Diaphragm-driven pressure differential systems and methods

Abstract

Diaphragm-driven pressure differential systems and methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a diaphragm actuator fluidly coupled between a first location and a second location, a differential pressure between the first location and the second location to drive reciprocal motion of a diaphragm of the diaphragm actuator, and a compression device operatively coupled to the diaphragm and fluidly coupled between a bleed gas source and a third location, the reciprocal motion of the diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the compression device, the reciprocal motion of the compression device to draw bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the third location.

Description

DIAPHRAGM-DRIVEN PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEMSAND METHODSRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 614,293, titled ■‘Diaphragm-Driven Pressure Differential Systems and Methods,’’ filed December 22, 2023. U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 614,293 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to gas pipelines and, more particularly, to diaphragm-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 a second example drive system that can be used to implement the example gas recovery system of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 4A illustrates a third example drive system that can be used to implement the example gas recover}’ system of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of an example dual-diaphragm actuator that may be implemented in examples disclosed herein.

[0009] FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example dual-diaphragm actuator of FIG. 4B.

[0010] FIG. 4D illustrates an example triple-diaphragm actuator that may be implemented in examples disclosed herein.

[0011] FIG. 4E illustrates an example quadruple-diaphragm actuator that may be implemented in examples disclosed herein.

[0012] FIG. 4F illustrates a perspective view of a second example dual -diaphragm actuator that may be implemented in examples disclosed herein.

[0013] FIG. 4G illustrates a partial transparent view of the second example dualdiaphragm actuator of FIG. 4F.

[0014] FIG. 5 A illustrates a first example accumulator reservoir in an undeflected position.

[0015] FIG. 5B illustrates the first example accumulator reservoir of FIG. 5A in a deflected position.

[0016] FIG. 6A illustrates a second example accumulator reservoir in an undeflected position.

[0017] FIG. 6B illustrates the second example accumulator reserv oir of FIG. 6A in a deflected position.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart representative of an example method to produce the first example drive system of FIG. 2.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart representative of an example method to produce the second example drive sy stem of FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a flowchart representative of an example method to produce the third example drive system of FIG. 4A.

[0021] 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

[0022] 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 bythe 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 one or more example diaphragm actuators (e.g., diaphragm pumps) fluidly coupled between a first pipe location (e.g., a first pipe, a high-pressure region of a pipe) and a second pipe location (e.g., a second pipe, a low-pressure region of the pipe). In some examples, the diaphragm actuator includes an example diaphragm, and differential pressure between the first pipe location and the second pipe location drives reciprocal motion (e.g., deflection) of the diaphragm between a first position (e.g., an undeflected position) and a second position (e.g., a deflected position). In some examples, the diaphragm is operatively coupled to an example compression device (e.g., a pump, a compressor), where the compression device includes a second example diaphragm of the diaphragm actuator and / or an example piston positioned in an example cylinder. In some examples, the compression device is fluidly coupled between the gas source and a third location (e g., the first pipe and / or the second pipe). In some examples, reciprocal motion of the diaphragm drives corresponding reciprocal motion of the compression device which, in turn, draws bleed gas from the gas source and compresses and / or pumps the bleed gas to the third location.

[0025] 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 recovery7system, 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.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an example gas recovery system (e g., a differential pressure- driven gas recovery 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.

[0027] 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 then released (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.

[0028] 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 device108. 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.

[0029] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the sensor 1 16 measures and / or detects bleed gas output from the gas source 106. In this example, in response to the sensor 116 detecting the presence of bleed gas from the gas source 106, the sensor 1 16 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 diaphragms (e.g., diaphragm pumps). Additionally or alternatively, the drive device 108 may be implemented using one or more valves and / or pistons, one or more turbines, one or more Venturi devices (e.g., Venturi features, Venturi nozzles), one or more pumps, and / or any other suitable device(s).

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a first example drive system (e.g., a first diaphragm-driven 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 fluid constrictor (e.g., a Venturi, a choke) 202 implemented along the first pipe 102. As used herein, a Venturi refers to a constricted pipe section that increases a speed of fluid flow by constricting the fluid in a funnel or cone-shaped tube. In such examples, the constriction causes the fluid to increase in velocity, reduce in pressure, and produce a partial vacuum. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the fluid constrictor 202 includes an example pipe section 204 coupled between example nozzles 206, 208. where a diameter of the pipe section 204 is less than a diameter of the first pipe 102. In the example of FIG. 2, as fluid flows through the pipe section 204, the reduction in diameter from the first pipe 102 to the pipe section 204 causes the fluid to reduce in pressure and / or increase in velocity. As a result, the fluid in the pipe section 204 is at a first pressure (e.g., 1300 psi. 1350 psi. 1400 psi, etc.) less than a second pressure (e.g., 1450 psi, 1500 psi. 1550 psi. etc.) in the first pipe 102. In some examples, the pressure differential between the first pipe 102 and the pipe section 204 can be used to drive reciprocal motion of an example piston 210 positioned in and / or slidable within an example cylinder 212. In this example, the cylinder 212 is implemented along an example bleed line 214 fluidly coupled between the gas source 106 and the first pipe 102.

[0031] In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the first drive system 200 includes an example diaphragm actuator (e.g., a double-acting diaphragm actuator) 216 operatively coupled to the piston 210. In particular, the diaphragm actuator 216 is a double-acting diaphragm actuator which uses fluid pressure to drive motion both in a first direction (e.g., the first direction 234) and in a second direction (e.g., the second direction 236). In this example, the diaphragm actuator 216 includes an example diaphragm 218 defining first and second example chambers 220, 222 in the diaphragm actuator 216. In this example, the diaphragm 218 is operatively coupled to the piston 210 via an example rod 224, such that deflection of the diaphragm 218 results in corresponding movement of the piston 210 in the cylinder 212.

[0032] A first example fluid line 226 fluidly couples the pipe section 204 to the first chamber 220 of the diaphragm actuator 216. and a second example fluid line 228 fluidly couples the first chamber 220 to the first pipe 102. Additionally, a third example fluid line 230 fluidly couples the second chamber 222 of the diaphragm actuator 216 to the first pipe 104. In this example, an example valve (e.g., a flow valve) 232 is implemented along the first fluid line 226 to control the flow of fluid between the pipe section 204 and the diaphragm actuator 216. For example, the valve 232 can move between an open position in which the valve 232 enables fluid flow between the pipe section 204 and the diaphragm actuator 216 and a closed position in which the valve 232 restricts fluid flow between the pipe section 204 and the diaphragm actuator 216. In the example of FIG. 2, the bleed line 214 is fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 on a first side (e.g., a downstream side) of the fluid constrictor 202. and the diaphragm actuator 216 is fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 on a second side (e.g., an upstream side) of the fluid constrictor 202 opposite the first side.

[0033] In some examples, the diaphragm 218 can deflect (e.g., from a starting position of the diaphragm 218 shown in FIG. 2) based on a pressure differential between the first and second chambers 220, 222. For example, the diaphragm 218 deflects in a first direction 234 (e.g., toward the cylinder 212, upward in FIG. 2) when a first pressure in the first chamber 220 is greater than a second pressure in the second chamber 222. Conversely, the diaphragm 218 deflects in a second direction 236 (e.g., away from the cylinder 212, downward in FIG. 2) when the first pressure in the first chamber 220 is less than the second pressure in the second chamber 222. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, repeatedly opening and closing the valve 232 can be used to vary a pressure in the first chamber 220 of the diaphragm actuator 216, thus causing the diaphragm 218 to deflect in the first and second directions 234, 236 in an alternating manner.

