Turbine-driven pressure differential systems and methods

Abstract

Turbine-driven pressure differential systems and methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a turbine positioned in a pipe, a fluid flow through the pipe to drive rotation of turbine blades of the turbine, and a pump operatively coupled to the turbine and fluidly coupled between a bleed gas source and a first location, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive operation of the pump, the operation of the pump to draw bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first location.

Description

TURBINE-DRIVEN PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEMS ANDMETHODSRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 614,287, titled ■‘Turbine-Driven Pressure Differential Systems and Methods." filed December 22, 2023. U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 614,287 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to gas pipelines and, more particularly, to turbine-driven pressure differential systems and methods.BACKGROUND

[0003] In a natural gas pipeline, gas in a pipe can include methane and / or one or more other constituent gases. In some instances, gas-operated equipment can be implemented on the pipe to utilize pressurized gas from the pipe. The gas is often vented to the atmosphere, which is wasteful and harmful to the environment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an example gas recovery system constructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a first example drive system that can be used to implement the example gas recovery system of FIG. 1.

[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates an example screw-driven pump that can be implemented in the first example drive system of FIG. 2.

[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates an example vane pump that can be implemented in the first example drive system of FIG. 2.

[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates an example swash plate pump that can be implemented in the first example drive system of FIG. 2.

[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates a second example drive system that can be used to implement the example gas recovery system of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates an example compressor unit that can be implemented in the second example drive system of FIG. 6.

[0011] FIG. 8 is a flowchart representative of an example method to produce the first example drive system of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a flowchart representative of an example method to produce the second example drive system of FIG. 6.

[0013] In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Instead, the thickness of the layers or regions may be enlarged in the drawings. Although the figures show layers and regions with clean lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, the boundaries and / or lines may be unobservable, blended, and / or irregular.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Buildings, plants, factories, and other facilities commonly use natural gas for various purposes such as heating, power generation, transportation, etc. In some cases, natural gas is transported between two or more locations using gas pipelines. Some pipelines include one or more gas-operated devices implemented thereon. Some such devices utilize gas pressure from the pipeline to operate, then release the gas (e.g., bleed gas) to the atmosphere. For example, the devices can include bleed devices, which can be flow control devices powered by the pressurized gas to automatically maintain a process condition such as a flow rate, a pressure, a temperature, etc., of the gas in the pipeline. In some cases, the bleed devices are intermittent bleed devices (e g., intermittent bleed pneumatic devices) that may intermittently release (e g., vent, discharge) a portion or all of the gas supplied thereto. Alternatively, some bleed devices continuously vent the supply gas to the atmosphere. Natural gas is composed of methane and / or one or more other constituent gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, water vapor, ethane, propane, etc.) that, when vented to the atmosphere, can be harmful to the environment and may pose a safety concern due to a risk of accidental combustion.

[0015] In recent years, to reduce release of bleed gas to the environment, some gas- powered devices have been replaced with electrically-actuated counterparts. However, electrically -actuated devices are often more expensive than gas-powered devices, and electrical power is often not available at many locations along the pipeline. Alternatively, pneumatically- actuated devices can be used instead of gas-operated devices to reduce and / or eliminate the emission of bleed gas. However, a supply of compressed air is not commonly available along the pipeline, and installation of an air compressor may be costly and / or may require electrical power.

[0016] Examples disclosed herein implement an example gas recovery system that is used to capture bleed gas emitted from a gas source (e.g., one or more gas-operated devices) and return the captured gas to a pipeline. In examples disclosed herein, the gas recovery system includes an example turbine positioned in a flow path of an example pipe, where fluid flow through the pipe drives rotation of example turbine blades of the turbine. In some examples, the turbine is operatively coupled to an example pump, where the pump is fluidly coupled between a gas source and a second location (e.g., the pipe and / or a second pipe). In some examples, the pump includes at least one of an example screw-driven pump, an example vane pump, an example swash plate pump, or an example compressor. In some examples, rotation of the turbine blades drives operation of the pump, and the pump operates to draw bleed gas from the gas source and compress and / or pump the bleed gas to the second location.

[0017] By capturing and returning bleed gas to a pipeline, examples disclosed herein may reduce an amount of the bleed gas vented and / or released to the atmosphere, which reduces risk of harm to the environment and / or reduces waste. Additionally, by utilizing pressure differential between two or more locations of a pipeline to drive the gas recovery system, examples disclosed herein reduce a need for additional pneumatic and / or electrical systems to be installed on a pipeline. In particular, examples disclosed herein can be implemented (e.g., retrofitted) on top of existing gas-operated devices and / or pipeline infrastructure, thus avoiding costs associated with installation of air compressors and / or outfitting of the pipeline with electrical power.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an example gas recovery system (e.g., a differential pressure- driven gas recover}' system) 100 constructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the gas recovery system 100 is fluidly coupled between a first example pipe (e.g.. a high-pressure line) 102 and a second example pipe (e.g., a low-pressure line) 104. In this example, the first pipe 102 is pressurized to a first example pressure (e.g., between 900 pounds per square inch (psi) and 1500 psi), and the second pipe 104 is pressurized to a second example pressure (e.g., between 100 psi and 700 psi), where the second pressure is less than the first pressure.

[0019] In this example, the gas recovery system 100 is fluidly and / or operatively coupled to an example gas source (e g., a bleed gas source) 106. In some examples, the gas source 106 corresponds to one or more gas-operated devices that utilize gas pressure from at least one of the first pipe 102 or the second pipe 104 to operate. For example, the gas-operated device(s) can include valves, actuators, and / or other flow control devices that may be operated using the pressurized gas. In some examples, the gas utilized to operate the gas-operated device(s) is thenreleased (e.g., continuously and / or periodically) as bleed gas to the atmosphere. The release of such bleed gas to the atmosphere can be wasteful and harmful to the environment and / or may pose a safety concern due to a risk of accidental combustion.

[0020] In examples disclosed herein, the gas recovery’ system 100 utilizes a pressure differential between the first pipe 102 and the second pipe 104 to capture and / or compress bleed gas from the gas source 106 and provide the gas to another location (e.g., the first pipe 102 and / or the second pipe 104). In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the gas recovery system 100 includes an example drive device 108 fluidly coupled between the first pipe 102 and the second pipe 104. In particular, a third example pipe 110 fluidly couples the drive device 108 to the first pipe 102. and a fourth example pipe 112 fluidly couples the drive device 108 to the second pipe 104. Further, an example bleed line 114 fluidly couples the gas source 106 to the drive device 108. In this example, an example sensor (e.g., a sensor device) 116 is operatively’ coupled between the drive device 108 and the gas source 106.

