Compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw compressors with oil-flooded operating modes face inefficiencies in oil separation due to capillary forces causing oil re-mixing with gas, and varying flow resistances between oil and gas phases, leading to incomplete separation and oil saturation of the demistor mesh.
Innovation Solution
A screw compressor design featuring a demistor configured to cover only the upper part of the oil separator cross-section, with a separating wall having oil communication openings to prevent oil saturation and ensure equal oil levels in both volumes, and a variable cross-section oil communication opening system controlled by an oil level regulator to maintain optimal separation under changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the demistor knitted mesh covers the entire oil separator cross section, then the oil separation area is maximized, but the demistor becomes saturated with oil due to capillary forces and oil re-mixes with the gas
Solution Approach 1:
The demistor knitted mesh is segmented into two distinct zones: an upper separation zone that extends only to a certain height and does not reach the oil level, and a lower zone covered by a separating wall with oil communication openings. This segmentation prevents the demistor from contacting saturated oil while maintaining effective separation area.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating wall with oil communication openings acts as an intermediary element between the first and second spaces. It controls oil flow through regulated openings, preventing direct contact between the demistor and saturated oil while allowing oil to pass through in a controlled manner.
2Reliability
If the gas and oil phases have different flow resistance in the knitted mesh, then separation occurs, but the oil level becomes uneven between the first and second spaces causing gas to flow through separated oil
Solution Approach 1:
The separation apparatus is segmented into an upper demistor zone and a lower separating wall zone with oil communication openings. This segmentation allows independent control of gas flow (through the demistor) and oil flow (through the communicating openings), preventing gas from flowing through oil while maintaining stable oil levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating wall with oil communication openings serves as an intermediary that regulates oil flow between spaces. It acts as a controlled passage that maintains equal oil levels while preventing direct gas-oil mixing, thus stabilizing the oil level composition.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the demistor is positioned above the oil level, then oil saturation is prevented, but the oil separation area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solution transitions from a single-dimensional vertical placement to a two-dimensional zoned configuration. The demistor is positioned in the upper dimension above the oil level, while the lower dimension incorporates a separating wall with oil communication openings, effectively increasing the separation area without causing saturation.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation apparatus is divided into functional segments: the upper demistor zone for oil-gas separation and the lower separating wall zone with controlled oil communication openings. This segmentation allows the demistor to be positioned above the oil level while maintaining effective separation area through the structured lower zone.
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 design enhances oil separation efficiency by preventing oil re-mixing and maintaining consistent oil levels, ensuring effective separation and reducing oil saturation, thereby improving the overall performance of the screw compressor.
Implementation Method 1
the lower part of the demistor knitted mesh lies in the oil which has already been separated, and part of the oil is pulled upward by way of capillary forces and mixes again with the gas
Implementation Method 2
one or more oil communication openings is/are provided in the lower part of the separating wall
Data Source
AI summary
A screw compressor (10) comprising a compressing device (18), in particular, at least one screw-type rotor (20, 22), which feeds a compressed medium to an oil separation device (30). The oil separation device has a first volume (32), a second volume (34) and a separating device (36) that separates the first volume (32) and the second volume (34) from one another. The separating device (36) includes a demister (38) that is located in a first region of the separating device (36). A second region of the separating device (36) is designed as a partition (40) that has one or more oil communication openings (42).