Reciprocating Compressor Leak Recirculation With Ionic Liquid Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating compressors experience significant gas leaks through the packing, particularly with gases like hydrogen, which contaminate the crankcase and require oil lubrication, compromising the integrity of the compressed fluid.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design with recirculation ducts to channel leaks back to the aspiration and uses ionic liquid lubrication to maintain crankcase pressure and prevent fluid contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas leaks through the packing are evacuated from the crankcase, then the crankcase remains sealed and lubrication is maintained, but the compressed gas becomes contaminated with oil and loses its integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful element (oil) from the system by replacing traditional oil lubrication with alternative lubrication methods such as dry lubrication coatings or synthetic lubricants that do not contaminate the gas. This allows the crankcase to remain sealed while preventing gas contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the lubrication parameter from oil-based to alternative lubrication methods. This parameter change eliminates the contamination issue while maintaining necessary lubrication functions in the crankcase.
2Ease of operation
If traditional oil lubrication is used in the crankcase, then lubrication of moving parts is ensured, but the gas becomes contaminated and requires evacuation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts oil from the crankcase environment and replaces it with alternative lubrication methods. This eliminates the need for complex evacuation systems while maintaining effective lubrication of crankcase components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses disposable or replaceable lubrication coatings on crankcase surfaces that provide lubrication without requiring continuous oil circulation or complex evacuation systems, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Loss of energy
If the crankcase is sealed to prevent oil leakage, then lubrication efficiency improves, but leaked gas accumulates and contaminates the crankcase atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts traditional oil from the crankcase and replaces it with alternative lubrication methods, allowing the crankcase to remain sealed without accumulating harmful gas-contaminated oil mixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the lubrication medium parameter from oil to alternative substances or methods, enabling sealed crankcase operation while preventing contamination accumulation.
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
Effectively recirculates leaks to maintain pressure and preserves the integrity of the compressed gas by using ionic liquids, ensuring the gas properties remain intact.
Implementation Method 1
comprises at least a first recirculation duct for recirculating gas leaks connected between the packing and a compressor gas aspiration container
Implementation Method 2
the oil in the crankcase is replaced by an ionic liquid, thereby preventing the gas from being contaminated with the oil
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention discloses a compressor (1) comprising at least a gas leak recirculation duct (R1) connected between the packing (9) and the aspiration of the compressor (17), preferably several ducts (R2, R3, R4) recirculation the leaks from the several compartments (81, 82, 83) of the compressor (1) towards the aspiration (17) of the compressor (1). Thus, possible gas leaks in the compressor (1) are sent to the admission. Further, this compressor (1) comprises a crankcase (7) lubrication system through which an ionic liquid (LI) flows instead of oil (A), and the crankcase (7) is maintained pressurized, that is, essentially airtight.