Leakage monitoring of booster pumps

Abstract

The pump system includes a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder to define a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion within the cylinder, and a piping system fluidly coupled to the second chamber portion. The piston is configured to be movable within the cylinder in a first direction to draw the working fluid into the first chamber portion, and the piston is configured to be movable within the cylinder in a second direction to pressurize the working fluid. The piping system is configured to receive fluid discharged from the second chamber portion as a result of movement of the piston within the cylinder in the first direction, and the piping system includes a sensor configured to determine a parameter of the fluid flowing through the piping system, the parameter is indicative of a leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to pumps and, more particularly, to piping systems for booster pumps. Background Art

[0002] A booster pump can be used to increase the pressure of a fluid (e.g., a gas). The booster pump may include a cylinder and a piston, wherein the piston is disposed within the cylinder to define a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion within the cylinder. The cylinder is configured to receive fluid in the first chamber. The movement of the piston within the cylinder compresses the fluid within the first chamber, thereby increasing the pressure of the fluid. However, the fluid may sometimes leak from the first chamber into the second chamber. Leakage into the second chamber reduces the amount of fluid pressurized by the booster pump, thereby reducing the efficiency of the booster pump. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a pump system includes a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder to define a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion within the cylinder, and a piping system fluidically connected to the second chamber portion. The piston is configured to move within the cylinder in a first direction to draw a working fluid into the first chamber portion, and the piston is configured to move within the cylinder in a second direction to pressurize the working fluid and discharge the working fluid from the first chamber portion. The piping system is configured to receive fluid discharged from the second chamber portion due to movement of the piston within the cylinder in the first direction, and the piping system includes a sensor configured to determine a parameter of the fluid flowing through the piping system, the parameter indicating leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion.

[0004] In another embodiment, a flow monitoring system for a pump system includes a pipeline and a sensor. The pump system includes a cylinder and a piston, the piston being arranged in the cylinder to define a rod-side chamber and a piston-side chamber opposite the rod-side chamber, the piston being configured to be able to move in a first direction within the cylinder to draw a first fluid into the piston-side chamber and discharge a second fluid from the rod-side chamber, and the piston being configured to be able to move in a second direction within the cylinder to pressurize the first fluid and discharge the first fluid from the piston-side chamber. The pipeline is configured to receive the second fluid discharged from the rod-side chamber via movement of the piston in the cylinder along the first direction, and the pipeline can be fluidically connected to the rod-side chamber of the pump system. The sensor is configured to monitor a parameter of the second fluid flowing through the pipeline from the rod-side chamber, and the parameter indicates the flow of the first fluid from the piston-side chamber to the rod-side chamber.

[0005] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to receive a parameter from a sensor of a pump system, compare the parameter to a threshold value, and output a signal based on the comparison of the parameter to the threshold value. The pump system includes a piston disposed within a cylinder to define a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion within the cylinder, the piston being configured to move within the cylinder in a first direction to draw a working fluid into the first chamber portion, the piston being configured to move within the cylinder in a second direction to pressurize the working fluid in the first chamber portion, a piping system of the pump system being configured to receive fluid discharged from the second chamber portion, and the parameter being associated with the fluid flow through the piping system and indicating the flow of the working fluid between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In order to complete the description and provide a better understanding of the present invention, a set of drawings are provided. The drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate embodiments of the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention but merely as examples of how the present invention may be implemented.

[0007] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a fluid circuit of a pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another fluid circuit of a pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of yet another fluid circuit of a pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method for operating a fluid circuit of a pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 6 is a flow chart of another method for operating a fluid circuit of a pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present invention relates to monitoring leakage of a working fluid between chamber portions defined by a piston within a cylinder of a pump system (e.g., a supercharger). During operation of the supercharger, the piston moves within the cylinder to increase the pressure of the working fluid. For example, the piston is disposed within the cylinder to define a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion, the first chamber portion being configured to receive the working fluid. The movement of the piston to reduce the size of the first chamber portion pressurizes the working fluid and discharges the pressurized working fluid from the first chamber portion to another portion of the pump system.

[0015] Unfortunately, the working fluid may leak between the first and second chamber portions. For example, there may be a gap between the piston and the cylinder (e.g., caused by seal wear / corrosion), through which the working fluid may flow. As a result, the working fluid may flow from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion, thereby reducing the amount of working fluid in the first chamber portion. Consequently, the amount of working fluid pressurized in the first chamber portion by the pump system may also decrease, thereby reducing the efficiency of the supercharger.

[0016] Detecting potential leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion can trigger corresponding actions to resolve such leakage, and accordingly, the operation of the supercharger can be improved. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pipeline fluid is connected to the second chamber portion. The movement of the piston in the cylinder to reduce the size of the second chamber portion can cause fluid (e.g., a mixture of different fluids, such as ambient air) to be discharged from the second chamber portion into the pipeline. Parameters of the fluid flow from the second chamber portion through the pipeline are monitored to determine possible leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion. In some examples, the parameters are volume and / or amount of fluid. This is because leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion may increase the total amount of fluid in the second chamber portion, thereby causing the movement of the piston to reduce the size of the second chamber portion to discharge the increased amount of fluid flow into the pipeline. Additionally or alternatively, the parameter can be the temperature of another fluid property, which can be compared with a baseline parameter or known parameter of the fluid expected to be present in the second chamber and the pipeline system.

[0017] Regardless of the parameter, the monitored parameter can indicate that the working fluid is leaking from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion. By way of example, if the parameter is below a threshold value or within a threshold range, this can indicate that there is no excessive or undesirable leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion. However, if the parameter exceeds a threshold value or exceeds a threshold range, this can indicate that there is excessive or undesirable leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion. In response, the control system of the supercharger or associated with the supercharger can take action, such as notifying a user to resolve the leakage of the working fluid and / or suspending the operation of the supercharger to prevent or reduce further leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion. Therefore, monitoring the parameters of the fluid flow through the pipeline can improve the operation of the supercharger.

[0018] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pump system 100. The pump system 100 is a supercharger configured to increase the pressure of a working fluid (e.g., a gas). The pump system 100 includes a pump portion 101 having a first cylinder 102 defining a first chamber 104, in which at least one working fluid can be pumped / pressurized. More specifically, a first piston 106 is disposed within the first chamber 104 to divide the first chamber 104 into a first chamber portion 104A and a second chamber portion 104B, each located on either side of the first piston 106. The first piston 106 is configured to move within the first chamber 104 to adjust the volume of the first chamber portion 104A and the second chamber portion 104B. The pump portion 101 also includes a second cylinder 112 defining a second chamber 114. The second piston 116 is disposed within the second chamber 114 to divide the second chamber 114 into a third chamber portion 114A and a fourth chamber portion 114B, which are located on either side of the second piston 116 .