[0034] In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the deflection of the diaphragm 218 in the first and second directions 234, 236 results in corresponding motion (e.g., reciprocal motion) ofthe piston 210 within the cylinder 212. In some examples, the reciprocal motion of the piston 210 is used to drive recovery of bleed gas from the gas source 106. For example, bleed gas from the gas source 106 is drawn (e.g., pulled) into the cylinder 212 when the piston 210 moves in the second direction 236, and the bleed gas is expelled (e.g., pushed) from the cylinder 212 into the first pipe 102 via the bleed line 214 when the piston 210 moves in the first direction 234. In this example, check valves 238, 240 are implemented along the bleed line 214 to restrict backflow from the first pipe 102 to the cylinder 212 and / or from the cylinder 212 to the gas source 106.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a second example drive system (e.g., a second diaphragm- driven system) 300 that can be used to implement the example gas recovery system 100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3. the second drive system 300 includes an example diaphragm actuator (e.g., a diaphragm pump) 302 fluidly coupled between the first pipe 102 and the second pipe 104. In this example, the diaphragm actuator 302 is a dual diaphragm pump including a first example diaphragm 304 and a second example diaphragm 306 positioned in an example housing (e.g., an actuator housing) 307. In some examples, one of the first diaphragm 304 or the second diaphragm 306 may be omitted. In this example, a first example chamber 308 is defined in the housing 307 between the first and second diaphragms 304, 306. Further, a second example chamber 310 is defined in the housing 307 between the first diaphragm 304 and a first end 312 of the housing 307, and a third example chamber 314 is defined between the second diaphragm 306 and a second end 316 of the housing 307. In this example, the first chamber 308, the second chamber 310, and the third chamber 314 are fluidly isolated from one another, such that fluid does not pass between the chambers 308, 310 314. While the first, second, and third chambers 308, 310, 314 are referred to as separate chambers in this example, the first, second, and third chambers 308, 310. 314 may be referred to as respective portions of a single chamber of the diaphragm actuator 302.

[0036] In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the first chamber 308 is sealed between the first and second diaphragms 304, 306. In particular, the first diaphragm 304 prevents and / or restricts passage of fluid between the first and second chambers 308, 310, and the second diaphragm 306 prevents and / or restricts passage of fluid between the first and third chambers 308, 314. In this example, the second chamber 310 is fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 via a first example inlet line 318, and is fluidly coupled to the second pipe 104 via a first example outlet line 320. Further, the third chamber 314 is fluidly coupled to the gas source 106 via a second example inlet line 322, and is fluidly coupled to the second pipe 104 via a second example outlet line 324. In this example, example check valves 326, 328 are implemented along the respective second inlet and outlet lines 322, 324. In some examples, the check valves 326,328 enable fluid flow from the gas source 106 to the third chamber 314 and / or from the third chamber 314 to the second pipe 104, and restrict fluid flow (e.g., backflow) from the second pipe 104 to the third chamber 314 and / or from the third chamber 314 to the gas source 106. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, a first example valve 330 is implemented along the first inlet line 318, and a second example valve 332 is implemented along the second inlet line 322. Further, an example bleed valve 334 is implemented along the first outlet line 320.

[0037] In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, a first example spring 336 is positioned in the first chamber 308 and operatively coupled between the first diaphragm 304 and an inner surface 338 positioned in the first chamber 308. Further, a second example spring 340 is positioned in the third chamber 314 and operatively coupled between the second diaphragm 306 and the second end 316 of the diaphragm actuator 302. In some examples, the first and second springs 336, 340 bias the respective first and second diaphragms 304, 306 to a starting position (e.g., a substantially undeflected position) shown in FIG. 3. In some examples, in addition to or instead of the first and second springs 336, 340 of FIG. 3, one or more springs can be operatively coupled between the first diaphragm 304 and the first end 312 of the diaphragm actuator 302, and / or between the second diaphragm 306 and the inner surface 338 of the diaphragm actuator 302.

[0038] In some examples, deflection of the first and second diaphragms 304, 306 of the diaphragm actuator 302 is used to drive evacuation and / or pumping of bleed gas from the gas source 106 and into the second pipe 104. For example, in operation, the first chamber is filled with first fluid at a first example pressure, and the first valve 330 is opened to enable flow of second fluid (e.g., drive fluid) from the first pipe 102 into the second chamber 310. In such examples, the second fluid is at a second pressure (e.g., between 900 psi and 1500 psi) greater than a first pressure of the first fluid in the first chamber 308. In some examples, as a result of a pressure differential between the first and second chambers 308, 310, the first diaphragm 304 deflects in a first example direction 342 (e.g., rightward in FIG. 3), thus compressing the first spring 336. In some examples, as the first diaphragm 304 deflects in the first direction 342, the fluid is the first chamber 308 is displaced and / or compressed, resulting in deflection of the second diaphragm 306 in the first direction 342 and compression of the second spring 340 by the second diaphragm 306. In such examples, when the second diaphragm 306 deflects in the first direction 342, the second diaphragm 306 expels fluid (e.g., bleed gas) from the third chamber 314 to the second pipe 104 via the second outlet line 324.

[0039] In some examples, when the first and second diaphragms 304. 306 reach a first deflected position (e.g., rightward in FIG. 3), the first valve 330 is closed to restrict further fluidflow from the first pipe 102 to the second chamber 310, and the second valve 332 is opened to enable flow of bleed gas from the gas source 106 to the third chamber 314. In some examples, fluid pressure from the second chamber 310 is gradually released to the second pipe 104 via the bleed valve 334. In some such examples, the bleed valve 334 releases the fluid to the second pipe 104 at a pressure near a pressure of fluid in the second pipe 104. As the pressure in the second chamber 310 decreases, the first and second springs 336, 340 push the respective first and second diaphragms 304, 306 in a second example direction 344 (e.g., leftward in FIG. 3), such that the first and second diaphragms 304, 306 return to the starting (e.g., undeflected) position. In some examples, when the second diaphragm 306 moves in the second direction 344 to the starting position, additional bleed gas is drawn from the gas source 106 into the third chamber 314 via the second inlet line 322. In some examples, when the first and second diaphragms 304, 306 return to the starting position, the second valve 332 can be closed, and the first valve 330 can be re-opened to repeat the above process.

[0040] FIG. 4A illustrates a third example drive system (e.g., a third diaphragm-driven system) 400 that can be used to implement the example gas recovery system 100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4A, the third drive system 400 includes multiple example diaphragm actuators 402 (e.g., a first diaphragm actuator 402A, a second diaphragm actuator 402B, and a third diaphragm actuator 402C) fluidly coupled between the first and second pipes 102, 104. In this example, the diaphragm actuators 402A, 402B, 402C include respective example drive chambers 404A, 404B. 404C and respective example compression chambers 406A, 406B, 406C. Further, first example diaphragms 408A, 408B, 408C are implemented in respective ones of the drive chambers 404A, 404B, 404C between first example chamber portions 410A, 410B, 410C and second example chamber portions 412A. 412B, 412C of the respective drive chambers 404A, 404B, 404C. Similarly, second example diaphragms 414A. 414B, 414C are implemented in respective ones of the compression chambers 406A, 406B, 406C between third example chamber portions 416A, 416B, 416C and fourth example chamber portions 418A, 418B, 418C of the respective compression chambers 406 A, 406B, 406C. In this example, the first diaphragms 408A. 408B, 408C are operatively coupled to respective ones of the second diaphragms 414A, 414B. 414C via respective example rods 420A, 420B, 420C, such that movement and / or deflection of the first diaphragms 408A, 408B, 408C drives corresponding movement and / or deflection of the second diaphragms 414A, 414B, 414C.

[0041] In the illustrated example of FIG. 4A, the drive chambers 404A. 404B, 404C are fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 via respective example inlet lines 422A, 422B. 422C, and are further fluidly coupled to the second pipe 104 via respective example outlet lines 424A,424B, 424C. In this example, the gas source 106 is fluidly coupled to the second pipe 104 via an example bleed line 426, and the compression chambers 406A, 406B, 406C are implemented in series along the bleed line 426. While three of the diaphragm actuators 402A, 402B, 402C are used in this example, a different number of the diaphragm actuators may be used instead.

