Damped volume

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for separating two media, having an inner wall (50) and an outer wall (51). At least one space (52) is formed between the inner wall (50) and the outer wall (51). A material (53) is integrated in the space (52).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for separating two media, comprising an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein at least one space is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall. Background Art

[0002] When used in centrifugal pumps and / or accessories, this arrangement is used to separate two media, such as different fluids.

[0003] Centrifugal pumps are based on the principle of transferring energy to a fluid by changing its angular momentum due to the torque generated by a uniformly rotating impeller on the fluid flowing through it. Centrifugal pumps have a mostly spiral-shaped housing in which an impeller equipped with blades rotates at a high speed.

[0004] A magnetic clutch pump (Magnetkupplungspume) has such an arrangement for separating two media and is a centrifugal pump without a shaft seal, in which the shaft torque of the drive is transmitted magnetically using a permanent magnet clutch. The magnetic clutch consists of an outer rotor rigidly connected to the motor shaft and an inner rotor connected to the pump shaft. The two rotors are equipped with permanent magnets so that the opposite magnetic poles are facing each other. If the outer rotor is driven, the inner rotor also runs synchronously and thus rotates the pump impeller. Complete sealing is achieved by installing a separation arrangement, the so-called gap pot, in the gap between the outer rotor and the inner rotor.

[0005] The use of a gap pot between the primary and secondary parts creates a seal between these components, preventing, for example, liquids or gases from entering the primary from the secondary side. This is particularly crucial when using a magnetic clutch in a pump. In this case, the pump's impeller and the secondary part of the magnetic clutch are arranged together on a common shaft, while the primary part is connected to the motor shaft. Depending on the pumped medium, it should be avoided that the medium enters the primary or motor through the gap pot.

[0006] Due to a fault or malfunction, the primary and / or secondary parts can directly damage the gap tank. Alternatively, the gap tank can be damaged by magnetic or non-magnetic solids in the conveying medium. However, such damage can only be detected with difficulty during continuous operation. Therefore, double-walled gap tanks have proven themselves in practice. A gap is arranged between the walls, which can be continuously monitored with the aid of monitoring sensors, thus detecting any damage to the gap tank.

[0007] WO 2020 / 212250 A1 discloses a gap pot for a magnetic clutch, comprising a cylindrical outer peripheral region and a bottom region connected to a first end of the outer peripheral region. At least the outer peripheral region comprises an inner wall and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are radially separated from each other by a gap. According to the present invention, the inner wall is integrally connected to the outer wall via a plurality of tabs. According to the present invention, leakage of the gap pot can be determined by monitoring the internal gap using a control medium.

[0008] Fittings are components used to change and control the flow of substances and are used in particular in pipe lines and containers for fluids.

[0009] Bellows are elastic, “accordion-like” folded hoses that are attached to machine parts that slide mechanically against one another for protection, in order to protect them from external influences, in particular contamination, and to seal them off from the environment.

[0010] In valves for use in the chemical industry, bellows are used to heat-tightly seal a moving valve component relative to a stationary component.

[0011] It is already known to use additive manufacturing methods to produce arrangements for separating two media. In additive manufacturing, components are created by adding material. A characteristic of additive manufacturing methods is that the manufacturing process is tool- and mold-free, directly based on 3D CAD data. This increases manufacturing flexibility compared to conventional manufacturing methods. Furthermore, it enables the production of particularly delicate and complex components.

[0012] However, additively manufactured components have the disadvantage that they have significantly lower damping and significantly lower thermal conductivity than components produced by conventional manufacturing methods.

[0013] Furthermore, new European safety regulations require additional protection for safety-relevant components. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement for separating two media that is characterized by improved damping and improved heat conduction. Furthermore, the arrangement for separating the two media should comply with current safety requirements. Furthermore, the arrangement should be characterized by a compact design. The arrangement should be simple and cost-effective to implement.

[0015] According to the invention, this object is achieved by an arrangement for separating two media. Preferred variants can be found in the parallel independent claims, the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0016] According to the invention, a material is integrated into the space.

[0017] Space is defined by three mutually orthogonal dimensions: length, width, and height. It delimits its contents through its walls and thus forms a geometric body.