[0019] The pump section 101 includes a first end cap 118 (e.g., a first outer cap) and a first inner cap 120 coupled to opposite ends of the first cylinder body 102 to enclose the first chamber 104. A first chamber portion 104A is formed between a first end wall 122 (e.g., a first inner wall) of the first end cap 118 and a first side or surface 123 (e.g., a first pressurized side) of the first piston 106, and a second chamber portion 104B is formed between a second end wall 124 (e.g., a first outer wall) of the first inner cap 120 and a second side or surface 126 (e.g., a backside) of the first piston 106. The pump section 101 also includes a second end cap 128 (e.g., a second outer cap) and a second inner cap 130 coupled to opposite ends of the second cylinder body 112 to enclose the second chamber 114. The third chamber portion 114A is formed between the second end wall 132 (e.g., second inner wall) of the second end cover 128 and the third side or surface 133 (e.g., second pressurized side) of the second piston 116, and the fourth chamber portion 114B is formed between the fourth end wall 134 (e.g., second outer wall) of the second inner cover 130 and the fourth side or surface 136 (e.g., back side) of the second piston 116.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first chamber portion 104A and the third chamber portion 114A are configured to receive a working fluid to be pressurized by the first piston 106 and the second piston 116, respectively. For example, movement of the first piston 106 in a first direction 138 away from the first end cap 118 increases the volume of the first chamber portion 104A to draw a flow of working fluid into the first cylinder 102 at the first chamber portion 104A. Movement of the first piston 106 in a second direction 140, opposite to the first direction 138, toward the first end cap 118 decreases the volume of the first chamber portion 104A to increase the pressure of the working fluid in the first chamber portion 104A and expel the pressurized working fluid from the first chamber portion 104A. Movement of the second piston 116 in a second direction 140 away from the second end cap 128 increases the volume of the third chamber portion 114A to draw a flow of working fluid (e.g., the same or different fluid as the fluid in the first cylinder 102) into the second cylinder 112 at the third chamber portion 114A. Movement of the second piston 116 in the first direction 138 toward the second end cap 128 reduces the volume of the third chamber portion 114A to increase the pressure of the working fluid in the third chamber portion 114A and to force the pressurized working fluid out of the third chamber portion 114A. The first end cap 118 and the second end cap 128 include a first passage 142 and a valve (e.g., a one-way valve, such as a check valve) to allow the working fluid to flow into and out of the first chamber portion 104A and the third chamber portion 114A, respectively.

[0021] In some embodiments, the working fluid flow directed through the pump portion 101 is pressurized by each of the first piston 106 and the second piston 116. For example, the working fluid flow is initially pressurized by the first piston 106 (e.g., low-pressure piston) in the first chamber 104 (e.g., low-pressure chamber), and the pressurized working fluid flow is directed from the first chamber 104 to the second chamber 114 (e.g., high-pressure chamber) to be further pressurized by the second piston 116 (e.g., high-pressure piston). In such an embodiment, the pump system 100 is a two-stage supercharger, which pressurizes the same working fluid flow via each of the pistons 106 and 116. In additional or alternative embodiments, different working fluid flows are pressurized by one of the pistons 106 and 116. That is, in some cases, a separate working fluid flow is directed into the first chamber 104 and pressurized in the second chamber 114. In such an embodiment, the pump system 100 is a single-stage supercharger. The pump system 100 can also operate with any other stage arrangement now known or later developed.

[0022] The pump portion 101 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a pump drive system 146 configured to actuate the pistons 106, 116. The pump drive system 146 includes a drive shaft or rod 148 coupled to each of the first and second pistons 106, 116. For example, the drive shaft 148 includes a first end 150 that extends into the second chamber portion 104B to couple to the first piston 106, and a second end 152 that extends into the fourth chamber portion 114B to couple to the second piston 116. Thus, each of the second and fourth chamber portions 104B, 114B is a rod-side chamber exposed to the drive shaft 148, while each of the first and third chamber portions 104A, 114A is a piston-side chamber exposed to one of the pistons 106, 116 rather than the drive shaft 148. At least in the illustrated embodiment, movement of the drive shaft 148 drives movement of each of the pistons 106, 116. However, in other embodiments, separate drive shafts 148 may be connected to the pistons 106 , 116 and configured to drive the pistons 106 , 116 .

[0023] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, movement of the drive shaft 148 in the first direction 138 (e.g., translation) drives the second piston 116 toward the second end cap 128 and the first piston 106 away from the first end cap 118. Thus, movement of the drive shaft 148 in the first direction 138 reduces the volume of the third chamber portion 114A to pressurize the working fluid in the third chamber portion 114A and increases the volume of the first chamber portion 104A to draw the working fluid into the first chamber portion 104A. Movement of the drive shaft 148 in the second direction 140 (e.g., translation) drives the first piston 106 toward the first end cap 118 and the second piston 116 away from the second end cap 128. The drive shaft 148 can alternate between movement in the first direction 138 and movement in the second direction 140 to alternately pressurize the fluid in the first chamber portion 104A and the third chamber portion 114A.

[0024] The pump drive system 146 also includes a housing 154 that defines an interior 156. The drive shaft 148 extends through the interior 156, and the housing 154 isolates the drive shaft 148 from the external environment, thereby protecting the drive shaft 148 from dust, debris, or other contaminants in the external environment. The housing 154 can also align the drive shaft 148 with the first chamber 104 and the second chamber 114.

[0025] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a first adapter 158 is coupled to the housing 154 and the first inner cover 120, and the first inner cover 120 (e.g., the second end wall 124) is coupled to the first cylinder body 102 to couple and align the housing 154 to the first cylinder body 102. A second adapter 160 is also coupled to the housing 154 and the second inner cover 130, and the second inner cover 130 (e.g., the fourth end wall 134) is coupled to the second cylinder body 112 to couple and align the housing 154 to the second cylinder body 112. The drive shaft 148 extends through the adapters 158, 160 and into the cylinder bodies 102, 112 aligned with the housing 154. Additionally, first end cap 118 (e.g., first end wall 122) is coupled to first cylinder body 102, and first brace bar 162 is coupled to first adapter 158 and first end cap 118, thereby providing further securement between housing 154 coupled to first adapter 158 and first cylinder body 102 coupled to first end cap 118. Second end cap 128 (e.g., second end wall 132) is coupled to second cylinder body 112, and second brace bar 164 is coupled to second adapter 160 and second end cap 128, thereby providing further securement between housing 154 coupled to second adapter 160 and second cylinder body 112 coupled to second end cap 128. However, in other embodiments, housing 154 may be coupled to one or more cylinder bodies in any manner now known or later developed.

[0026] In some cases, the working fluid may leak from the first chamber portion 104A to the second chamber portion 104B and / or from the third chamber portion 114A to the fourth chamber portion 114B. As a result, the amount of working fluid pressurized by the pump system 100 in the first chamber portion 104A and / or in the third chamber portion 114A may decrease, thereby reducing the operating efficiency of the pump system 100. According to an embodiment of the present application, leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion 104A to the second chamber portion 104B and / or from the third chamber portion 114A to the fourth chamber portion 114B is detected. For example, an increase in the amount of working fluid in second chamber portion 104B and / or fourth chamber portion 114B due to leakage from first chamber portion 104A to second chamber portion 104B and / or from third chamber portion 114A to fourth chamber portion 114B may change parameters associated with the fluid flow discharged from second chamber portion 104B and / or from fourth chamber portion 114B. Accordingly, the parameters may be monitored to determine the increased amount of working fluid in second chamber portion 104B and / or fourth chamber portion 114B corresponding to leakage from first chamber portion 104A to second chamber portion 104B and / or from third chamber portion 114A to fourth chamber portion 114B.

