GB2460726A - Oil circulation in a refrigeration system - Google Patents

Oil circulation in a refrigeration system Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2460726A
GB2460726A GB0810908A GB0810908A GB2460726A GB 2460726 A GB2460726 A GB 2460726A GB 0810908 A GB0810908 A GB 0810908A GB 0810908 A GB0810908 A GB 0810908A GB 2460726 A GB2460726 A GB 2460726A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
oil
header
compressors
refrigeration system
oil reservoir
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0810908A
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GB2460726B (en
GB0810908D0 (en
Inventor
Douglas Leslie Jones
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Arctic Circle Ltd
Original Assignee
Arctic Circle Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arctic Circle Ltd filed Critical Arctic Circle Ltd
Priority to GB0810908.4A priority Critical patent/GB2460726B/en
Publication of GB0810908D0 publication Critical patent/GB0810908D0/en
Publication of GB2460726A publication Critical patent/GB2460726A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2460726B publication Critical patent/GB2460726B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B31/00Compressor arrangements
    • F25B31/002Lubrication
    • F25B31/004Lubrication oil recirculating arrangements
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B43/00Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat
    • F25B43/02Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
    • F25B2400/07Details of compressors or related parts
    • F25B2400/075Details of compressors or related parts with parallel compressors

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Compressor (AREA)

Abstract

A refrigeration system has at least two compressors 1.1 -1.4, a suction header 7.0, a discharge header 5.0, a discharge line 4.0, an oil separator 3.0, and an oil reservoir header 19.0. The compressors receive refrigerant via the suction header and discharge refrigerant to the discharge header, and the discharge line via the oil separator. Oil from the oil separator is supplied via a conduit 8.8 to the suction header, and the oil reservoir header forms part of a single oil-distributing sub-assembly which feeds oil to the oil reservoir header. The oil reservoir header in use is able to hold enough oil for the compressors, in order to replace any oil that leaves the compressors and to keep the oil at or above a predetermined level. The compressors may be of the reciprocating type, and the system may include a vibration eliminator 16.0. The system may also include lagging 13.1 - 13.4, and a drier assembly 14.0. The invention removes the need for a separate oil reservoir feed to the oil reservoir header, and thus reduces pipe work leakage.

