Element, device and method for compressing gas to be compressed having a low temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas compressors, such as reciprocating and screw compressors, face challenges when compressing gases at low temperatures (-40° C. or lower), leading to thermal deformation, efficiency reduction, and energy loss due to the need for preheating and subsequent cooling of the compressed gas.
Innovation Solution
An element for compressing low-temperature gases, featuring a housing with a rotatable rotor and a heating duct that introduces a first heat medium at a higher temperature, which is distributed throughout the housing to prevent thermal deformation and maintain efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a screw compressor element is used for compressing low-temperature gas, then continuous operation without pulsations is achieved, but thermal deformation occurs due to temperature variation affecting tolerances and clearances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the housing to a controlled temperature range (20°C to 80°C) before and/or during compression operations. This temperature control modifies the physical state of the housing materials, preventing excessive thermal contraction at low temperatures while avoiding overheating, thereby maintaining tolerances and clearances within acceptable limits throughout the compression cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-heating the housing to a controlled temperature before introducing low-temperature gas for compression. This preparatory heating ensures that the housing and internal components are at an optimal temperature, preventing thermal deformation and maintaining manufacturing precision before the compression process begins.
2Manufacturing precision
If gas is preheated before compression, then thermal deformation is prevented, but energy loss increases due to subsequent cooling requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing heating means specifically positioned to heat only critical areas of the housing and components that are susceptible to thermal deformation. The heating means are arranged to target the housing interior and rotor assembly locally, rather than heating the entire system uniformly, thereby reducing the total energy required while still preventing thermal deformation where it matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining the housing and components within an optimal temperature range throughout the compression process. By using heating means that operate continuously or cyclically to keep temperatures within 20°C to 80°C, the system avoids the need for significant preheating followed by cooling, thereby eliminating energy waste while maintaining manufacturing precision continuously.
3Power
If reciprocating compressor is used, then compression capability is achieved, but pulsations occur in the compressed gas supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by adopting a screw compression mechanism instead of a reciprocating mechanism. The screw rotors provide continuous rotational compression that eliminates the intermittent intake and discharge cycles characteristic of reciprocating compressors, thereby delivering uninterrupted compressed gas supply while maintaining full compression capability. This inverts the approach from periodic reciprocating motion to continuous rotational motion.
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 effectively limits thermal deformation, maintains reasonable tolerances and clearances, and reduces energy loss by ensuring a uniform temperature distribution within the compressor, thereby enhancing efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
the heating duct being provided with an inlet where a first heat medium is introduced into the housing at a higher temperature than the aforementioned low temperature
Implementation Method 2
heat is exchanged between the inlet of the housing and the inlet of the heating duct
Implementation Method 3
an element for compressing a gas to be compressed having a low temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An element for compressing a gas to be compressed at a low temperature of −40° C. or lower, which element (1) is provided with a housing (2) containing at least one rotor (3) that is rotatably arranged with respect to the housing (2) and having an inlet (6) for the gas to be compressed and an outlet (7) for compressed gas, characterized in that the element (1) is configured for compressing the gas to be compressed having the low temperature by providing the element (1) with a heating duct (8) that runs through the housing (2), the heating duct (8) being provided with an inlet (9) where a first heat medium is introduced into the housing (2) at a higher temperature than the aforementioned low temperature and an outlet (10) where the first heat medium is evacuated from the housing (2).