US1981606A - Refrigeration apparatus - Google Patents

Description

NOV. 20, 1934. STOCK 1,981,606v

REFRIGERAT I ON APPARATUS Filed June 15, 1933 lls 505%- z Mil/4" Jill/{I 28;

g 3?. 20 3o 5 I 26 Fig 3 INVENTOR.

Patented Nov. 20, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1,981,606 REFRIGERATION APPARATUS Anthony '1. Stock, Elmwood Park, Ill.

Application June 15, 1933, Serial No. 675,891

20 Claims. (01. 62-115) This invention relates to refrigeration systems and has particular reference -to those systems wherein a compressor is enclosed in a container into which the compressor discharges.

hold refrigeration systems, it is customary to have some type of compressor discharge into a vessel within which said compressor is usually located, and within which there is located a body of lubricant. The lubricant under exhaust pressure is either forced or pumped through various portions of the compressor to lubricate and seal the same.

In a system of this character, the high pressure container or dome into which the compressor discharges usually gives access to one end of a condensing system. The other end'of .the condensing system communicates with a receiver and evaporator, and from thence the gas returns to the compressor.

In'systems of this character serious difficulties have been encountered by virtue of tho condensation of the refrigerant immediately upon its discharge from the compressor into the high-pressure container. Such condensation results in a mixture of lubricant and refrigerant within the high pressure container. Various evils are directly traceable to this. The first and most obvious lies in the dilution of the lubricant and manifests itself finally in a rapid and destructive wear of bearing surfaces within the compressor. In certain systems wherein a separate oil cooling bath is provided, it frequently happens that the liquelied refrigerant displacesthe lubricant in theoil cooling portion of the system, with disastrous results to the entire system.

Another evil directly traceable to this phenomenon is an undue and extremely rapid accumulation of lubricant in the condenser and thence in the evaporator Through the operation of the system there is a more pronounced tendency for lubricant to accumulate in the evaporator, resulting in a consequent dislocation of the main bodies of lubricant and refrigerant.

A particularly objectionable phenomenon in that once a machine begins to operate in th s manner, it will continue to do so under normal conditions for an indefinite length of time.

Various means have been proposed to cure this. Thus, for example. in one system the body of lubricant is maintained at a predetermined elevated temperature by means of a heater. In other systems the heat of the driving motor or heat from the compressor is conserved to a sufficient extent so that avoidance of condensation is attained.

In houseconnection with this condensation lies in the fact This expedient is operative only after the mechanism has been functioning long enough to become warm.

These expedients, however, are more or less unsatisfactory for the reason that they are inherently inefiicient, add to the complexity of the machine and the expense of operation.

Another trouble experienced in practice with such machines is occasioned by the handling during shipment from the factory. If the unit is turned upside down or even on its side for any length of time, the locations of the lubricant and refrigerant change with respect to the machinery. The lubricant settles in the condenser, so that when the machine is righted and op- 'erated, the lubricant is driven into the receiver or evaporator. while the refrigerant collects in the compression chamber. It is customary to ship units in containers marked as to desired resting position to avoid this displacement phenomeno'n. However, a number of units invariably become disarranged by the time they reach the purchasers hands. In that case a service call or even replacement becomes necessary.

An object of this invention is to devise a systom wherein no attempt is made to inhibit such condensation but rather to encourage lt'and make use thereof.

A further object is to devise such a system in which there will be no tendency to convey lubricant into the evaporator. Other and ancillary objects will be apparent from the general statement of invention and detailed description and claims.

In general this invention contemplates a con- 'tainer within which is located a body of lubricant exposed to the discharge pressure. Preferably, though not necessarily, the compressor is mounted within this container. In connection with the following description of the detailed system,

the motor is also shown as mounted within the container. This, however, is not necessary and it is to be clearly understood that this invention is not to be restricted thereto.