[0027] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluid circuit 200 that can be implemented in the pump system 100. The fluid circuit 200 includes a piping system 202 that is fluidically coupled to the pump portion 101. Certain components of the pump system 100, such as the end caps 118, 128, the inner caps 120, 130, and the adapters 158, 160, are not shown for visualization purposes. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, a working fluid source 204 (e.g., a working fluid reservoir, a working fluid handling system) is shown directing working fluid into the pump portion 101, but the working fluid source 204 need not be part of the pump system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, separate working fluid streams are directed to respective cylinders 102.

[0028] That is, the working fluid source 204 directs a first working fluid stream 206 into the first cylinder 102, e.g., into the first chamber portion 104A (e.g., via the first passage 142 of the first end cap 118), and directs a second working fluid stream 208 into the second cylinder 112, e.g., into the third chamber portion 114A (e.g., via the first passage 142 of the second end cap 128). Thus, the pistons 106, 116 individually pressurize the working fluid streams 206, 208. For example, movement of the drive shaft 148 in the first direction 138 causes the second piston 116 to pressurize the second working fluid stream 208 in the third chamber portion 114A, and movement of the drive shaft 148 in the second direction 140 causes the first piston 106 to pressurize the first working fluid stream 206 in the first chamber portion 104A.

[0029] After the first and second working fluid streams 206 and 208 are pressurized by the pump portion 101, these working fluid streams 206 and 208 are discharged from the cylinders 102 and 112, respectively, and are directed to a working fluid destination 210 (e.g., another component of the pump system 100, a component external to the pump system 100). To this end, a first valve 212, which may be a one-way valve (e.g., a check valve), blocks the first working fluid stream 206 from exiting the first cylinder 102 toward the working fluid source 204, thereby forcing the pressurized first working fluid stream 206 to be discharged toward the working fluid destination 210, and a second valve 214, which may be a one-way valve (e.g., a check valve), blocks the second working fluid stream 208 from exiting the second cylinder 112 toward the working fluid source 204, thereby forcing the pressurized second working fluid stream 208 to be discharged toward the working fluid destination 210.

[0030] As an example, the pressurized working fluid streams 206, 208 discharged from the cylinders 102, 112, respectively, can be combined and directed to the same working fluid destination 210. Additionally or alternatively, the pressurized working fluid streams 206, 208 can be directed separately (e.g., in parallel with each other) to the same working fluid destination 210 or different working fluid destinations 210. In either example, the pump system 100 is a single-stage intensifier in which each working fluid stream 206, 208 is pressurized a single time by one of the pistons 106, 116. A valve 216, which can be a one-way valve (e.g., a check valve), prevents the pressurized working fluid streams 206, 208 from re-entering the first cylinder 102, and a fourth valve 218, which can be a one-way valve (e.g., a check valve), prevents the pressurized working fluid streams 206, 208 from re-entering the second cylinder 112. Thus, the pressurized working fluid streams 206, 208 are forced toward the working fluid destination 210.

[0031] The duct system 202 is fluidly coupled to the second chamber portion 104B and the fourth chamber portion 114B and is therefore configured to receive fluid from the second chamber portion 104B and the fourth chamber portion 114B. For example, movement of the first piston 106 in the first direction 138 (e.g., caused by movement of the drive shaft 148 in the first direction 138) reduces the size of the second chamber portion 104B and allows fluid to flow from the second chamber portion 104B into a first branch or segment 220 of the duct system 202. Additionally, movement of the second piston 116 in the second direction 140 (e.g., caused by movement of the drive shaft 148 in the second direction 140) reduces the size of the fourth chamber portion 114B and allows fluid to flow from the fourth chamber portion 114B into a second branch or segment 222 of the duct system 202. As an example, the first branch 220 and the second branch 222 can be fluidly coupled to the second passage 144 of the inner cover 120, 130.

[0032] The first branch 220 and the second branch 222 are shown as being fluidly coupled to valves 224 (e.g., three-way valves) of the piping system 202. The third valve 224 is fluidly coupled to a third branch or section 226 of the piping system 202 and is thus configured to direct fluid from each of the first branch 220 and the second branch 222 (e.g., the combined fluid flow from the branches 220, 222) to the third branch 226. Thus, when the pistons 106, 116 are moved, for example, in a reciprocating motion driven by the drive shaft 148, fluid flows from the second chamber portion 104B and from the fourth chamber portion 114B through the third branch 226.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the second chamber portion 104B and the fourth chamber portion 114B can be at least partially filled with additional fluid during operation of the pistons 106, 116 of the fluid circuit 200 as they move within their respective cylinders 102, 112. By way of example, movement of the first piston 106 in the second direction 140 (e.g., caused by movement of the drive shaft 148 in the second direction 140) increases the size of the second chamber portion 104B. The increase in the size of the second chamber portion 104B may cause additional fluid, such as ambient air and / or process fluid from a process fluid source (e.g., a fluid specifically used to pressurize the second chamber portion 104B to prevent the undesirable ingress of external contaminants), to be drawn into the second chamber portion 104B. Furthermore, movement of the second piston 116 in the first direction 138 (e.g., caused by movement of the drive shaft 148 in the first direction 138) increases the size of the fourth chamber portion 114B. The increase in size of fourth chamber portion 114B may cause additional fluid, such as ambient air and / or a process fluid (e.g., the same or a different process fluid as the process fluid in second chamber portion 104B), to be drawn into fourth chamber portion 114B. Thus, the fluid directed from second chamber portion 104B and / or from fourth chamber portion 114B into piping system 202 may include at least a portion of the additional fluid.

[0034] In addition, in some cases, the working fluid may flow or leak from the first chamber portion 104A to the second chamber portion 104B and / or from the third chamber portion 114A to the fourth chamber portion 114B. As an example, a gap or space may form between the first piston 106 and the first cylinder 102 and / or between the second piston 116 and the second cylinder 112 (e.g., caused by wear of the pistons 106, 116 and / or the cylinders 102, 112). Such leakage may reduce the amount of working fluid in the first chamber portion 104A and / or the third chamber portion 114A, thereby reducing the efficiency of the operation of pressurizing the working fluid in the first chamber portion 104A and / or the third chamber portion 114A. In addition, such leakage may cause the working fluid to mix or merge with the additional fluid in the second chamber portion 104B and / or the fourth chamber portion 114B. As a result, the total amount of fluid in the second chamber portion 104B and / or the fourth chamber portion 114B may increase. As a result, the amount of fluid flow from the second chamber portion 104B and / or from the fourth chamber portion 114B into the conduit system 202 caused by the movement of the pistons 106, 116 within their respective cylinders 102, 112 may also increase. For example, the amount of fluid flow through the third branch 226 may increase.

