WO1999047211A1 - Static electricity dissipation in air compressors - Google Patents
Static electricity dissipation in air compressors Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999047211A1 WO1999047211A1 PCT/US1999/005744 US9905744W WO9947211A1 WO 1999047211 A1 WO1999047211 A1 WO 1999047211A1 US 9905744 W US9905744 W US 9905744W WO 9947211 A1 WO9947211 A1 WO 9947211A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- air
- compressor
- compound
- oil
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C3/00—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places
- A62C3/06—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places of highly inflammable material, e.g. light metals, petroleum products
Definitions
- This invention relates to compressor fluids, such as those used in air
- PAO polyalphaolefin
- POE polyolester
- PAO fluids are sold for use in air compressors under various brand names, including: Sullube 32. sold by Sullair Corporation of Michigan City. Indiana: AEON 9000. sold by Gardner Denver. Inc. of Quincy. Illinois; Quin-Syn series, sold by Quincy Compressor Division of Coltec Industries of Quincy. Illinois: and Roto Inject fluid. sold by Atlas Copco Air Power of Wilrijk. Belgium.
- the compressor fluid or oil is used not only for sealing and cooling but also for lubrication, and for this purpose some of the oil becomes suspended in the air stream.
- Air-oil separators are typically used to remove suspended oil mist from the air stream before the compressed air is discharged.
- the separator allows the discharged air to be used without the contamination of oil and provides for the recovery of the oil so that it can be reused.
- the air-oil separator is typically mounted in a housing or tank having a separation chamber through which the air flows above an oil reservoir.
- the separator includes coalescing media through which the discharge air passes while the oil is separated from the air flow.
- the coalescing media is cylindrically shaped and is typically mounted vertically, that is, in which the axis of the cylindrical coalescing media extends in a vertical direction.
- the oil-laden air usually enters the separation chamber from outside the air-oil separator and flows into the center of the separator where it then flows axially out of the separation chamber. As the air flows radially through the layers of the separator, the oil coalesces and collects in the interior of the separator where it can be syphoned off or drained into the reservoir, typically by means of a scavenging system, so that it can be reused.
- the flow directions may also be reversed in which the oil-laden air is introduced into the center of the air-oil separator and flows radially outwardly through the separator with the oil coalescing and collecting on the outside of the separator where it drains into a reservoir.
- the present invention provides for addressing the problem of static electricity build-up in the oil in air streams of air compressor systems by providing for the dissipation of static electricity in the compressor fluid.
- the compressor fluid is treated with an electrically static dissipative compound, making the compressor fluid less susceptible to static electricity build-up. and thus reducing or dissipating the potential static charge in the compressor air stream before it reaches a potentially flammable and dangerous condition.
- the electrically static dissipative composition may be added to the compressor fluid in several ways.
- the static dissipative composition may be added directly to the compressor fluid or oil already in the compressor, increasing the electrical conductivity of the suspended mist of oil in the air stream and dissipating any static charge in the air stream before it reaches potentially dangerous levels.
- the air-oil separator may be coated or impregnated with the electrically static dissipative composition. This composition -4-
- a compressor fluid which is dielectric such as those comprising primarily PAO, could be treated with the static dissipative compound during its manufacture, so that when the compressor fluid is replaced by the user, the new fluid has increased conductivity.
- a method of operating an air compressor which comprises the steps of providing a discharge air stream; using an electrically insulative compressor fluid for cooling and lubrication, droplets of such fluid being suspended in the air stream: and treating the compressor fluid by adding a static dissipative compound to the fluid to increase the electrical conductivity of the fluid and prevent excessive static charge build-up. the addition of the compound changing the droplets in the air stream from insulative to static dissipative.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of an oil reservoir tank assembly with an air-oil separator which may be used as part of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is side elevational view of an oil filter for an air compressor system which may be used as part of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the oil filter of FIG. 2. -5-
- FIG. 4 is a graph showing the conductivity effect of various concentrations of
- the tank assembly 10 comprises a body 11 having a reservoir 12
- the upper portion of the body 11 forms a separation chamber 0 13.