The compressor discharges into the interior of the high-pressure container or dome. -The refrigerant is preferably sulphur dioxide or similar compound from and on which lubricant will at least partially separate and float. A condenser has one end thereof in communication with the container, preferably the upper portion thereof. The other end of the condenser also. communicat-es with the interior of the container, preferably at the lower portion thereof, or with a receptacle to be later described. For most em- 1 cient operation, the lower condenser end should communicate with such a region in the container that is normally above any liquid level. Hence, the high-pressure gas can enter the condenser at each end thereof while permitting the lower end of the condenser to discharge liquefied refrigerant into the container. This condenser refrigerant drops through the body of lubricant and functions as a cooling agent therefor.

Connected to the container or dome is a float controlled receptacle within which liquefied refrigerant for the high side of the system is located and from which it is fed by a valve controlled bythe float to the low side of the system. This receptacle is so related to the containenbottom that a flow of liquefied refrigerant is induced thereto. To promote this, the container bottom.

preferably slopes and has its lowest portion directly connected with said receptacle. The receptacle or a substantial portion thereof, is

' located below the lowest liquid level in the container.

Inasmuch as the liquid in the float chamber is relatively quiescent, it is clear that conditions for a separation of oil and refrigerant therein are optimum. The float is preferably so arranged that it will sink in oil but float in liquid refrigerant. Hence, the liquid passed by the float-controlled valve is substantially as free of oil as possible.

To prevent any substantial accumulation of gas in the float chamber from binding the operation thereof, I preferably provide a communication between the top of the float receptacle and a higher space in the container or dome.

From the bottom portion of the receptacle,

a suitable outlet is provided, whereby the refriger ant is used in the conventional manner for refrigerating purposes.

It will be seen that with this invention, it is immaterial whether condensation takes place within the condenser, within the container, or both. In fact, if sufficient cooling of the container is naturally provided for, a condenser, as such, may be eliminated entirely, thus making the container a combined condenser and highpressure discharge region. Because all liquefied refrigerant must pass through a supernatant layer of oil, it is clear that any oil mist or. highly emulsified oil particles discharged from the compressor will be reunited with the main body of oil prior to the agglomeration of the various particles of liquefied refrigerant.

Since the liquefied refrigerant in the receptacle is as free of oil as possible in the ordinary operation of any such refrigerator system, it is evi- 7 dent that but little lubricant will tend to collect in the evaporator. What little may be trans- -mitted to the evaporator through the property of mutual solution between refrigerant and oil will be returned by means of the ordinary oil return expedients in common use. v

In order that a more detailed description of the invention may be given, reference will now 6. The. compressor dischargesthrough a pipe '7 into the region 10 within dome 2. Connected in parallel to region 10 within dome 2 is a condenser 15.

. It will be noted that base, 1 has its inside surface 16 sloping toward a region 17. Passin through base 1,-at region 17, is a pipe 18, giving access to a receptacle 20. Within receptacle 20 is a float 21 cooperatively associated with a valve 22, controlling an outlet opening 23 at the bottom of the receptacle 20. Outlet opening 23 is connected by a pipe 25 with any suitable evaporator 26, from which vaporized refrigerant is sucked into-the compressor by a conduit 28.

Within dome 2 is a body of lubricating oil, which has suitable access to the motor and compressor assembly 5 to lubricate and seal the same. Preferably, both ends of condenser 15 are above the normal oil level. The refrigerant used in the system is heavier than the lubricant and may consist of sulphur dioxide. 1

The compressed refrigerant discharged from pipe"! is suitably condensed either by condenser 15 or by the walls of dome 2 and finally appears in liquefied form in lubricant 30. Since. the liquefied refrigerant is heavier than the lubricant, it falls to bottom 16 of base 1. In seeking the lowest level 1'1 of base 1, it drops into pipe 18 and thence into receptacle 20. The top of receptacle 20 communicates by means of a conduit 35 with dome 2 at a point above the top of the receptacle.

