Liquid ring pump control

Abstract

A control system comprising: a suction line; an exhaust line; an operating liquid line; a liquid ring pump comprising a suction input coupled to the suction line, an exhaust output coupled to the exhaust line, and a liquid input coupled to the operating liquid line; one or more regulating devices configured to control flow of the operating liquid into the liquid ring pump; a first sensor configured to measure a first parameter of an exhaust fluid of the liquid ring pump; a second sensor configured to measure a second parameter of an operating liquid received by the liquid ring pump; and a controller operatively coupled to the sensors and the regulating device(s), and configured to control the regulating device(s) based on measurements by the sensors.

Description

[0001]This application is a national stage entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT / IB2019 / 052066, filed Mar. 14, 2019, which claims the benefit of GB Application 1804108.7, filed Mar. 14, 2018. The entire contents of International Application No. PCT / IB2019 / 052066 and GB Application 1804108.7 are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates to the control of liquid ring pumps.BACKGROUND[0003]Liquid ring pumps are a known type of pump which are typically commercially used as vacuum pumps and as gas compressors. Liquid ring pumps typically include a housing with a chamber therein, a shaft extending into the chamber, an impeller mounted to the shaft, and a drive system such as a motor operably connected to the shaft to drive the shaft. The impeller and shaft are positioned eccentrically within the chamber of the liquid ring pump.[0004]In operation, the chamber is partially filled with an operating liquid (also known as a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present inventors have realised it is desirable to provide for controlling of operating liquid temperature and / or pressure of a liquid ring pump in a way that minimises operating liquid and power consumption. Such control advantageously tends to reduce operating costs of the liquid ring pump.

[0009]The present inventors have further realised it is desirable to provide for controlling of a liquid ring pump in a way that prevents or opposes cavitation in that liquid ring vacuum pump. Cavitation tends to be a significant cause of wear and failure in certain liquid ring pumps, especially those operating at a low-pressure / high-vacuum condition. Such control advantageously tends to reduce or eliminate wear caused by cavitation.

Problems solved by technology

Accordingly, liquid ring pumps can consume considerable amounts of fresh water.

Cavitation tends to be a significant cause of wear and failure in certain liquid ring pumps, especially those operating at a low-pressure / high-vacuum condition.

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