Journal of Kryvyi Rih National University

Abstract

Determination and substantiation of an efficient compressed air cooling system in turbochargers. Theoretical research methods (analysis, synthesis, abstraction, generalization) are used in the work. The regularities of the processes that take place during contact cooling of compressed air in turbochargers have been further developed. Pneumatic energy is widely used in many industries. Along with steam, electricity, mechanical and hydraulic energy, compressed air is used to automate and mechanize various production processes. Turbochargers are mainly used for the production of compressed air on an industrial scale. A prerequisite for the normal operation of turbochargers is the cooling of compressed air, which significantly reduces the required power. Shell and tube heat exchangers are most often used, but in the process of operation there is a deterioration in efficiency due to contamination of heat exchange surfaces. Contact heat exchangers are promising coolers. Recommendations for the industrial use of contact cooling system with cooling and dehumidification of compressed air, the principle of which is the direct contact of compressed air and cooling water. Water is injected into the air duct of the compressor after each compression section and thus cools the air. The separation of water takes place in special drop catchers, which are installed before the next section. Water with this method of cooling can be heated only to the temperature of a wet bulb thermometer under conditions (temperature, pressure and humidity). The main advantage of this method is the high intensity of heat transfer due to the lack of separating surfaces prone to scale contamination. The disadvantage is a somewhat complicated, compared to the traditional, water supply scheme. As a result of the analysis of literature sources it is established that a promising apparatus for contact cooling of compressed air in turbochargers is a Venturi tube - a centrifugal separator, as it combines high heat and mass transfer and relatively low hydraulic resistance. But the rational parameters of contact air coolers are determined only for the nominal mode of operation of the turbocharger under normal initial conditions, so additional research is needed to establish rational parameters of contact air coolers in different modes than nominal.

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Retrieved from Vol. 19, No. 2, 2021

Pages 107–112