[0021] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the sensor 116 measures and / or detects bleed gas output from the gas source 106. In this example, in response to the sensor 1 16 detecting the presence of bleed gas from the gas source 106, the sensor 116 provides an example control signal 118 to the drive device 108 to turn on and / or shut off the drive device 108 and / or otherwise control flow of gas to the drive device 108. In some examples, based on the control signal 118, the drive device 108 operates to draw bleed gas away from the gas source 106 via the bleed line 114. The drive device 108 can compress the bleed gas and / or provide the bleed gas to the second pipe 104. In some examples, different devices and / or configurations can be used to implement the functionality’ of the gas recovery system 100 of FIG. 1. In examples disclosed herein, the drive device 108 may be implemented using one or more turbines. Additionally or alternatively, the drive device 108 may be implemented using one or more valves and / or pistons, one or more diaphragms, one or more fluid constrictor devices (e.g., Venturis), one or more pumps, and / or any other suitable device(s).

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a first example drive system 200 that can be used to implement the example gas recovery’ system 100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the first drive system 200 includes an example pump (e.g.. a pump) 202 and an example turbine 204. where the turbine 204 is mounted on an example column 206 and positioned in allow path of an example pipe 208. In some examples, the pipe 208 corresponds to one of the first pipe 102 or the second pipe 104 of FIG. 1. In some examples, a pressure in the pipe 208 is less than an example threshold (e.g.. 55 psi, 50 psi, etc.).

[0023] In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, gas flow through the pipe 208 drives rotation of example turbine blades 210 of the turbine 204 about an example axis (e.g.. a rotational axis) 212. In some examples, the turbine 204 is operatively coupled to the pump 202 such that rotation of the turbine blades 210 drives operation of the pump 202. In particular, the pump 202 operates to draw bleed gas from the gas source 106 and provide the bleed gas to the pipe 208. In this example, the pump 202 is fluidly coupled to the gas source 106 via an example bleed line 214, where the bleed gas can flow from the gas source 106 to the pump 202 via the bleed line 214. Further, the bleed gas flows from the pump 202 to the pipe 208 via an example column outlet (e.g., an outlet port) 216 defined in the column 206 (e.g., in a portion of the column 206 extending into the pipe 208). In some examples, by providing and / or returning the bleed gas to the pipe 208. the first drive system 200 of FIG. 2 can reduce an amount of bleed gas vented and / or otherwise released to the atmosphere.

[0024] In some examples, one or more different devices and / or configurations can be used to implement the functionality of the example pump 202 of FIG. 2. For example, the pump 202 may be implemented using an example screw-driven pump (e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 3 below), and example vane pump (e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 4 below), an example swash plate pump (e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 5 below), and / or any other suitable device(s).

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an example screw-driven pump 300 that can be used to implement the example pump 202 of FIG. 2. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3. the screw- driven pump 300 includes an example piston 302 positioned in and / or movable within an example cylinder 304. In this example, an example chamber 306 is defined in the cylinder 304. The chamber 306 is fluidly coupled to the example gas source 106 of FIGS. 1 and / or 2 via an example inlet line 307 (e.g., corresponding to the example bleed line 214 of FIG. 2), and is further fluidly coupled to the example column outlet 216 of FIG. 2 via an example outlet line 308. In this example, example check valves 310, 312 are implemented along the inlet line 307 and the outlet line 308 to restrict fluid flow (e.g., backflow) from the chamber 306 to the gas source 106 and / or from the column outlet 216 to the chamber 306.

[0026] In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the screw-driven pump 300 further includes an example self-reversing screw (e.g., a self-reversing lead screw) 314 operatively coupled to the piston 302. Further, the self-reversing screw 314 is coupled to an example shaft 316 of the example turbine 204 of FIG. 2. In some examples, rotation of the turbine blades 210 about the example axis 212 of FIG. 2 is translated (e.g., via one or more example gears) to the shaft 316 to drive rotation of the shaft 316 about a second example axis (e.g., a second rotational axis, alongitudinal axis) 318. Further, rotation of the shaft 316 drives corresponding rotation of the self-reversing screw 314 about the second axis 318, resulting in translation (e.g., linear translation) of the self-reversing screw 314 along the second axis 318. In particular, the rotation of the self-reversing screw 314 in a first rotational direction about the second axis 318 results in reciprocal motion of the self-reversing screw 314 in first and second example directions 320. 322 along the second axis 318. In this example, the piston 302 is operatively coupled to the selfreversing screw 314 such that the piston 302 moves (e.g., translates) with the self-reversing screw 314 along the first and second directions 320, 322.

[0027] In operation, rotation of the turbine blades 210 causes continuous rotation of the self-reversing screw 314 in the first rotational direction about the second axis 318. As a result, the self-reversing screw 314 is translated in the first direction 320 toward a first example position (e.g., a first linear position) along the second axis 318. In this example, as the selfreversing screw 314 moves in the first direction 320, the piston 302 moves with the selfreversing screw 314 in the first direction 320. In some examples, when the piston 302 moves in the first direction 320, bleed gas is drawn (e.g., suctioned) from the gas source 106 and into the chamber 306 of the cylinder 304.

[0028] In this example, after the self-reversing screw 314 reaches a first position (e.g., a first linear position) along the second axis 318, continued rotation of the self-reversing screw 314 in the first rotational direction causes the screw to move (e.g., translate) in a reverse direction (e.g., the second direction 322 of FIG. 3). In such examples, as the self-reversing screw 314 moves in the second direction 322, the piston 302 moves with the self-reversing screw 314 in the second direction 322. In some examples, when the piston 302 moves in the second direction 322, the bleed gas is expelled from the chamber 306 and flows into the outlet line 308 towards the column outlet 216 of FIG. 2. In some such examples, the expelled bleed gas exits the column outlet 216 and mixes with the flow of gas in the pipe 208 of FIG. 2. In some examples, by providing and / or returning the bleed gas to the pipe 208, an amount of the bleed gas vented and / or otherwise released to the atmosphere can be reduced.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an example vane pump 400 that can be used to implement the example pump 202 of FIG. 2. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, the vane pump 400 includes example vanes 402 rotatable within an example pump housing 404. In this example, the vanes 402 are rotatable about an example rotational axis 406, where the rotational axis 406 in this example is offset from a geometric center of the pump housing 404. In some examples, the vanes 402 are spring-loaded and can extend away from and / or retract towards the rotational axis 406, such that the vanes 402 can maintain contact with an inner surface 408 of the pump housing404 during rotation. In the example of FIG. 4, the pump housing 404 is fluidly coupled to the example gas source 106 of FIGS. 1 and / or 2 via an example inlet line 410, and is further fluidly coupled to the example column outlet 216 of FIG. 2 via an example outlet line 412. In this example, example check valves 414, 416 are implemented along the inlet line 410 and the outlet line 412 to restrict backflow from the pump housing 404 to the gas source 106 and / or from the column outlet 216 to the pump housing 404.

