Motorcompressor Drainage Apparatus Using Pressure Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea motorcompressor systems require manual operator intervention for drainage, necessitating the motorcompressor to be taken offline, which is inefficient and disrupts operations.
Innovation Solution
A drainage apparatus that utilizes a first pipe connected to the drainage sump and a second pipe connected to a high-pressure zone within the motorcompressor, creating a pressure difference to automatically suction and deliver liquid into the motorcompressor's process fluid, thus enabling automated drainage without shutting down the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual drainage operation is used, then the drainage function can be performed, but the motorcompressor must be taken offline and operator intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system performs drainage operations automatically using its own compressed air resource without external intervention. The system self-regulates by using the pressure difference between the reservoir and sump to drive liquid removal, eliminating the need for operators to take the system offline for manual drainage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses compressed air (pneumatic pressure) to drive the drainage operation. A first conduit connects the compressed air reservoir to the sump, using pressure differential to automatically suction and deliver liquid from the sump to the reservoir, enabling automated drainage without mechanical pumps or external power
2Device complexity
If external pumping device is used, then drainage capability is provided, but the system requires additional external equipment and manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air reservoir serves dual purposes: it stores compressed air for the drainage function and simultaneously provides the pressure source for the main compression operation. This eliminates the need for separate external pumping equipment, reducing system complexity while maintaining automated operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the drainage function with the existing compressed air system by integrating the sump and reservoir into the same pneumatic network. The drainage operation combines multiple functions (liquid removal, pressure equalization, and air storage utilization) into a single integrated system that operates automatically
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 allows for automated and continuous drainage of liquids from the subsea motorcompressor, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining system uptime, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
A drainage apparatus that utilizes a first pipe connected to the drainage sump and a second pipe connected to a high-pressure zone within the motorcompressor, creating a pressure difference to automatically suction and deliver liquid into the motorcompressor's process fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A drainage apparatus (1) for a motorcompressor (2) comprises a first pipe (10) with a first end (10a) configured to be inserted in a drainage sump (9) of a motorcompressor (2); a second end (10b) configured to be connected to a duct (4) of a stage (3) of the motorcompressor (2); a device (13) for generating a pressure difference between said second (10b) and said first end (10a) so that liquid is taken from said drainage sump (9) and delivered into said duct (4).