[0042] In operation, high pressure fluid (e.g., fluid at a pressure between 900 psi and 1500 psi) flows from the first pipe 102 and into the compression chambers 406A, 406B, 406C via the inlet lines 422A, 422B. 422C. In some examples, the fluid is provided to alternating ones of the first chamber portions 410A, 410B, 410C and the second chamber portions 412A, 412B, 412C to drive reciprocal deflection of the first diaphragms 408A, 408B, 408C. For example, when the fluid is provided to the first chamber portions 410A, 410B, 410C. a pressure differential between the first and second chamber portions 410A, 410B, 410C, 412A, 412B, 412C causes the first diaphragms 408A, 408B, 408C to deflect in a first direction 428 (e.g., leftward in FIG. 4A). In such examples, deflection of the first diaphragms 408A, 408B, 408C in the first direction 428 causes fluid to be expelled from the second chamber portions 412A, 412B, 412C and into the second pipe 104 via the outlet lines 424A, 424B, 424C. Conversely, when the fluid from the first pipe 102 is provided to the second chamber portions 412A, 412B, 412C, the pressure differential between the first and second chamber portions 410A, 410B, 410C, 412A, 412B, 412C causes the first diaphragms 408A, 408B, 408C to deflect in a second direction 430 (e.g., rightward in FIG. 4A). In such examples, deflection of the first diaphragms 408A, 408B, 408C in the second direction 430 causes fluid to be expelled from the first chamber portions 410A, 410B, 410C and into the second pipe 104 via the outlet lines 424A, 424B, 424C.

[0043] In some examples, reciprocal deflection of the first diaphragms 408A, 408B, 408C drives corresponding reciprocal deflection of the second diaphragms 414A, 414B, 414C in the compression chambers 406A, 406B, 406C. In such examples, the reciprocal motion of the second diaphragms 414A, 414B, 414C is used to compress and / or pump bleed gas from the gas source 106 to the second pipe 104. For example, when the second diaphragm 414A of the first compression chamber 406A deflects in the first direction 428, the second diaphragm 414A compresses and / or expels bleed gas from the fourth chamber portion 418A of the first compression chamber 406 A. and draws additional bleed gas from the gas source 106 into the third chamber portion 416A of the first compression chamber 406A. Conversely, when the second diaphragm 414A of the first compression chamber 406A deflects in the second direction 430, the second diaphragm 414A compresses and / or expels bleed gas from the third chamber portion 416A of the first compression chamber 406 A. and draws additional bleed gas from the gas source 106 into the fourth chamber portion 418A of the first compression chamber 406 A. Insome examples, the bleed gas from the gas source 106 is at a first example pressure (e.g., 0 psi, 1 psi. 1 atmosphere (atm), etc.), and the first compression chamber 406A compresses the bleed gas to a second example pressure (e.g., 15 psi, 20 psi, 2 atm, etc.) greater than the first pressure.

[0044] Further, the compressed bleed gas expelled from the first compression chamber 406A is provided to alternating ones of the third and fourth chamber portions 416B, 418B of the second compression chamber 406B, where the second diaphragm 414B of the second compression chamber 406B compresses the bleed gas to a third example pressure (e.g., 45 psi, 50 psi, 3 atm, etc.) greater than the second pressure. Similarly, the compressed bleed gas expelled from the second compression chamber 406B is provided to alternating ones of the third and fourth chamber portions 416C, 418C of the third compression chamber 406C, where the second diaphragm 414C of the third compression chamber 406C compresses the bleed gas to a fourth example pressure (e.g., 100 psi, 120 psi, 4 atm, etc.) greater than the third pressure. In some examples, the third compression chamber 406C expels the compressed bleed gas. In some examples, the fourth pressure of the compressed bleed gas is at or above the pressure of the fluid in the second pipe 104. In this example, a compression ratio of ones of the diaphragm actuators 402 is 2: 1, where the compression ratio represents a ratio between a first volume of one of the drive chambers 404A, 404B, 404C and a second volume of a corresponding one of the compression chambers 406A, 406B, 406C. In some examples, a different compression ratio can be used for one or more of the diaphragm actuators 402.

[0045] FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an example dual-diaphragm actuator 432 that can be implemented in examples disclosed herein. For example, the dual-diaphragm actuator 432 of FIGS. 4B and / or 4C can be used for the diaphragm actuator 302 in the second example drive system 300 of FIG. 3 and / or can be used for one(s) of the example diaphragm actuators 402A. 402B, 402C of the third example drive system 400 of FIG. 4A. As shown in the illustrated example of FIG. 4B, the dualdiaphragm actuator 432 includes a first example diaphragm housing 434A including a first example flanged section 436A coupled to a second example flanged section 436B, and a second example diaphragm housing 434B including a third example flanged section 436C coupled to a fourth example flanged section 436D. In this example, a first diameter of the first diaphragm housing 434A is greater than a second diameter of the second diaphragm housing 434B. In this example, the first diaphragm housing 434A is coupled to the second diaphragm housing 434B via an example cylinder 438.

[0046] Turning to FIG. 4C, the dual-diaphragm actuator 432 includes a first example diaphragm 440A positioned in the first diaphragm housing 434A between the first and secondflanged sections 436A. 436B, and a second example diaphragm 440B positioned in the second diaphragm housing 434B between the third and fourth flanged sections 436C, 436D. In this example, the first diaphragm 440A and the second diaphragm 440B are operatively coupled via an example rod 442 positioned in the cylinder 438, such that deflection of the first diaphragm 440A drives corresponding deflection of the second diaphragm 440B.

[0047] In the illustrated example of FIG. 4C, the first diaphragm 440A and the first flanged section 436A define a first example chamber 444A in the first diaphragm housing 434A, and the first diaphragm 440A and the second flanged section 436B define a second example chamber 444B in the first diaphragm housing 434A. Further, the first flanged section 436A includes a first example inlet port 446A and a first example outlet port 448A fluidly coupled to the first chamber 444 A, and the second flanged section 436B includes a second example inlet port 446B and a second example outlet port 448B fluidly coupled to the second chamber 444B. In some examples, the first and second inlet ports 446A, 446B are further fluidly coupled to the first example pipe 102 of FIG. 1 to receive drive fluid therefrom. In some examples, the first and second inlet ports 446 A, 446B receive the drive fluid in an alternating manner to drive reciprocal motion and / or deflection of the first diaphragm 440A. In some examples, the first and second outlet ports 448A, 448B are further fluidly coupled to the second example pipe 104 of FIG. 1 to expel and / or provide the drive gas thereto.

[0048] In the illustrated example of FIG. 4C, the second diaphragm 440B and the third flanged section 436C define a third example chamber 444C in the second diaphragm housing 434B, and the second diaphragm 440B and the fourth flanged section 436D define a fourth example chamber 444D in the second diaphragm housing 434B. In this example, the fourth flanged section 436D includes a third example inlet port 446C and a third example outlet port 448C fluidly coupled to the fourth chamber 444D. In some examples, the third inlet port 446C is fluidly coupled to the example gas source 106 of FIG. 1, and the third outlet port 448D is fluidly coupled to the second example pipe 104 of FIG. 1. In some examples, reciprocal motion of the first diaphragm 440A in the first diaphragm housing 434 drives corresponding reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm 440B in the second diaphragm housing 434B. In some such examples, the reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm 440B is used to draw bleed gas from the gas source 106 and into the fourth chamber 444D via the third inlet port 446C, and / or is used to compress and / or expel bleed gas from the fourth chamber 444D to the second pipe 104 via the third outlet port 448C.

[0049] FIG. 4D illustrates a triple-diaphragm actuator 450 that may be implemented in examples disclosed herein. Tn the illustrated example of FIG. 4D, the triple-diaphragm actuator450 includes a first example diaphragm housing 452A and a second example diaphragm housing 452B, where the first and second diaphragm housings 452A, 452B of FIG. 4D are substantially similar to the first and second diaphragm housings 434A, 434B of the example dual -diaphragm actuator 432 of FIGS. 4B and / or 4C. Further, the triple-diaphragm actuator 450 of FIG. 4D includes a third example diaphragm housing 452C, where the first, second, and third diaphragm housings 452A, 452B, 452C are coupled together via an example column 454. In this example, the third diaphragm housing 452C has substantially the same dimensions as the first diaphragm housing 452A, and a second dimension (e.g., a width, a diameter) of the second diaphragm housing 452 is less than a first dimension of the first diaphragm housing 452A and / or the third diaphragm housing 452C. In some examples, an example rod 458 is positioned in the example column 454 to operatively couple example diaphragms 456A. 456B, 456C positioned in respective ones of the diaphragm housings 452A, 452B, 452C.

