Silicon Dioxide Adsorption for Copper Ion Removal in Rotary Compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Copper ions in the refrigerant circuit of rotary compressors react with zinc or zinc alloy components, producing zinc chloride, which can cause adhesion issues and circuit closure problems due to temperature-dependent dissolution.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating silicon dioxide with a crystal structure containing vacancies of a diameter equal to or less than a water molecule within the compressor housing and accumulator to physically adsorb copper ions, preventing the formation of zinc chloride.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If zinc or zinc alloy components are used to remove copper ions, then copper ion removal is achieved, but zinc chloride is produced which causes adhesion and circuit closure problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous silicon dioxide material with specific pore size (0.3-1.0 μm) to physically adsorb copper ions from the refrigerant circuit. The porous structure provides large surface area for copper ion adsorption while the pore size is controlled to exclude zinc particles, thus removing copper ions without producing harmful zinc chloride byproducts
Solution Approach 2:
The silicon dioxide acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates copper ion removal through physical adsorption without causing chemical reactions that produce harmful byproducts. It mediates between the copper ions in the refrigerant and the system, providing a safe removal mechanism
2Reliability
If zinc chloride is produced in the refrigerant circuit, then copper ions are removed, but adhesion occurs in low temperature regions causing circuit closure
Solution Approach 1:
The porous silicon dioxide material provides temperature-independent copper ion adsorption capability. Unlike zinc chloride whose dissolution is temperature-dependent and causes adhesion in low temperature regions, the porous silicon dioxide consistently adsorbs copper ions across all temperature conditions, ensuring uninterrupted refrigerant circuit flow
Solution Approach 2:
The silicon dioxide filter acts as a disposable or replaceable component that permanently traps copper ions through adsorption. Once saturated with copper ions, it can be replaced, preventing any potential adhesion issues in the refrigerant circuit while maintaining continuous operation
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 solution effectively removes copper ions without producing zinc chloride, preventing circuit closure and lubricant oil decomposition, thereby maintaining compressor efficiency and preventing abnormal wear.
Implementation Method 1
copper ions are subjected to physisorption into a vacancy with a diameter equal to or less than a diameter of a water molecule, in a crystal structure of silicon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary compressor includes: a vertically-positioned airtight compressor housing having an upper section including a discharge portion of a refrigerant, and a lower section including an inlet unit of the refrigerant and storing lubricant oil; a compressing unit, disposed in the lower section, compressing the refrigerant sucked in via the inlet unit and discharging the refrigerant from the discharge portion; a motor, disposed in the upper section, driving the compressing unit via a rotation shaft; and an accumulator attached to the compressor housing and connected to the inlet unit. Inside the accumulator and/or the compressor housing, silicon dioxide having a crystal structure containing a vacancy with a diameter equal to or less than a diameter of a water molecule or a composite including silicon dioxide having a crystal structure containing a vacancy with a diameter equal to or less than that of the water molecule is placed.