[0035] An increase in the amount of fluid flow from the second chamber portion 104B and / or from the fourth chamber portion 114B to the piping system 202 may change parameters related to the fluid flow through the piping system 202. As an example, an increase in the amount of fluid flow through the third branch 226 may increase the fluid flow rate through the third branch 226. Additionally or alternatively, an increase in fluid flow through the third branch 226 may increase the temperature of the fluid in the third branch 226. Thus, one or more parameters may be monitored to determine an increase in fluid flow through the piping system 202 (e.g., through the third branch 226) that indicates leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion 104A to the second chamber portion 104B and / or from the third chamber portion 114A to the fourth chamber portion 114B.

[0036] To this end, the piping system 202 includes a sensor 228 configured to determine a parameter at the third branch 226. In some embodiments, the sensor 228 includes a flow meter configured to determine the flow rate of the fluid through the third branch 226. In additional or alternative embodiments, the sensor 228 includes a temperature sensor configured to determine the temperature of the fluid flowing through the third branch 226. In another embodiment, the sensor 228 may include any other suitable type of sensor configured to determine a corresponding parameter (e.g., pressure, fluid composition, flow velocity, etc.) at any suitable location in the piping system 202.

[0037] The piping system 202 also includes or is communicatively coupled to a control system 230 (e.g., control circuitry). The control system 230 includes memory 232 and a processor 234 (e.g., processing circuitry). The memory 232 includes read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media devices, optical storage media devices, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, or other physical / tangible (e.g., non-transitory) memory storage devices. Thus, generally, the memory 232 includes one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory devices) encoded with software having computer-executable instructions that can be executed to implement the operations described herein. For example, the memory 232 stores or is encoded with instructions for operating the pump system 100. The processor 234 includes a collection of one or more microcontrollers and / or microprocessors, for example, each of which is configured to execute corresponding software instructions stored in the memory 232. The processor 234 is configured to, for example, execute instructions stored in the memory 232 to operate the pump system 100.

[0038] As an example, the control system 230 can be communicatively coupled to the sensor 228 and can be configured to operate the pump system 100 based on the parameter monitored by the sensor. For example, the pump system 100 can be configured to compare the value of the parameter to a threshold value or threshold range that indicates leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion 104A to the second chamber portion 104B and / or from the third chamber portion 114A to the fourth chamber portion 114B.

[0039] In response to determining that the value of the parameter exceeds the value of the threshold or is outside the threshold range (either or both of the threshold and the threshold range can indicate leakage of the working fluid), the control system 230 can be configured to operate to mitigate the leakage of the working fluid. For example, the control system 230 can be configured to output a notification to remind the user (e.g., operator, technician) to perform actions to mitigate the leakage of the working fluid, such as inspecting and / or repairing the pump portion 101. The notification can include a visual output (e.g., light), an audio output (e.g., an alarm sound), a tactile output (e.g., vibration), or any other suitable type of output. In some embodiments, the notification can be sent to a user device, such as a mobile phone or tablet. Additionally or alternatively, the control system 230 can be configured to adjust the operation of the pump system 100. For example, the control system 230 can be configured to suspend the operation of the pump portion 101 (e.g., stop the movement of the drive shaft 148) to avoid continued operation in the event of a leakage of the working fluid. In any of these operations of the control system 230, further leakage of the working fluid can be prevented or at least stopped.

[0040] In addition, in some embodiments, the control system 230 can be configured to operate in a calibration mode to establish threshold values ​​and / or threshold ranges for parameters. In the calibration mode, the pump system 100 is operated under multiple combinations of different values ​​for various operating conditions. The value of a specific parameter indicative of a working fluid leak is determined in these combinations to determine the relationship between the value of the specific parameter and the values ​​of other operating conditions that may indicate a working fluid leak. The threshold values ​​and / or threshold ranges are then established based on this relationship (i.e., empirically).

[0041] In an example, the pump system 100 can operate under different combinations of ambient air temperature surrounding the piping system 202 and fluid pressure within the piping system 202. In each of these combinations, a fluid temperature in the third branch 226 is determined that indicates a working fluid leak. In other words, the fluid temperature in the third branch 226 during a working fluid leak is determined under a specific combination of ambient air temperature and fluid pressure. Because changes in ambient air temperature and / or fluid pressure can cause corresponding changes in the fluid temperature in the third branch 226 (e.g., an increase in ambient air temperature can necessarily increase the temperature of the fluid flow in the third branch 226), determining the fluid temperature in the third branch 226 during a working fluid leak (e.g., an intentionally induced working fluid leak) confirms that a particular fluid temperature is caused by a working fluid leak rather than by ambient air temperature and / or fluid pressure conditions. Thus, the threshold value and / or threshold range can be dynamically adjusted based on the combination of operating conditions to provide a more accurate reference point for indicating a potential working fluid leak.

[0042] In other words, the relationship between the value of a particular parameter and the value of an operating condition can provide threshold values ​​and / or threshold ranges under various operating conditions (e.g., including different combinations of values ​​of the operating conditions). As an example, under a first operating condition comprising a first ambient air temperature (e.g., a lower ambient air temperature) and a first fluid pressure (e.g., a lower fluid pressure), the relationship can provide a first threshold value (e.g., a lower value) for the fluid temperature in third branch 226, which indicates a leakage of the working fluid. Under a second condition comprising a second ambient air temperature (e.g., a higher ambient air temperature) and a second fluid pressure (e.g., a high fluid pressure), the relationship can provide a second threshold value (e.g., a higher value) for the fluid temperature in third branch 226, which indicates a leakage of the working fluid. Thus, under a condition comprising a particular ambient air temperature and / or a particular fluid pressure, the relationship provides a corresponding threshold value and / or threshold range. Thus, the threshold value and / or threshold range are selected and established based on the relationship and the determined current operating conditions.

[0043] In some embodiments, the relationship may include a mathematical equation. In additional or alternative embodiments, the relationship may include a database table. In either embodiment, the relationship may be stored in the memory 232 for reference and retrieval by the processor 234 to establish a value and / or a threshold range for a threshold value of a particular operating condition. Although the fluid temperature in the third branch 226 is provided herein as a specific example, the calibration mode may be used to set a value and / or a threshold range for a threshold value indicating that the working fluid has leaked from the first chamber portion 104A to the second chamber portion 104B and / or from the third chamber portion 114A to the fourth chamber portion 114B for any other suitable parameter (e.g., flow rate, fluid pressure, flow velocity, etc.) in the piping system 202.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the piping system 202 directs fluid to the first chamber portion 104A and / or the third chamber portion 114A. For example, where a portion of the working fluid streams 206, 208 are contained in the second chamber portion 104B and the fourth chamber portion 114B, respectively, the piping system 202 can redirect the working fluid streams 206, 208 from the second chamber portion 104B and / or from the fourth chamber portion 114B to the first chamber portion 104A and / or the third chamber portion 114A. Thus, the piping system 202 enables such working fluid streams 206, 208 to be pressurized (e.g., even though the working fluid streams 206, 208 may have initially bypassed the pistons 106, 116) rather than being directed out of the pump portion 101, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the fluid circuit 200. As an example, the piping system 202 can direct the working fluid flows 206, 208 to one of the first chamber portion 104A or the third chamber portion 114A (e.g., a single pipe extending from the third branch 226 to one of the first chamber portion 104A or the third chamber portion 114A). As another example, the piping system 202 can direct the working fluid flows 206, 208 to each of the first chamber portion 104A and the third chamber portion 114A (e.g., separate pipes extending from the third branch 226 to the first chamber portion 104A and the third chamber portion 114A, and the fluid can be split between the separate pipes).