[0050] In some examples, the first diaphragm housing 452A and / or the third diaphragm housing 452C are fluidly coupled between the first pipe 102 and the second pipe 104 of FIG. 1, such that reciprocal motion and / or deflection of the first diaphragm 456A and / or the third diaphragm 456C are driven based on a pressure differential between the first and second pipes 102, 104. In some examples, the reciprocal motion of the first diaphragm 456A and / or the third diaphragm 456C drives corresponding reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm 456B. In some such examples, the second diaphragm housing 452B is fluidly coupled to the gas source 106 of FIG. 1, and the reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm 456B is used to draw bleed gas from the gas source 106 and compress and / or expel the bleed gas to the second pipe 104. In some examples, by including the third diaphragm housing 452C, the triple-diaphragm actuator 450 of FIG. 4D can compress the bleed gas to a greater pressure compared to the dualdiaphragm actuator 432 of FIGS. 4B and / or 4C.

[0051] FIG. 4E illustrates a quadruple-diaphragm actuator 460 that may be implemented in examples disclosed herein. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4E, the quadruple-diaphragm actuator 460 includes a first example diaphragm housing 462A, a second example diaphragm housing 462B, and a third example diaphragm housing 462C, where the first, second, and third diaphragm housings 462A. 462B, 462C of FIG. 4E are substantially similar to the first, second, and third diaphragm housings 452A, 452B, 452C of the example triple-diaphragm actuator 450 of FIG. 4D. Further, the quadruple-diaphragm actuator 460 of FIG. 4E includes a fourth example diaphragm housing 462D, where the first, second, third, and fourth diaphragm housings 462A, 462B. 462C, 462D are coupled together via an example column 464.

[0052] In the illustrated example of FIG. 4E, the third diaphragm housing 462C has substantially the same dimensions as the first diaphragm housing 462A, and the fourth diaphragm housing 462D has substantially the same dimensions as the second diaphragm housing 462B. In this example, the second and fourth diaphragm housings 462B, 462D are smaller (e.g., in width and / or diameter) compared to the first and third diaphragm housings 462A, 462C. In some examples, size(s) of one or more of the diaphragm housings 462A. 462B, 462C, 462D may be different. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4E, an example rod 468 is positioned in the example column 464 to operatively couple example diaphragms 466A, 466B, 466C, 466D positioned in respective ones of the diaphragm housings 462A, 462B, 462C, 462D.

[0053] In some examples, the first diaphragm housing 462A and / or the third diaphragm housing 462C are fluidly coupled between the first pipe 102 and the second pipe 104 of FIG. 1, such that reciprocal motion and / or deflection of the first diaphragm 466A and / or the third diaphragm 466C are driven based on a pressure differential between the first and second pipes 102, 104. In some examples, the reciprocal motion of the first diaphragm 466A and / or the third diaphragm 466C drives corresponding reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm 466B and / or the fourth diaphragm 466D. In some such examples, the second and fourth diaphragm housings 462B, 462D are fluidly coupled to the gas source 106 of FIG. 1, and the reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm 466B and / or the fourth diaphragm 466D is used to draw bleed gas from the gas source 106 of FIG. 1 and compress and / or expel the bleed gas to the second pipe 104.

[0054] In some examples, the second and fourth diaphragms 466B. 466D operate in parallel to evacuate and / or compress bleed gas from the gas source 106. In such examples, a rate of compression (e.g., an amount of bleed gas compressed in a given duration) of the quadruplediaphragm actuator 460 of FIG. 4E is greater than a rate of compression of the triple-diaphragm actuator 450 of FIG. 4D. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, bleed gas compressed by and / or output from a first one of the second diaphragm housing 462 or the fourth diaphragm housing 462 is provided to a second one of the second diaphragm housing 462 or the fourth diaphragm housing 462, such that the second and fourth diaphragms 466B, 466D operate in series to evacuate and / or compress bleed gas from the gas source 106. In such examples, the quadruple-diaphragm actuator 460 of FIG. 4E can compress the bleed gas to a greater pressure compared to the triple-diaphragm actuator 450 of FIG. 4D.

[0055] FIGS. 4F and 4G illustrate a perspective view and a partial transparent view, respectively, of a second example dual-diaphragm actuator 470 that may be implemented in examples disclosed herein. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4F, the second dual-diaphragm actuator 470 includes a first example housing portion 472A coupled to a second examplehousing portion 472B. A first example diaphragm 474 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4G) is positioned within the first and second housing portions 472A, 472B. Further, a second example diaphragm 476 is operatively coupled to the first diaphragm 474 via an example linkage 478 extending through the second housing portion 472B. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4F, the first housing portion 472A includes a first example inlet port 480A and a first example outlet port 482A.

[0056] Turning to FIG. 4G, the second housing portion 472B includes a second example inlet port 480B and a second example outlet port 482B. In some examples, the first inlet port 480A of the first housing portion 472A and the second inlet port 480B of the second housing portion 472B are fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 of FIG. 1, and the first outlet port 482 A of the first housing portion 472A and the second outlet port 482B of the second housing portion 472B are fluidly coupled to the second pipe 104 of FIG. 1. In some examples, drive fluid from the first pipe 102 is provided to the first and second housing portions 472A, 472B via the first and second inlet ports 480A, 480B in an alternating manner to drive reciprocal motion and / or deflection of the first diaphragm 474 in a first example direction. In some examples, the drive fluid is expelled from the first and second housing portions 472A, 472B to the second pipe 104 via the first and second outlet ports 482A, 482B.

[0057] In some examples, the linkage 478 operatively couples the first and second diaphragms 474, 476 such that reciprocal motion of the first diaphragm 474 in the first direction results in reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm 476 in a second direction (e.g., different from the first direction). In some examples, the second diaphragm 476 is positioned along the example bleed line 114 of FIG. 1, such that the reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm 476 draws bleed gas from the gas source 106 and compresses and / or pumps the bleed gas to a second location (e.g., the second pipe 104). In some examples, one or more additional diaphragms maybe operatively coupled to the first diaphragm 474. For example, one or more diaphragms can be operatively coupled to a second example linkage 484 extending through the first housing portion 472 A. In some examples, a third example linkage (not shown) can be positioned in an example aperture 486 of the second housing portion 472B, and the third linkage can operatively couple one or more additional diaphragms to the linkage 478 and, thus, the first diaphragm 474.

[0058] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a first example accumulator reservoir 500 in an undeflected position and a deflected position, respectively. In some examples, the first accumulator reservoir 500 is fluidly coupled to the example gas source 106 to capture bleed gas therefrom. For example, the first accumulator reservoir 500 is fluidly coupled to the gas source 106 via an example inlet line 502, and a check valve 504 is implemented along the inlet line 502to enable fluid flow from the gas source 106 to the first accumulator reservoir 500 and restrict fluid flow (e.g., backflow) from the first accumulator reservoir 500 to the gas source 106.

[0059] In the illustrated example of FIG. 5 A, the first accumulator reservoir 500 includes example sidewalls (e.g., rigid sidewalls) 506A, 506B, 506C and an example diaphragm (e.g., a flexible sidewall) 508, where the sidewalls 506A, 506B, 506C and the diaphragm 508 define an example chamber 510 therein. While the first accumulator reservoir 500 is substantially rectangular in this example, a different shape (e.g., spherical, elliptical, etc.) of the first accumulator reservoir 500 may be used instead. For example, the first accumulator reservoir 500 can include a different number, shape, and / or arrangement of the sidewalls 506A, 506B, 506C and / or the diaphragm 508 compared to the first accumulator reservoir 500 shown in FIG. 5A. In some examples, the sidewalls 506A. 506B, 506C are substantially rigid, such that little or no deflection of the sidewalls 506A, 506B, 506B occurs when a pressure in the chamber 510 varies (e.g., increases or decreases). In some examples, the diaphragm 508 is a flexible wall that can deflect when the pressure in the chamber 510 satisfies a pressure threshold (e.g., is greater than 0 psi. is greater than 1 psi, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 5A, the pressure in the chamber 510 (e.g., 0 psi) does not satisfy the pressure threshold. As a result, the diaphragm 508 shown in FIG. 5A is in an undeflected position (e.g., a substantially undeflected position, a deflection angle of the diaphragm 508 is less than ±5 degrees).

