Valveless Reciprocating Compressor Piston Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating compressors with valves face operational inefficiencies and high maintenance costs due to valve-related issues, which affect the overall efficiency and reliability of the compression process.
Innovation Solution
A piston assembly is configured to selectively block intake and discharge ports within a compression cylinder, eliminating the need for valves by controlling fluid flow through its movement, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If valves are used to control fluid flow in reciprocating compressors, then fluid flow control is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes valves from the reciprocating compressor system entirely. The piston assembly directly controls fluid flow by blocking and unblocking intake and discharge ports through its reciprocating motion, eliminating the need for separate valve components and their associated maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The piston assembly performs multiple functions: it compresses the fluid, controls intake flow by blocking/unblocking the intake port, and controls discharge flow by blocking/unblocking the discharge port. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated valve components
2Device complexity
If valves are installed in reciprocating compressors, then fluid flow direction is controlled, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the valve system from the compressor design. The piston assembly's direct interaction with the ports provides flow control without requiring additional valve components, reducing both device complexity and maintenance burden
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the flow control function into the piston assembly itself. The piston's movement and positioning directly control both intake and discharge flow paths, combining multiple functions into a single component and simplifying the overall device structure
Data Source
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AI summary
Reciprocating compressor includes a compression cylinder (12) having an intake port (40) and a discharge port (42), and a piston assembly (20) disposed within the compression cylinder (12). The piston assembly (20) includes a piston (36), and a flow control member (58) extending from the piston (36). The flow control member (58) is configured to selectively block the intake port (40) and the discharge port (42) upon movement of the piston assembly (20) relative to the compression cylinder (12).