US20050011223A1 - Device for metering refrigerant flow to an evaporator and systems incorporating same - Google Patents
Device for metering refrigerant flow to an evaporator and systems incorporating same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050011223A1 US20050011223A1 US10/861,944 US86194404A US2005011223A1 US 20050011223 A1 US20050011223 A1 US 20050011223A1 US 86194404 A US86194404 A US 86194404A US 2005011223 A1 US2005011223 A1 US 2005011223A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- screw
- port
- flights
- fluid
- evaporator
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/30—Expansion means; Dispositions thereof
- F25B41/37—Capillary tubes
Definitions
- the present invention relates to valves and metering devices in refrigeration loops and refrigerant based test systems, useful for example in the automotive, HVAC, home appliance and industrial refrigeration fields. More particularly the present invention relates to such devices suitable for the control of pressure drop within a refrigeration loop, and systems incorporating such devices.
- vapor and compression refrigeration loops incorporate a condensor and an evaporator, in fluid connection with a compressor and a metering device.
- the metering device is positioned between the condenser and the evaporator to lower the pressure of the liquid before it is evaporated.
- this is accomplished using either a capillary tube or a thermostatic expansion valve.
- a capillary tube uses a channel having a specific length and diameter to create frictional losses, resulting in pressure drop of the liquid as it traverses through the channel.
- This equipment has the disadvantage that it is not adjustable to suit a variety of desired pressure drops, inasmuch as both the length and the diameter of capillary tube used in the refrigeration system is constant or fixed. Given this limitation, the amount of superheated fluid that leaves the evaporator is also not adjustable, so that liquid could reach the compressor should the operating conditions change.
- thermostatic expansion valve overcomes this problem, but such valves are typically bulky and expensive to manufacture.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide such a metering valve which can incorporate a variety of fluid flow configurations therealong.
- a feature of the present invention is that it can be retrofitted into existing refrigeration systems including those used in HVAC and automotive applications. It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a metering valve with a minimal number of parts which promotes long service life.
- a device suitable for metering the flow of fluid therealong comprising:
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional vapor-compression refrigeration cycle
- FIG. 2 is a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of the device according to the invention with the valve sealing to the threads therein;
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional side view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention with the valve sealing to the shaft therein.
- FIG. 1 there is shown generally at 10 a schematic of a typical refrigeration cycle.
- an evaporator 12 and a condenser 14 are in fluid connection with each other.
- the compressor 16 is positioned to receive fluid from the evaporator 12 and feeds into the condenser 14 .
- a metering device 18 is positioned to receive fluid from the condenser 14 and feeds into the evaporator 12 .
- Passages 20 (as piping, tubing and the like) connect each of the elements above in the aforementioned sequence.
- This metering device 18 includes a casing 24 (typically tubular) with an inlet port 26 and a screw 28 positioned around the member 40 .
- the liquid refrigerant enters through either the side port 30 or the end port 32 and is forced around the flights 34 of the screw 28 (and outside the member 40 ) until it exits at the end port 32 or the side port 30 respectively.
- These flights 34 can be any shape or size, and are configured to develop a desired path length for the liquid refrigerant to flow therealong.
- the pressure drop is achieved by the liquid refrigerant traveling the path defined by the screw 28 and the member 40 , which causes frictional pressure losses.
- the screw 28 is fitted through a sealed hole 36 in the inlet port 26 so that it can be retracted or inserted to adjust the length of the path that the fluid must travel before it reaches the exit (either side port 30 or end port 32 ).
- FIG. 3 there is shown generally at 38 another embodiment of the metering device 18 of the invention herein.
- the design depicted in FIG. 3 is identical to that in FIG. 2 except instead of forming the sealed hole 36 with the flights 34 of the screw 28 , an unthreaded member 40 is positioned at the end of the screw 28 closest to the sealed hole 36 and the seal is thereby made with this unthreaded member 40 . Both configurations allow the pressure drop to be adjusted to the proper amount to give desired superheating.
- the sealed hole 36 may be sealed by fitting in place an elastomeric compound suitable for withstanding the motion through the sealed hole 36 and resistant to degradation by the elements and the refrigerants.
- the member 40 and the flights 34 are likewise constructed from materials that function in place for extended periods of time and without failure, and such that they are mechanically sound and resistant to chemical attack. Metals such as aluminum are attractive for this purpose.