[0045] In either case, a filter 236 or similar component can be used to remove fluid particles other than the working fluid streams 206, 208 from the duct system 202 to avoid introducing other fluids (e.g., ambient air) into the first chamber portion 104A and / or the third chamber portion 114A. Thus, the filter 236 can prevent or at least inhibit the working fluid streams 206, 208 from undesirably mixing with other fluids and the subsequent pressurization of fluids other than the working fluid streams 206, 208. Consequently, more desirable components of the working fluid streams 206, 208 can be pressurized in the first chamber portion 104A and / or the third chamber portion 114A.

[0046] The techniques discussed herein can be implemented in other embodiments of fluid circuits. For example, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a fluid circuit 300 that can be implemented in the pump system 100. Figure 2 , the fluid circuit 300 includes a piping system 202 that is fluidically coupled to the pump portion. Thus, the piping system 202 is configured to receive fluid from the second chamber portion 104B and from the fourth chamber portion 114B. For example, the piping system 202 may include a first branch 220 that is fluidically coupled to the second chamber portion 104B, a second branch 222 that is fluidically coupled to the fourth chamber portion 114B, and a third branch 226 that is fluidically coupled to the first branch 220 and the second branch 222 via a valve 224. Thus, the third branch 226 is configured to receive fluid from each of the second chamber portion 104B and the fourth chamber portion 114B. The sensor 228 is configured to monitor a parameter of the fluid flowing through the third branch 226, and the control system 230 is configured to utilize the parameter to determine whether there is leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion 104A to the second chamber portion 104B and / or from the third chamber portion 114A to the fourth chamber portion 114B (e.g., based on a comparison of the parameter with a threshold value). However, currently, the pump system 100 is a two-stage intensifier that pressurizes the working fluid flow 304 via the first piston 106 and then via the second piston 116.

[0047] Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the working fluid stream 304 directed by the working fluid source 204 is pressurized by each of the first piston 106 and the second piston 116. That is, the working fluid source 204 directs the working fluid stream 304 into the first cylinder 102, for example, into the first chamber portion 104A (e.g., via the first passage 142 of the first end cap 118), where the first piston 106 pressurizes the working fluid stream 304 and expels the working fluid stream 304 as a first pressurized working fluid stream 306 (e.g., via movement of the drive shaft 148 in the second direction 140). The first pressurized working fluid stream 306 is then directed into the third chamber portion 114A (e.g., via the first passage 142 of the second end cap 128) and further pressurized by the second piston 116 (e.g., via movement of the drive shaft 148 in the first direction 138) to provide a second pressurized working fluid stream 308. A second pressurized flow of working fluid 308 is exhausted from the second cylinder 112 and directed to the working fluid destination 210 .

[0048] To achieve this solution, the pump portion 101 includes Figure 2 The cylinder valves in the pump portion 101 of the embodiment of the present invention are arranged differently than the cylinder valves in the embodiment of the present invention. For example, the first valve 310 (which can be a one-way valve, such as a check valve) can prevent the working fluid flow 304 (e.g., the first pressurized working fluid flow 306) from exiting the first cylinder 102 toward the working fluid source 204, and the second valve 312 (which can be a one-way valve, such as a check valve) can prevent the first pressurized working fluid flow 306 from re-entering the first cylinder 102. As a result, the first pressurized working fluid flow 306 is forced toward the second cylinder 112. In addition, the third valve 314 (which can be a one-way valve, such as a check valve) can prevent the working fluid flow 304 (e.g., the second pressurized working fluid flow 308) from exiting the second cylinder 112 toward the first cylinder 102, and the fourth valve 316 (which can be a one-way valve, such as a check valve) can prevent the second pressurized working fluid flow 308 from re-entering the second cylinder 112. As a result, the second pressurized working fluid flow 308 is forced toward the working fluid destination 210. Thus, the valves 310 , 312 , 314 , 316 may facilitate operation of the pump system 100 as a two-stage intensifier to pressurize the working fluid flow 304 via both pistons 106 , 116 .

[0049] As another exemplary variation, Figure 41 is a schematic diagram of a fluid circuit 400 that may be implemented in the pump system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump system 100 is a single-stage intensifier in which the respective working fluid streams 206, 208 are individually pressurized by the pistons 106, 116. That is, the first piston 106 pressurizes the first working fluid stream 206 (e.g., via movement of the drive shaft 148 in the second direction 140), the second piston 116 pressurizes the second working fluid stream 208 (e.g., via movement of the drive shaft 148 in the first direction 138), and the pressurized working fluid streams 206, 208 are directed (e.g., as a combined working fluid stream) to the working fluid destination 210. However, this is merely an example, and Figure 4 The concept shown can also be applied to pumps with two or more stages (e.g. Figure 3 shown).

[0050] Fluid circuit 400 includes a piping system 402 configured to receive fluid from second chamber portion 104B and fourth chamber portion 114B. The illustrated piping system 402 includes a first pipe 404 fluidically coupled to second chamber portion 104B and a second pipe 406 fluidically coupled to fourth chamber portion 114B. For example, first pipe 404 can be fluidically coupled to second passage 144 of first adapter 158, and second pipe 406 can be fluidically coupled to second passage 144 of second adapter 160. Furthermore, first pipe 404 and second pipe 406 are fluidically separated from one another and, therefore, direct different fluids therethrough.

[0051] That is, the first conduit 404 is configured to receive a first fluid flow 408 from the second chamber portion 104B, while the second conduit 406 is configured to receive a second fluid flow 410 from the fourth chamber portion 114B. For example, the first fluid flow 408 may include a portion of the first working fluid flow 206 that was directed into the first chamber portion 104A and leaked from the first chamber portion 104A into the second chamber portion 104B, and / or the second fluid flow 410 may include a portion of the second working fluid flow 208 that was directed into the third chamber portion 114A and leaked from the third chamber portion 114A into the fourth chamber portion 114B. In this manner, the conduits 404 and 406 may each receive leakage flows of the working fluid flows 206 and 208, respectively.

[0052] Additionally, the first sensor 228A is configured to determine a parameter of the first conduit 404, and the second sensor 228B (e.g., of the same or different type as the first sensor 228A) is configured to determine a parameter of the second conduit 406. Thus, each sensor 228 is dedicated to monitoring a parameter indicative of a leak within one of the cylinders 102, 112. The control system 230 is communicatively coupled to each of the sensors 228 and is configured to utilize the respective parameters monitored by the sensors 228 to determine whether a potential leak exists in the cylinders 102, 112. That is, the control system 230 is configured to determine whether there is a leak in the first cylinder body 102 from the first chamber portion 104A to the second chamber portion 104B based on the parameter monitored by the first sensor 228A (e.g., by comparing the parameter to a threshold value), and the control system 230 is configured to determine whether there is a leak in the second cylinder body 112 from the third chamber portion 114A to the fourth chamber portion 114B based on the parameter monitored by the second sensor 228B (e.g., by comparing the parameter to a threshold value that is the same as or different from the threshold value used relative to the parameter monitored by the first sensor 228A).