[0030] In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, the vanes 402 are operatively coupled to an example rotor 418, and the rotor 418 is further operatively coupled to the example turbine 204 of FIG. 2. In this example, rotation of the turbine blades 210 about the example rotational axis 212 of FIG. 2 drives corresponding rotation of the rotor 418 in an example clockwise direction (e.g., represented by arrow 420) in FIG. 4. In such examples, the vanes 402 rotate with the rotor 418 in the clockwise direction 420 about the rotational axis 406. In some examples, rotation of the vanes 402 draws bleed gas from the gas source 106 through the inlet line 410 and into the pump housing 404. Further, the rotating vanes 402 can pressurize (e.g., compress) the bleed gas in the pump housing 404, then eject and / or expel the bleed gas to the column outlet 216 via the outlet line 412. In some such examples, by pressurizing the bleed gas in the vane pump 400, the bleed gas can be provided and / or returned to the pipe 208 at a pressure substantially similar to a pressure of the fluid in the pipe 208.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates an example swash plate pump 500 that can be used to implement the example pump 202 of FIG. 2. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5. the swash plate pump 500 includes example pistons 502 (e.g., a first example piston 502A and a second example piston 502B) movable and / or slidable within respective example cylinders 504 (e.g., a first example cylinder 504A and a second example cylinder 504B). While the swash plate pump 500 includes two of the pistons 502A, 502B and the corresponding two of the cylinders 504A, 504B, in this example, a different number (e.g., one, three or more, etc.) of the pistons and / or the corresponding cylinders may be used instead. In this example, the swash plate pump 500 further includes an example swash plate 506 operatively coupled to the pistons 502. In particular, the pistons 502 are operatively coupled to an example angled surface 508 of the swash plate 506 such that the pistons 502 remain in contact with the angled surface 508 while the swash plate 506 rotates. In some examples, the swash plate 506 is further operatively coupled to the example turbine 204 of FIG. 2 via an example shaft 510, such that the turbine 204 can drive rotation of the swash plate 506.

[0032] In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the cylinders 504A. 504B are fluidly coupled to the gas source 106 of FIG. 1 via respective example inlet lines 512A, 512B. Further, examplecheck valves 514A, 514B are implemented along respective ones of the inlet lines 512A, 512B to enable fluid flow from the gas source 106 to the cylinders 504A, 504B and restrict fluid flow (e.g., backflow) from the cylinders 504A, 504B to the gas source 106. In this example, the cylinders 504A, 504B are further fluidly coupled to the column outlet 216 of FIG. 2 via an example outlet line 516, and an example check valve 517 is implemented along the outlet line 516 to enable fluid flow from the cylinders 504A, 504B to the column outlet 216 and restrict flow (e.g., backflow) from the column outlet 216 to the cylinders 504A, 504B.

[0033] In operation, rotation of the turbine blades 210 of FIG. 2 about the example rotational axis 212 of FIG. 2 drives corresponding rotation of the shaft 510 and, thus, the swash plate 506 of FIG. 5. In such examples, the swash plate 506 serves as a cam to drive reciprocal motion of the pistons 502A, 502B (e.g., cam followers) within the cylinders 504A. 504B. For example, as the swash plate 506 rotates, distances between the angled surface 508 of the swash plate 506 and the cylinders 504A, 504B vary. For example, when the swash plate 506 is in a first rotational position shown in FIG. 5, a first portion 518 of the swash plate 506 is proximate the first cylinder 504A and a second portion 520 of the swash plate 506 is proximate the second cylinder 504B, where the first portion 518 has a first thickness less than a second thickness of the second portion 520. In particular, when the swash plate 506 is in the first rotational position, the first cylinder 504A is at a first distance 522 from the angled surface 508 and the second cylinder 504B is at a second distance 524 from the angled surface 508, where the first distance 522 is greater than the second distance 524. As a result, when the swash plate 506 is in the first rotational position, the first piston 502A moves to first piston position (e.g., a leftward position in FIG. 5) within the first cylinder 504A, thus drawing fluid (e.g., bleed gas) from the gas source 106 into the first cylinder 504A. Further, the second piston 502 moves to a second piston position (e.g., a rightward position in FIG. 5) within the second cylinder 504B, thus compressing and / or expelling fluid from the second cylinder 504B to the column outlet 216 via the outlet line 516.

[0034] In some examples, the sw ash plate 506 can rotate to a second rotational position in which the first portion 518 of the swash plate 506 is proximate the second cylinder 504B and the second portion 520 of the swash plate 506 is proximate the first cylinder 504A. In such examples, the angled surface 508 pushes the first piston 502A (e g., rightward in FIG. 5) toward the second piston position within the first cylinder 504A, thus causing the first piston 502A to compress and / or expel the fluid from the first cylinder 504A to the column outlet 216. Conversely, when the swash plate 506 rotates to the second rotational position, the angled surface 508 pulls the second piston (e.g., leftward in FIG. 5) toward the first piston positionwithin the second cylinder 504B, thus causing fluid (e.g., bleed gas) to be drawn into the second cylinder 504B from the gas source 106. In some examples, as the swash plate 506 rotates (e.g.. continuously rotates) between the first and second rotational positions, the resulting reciprocal motion of the pistons 502A, 502B within the corresponding cylinders 504A, 504B is used to provide and / or return bleed gas from the gas source 106 to the pipe 208 of FIG. 2, which reduces an amount of the bleed gas vented and / or otherwise released to the atmosphere.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a second example drive system 600 that can be used to implement the example gas recovery system 100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6, the second drive system 600 includes multiple example compressor units (e.g., compressor pumps) 602A, 602B. 602C implemented between the first pipe 102 of FIG. 1 and the example bleed line 114 of FIG. 1. In particular, the compressor units 602A, 602B. 602C include example turbine blades 604 A, 604B, 604B positioned in the first pipe 102 and corresponding example compressor blades 606 A, 606B, 606C positioned in the bleed line 114. Further, the turbine blades 604A, 604B, 604C are operatively coupled to respective ones of the compressor blades 606A, 606B, 606C via example shafts (e.g., drive shafts) 608A. 608B, 608C. such that rotation of the turbine blades 604A, 604B, 604C drives corresponding rotation of the compressor blades 606A, 606B, 606C.