Within receptacle 20 there is a body of liquefied refrigerant 36. Above this is a supernatant body of lubricant 37. The relative proportions of lubricant and refrigerant may be determined by experiment. It is obvious that the amount of lubricant in.receptacle 20 is a function of the total quantity of lubricant in the system and may be varied to suit individual needs.

Float 21 is so designed that it is buoyant only in liquefied refrigerant and will sink in lubricant. It is evident, therefore, that at outlet 23 only liquefied refrigerant will be permitted to pass.

Within receptacle 20 the liquid is relatively quiescent and permits a separation of the lubricant and refrigerant into two different layers. The amount of lubricant within liquefied refrigerant 36 will only be that which the refrigerant holds in solution. While evaporator 26 is shown as located below receptacle 20 and dome '2, it is not limited to this position: Evaporator 26 may be located abovethe rest of the system if desired. In Fig. 2, there is shown a modification in which the condenser and separate receptacle are eliminated. Dome 2 has a plurality of fins 50 disposed on the outside thereof and adapted to radiate heat. On the inside wall of dome 2 is a sheet metal member 51, the middle portion of which is spaced from wall 2, while the ends thereof are joined at 52 and 53 respectively to the dome 2. of apertures 55 and in effect is adapted to form an annular region 60 between member 51 and dome 2 to promote the condensation of compressed refrigerant. l

Base 61 is formed as a dish-shaped member with its lowest point 62 at the center thereof. Region 62 communicates with 2, depending receptacle 63. Receptacle 63 may be integral with base 61 or may be formed as a separate member and bolted or secured thereto. It will be noted, however, that receptacle 63 communicates with dome 2 by means of a relatively small aperture 62, forming the lowest region toward which the inside surface of base 61 slopes; The motor and compressor assembly 5 may be mounted on base Member 51 is provided with a plurality 61 by means of a suitable spider '75. Within receptacle 63 is a float 64 controlling a valve 65 cooperatively associated with an' outlet 66. This outlet gives access to a conduit 67. Connected in this conduit is a suitable liquid refrigerant control 68, which may be any device such as an expansion valve, capillary tube or additional float chamber. Beyond control 68 is an evaporator comprising coiled piping 69 leading to a gas return 70 back to motor compressor assembly 5.

Dome 2 has within it a body of lubricant 30 and within receptacle 63 is a supplementary body of lubricant 37, while immediately below it is the body of liquefied refrigerant 36. Float 64 preferably has the same buoyant properties as float 21.

In operation, compressed refrigerant discharged from outlet 7 within dome 2 fills the space within the dome. Annular region 60 is maintained at a sufficiently low temperature because of heat radiation by fins 50 so that condensation takes place there.

In Fig. 3, condenser 15 is connected between dome 2 and receptacle 20. In this way, condensed refrigerant within coils 15 is lead directly into receptacle 20. Any condensation within dome 2 is relieved by the flow of liquefied refrigerant down pipe 18 into receptacle 20.

It is evident, that because of the heat of compression, as well as the dissipation of heat by the motor, continued generation of heat within the dome or container 2 will result. On the other hand, the liquefied refrigerant receptacle does not have any heat generated therein. It is clear, therefore, thatduring the normal operation of the system, and under normal conditions of heat dissipation such as might obtain in case of aircooling, there will be a substantial difference of temperature between the container and receptacle, with the container, of course, being at a high er temperature.

I claim:

1. In a refrigerating system, a container having a body of lubricant therein, compressing means adapted to discharge into said container, means for condensing said compressed refrigerant and depositing said condensed refrigerant in a receptacle, said receptacle adapted to hold a predetermined amount of liquid refrigerant in storage, communicating means from lowest portion of container to upper portion of receptacle allowing liquid refrigerant condensed in container. to flow to receptacle, said receptacle being so disposed relative to said container that during normal operation, with normal heat dissipation, said receptacle is maintained at a substantially lower temperature than said container, valving means controlled by float in said receptacle, said float adapted to sink in lubricant but float in refrigerant, releasing any additional refrigerant from receptacle for refrigerating purposes.