[0018] At least one space of the arrangement is formed between the inner and outer walls. In the simplest embodiment of the invention, there is only one space between the walls of the arrangement. This space can extend completely between the walls or can extend only in small areas of the walls.

[0019] Alternatively, two and / or more and / or a large number of spaces extending side by side and / or in parallel may be formed between the walls of the arrangement. These spaces may have a connecting portion, or may be designed without a connecting portion. Such a connecting portion may preferably be constructed in the form of a through-hole.

[0020] In a narrower sense, a material as a raw material is a substance in a solid, aggregated state from which components and structures can be produced.

[0021] The material can preferably be in granular or powdery or granular or particulate form.

[0022] Ideally, the material is configured as a flowable material. For this purpose, the material can be implemented as a flowable bulk or fine material.

[0023] Flowability is the ability of a bulk material or fine material to flow vertically under defined conditions. The flowability of a bulk material is determined by its composition and the properties of its particles. Examples of influencing parameters include grain size, grain size distribution, grain surface properties, and adhering moisture.

[0024] Flow capacity is usually stated as the time it takes for a specified sample volume to drain from a defined hopper. The corresponding practices are standardized: ISO 6186 specifies flow time as drain time in seconds. ISO 4490, ASTM B213, ASTM B855, and ASTM B964 specify flow capacity as drain time in seconds, or s / 20 cm. 3 .

[0025] In an advantageous variant of the invention, the material is configured in the form of agglomerated particles.

[0026] Ideally, the space is filled with at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, in particular at least 30% of material and / or with less than 90%, preferably less than 80%, in particular less than 70% of material.

[0027] Integration refers to the process of combining into a superordinate entity, wherein the material is accommodated in a superordinate entity of an arrangement for separating two fluids.

[0028] Ideally, the material is integrated and / or incorporated and / or joined into a larger whole, particularly the space in which the structure is arranged.

[0029] Preferably, the material is integrally integrated into at least one space of the arrangement. This integral integration is achieved by joining the materials together in the space. This prevents the material from leaving the space. Furthermore, the material cannot be subsequently joined into the space.

[0030] Advantageously, the material is introduced into the space in a captive manner, which means that the material can neither be subsequently joined nor removed from the space.

[0031] In a particularly preferred variant of the present invention, the material in the space and the material of the wall are made of the same material, in particular are constructed identically. Thus, the wall of the space and the material itself are uniformly composed of one substance.

[0032] Preferably, the inner wall is constructed in one piece with the outer wall. Thus, the arrangement for separating the two fluids is implemented completely in one piece.

[0033] In a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, at least one sensor is arranged in this space.

[0034] Such a sensor can be implemented in the form of a monitoring sensor which is designed so that it can detect damage to the inner and / or outer wall. The sensor can preferably detect the dew point, temperature, oxygen content, pressure and / or conductivity in the room and / or the control medium in the room.

[0035] If dew point monitoring is used, the monitoring sensor is a dew point sensor that continuously monitors the dew point of the liquid control medium. If the wall is damaged, fluid may penetrate into the space and mix with the control medium. This causes a change in the dew point.

[0036] Alternatively, the space can be filled with a gaseous control medium, such as argon or another inert gas, wherein the sensor is implemented as an oxygen sensor. For example, if an oxygen-containing fluid intrudes into the space, the oxygen content changes and the sensor signal can be used to generate an alarm message.

[0037] Independently of the embodiment of the sensor, the control medium is preferably a non-reactive fluid.

[0038] Advantageous monitoring of the space using at least one sensor provides additional protection for the operation of safety-related components. By appropriately integrating the sensor into a higher-level monitoring system or process control system, the "second line of defense" requirements of current safety regulations can be met without the need for additional packaging of safety-related components.

[0039] In another embodiment variant, the space is fluid-free and / or gas-free. Alternatively, the space can also have a vacuum.

[0040] When the arrangement is designed as a gap pot or a bellows, the space can extend in the circumferential direction of the arrangement.

[0041] In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the separating webs are arranged circumferentially between the inner and outer walls and extend in the longitudinal direction. In this context, the longitudinal direction refers to a direction oriented parallel to the outer circumference of the arrangement. For example, the number and spacing of the webs can be the result of mechanical and thermal optimization to reduce eddy current losses.