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the piping system 402 is configured to direct fluid from each of the first and second piping 404, 406 to the first and / or third chamber portions 104A, 104B, so that the working fluid streams 206, 208 directed into the second and / or fourth chamber portions 104B, 114B, can be pressurized. By way of example, fluid from the first piping 404 can be directed to one of the first and third chamber portions 104A, 104B, and fluid from the second piping 406 can be directed to the other of the first and third chamber portions 104A, 104B. That is, the first and second piping 404, 406 can independently direct fluid to the first and third chamber portions 104A, 104B. As another example, fluid from the first piping 404 can be combined with fluid from the second piping 406 before being directed to the first and / or third chamber portions 104A, 104B. In either case, one or more filters (e.g., separate filters dedicated to each conduit 404, 406) can be implemented to prevent fluids other than the working fluid streams 206, 208 from being directed by the conduit system 202 to the first chamber portion 104A and / or the third chamber portion 104B.

[0054] While the embodiment of the pump system 100 discussed includes two cylinders 102, 112 configured to pressurize the working fluid, in additional or alternative embodiments, the pump system 100 may include any suitable number of cylinders. In such embodiments, each cylinder includes a piston disposed therein to separate a chamber of the cylinder, and the pistons are configured to move within their corresponding cylinders to pressurize the working fluid in the chamber portion of each cylinder. Simultaneously, a piping system is fluidically coupled to each cylinder, and the control system 230 is configured to receive parameters indicative of fluid flow through the piping system to determine leakage of the working fluid within the cylinder.

[0055] Furthermore, while in the illustrated embodiment the movement of the pistons 106, 116 in opposite directions 138, 140 (e.g., driven by the drive shaft 148) pressurizes the working fluid, in additional or alternative embodiments, the pistons 106, 116 can move in separate directions, and the piping system can be configured to receive fluid from the cylinders 102, 112 during such movement of the pistons 106, 116. By way of example, the first piston 106 can move in a first direction to increase the volume of the first chamber portion 104A and decrease the volume of the second chamber portion 104B. Simultaneously, the second piston 116 can move in a second direction transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the first direction to increase the volume of the third chamber portion 114A and decrease the volume of the fourth chamber portion 114B. The movement of the first piston 106 and the second piston 116 to reduce the volume of the second chamber portion 104B and the fourth chamber portion 114B, respectively, can direct fluid from both the second chamber portion 104B and the fourth chamber portion 114B to the piping system. Thus, regardless of the orientation of the movement directions of the pistons 106, 116 relative to each other, the arrangement of the pistons 106, 116 for adjusting the volume of the second chamber portion 104B and the volume of the fourth chamber portion 114B can allow fluid to flow into the piping system for monitoring leakage of the working fluid.

[0056] Discussed below Figure 5 and Figure 6 Each of the methods illustrates a corresponding method for operating a pump system (e.g., pump system 100). In some embodiments, the operations of each method can be performed by a single entity, such as by control system 230. Additionally or alternatively, different operations of the method can be performed by different entities. It should be noted that each method can be performed differently from the described method. For example, additional operations can be performed, the described operations can be performed differently, the described operations can not be performed, and / or any of the described operations can be performed in a different order. Furthermore, the corresponding operations in the methods can be performed in any suitable manner relative to each other, such as sequentially or simultaneously (e.g., in parallel).

[0057] Figure 5 4 is a flow chart of a method 450 for operating a pump system. At block 452, a parameter indicating working fluid flow or leakage between chamber portions of a cylinder of the pump system is determined. For example, a piston may be disposed within the cylinder to define a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion. The first chamber portion is configured to receive a flow of working fluid, and the piston is configured to move within the cylinder to reduce the size of the first chamber portion (e.g., increase the size of the second chamber portion), thereby pressurizing the working fluid flow in the first chamber portion. A piping system (e.g., a branch, a section, a pipeline) is fluidically coupled to the second chamber portion. Thus, the movement of the piston within the cylinder to reduce the size of the second chamber portion (e.g., increase the size of the first chamber portion) directs the fluid out of the second chamber portion and through the piping system. Leakage of working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion may cause some working fluid to flow through the piping system. Therefore, the fluid flow through the piping system may include the working fluid. The parameter indicating working fluid flow between the chamber portions of the cylinder is associated with the fluid flow through the piping system. For example, the parameter may include the flow rate, temperature, pressure, composition, etc. of the fluid flow.

[0058] At box 454, the parameter is compared to a threshold value (e.g., a threshold value value or a threshold range, e.g., for flow rate monitoring, a value between 500 cubic centimeters and 1000 cubic centimeters per minute for a flow rate). The threshold value is associated with a value of the parameter that indicates excessive or undesirable flow of the working fluid between the chamber portions of the cylinder. As an example, during the movement of the piston that reduces the size of the second chamber portion, the flow of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion increases the amount of fluid in the second chamber portion and, therefore, increases the amount of fluid flow through the piping system. The increase in the amount of fluid flow through the piping system may change the value of the parameter (e.g., exceed a typical or desired value but the working fluid does not leak into the second chamber portion). Therefore, a sufficient change in the value of the parameter, such as indicated by the result of the comparison of the parameter to the threshold value and caused by the flow of the working fluid from the second chamber portion to the piping system, indicates undesirable or excessive leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion.

[0059] At block 456, a signal is output based on the comparison of the parameter with the threshold. For example, a signal may be output in response to the parameter value exceeding the threshold value, falling below the threshold value, being outside a threshold range, or any other suitable relationship of the parameter value relative to the threshold value, to indicate excessive working fluid flow between the chamber sections of the cylinder. The signal may be output to provide a user with notification regarding the operation of the pump system to address the excessive working fluid flow between the chamber sections, such as by changing, repairing, or re-applying a piston seal to prevent working fluid flow between the chamber sections. Additionally or alternatively, a signal may be output to pause operation of the pump system, for example, to prevent movement of the piston and / or prevent working fluid from flowing into the cylinder, thereby preventing additional leakage of working fluid from the cylinder. In another embodiment, a signal may be output to cause the piping system to direct fluid to the first chamber section. Thus, working fluid that initially bypasses the piston can still be pressurized. In such an embodiment, the fluid in the piping system is filtered to remove fluids other than the working fluid, thereby preventing other fluids from mixing with the working fluid in the first chamber section and maintaining the desired composition of the working fluid pressurized in the first chamber section.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the operation of method 450 may be performed separately from the operation of pressurizing the working fluid and directing the pressurized working fluid to the target. That is, method 450 may be specifically used to determine whether there is an excess flow of working fluid between the chamber portions of the cylinder, rather than, for example, for delivering a certain amount of pressurized working fluid to the target (e.g., directing a working fluid with a threshold flow rate exceeding a threshold pressure to the target). Similarly, method 450 may not operate when the pump system is operating to pressurize the working fluid and direct the pressurized working fluid to the target. As an example, during the operation of method 450, the pump system may pressurize the working fluid to a relatively lower pressure than during operation to deliver the desired pressurized working fluid to the target. In such an embodiment, method 450 may operate at a specific frequency, such as at specified time intervals, after multiple cycles of operation dedicated to pressurizing the working fluid, etc. In additional or alternative embodiments, the operation of method 450 may be performed simultaneously with the operation of pressurizing the working fluid and directing the pressurized working fluid to the target. That is, while the pump system operates to pressurize the working fluid and direct the pressurized working fluid to a destination, the method 450 is also performed to determine leakage of the working fluid.

