Separator device for separating a fluid, in particular a lubricant, from a coolant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separator devices for compressors often fail to achieve consistent separation of lubricant and coolant under varying operating conditions due to fluctuations in flow velocity caused by changes in compressor rotational speed.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded closure element is used to automatically regulate the flow velocity of the coolant fluid by adjusting the effective passage cross-section of the inlet, maintaining a constant high flow velocity independent of compressor speed, and preventing return flow when the compressor is stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the separator device operates without flow velocity regulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the separation reliability deteriorates under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element automatically adjusts the inlet cross-section based on the volume flow rate without external control systems. The spring mechanism self-regulates to maintain optimal flow velocity, allowing the separator device to adapt to varying operating conditions independently, thus improving separation reliability without adding complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the inlet cross-section. This dynamic adaptation enables the separator device to maintain consistent flow velocity through the separation tube despite variations in compressor rotational speed, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the flow velocity is allowed to vary with compressor speed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the separation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element changes the geometric parameter of the inlet cross-section in response to varying volume flow rates. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the device maintains optimal flow velocity for separation precision while automatically adapting to different operating conditions, thus achieving both precision and ease of operation.
3Speed
If the inlet cross-section is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow velocity cannot be optimized under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element with spring mechanism automatically regulates the inlet cross-section based on the actual volume flow rate without requiring external control systems. This self-regulating capability optimizes flow velocity for centrifugal separation while maintaining simple device architecture, resolving the contradiction between flow velocity optimization and 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
This ensures a consistently good separation of lubricant and coolant, even under varying operating conditions, by maintaining optimal flow conditions within the separator device, thereby enhancing the separation efficiency and preventing coolant backflow.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-loaded closure element is arranged in the inlet region, which is configured to automatically regulate the flow velocity of the volume flow of the coolant aerosol flowing through the at least one inlet
Implementation Method 2
The coolant fluid circulates within the separator cylinder around the separation tube wherein centrifugal forces act on the constituents of the flowing coolant fluid. Portions of the lubricant usually have a higher mass than the typically gaseous coolant, so that the lubricant can be separated from the coolant by the centrifugal forces acting on the coolant fluid
Implementation Method 3
preventing return flow when the compressor is stationary
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a separator device of a compressor for the deposition of a fluid, in particular a lubricant from a coolant fluid of the compressor, including a separator cylinder having an inlet region for the coolant fluid and an outlet region for the deposited fluid spaced apart from inlet in an axial direction of the cylinder, and a separation tube configured and arranged coaxially in the separator cylinder. The separation tube extends at least over the inlet region of the separator cylinder such that the separation tube is spaced apart from the separator cylinder in a radial direction in the inlet region. A spring-loaded closure is configured and arranged in the inlet region to automatically regulate a flow velocity of a volume flow of the coolant fluid flowing through the inlet as a function of a pressure at the inlet.