Liquid Ring Compressor Sealing Gap Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid ring compression machines experience efficiency losses due to leakage flow through the sealing gap between compression stages, caused by the pressure difference between the first and second compression stages, which affects the overall performance of the machine.
Innovation Solution
The sealing gap is positioned between the suction sections of the first and second compression stages, minimizing the pressure differential across it, and the compression stages are designed to have their suction sections in the same angular position, reducing leakage losses and optimizing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the sealing gap is positioned between the pressure section of the first compression stage and the suction section of the second compression stage, then the compression stages are well-separated, but the pressure differential across the sealing gap is large causing significant leakage flow
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gap is positioned between two suction sections where the pressure is approximately equal, creating an equipotential condition that eliminates the pressure differential driving leakage flow. This allows the sealing gap to function effectively without significant energy loss through leakage.
2Loss of energy
If the suction sections of both compression stages are positioned in the same angular position, then leakage flow through the sealing gap is minimized, but strong radial forces act on the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The suction sections are positioned at the same angular position so that the pressure forces on the shaft from both compression stages act in the same direction, creating a counterbalancing effect that offsets the strong radial forces. This positioning strategy uses the pressure distribution to naturally counteract the unwanted forces on the shaft.
3Loss of energy
If conventional sealing methods are used between compression stages, then structural integrity is maintained, but leakage flow significantly reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the two compression stages. This sealing element specifically targets and prevents leakage flow through the sealing gap, improving efficiency without compromising the structural integrity or reliability of the overall machine.
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
This design minimizes leakage flow and enhances the efficiency of the compression machine by reducing the pressure difference across the sealing gap, resulting in improved performance and increased isothermal efficiency, with isothermal efficiency ranging from 30% to 50% compared to previous machines at 25% to 30%.
Implementation Method 1
a first impeller (23) mounted eccentrically in a housing (14), and a second impeller (24) mounted eccentrically in a housing (14)
Implementation Method 2
The gas is compressed essentially isothermally in the compression machine according to the invention
Implementation Method 3
a liquid ring compressor in which the suction sections (271, 272) of the two compression stages (17, 18) adjoin one another
Implementation Method 4
By designing the compression machine so that the suction sections of the two compression stages are adjacent, the pressure differential that exists across the sealing gap is minimized
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid ring compressor comprising: a first single-acting compression stage (17) having a first impeller (23) eccentrically mounted in a housing (14); and a second single-acting compression stage (18) having a second impeller (24) eccentrically mounted in a housing. The first compression stage (17) and the second compression stage (18) are separated from one another by a sealing gap (28). According to the invention, the sealing gap (28) is arranged between a suction section (271) of the first compression stage (17) and a suction section (272) of the second compression stage (18).