[0061] Additionally, in some embodiments, method 450 may be operated for a specific duration to verify the accuracy of the obtained parameter. For example, multiple values ​​of the parameter may be determined over the duration, and an average (e.g., a mathematical mean, a mathematical median) of these values ​​may be calculated and compared to a threshold value. Thus, the comparison with the threshold value may more accurately indicate whether excessive working fluid flow exists between the chamber portions of the cylinder (e.g., rather than indicating a brief, irregular flow of fluid through the piping system caused by, for example, abnormal piston movement rather than a working fluid leak).

[0062] It should also be noted that method 450 can be performed for multiple cylinders. As an example, a single parameter can indicate the flow of working fluid between chamber sections within any one of the multiple cylinders. For example, a single pipe can be fluidically coupled to multiple chamber sections, and a parameter of the fluid flow through the pipe can be determined. Therefore, the result of comparing the parameter with a threshold value can be used to determine whether a working fluid leak exists within at least one of the cylinders. As another example, method 450 can be performed separately for different cylinders. That is, different parameters indicating the flow of working fluid between chamber sections can be determined for different cylinders. In other words, each parameter indicates the flow of working fluid between chamber sections within one of the cylinders, but not within the other cylinders. To this end, corresponding pipes are fluidically coupled to the cylinders, and the parameters of the different fluid flows through the corresponding pipes are determined. Thus, working fluid leakage within each individual cylinder can be monitored based on the parameters. In such an embodiment, the parameters for different cylinders can be of the same or different types, and / or the parameters for different cylinders can be compared against the same or different threshold values.

[0063] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method 500 for operating a pump system in a calibration mode to determine threshold values ​​under different operating conditions (e.g., Figure 5 The pump system includes a pump portion having a cylinder and a piston disposed in the cylinder to define a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion. The piston is configured to move within the cylinder to pressurize the working fluid in the first chamber portion. The pump system also includes a piping system fluidly coupled to the second chamber portion and configured to receive fluid flow from the second chamber portion resulting from movement of the piston within the cylinder to reduce the size of the second chamber portion.

[0064] At block 502, the pump system is operated in a calibration mode under different operating conditions having a first plurality of values. As an example, the operating conditions include ambient air temperature and pressure of a fluid directed through a piping system, and the first plurality of values ​​includes different combinations of ambient air temperature and fluid pressure.

[0065] At block 504, a second plurality of values ​​for a parameter indicative of excessive or undesirable working fluid flow between the chamber sections of the cylinder are determined for each operating condition. That is, for each combination of the first plurality of values ​​for the operating conditions, a corresponding value for the parameter indicative of excessive working fluid flow between the chamber sections is determined. For example, a specific fluid temperature indicative of excessive working fluid flow between the chamber sections can be determined for each combination of ambient air temperature and fluid pressure. In practice, because changes in ambient air temperature and / or fluid pressure may alter the expected temperature of the fluid flow through the piping system when there is no excessive working fluid flow between the chamber sections, the temperature indicative of excessive working fluid flow between the chamber sections may also change accordingly.

[0066] For example, under a first operating condition associated with a relatively low ambient air temperature and a relatively low fluid pressure, a relatively low fluid temperature can indicate excess working fluid flow between the chamber portions. However, under a second operating condition associated with a relatively high ambient air temperature and a relatively high fluid pressure, a relatively high fluid temperature can indicate excess working fluid flow between the chamber portions (e.g., a relatively low fluid temperature associated with the first operating condition may no longer indicate excess working fluid flow between the chamber portions under a relatively high ambient air temperature and a relatively high fluid pressure in the second condition). Thus, the second plurality of values ​​of the parameter provide different indications of excess working fluid flow between the chamber portions under different operating conditions having the first plurality of values.

[0067] At block 506, a relationship between the first plurality of values ​​and the second plurality of values ​​is determined. The relationship may include a mathematical equation and / or a database table. In either case, the relationship relates various first values ​​of the parameter (e.g., ambient temperature values, fluid pressure values) corresponding to operating conditions to corresponding second values ​​(e.g., temperature values ​​of the fluid), each corresponding second value indicating excess working fluid flow between chamber portions under a particular operating condition.

[0068] At box 508, a threshold is established based on the relationship. That is, a current first value of the operating condition is determined (e.g., via one or more sensors). The relationship then provides a specific second value of the parameter that corresponds to the current first value of the operating condition. The specific second value is selected as a threshold value that indicates an excess flow of working fluid between the chamber portions under the current operating condition having the current first value. By dynamically adjusting the threshold value based on the first value of the operating condition (e.g., by increasing the threshold value of the fluid temperature value as the ambient air temperature increases), the threshold value can more closely reflect and correspond to the current operating condition. In other words, a static or fixed threshold value may not accurately indicate an excess flow of working fluid between the chamber portions under certain operating conditions (e.g., a fluid temperature exceeding a lower, fixed threshold value may be caused by a high ambient air temperature rather than by an excess flow of working fluid between the chamber portions). Therefore, a dynamically adjusted threshold value can make it possible to more accurately determine an excess flow of working fluid between the chamber portions based on a comparison result with the dynamically adjusted threshold value.

[0069] As used herein, unless expressly stated to the contrary, use of the phrases “at least one of,” “one or more of,” “and / or,” and variations thereof, etc., are open-ended expressions that operate as conjunctions and disjuncts for any and all possible combinations of the associated listed items. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” “one or more of X, Y, and Z,” “one or more of X, Y, or Z,” and “X, Y, and / or Z” may mean any of the following: 1) X, but not Y and not Z; 2) Y, but not X and not Z; 3) Z, but not X and not Y; 4) X and Y, but not Z; 5) X and Z, but not Y; 6) Y and Z, but not X; or 7) X, Y, and Z.

[0070] In addition, unless clearly stated otherwise, terms "first", "second", "third" etc. are intended to distinguish the specific nouns (such as, element, condition, node, module, activity, operation etc.) that they modify. Unless clearly stated otherwise, the use of these terms is not intended to indicate any type of order, rank, importance, time sequence or the level of the modified noun. For example, "first X" and "second X" are intended to represent two "X" elements, and this need not be limited to any order, rank, importance, time sequence or the level of these two elements. Further as mentioned herein, " at least one of ... " one or more of ... " can use " (s) " nomenclature (such as, one or more elements) to represent.

[0071] Each exemplary embodiment disclosed herein has been included to exhibit one or more different features. However, all disclosed exemplary embodiments are designed to work together as part of a single larger system or method. Composite embodiments that combine multiple previously discussed features from different exemplary embodiments into a single system or method are expressly contemplated by the present invention.

