Process fluid recycle system for a compressor assembly
US6663341B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S210/05
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process fluid recycle system for compressor assemblies to recycle process fluid vapor flowing from one or more compressors to gear case(s) through shaft seal(s). The flowing process fluid is recycled back to the low pressure inlet of the compressor assembly by way of a recycle conduit. Coalescing filters are provided to separate oil mist from the process fluid vapor. Oil vapor and water vapor can also be removed, where necessary, by suitable oil and water vapor traps. During startup and shutdown or other times when low pressure transients occur that could cause a back flow of gear oil from the gear case into the compressor(s) by way of the shaft seal(s), an anti-back flow compressor is operated to ensure that the pressure within the gear case will be less than within the compressor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.