[0036] In the illustrated example of FIG. 6, fluid flows through the first pipe 102 from a first end 610 to a second end 612 of the first pipe 102. In this example, the first pipe 102 includes multiple (e.g.. two or more) example bends (e.g.. bent portions) 614 between corresponding ones of the compressor units 602. In some examples, the first pipe 102 can include fewer bends (e.g., can be substantially straight) between ones of the compressor units 602. In some examples, the fluid flow in the first pipe 102 drives rotation of the turbine blades 604A, 604B, 604C. For example, the fluid flows from the first end 610 to the first turbine blades 604A to drive rotation of the first turbine blades 604A. Further, the fluid flows from the first turbine blades 604A to the second turbine blades 604B to drive rotation of the second turbine blades 604B, and the fluid further flows from the second turbine blades 604B to the third turbine blades 604C to drive rotation of the third turbine blades 604C. In this example, fluid flow through the first pipe 102 flows to the turbine blades 604A. 604B, 604C in a first direction (e.g.. substantially parallel to rotational axes of the turbine blades 604A, 604B, 604C), and flows from the turbine blades 604A, 604B, 604C in a second direction different from the first direction (e.g., radially outward from the rotational axes).

[0037] In some examples, a pressure of the fluid drops when the fluid passes across ones of the turbine blades 604. For example, the fluid flows from the first end 610 to the first turbineblades 604A at a first example pressure (e.g., 1500 psi or above), and the pressure of the fluid drops across the first turbine blades 604A to a second example pressure (e.g.. less than the first pressure). Similarly, the pressure drops from the second pressure to a third example pressure (e.g., less than the first and second pressures) across the second turbine blades 604B, the pressure further drops from the third pressure to a fourth example pressure (e.g., less than the first, second, and third pressures) across the third turbine blades 604C. In some examples, the fluid flows from the third turbine blades 604C to the second end 612 of the first pipe 102 at the fourth pressure, where the fourth pressure is at or near a pressure (e.g., 55 psi or less) in the second pipe 104 of FIG. 1. In some such examples, the second end 612 is fluidly coupled to the second pipe 104 of FIG. 1 to provide the fluid to the second pipe 104 at the fourth pressure.

[0038] In the illustrated example of FIG. 6, the rotation of the turbine blades 604 drives corresponding rotation of the compressor blades 606 in the bleed line 114, and the rotation of the compressor blades 606 is used to draw and / or compress bleed gas from the gas source 106. For example, rotation of the first compressor blades 606A draws bleed gas from the gas source 106 at a first bleed gas pressure (e.g., 0 psi, 1 psi, etc.). In such examples, the first compressor blades 606A compress the bleed gas to a second bleed gas pressure (e.g., greater than the first bleed gas pressure) and pump the compressed bleed gas to the second compressor blades 606B. Similarly, the second compressor blades 606B further compress the bleed gas to a third bleed gas pressure (e.g., greater than the first and second bleed gas pressure), and the third compressor blades 606C compress the bleed gas to a fourth bleed gas pressure (e.g., greater than the first, second, and third bleed gas pressures). As a result, the compressed bleed gas flows to a third end 16 of the bleed line 114 at the fourth bleed gas pressure, where the fourth bleed gas pressure is at or near a pressure in the second pipe 104 of FIG. 1 (e g., 55 psi or less). In some examples, the third end 616 is fluidly coupled to the second pipe 104 of FIG. 1 to provide the bleed gas to the second pipe 104 at the fourth bleed gas pressure.

[0039] In the illustrated example of FIG. 6, three of the compressor units 602 are implemented in series along the first pipe 102 and / or the bleed line 114. In some examples, a different number (e.g., one, two, four or more, etc.) of the compressor units 602 can be used instead. In some examples, the number of the compressor units 602 can be selected based on a pressure differential between the first and second pipe 104 and / or based on a pressure drop across each of the compressor units 602. For example, the number of and / or sizes of the compressor units 602 can be selected such that a pressure of the fluid at the second end 612 of the first pipe 102 and / or a pressure of the bleed gas at the third end 616 of the bleed line 114 corresponds to (e.g., is substantially the same as) a pressure of the fluid in the second pipe 104.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one of the example compressor units 602 of FIG.6. In the illustrated example of FIG. 7. the compressor unit 602 includes the example turbine blades 604 positioned in and / or rotatable within an example turbine housing 702, and the example compressor blades 606 positioned in and / or rotatable within an example compressor housing 704. Further, the compressor unit 602 includes the example shaft 608 positioned in and / or rotatable within an example bearing housing 706. In this example, the shaft 608 operatively couples the turbine blades 604 to the compressor blades 606, such that the turbine blades 604 and the compressor blades 606 rotate together within the respective housings 702, 704.

[0041] In the illustrated example of FIG. 7, the turbine housing 702 includes a first example inlet port (e.g., a drive fluid inlet port) 708 and a first example outlet port (e.g., a drive fluid outlet port) 710 fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 of FIGS. 1 and / or 6. In some examples, the turbine housing 702 receives fluid (e.g., drive fluid) from the first pipe 102 via the first inlet port 708 at a first example pressure, and returns the fluid to the first pipe 102 via the first outlet port 710 at a second example pressure (e.g., less than the first pressure). Further, the compressor housing 704 includes a second example inlet port (e.g., a bleed gas inlet port) 712 and a second example outlet port (e.g., a bleed gas outlet port) 714 fluidly coupled to the bleed line 114 of FIGS. 1 and / or 6. In some examples, the compressor housing 704 receives bleed gas from the bleed line 114 via the second inlet port 712 at a third example pressure, and returns the bleed gas to the bleed line 114 via the second outlet port 714 at a fourth example pressure (e.g., greater than the third pressure). While the compressor unit 602 of FIG. 7 illustrates one of the example compressor units 602 that can be implemented in the second example drive system 600 FIG. 6, one or more different types of compressors (e.g., reciprocating compressors, rotary compressors, etc.) may be used for one or more of the compressor units 602 of FIG. 6.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a flowchart representative of an example method 800 to produce the first example drive system 200 of FIG. 2. Although the example method is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 8, many other methods may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and / or some of the blocks described may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated, and / or implemented in any other way. Further, in some examples, additional processing operations can be performed before, between, and / or after any of the blocks represented in the illustrated example.

