US1809002A - Refrigerating apparatus - Google Patents

Description

June 9, 1931.

L. L. TORREY REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 31, .1925

3 Sheets-Sheet l.

vwentoa June 9, 1931. 1.. 1.. TORREY Q-REFRIGERATING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 31, 1925 L- r p- 7 Y June 9, 1931. L. TORREY 1,809,002

REFR IGERAT I NG APPARATUS Filed Jan. 31, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented June 9, 1931 PATENT OFFICE LUCIEN L. TORREY, 015 LOS ANG-EIQES, CALIFORNIA.

BEFRIGERATING APPARATUS Application filed January 31, 1925. Serial No. 6,079.

cally driven pump contained within a tank I which simultaneously serves as container for the gaseous refrigerant and for lubricating oil. In the latter application particularly, I have shown such a unit in which a double tank is employed; the electric motor and associated compressor are mounted within the inner tank, so that the compressor is lubricated by the oil and is adapted to compress the gases contained in such inner tank and deliver these gases into the annular space between the tanks. A suitable cooling system is provided for the compressed gases, which are liquefied and delivered through a pipe to an expansion valve for re-gasificati-on, and return as gases to the inner tank.

In former systems of this type, when it becomes necessary to inspect or repair the refrigerating unit, the gas must first be withdrawn in some manner to avoid suffocation of the repairman. This primary operation usually involves the wasting of the charge, and is often accompanied by serious difliculties since many municipalities prohibit the discharge of such offensive or noxious substances to the atmosphere.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to so construct and assemble the constituent parts of the refrigerating unit, that it is no longer necessary to discharge the apparatus totally, prior to inspection of any moving part.

Further and detailed objects will appear in the course of the following specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a vertical section through a refrigerating unit of my improved type;

Fig. 2 is a detail view in section of a valve disposed between the compressor and annular tank space;

- Fig. 3 is a detail view of a modified type of valve;

Fig. 4 is a similar view of another modified type, and Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view showing the draw-off cook.

The refrigerating unit is shown as having an outer tank 1 with bottom 2. The inner tank 5 has the flange 8 at its open upper end to assist in seating it in the outer tank. A cover 3 is provided for the tanks. In the. present improved construction, the upper flanges 1 and 8 of the two tanks are thickened, so that the bolts 4 may be inserted from below through proper aperture in flange 1* and screwed into threaded apertures in the flange 8. The two tanks are thus held in invariable relation, regardless of whether the cover 3 is in position or not; and form a hermetic seal for the annular space 9 between the tanks.

The cover 3 has the insulated plug 3 for the passage of the conducting wires for the electric motor 13; and a plug 3 which serves to admit air to the inner tank to break the vacuum therein, as will be more closely described hereinafter. This cover is secured as a hermetic seal for the inner tank 5 by means of bolts 4.

A spacer 6 is employed to space the lower portion of the inner tank 5 and hold it in proper relation to the outer tank 1. The cooling coil 10 for compressed gases is pro vided in the annular chamber 9.

The moving parts of the refrigerating unit are contained in the inner tank 5. They comprise an electric motor 13 driving a shaft 20. This shaft by means of a worm 21 drives the worm gear 27 and therewith the compressor shaft having eccentrics 28 thereon. These eccentrics actuate the rods 23 and thereby the pistons 39 of the compressor. The worm gearing and eccentrics are held in a housing comprised of elements 24, 24, and which is extended upward to form the cylinders 26 of the compressor.

The piston 39 has a spring-held intake valve 40 in its head, The upper end of the cylinder 26 is closed by the casting 45 having ports and spring-held outlet valves 47 therein; and a chamber 51 for reception of the compressed gases. This chamber is continued as a passage 52 leading to a discharge port 100. The motor 13 is bolted at its base 16 to the casting 45.

The motor and compressor assembly is held in fixed relation to the tank assembly by a cavity 7 b in its base fitting over a boss 7 on the inner tank 5, and by a boss 14 which is received in a cavity 15 of the cover 3.

A lubricating system for the moving ele ments is shown diagrammatically by the piping 63, 66.

Securely bolted as at 107 to the interior wall of the inner tank 5 is a casting 101, having a cored or bored passage ,102 therethrough. A threaded valve plug 103 is mounted within this casting, to receive a valve 104 having a threaded stem 105. In alinement with the valve is a seat 106 at the end of a passage in registry with a port in the wall of the inner tank 5, as at 108.

The method of employing therefrigerating unit is as follows: -When at rest, with all parts of the unit, the associated discharge pipe D, the expansion valve and expansion coil (not shown) and the return pipe 11 at uniform pressure of refrigerating agent such as sulfur dioxide, the electric motor is set'in motion. The compressor sucks gas from the inner tank and delivers it under pressure into chamber 51 from which it passes through passage 52, past valve 104 when open, through passage 108 to the annular chamber 0. In this chamber 9, the compressed gases are cooled and condensed by cooling coil 9,

and the liquefied product passes out through discharge pipe D for expansion and return through pipe 11 and shut-off valve V, to the inner tank. The cycle contin'r. .s so long as the electric motor is in operation.