Description

A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
This invention relates to a refrigeration system.
Refrigeration systems are well known and they typically comprise a plurality of reciprocating compressors fed with refrigerant via a suction header. The compressors discharge refrigerant to a discharge header. The discharge header discharges refrigerant from an oil separator which removes any oil from the refrigerant. Oil is fed from an oil separator into an oil line for providing oil for the compressors.
The known refrigeration systems use separate components in the form of an oil reservoir, an oil filter, an oil line and associated hoses and shut-off valves. A problem occurs in that these different components represent places where leaks may occur in the refrigeration system.
It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problem.
Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a refrigeration system comprising a plurality of compressors, a suction header, a discharge header, a discharge line, an oil separator, and an oil reservoir header, the refrigeration system being such that the compressors are fed with refrigerant via the suction header, the compressors discharge refrigerant to the discharge header, the discharge line discharges refrigerant from the oil separator, oil from the oil separator is fed to the suction header for providing oil for the compressors, the oil reservoir header forms part of a single oil-distributing sub-assembly without a separate oil reservoir feed to the oil reservoir header, and the oil reservoir header in use is able to hold enough oil for the compressors, to replace any oil that leaves the compressors, and to keep the oil at or above a predetermined level.
The refrigeration system of the present invention is advantageous in that the use of the oil reservoir header enables the replacement of the previously known parts of the oil reservoir, oil filter, oil line and associated hoses and shut-off valves. This is beneficial to a contractor installing the refrigeration system because it reduces the number of points in the refrigeration system where leaks may occur.
Preferably, the oil reservoir header is a tube.
Also preferably, the oil reservoir header is mounted close to the compressors for ease of coupling oil distribution lines from the oil reservoir header to oil level regulators on the compressors.
The refrigeration system may include a drier. The refrigeration system may include a vibration eliminator.
The suction header is preferably lagged.
The compressors will usually be reciprocating compressors.
Preferably there are four of the compressors. More or less than four compressors may be employed if desired.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a known refrigeration system; Figure 2 shows the refrigeration system of the present invention, and uses a layout similar to Figure 1 for comparison purposes; Figure 3 shows in list form the name of the components shown by shape in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows components which are used in part of the refrigeration system shown in Figure 1, and which comprise an oil reservoir, an oil filter, an oil line and associated hoses and shut-off valves.
Figure 5 shows an oil reservoir header which is used in the refrigeration system of the present invention shown in Figure 2, and which replaces the components shown in Figure 4; and Figure 6 is a section through part of the oil reservoir header shown in Figure 5.
Referring to Figures 1, 3 and 4, the known refrigeration system typically comprises four reciprocating compressors 1.1 -1.4 fed with refrigerant via a suction header 7.0. The suction header 7.0 is of a main copper pipe line, with a branch to an angle shut-off valve 17.1 -17.4 into each compressor 1.1 -1.4.
The suction header 7.0 also feeds into a drier 14.0 followed by a vibration eliminator 16.0 and a shut-off valve 11.10, terminating at an end cap 15.1. The other end of the suction header 7.0 terminates at an end cap 15.2.
The suction header 7.0 is lagged throughout by lagging 13.1 -13.5, except at the drier 14.0, the vibration eliminator 16.0 and the shut-off valve 11.10.
The compressors 1.1 -1.4 discharge refrigerant to the discharge header 5.0. The discharge header 5.0 comprises of a main copper pipe line, with a branch from the angle shut-off valve 17.5 -17.8. Each branch had a non-return valve 10.1 -10.4 to stop refrigerant re-entering the compressors 1.1 -1.4 through the discharge port. The discharge header 5.0 feeds refrigerant into an oil separator 3.0 where any oil is removed from the refrigerant.
A discharge line 4.0 feeds refrigerant from the oil separator 3.0. The discharge line 4.0 comprises copper pipe, fitted with a non-return valve 10.5 and a shut-off valve 11.9. The discharge line 4.0 terminates at an end cap 15.5.
Oil is fed from the oil separator 3.0 down a hose 8.5 to a shut-off valve 11.5, into an oil filter 9.0. Oil is then fed through a hose 8.6 to a shut-off valve 11.6 and a pressure differential valve 12.0 to an oil reservoir 2.0. Oil leaves the oil reservoir 2.0, through a shut-off valve 11.7, and to a hose 8.7 into an oil line 6.0.
The oil line 6.0 comprises a main copper pipe line, which terminates at each end with an end cap 15.3 and 15.4, with hoses 8.1 -8.4 distributed along the length of the oil line 6.0. The hoses 8.1 -8.4 feed oil from the oil line 6.0 to shut-off valves 11.1 -11.4, into oil level regulators 18.1 -18.4 fitted to each of the compressors 1.1 -1.4. Oil also leaves the oil reservoir 2.0, through shut-off valve 11.8, and to hose 8.8 into the suction header 7.0, to start the cycle again.
Referring to Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6, the refrigeration system of the present invention remains the same as the known refrigeration system shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4. Thus for the most part the discharge line 4.0, the discharge header 5.0 and the suction header 7.0 remain as described above.