[0043] The example method 800 of FIG. 8 begins at block 802, at which the example turbine 204 of FIG. 2 is operatively coupled to the example pump 202 of FIG. 2. For example, the turbine 204 is operatively coupled to the pump 202 such that rotation of the example turbineblades 210 of the turbine 204 drive operation of the pump 202. In some examples, the pump 202 corresponds to the example screw-driven pump 300 of FIG. 3, the example vane pump 400 of FIG. 4, and / or the example swash plate pump 500 of FIG. 5. In some examples, the example shaft 316 of the turbine 204 is coupled (e.g., operatively coupled) to an example self-reversing screw 314 of the screw-driven pump 300 of FIG. 3 to drive reciprocal motion of the selfreversing screw 314. In some examples, the turbine 204 is operatively coupled to the example rotor 418 of the vane pump 400 of FIG. 4 to drive rotation of the example rotor 418 and / or the corresponding vanes 402. In some examples, the turbine 204 is operatively coupled to the example swash plate 506 of the swash plate pump 500 of FIG. 5 to drive rotation of the swash plate pump 500. In some examples, the turbine 204 is coupled to the pump 202 via the example column 206 of FIG. 2, and the column 206 extends at least partially into the pipe 208.

[0044] At block 806, the pump 202 is fluidly coupled to the example column outlet 216 of the example column 206. For example, the pump 202 is fluidly coupled to the column outlet 216 of FIG. 2 via the example outlet line 308 of FIG. 3, the example outlet line 412 of FIG. 4, and / or the example outlet line 516 of FIG. 5. In some examples, the column outlet 216 corresponds to an opening in the column 206 through which fluid can flow. In some examples, one or more example check valves are implemented along the outlet line 308 of FIG. 3, the outlet line 412 of FIG. 4, and / or the outlet line 516 of FIG. 5 to enable fluid flow from the pump 202 to the column outlet 216 and / or restrict fluid flow from the column outlet 216 to the pump 202.

[0045] At block 808, the pump 202 is fluidly coupled to the gas source 106. For example, the pump 202 is fluidly coupled to the gas source 106 via the example inlet line 307 of FIG. 3, the example inlet line 410 of FIG. 4, and / or the example inlet lines 512A. 512B of FIG. 5. In some examples, one or more example check valves are implemented along the inlet line 307 of FIG. 3, the inlet line 410 of FIG. 4, and / or the inlet lines 512A, 512B of FIG. 5 to enable fluid flow from the gas source 106 to the pump 202 and / or restrict fluid flow from the pump 202 to the gas source 106.

[0046] At block 810. the example turbine 204 is positioned in a flow path of the example pipe 208 of FIG. 2. For example, the turbine 204 is positioned and / or oriented in the pipe 208 such that a flow of fluid through the pipe 208 drives rotation of the turbine blades 210 about an example rotational axis 212 of the turbine 204. In such examples, the rotation of the turbine blades 210 drives operation of the pump 202, where the pump 202 operates to draw bleed gas from the gas source 106 and compress and / or provide the bleed gas to the pipe 208.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a flowchart representative of an example method 900 to produce the second example drive system 600 of FIG. 6. Although the example method is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9, many other methods may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and / or some of the blocks described may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated, and / or implemented in any other way. Further, in some examples, additional processing operations can be performed before, between, and / or after any of the blocks represented in the illustrated example.

[0048] The example method 900 of FIG. 9 begins at block 902, at which the example turbine blades 604 of FIG. 6 are positioned in the first example pipe 102 of FIGS. 1 and / or 6. For example, the first example turbine blades 604A of the first example compressor unit 602A, the second example turbine blades 604B of the second example compressor unit 602B. and / or the third example turbine blades 604C of the third example compressor unit 602C of FIG. 6 are positioned in the first pipe 102 between the first end 610 and the second end 612 of the first pipe 102. In some examples, the second end 612 is fluidly coupled to the second example pipe 104 of FIG. 1, and a pressure differential between the first pipe 102 and the second pipe 104 produces a flow of fluid through the first pipe 102 from the first end 610 to the second end 612. In some such examples, the fluid flow from the first end 610 to the second end 612 drives rotation of the turbine blades 604.

[0049] At block 904. the example compressor blades 606 of FIG. 6 are positioned in the example bleed hne 114 of FIGS. 1 and / or 6. For example, the first example compressor blades 606 A of the first example compressor unit 602 A, the second example compressor blades 606B of the second example compressor unit 602B, and / or the third example compressor blades 606C of the third example compressor unit 602C of FIG. 6 are positioned in the bleed hne 114 between the gas source 106 and the third end 616 of the bleed line 114. In some examples, the third end 616 of the bleed line 114 is fluidly coupled to the second pipe 104 of FIG. 1.

[0050] At block 906, the turbine blades 604 are operatively coupled to respective ones of the compressor blades 606. For example, the first turbine blades 604 A are operatively coupled to the first compressor blades 606A via the first example shaft 608A, the second turbine blades 604B are operatively coupled to the second compressor blades 606B via the second example shaft 608B, and the third turbine blades 604C are operatively coupled to the third compressor blades 606C via the third example shaft 608C. In such examples, the shafts 608C transfer rotational motion of the turbine blades 604 to the respective compressor blades 606, such that rotation of the turbine blades 604 drives corresponding rotation of the respective compressor blades 606. In some examples, the rotation of the compressor blades 606 is used to draw bleedgas from the gas source 106, compress the bleed gas, and / or provide the compressed bleed gas to the third end 616 of the bleed line 114 and, thus, to the second pipe 104 of FIG. 1.