[0042] However, the present invention also encompasses further alternative design variants for the separating tabs. Thus, for example, spiral designs, arc-shaped embodiments, and penetrations into spaces arranged both longitudinally and circumferentially are possible. Furthermore, the various alternatives can also be combined with one another. By using separating tabs extending in the longitudinal direction on the one hand and in the circumferential direction on the other, a grid-like arrangement of tabs in space can be achieved.

[0043] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, material is integrated into the space, which is formed by a one-piece wall. This is preferably done during additive manufacturing of the arrangement. Here, the space is formed from powdered material by selectively melting the powder, for example, using selective laser melting or a powder bed method. However, instead of meticulously removing excess powder, this excess powder remains in place. As a result, when the space is formed, any excess material in the space is completely enclosed.

[0044] According to the invention, in a method for producing an arrangement, a material is integrated into a space, and the inner and outer walls are produced by the selective action of radiation on the material.

[0045] Ideally, the arrangement for separating two fluids is manufactured additively. Additive manufacturing allows for complex designs of the arrangement, with the material being integrated spatially. Furthermore, individually adapted individual pieces of the arrangement can be produced extremely quickly and in accordance with requirements.

[0046] The arrangement for separating two fluids is produced using additive manufacturing methods. The term additive manufacturing encompasses all manufacturing methods in which material is applied layer by layer, thereby creating a three-dimensional, one-piece wall and at least one space. The layered structure is computer-controlled from one or more liquid or solid materials according to predetermined dimensions and shapes. Physical or chemical hardening or melting processes occur within the structure. Typical raw materials used for 3D printing are plastics, synthetic resins, ceramics, metals, carbon, and graphite.

[0047] In order to form the arrangement, selective laser melting and cladding, also called cladding welding, are used in particular. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, extrusion combined with cladding of a fusible plastic is a possible method.

[0048] During selective laser melting, the arrangement for separating two fluids is produced according to the following method, wherein a layer of structural material is first applied to a base layer. Preferably, the structural material used to produce the arrangement is a small metal powder. In a variant of the invention, iron- and / or cobalt-containing powder particles are used for this purpose. These powder particles may contain additives such as chromium, molybdenum or nickel. The metallic structural material is applied to the plate in a thin layer in powder form. The powder material is then completely melted locally at the desired locations by radiation, and after solidification, a solid material layer is formed. The base layer is then reduced by the amount of one layer thickness and the powder is reapplied. This cycle is repeated until all layers are produced and the final arrangement is created. In this case, excess powder remains in the space of the arrangement, so that new special properties of the arrangement can be achieved.

[0049] For example, a laser beam can be used as radiation, which generates the arrangement from the individual powder layers. The data for guiding the laser beam are generated with the aid of software based on a 3D CAD body. Alternatively to selective laser melting, electron beam melting (EBN) can also be used.

[0050] In cladding welding or cladding, the arrangement is produced according to a method in which a starting part is coated by welding. Cladding welding builds up volume by welding in raw material in the form of wire or powder, which allows for a particularly fine and optimized form of the arrangement.

[0051] The material integrated into the space formed between the inner and outer walls of the arrangement achieves special properties that are important for technical applications. For example, due to the integration of the material in the space, the arrangement has significantly improved thermal conductivity. This allows for better dissipation of heat generated by eddy current losses when used as a gap pot in a centrifugal pump with a magnetic clutch.

[0052] However, the material-filled spaces of this arrangement also result in an increased damping of the component, which is very close to the damping of gray cast iron. Thus, for example, vibrations that occur when a centrifugal pump is operated can be absorbed very well.

[0053] The arrangement for separating two fluids also has improved compressive strength, which can be achieved by the space being filled with material.

[0054] Furthermore, since the material remains in the space where the structure is arranged, material removal can be omitted. Normally, this requires removing the component from the additive manufacturing machine and cleaning it manually. This results in increased production speed.

[0055] The integration of the material into the space of the arrangement for separating the two fluids leads to an advantageous improvement in the mechanical and thermal properties while at the same time increasing the production speed.

