Method of removing an immiscible lubricant from a refrigeration system and apparatus for same

Patent · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1999

OSTI ID:872219

Spauschus, Hans O ^[1]; Starr, Thomas L ^[2]

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1. Stockbridge, GA
2. Roswell, GA

A method of separating an immiscible lubricant from a liquid refrigerant in a refrigerating system including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator, wherein the expansion device is connected to the condenser by a liquid refrigerant flow line for liquid refrigerant and immiscible lubricant. The method comprising slowing the rate of flow of the liquid refrigerant and immiscible lubricant between the condenser and the expansion device such that the liquid refrigerant and the immiscible lubricant separate based upon differences in density. The method also comprises collecting the separated immiscible lubricant in a collection chamber in fluid communication with the separated immiscible lubricant. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

• Research Organization: Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Inst., Inc., Arlington, VA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG02-91CE23810
• Assignee: Spauschus Associates, Inc. (Stockbridge, GA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5887441
• OSTI ID: 872219
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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apparatus
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compressor
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condenser
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density
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differences
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evaporator
expansion
expansion device
flow
flow line
fluid
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immiscible
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method comprising
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