[0051] In some examples, means for rotating can be implemented by the turbine 204 of FIG. 2 and / or the turbine blades 604A, 604B, 604C of FIG. 6. In some examples, means for pumping can be implemented by the pump 202 of FIG. 2, the screw-driven pump 300 of FIG. 3, the vane pump 400 of FIG. 4, the swash plate pump 500 of FIG. 5, and / or the compressor blades 606A, 606B, 606C of FIG. 6. In some examples, means for enabling fluid flow can be implemented by the pipe 208 of FIG. 2, the column outlet 216 of FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and / or 5, the first pipe 102 of FIGS. 1 and / or 6, the bleed line 114 of FIGS. 1 and / or 6, and / or the bleed line 214 of FIG. 2. In some examples, means for mounting can be implemented by the column 206 of FIG.2. In some examples, means for receiving fluid can be implemented by the cylinder 304 of FIG.3, the pump housing 404 of FIG. 4, the first cylinder 504A of FIG. 5, and / or the second cylinder 504B of FIG. 5. In some examples, means for expelling fluid can be implemented by the piston 302 of FIG. 3. In some examples, means for translating can be implemented by the screw 314 of FIG. 3.

[0052] "‘Including” and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein to be open ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any form of “include” or “comprise” (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation of any kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” and “including” are open ended. The term “and / or” when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and / or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B. C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B. (5) A with C, (6) B with C, or (7) A with B and with C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and / or things, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and / or things, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B. or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing theperformance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0053] As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”, etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term “a” or “an” object, as used herein, refers to one or more of that object. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements, or actions may be implemented by, e.g., the same entity or object. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and the inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous.

[0054] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term “above” describes the relationship of two parts relative to Earth. A first part is above a second part, if the second part has at least one part between Earth and the first part. Likewise, as used herein, a first part is “below” a second part when the first part is closer to the Earth than the second part. As noted above, a first part can be above or below a second part with one or more of: other parts therebetween, without other parts therebetween, with the first and second parts touching, or without the first and second parts being in direct contact with one another.

[0055] As used in this patent, stating that any part (e.g., a layer, film, area, region, or plate) is in any way on (e.g.. positioned on, located on, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another part, indicates that the referenced part is either in contact with the other part, or that the referenced part is above the other part with one or more intermediate part(s) located therebetween.

[0056] As used herein, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) may include intermediate members between the elements referenced by the connection reference and / or relative movement between those elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and / or in fixed relation to each other. As used herein, stating that any part is in “contact” with another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

[0057] Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein without imputing or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority7, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or ordering in any way. but are merely used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detaileddescription, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as ‘"second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for identifying those elements distinctly within the context of the discussion (e g., within a claim) in which the elements might, for example, otherwise share a same name.

[0058] As used herein, “approximately” and “about” modify their subjects / values to recognize the potential presence of variations that occur in real world applications. For example, “approximately” and “about” may modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real world imperfections as will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “approximately” and “about” may indicate such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of + / - 10% unless otherwise specified herein.

[0059] In some examples, programmable circuitry can be used to control aspects of one or more devices (e.g., the turbine 204 of FIG. 2, the pump 202 of FIG. 2, the compressor units 602 of FIG. 6, etc.) disclosed herein. As used herein, “programmable circuitry” is defined to include (i) one or more special purpose electrical circuits (e g., an application specific circuit (ASIC)) structured to perform specific operation(s) and including one or more semiconductorbased logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors), and / or (ii) one or more general purpose semiconductor-based electrical circuits programmable with instructions to perform specific functions(s) and / or operation(s) and including one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors). Examples of programmable circuitry include programmable microprocessors such as Central Processor Units (CPUs) that may execute first instructions to perform one or more operations and / or functions, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that may be programmed with second instructions to cause configuration and / or structuring of the FPGAs to instantiate one or more operations and / or functions corresponding to the first instructions, Graphics Processor Units (GPUs) that may execute first instructions to perform one or more operations and / or functions, Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) that may execute first instructions to perform one or more operations and / or functions, XPUs, Network Processing Units (NPUs) one or more microcontrollers that may execute first instructions to perform one or more operations and / or functions and / or integrated circuits such as Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). For example, an XPU may be implemented by a heterogeneous computing system including multiple ty pes of programmable circuitry (e.g., one or more FPGAs, one or more CPUs, one or more GPUs, one or more NPUs, one or more DSPs, etc., and / or any combination(s) thereof), and orchestration technology (e.g.. application programminginterface(s) (API(s)) that may assign computing task(s) to whichever one(s) of the multiple types of programmable circuitry is / are suited and available to perform the computing task(s).

[0060] As used herein integrated circuit / circuitry is defined as one or more semiconductor packages containing one or more circuit elements such as transistors, capacitors, inductors, resistors, current paths, diodes, etc. For example an integrated circuit may be implemented as one or more of an ASIC, an FPGA, a chip, a microchip, programmable circuitry, a semiconductor substrate coupling multiple circuit elements, a system on chip (SoC), etc.

[0061] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that example systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed that capture bleed gas from a gas source (e.g., one or more gas-operated devices) and return the captured bleed gas to a pipeline. Examples disclosed herein implement an example turbine along a flow path of an example pipe, where fluid flow through the pipe drives rotation of example turbine blades of the turbine. The example turbine is operatively coupled to an example pump (e.g., a screw-driven pump, a vane pump, a swash plate pump, a compressor pump, etc.), such that rotation of the turbine blades drives operation of the pump. In such examples, operation of the pump is used to draw bleed gas from an example gas source and directs the bleed gas to a second location (e.g., the pipe and / or a second pipe). Advantageously, the disclosed systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture reduce emission of bleed gas into the atmosphere, which reduces environmental harm, economic waste, and / or risk of accidental combustion compared to venting of the bleed gas.

[0062] Example turbine-driven pressure differential systems and methods are disclosed herein. Further examples and combinations thereof include the following:

[0063] Example 1 includes an apparatus comprising a turbine positioned in a pipe, a fluid flow through the pipe to drive rotation of turbine blades of the turbine, and a pump operatively coupled to the turbine and fluidly coupled between a bleed gas source and a first location, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive operation of the pump, the operation of the pump to draw bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first location.

[0064] Example 2 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the first location corresponds to the pipe, further including a column coupled between the turbine and the pump, a portion of the column extending into the pipe, and an outlet defined in the portion of the column, the pump fluidly coupled to the pipe via the outlet.

