Pressure equalization system and method
US6584791B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2500/27
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pressure equalization method and system is provided for starting a compressor while maintaining the compressor at a high pressure and comprises a valve and a bleed port. The compressor has a compressor inlet for receiving a fluid at a first pressure and a compressor outlet for discharging the fluid at a second pressure, and is operable to compress the fluid from the first pressure to the second pressure. The valve is proximate to and in fluid communication with the compressor outlet and is movable to an open position when the compressor is operating to allow the fluid at the second pressure to flow through the valve and is movable to a closed position when the compressor stops operating to prevent backflow of the fluid at the second pressure through the valve toward the compressor inlet. The bleed port is upstream of the valve and in fluid communication with the compressor inlet to equalize the pressure of the fluid contained in the compressor when the compressor stops operating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.