An optimization of the star-wheel profile in a single screw compressor

Abstract

Single screw compressors have been used in various industrial fields, but the star-wheel does not have a good durability as expected. Good hydrodynamic lubrication states can enhance the wear resistance of the star-wheel. However, the imbalance of the lubricant film forces which act on the front flank and the back flank of the star-wheel tooth have a great influence on the lubrication between the meshing pair. In order to improve the lubrication, an approach for optimization of the star-wheel profile is developed, and the optimization goal is proposed in this paper. Column envelope profile meshing pair in an oil-flooded single screw compressor is taken as an optimization example. After optimization, the lubrication states in clearance between the groove flanks and the teeth flanks are improved. The meshing pairs with optimal profile are applied in an oil single screw compressor, and the experiment data supports the optimization approach well.