Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chiller systems face contamination issues due to leaks drawing air into the system, degrading performance, and existing purge units are complex and lose refrigerant during contamination removal.
Innovation Solution
A separator system with a non-permeable connector and sealant, including a degassing tube with a porous membrane, effectively isolates the separation module from vibrations and minimizes refrigerant loss by allowing gas to pass while keeping refrigerant contained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing purge units use a vapor compression cycle to separate contaminant gas from refrigerant, then contamination removal is achieved, but device complexity increases and refrigerant loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the separation function from a complex vapor compression cycle and implements it through a simple membrane-based separator. The membrane selectively allows contaminant gases to pass through while retaining refrigerant, achieving contamination removal without the complexity of compression cycles, condensers, and expansion devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compression system with a passive membrane separation system. Instead of using mechanical compressors, condensers, and expansion valves, the invention uses a selectively permeable membrane that separates contaminants from refrigerant based on molecular size and permeability differences, eliminating moving parts and mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If existing purge units use a vapor compression cycle to separate contaminant gas from refrigerant, then contamination removal is achieved, but refrigerant loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a selectively permeable membrane with specific pore sizes that allow small contaminant gas molecules (nitrogen, oxygen) to pass through while blocking larger refrigerant molecules. This selective permeability achieves effective contamination separation while preventing refrigerant loss, as the membrane physically prevents refrigerant from escaping through the separation interface.
3Device complexity
If separation module is mounted directly to header plate, then structural simplicity is maintained, but vibration affects separation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates vibration isolation elements (such as rubber grommets, foam padding, or elastomeric mounts) between the separation module and header plate to cushion against vibrations before they can affect the membrane. This beforehand cushioning protects the sensitive separation interface from vibrational disturbances that could compromise separation performance or cause membrane damage.
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 system efficiently removes contaminants from refrigerant, reducing system degradation and maintaining refrigerant integrity with reduced operational and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a degassing tube with at least one membrane including a porous surface through which gas, but not refrigerant passes
Implementation Method 2
The connector and the sealant cooperate to isolate the separation module from vibration of the header plate
Data Source
AI summary
A separator for removing contamination from a fluid of a heat pump includes a housing having a hollow interior, a header plate arranged within the hollow interior and having at least one mounting hole, and a separation module mounted within the hollow interior. The separation module includes a connector for forming an interface with the at least one mounting hole. A sealant is located at the interface between the connector and the mounting hole.