Variable Volume Clearance Pocket for Reciprocating Compressor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reciprocating compressors face challenges in automatically and safely adjusting the clearance volume of variable volume clearance pockets due to high internal compression pressures, vibration, and the need for manual operation, which can lead to underutilization and potential damage during rapid changes in operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a gear end and piston end housing, a drive shaft, and a pressure-actuated jam nut that allows controlled movement of the clearancing piston within the compressor cylinder, enabling automatic adjustment of clearance volume without hydraulic fluid, using a drive gear and pinion assembly for mechanical advantage and a pneumatic or electric drive system for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operation of the clearancing piston is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the response speed to operating condition changes is slow and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the compressor's own operating parameters (pressure, temperature) to automatically actuate the clearancing piston through sensor feedback and control logic, eliminating the need for external manual intervention or complex hydraulic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional hydraulic actuation systems with an electronic control system that uses sensors, controllers, and electric motors to adjust the clearance volume, reducing system complexity while enabling automation
2Reliability
If hydraulic fluid is used for actuation, then smooth control is achieved, but leakage and environmental contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates hydraulic fluid by using pneumatic or electric actuation systems that achieve smooth control through pressure differential control and electronic regulation, avoiding the contamination and leakage issues inherent in hydraulic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes hydraulic fluid-based actuation with electronic motor control and pneumatic pressure differential control, achieving reliable smooth control without the harmful effects of hydraulic fluid leakage
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clearancing piston is moved manually during operation, then capacity adjustment is possible, but safety risks increase due to vibration and high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors and adjusts the clearance piston position based on real-time operating conditions through sensor feedback, eliminating the need for operators to manually intervene in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor operating parameters and feed this information back to the control system, which automatically adjusts the clearancing piston position to maintain optimal performance while eliminating manual intervention during high-pressure operation
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed volume clearance pockets are used, then the structure remains simple, but the ability to respond to changing operating conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed clearance volume design into a dynamic, variable volume system where the clearance piston can be automatically positioned at different locations within the cylinder to adjust the effective clearance volume based on real-time operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the clearance volume adjustment into discrete controllable segments by positioning the clearancing piston at different locations along the cylinder axis, allowing incremental adjustments of clearance volume while maintaining manageable system complexity
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
Enables safe, accurate, and reliable automatic control of compressor capacity and power consumption, reducing the risk of overload and downtime, while avoiding the drawbacks of hydraulic actuation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a drive shaft having a gear end and a drive engagement end and adapted to be turned by the drive gear, the gear end of the drive shaft attached to the drive gear, the drive engagement end of the drive shaft adapted to engage the drive engagement end of the threaded stem
Implementation Method 2
a pressure-actuated jam nut for biasing or locking the threaded stem in a static position and for unbiasing or unlocking the threaded stem to allow movement thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A controllable variable volume clearance pocket for reciprocating compressor cylinders is disclosed. The invention includes a device for varying the clearance volume of a variable volume clearance pocket in a controlled manner. The device can be used repeatedly to change the compressor cylinder clearance volume as required to control compressor capacity and power required from the compressor driver. The device is typically mounted on the outer or head end of a reciprocating compressor cylinder, but can also be scaled and configured for use either in conjunction with a variable clearance volume unloader operating over a reciprocating compressor valve pocket or a special port in a reciprocating compressor body.