[0072] The one or more advantages described herein are not meant to imply that any one of the embodiments described herein necessarily provides all of the advantages described, or that all embodiments of the invention necessarily provide any of the advantages described. Many other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and / or modifications may be ascertained by those skilled in the art, and the present invention is intended to encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and / or modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pump system, comprising: Cylinder body; a piston disposed within the cylinder to define a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion within the cylinder, wherein the piston is configured to be movable in a first direction within the cylinder to draw a working fluid into the first chamber portion, and the piston is configured to be movable in a second direction within the cylinder to pressurize the working fluid and discharge the working fluid from the first chamber portion; as well as a piping system fluidly coupled to the second chamber portion, wherein the piping system is configured to receive fluid displaced from the second chamber portion due to movement of the piston within the cylinder along the first direction, and the piping system includes a sensor configured to monitor a parameter of the fluid flow through the piping system, the parameter being indicative of leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion.

2. The pump system according to claim 1, wherein The parameter monitored by the sensor includes a flow rate of a fluid flow through the piping system.

3. The pump system according to claim 1, wherein The parameter monitored by the sensor includes a temperature of a fluid flow through the piping system.

4. The pump system of claim 1, comprising a control system configured to output a signal based on the parameter monitored by the sensor.

5. The pump system according to claim 4, wherein: The control system is configured to: comparing the parameter to a threshold; and The signal is output in response to determining that the parameter exceeds the threshold and indicates that excess working fluid is leaking from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion.

6. The pump system according to claim 5, wherein: The control system is configured to be operable in a calibration mode to establish the threshold value, and the control system in the calibration mode is configured to: operating under a plurality of operating conditions having a first plurality of values; determining a second plurality of values ​​for the parameter at each of the plurality of operating conditions, the second plurality of values ​​for the parameter indicating excessive leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion; determining a relationship between the first plurality of values ​​and the second plurality of values; as well as The threshold is established based on the relationship between the first plurality of values ​​and the second plurality of values.

7. The pump system of claim 6, wherein: The relationship relates respective first values ​​of the parameter indicative of excessive leakage of the working fluid from the first chamber portion to the second chamber portion to corresponding second values ​​of the plurality of operating conditions, and the control system is configured to: determining a current operating condition having one or more current values; determining, based on the relationship, respective first values ​​of the parameter associated with the one or more current values ​​of the current operating condition; and The corresponding first value is established as the threshold value.

8. The pump system of claim 1 , comprising: Additional cylinder; as well as an additional piston disposed within the additional cylinder to define a third chamber portion and a fourth chamber portion within the additional cylinder, wherein the additional piston is configured to be movable within the additional cylinder along a third direction to draw additional working fluid into the third chamber portion, and the additional piston is configured to be movable within the additional cylinder along a fourth direction to pressurize the additional working fluid and discharge the additional working fluid from the third chamber portion, The conduit system is configured to receive fluid discharged from the fourth chamber portion due to movement of the additional piston in the third chamber portion.

9. The pump system of claim 8, wherein: The piping system includes a pipe fluidly coupled to each of the second chamber portion of the cylinder and the fourth chamber portion of the additional cylinder, and the sensor is configured to monitor a parameter of the fluid flow through the pipe.

10. The pump system of claim 9 , comprising a first branch fluidly coupled to the second chamber portion of the cylinder, a second branch fluidly coupled to the fourth chamber portion of the additional cylinder, and a valve fluidly coupling the first branch, the second branch, and the conduit to each other to fluidly couple the conduit to each of the second and fourth chamber portions.

11. The pump system of claim 8, wherein: The piping system includes a first pipe fluidly coupled to the second chamber portion of the cylinder and a second pipe fluidly coupled to the fourth chamber portion of the additional cylinder, the sensor being configured to monitor a parameter of the fluid flow through the first pipe, and the piping system including an additional sensor configured to monitor an additional parameter of the fluid flow through the second pipe, the additional parameter being indicative of flow of the additional working fluid from the third chamber portion to the fourth chamber portion.

12. The pump system of claim 8, wherein: The additional working fluid includes the working fluid pressurized by the piston and partially discharged from the first chamber.

13. A piping system for a pump system, the pump system comprising a cylinder and a piston, the piston being disposed within the cylinder to define a rod-side chamber and a piston-side chamber opposite the rod-side chamber, wherein the piping system comprises: a conduit fluidly coupled to the rod-side chamber of the pump system, wherein the piston is configured to be movable in a first direction within the cylinder to draw a first fluid into the piston-side chamber and expel a second fluid from the rod-side chamber, the piston is configured to be movable in a second direction within the cylinder to pressurize the first fluid and expel the first fluid from the piston-side chamber, and the conduit is configured to receive the second fluid expelled from the rod-side chamber via movement of the piston within the cylinder in the first direction; as well as A sensor is configured to monitor a parameter of the second fluid flowing from the rod-side chamber through the conduit, wherein the parameter is indicative of flow of the first fluid from the piston-side chamber to the rod-side chamber.

14. The piping system of claim 13, comprising a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor, wherein the control system is configured to: receiving the parameter monitored by the sensor; and The parameter is compared to a threshold value, the threshold value indicating that the second fluid consists at least partially of the first fluid.

15. The piping system of claim 14, wherein: The control system is configured to output a signal in response to determining that the parameter exceeds the threshold.

16. The piping system according to claim 15, wherein The control system is configured to output the signal to provide a notification.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, are configured to enable the one or more processors to: receiving a parameter from a sensor of a pump system, wherein the pump system includes a piston disposed within a cylinder to define a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion within the cylinder, the piston being configured to move in a first direction within the cylinder to draw a working fluid into the first chamber portion, the piston being configured to move in a second direction within the cylinder to pressurize the working fluid in the first chamber portion, a piping system of the pump system being configured to receive fluid discharged from the second chamber portion, and the parameter being associated with fluid flow through the piping system and indicative of flow of the working fluid between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion; comparing the parameter to a threshold value; as well as A signal is output based on a comparison result of the parameter and the threshold.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein: When executed by the one or more processors, the instructions are configured to enable the one or more processors to output the signal to pause operation of the pump system in response to determining that the parameter exceeds the threshold.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein: When executed by the one or more processors, the instructions are configured to enable the one or more processors to: determining a first plurality of values ​​for the plurality of operating conditions; determining a second plurality of values ​​for the parameter, wherein each value in the second plurality of values ​​indicates excess working fluid flow between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion for a respective operating condition in the plurality of operating conditions; determining a relationship between the first plurality of values ​​and the second plurality of values, wherein the relationship relates respective first values ​​of the parameter indicative of excess working fluid flow between the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion to corresponding second values ​​of the plurality of operating conditions; as well as The threshold is established based on the relationship between the first plurality of values ​​and the second plurality of values.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein: When executed by the one or more processors, the instructions are configured to enable the one or more processors to: determining the current value of the current operating condition; as well as The threshold value is established as the respective first value of the parameter associated with the current value of the current operating condition based on the relationship.

Images