Now, if it be desired to inspect or repair any of the moving parts in the inner tank, or to replenish the oil supply in its base, the motor is energized as before, and the valve V closed. The motor and compressor unit now eyacuates the inner tank to a relatively high degree. The return of any compressed gases from the annular chamber 9 and the chamber 51 is prevented by valves 47 and 40. The vacuum in the inner tank may now be relieved by plug 3 The cover 3 may now be removed, when it will be found that only a very slight quantity of sulfur dioxide or other refrigerating agent remains in the inner tank. The valve 104 is now closed, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2, to seal the passage 108 between the tanks; and the entire motor and compressor assembly may be released between castings 45 and 101, and removed for inspection and repair. During this operation, the bolts 4 hold the two tanks together, and seal the compressed gases and liquid in the annular chamber against release.

The replacing of the parts occurs in the reverse manner. The motor and compressor assembly is placed in its allotted position, and casting 51 is bolted fast to casting 101. The valve 104is opened. The cover 3 is replaced, and the air in the inner tank replaced by refrigerating agent. The plug 3 is replaced. When valve V is opened, the system will function as before.

A modified form of valve has been shown in Fig. 3. In this, the valve is operable from the exterior of the outer tank 1, even before the cover 3 is removed. The casting 101 is formed to receive a valve seat 110 for cooperation with a valve head 104 with a threaded stem 105. As before, this valve controls the communication between passages 102 and 108. A packing 111 of wicking or the like is interposed around the stem 105 at the point where it passes through the wall of the inner tank, and a similar packing 113 at the point where it passes through the outer tank. Setting gland nuts 112 and 114 respectively, are employed to maintain the packing tight. The operation and manipulation of the system and its elements is the same as before.

A further modification in the arrangement is shown in Fig. 4, in which the casting 51 is bolted directly to the inner tank 5. A threaded bushing 110 presents a renewable valve seat for the valve head 104 mounted with its stem and operative portion 105 extending through the outer tank 1. For ease of removing and replacing the movable parts of the valve, they are carried by a bushing 114 which may be screwed into the wall of the outer tank 1 so they may be withdrawn v as a unit. A packing 113 is compressed around the stem by the packing ring 114 and the cap 114. In this construction, the valve head 104 may be caused to seal either the communication between the two tanks when in the position shown; or to seal off and cooperate with the packing 113 when in its other end position.

Another feature in the use of the valves is that of convenience when for any reason the motor-compressor unit ceases to function. In such case, the valve V is closed as before; and a short hose connected to the valved nipple 3 (Fig. 5). This valved nipple then permits the gas in the inner tank to be withdrawn and discharged, for example, into water to render it innocuous. A vacuum pump. may be'inserted in this hose line, if desired, and the gas remaining after the free escape has occurred may be pumped out.

It is apparent that although preferred forms of execution have been shown and described in detail, that the invention is not limited to such embodiments, but may be varied witl the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Lettors-Patent, is-

condition preventing reflux of gas from said outer to said inner tank through said compressor, and means to shut oif communicatlon etween said tanks in the inoperative condition of said compressor.

2. In a refrigerating apparatus, a firstand a second tank, a motor and a compressor in said first tank in driving relation and posi-,

tively connected together whereby such assembly may be removed from said first tank as a unit, means to deliver gaseous refrigerant to said first tank, a discharge conduit from said compressor opening into said second tank, and means to close said conduit in the absence of said compressor, whereby said motor and compressor may be removed from said first tank without leakage of refrigerant from said second tank.

3. In a refrigerating apparatus, an outer tank, an inner tank in said outer tank and closing the same, a motor, a compressor in said inner tank in driving relation with said motor, a conduit from said compressor to deliver gas into said outer tank, and means to close said conduit whereby said compressor may be removed from said inner tank without leakage of gas from said outer tank.

4. In a refrigerating apparatus, an outer tank, an inner tank in said outer tank and closing the same, a motor and a compressor in said inner tank in driving relation and positively connected together, a conduit from said compressor to deliver gas into said outer tank, and means to close said conduit whereby said motor and compressor may be removed from said inner tank as a unit without leakage from said outer tank.

5. In a refrigerating apparatus, a condensing tank, a gaseous refrigerant receiving tank forming a seal for said condensing tank, a cover to form a seal for said receiving tank, a conduit between said tanks, and means to close said conduit whereby either of said tanks may be opened without leakage of gas from the other.

6. In a refrigerating unit including inner and outer tanks, the inner of said tanks being removably secured to and sealing the other to form a closed annular chamber therebetween, means to deliver gaseous refrigerant into said inner tank, a removable cover to close said inner tank from the atmosphere, a-

compressor in said inner tank adapted to take said gaseous refrigerant therefrom, a conduit from said. compressor communicating with said annular chamber to deliver compressed gaseous refrigerant thereto, a cooling coil in said annular chamber, and a liquid refrigerant withdrawal conduit leading from the bottom of'said annular chamber. In a refrigerating unit including inner and outer tanks, the inner of said tanks being removably secured to and sealing the other to form a closed annular chamber therebetween, means to deliver gaseous refrigerant into said inner tank, a removable cover to close saidinner tank from the atmosphere, a compressor in said inner tank adapted to take said gaseous refrigerant therefrom, a conduit from said compressor communicating with said annular chamber to deliver compressed gaseous refrigerant thereto, a valve in said conduit to close the passage betweensaid tanks independently of the valves of said compressor, a cooling coil in said annular chamber, and a liquid refrigerant withdrawal conduit leading from the bottom of said annular chamber.

