Separator device for separating a fluid, in particular a lubricant, from a coolant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separator devices for lubricant and coolant separation in compressors often fail to achieve consistently good separation results under varying operating conditions, particularly due to fluctuations in coolant flow rate and compressor speed.
Innovation Solution
A separator device with a spring-loaded closure element that automatically regulates the flow rate of the coolant fluid by adjusting the effective passage cross-section of the inlet based on inlet pressure, ensuring a constant flow rate regardless of compressor speed, and featuring a curved leaf spring design to maximize centrifugal forces for efficient separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separator tube is provided within a separator cylinder to separate lubricant from coolant using centrifugal forces, then separation of lubricant and coolant is achieved, but consistent separation results cannot be achieved under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed to be movable and automatically adjustable based on operating conditions. It can shift position in response to changes in volume flow rate, allowing the separator device to adapt its inlet cross-section dynamically. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal separation performance whether the compressor operates at high or low speed, resolving the contradiction between reliable separation and adaptability to varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element changes the physical parameter of inlet cross-sectional area based on operating conditions. When volume flow rate decreases, the closure element automatically reduces the inlet cross-section to maintain sufficient flow velocity for effective separation. This parameter change allows the system to maintain consistent separation efficiency across different operating points, addressing both reliability and adaptability requirements.
2Reliability
If the inlet cross-section is reduced to maintain constant flow rate under varying compressor speeds, then separation efficiency is improved, but flow rate regulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed as a self-regulating component that automatically adjusts the inlet cross-section in response to changes in volume flow rate without requiring external control systems. The closure element itself reacts to flow conditions and modifies the inlet area accordingly, enabling the system to maintain constant flow rate while avoiding complex regulation mechanisms with multiple moving parts, sensors, or control electronics.
3Extent of automation
If elastic closure elements are used to regulate flow rate, then automatic regulation is achieved, but service life is limited due to aging
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed as a simple, robust component with no moving parts that can be easily replaced. Rather than using complex elastic materials with limited service life, the invention employs a straightforward mechanical closure element that can be manufactured simply and replaced economically if needed. This approach maintains automatic regulation functionality while eliminating the aging-related service life limitations of elastic materials.
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 ensures consistently high separation efficiency of lubricant and coolant even under varying operating conditions, preventing backflow and maintaining effective separation at all compressor speeds, with the added benefit of a robust and wear-resistant design.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded closure element (8) is arranged in the inlet area (5), which is designed to automatically regulate the flow rate of the volume flow of the coolant aerosol
Implementation Method 2
The entering coolant fluid exerts a force on the spring-loaded closure element to deflect it accordingly
Implementation Method 3
centrifugal forces acting on the components of the flowing coolant fluid. Parts 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
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a separator device for separating a fluid, in particular a lubricant, from a coolant, comprising a separating cylinder (6, 60) with an inlet region (5), which has at least one inlet (4, 40) for the coolant, and an outlet region (3), which is spaced from the inlet region in an axial direction, for the separated fluid and comprising a separating pipe (7) which is arranged coaxially in the separating cylinder (6, 60) and which extends at least over the inlet region (5) of the separating cylinder (6, 60) such that the separating pipe (7) is spaced from the separating cylinder (6, 60) in the radial direction in the inlet region (5). The invention is characterized by a spring-loaded closure element (8, 80) which is arranged in the inlet region (5) and which is designed to automatically regulate the flow speed of the volumetric flow rate of the coolant flowing through the at least one inlet (4, 40).