Oil collection/recirculation for vapor-compression refrigeration system

Patent · Tue Dec 02 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:7226583

Toub, S G; Gilliland, Jr, J L; Holder, H W

This patent describes a vapor-compression refrigeration system: an oil lubricated compressor, a condenser and an evaporator interconnected by conduit means to form a closed circuit for circulation of a refrigerant fluid; at least part of the conduit means comprising a refrigerant vapor return conduit for conducting refrigerant vapor from the evaporator to the compressor, the compressor being disposed at a vertical elevation above the evaporator; reservoir means in fluid flow communication with the refrigerant vapor return conduit for collecting oil separated from the refrigerant fluid; means for pumping oil from the reservoir means to the compressor through a separate oil return conduit; a fluid operated motor adapted to be driven by refrigerant fluid from the refrigeration system, the motor driving the pumping means; and control means, including first liquid level sensing means, for sensing a predetermined accumulation of oil in the reservoir means and causing the pumping means to be energized to pump oil from the reservoir means to the compressor; the first liquid level sensing means including switch means interposed in a control circuit and operable to cause the control circuit to energize the pumping means; the control circuit adapted to open and close a refrigerant flow control valve for controlling the flow of refrigerant fluid through the fluid operated motor. The control circuit further is operable to energize and deenergize the motor to prevent more than a predetermined quantity of oil from accumulating in the reservoir means.

• Assignee: NOV; EDB-87-014703; NOV-85-036526
• Patent Number(s): US 4625523
• OSTI ID: 7226583
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320100* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Buildings
CIRCULATING SYSTEMS
COMPRESSORS
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
EVAPORATORS
FLOW REGULATORS
FLUIDS
GAS COMPRESSORS
LEVEL INDICATORS
LUBRICANTS
LUBRICATING OILS
MACHINERY
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MOTORS
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PUMPING
PUMPS
REFRIGERANTS
REFRIGERATING MACHINERY
VALVES
VAPOR COMPRESSION REFRIGERATION CYCLE
WORKING FLUIDS