Variable Lift Compressor Valve for Flutter and Energy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating compressor valves face design challenges due to varying operating conditions, leading to non-optimized lift values, energy wastage, fluttering, and increased discharge temperatures, especially with high molecular weight gases, and require dedicated valves for nitrogen use.
Innovation Solution
A valve design with a movable sealing element and an actuator to adjust the gap between the valve seat and guard, allowing for variable lift adaptation to different gases and conditions, using elastic elements like Belleville washers or springs, and various actuators to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the lift of the valve is increased, then the compression of the spring is decreased and thus the biasing force is decreased, but the energy is wasted and discharge temperatures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve lift is made dynamically adjustable through an actuator mechanism that can modify the gap between the valve seat and valve guard during operation. This allows the lift to be optimized for different operating conditions rather than being fixed at design stage, thereby preventing energy waste while maintaining appropriate spring compression and biasing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of valve lift is changed from a fixed design value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on operating conditions. The actuator mechanism enables modification of the lift parameter to match different gas types, pressures, and running conditions, optimizing performance and reducing energy loss.
2Length of moving object
If the lift of the valve is increased, then the compression of the spring is decreased and thus the biasing force is decreased, but discharge temperatures are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The valve lift is made dynamically adjustable through an actuator mechanism that can modify the gap between the valve seat and valve guard during operation. This allows the lift to be optimized for different operating conditions rather than being fixed at design stage, thereby preventing energy waste while maintaining appropriate spring compression and biasing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of valve lift is changed from a fixed design value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on operating conditions. The actuator mechanism enables modification of the lift parameter to match different gas types, pressures, and running conditions, optimizing performance and reducing energy loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single valve design is used for multiple working conditions, then the valve can accommodate various conditions, but none of the conditions is optimized and fluttering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve lift is made dynamically adjustable through an actuator mechanism that can modify the gap between the valve seat and valve guard during operation. This allows the lift to be optimized for different operating conditions rather than being fixed at design stage, thereby preventing energy waste while maintaining appropriate spring compression and biasing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of valve lift is changed from a fixed design value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on operating conditions. The actuator mechanism enables modification of the lift parameter to match different gas types, pressures, and running conditions, optimizing performance and reducing energy loss.
4Length of moving object
If the gap between valve seat and valve guard is fixed, then the spring compression is fixed, but the valve cannot be optimized for different gases and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve lift is made dynamically adjustable through an actuator mechanism that can modify the gap between the valve seat and valve guard during operation. This allows the lift to be optimized for different operating conditions rather than being fixed at design stage, thereby preventing energy waste while maintaining appropriate spring compression and biasing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of valve lift is changed from a fixed design value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on operating conditions. The actuator mechanism enables modification of the lift parameter to match different gas types, pressures, and running conditions, optimizing performance and reducing energy loss.
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 reduces energy consumption by up to 25%, minimizes fluttering, eliminates the need for dedicated nitrogen valves, and decreases discharge gas temperatures, enhancing the operational life and efficiency of reciprocating compressors.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient force of the springs 9 depends on the elastic coefficient of the springs and the displacements according to the well-known Hook law
Implementation Method 2
An actuator is provided to adjust the relative position of the valve seat and the valve guard
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A valve for reciprocating compressors having a valve seat (12) provided with first gas flow passages (14) extending across, a valve guard (13) having second gas flow passages (15) extending across and at least one movable sealing element (18) arranged between the valve guard (13) and the valve seat (12) and configured to move between a closed position, in which the passage of fluid is prevented, and an open position in which the passage of fluid is allowed. The movable sealing element (18) is resiliently biased by resilient members (19) against the valve seat (12) to close said first gas flow passages (14) and the valve seat (12) and the valve guard (13) are relatively movable to define a variable gap or lift (17) for the sealing element (18).