Method and apparatus for detecting flooded start in compressor
US6539734B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2700/21175
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
When a flooded compressor in a refrigeration unit begins to run, refrigerant that has been absorbed into the oil is suddenly released, causing the crankcase to be filled with a sudsy mixture of refrigerant and oil. This mixture is then drawn into the suction manifold, cylinders, and compressor heads, in addition to being pumped out into the refrigeration system. When a flooded compressor startup condition in a mobile refrigeration unit is sensed, the compressor is shut down for a specified period of time to allow the oil in the system and on the compressor heads to drain back into the compressor oil sump before running the compressor again. The flooded compressor condition is determined by checking whether a suction superheat, a discharge superheat, and a suction pressure are all within specified operating parameters for a specified period of time after the compressor is started.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.