In the refrigeration system of the present invention, the known oil reservoir 2.0, oil line 6.0 and oil filter 9.0 are replaced by an oil reservoir header 19.0. The oil reservoir header 19.0 comprises a copper pipe line, terminating at one end with an end cap 15.3. The other end terminates with a machined steel end cap 22.0. This incorporates two sight glasses 20.1 and 20.2 which are positioned so that when the float-balls are in the middle of the sight glass, the volume is 80% and 20% the full capacity respectively.
A hose 8.5 feeds oil from the oil separator 3.0 into shut-off valve 11.5 though an integral oil filter 21.0, which will remove any small particles from the oil as it enters the oil reservoir header 19.0. The integral oil filter 21.0 is situated within the machined steel end cap 22.0 and replaces the oil filter 9.0.
Hoses 8.1 -8.4 are attached to brass fittings distributed along the length of the oil reservoir header 19.0, and they feed oil to shut-off valves 11.1 -11.4, into oil level regulators 18.1 -18.4 fitted to each of the compressors 1.1 -1.4.
Oil is fed from the oil reservoir header 19.0 through pressure differential valve 12.0 and shut-off valve 11.6, which are fitted to the machined steel end cap 22.0. The hose 8.8 then feeds oil to the suction header 7.0.
The main advantage of the refrigeration system of the present invention is the combining the oil distribution system into one sub-assembly without a separate oil reservoir feed to the oil reservoir header, thus reducing the number of components in the system. More specifically, the oil reservoir header 19.0, replaces the oil reservoir 2.0, the oil filter 9.0, and the oil line 6.0, and eliminates the need for the hoses 8.6 and 8.7 and the associated shut-off valves 11.7 and 11.8. This is beneficial to a contractor, as it reduces the number of places in the refrigeration system where leaks may occur.
The main body of oil reservoir header 19.0 is formed using a T-puller machine. The end cap 15.3 is brazed to the oil reservoir header 19.0, and the brass fittings and machined steel end cap 22.0 are silver soldered. The machined steel end cap 22.0 is magnesium phosphate plated to prevent corrosion and to eliminate the need to paint the assembly.
The thread of sight glasses 20.1 and 20.2 is wrapped in PTFE tape and tightened into the threaded holes in the machined steel end cap 22.0.
The shut-off valve 11.5, is tightened with bolts onto the machined flat surface of the steel end cap 22.0, and seated with a gasket. The thread of a brass fitting is wrapped in PTFE tape, and tightened into the threaded holes in the machined steel end cap 22.0. This brass fitting is used to attach the pressure differential valve 12.0 to the machined steel end cap 22.0.
The oil reservoir header 19.0 is mounted horizontally to the cassette assembly with the discharge tine 4.0, discharge header 5.0 and suction header 7.0. The oil reservoir header 19.0 is clamped along the length of the pipework in at least two positions. This distributes the weight along the full length of the cassette, and reduces vibration in and around the oil reservoir header 19.0. The oil length and diameter of the oil reservoir header 19.0 is flexible to match the capacity of pack design requirements. There is the option of having a low level alarm added to the refrigeration system if required.
The refrigeration system of the present invention is advantageous in that it reduces the number of components as compared with the known refrigeration system. Substantial capital cost savings are thus available. Oil is incorporated in the oil reservoir header 19.0, and this avoids having to fit a separate oil filter as is required in the known refrigeration system. The length and diameter of the oil reservoir header 19.0 is flexible so that oil capacity can be varied depending upon the number of compressors employed in the refrigeration system.
The weight of the oil reservoir header is able to be spread along the length of the installation so that uneven loading on mounting springs is avoided. The installation may be in the form of a cassette. By mounting the oil reservoir header 19.0 in two places along the length of the installation, for example along the length of the cassette, there is less chance of vibration occurring. This is as compared to the oil reservoir 2.0 in the known refrigeration system which is mounted on a single point and at the end of the cassette or other installation.
Due to the length of the oil reservoir header 19.0, there is a more even distribution of oil to the compressors 1.1 -1.4 than occurs with the oil reservoir 2.0 employed in the known refrigeration system.
The oil reservoir header 19.0 holds enough oil to feed the total number of compressors employed in the refrigeration system. The oil reservoir header 19.0 replaces any oil that leaves the compressors, and keeps the oil at the correct level. The oil reservoir header 19.0 is mounted as close as possible to the compressors 1.1 -1.4 in order to allow ease of coupling of oil distribution lines which feed oil level regulators on the side of the compressors.
In the refrigeration system of the present invention, the oil reservoir header 19.0 and the compressors 1.1 -1.4 are filled with oil to the correct levels shown on the sight glass. When the refrigeration system is running, refrigerant circulation through the compressors 1.1 -1.4 has a tendency to extract oil from the compressors 1.1 -1.4 and take it through the discharge valve and into piping of the refrigeration system. This refrigerant, together with any oil from the compressors 1.1 -1.4, is then passed through the oil separator 30. In the oil separator 30, oil is filtered out of the refrigerant and fed back to the oil reservoir header 19.0. The oil reservoir header 19.0 constantly feed oil back to the compressors 1.1 -1.4 via the oil level regulators 18.1 -18.4.
It is to be appreciated that the embodiment of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings has been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected.