[0065] Example 3 includes the apparatus of example 2, wherein the pump is a screw- driven pump, the screw-driven pump including a cylinder fluidly coupled to the bleed gassource, a piston positioned in and movable within the cylinder, and a screw operatively coupled to the piston and to the turbine, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation and translation of the screw, the translation of the screw to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the piston to draw the bleed gas into the cylinder and expel the bleed gas to the pipe via the outlet.

[0066] Example 4 includes the apparatus of example 3, wherein the screw is rotatable in one rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of the screw, the rotation of the screw is to cause the screw to (a) translate in a first direction from a first position to a second position along the longitudinal axis, and (b) translate in a second direction from the second position to the first position, the second direction opposite the first direction.

[0067] Example 5 includes the apparatus of example 2, wherein the pump includes a vane pump, the vane pump including a housing, vanes positioned in the housing and extending radially from a rotational axis of the vanes, and a rotor operatively coupled to the vanes and to the turbine, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation of the rotor and the vanes about the rotational axis, the rotation of the vanes to draw the bleed gas into the housing and expel the bleed gas from the housing to the pipe via the outlet.

[0068] Example 6 includes the apparatus of example 5, wherein the rotational axis is offset from a geometric center of the housing, the vanes to extend from and retract toward the rotational axis to maintain contact with an inner surface of the housing when the vanes rotate about the rotational axis.

[0069] Example 7 includes the apparatus of example 2, wherein the pump includes a swash plate pump, the swash plate pump including a cylinder, a swash plate operatively coupled to the turbine, the swash plate including an angled surface, and a piston positioned in and movable within the cylinder and operatively coupled to the angled surface, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation of the swash plate to vary a distance between the angled surface and the cylinder, the variation in the distance to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the piston to draw the bleed gas into the cylinder and expel the bleed gas from the cylinder to the pipe via the outlet.

[0070] Example 8 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the pump includes compressor blades operatively coupled to the turbine blades, the compressor blades positioned in a bleed line fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and the first location, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation of the compressor blades, the rotation of the compressor blades to draw the bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first location.

[0071] Example 9 includes a method comprising positioning a turbine in a pipe, a fluid flow through the pipe to drive rotation of turbine blades of the turbine, fluidly coupling a pump between a bleed gas source and a first location, and operatively coupling the pump to the turbine, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive operation of the pump, the operation of the pump to draw bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first location.

[0072] Example 10 includes the method of example 9, wherein the first location corresponds to the pipe, further including coupling a column between the turbine and the pump, a portion of the column extending into the pipe, the portion of the column including an outlet to fluidly couple the pump to the pipe.

[0073] Example 11 includes the method of example 10, wherein the pump is a screw- driven pump, further including fluidly coupling a cylinder of the screw-driven pump to the bleed gas source, positioning a piston of the screw-driven pump in the cylinder, the piston movable within the cylinder, and operatively coupling a screw of the screw-driven pump to the piston and to the turbine, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation and translation of the screw, the translation of the screw to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the piston to draw the bleed gas into the cylinder and expel the bleed gas to the pipe via the outlet.

[0074] Example 12 includes the method of example 11, wherein the screw is rotatable in one rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of the screw, the rotation of the screw is to cause the screw to (a) translate in a first direction from a first position to a second position along the longitudinal axis, and (b) translate in a second direction from the second position to the first position, the second direction opposite the first direction.

[0075] Example 13 includes the method of example 10, wherein the pump includes a vane pump, further including positioning vanes in a housing of the vane pump, the vanes extending radially from a rotational axis of the vanes, and operatively coupling a rotor to the vanes and to the turbine, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation of the rotor and the vanes about the rotational axis, the rotation of the vanes to draw the bleed gas into the housing and expel the bleed gas from the housing to the pipe via the outlet.

[0076] Example 14 includes the method of example 13. wherein the rotational axis is offset from a geometric center of the housing, the vanes to extend from and retract toward the rotational axis to maintain contact with an inner surface of the housing when the vanes rotate about the rotational axis.

[0077] Example 15 includes the method of example 10. wherein the pump includes a swash plate pump, further including operatively coupling a swash plate of the swash plate pumpto the turbine, the swash plate including an angled surface, positioning a piston in a cylinder of the swash plate pump, the piston movable within the cylinder, and operatively coupling the piston to the angled surface, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation of the swash plate to vary a distance between the angled surface and the cylinder, the variation in the distance to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the piston to draw the bleed gas into the cylinder and expel the bleed gas from the cylinder to the pipe via the outlet.

[0078] Example 16 includes the method of example 9, wherein the pump includes compressor blades, further including operatively coupling the compressor blades to the turbine blades, and positioning the compressor blades in a bleed line fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and the first location, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation of the compressor blades, the rotation of the compressor blades to draw the bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first location.

[0079] Example 17 includes an apparatus comprising means for rotating positioned in means for enabling fluid flow, a fluid flow through the means for enabling fluid flow to drive rotation of the means for rotating, and means for pumping operatively coupled to the means for rotating and fluidly coupled between a bleed gas source and a first location, the rotation of the means for rotating to drive operation of the means for pumping, the operation of the means for pumping to draw bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first location.

[0080] Example 18 includes the apparatus of example 17, wherein the means for enabling fluid flow includes first means for enabling fluid flow, the first location corresponding to the first means for enabling fluid flow, further including means for mounting coupled between the means for rotating and the means for pumping, a portion of the means for mounting extending into the first means for enabling fluid flow, and second means for enabling fluid flow defined in the portion of the means for mounting, the means for pumping fluidly coupled to the first means for enabling fluid flow via the second means for enabling fluid flow.

[0081] Example 19 includes the apparatus of example 18, wherein the means for pumping includes means for receiving fluid fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source, means for expelling fluid positioned in and movable within the means for receiving fluid, and means for translating operatively coupled to the means for expelling fluid and to the means for rotating, the rotation of the means for rotating to drive rotation and translation of the means for translating, the translation of the means for translating to drive reciprocal motion of the means for expelling fluid in the means for receiving fluid, the reciprocal motion of the means for expelling fluid todraw the bleed gas into the means for receiving fluid and expel the bleed gas to the first means for enabling fluid flow via the second means for enabling fluid flow.

[0082] Example 20 includes the apparatus of example 19, wherein the means for translating is rotatable in one rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of the means for translating, the rotation of the means for translating is to cause the means for translating to (a) translate in a first direction from a first position to a second position along the longitudinal axis, and (b) translate in a second direction from the second position to the first position, the second direction opposite the first direction.

