Sealing Baffle Axial Load Balance for Single Screw Compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single screw compressors face significant axial load increases at high suction pressures, leading to reduced bearing life and frequent maintenance needs due to increased load on the main shaft bearings.
Innovation Solution
A high suction pressure load balance assembly featuring a sealing baffle keyed to the main rotor drive shaft, utilizing pressurized oil to counteract the axial force, thereby reducing the load on shaft bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high suction pressure operation is implemented, then compressor productivity is improved, but axial load on main shaft increases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a balance shaft with counterweights that rotate in opposition to the main shaft. The counterweights are positioned and sized to generate centrifugal forces that counterbalance the axial thrust forces generated during high suction pressure compression, thereby reducing the net axial load on the main shaft bearings while maintaining high productivity operation
2Productivity
If high suction pressure operation is implemented, then compressor productivity is improved, but bearing life decreases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The balance shaft with strategically positioned counterweights reduces the axial thrust load on main shaft bearings by generating opposing centrifugal forces during high suction pressure operation, thereby extending bearing life while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary cushioning by introducing axial clearance between the main shaft and bearings, and using elastomeric elements and oil film lubrication to cushion and distribute the remaining axial loads before they reach the bearings, preventing premature wear and extending bearing life during high pressure operation
3Duration of action of stationary object
If bearings are added to distribute load, then bearing life is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load-bearing function by introducing multiple support elements including axial clearances, elastomeric cushioning elements, and oil film lubrication zones along the main shaft, distributing the axial load across multiple locations and mechanisms rather than relying on a single bearing system, thereby extending bearing life without significantly increasing overall device complexity
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
The solution effectively balances the axial force during high suction pressure conditions, extending the lifespan of bearings and reducing maintenance needs by distributing the load more evenly.
Implementation Method 1
using the pressurized oil used to lubricate the mechanical shaft seal of the compressor
Implementation Method 2
the pressurized oil used to lubricate the mechanical shaft seal
Data Source
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AI summary
A high suction pressure thrust load balance assembly configured for use with a single screw compressor includes comprises a sealing baffle that is keyed to, so as to be rotatable along with, a main rotor drive shaft of the single screw compressor. The sealing baffle is configured to create a force or load to counteract the axial force of the main rotor drive shaft created during rotation of the main rotor drive shaft using the pressurized oil used to lubricate the mechanical shaft seal of the compressor.