Two-stage rotary screw fluid compressor
OwnerJim Ferentinosinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a compressor and method for operating a compressor comprising a first stage comprising a first stage bypass cavity and a first stage outlet, an intercooling zone in communication with said first stage outlet, a second stage comprising a second stage inlet and a second stage outlet in communication with said intercooling zone, a gearbox disposed proximate to the first stage outlet and the second stage inlet, wherein both stages communicate with the gearbox through their respective rotor shafts, a valve, wherein the valve provides means for communications between the first stage bypass cavity and the second stage during unloaded conditions, and intercooling means operable for injecting cooling fluid into the intercooling zone.
Claims16
A compressor comprising:
- a first stage comprising a first stage bypass cavity and a first stage outlet;
- an intercooling zone in communication with said first stage outlet
- a second stage comprising a second stage inlet in communication with said intercooling zone;
- a gearbox disposed proximate to the first stage outlet and the second stage inlet, wherein both stages communicate with the gearbox through their respective rotor shafts;
- a valve, wherein the valve provides means for communications between the first stage bypass cavity and the second stage during unloaded conditions;
- and
- intercooling means operable for injecting cooling fluid into the intercooling zone.
The compressor of clam 1 wherein the valve is located within the final 20 percent of the length of the second stage as defined by the rotor length.
A method for operating a compressor comprising:
- providing a first stage comprising a first stage inlet cavity and a first stage outlet;
- providing an intercooling zone in communication with said first stage outlet;
- providing a second stage comprising a second stage inlet in communication with said intercooling zone;
- providing a gearbox disposed proximate to the first stage outlet and the second stage inlet;
- providing a valve, wherein the valve provides means for communications between the first stage bypass cavity and the second stage during unloaded conditions;
- providing intercooling means operable for injecting cooling fluid into the intercooling zone;
- and
- wherein the valve is opened during unloaded conditions to allow compressed gas from the second stage into the first stage bypass cavity, thereby reducing the compression work of the second stage during unloaded conditions;
- and
- wherein the intercooling means are operable for injecting cooling fluid into the intercooling zone at an angle of about 180 degrees relative to the direction of the gas entering the intercooling zone, thereby inducing mixing of the coolant and compressed gas and cooling the compressed gas stream before entering the second stage of the compressor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.