2. ma refrigeration system, a container having a body of lubricant therein, a compressor adapted to discharge into said container operating on a refrigerant which in liquid phase is heavier than said lubricant, means for condensing said compressed refrigerant in said container, a liquid refrigerant storage receptacle having a substantial portion of its storage space below said container bottom, said receptacle communicating with said container and adapted to induce a flow therein of said liquid refrigerant from said container, said receptacle being so disposed relative to said container that during normal operation, with normal heat dissipation, said receptacle is maintained at a substantially lower temperature than said container and means for utilizing said liquefied refrigerant for refrigeration purposes.

3. In a refrigeration system, a container having a body of lubricant therein, said container having a sloping bottom whereby liquid falling on said bottom tends to drain off, a compressor adapted to discharge into said container operating on a refrigerant which in liquid phase is heavier than said lubricant, means for condensing said compressed refrigerant and depositing said liquefied refrigerant in said container, a liquid refrigerant storage receptacle communicating with said container and adapted to induce a flow therein of said liquefied refrigerant from said container, said receptacle being so disposed relative to said container that during normal operation, with normal heat dissipation, said receptacle is maintained at a substantially lower temperature than said container and means for utilizing said liquefied refrigerant for refrigeration purposes.

4. The system of claim 3 in which said receptacle has a substantial portion of its storage space below the lowest point of said container bottom and communicates directly with said lowest portion of said container bottom.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein said receptacle is provided with a refrigerant outlet near the bottom thereof, a valve for said outlet, a float control for said valve in said receptacle, said float being adapted to be buoyant in liquid refrigerant but to sink in lubricant.

6. In a refrigerating system, a container having a sloping bottom and a body of lubricant therein, a compressor adapted to discharge into said container operating on a refrigerant which in liquid phase is heavier than said lubricant, means for condensing said compressed refrigerant, a liquid refrigerant storage receptacle having a portion of its storage space below the lowest point of said container bottom and communicating directly with said lowest point, said receptacle being so disposed relative to said container that during normal operation, with normal heat dissipation, said receptacle is maintained at a substantially lower temperature than said container, means for conducting liquefied refrigerant to said receptacle, said receptacle having an outlet near the bottom thereof, a valve for said outlet, a float control for said valve, said float beingadapted to sink in lubricant but float in refrigerant, and means for utilizing said-liquefied refrigerant for refrigeration purposes.

7 The system of claim 2, wherein said receptacle top directly communicates with a region in said container interior normally above the top of said receptacle.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein the top of said receptacle directly communicates with the interior of said container.

9. In a refrigerating system, a container having a body of lubricant therein, a compressor adapted to discharge into said container operat ing on a refrigerant which in liquid phase is heavier than said lubricant, means for condensing said compressed refrigerant and depositing said condensed refrigerant in said container, a liquid refrigerant storage receptacle having a substantial portion of its storage space below said container bottom and communicating therewith and adapted to induce a flow therein of said liquefied refrigerant from said container, said receptacle being so disposed relative to said container that during normal operation, with normal heat dissipation, said receptacle is maintained at a substantially lower temperature than said container, said receptacle having an outlet near the bottom thereof, a valve for controlling said outlet, 2. float control for said valve, said float beingadapted to sink in said lubricant and float in said refrigerant, means establishing gaseous communication between said receptacle top and a region in said container normally above any liquid level therein, and means for utilizing said liquefied refrigerant for refrigeration purposes.

. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein saidcontainer has a sloping bottom and said receptacle communicates directly with the lowermost portion of said bottom. I

11. In a refrigeration system, a container having a body of lubricant therein, a compressoradapted to discharge into said container operating on a refrigerant which in liquid phase is heavier than said lubricant, a condenser having both of its openings communicating with said container whereby all condensed refrigerant is deposited as a liquid in said container, a liquid refrigerant storage receptacle communicating with said container and adapted to induce a flow therein of said liquefied refrigerant from said container, said receptacle being so disposed relative to said container that during normal operation, with normal heat dissipation, said receptacle is maintained at a substantially lower temperature than said container and means for utilizing said liquefied refrigerant for refrigeration purposes.

i 12. The system of claim 11, wherein said receptacle has a substantial portion of its storage space below said container bottom.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein said container is provided with a sloping bottom, said receptacle having a substantial portion of its storage space below the lowest point of said container bottom and communicating directly with said lowest point.