[0060] In the illustrated example of FIG. 5A, an example scavenge line 512 extends through the diaphragm 508, and a first end (e.g.. a closed end) 514 of the scavenge line 512 is positioned in the chamber 510 of the first accumulator reservoir 500. In some examples, a second end 516 of the scavenge line 512 can be fluidly coupled to a second location (e.g., the first pipe 102 and / or the second pipe 104 of FIG. 1). In this example, an example sleeve 518 surrounds (e.g., envelops, encases) a portion of the scavenge line 512, and the sleeve 518 is movable and / or slidable along the scavenge line 512. Further, the sleeve 518 is coupled to the diaphragm 508 such that the sleeve 518 moves with the diaphragm 508. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5 A, the scavenge line 512 includes an example opening 520, where the opening 520 is positioned along a length of the scavenge line 512 positioned within the chamber 510. When the diaphragm 508 is in the undeflected position of FIG. 5A. the sleeve 518 covers the opening 520 such that the sleeve 518 restricts flow of fluid (e.g., bleed gas) through the opening 520.

[0061] Turning to FIG. 5B, the diaphragm 508 of the first accumulator reservoir 500 is shown in a deflected position. In some examples, when bleed gas is emitted from the gas source 106, the bleed gas flows from the gas source 106 to the chamber 510 via the inlet line 502 toincrease a pressure in the chamber 510. In some examples, the diaphragm 508 moves from the undeflected position of the FIG. 5A to the deflected position of FIG. 5B when a pressure in the chamber 510 satisfies (e.g., exceeds) a pressure threshold (e.g., 0 psi, 1 psi, etc.). In such examples, when the diaphragm 508 deflects in a first example direction 522 (e.g., leftward in FIG. 5B), the sleeve 518 moves with the diaphragm 508 and slides (e.g., moves, translates) along the scavenge line 512 in the first direction 522. In some examples, when the sleeve 518 moves in the first direction 522 to the position shown in FIG. 5B, the sleeve 518 uncovers and / or exposes (e.g., does not overlap with) the opening 520 in the scavenge line 512. In such examples, the bleed gas in the chamber 510 flow s into the scavenge line 512 via the opening 520, and further flows toward the second end 516 of the scavenge line 512. In some such examples, the bleed gas from the scavenge line 512 can be provided to the second location (e.g.. the first pipe 102 and / or the second pipe 104) to reduce an amount of bleed gas vented and / or released to the atmosphere.

[0062] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a second example accumulator reservoir 600 in an undeflected position and a deflected position, respectively. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, the second accumulator reservoir 600 is fluidly coupled to the example gas source 106 to capture bleed gas therefrom. For example, the second accumulator reservoir 600 is fluidly coupled to the gas source 106 via an example inlet line 602, and a check valve 604 is implemented along the inlet line 602 to enable fluid flow from the gas source 106 to the second accumulator reservoir 600 and restrict fluid flow (e.g., backflow) from the second accumulator reservoir 600 to the gas source 106.

[0063] In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, similar to the first example accumulator reservoir 500 of FIGS. 5A and / or 5B, the second accumulator reservoir 600 includes example sidewalls (e.g.. rigid sidewalls) 606 A, 606B, 606C and an example diaphragm (e.g., aflexible sidewall) 608, where the sidew^alls 606A, 606B, 606C and the diaphragm 608 define an example chamber 610. While the second accumulator reservoir 600 is substantially rectangular in this example, a different shape (e.g., spherical, elliptical, etc.) of the second accumulator reservoir 600 may be used instead. For example, the second accumulator reservoir 600 can include a different number, shape, and / or arrangement of the sidewalls 606A. 606B, 606C and / or the diaphragm 608 compared to the second accumulator reservoir 600 shown in FIG. 6A. In some examples, the sidew alls 606A, 606B, 606C are substantially rigid, such that little or no deflection of the sidewalls 606A, 606B, 606B occurs when a pressure in the chamber 610 varies (e.g., increases or decreases). In some examples, the diaphragm 608 is a flexible wall that can deflect when the pressure in the chamber 610 satisfies a pressure threshold (e.g., is greater than 0psi, is greater than 1 psi, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, the pressure in the chamber 610 (e.g.. 0 psi) does not satisfy the pressure threshold. As a result, the diaphragm 608 shown in FIG. 6A is in an undeflected position (e.g., a substantially undeflected position).

[0064] In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, an example scavenge line 612 extends through one of the sidewalls 606C, and terminates at a first end (e.g., an open end) 614 positioned in the chamber 610. In some examples, a second end 616 of the scavenge line 512 can be fluidly coupled to a second location (e.g., the first pipe 102 and / or the second pipe 104 of FIG. 1). While the scavenge line 612 extends through a first one of the sidewalls 606C in this example, the scavenge line 612 can extend through a different one of the sidewalls 606 A, 606B in other examples. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, when the diaphragm 608 is in the undeflected position, the diaphragm 608 contacts the first end 614 of the scavenge line 512 to seal the first end 614 and / or to restrict fluid (e.g., bleed gas) from entering the scavenge line 512 at the first end 14.

[0065] Turning to FIG. 6B, the diaphragm 608 of the second accumulator reservoir 600 is shown in a deflected position. In some examples, when bleed gas is emitted from the gas source 106, the bleed gas flows from the gas source 106 to the chamber 610 via the inlet line 602 to increase a pressure in the chamber 610. In some examples, the diaphragm 608 moves from the undeflected position of the FIG. 6A to the deflected position of FIG. 6B when a pressure in the chamber 610 satisfies (e.g., exceeds) a pressure threshold (e.g., 0 psi, 1 psi, etc.). In such examples, when the diaphragm 608 deflects in a first example direction 618 (e.g., leftward in FIG. 6B), the diaphragm 608 is spaced apart from the first end 614 of the scavenge line 612. As a result, fluid (e.g., bleed gas) from the chamber 610 can enter the scavenge line 612 via the first end 614. and can flow to the second end 616 of the scavenge line 612. In some such examples, the bleed gas from the scavenge line 612 can be provided to the second location (e.g., the first pipe 102 and / or the second pipe 104) to reduce an amount of bleed gas vented and / or released to the atmosphere.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a flowchart representative of an example method 700 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. 7, 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.

[0067] The example method 700 of FIG. 7 begins at block 702, at which the example fluid constrictor 202 of FIG. 2 is positioned along an example pipe (e.g., the first example pipe 102 of FIG. 1). For example, example nozzles 206, 208 are coupled to the first pipe 102, and an example pipe section 204 is coupled between the nozzles 206, 208 to produce the fluid constrictor 202 of FIG. 2. In some examples, as fluid in the pipe 102 flows through the fluid constrictor 202, the fluid constrictor 202 causes a pressure of the fluid to drop and / or causes a velocity of the fluid to increase. As a result, the fluid in the pipe section 204 of the fluid constrictor 202 is at a first pressure less than a second pressure of the fluid in the pipe 102.

[0068] At block 704, the example cylinder 212 is fluidly coupled between the example gas source 106 and the first pipe 102. For example, the cylinder 212 is implemented along the example bleed line 214 fluidly coupled between the gas source 106 and a first portion of the first pipe 102 on a first side of the fluid constrictor 202. In some examples, bleed gas from the gas source 106 can flow to the cylinder 212 and / or the bleed gas can flow from the cylinder 212 to the first pipe 102.

[0069] At block 706. the example piston 210 of FIG. 2 is positioned in the example cylinder 212. For example, the piston 210 is positioned in and / or slidable within the cylinder 212 along the first and second directions 234, 236 of FIG. 2. In some examples, reciprocal motion of the piston 210 within the cylinder 212 can be used to draw' bleed gas from the gas source 106 into the cylinder 212 and pump the bleed gas from the cylinder 212 into the first pipe 102.

[0070] At block 708. the example diaphragm actuator 216 of FIG. 2 is fluidly coupled between the fluid constrictor 202 and the first pipe 102. For example, the first chamber 220 of the diaphragm actuator 216 is fluidly coupled to the pipe section 204 of the fluid constrictor 202 and is further fluidly coupled to a second portion of the first pipe 102 on a second side of the fluid constrictor 202 (e.g., opposite the first side). Further, the second chamber 222 of the diaphragm actuator 216 is fluidly coupled to the second portion of the first pipe 102. In some examples, the first chamber 220 is fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 at a first location, and the second chamber 222 is fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 at a second location upstream relative to the first location.

