Actuated Valve Control for Solid Feed Pump Compaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid feed pumps face challenges in maintaining consistent compaction and permeability of solid feeds due to variability in feedstock properties, affecting pump performance and downstream processes.

Innovation Solution

A system with an actuated valve in the outlet of the solid feed pump, controlled by feedback sensors, adjusts compaction and permeability to maintain a dynamic seal and optimize pump performance across varying feedstocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If solid feed pump transports solid feed with variable feedstock properties, then productivity is maintained, but compaction and permeability become unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid feed transport rateVSAvoidcompaction and permeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the valve position adjustable and controllable in real-time. The actuated valve can dynamically change its opening degree in response to varying feedstock properties, allowing the system to adapt to different compaction and permeability requirements while maintaining stable operation and consistent productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the valve opening degree as a controllable parameter to regulate solid feed flow characteristics. By adjusting this parameter, the system can control the compaction and permeability of the solid feed, enabling adaptation to variable feedstock properties while maintaining stable process conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If actuated valve is added to adjust compaction, then compaction stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactionVSAvoidvalve control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control where the actuated valve is controlled based on process conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the valve to automatically adjust its position to maintain stable compaction, reducing the need for manual intervention and complex control systems while achieving consistent results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves self-regulation through the actuated valve that automatically adjusts solid feed flow characteristics. The valve responds to process conditions and maintains stable compaction without requiring external complex control mechanisms, enabling the system to service itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9970424B2System and method having control for solids pump
Publication Date: 2018.05.15 AIR PROD & CHEM INC
  • US9970424B2 patent drawing
  • US9970424B2 patent drawing
  • US9970424B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system includes a solid feed fuel pump configured to route a solid fuel flow from an inlet to an outlet. The solid feed fuel pump includes an actuated valve that is disposed within the outlet. The actuated valve is configured to adjust a compaction of the solid fuel flow while in the outlet. The actuated valve adjusts the compaction in response to active control based on sensed feedback from the system.