[0056] Arrangements for separating two fluids with inner and outer walls forming a space in which a material is integrated serve to improve damping and / or heat conduction in static fluid separation devices, in particular in gap pots of centrifugal pumps and in bellows of fittings.

[0057] Furthermore, the arrangement of a sensor or sensors that monitors the functional capabilities of the arrangement provides additional protection, as required by modern safety regulations. Thus, the monitoring space of the arrangement provides a "second line of defense" and avoids the need for a second enclosure in a gap pot or bellows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Further features and advantages of the invention emerge from the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings and from the drawings themselves.

[0059] in:

[0060] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a magnetic clutch pump,

[0061] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a bellows fitting,

[0062] Figure 3 A detailed view showing a space according to the invention,

[0063] Figure 4 Another design variant of the space is shown.

[0064] Figure 5 An alternative design of the space is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Figure 1 The pump 1 is a magnetic clutch pump and has a multi-part pump housing 2 of a centrifugal pump, comprising a hydraulic housing 3 designed as a spiral housing, a housing cover 4 , a bearing support bracket 5 , a bearing support 6 and a bearing cover 7 .

[0066] The hydraulic housing 3 has an inlet opening 8 for drawing in the conveying medium and an outlet opening 9 for discharging the conveying medium. The housing cover 4 is arranged on the side of the hydraulic housing 3 opposite the inlet opening 8. The bearing support bracket 5 is fastened to the side of the housing cover 4 facing away from the hydraulic housing 3. The bearing seat 6 is arranged on the side of the bearing support bracket 5 facing away from the housing cover 4. The bearing cover 7 is in turn fastened to the side of the bearing seat 6 facing away from the bearing support bracket 5.

[0067] An arrangement 10 for separating the two fluids, which in the illustrated design variant is implemented as a gap pot, is fastened to the side of the housing cover 4 facing away from the hydraulic housing 3 and extends at least partially through an interior 11 delimited by the pump housing 2, in particular the housing cover 4, the bearing support bracket 5 and the bearing support 6. The arrangement 10 seals a chamber 12 enclosed by it and the housing cover 4 in a gas-tight manner relative to the interior 11.

[0068] A rotatable impeller shaft 13 extends from a flow chamber 14 bounded by the hydraulic housing 3 and the housing cover 4 through an opening 15 provided in the housing cover 4 into the chamber 12. An impeller 16 is fastened to the axial end of the impeller shaft 13 located within the flow chamber 14. An inner rotor 17, arranged within the chamber 12, is arranged at the opposite axial end, which has two shaft sections 13a, 13b with correspondingly increased diameters. The inner rotor 17 is equipped with a plurality of magnets 18, which are arranged on the side of the inner rotor 17 facing the gap pot 10. An auxiliary impeller 20 is fastened to the inner rotor 17 by means of screws 19 or other suitable fastening means.

[0069] Arranged between the impeller 16 and the inner rotor 17 is a bearing arrangement 21 , which is operatively connected to the rotatably drivable impeller shaft 13 .

[0070] A drive motor (not shown), preferably an electric motor, drives a drive shaft 22. The drivable drive shaft 22 is arranged substantially coaxially with the impeller shaft 13. The drive shaft 22 extends through the bearing cover 7, the bearing seat 6, and at least partially into the bearing seat support 5. The drive shaft 22 is supported in two ball bearings 23, 24 housed in the bearing seat 6. An outer rotor 26 carrying a plurality of magnets 25 is arranged at the free end of the drive shaft 22. The magnets 25 are arranged on the side of the outer rotor 26 facing the arrangement 10. The outer rotor 26 extends at least partially over the arrangement 10 and interacts with the inner rotor 17, so that the rotating outer rotor 26, by means of magnetic forces, also sets the inner rotor 17, and thus the impeller shaft 13 and the impeller 16, into rotational motion.

[0071] Figure 2The cross section of a bellows fitting is shown in the embodiment of a bellows valve 27. The fluid flows from the inlet flange 28 in the direction of the outlet flange 29 through the valve body 30. A valve cone half 32 can be brought into sealing engagement to intercept the flow of fluid into the valve seat. The valve cone half 32 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a valve spindle 33, which can be moved via a handwheel 34 by means of a valve superstructure 35.