[0071] At block 710. the example valve 232 of FIG. 2 is fluidly coupled betw een the fluid constrictor 202 and the diaphragm actuator 216. For example, valve 232 is implemented along the first fluid line 226 betw een the first chamber 220 of the diaphragm actuator 216 and the pipe section 204 of the fluid constrictor 202. In some examples, by repeatedly opening and closing the valve 232, a relative pressure between the first and second chambers 220. 222 of thediaphragm actuator 216 can be adjusted to cause deflection of the diaphragm 218 (e.g., along the first and second directions 234, 236 of FIG. 2).

[0072] At block 712, the example diaphragm actuator 216 is operatively coupled to the example piston 210. For example, the example rod 224 of FIG. 2 operatively couples the diaphragm 218 of the diaphragm actuator 216 to the piston 210. such that deflection of the diaphragm 218 results in corresponding movement (e.g., reciprocal motion) of the piston 210 within the cylinder 212, and, thus, causes bleed gas to be drawn from the gas source 106 and provided to the first pipe 102.

[0073] FIG. 8 is a flowchart representative of an example method 800 to produce the second example drive system 300 of FIG. 3. 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.

[0074] The example method 800 of FIG. 8 begins at block 802, at which the first and second example diaphragms 304, 306 are positioned in the example diaphragm actuator 302 of FIG. 3 to define a first example chamber 308, a second example chamber 310, and a third example chamber 314 in the diaphragm actuator 302. For example, the first chamber 308 is defined between the first and second diaphragms 304. 306, the second chamber 310 is defined between the first diaphragm 304 and the first end 312 of the diaphragm actuator 302, and the third chamber 314 is defined betw een the second diaphragm 306 and the second end 316 of the diaphragm actuator 302. In some examples, the first chamber 308 is sealed between the first and second diaphragms 304, 306, such that the first and second diaphragms 304, 306 restrict and / or prevent leakage of fluid from the first chamber 308 to the second chamber 310 and / or the third chamber 314.

[0075] At block 804, the second example chamber 310 is fluidly coupled between the first example pipe 102 and the second example pipe 104. For example, the second chamber 310 is fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 via the first example inlet line 318 of FIG. 3 to receive fluid from the first pipe 102, and is fluidly coupled to the second pipe 104 via the first example outlet line 320 of FIG. 3 to provide the fluid to the second pipe 104. In some examples, the first example valve 330 of FIG. 3 is implemented along the first inlet line 318 to enable flow of fluid to the second chamber 310 when the first valve 330 is in an open position, and a buildup of pressure in the second chamber 310 results in deflection of the first diaphragm 304 (e g., in thefirst direction 342 of FIG. 3). In some examples, the example bleed valve 334 of FIG. 3 is implemented along the first outlet line 320 to gradually release the fluid to the second pipe 104 at a pressure at or near a pressure in the second pipe 104. In some examples, release of the fluid from the second chamber 310 enables the first diaphragm 304 to return to a starting (e.g., undeflected) position. In some examples, repeated opening and closing of the first valve 330 drives reciprocal motion of the first diaphragm 304 between the deflected and undeflected positions.

[0076] At block 806, the third example chamber 314 is fluidly coupled between the example gas source 106 and the second example pipe 104. For example, the third chamber 314 is fluidly coupled to the gas source 106 via the second example inlet line 322 to receive bleed gas from the gas source 106. and is fluidly coupled to the second pipe 104 via the second example outlet line 324 to provide the bleed gas to the second pipe 104. In some examples, the second example valve 332 is implemented along the first inlet line 318 to enable flow of bleed gas to the second chamber 310 when the second valve 332 is in an open position. In some examples, the example check valves 326, 328 are implemented along the second inlet line 322 and the second outlet line 324 to restrict backflow of bleed gas from the second pipe 104 to the third chamber 314 and / or from the third chamber 314 to the gas source 106.

[0077] At block 808, the first example spring 336 of FIG. 3 is operatively coupled to the first example diaphragm 304. For example, the first spring 336 is operatively coupled between the first diaphragm 304 and the inner surface 338 of the diaphragm actuator 302. In some examples, the first spring 336 biases and / or facilitates return of the first diaphragm 304 to the undeflected position.

[0078] At block 810, the second example spring 340 of FIG. 3 is operatively coupled to the second example diaphragm 306. For example, the second spring 340 is operatively coupled between the second diaphragm 306 and the second end 316 of the diaphragm actuator 302. In some examples, reciprocal motion of the first diaphragm 304 varies a pressure in the first chamber 308 and, thus, drives reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm 306. In some examples, the reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm 306 (e.g.. between a deflected and undeflected position) drives pumping of bleed gas from the gas source 106 into the third chamber 314, and from the third chamber 314 into the second pipe 104. In some examples, the second spring 340 biases and / or facilitates return of the second diaphragm 306 to the undeflected position.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a flowchart representative of an example method 900 to produce the third example drive system 400 of FIG. 4A. Although the example method is described withreference 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.

[0080] The example method 900 of FIG. 9 begins at block 902, at which the example drive chambers 404A, 404B, 404C of the example diaphragm actuators 402A, 402B, 402C are fluidly coupled between the first example pipe 102 and the second example pipe 104. For example, the drive chambers 404A, 404B, 404C are fluidly coupled to the first pipe 102 via respective ones of the example inlet lines 422A, 422B, 422C, and are fluidly coupled to the second pipe 104 via respective ones of the example outlet lines 424 A, 424B, 424C of FIG. 4A.

[0081] At block 904, the example compression chambers 406A, 406B, 406C of the diaphragm actuators 402A, 402B, 402C are fluidly coupled between the example gas source 106 and the second pipe 104. For example, the example bleed line 426 of FIG. 4A is fluidly coupled between the gas source 106 and the second pipe 104, and the compression chambers 406A, 406B, 406C are implemented in series along the bleed line 426.

[0082] At block 906, the first example diaphragms 408 A, 408B, 408C of FIG. 4 A are positioned in respective ones of the drive chambers 404A, 404B, 404C, and the second example diaphragms 414A, 414B, 414C of FIG. 4A are positioned in respective ones of the compression chambers 406A, 406B. 406C. For example, the first diaphragms 408A. 408B, 408C are positioned in the respective ones of the drive chambers 404A, 404B, 404C to define the first example chamber portions 410A, 410B, 410C and the second example chamber portions 412A, 412B, 412C of the respective drive chambers 404A, 404B, 404C. Additionally, the second diaphragms 414A, 414B, 414C are positioned in the respective ones of the compression chambers 406A, 406B, 406C to define the third example chamber portions 416A, 416B, 416C and the fourth example chamber portions 418A, 418B, 418C of the respective compression chambers 406A, 406B, 406C.

[0083] At block 908. the first diaphragms 408A, 408B, 408C are operatively coupled the second diaphragms 414A, 414B. 414C. For example, the example rods 420A, 420B. 420C operatively couple the first diaphragms 408A, 408B, 408C to respective ones of the second diaphragms 414A, 414B, 414C, such that the first diaphragms 408A, 408B, 408C and the respective ones of the second diaphragms 414A, 414B, 414C move and / or deflect together (e.g., in a same direction). In some examples, fluid from the first pipe 102 is provided to alternating ones of the first chamber portions 410A, 410B, 410C and the second chamber portions 412A,412B, 412C to drive reciprocal motion of the first diaphragms 408A, 408B, 408C. Further, the reciprocal motion of the first diaphragms 408A. 408B, 408C drives corresponding reciprocal motion of the second diaphragms 414A, 414B, 414C. In such examples, the reciprocal motion of the second diaphragms 414A, 414B, 414C draws bleed gas to and / or pumps bleed gas from alternating ones of the third chamber portions 416A, 416B, 416C and the fourth chamber portions 418A. 418B, 418C, such that compressed bleed gas is provided and / or returned to the second pipe 104.