14. In a refrigerating system, a container having a body of lubricant therein, a compressor adapted to discharge into said container operating on a refrigerant which in liquid phase is heavier than said lubricant, a condenser having both of" its openings in communication with said container whereby all liquefledrefrigerant is .deposited in said container, a liquid refrigerant storage receptacle having a substantial portion of its storage space below said container bottom and communicating therewith and adapted to induce a flow therein of said liquid refrigerant from said container, said receptacle being so' disposed relative to said container that during normal operation, with normal heat dissipation, said receptacle is maintained at a substantially lower temperature than said container, said receptacle having an outlet near the bottom thereof, a valve controlling said outlet, a float control for said valve, said float being adapted to sink in lubricant but float in refrigerant, and means for'utilizing said liquefied refrigerant for refrigeration purposes.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein said container bottom slopes with said receptacle communicating directly with the lowermost portion of said container bottom.

16. In a refrigerating system, a container having a-body of lubricant therein, a compressor adapted to discharge into said container and operatingon a refrigerant which in liquid phase is heavier than said lubricant, a condenser having both openings directly communicating with said container whereby all liquefied refrigerant is deposited in said container, a liquid refrigerant storage receptacle communicating with said container and adapted to induce a flow therein of said liquid refrigerant from said container, said receptacle being so disposed relative to said container that during normal operation, with normal heat dissipation, said receptacle is maintained at a substantially lower temperature than said container, means for establishing gaseous communication between the top of said receptacle and the interior of said container, andmeans for utilizing said liquefied refrigerant for refrigeration purposes.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said container has a sloping bottom, the lowermost point of which is in direct communication with said receptacle.

18. In a refrigerating, system, a container having a sloping bottom and a body of lubricant therein, a compressor adapted to discharge into said container operating on a refrigerant which in liquid phase is heavier than said lubricant, a condenser having both its openings directly communicating with said container at points above any normal liquid level, whereby all liquefied refrigerant is deposited in said container, a liquid refrigerant storage receptacle having a substantial portion of its storage space below the lowest point of said container bottom and directly communicating with said lowest point and adapted to induce a flow therein of said liquefied refrigerant from said container, said receptacle being so disposed relative to said container that during normal operation, with normal heat dissipation, said receptacle is maintained at a substantially lower temperature than said container, said receptacle having an outlet, near the bottom thereof, a valve for controlling said outlet, a float control for said valve, said float adapted to sink in lubricant but float in refrigerant, means for establishing gaseous'communication between said receptacle top and a region in said container normally above any liquid level, and means for utilizing said liquefied refrigerant for refrigeration purposes.

19. In a refrigerating system, a container having a body of lubricant therein, a compressor disposed in said container adapted to discharge therein and operating on a refrigerant which in liquid phase is heavier than said lubricant, said container having a bottom a portion of which is shaped as a liquid storage receptacle and constituting the lowest portion of said container, said receptacle being so disposed relative to said container that during normal operation, with normal heat dissipation, said receptacle is maintained at a substantially lower temperature than said container, means for condensing said compressed refrigerant and depositing said condensed refrigerant in said container, said condensed refrigerant being adapted to drop through said body of lubricant and collect insaid storage receptacle, said receptacle havingan outlet near the bottom thereof, a valve for controlling said outlet, a float control for said valve, said float being adapted to sink in lubricant and float in refrigerant, and means for utilizing said liquefied refrigerant for refrigeration purposes.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein a condenser is provided having both openings communicating with said container and said container bottom slopes toward said receptacle.

ANTHONY T. STOCK.

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