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 distribution and cooling effectiveness, particularly in oil flooded compressors, which affect the operation and performance of the compressor.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an oil rod with strategically positioned orifices or openings to deliver an atomized lubricant/coolant spray into the interstage region between the first and second stages of a multi-stage screw compressor, ensuring effective lubrication and cooling of rotor surfaces and the compressed working fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional oil injection systems are used in screw compressors, then the system structure is simple, but the lubricant/coolant distribution effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The injection rod is divided into multiple sections with orifices distributed at different positions along its length, allowing segmented delivery of lubricant to different regions of the compression chamber. This segmentation enables targeted lubrication where needed most, improving overall lubrication effectiveness without requiring a completely complex injection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection rod acts as an intermediary device between the lubricant supply system and the compression chamber. It receives lubricant through a single inlet and distributes it through multiple orifices, serving as a mediating structure that improves distribution effectiveness while maintaining relative system simplicity.
2Temperature
If lubricant is injected into the compression chamber, then cooling effectiveness improves, but uniform oil distribution becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The injection rod features orifices positioned at specific locations along its length, with each section delivering lubricant to specific regions of the compression chamber. This local quality approach ensures that lubricant is delivered where it is most needed for both lubrication and cooling, achieving uniform distribution through strategic placement rather than random injection.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection rod extends axially into the compression chamber, adding a spatial dimension to lubricant distribution. By positioning orifices at different axial locations, the system achieves three-dimensional distribution of lubricant throughout the compression zone, improving both cooling effectiveness and distribution uniformity.
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 operational performance by ensuring uniform oil distribution and heat removal, thereby optimizing the compression process.
Implementation Method 1
deliver an atomized lubricant/coolant spray into the interstage region
Data Source
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.