[0084] In some examples, means for actuating can be implemented by the diaphragm actuator 216 of FIG. 2, the diaphragm actuator 302 of FIG. 3, the diaphragm actuators 402A, 402B, 402C of FIG. 4A, the dual-diaphragm actuator 432 of FIGS. 4B and / or 4C, the triplediaphragm actuator 450 of FIG. 4D, the quadruple-diaphragm actuator 460 of FIG. 4E. the second dual-diaphragm actuator 470 of FIGS. 4F and / or 4G, the diaphragm 508 of FIGS. 5A and / or 5B, and / or the diaphragm 608 of FIGS. 6A and / or 6B. In some examples, means for compressing can be implemented by the second diaphragm 306 of FIG. 3, the second diaphragms 414A, 414B, 414C of FIG. 4A, the second diaphragm 440B of FIG. 4C, the diaphragm 456B of FIG. 4D, the diaphragms 466B, 466D of FIG. 4E, and / or the second diaphragm 476 of FIG. 4F.

[0085] “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 the performance 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.

[0086] 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 maybe 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 tw o parts.

[0090] Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as “first.” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein without imputing or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or ordering in any way, but are merely used as labels and / orarbitrary 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 detailed description, 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] As used herein, the phrase “in communication,” including variations thereof, encompasses direct communication and / or indirect communication through one or more intermediary components, and does not require direct physical (e.g., wired) communication and / or constant communication, but rather additionally includes selective communication at periodic intervals, scheduled intervals, aperiodic intervals, and / or one-time events.

[0093] In some examples, programmable circuitry can be used to control aspects of one or more devices (e.g., the valve 232 of FIG. 2. the valves 330, 332 of FIG. 3, 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 semiconductor-based 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 mayexecute 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 types 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 programming interface(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).

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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 fluidly couple an example diaphragm actuator between a first location (e.g., a first pipe, a high pressure line) and a second location (e.g., a second pipe, a low pressure line), and a pressure differential between the first and second locations drives reciprocal motion of an example diaphragm of the diaphragm actuator. In turn, the reciprocal motion of the diaphragm drives reciprocal motion of an example compression device (e.g., a second diaphragm, a piston slidable within a cylinder, etc.) operatively coupled to the diaphragm. In some examples, the compression device is fluidly coupled between the gas source and a third location (e.g., the first pipe and / or the second pipe), and the reciprocal motion of the compression device draws bleed gas from the gas source and pumps the bleed gas to the third location. 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.

[0096] Example diaphragm-driven pressure differential systems and methods are disclosed herein. Further examples and combinations thereof include the following:

[0097] Example 1 includes an apparatus comprising a diaphragm actuator fluidly coupled between a first location and a second location, a differential pressure between the firstlocation and the second location to drive reciprocal motion of a diaphragm of the diaphragm actuator, and a compression device operatively coupled to the diaphragm and fluidly coupled between a bleed gas source and a third location, the reciprocal motion of the diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the compression device, the reciprocal motion of the compression device to draw bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the third location.

[0098] Example 2 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein diaphragm is a first diaphragm, the compression device includes a second diaphragm, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are positioned in a housing of the diaphragm actuator, and the housing includes a first chamber defined in the housing betw een a first end of the housing and the first diaphragm, the first chamber fluidly coupled to the first location and to the second location, a second chamber defined in the housing between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, the second chamber fluidly isolated from the first chamber, and a third chamber defined in the housing between the second diaphragm and a second end of the housing, the third chamber fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source and to the third location, the third chamber fluidly isolated from the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0099] Example 3 includes the apparatus of example 2, further including a first spring operatively coupled between the first diaphragm and an inner surface of the second chamber, and a second spring operatively coupled between the second diaphragm and the second end of the housing, the first and second springs to bias the first and second diaphragms to a substantially undeflected position.

[0100] Example 4 includes the apparatus of example 2, further including a first valve fluidly coupled between the first location and the first chamber, the first valve movable between an open position and a closed position, and a second valve fluidly coupled betw een the bleed gas source and the third chamber, the second valve to open when the first valve is in the closed position, the second valve to close when the first valve is in the open position.

[0101] Example 5 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the diaphragm actuator is a first diaphragm actuator, the diaphragm is a first diaphragm, the compression device is a first compression device including a second diaphragm operatively coupled to the first diaphragm, further including a second diaphragm actuator fluidly coupled between the first location and the second location, the differential pressure between the first location and the second location to drive reciprocal motion of a third diaphragm of the second diaphragm actuator, and a second compression device including a fourth diaphragm operatively coupled to the third diaphragm, the second compression device corresponding to the third location, the reciprocal motion of the third diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the fourth diaphragm, thereciprocal motion of the fourth diaphragm to direct the bleed gas from the third location to the second location.

[0102] Example 6 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the diaphragm is a first diaphragm positioned between first and second housing portions of the diaphragm actuator, the compression device including a second diaphragm operatively coupled to the first diaphragm via a linkage, the linkage extending through the second housing portion, the reciprocal motion of the first diaphragm in a first direction to drive, via the linkage, reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm in a second direction, the second direction different from the first direction.

[0103] Example 7 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the compression device includes a piston positioned in a cylinder and operatively coupled to the diaphragm via a rod, the reciprocal motion of the diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder.

[0104] Example 8 includes the apparatus of example 1, wherein the first location corresponds to a pipe section of a fluid constrictor positioned along a pipe, a first diameter of the pipe section less than a second diameter of the pipe, the second location corresponding to the pipe upstream of the fluid constrictor.

[0105] Example 9 includes a method comprising fluidly coupling a diaphragm actuator between a first location and a second location, a differential pressure between the first location and the second location to drive reciprocal motion of a diaphragm of the diaphragm actuator, operatively coupling a compression device to the diaphragm, and fluidly coupling the compression device between a bleed gas source and a third location, the reciprocal motion of the diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the compression device, the reciprocal motion of the compression device to draw bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the third location.

[0106] Example 10 includes the method of example 9, wherein diaphragm is a first diaphragm, the compression device includes a second diaphragm, further including positioning the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm in a housing of the diaphragm actuator to define (a) a first chamber in the housing between a first end of the housing and the first diaphragm, (b) a second chamber in the housing between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, and (c) a third chamber in the housing between the second diaphragm and a second end of the housing, fluidly coupling the first chamber to the first location and to the second location, and fluidly coupling the third chamber to the bleed gas source and to the third location.

[0107] Example 11 includes the method of example 10, further including operatively coupling a first spring between the first diaphragm and an inner surface of the second chamber, and operatively coupling a second spring between the second diaphragm and the second end ofthe housing, the first and second springs to bias the first and second diaphragms to a substantially undeflected position.

[0108] Example 12 includes the method of example 10, further including fluidly coupling a first valve between the first location and the first chamber, the first valve movable between an open position and a closed position, and fluidly coupling a second valve between the bleed gas source and the third chamber, the second valve to open when the first valve is in the closed position, the second valve to close when the first valve is in the open position.

[0109] Example 13 includes the method of example 9, wherein the diaphragm actuator is a first diaphragm actuator, the diaphragm is a first diaphragm, the compression device is a first compression device including a second diaphragm operatively coupled to the first diaphragm, further including fluidly coupling a second diaphragm actuator between the first location and the second location, the differential pressure between the first location and the second location to drive reciprocal motion of a third diaphragm of the second diaphragm actuator, and operatively coupling a fourth diaphragm of a second compression device to the third diaphragm, the second compression device corresponding to the third location, the reciprocal motion of the third diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the fourth diaphragm, the reciprocal motion of the fourth diaphragm to direct the bleed gas from the third location to the second location.

[0110] Example 14 includes the method of example 9, wherein the diaphragm is a first diaphragm positioned between first and second housing portions of the diaphragm actuator, further including operatively coupling, via a linkage, a second diaphragm of the compression device to the first diaphragm, the linkage extending through the second housing portion, the reciprocal motion of the first diaphragm in a first direction to drive, via the linkage, reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm in a second direction, the second direction different from the first direction.

[0111] Example 15 includes the method of example 9, wherein operatively coupling the compression device to the diaphragm includes operatively coupling, via a rod, a piston of the compression device to the diaphragm, the piston positioned in a cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder.

[0112] Example 16 includes the method of example 9, wherein fluidly coupling the diaphragm actuator between the first location and the second location includes fluidly coupling the diaphragm actuator to a pipe section of a fluid constrictor positioned along a pipe, a first diameter of the pipe section less than a second diameter of the pipe, and fluidly coupling the diaphragm actuator to the pipe upstream of the fluid constrictor.

