Isothermal (almost) compression of gas by water injection

[pranj5]

http://www.fluidmechanics.co.uk/
I have found this by searching net. The inventor claimed that by using a new kind of piston fitted with fins, he achieved almost isothermal compression and greatly reduced the power consumption process. I want to know how much theoretically sound it is.

 

[Andrew Mason]

http://www.fluidmechanics.co.uk/
I have found this by searching net. The inventor claimed that by using a new kind of piston fitted with fins, he achieved almost isothermal compression and greatly reduced the power consumption process. I want to know how much theoretically sound it is.

If it is slow, the cylinder may be able to dissipate heat sufficiently quickly during a compression to prevent significant temperature increase. It requires much less work to compress the gas if heat is dissipated during compression to keep the temperature constant. So whether it works or not depends on how fast the compression is.

AM

 

[pranj5]

What you have said is already known. But, this process is different. It's sufficiently fast (1500 rpm), but still can control the temperature rise by using water. It's the uniqueness of this technology, which is simultaneously fast and isothermal.

 

[Andrew Mason]

What you have said is already known. But, this process is different. It's sufficiently fast (1500 rpm), but still can control the temperature rise by using water. It's the uniqueness of this technology, which is simultaneously fast and isothermal.

I thought you were asking whether it is theoretically possible. It is. Whether it actually works is a different question.

AM

 

[pranj5]

As per the claims on the website, they have done it.

 

[Mech_Engineer]

This seems to be a detailed analysis of a water-injection-cooled compression cycle process: DEVELOPMENT OF A RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR USING WATER INJECTION TO ACHIEVE QUASIISOTHERMAL COMPRESSION

ABSTRACT
A novel kind of reciprocating air compressor is being developed, in which quasi-isothermal compression is achieved by the injection of a large quantity of water through spray nozzles inside the compressor. The compressor is mainly intended as a part of a new thermodynamic cycle for efficient power generation, but it could be used in stand-alone applications as well. Due to the high density and heat capacity of the liquid water spray, the temperature increases only slightly during compression. The water is not consumed but separated from the pressurized air, cooled and re-used, offering options for heat recovery. A compression ratio of up to 1:30 can be realized in a single cylinder. Results from a test rig and a full-scale compressor prototype are presented.

 

[RonL]

Sounds to me much the same principal that Sullair has used in their screw compressors for many years ?

http://www.sullube.com/#facts

 

[pranj5]

This seems to be a detailed analysis of a water-injection-cooled compression cycle process: DEVELOPMENT OF A RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR USING WATER INJECTION TO ACHIEVE QUASIISOTHERMAL COMPRESSION

That simply means that by controlling the temperature, we can reduce power consumption for gas. I am just curious that whether the steam will be applicable to steam/vapour or not.

 

[Nidum]

Wet bottom compressors and compressors with water injection are old technology . Noah probably used them in his ark .

 

[Mech_Engineer]

That simply means that by controlling the temperature, we can reduce power consumption for gas. I am just curious that whether the steam will be applicable to steam/vapour or not.

Your thread title reflects exactly the topic in the white paper link provided.

 

[pranj5]

Actually, I am more interested to know that whether such power consumption reduction can be achieved even for steam/vapour or not.