Claims (9)

  1. CLAIMS1. A refrigeration system comprising a plurality of compressors, a suction header, a discharge header, a discharge line, an oil separator, and an oil reservoir header, the refrigeration system being such that the compressors are fed with refrigerant via the suction header, the compressors discharge refrigerant to the discharge header, the discharge line discharges refrigerant from the oil separator, oil from the oil separator is fed to the suction header for providing oil for the compressors, the oil reservoir header forms part of a single oil-distributing sub-assembly without a separate oil reservoir feed to the oil reservoir header, and the oil reservoir header in use is able to hold enough oil for the compressors, to replace any oil that leaves the compressors, and to keep the oil at or above a predetermined level.
  2. 2. A refrigeration system according to claim I in which the oil reservoir header is a tube.
  3. 3. A refrigeration system according to claim I or claim 2 in which the oil reservoir header is mounted close to the compressors for ease of coupling oil distribution lines from the oil reservoir header to oil level regulators on the compressors.
  4. 4. A refrigeration system according to any one of the preceding claims and including a drier.
  5. 5. A refrigeration system according to any one of the preceding claims and including a vibration eliminator.
  6. 6. A refrigeration system according to any one of the preceding claims in which the suction header is lagged.
  7. 7. A refrigeration system according to any one of the preceding claims in which the compressors are reciprocating compressors.
  8. 8. A refrigeration system according to any one of the preceding claims in which there are four of the compressors.
  9. 9. A refrigeration system substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 2, 3, 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.
GB0810908.4A 2008-06-13 2008-06-13 A Refrigeration System with an Oil Reservoir Header Expired - Fee Related GB2460726B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0810908.4A GB2460726B (en) 2008-06-13 2008-06-13 A Refrigeration System with an Oil Reservoir Header

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0810908.4A GB2460726B (en) 2008-06-13 2008-06-13 A Refrigeration System with an Oil Reservoir Header

Publications (3)

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GB0810908D0 GB0810908D0 (en) 2008-07-23
GB2460726A true GB2460726A (en) 2009-12-16
GB2460726B GB2460726B (en) 2012-05-16

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013007310A1 (en) * 2011-07-14 2013-01-17 Carrier Corporation Refrigeration circuit with oil compensation
EP3572741A1 (en) * 2018-05-24 2019-11-27 Hill Phoenix Inc. Refrigeration system with oil control system
US10663201B2 (en) 2018-10-23 2020-05-26 Hill Phoenix, Inc. CO2 refrigeration system with supercritical subcooling control
US11029068B2 (en) 2013-05-03 2021-06-08 Hill Phoenix, Inc. Systems and methods for pressure control in a CO2 refrigeration system
US11125483B2 (en) 2016-06-21 2021-09-21 Hill Phoenix, Inc. Refrigeration system with condenser temperature differential setpoint control
US11397032B2 (en) 2018-06-05 2022-07-26 Hill Phoenix, Inc. CO2 refrigeration system with magnetic refrigeration system cooling

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4589263A (en) * 1984-04-12 1986-05-20 Hussmann Corporation Multiple compressor oil system
US5113671A (en) * 1990-11-26 1992-05-19 Ac&R Components Components, Inc. Oil separator

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4589263A (en) * 1984-04-12 1986-05-20 Hussmann Corporation Multiple compressor oil system
US5113671A (en) * 1990-11-26 1992-05-19 Ac&R Components Components, Inc. Oil separator

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013007310A1 (en) * 2011-07-14 2013-01-17 Carrier Corporation Refrigeration circuit with oil compensation
CN103649653A (en) * 2011-07-14 2014-03-19 开利公司 Refrigeration circuit with oil compensation
CN103649653B (en) * 2011-07-14 2016-03-23 开利公司 There is the refrigerating circuit that oil subsidy is repaid
US11029068B2 (en) 2013-05-03 2021-06-08 Hill Phoenix, Inc. Systems and methods for pressure control in a CO2 refrigeration system
US11125483B2 (en) 2016-06-21 2021-09-21 Hill Phoenix, Inc. Refrigeration system with condenser temperature differential setpoint control
US11892217B2 (en) 2016-06-21 2024-02-06 Hill Phoenix, Inc. Refrigeration system with condenser temperature differential setpoint control
EP3572741A1 (en) * 2018-05-24 2019-11-27 Hill Phoenix Inc. Refrigeration system with oil control system
US11796227B2 (en) 2018-05-24 2023-10-24 Hill Phoenix, Inc. Refrigeration system with oil control system
US11397032B2 (en) 2018-06-05 2022-07-26 Hill Phoenix, Inc. CO2 refrigeration system with magnetic refrigeration system cooling
US11940186B2 (en) 2018-06-05 2024-03-26 Hill Phoenix, Inc. CO2 refrigeration system with magnetic refrigeration system cooling
US10663201B2 (en) 2018-10-23 2020-05-26 Hill Phoenix, Inc. CO2 refrigeration system with supercritical subcooling control

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2460726B (en) 2012-05-16
GB0810908D0 (en) 2008-07-23

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Effective date: 20230613