[0083] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference. Although certain example systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. An apparatus comprising: a turbine positioned in a pipe, a fluid flow through the pipe to drive rotation of turbine blades of the turbine; and a pump operatively coupled to the turbine and fluidly coupled between a bleed gas source and a first location, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive operation of the pump, the operation of the pump to draw bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first location.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first location corresponds to the pipe, further including: a column coupled between the turbine and the pump, a portion of the column extending into the pipe; and an outlet defined in the portion of the column, the pump fluidly coupled to the pipe via the outlet.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pump is a screw-driven pump, the screw-driven pump including: a cylinder fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source; a piston positioned in and movable within the cy linder; and a screw operatively coupled to the piston and to the turbine, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation and translation of the screw, the translation of the screw to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the piston to draw the bleed gas into the cylinder and expel the bleed gas to the pipe via the outlet.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the screw is rotatable in one rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of the screw, the rotation of the screw is to cause the screw to (a) translate in a first direction from a first position to a second position along the longitudinal axis, and (b) translate in a second direction from the second position to the first position, the second direction opposite the first direction.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pump includes a vane pump, the vane pump including: a housing; vanes positioned in the housing and extending radially from a rotational axis of the vanes; and a rotor operatively coupled to the vanes and to the turbine, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation of the rotor and the vanes about the rotational axis, the rotation of thevanes to draw the bleed gas into the housing and expel the bleed gas from the housing to the pipe via the outlet.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the rotational axis is offset from a geometric center of the housing, the vanes to extend from and retract toward the rotational axis to maintain contact with an inner surface of the housing when the vanes rotate about the rotational axis.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pump includes a swash plate pump, the swash plate pump including: a cylinder; a swash plate operatively coupled to the turbine, the swash plate including an angled surface; and a piston positioned in and movable within the cylinder and operatively coupled to the angled surface, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation of the swash plate to vary a distance between the angled surface and the cylinder, the variation in the distance to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the piston to draw the bleed gas into the cylinder and expel the bleed gas from the cylinder to the pipe via the outlet.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pump includes compressor blades operatively coupled to the turbine blades, the compressor blades positioned in a bleed line fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and the first location, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation of the compressor blades, the rotation of the compressor blades to draw the bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first location.

9. A method comprising: positioning a turbine in a pipe, a fluid flow through the pipe to drive rotation of turbine blades of the turbine: fluidly coupling a pump between a bleed gas source and a first location; and operatively coupling the pump to the turbine, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive operation of the pump, the operation of the pump to draw bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first location.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first location corresponds to the pipe, further including coupling a column between the turbine and the pump, a portion of the column extending into the pipe, the portion of the column including an outlet to fluidly couple the pump to the pipe.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the pump is a screw-driven pump, further including: fluidly coupling a cylinder of the screw-driven pump to the bleed gas source;positioning a piston of the screw-driven pump in the cylinder, the piston movable within the cylinder; and operatively coupling a screw of the screw-driven pump to the piston and to the turbine, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation and translation of the screw, the translation of the screw to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the piston to draw the bleed gas into the cylinder and expel the bleed gas to the pipe via the outlet.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the screw is rotatable in one rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of the screw, the rotation of the screw is to cause the screw to (a) translate in a first direction from a first position to a second position along the longitudinal axis, and (b) translate in a second direction from the second position to the first position, the second direction opposite the first direction.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the pump includes a vane pump, further including: positioning vanes in a housing of the vane pump, the vanes extending radially from a rotational axis of the vanes; and operatively coupling a rotor to the vanes and to the turbine, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation of the rotor and the vanes about the rotational axis, the rotation of the vanes to draw the bleed gas into the housing and expel the bleed gas from the housing to the pipe via the outlet.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the rotational axis is offset from a geometric center of the housing, the vanes to extend from and retract toward the rotational axis to maintain contact with an inner surface of the housing when the vanes rotate about the rotational axis.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the pump includes a swash plate pump, further including: operatively coupling a swash plate of the swash plate pump to the turbine, the swash plate including an angled surface; positioning a piston in a cylinder of the swash plate pump, the piston movable within the cylinder; and operatively coupling the piston to the angled surface, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation of the swash plate to vary a distance between the angled surface and the cylinder, the variation in the distance to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the piston to draw the bleed gas into the cylinder and expel the bleed gas from the cylinder to the pipe via the outlet.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the pump includes compressor blades, further including: operatively coupling the compressor blades to the turbine blades; andpositioning the compressor blades in a bleed line fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and the first location, the rotation of the turbine blades to drive rotation of the compressor blades, the rotation of the compressor blades to draw the bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first location.

17. An apparatus comprising: means for rotating positioned in means for enabling fluid flow, a fluid flow through the means for enabling fluid flow to drive rotation of the means for rotating; and means for pumping operatively coupled to the means for rotating and fluidly coupled between a bleed gas source and a first location, the rotation of the means for rotating to drive operation of the means for pumping, the operation of the means for pumping to draw bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the first location.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the means for enabling fluid flow includes first means for enabling fluid flow, the first location corresponding to the first means for enabling fluid flow, further including: means for mounting coupled between the means for rotating and the means for pumping, a portion of the means for mounting extending into the first means for enabling fluid flow; and second means for enabling fluid flow defined in the portion of the means for mounting, the means for pumping fluidly coupled to the first means for enabling fluid flow via the second means for enabling fluid flow.

19. The apparatus of claim 18. wherein the means for pumping includes: means for receiving fluid fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source; means for expelling fluid positioned in and movable within the means for receiving fluid; and means for translating operatively coupled to the means for expelling fluid and to the means for rotating, the rotation of the means for rotating to drive rotation and translation of the means for translating, the translation of the means for translating to drive reciprocal motion of the means for expelling fluid in the means for receiving fluid, the reciprocal motion of the means for expelling fluid to draw the bleed gas into the means for receiving fluid and expel the bleed gas to the first means for enabling fluid flow' via the second means for enabling fluid flow.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, w herein the means for translating is rotatable in one rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of the means for translating, the rotation of the means for translating is to cause the means for translating to (a) translate in a first direction from a first position to a second position along the longitudinal axis, and (b) translate in a second direction from the second position to the first position, the second direction opposite the first direction.

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