[0072] The passage of the valve spindle 35 through the valve structure 36 is sealed by means of the arrangement 10 for separating the two fluids. In the embodiment variant shown, the separation arrangement 10 is embodied as a bellows. The valve structure 36 is connected to the valve body 30 via a fastening element 38 and sealed against fluid outflow by means of a sealing element 37.

[0073] Figure 3 A detail of a space 52 according to the invention is shown as a section of an arrangement 10 for separating two fluids. The section shown shows three different designs of the space 52. The space 52 is formed by an inner wall 50 and an outer wall 51, wherein the outer wall 51 has an approximately sinusoidal course.

[0074] Separating web 56 is arranged circumferentially between inner wall 50 and outer wall 51 and extends in the longitudinal direction. In this context, the longitudinal direction refers to a direction oriented parallel to the outer circumference of arrangement 10. Thus, space 52 extends in the circumferential direction of arrangement 10 in the form of a low-pitch helix.

[0075] Material 53 is integrated into space 52. Material 53 is in the form of a flowable powder which remains in the space during the one-piece formation of inner wall 50 and outer wall 51 by means of selective laser melting. Material 53 and inner wall 50 and outer wall 51 consist of the same raw material.

[0076] In order to achieve a particularly high thermal conductivity and a particularly high damping effect, the space 52 can be filled with a complete filling 57 of the material 53. A complete filling 57 corresponds to a filling of up to 90%.

[0077] In another design variant, the space 52 can also be filled with agglomerated particles 54 .

[0078] Figure 4 A further detail of the arrangement 10 is shown in a design variant of the space 52 . Figure 4 To a large extent corresponds to Figure 3 Here, the outer wall 51 has a trapezoidal shape, so that the space 52 has a triangular cross section. A material 53 is integrated in the space 52, which Figure 4 In the embodiment, the agglomerated particles 54 are formed.

[0079] During additive manufacturing, material 53 remains in space 52 and is not meticulously removed as is customary. In the illustrated variant, some particles of material 53 are shaped into agglomerated particles 54 by means of energy input in order to achieve the desired properties with respect to thermal conductivity and damping. Material 53 is thus positively integrated in space 52 and cannot be subsequently joined.

[0080] Figure 5 An alternative design of space 52 is shown in the fragmentary illustration of arrangement 10. Here, outer wall 51 is particularly flat and has no projections or separating webs 56. Material 53 is integrated into space 52 as a flowable filler. Additionally, space 52 has a sensor 55, which in this design variant is implemented as a conductivity sensor. This allows for continuous monitoring of the integrity of arrangement 10. In the event of damage, an evaluation unit coupled to the sensor can trigger an alarm.

Claims

1. An arrangement (10) for separating two media, comprising an inner wall (50) and an outer wall (51), wherein: At least one space (52) is formed between the inner wall (50) and the outer wall (51), It is characterized in that A material (53) is integrated into the space (52).

2. The arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that The material (53) is designed as a flowable material.

3. The arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The material (53) in the space (52) and the material of the walls (50, 51) are constructed of the same material (53).

4. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The inner wall (50) is formed integrally with the outer wall (51).

5. The arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The material (53) is integrated into the space (52), which is formed by the one-piece wall (50, 51).

6. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The material (53) is integrated in the space (52) in a form-fitting manner.

7. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The material (53) is in the form of agglomerated particles (54).

8. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that The space (52) is filled with at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, in particular at least 30% of material (53) and / or is filled with less than 90%, preferably less than 80%, in particular less than 70% of material (53).

9. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that At least one sensor (55) is arranged in the space (52).

10. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that The space (52) is designed to be fluid-free and / or gas-free.

11. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that The space (52) extends in a circumferential direction of the arrangement (10).

12. A method for producing an arrangement (10), characterized in that The material (53) is integrated into the space (52), while the inner wall (50) and the outer wall (51) are produced by selective action of radiation on the material.

13. Use of an arrangement (10) for improving damping and / or improving heat conduction, the arrangement having an inner wall (50) and an outer wall (51) forming a space (52) in which the material (53) is integrated.

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