- the casing 24 can be made of a variety of materials including a wide array of metals and plastics, such that they meet design specifications for overall size and shape and function to retain the fluids therewithin. Copper and brass can be selected as useful materials in the design of a durable assembly according to the invention.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Temperature-Responsive Valves (AREA)
- Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
Metering devices suitable for incorporation into vapor-compression refrigeration systems are disclosed, having adjustable features that allow them to regulate the pressure drop across them. These devices include a screw with flights positioned to define a path for the liquid refrigerant to flow through, causing frictional pressure losses. Refrigerant systems incorporating these metering devices are also disclosed.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/476,676 filed Jun. 6, 2003.
- The present invention relates to valves and metering devices in refrigeration loops and refrigerant based test systems, useful for example in the automotive, HVAC, home appliance and industrial refrigeration fields. More particularly the present invention relates to such devices suitable for the control of pressure drop within a refrigeration loop, and systems incorporating such devices.
- Conventional vapor and compression refrigeration loops incorporate a condensor and an evaporator, in fluid connection with a compressor and a metering device. The metering device is positioned between the condenser and the evaporator to lower the pressure of the liquid before it is evaporated. Traditionally, this is accomplished using either a capillary tube or a thermostatic expansion valve.
- In operation, a capillary tube uses a channel having a specific length and diameter to create frictional losses, resulting in pressure drop of the liquid as it traverses through the channel. This equipment has the disadvantage that it is not adjustable to suit a variety of desired pressure drops, inasmuch as both the length and the diameter of capillary tube used in the refrigeration system is constant or fixed. Given this limitation, the amount of superheated fluid that leaves the evaporator is also not adjustable, so that liquid could reach the compressor should the operating conditions change.
- A thermostatic expansion valve overcomes this problem, but such valves are typically bulky and expensive to manufacture.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a metering valve suitable for use in refrigeration systems, which allows for adjustments in desired pressure drop across the device. A further object of the present invention is to provide such a metering valve which can incorporate a variety of fluid flow configurations therealong. A feature of the present invention is that it can be retrofitted into existing refrigeration systems including those used in HVAC and automotive applications. It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a metering valve with a minimal number of parts which promotes long service life. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon having reference to the description of the invention herein.
- There is disclosed and claimed herein a device suitable for metering the flow of fluid therealong, comprising:
-
- (a) a casing defining an inlet port, a side port and an end port; and
- (b) a screw positioned within said inlet port and sufficient to block the flow of fluid therethrough, said screw comprising a member and flights positioned along all or a portion of the length of said member,
- such that fluid entering said side port or said end port flows along a pathway defined by said member and said flights of said screw sufficient to achieve a desired frictional pressure loss and thereafter exits said end port or said side port, respectively.
- The invention will become better understood upon having reference to the drawings herein.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional vapor-compression refrigeration cycle; -
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of the device according to the invention with the valve sealing to the threads therein; and -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional side view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention with the valve sealing to the shaft therein. - Having reference to
FIG. 1 herein, there is shown generally at 10 a schematic of a typical refrigeration cycle. Those having skill in this field will readily appreciate the thermodynamics associated with this diagram. In general, an evaporator 12 and a condenser 14 are in fluid connection with each other. The compressor 16 is positioned to receive fluid from the evaporator 12 and feeds into the condenser 14. A metering device 18 is positioned to receive fluid from the condenser 14 and feeds into the evaporator 12. Passages 20 (as piping, tubing and the like) connect each of the elements above in the aforementioned sequence. - Having reference to
FIG. 2 herein, there is shown generally at 22 one embodiment of the metering device 18 of the invention herein. This metering device 18 includes a casing 24 (typically tubular) with an inlet port 26 and a screw 28 positioned around the member 40. The liquid refrigerant enters through either the side port 30 or the end port 32 and is forced around the flights 34 of the screw 28 (and outside the member 40) until it exits at the end port 32 or the side port 30 respectively. These flights 34 can be any shape or size, and are configured to develop a desired path length for the liquid refrigerant to flow therealong. The pressure drop is achieved by the liquid refrigerant traveling the path defined by the screw 28 and the member 40, which causes frictional pressure losses. The screw 28 is fitted through a sealed hole 36 in the inlet port 26 so that it can be retracted or inserted to adjust the length of the path that the fluid must travel before it reaches the exit (either side port 30 or end port 32). - Having reference to
FIG. 3 herein, there is shown generally at 38 another embodiment of the metering device 18 of the invention herein. The design depicted inFIG. 3 is identical to that inFIG. 2 except instead of forming the sealed hole 36 with the flights 34 of the screw 28, an unthreaded member 40 is positioned at the end of the screw 28 closest to the sealed hole 36 and the seal is thereby made with this unthreaded member 40. Both configurations allow the pressure drop to be adjusted to the proper amount to give desired superheating. - Various attributes of the invention as described above can be manufactured according to conventional techniques, all as is readily understood by those of relevant skill in the art. For example, the sealed hole 36 may be sealed by fitting in place an elastomeric compound suitable for withstanding the motion through the sealed hole 36 and resistant to degradation by the elements and the refrigerants. The member 40 and the flights 34 are likewise constructed from materials that function in place for extended periods of time and without failure, and such that they are mechanically sound and resistant to chemical attack. Metals such as aluminum are attractive for this purpose. Finally the casing 24 can be made of a variety of materials including a wide array of metals and plastics, such that they meet design specifications for overall size and shape and function to retain the fluids therewithin. Copper and brass can be selected as useful materials in the design of a durable assembly according to the invention.
