Tubular Piston Cryogenic Compressor Leakage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic pumps with reciprocating movement suffer from high leakage losses and complex maintenance due to multiple high-pressure seals, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic fluid compression apparatus with a tubular piston and central guide configuration, where the intake system is at the lower end and the discharge orifice is at the upper end, minimizing mixing of cold and hot regions and reducing the need for multiple high-pressure seals, with the second compression chamber entirely contained within the tubular piston for improved thermal insulation and reduced manufacturing and maintenance complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple high-pressure seals are used in reciprocating cryogenic pumps, then compression function is achieved, but leakage losses increase and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex multi-seal system from the high-pressure chamber and replaces it with a single seal system. The high-pressure chamber is sealed to the cylinder wall, eliminating the need for multiple seals that would otherwise be required in conventional reciprocating pump designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is divided into distinct functional zones: a low-pressure chamber with its own seal system and a high-pressure chamber sealed to the cylinder wall. This segmentation allows each zone to operate independently with appropriate sealing solutions, simplifying the overall seal system.
2Power
If reciprocating movement is used for compression, then compression function is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic reciprocating movement of the piston to achieve compression in two distinct chambers. The piston alternates between compressing fluid in the low-pressure chamber and compressing fluid in the high-pressure chamber, utilizing periodic action to maintain compression function while improving energy efficiency through proper timing and sequencing.
3Volume of stationary object
If cold and hot regions are mixed in the apparatus, then compact design is achieved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into distinct thermal zones: a cold region containing the low-pressure chamber and intake system, and a hot region containing the high-pressure chamber and discharge system. This spatial segmentation allows each zone to maintain its temperature independently, improving thermal insulation performance while keeping the overall apparatus compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal insulation materials as intermediaries between the cold and hot regions. These insulation layers are positioned strategically to prevent thermal transfer between the different temperature zones, maintaining thermal isolation while allowing the compact integrated design to remain effective.
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 configuration minimizes leakage losses, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies maintenance by separating cold and hot fluid regions, enhancing the mechanical efficiency and durability of the cryogenic pump.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile piston for ensuring the compression of the fluid in the first and second compression chambers
Implementation Method 2
a sealing system formed between the central guide and the piston
Implementation Method 3
a transfer system that communicates with the first and the second compression chamber and is configured to allow the transfer of fluid from the first compression chamber to the second compression chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid compression apparatus comprising a first and a second compression chamber, an intake system communicating with the first compression chamber, a transfer system communicating with the first and second compression chambers, and a mobile piston for ensuring the compression of the fluid in the first and second compression chambers. The apparatus further comprises a discharge port which communicates with the second compression chamber and is configured to allow the outlet of compressed fluid, wherein the second compression chamber is defined by a part of the body of the piston and a fixed wall of the apparatus, the piston being translationally mobile according to a longitudinal direction, the piston having a tubular portion mounted around a fixed central guide, a terminal end of the central guide forming the fixed wall defining a part of the second compression chamber. The apparatus further comprises a sealing system formed between the central guide and the piston according to the longitudinal direction of translation of the piston, the intake system being located at a first end of the apparatus, the discharge port being located at a second end of the apparatus and the transfer system being located between the intake system and the discharge port.