초록 ▼

A thermostatically controlled intercooler system for use with a multiple stage compressor to prevent the condensation of water from the compressed gas, such as air, within the system, whereby the temperature of a compressed gas entering a second compressor stage following the first compressor stage

A thermostatically controlled intercooler system for use with a multiple stage compressor to prevent the condensation of water from the compressed gas, such as air, within the system, whereby the temperature of a compressed gas entering a second compressor stage following the first compressor stage is controlled to a target temperature, ideally up to about 250.degree. F., as will not allow the partial pressure of the water vapor therein to exceed the saturation vapor pressure associated with and defined by the temperature achieved by cooling the air prior to the air entering the subsequent compression stage.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A multiple stage gas compressor which will significantly minimize condensation of water therein, said multiple stage gas compressor comprising:(a) at least two compressor stages interconnected in series for compressing a gas;(b) at least one intercooler adapted to cool a gas compre

[ We claim:] [1.] A multiple stage gas compressor which will significantly minimize condensation of water therein, said multiple stage gas compressor comprising:(a) at least two compressor stages interconnected in series for compressing a gas;(b) at least one intercooler adapted to cool a gas compressed in a first compressor stage prior to its further compression in a second compressor stage;(c) a discharge line interconnecting said first compressor stage with said intercooler adapted to pass compressed gas compressed in said first compressor stage into said intercooler;(d) a three-way valve adapted to receive compressed gas cooled by said intercooler and direct such compressed gas to said second compressor stage;(e) a by-pass line interconnecting said first compressor stage directly with said three-way valve and adapted to pass compressed gas directly from said first compressor stage to said three-way valve without such gas passing through said intercooler; and(f) control means for controlling said three-way valve such that compressed gas emerging therefrom and directed to said second compressor stage comprises one of cooled, compressed gas from said intercooler, uncooled compressed gas from said by-pass line, and a mixture of said cooled and uncooled compressed gases, as necessary to effect a preselected target temperature of such compressed gases directed by said three-way valve to said second compressor stage.