- It is readily understood and appreciated that those having skill in the art to which this invention pertains can make any number of variations and modifications to the invention as set forth and described herein. Such enhancements are contemplated as within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (4)
1. A device suitable for metering the flow of fluid therealong, comprising:
(c) a casing defining an inlet port, a side port and an end port; and
(d) a screw positioned within said inlet port and sufficient to block the flow of fluid therethrough, said screw comprising a member and flights positioned along all or a portion of the length of said member,
such that fluid entering said side port or said end port flows along a pathway defined by said member and said flights of said screw sufficient to achieve a desired frictional pressure loss and thereafter exits said end port or said side port, respectively.
2. The metering device of claim 1 wherein said flights of said screw extend along said member and contact said inlet port.
3. The metering device of claim 1 wherein said flights of said screw extend along said member but do not contact said inlet port.
4. A vapor-compression refrigeration cycle system incorporating the metering device of claim 1 , wherein said metering device receives fluid from a condenser and directs fluid to an evaporator.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/861,944 US20050011223A1 (en) | 2003-06-06 | 2004-06-04 | Device for metering refrigerant flow to an evaporator and systems incorporating same |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US47667603P | 2003-06-06 | 2003-06-06 | |
US10/861,944 US20050011223A1 (en) | 2003-06-06 | 2004-06-04 | Device for metering refrigerant flow to an evaporator and systems incorporating same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050011223A1 true US20050011223A1 (en) | 2005-01-20 |
Family
ID=33551630
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/861,944 Abandoned US20050011223A1 (en) | 2003-06-06 | 2004-06-04 | Device for metering refrigerant flow to an evaporator and systems incorporating same |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050011223A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005001346A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012122617A1 (en) * | 2011-03-15 | 2012-09-20 | Whirlpool S.A. | Cooling system expansion device |
US20150157036A1 (en) * | 2013-12-10 | 2015-06-11 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | Processed Cheese With Natural Antibacterial And Antimycotic Components And Method Of Manufacturing |
US20180077960A1 (en) * | 2016-09-19 | 2018-03-22 | Givaudan S.A. | Flavor composition |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102014002845A1 (en) | 2014-02-25 | 2015-08-27 | Gec-Co Global Engineering & Consulting - Company Gmbh | Pressure control device |
Citations (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1957829A (en) * | 1930-10-20 | 1934-05-08 | Kelvinator Corp | Resistance unit |
US2323115A (en) * | 1942-05-20 | 1943-06-29 | Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co | Hydraulic resistance apparatus |
US2532019A (en) * | 1949-04-15 | 1950-11-28 | Standard Refrigeration Company | Pressure reducing device for refrigerating apparatus |
US2683973A (en) * | 1951-10-25 | 1954-07-20 | Magnus Bjorndal | Freezeproof expansion valve |
US3727640A (en) * | 1970-09-28 | 1973-04-17 | R Sargeant | Apparatus for preparing and dispensing drinks |
US3749045A (en) * | 1971-02-18 | 1973-07-31 | Angus Res Corp | Constant depth trolling device |
US3980110A (en) * | 1975-01-29 | 1976-09-14 | Tribotech Incorporated | Flow metering device |
US4067361A (en) * | 1976-04-21 | 1978-01-10 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Silent self-controlled orificial restrictor |
US4106525A (en) * | 1976-02-20 | 1978-08-15 | The Secretary Of State For Industry In Her Britannic Majesty's Government Of The United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland | Fluid pressure control |
US4395919A (en) * | 1979-12-21 | 1983-08-02 | Nevamo Inc. | Flow rate meter |
US4418723A (en) * | 1980-08-12 | 1983-12-06 | Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. | Flow restrictor |
US4506423A (en) * | 1980-12-24 | 1985-03-26 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Method of producing a fluid pressure reducing device |
