Improving the lifetime of an electro-compressor for autoclave with optimized buffer tank

Abstract

In order to increase the research capabilities in the field of lowweight intelligent materials and high structural performance, and also to increase energy efficiency, a study was conducted on improving the operating time of a hot air autoclave compressor with a buffer tank. The booster screw electro-compressor of 200 kW is designed to compress technological air to the installation’s necessary parameters at 1 ppm air purity, and the pressurized buffer tank is designed to reduce the number of start-ups of the compressor unit and its motor, in order to increase its lifespan. The pressure can vary in the designed buffer tank from 7 to 26 bar (abs). The autoclave parameters record thermodynamic modifications as it heats up to 400 °C at the working pressure. Cool air is required during the cooling process. The air mass exchanged during operation for cooling down to atmospheric temperature was calculated. The data obtained was used for validating an optimally designed buffer tank within the required operational parameters limits, set and acquired by the custom-made automation system.