- the top of the separation chamber 13 is enclosed by a tank cover 14 which is 1 attached to the body 11 by a plurality of bolts or other suitable fastening devices with 2 a tank seal or gasket provided between the body and the tank cover.
- An air inlet 15 3 is provided on one side of the body 11 for air to enter the separation chamber 13.
- the 4 air flows from the separation chamber through a passage (not shown) in the tank 5 cover 14 and through an air outlet 16 provided in the tank cover.
- 6 within the separation chamber 13 may be a pre-separation configuration, such 7 as a generally cylindrical shroud 18 which diverts the incoming air flow from the air 8 inlet 15 and causes the air to flow down and around the shroud.
- a safety valve 17 2 is also provided in the body 11 extending through the shroud 18.
- the safety valve 3 17 is a pressure relief valve which opens in the event that air pressure inside the 4 shroud 18 increases above a predetermined level. The air flow then passes upwardly -6-
- the separator 19 typically
- ? comprises two or more coaxially arranged layers, including an upstream coalescing
- separator 19 also preferably includes an outer wrap layer on the exterior of the
- a scavenging tube 20 extends downwardly from the tank cover 14 into the 3 separation chamber inside the separator 19. Oil draining from the separator 19 can 4 be withdrawn therefrom using the scavenging tube 20. 5
- the compressor fluid or oil which is stored in the reservoir 12 and used in the 6 air compressor is a liquid which may consist primarily of polyalphaolefin (PAO). a 7 substance which is dielectric, that is, nonconductive or insulative. and which was 8 developed for use in cooling electrical power transformers.
- PAO polyalphaolefin
- the terms 9 ""conductive,” “static dissipative” and '"insulative " have generally the same meaning 0 as defined by the Electrostatic Discharge Association (ESD Association) of Rome. 1 New York.
- a material or substance which is considered to be “conductive” has a 2 conductivity of less than 10 D ohms per square unit of surface area.
- a material or 3 substance which is considered to be '"static dissipative” has a conductivity of 10 D to 4 10 12 ohms per square unit of surface area.
- a material or substance which is 5 considered to be ""insulative" has a conductivity of greater than 10 12 ohms per square 6 unit of surface area.
- Compressor fluids such as those which are PAO-based fluids 7 fall within this ""insulative" range. Therefore, the small droplets or mist of the -7-
- this compressor fluid or oil is treated
- liquid which is an electrically static dissipative compound, or anti-static agent.
- separator 19 may be coated or impregnated with the electrically static dissipative
- the separator would thus act as a dispenser, dispensing an
- the separator itself must be electrically conductively mounted in the tank assembly. In other words, the separator must be grounded. It has been known to electrically ground air-oil separators by providing metal staples in the rubber gaskets. However, this process may adversely effect the effectiveness of the gaskets. It is preferred to coat the rubber seal or urethane potting compound which is used to hold the ends of the separator layers with the static dissipative material. In this manner. the entire separator 19 may be grounded to the body of the tank assembly, which is itself grounded.
- the static dissipative material could be coated onto the gasket or urethane potting layer, or it could be mixed with the urethane prior to the curing of the urethane. making the urethane static dissipative. by reducing the resistance of the urethane to, for example. 10 ⁇ to 10 9 ohms.
- the oil filter can also be used as a dispenser for the electrically static dissipative material.
- An example of an oil filter used in an air compressor is shown in the oil filter 21 of FIG. 2.
- the oil filter 21 is a spin-on filter having a rugged external casing 22 and an internal thread 23 at one end separating two concentric channels 24 and 25 used for the oil inlet and outlet.
- the filter 21 is mounted by its threaded connection 23 to the oil supply on or near the reservoir 12.
- Inside the casing 22 is one or more layers of filter media 26. each comprised of any suitable combination of materials used in oil filtering, such as fiberglass, polyester, polypropylene or metal, some of which may be pleated in a conventional manner, or which may be molded, formed, wrapped or otherwise shaped.