[0113] Example 17 includes an apparatus comprising a reservoir fluidly coupled to a first location, the reservoir including rigid sidewalls and a flexible sidewall, the rigid sidewalls and the flexible sidewall defining a chamber to receive bleed gas from the first location, the flexible sidewall to deflect between a first position and a second position based on a pressure of the bleed gas in the chamber, and a scavenge line extending into the chamber and fluidly coupled between the chamber and a second location, the scavenge line including an opening, the flexible sidewall in the first position to restrict flow of bleed gas from the chamber to the second location via the opening, the flexible sidewall in the second position to enable flow of bleed gas from the chamber to the second location via the opening.

[0114] Example 18 includes the apparatus of example 17, further including a sleeve coupled to and movable with the flexible sidewall, the sleeve to surround a portion of the scavenge line, the sleeve to slide along the scavenge line when the flexible sidewall moves between the first position and the second position.

[0115] Example 19 includes the apparatus of example 18, wherein the sleeve is to cover the opening when the flexible sidewall is in the first position, and the sleeve does not overlap with the opening when the flexible sidewall is in the second position.

[0116] Example 20 includes the apparatus of example 17, wherein the opening corresponds to an end of the scavenge line, the end of the scavenge line to contact the flexible sidewall when the flexible sidewall is in the first position, the end of the scavenge line to be spaced apart from the flexible sidewall when the flexible sidewall is in the second position.

[0117] 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 diaphragm actuator fluidly coupled between a first location and a second location, a differential pressure between the first location and the second location to drive reciprocal motion of a diaphragm of the diaphragm actuator; and a compression device operatively coupled to the diaphragm and fluidly coupled between a bleed gas source and a third location, the reciprocal motion of the diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the compression device, the reciprocal motion of the compression device to draw bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the third location.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein diaphragm is a first diaphragm, the compression device includes a second diaphragm, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are positioned in a housing of the diaphragm actuator, and the housing includes: a first chamber defined in the housing between a first end of the housing and the first diaphragm, the first chamber fluidly coupled to the first location and to the second location; a second chamber defined in the housing between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, the second chamber fluidly isolated from the first chamber; and a third chamber defined in the housing between the second diaphragm and a second end of the housing, the third chamber fluidly coupled to the bleed gas source and to the third location, the third chamber fluidly isolated from the first chamber and the second chamber.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further including: a first spring operatively coupled between the first diaphragm and an inner surface of the second chamber; and a second spring operatively coupled between the second diaphragm and the second end of the housing, the first and second springs to bias the first and second diaphragms to a substantially undeflected position.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further including: a first valve fluidly coupled between the first location and the first chamber, the first valve movable between an open position and a closed position; and a second valve fluidly coupled between the bleed gas source and the third chamber, the second valve to open when the first valve is in the closed position, the second valve to close when the first valve is in the open position.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm actuator is a first diaphragm actuator, the diaphragm is a first diaphragm, the compression device is a first compression device including a second diaphragm operatively coupled to the first diaphragm, further including:a second diaphragm actuator fluidly coupled between the first location and the second location, the differential pressure between the first location and the second location to drive reciprocal motion of a third diaphragm of the second diaphragm actuator; and a second compression device including a fourth diaphragm operatively coupled to the third diaphragm, the second compression device corresponding to the third location, the reciprocal motion of the third diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the fourth diaphragm, the reciprocal motion of the fourth diaphragm to direct the bleed gas from the third location to the second location.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm is a first diaphragm positioned between first and second housing portions of the diaphragm actuator, the compression device including a second diaphragm operatively coupled to the first diaphragm via a linkage, the linkage extending through the second housing portion, the reciprocal motion of the first diaphragm in a first direction to drive, via the linkage, reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm in a second direction, the second direction different from the first direction.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the compression device includes a piston positioned in a cylinder and operatively coupled to the diaphragm via a rod, the reciprocal motion of the diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first location corresponds to a pipe section of a fluid constrictor positioned along a pipe, a first diameter of the pipe section less than a second diameter of the pipe, the second location corresponding to the pipe upstream of the fluid constrictor.

9. A method comprising: fluidly coupling a diaphragm actuator between a first location and a second location, a differential pressure between the first location and the second location to drive reciprocal motion of a diaphragm of the diaphragm actuator; operatively coupling a compression device to the diaphragm; and fluidly coupling the compression device between a bleed gas source and a third location, the reciprocal motion of the diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the compression device, the reciprocal motion of the compression device to draw bleed gas from the bleed gas source and direct the bleed gas to the third location.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein diaphragm is a first diaphragm, the compression device includes a second diaphragm, further including: positioning the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm in a housing of the diaphragm actuator to define (a) a first chamber in the housing between a first end of the housing and thefirst diaphragm, (b) a second chamber in the housing between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, and (c) a third chamber in the housing between the second diaphragm and a second end of the housing; fluidly coupling the first chamber to the first location and to the second location; and fluidly coupling the third chamber to the bleed gas source and to the third location.

11. The method of claim 10, further including: operatively coupling a first spring between the first diaphragm and an inner surface of the second chamber; and operatively coupling a second spring between the second diaphragm and the second end of the housing, the first and second springs to bias the first and second diaphragms to a substantially undeflected position.

12. The method of claim 10, further including: fluidly coupling a first valve between the first location and the first chamber, the first valve movable between an open position and a closed position; and fluidly coupling a second valve between the bleed gas source and the third chamber, the second valve to open when the first valve is in the closed position, the second valve to close when the first valve is in the open position.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the diaphragm actuator is a first diaphragm actuator, the diaphragm is a first diaphragm, the compression device is a first compression device including a second diaphragm operatively coupled to the first diaphragm, further including: fluidly coupling a second diaphragm actuator between the first location and the second location, the differential pressure between the first location and the second location to drive reciprocal motion of a third diaphragm of the second diaphragm actuator: and operatively coupling a fourth diaphragm of a second compression device to the third diaphragm, the second compression device corresponding to the third location, the reciprocal motion of the third diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the fourth diaphragm, the reciprocal motion of the fourth diaphragm to direct the bleed gas from the third location to the second location.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the diaphragm is a first diaphragm positioned between first and second housing portions of the diaphragm actuator, further including operatively coupling, via a linkage, a second diaphragm of the compression device to the first diaphragm, the linkage extending through the second housing portion, the reciprocal motion of the first diaphragm in a first direction to drive, via the linkage, reciprocal motion of the second diaphragm in a second direction, the second direction different from the first direction.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein operatively coupling the compression device to the diaphragm includes operatively coupling, via a rod, a piston of the compression device to the diaphragm, the piston positioned in a cylinder, the reciprocal motion of the diaphragm to drive reciprocal motion of the piston in the cylinder.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein fluidly coupling the diaphragm actuator between the first location and the second location includes: fluidly coupling the diaphragm actuator to a pipe section of a fluid constrictor positioned along a pipe, a first diameter of the pipe section less than a second diameter of the pipe; and fluidly coupling the diaphragm actuator to the pipe upstream of the fluid constrictor.

17. An apparatus comprising: a reservoir fluidly coupled to a first location, the reservoir including rigid sidewalls and a flexible sidewall, the rigid sidewalls and the flexible sidewall defining a chamber to receive bleed gas from the first location, the flexible sidewall to deflect between a first position and a second position based on a pressure of the bleed gas in the chamber; and a scavenge line extending into the chamber and fluidly coupled between the chamber and a second location, the scavenge line including an opening, the flexible sidewall in the first position to restrict flow of bleed gas from the chamber to the second location via the opening, the flexible sidewall in the second position to enable flow of bleed gas from the chamber to the second location via the opening.

18. The apparatus of claim 17. further including a sleeve coupled to and movable with the flexible sidewall, the sleeve to surround a portion of the scavenge line, the sleeve to slide along the scavenge line when the flexible sidewall moves between the first position and the second position.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the sleeve is to cover the opening when the flexible sidewall is in the first position, and the sleeve does not overlap with the opening when the flexible sidewall is in the second position.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the opening corresponds to an end of the scavenge line, the end of the scavenge line to contact the flexible sidewall when the flexible sidewall is in the first position, the end of the scavenge line to be spaced apart from the flexible sidewall when the flexible sidewall is in the second position.

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