Discharge Tube Design for Reciprocating Compressor – How to Do it Right the First Time and Quickly

摘要

In order to remain competitive in compressors business by improving quality and reducing launching deadlines, therncompanies face everyday new challenges related to research and development of compressors. Thus, the applicationrnof numerical simulations becomes crucial to design success due to the possibility and viability of virtual modelsrnevaluations in most engineering areas. In addition to product optimization, these numerical tools are also capable ofrnprovide manufacturing solutions, propose assembly methods and evaluate target deviations due to geometricrntolerances and material properties variability. This strategy significantly increases the probability of project successrnby avoiding redesigns and unanticipated problems during manufacturing and applications (design it right the firstrntime). Furthermore, the union of Finite Element Method and Design for Six Sigma becomes an effective tool which,rncombined with powerful hardware and numerical resources, allows the development of designs each day morernrobust. Specifically in this article, it will be presented some methods currently used in designing compressorsrndischarge tubes based on finite element models, component robustness analysis, geometric deviations evaluation andrneven the knowledge about manufacturing, simulating machines and tools used to produce the tubes. The validationrnof numerical results with experimental data is critical to the credibility of the methodology used.