a vacuum that draws in and pressurizes the seal gas, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts in the gas compression process. This substitution reduces energy consumption while maintaining the ability to provide pressurized seal gas reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic and hydraulic principles through the liquid ejector, which uses a high-pressure liquid stream to generate a vacuum effect and pressurize the seal gas. The system utilizes fluid flow dynamics, where the liquid stream creates a low-pressure zone that entrains the seal gas and delivers it at the required pressure to the seal chamber, providing reliable operation without traditional mechanical compression.
2Reliability
If reciprocating compressors are used to provide pressurized seal gas, then the seal system can maintain reliable operation, but maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the reciprocating compressor with a liquid ejector system that has no moving parts in the gas handling section. This elimination of mechanical components (pistons, valves, bearings) dramatically reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining the ability to provide reliable pressurized seal gas to the seal chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid ejector system is self-regulating and requires minimal intervention. The high-pressure liquid stream automatically creates the vacuum and pressurization needed for seal gas delivery, and the system can compensate for variations in operating conditions without requiring mechanical adjustment or maintenance, thereby reducing maintenance frequency while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of repair
If liquid ejector subsystem is used to increase seal gas pressure, then maintenance costs decrease, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid ejector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the vacuum to draw in seal gas, pressurizes the gas to the required level, and delivers it to the seal chamber. By combining these functions into a single device, the system reduces overall complexity despite the sophisticated fluid dynamics involved, while also minimizing maintenance costs through the elimination of moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-pressure liquid stream acts as an intermediary that transfers energy to the seal gas without direct mechanical contact. This liquid mediator creates the vacuum and pressurization effects through fluid dynamics, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to direct mechanical compression while reducing maintenance requirements.
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 liquid ejector subsystem provides a reliable and efficient means for generating high-pressure seal gas, lowering capital and operational expenditures, reducing maintenance frequency, and extending the operational lifespan of the seal system, enhancing the reliability and reducing maintenance costs and improving the operational efficiency of the seal system.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid ejector comprising an inlet for fluidic communication with a source of liquid, an inlet for fluidic communication with a source of seal gas, and an outlet for a liquid-gas composition
Implementation Method 2
a liquid-gas separator, which is in fluidic communication with the outlet of the liquid ejector, for forming a separate seal gas stream and a separate liquid stream from the liquid-gas composition
Data Source
AI summary
A seal system for rotating equipment operating on a process fluid includes: a seal configured for use with a seal gas for sealing rotating equipment; a liquid ejector subsystem; and means for conveying the seal gas stream from the liquid-gas separator of the liquid ejector subsystem to the seal. The liquid ejector subsystem includes: a liquid ejector comprising an inlet for fluidic communication with a source of liquid, an inlet for fluidic communication with a source of seal gas, and an outlet for a liquid-gas composition; a liquid-gas separator, which is in fluidic communication with the outlet of the liquid ejector, for forming a separate seal gas stream and a separate liquid stream from the liquid-gas composition; and a pump for increasing the pressure of the liquid source for the liquid ejector.