- One or more these layers may be coated or impregnated with the static dissipative compound. If a sufficient amount of the static dissipative compound is impregnated into the oil filter 21. it will slowly leach out into the oil. Since the oil filter 21, like the separator 19, is changed at regular intervals in most compressor systems, each new separator will bring a new supply of the static dissipative compound which will continue to treat the -9-
- the compressor fluid may be treated with the additive initially during its manufacture, so that the amount of anti-static additive will not be dependent upon the amount of material added to the fluid in use. Treating the compressor fluid initially may be preferred in new systems or when the compressor fluid is completely replaced in an existing system.
- the result of adding the electrically static dissipative compound or anti-static agent to compressor fluid is to increase significantly the electrical conductivity of the fluid.
- Tests have been conducted using a commonly used commercial PAO-based compressor fluid, and adding various levels of a static dissipative agent to the fluid.
- the electrical conductivity of the fluid was then measured using the standard test method ASTM D 4308, which applies to the determination of the electrical conductivity of aviation fuels and other similar low-conductivity hydrocarbon liquids in the range of 0.1 to 2000 picosiemens per meter (pS/m). Picosiemens per meter (pS/m) is the common unit of electric conductivity, with a siemen being the reciprocal of an ohm.
- the fluid By raising the conductivity of the fluid to 1 pS/m, the fluid becomes "static dissipative."
- the conductivity of the fluid is raised to 50 pS/m or higher by the addition of the additive in order for the fluid to have sufficient static dissipative properties that dangerous levels of static charge build-up are avoided. It can be seen that such levels of electrical conductivity can be achieved with the addition of small levels of an anti-static agent to compressor fluids.
- Other variations and modifications of the specific embodiments herein shown and described will be apparent to those skilled in the art. all within the intended spirit and scope of the invention. While the invention has been shown and described with ⁇ 1 1 -
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Compressor (AREA)
- Elimination Of Static Electricity (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU30932/99A AU3093299A (en) | 1998-03-16 | 1999-03-16 | Static electricity dissipation in air compressors |
JP2000536443A JP2002506945A (en) | 1998-03-16 | 1999-03-16 | Dissipation of static electricity in air compressor |
CA002321521A CA2321521A1 (en) | 1998-03-16 | 1999-03-16 | Static electricity dissipation in air compressors |
EP99912588A EP1064054A4 (en) | 1998-03-16 | 1999-03-16 | Static electricity dissipation in air compressors |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US7819398P | 1998-03-16 | 1998-03-16 | |
US60/078,193 | 1998-03-16 | ||
US8742598P | 1998-06-01 | 1998-06-01 | |
US60/087,425 | 1998-06-01 | ||
US8874998P | 1998-06-10 | 1998-06-10 | |
US60/088,749 | 1998-06-10 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999047211A1 true WO1999047211A1 (en) | 1999-09-23 |
Family
ID=27373231
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1999/005744 WO1999047211A1 (en) | 1998-03-16 | 1999-03-16 | Static electricity dissipation in air compressors |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1064054A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002506945A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1293583A (en) |
AU (1) | AU3093299A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2321521A1 (en) |
TR (1) | TR200002639T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999047211A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6797025B2 (en) | 1998-02-28 | 2004-09-28 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Conically shaped air-oil separator |
WO2005049177A1 (en) | 2003-11-17 | 2005-06-02 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Separator arrangement for gas/liquid separation; apparatus; and, methods |
US8557007B2 (en) | 2005-01-19 | 2013-10-15 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Air/oil separator and inlet baffle arrangement |
US8758467B2 (en) | 2007-03-20 | 2014-06-24 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Aerosol separator assembly; components; and methods |
US8834610B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2014-09-16 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Crankcase ventilation filter arrangments; components; and, methods |
US9114339B2 (en) | 2007-02-23 | 2015-08-25 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Formed filter element |
US9353481B2 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2016-05-31 | Donldson Company, Inc. | Method and apparatus for forming a fibrous media |