8. In a refrigerating unit including inner and outer tanks, outwardly directed flanges at-the mouths of each of said tanks, the inner of said tanks presenting its flange upon the flange of the outer tank to close the same and to form a closed annular chamber therebetween, means to removably secure said flanges together to seal said annular chamber, means to deliver gaseous refrigerant into said inner tank, a removable cover having a flange to fit the flange of said inner tank and adapted to close said inner tank from the atmosphere, means to secure said cover to said flange of said inner tank, a compressor in said inner tank adapted to take gaseous recompressor communicating with said annular chamber to deliver compressed gaseous refrigerant thereto.

9. In a refrigerating unit including inner and outer tanks, the inner of said tanks being removably secured to and sealing the other to form a closed annular chamber therebetween, a removable cover to close said inner tank from the atmosphere, said cover being uppermost in the assembly of the unit, means establishing communication with the upper part of said inner tank to deliver gaseous refrigerant thereto, said means passing through the walls of said tanks adjacent said cover, a compressor in said inner tank adapted to take said gaseous refrigerant therefrom, a conduit from said compressor communicating with said annular chamber to deliver compressed gaseous refrigerant thereto, said conduit providing a communication through the wall of said inner tank adjacent said cover, and a liquid refrigerant withdrawal conduit leading from the bottom of said annular chamber upwardly and. passing through the wall of said outer tank adjacent sa id cover.

10. In a refrigerating unit including inner and outer tanks, the inner of said tanks being removably secured to and sealing the other to form a closed annular chamber therebetween, means to deliver gaseous refrigerant into said inner tank, a removable cover to close said inner tank from the atmosphere, a motor and a compressor in said inner tank exposed to gaseous refrigerant and in drivin relation with each other, said compressor taking said gaseous refrigerant from said inner tank, and a conduit from said compressor communicating with said annular chamber to deliver compressed gaseous refrigerant thereto.

11. In a refrigerating unit including inner and outer tanks, the inner of said tanks being removably secured to and sealing the other to form a closed annular chamber therebetween, said inner tank having a supply of lubricating oil therein, means to' cool said outer tank whereby to condense refrigerant therein to establish a liquid refrigerant level at the bottom .thereof, a removable cover to close said inner tank from the atmosphere,

a motor and a compressor in said inner tank exposed to gaseous refrigerant and in driving relation with each other, said compressor taking said gaseous refrigerant from said inner tank, and a conduit from said compressor communicating with said annular chamher to deliver compressed gaseous refrigerant thereto.

12. In a refrigerating apparatus, an outer tank, means connected with the outer tank to effect condensation of the gaseous refrigerant therein, an inner tank in said outer tank, means to close said tanks against the atmosphere, a conduit to deliver gaseous refrigerant to said inner tank, a motor and a compressor in said 1nner tank, said inner tank being adapted to have a-level of lubricating oil in the bottom thereof, said compressor taking the gaseous refrigerant from the said inner tank at a point removed from said .lu-

bricating oil and compressing it, said compressor being driven by said motor, and a conduit leading the compressed gaseous refrigerant from said compressor into said outer tank, whereby the lubricating oil in said inner tank is maintained free from condensed refrigerant liquid and the condensed refrigerant liquid in said outer tank is maintained substantially free from lubricating oil.

13. In a refrigerating apparatus, an outer tank, means connected with the outer tank to efiect the condensation of the gaseous refri erant therein, an inner tank in said outer tan and adapted to contain lubricating oil for the apparatus, a conduit to deliver gaseous refrigerant to said inner tank, a motor, a compressor in said inner tank and taklng gaseous refrigerant therefrom and driven from said motor, a conduit discharging compressed gaseous refrigerant from said compressor into said outer tank, means to seal said tanks from each other and from the atmosphere except through said conduits, and means to close said conduits whereby the therein, a motor, a compressor in the inner tank and driven by said motor and comprising a crank case having communication with the inner tank, said com ressor having a cylinder and a piston mova le therein, said piston including an inlet valve for the ,compressor whereby gaseous refrigerant may pass from the inner tank through the crank case and said valve into the cylinder, and a delivery conduit from said compressor opening into said outer tank.

15. Inv a refrigerating apparatus, two tanks mounted one within another, means connected with the outer tank to effect condensation of the gaseous refrigerant therein,

a motor in said inner tank, a compressor in said inner tank and driven by said motor, said motor and compressor being exposed to gaseous refrigerant in said inner tank to be cooled thereby, means to deliver gaseous refrigerant to said inner tank, and a delivery conduit from said compressor opening into said outer tank.

In testimony whereof, I afiix my si ature.

LUCIEN L. TOR EY.

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