Multi-stage compressor having interstage lubricant injection via an injection rod

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screw compressor systems face inefficiencies in lubricant/coolant delivery and distribution, which affect the cooling and lubrication of rotor surfaces and the overall performance of the compressor.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an oil rod with strategically positioned openings to atomize and distribute lubricant/coolant in an interstage region between the first and second stages of a multi-stage screw compressor, ensuring effective lubrication and cooling of rotor surfaces during the compression process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional lubricant injection systems are used in screw compressors, then the system structure is simple, but the cooling and lubrication effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling and lubrication effectivenessVSAvoidinjection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The injection rod is divided into multiple sections with openings distributed at different positions along its length, allowing lubricant to be injected at multiple locations simultaneously. This segmentation of the injection function improves cooling and lubrication effectiveness throughout the compression chamber while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The injection rod acts as an intermediary device between the lubricant supply system and the compression chamber. It distributes lubricant through strategically positioned openings, serving as a mediator that enhances the effectiveness of the injection system without requiring complex multi-component structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If lubricant is injected into the compression chamber, then cooling and lubrication of rotor surfaces is improved, but uneven distribution of lubricant occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication effectivenessVSAvoidlubricant distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple openings are distributed along the length of the injection rod at different positions and angles. This segmentation of the injection points ensures that lubricant is delivered to various regions of the compression chamber, achieving more uniform distribution across the rotor surfaces rather than concentrating at a single location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The openings in the injection rod are positioned and oriented to deliver lubricant to specific local regions of the compression chamber where it is most needed. Each opening is strategically placed to address local lubrication requirements, ensuring uniform overall distribution while optimizing local effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enhances the lubrication and cooling efficiency of the compressor, improving the performance and longevity of the system by ensuring uniform distribution of lubricant across rotor surfaces, thereby optimizing the compression process.

Implementation Method 1

an oil rod with strategically positioned openings to atomize and distribute lubricant/coolant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtomization:

Implementation Method 2

contact cooling lubricant systems... cooling and lubricating effectiveness of the oil injection systems

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Implementation Method 3

cooling and lubricating effectiveness of the oil injection systems is vital to the operation of the compressor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3534007A1Multi-stage compressor having interstage lubricant injection via an injection rod
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 INGERSOLL RAND IND US INC
  • EP3534007A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3534007A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3534007A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A compressor is disclosed which can include a first stage and a second stage. In one form the compressor includes contact cooled compressor stages. The compressor can include a rod useful to inject a lubricant for purposes of cooling/lubricating/sealing the rotating components of the compressor. In one form the rod is an elongate rod with openings which permit a lubricant such as oil to be injected. The injected oil can be atomized via the openings. The rod can be positioned in the interstage space between the first and second stages, and can include a variety of openings.