US9353658B2 (en) | 2007-08-02 | 2016-05-31 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Crankcase ventilation filter assembly; components; and methods |
US9795906B2 (en) | 2004-11-05 | 2017-10-24 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Filter medium and breather filter structure |
USRE47737E1 (en) | 2004-11-05 | 2019-11-26 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Filter medium and structure |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR101479727B1 (en) * | 2013-05-29 | 2015-01-06 | (주)코리아씰팩 | Air oil separating apparatus for compressor |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4378851A (en) * | 1980-09-08 | 1983-04-05 | Quad Environmental Technologies Corporation | Method for inhibiting explosions |
US4378920A (en) * | 1980-07-15 | 1983-04-05 | The Boeing Company | Combustibly inert air supply system and method |
US5099976A (en) * | 1990-10-19 | 1992-03-31 | W. B. Jamison Limited Partnership | Fire extinguishing apparatus for compressors |
-
1999
- 1999-03-16 JP JP2000536443A patent/JP2002506945A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-03-16 CA CA002321521A patent/CA2321521A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-03-16 EP EP99912588A patent/EP1064054A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-03-16 CN CN 99804047 patent/CN1293583A/en active Pending
- 1999-03-16 WO PCT/US1999/005744 patent/WO1999047211A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-03-16 AU AU30932/99A patent/AU3093299A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-03-16 TR TR2000/02639T patent/TR200002639T2/en unknown
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4378920A (en) * | 1980-07-15 | 1983-04-05 | The Boeing Company | Combustibly inert air supply system and method |
US4378851A (en) * | 1980-09-08 | 1983-04-05 | Quad Environmental Technologies Corporation | Method for inhibiting explosions |
US5099976A (en) * | 1990-10-19 | 1992-03-31 | W. B. Jamison Limited Partnership | Fire extinguishing apparatus for compressors |
Cited By (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6797025B2 (en) | 1998-02-28 | 2004-09-28 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Conically shaped air-oil separator |
WO2005049177A1 (en) | 2003-11-17 | 2005-06-02 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Separator arrangement for gas/liquid separation; apparatus; and, methods |
USRE47737E1 (en) | 2004-11-05 | 2019-11-26 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Filter medium and structure |
US11504663B2 (en) | 2004-11-05 | 2022-11-22 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Filter medium and breather filter structure |
USRE49097E1 (en) | 2004-11-05 | 2022-06-07 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Filter medium and structure |
US10610813B2 (en) | 2004-11-05 | 2020-04-07 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Filter medium and breather filter structure |
US9795906B2 (en) | 2004-11-05 | 2017-10-24 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Filter medium and breather filter structure |
US8557007B2 (en) | 2005-01-19 | 2013-10-15 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Air/oil separator and inlet baffle arrangement |
US9114339B2 (en) | 2007-02-23 | 2015-08-25 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Formed filter element |
US8758467B2 (en) | 2007-03-20 | 2014-06-24 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Aerosol separator assembly; components; and methods |
US9737839B2 (en) | 2007-03-20 | 2017-08-22 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Aerosol separator assembly; components; and, methods |
US8834610B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2014-09-16 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Crankcase ventilation filter arrangments; components; and, methods |
US9752474B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2017-09-05 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Filter arrangements; components; and, methods |
US10837331B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2020-11-17 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Filter arrangements; components; and, methods |
US9353658B2 (en) | 2007-08-02 | 2016-05-31 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Crankcase ventilation filter assembly; components; and methods |
US10316468B2 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2019-06-11 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Fibrous media |
US9885154B2 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2018-02-06 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Fibrous media |
US9353481B2 (en) | 2009-01-28 | 2016-05-31 | Donldson Company, Inc. | Method and apparatus for forming a fibrous media |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2321521A1 (en) | 1999-09-23 |
JP2002506945A (en) | 2002-03-05 |
TR200002639T2 (en) | 2001-02-21 |
EP1064054A4 (en) | 2001-04-04 |
AU3093299A (en) | 1999-10-11 |
EP1064054A1 (en) | 2001-01-03 |
CN1293583A (en) | 2001-05-02 |
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