Liquid separation constituent, liquid separation filter, and compressor system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid separation filters in compressor systems face issues with mist condensation and re-scattering of oil or water, leading to reduced separation performance and accelerated deterioration of filter elements due to accumulated liquids and re-scattered substances.

Innovation Solution

A liquid separation filter design featuring a first element portion with a fiber layer, a second element portion with a fiber layer surrounding the first, and a non-element portion creating a gap to prevent liquid seepage and re-scattering, which includes a housing container with a gas inlet and outlet, and a liquid storage mechanism to manage accumulated liquids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a liquid separation filter with multiple element portions arranged in multiple layers is employed, then manufacturing cost and system size are reduced, but liquid (oil or water) accumulates in the lower portion of the first element portion and seeps out to the downstream side, causing re-scattering and deterioration of separation performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidseparation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the harmful accumulated liquid from the lower portion of the first element portion before it can seep out and cause re-scattering. The liquid discharge hole provides a dedicated extraction path for the accumulated liquid, separating it from the gas flow path and preventing it from reaching the downstream side and second element portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary structure (liquid discharge hole and liquid discharge path) between the accumulated liquid and the downstream side/second element portion. This intermediary mechanism allows the liquid to be discharged controlledly through the side surface of the first element portion, acting as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the harmful liquid and the sensitive second element portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of stationary object

If a liquid separation filter with multiple element portions arranged in multiple layers is employed, then system size is reduced, but accumulated liquid becomes bubbles by flow of air and induces re-scattering, resulting in deterioration of separation performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem sizeVSAvoidseparation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the harmful accumulated liquid from the lower portion of the first element portion before it can be transformed into bubbles by air flow. The liquid discharge hole provides a dedicated extraction path that removes the liquid source, preventing the formation of bubbles that would cause re-scattering and performance deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies preliminary anti-action by providing a liquid discharge hole that proactively removes accumulated liquid before it can be transformed into bubbles by air flow. This preliminary removal action prevents the subsequent harmful effect of bubble formation and re-scattering, addressing the problem before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of manufacture

If a liquid separation filter with multiple element portions arranged in multiple layers is employed, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but oil or water separated in the first element portion accumulates and seeps out to the second element portion, accelerating deterioration and shortening life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidfilter element life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the harmful accumulated liquid from the lower portion of the first element portion through the liquid discharge hole. By continuously extracting the liquid that would otherwise accumulate and seep out, the invention prevents contact between the liquid and the second element portion, thereby preventing accelerated deterioration and extending the filter element's operational life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary discharge mechanism (liquid discharge hole and path) that intercepts the accumulated liquid before it can reach the second element portion. This intermediary structure acts as a protective barrier, allowing the liquid to be discharged through the side surface of the first element portion rather than seeping out to damage the second element portion, thereby extending component life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration enhances the life of the filter elements, reduces manufacturing costs and system size, while maintaining high separation performance by preventing liquid re-scattering and adhesion to the second element portion, thus extending the filter's operational life and reducing pressure loss.

Implementation Method 1

a first element portion (34) having a fiber layer for separating liquid from gas discharged from a compressor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

oil or the like separated in the first element portion accumulates in a lower portion of the first element portion under the influence of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20240198270A1Liquid separation constituent, liquid separation filter, and compressor system
Publication Date: 2024.06.20 KOBE STEEL LTD
  • US20240198270A1 patent drawing
  • US20240198270A1 patent drawing
  • US20240198270A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A liquid separation constituent is used by covering a first element portion having a fiber layer for separating liquid from gas discharged from a compressor, and includes a second element portion, a holding portion, and a non-element portion. The second element portion is a tubular portion having a fiber layer that is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction so as to surround the first element portion when the second element portion covers the first element portion and further separates liquid from gas separated by the first element portion. The holding portion is a portion that holds the second element portion such that a gap is formed between the first element portion and the second element portion in the radial direction. The non-element portion is a portion configured to suppress liquid seeping out from a lower portion of the first element portion from scattering to the second element portion.