Single-Driver Compression Unit for Dual High and Low Pressure Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression units for process plants require multiple bulky units to supply high and low pressure gas services, resulting in complex architecture and increased dimensions due to separate drivers and impellers for different pressure values.
Innovation Solution
A single compression unit with a simple architecture, utilizing a single driver with two shaft-ends, an overhung impeller for low pressure, and a bull gear with multiple driven shafts and overhung impellers for high pressure, connected through flexible couplings and pinions to achieve efficient high and low pressure gas supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate compression units are used for high and low pressure services, then each unit can be optimized for its specific pressure range, but the overall system complexity and apparatus dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines high pressure and low pressure compression services into a single integrated compression unit. The driver shaft connects both high pressure impellers and low pressure impellers on the same shaft, allowing one driver to perform multiple compression functions simultaneously, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining optimized pressure services
Solution Approach 2:
The single driver shaft is designed to universally drive multiple types of impellers (both high pressure and low pressure) through a common connection interface. This multi-functional design allows the same driver structure to serve different compression requirements without needing separate dedicated drivers for each pressure service
2Reliability
If separate compression units are used for high and low pressure services, then each unit can operate independently, but the overall weight and spatial footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges high pressure and low pressure compression functionalities into a single physical unit with shared components. The driver, shaft, and supporting structures are common to both pressure services, eliminating the need for duplicate heavy components and reducing overall apparatus weight
3Device complexity
If a single driver is used for both high and low pressure services, then apparatus dimensions are reduced, but the driver must handle varying compression requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compression function into distinct high pressure impellers and low pressure impellers that are independently selectable. The shaft can be configured with different impeller combinations depending on the required compression ratio and flow rate, allowing the single driver to adapt to varying compression requirements through modular impeller selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adaptation of compression characteristics by allowing different impeller configurations on the same shaft. The system can adjust its compression behavior by selecting appropriate impeller combinations based on operational requirements, making the single driver versatile across different compression scenarios
4Productivity
If separate units are used for different pressure values, then each unit can be optimized for its flow rate range, but the overall productivity and space utilization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple compression services into a single footprint by integrating high pressure and low pressure impellers on a common shaft. This allows the unit to deliver both high flow rates (through low pressure impellers) and high compression ratios (through high pressure impellers) simultaneously, maximizing productivity within a compact spatial envelope
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 reduces the overall dimensions and weight of the unit while enhancing efficiency by enabling high flow rates with high compression ratios, achieving a versatile and compact compression service.
Implementation Method 1
The driver shaft-ends are connected to the impellers through flexible couplings
Implementation Method 2
a bull gear (21) in an integrally geared-compressor arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Compression unit (1) for supplying high and low pressure services to a plant comprising a single driver (2) associated with two driver shaft-ends (3, 4) projecting apart from said driver (2), a first driver shaft end (3) and a second driver shaft end (4), a first unit (10) being operatively connected to the first driver shaft-end (3) and a second unit (20) being operatively connected to the second driver shaft-end (4).