Refrigerant Purge Pipe Layout to Block Non-Condensable Gas Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air purgers for refrigerant systems face inefficiency due to non-condensable gases, such as air, re-entering the system when the valve is opened, reducing system performance and requiring costly and time-consuming high-risk welding for pressure containment.
Innovation Solution
A pipe arrangement with sections directed in different orientations to prevent non-condensable gases from flowing back, utilizing a configuration where sections are not all vertical, allowing only condensable gases to return to the system while non-condensable gases are trapped and vented, and employing a small inner diameter to reduce welding complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pipe is oriented vertically with the lower end connected to the vessel, then the condensable gases can be condensed and fed back to the vessel, but the non-condensable gases enter again the vessel when opening the valve and have to be purged again, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is divided into multiple sections (first section and second section) with different orientations. The first section is vertical to enable condensable gas return, while the second section is horizontally oriented to prevent non-condensable gas re-entry, creating segmented functional zones within the pipe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe sections are designed with asymmetric orientations relative to the vertical direction. The first section is vertical while the second section is horizontal, creating an asymmetric configuration that exploits gravity differently in each section to achieve selective gas behavior - allowing condensable gases to return while blocking non-condensable gases.
2Ease of manufacture
If the pipe is made with larger diameter to facilitate installation and connection, then the welding requirements become more stringent and costly, but smaller diameter increases system resistance and reduces flow capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe inner diameter is set to a moderate size (not excessively large) that provides sufficient flow capacity for the application while avoiding the need for high-risk welding classifications. This partial action approach achieves adequate rather than maximum flow capacity in exchange for simplified manufacturing and inspection requirements.
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
Enhances the efficiency of air purging by preventing the re-entry of non-condensable gases and simplifies the welding process by reducing the need for high-risk classifications, allowing pressure testing alone for pipe integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling means acting on the pipe have the effect that the refrigerant contained in the pipe condenses and changes its form into a liquid
Implementation Method 2
the air which is heavier than the ammonia gas, enters again the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for removing non-condensable gases from a refrigerant is described, said apparatus (1) comprising a pipe arrangement (2) having a pipe (3), cooling means (4) for the pipe (3), and venting means, wherein the pipe (3) comprises a connection geometry (5) for a connection to a refrigerant system. Such an apparatus should be operated with good efficiency. To this end the pipe comprises at least a first section (6) and a second section (7) which are directed in different directions.