USRE32060E (en) * | 1969-12-03 | 1985-12-31 | Beehive Machinery, Inc. | Process for producing deboned meat products |
US4634434A (en) * | 1985-02-19 | 1987-01-06 | Biomedical Dynamics Corporation | Apparatus for regulating the flow of fluid in medical apparatus |
US5071256A (en) * | 1990-07-09 | 1991-12-10 | Spirex Corporation | Extruder injection apparatus and method |
US5538053A (en) * | 1989-09-15 | 1996-07-23 | Better Agricultural Goals Corporation | Vacuum densifier with auger |
US5558140A (en) * | 1994-09-02 | 1996-09-24 | Clark Technology Systems, Inc. | Device for draining fluid from a container |
US5655568A (en) * | 1995-08-08 | 1997-08-12 | Bhargava; Raj | Passive flow regulating device |
US6322347B1 (en) * | 1999-04-02 | 2001-11-27 | Trexel, Inc. | Methods for manufacturing foam material including systems with pressure restriction element |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH08296927A (en) * | 1995-04-24 | 1996-11-12 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Combination valve and refrigerating cycle using the combination valve |
JP2003035472A (en) * | 2001-07-19 | 2003-02-07 | Saginomiya Seisakusho Inc | Choking passage device and expansion valve |
-
2004
- 2004-06-04 US US10/861,944 patent/US20050011223A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-06-04 WO PCT/US2004/018236 patent/WO2005001346A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1957829A (en) * | 1930-10-20 | 1934-05-08 | Kelvinator Corp | Resistance unit |
US2323115A (en) * | 1942-05-20 | 1943-06-29 | Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co | Hydraulic resistance apparatus |
US2532019A (en) * | 1949-04-15 | 1950-11-28 | Standard Refrigeration Company | Pressure reducing device for refrigerating apparatus |
US2683973A (en) * | 1951-10-25 | 1954-07-20 | Magnus Bjorndal | Freezeproof expansion valve |
USRE32060E (en) * | 1969-12-03 | 1985-12-31 | Beehive Machinery, Inc. | Process for producing deboned meat products |
US3727640A (en) * | 1970-09-28 | 1973-04-17 | R Sargeant | Apparatus for preparing and dispensing drinks |
US3749045A (en) * | 1971-02-18 | 1973-07-31 | Angus Res Corp | Constant depth trolling device |
US3980110A (en) * | 1975-01-29 | 1976-09-14 | Tribotech Incorporated | Flow metering device |
US4106525A (en) * | 1976-02-20 | 1978-08-15 | The Secretary Of State For Industry In Her Britannic Majesty's Government Of The United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland | Fluid pressure control |
US4067361A (en) * | 1976-04-21 | 1978-01-10 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Silent self-controlled orificial restrictor |
US4395919A (en) * | 1979-12-21 | 1983-08-02 | Nevamo Inc. | Flow rate meter |
US4418723A (en) * | 1980-08-12 | 1983-12-06 | Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. | Flow restrictor |
US4506423A (en) * | 1980-12-24 | 1985-03-26 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Method of producing a fluid pressure reducing device |
US4634434A (en) * | 1985-02-19 | 1987-01-06 | Biomedical Dynamics Corporation | Apparatus for regulating the flow of fluid in medical apparatus |
US5538053A (en) * | 1989-09-15 | 1996-07-23 | Better Agricultural Goals Corporation | Vacuum densifier with auger |
US5071256A (en) * | 1990-07-09 | 1991-12-10 | Spirex Corporation | Extruder injection apparatus and method |
US5558140A (en) * | 1994-09-02 | 1996-09-24 | Clark Technology Systems, Inc. | Device for draining fluid from a container |
US5655568A (en) * | 1995-08-08 | 1997-08-12 | Bhargava; Raj | Passive flow regulating device |
US6322347B1 (en) * | 1999-04-02 | 2001-11-27 | Trexel, Inc. | Methods for manufacturing foam material including systems with pressure restriction element |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012122617A1 (en) * | 2011-03-15 | 2012-09-20 | Whirlpool S.A. | Cooling system expansion device |
US20150157036A1 (en) * | 2013-12-10 | 2015-06-11 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | Processed Cheese With Natural Antibacterial And Antimycotic Components And Method Of Manufacturing |
US20180077960A1 (en) * | 2016-09-19 | 2018-03-22 | Givaudan S.A. | Flavor composition |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2005001346A1 (en) | 2005-01-06 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |