Air-Driven Positive Displacement Pump for Hydrocarbon Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current liquid hydrocarbon transfer systems are inefficient, costly, and pose safety concerns due to the release of hydrocarbon vapors and debris-related issues, with existing pumps freezing in cold weather and being prone to blockages.

Innovation Solution

A portable, air-driven rotary or reciprocating positive displacement pump assembly with a filter and strainer system, located outside the tank berm, uses an air compressor and flexible hoses to quickly transfer hydrocarbons between tanks, minimizing vapor release and debris entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a vacuum system with a diesel engine is used to transfer hydrocarbons, then the transfer can be performed, but hydrocarbon vapors are released into the atmosphere and may collect within the berm, creating safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon transfer capabilityVSAvoidhydrocarbon vapor release

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the harmful vacuum system and diesel engine from the transfer process. Instead, it uses a positive displacement pump driven by an electric motor, which eliminates the vacuum generation that caused vapor release into the atmosphere and berm accumulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical vacuum system with an electrically-driven positive displacement pump system. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical vacuum generation while maintaining the hydrocarbon transfer function through a different mechanical mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If existing pumps are used in cold weather, then hydrocarbon transfer can occur, but the pumps freeze up and pumping stops or slows substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon transfer rateVSAvoidpump operation in cold weather

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the operating parameters of the pump system by using heated seals and heated piping insulation. This maintains the pump components above freezing temperature, preventing the freeze-up that would otherwise stop or slow pumping in cold weather conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If debris enters the pump from the bulk fluid tank, then the pump can handle rough fluid, but the pump operation is impeded or stopped due to blocked areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle rough fluidVSAvoidpump continuous operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary action by installing a strainer at the pump inlet before the fluid enters the pump. This strainer captures debris and prevents it from entering and blocking the pump internal passages, ensuring continuous reliable operation while still handling rough fluid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If current pumping systems are used, then hydrocarbons can be transferred, but the systems are expensive to purchase and operate, and pumping times are extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon transfer capabilityVSAvoidpumping time and operational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the expensive vacuum system with a more efficient electrically-driven positive displacement pump. This substitution reduces both purchase and operating costs while significantly decreasing pumping time, making the system more economically viable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively transfers hydrocarbons quickly and safely, reducing downtime and operational costs by eliminating vapor release and preventing debris-induced pump failures, while operating efficiently in various weather conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A portable, air-driven rotary or reciprocating positive displacement pump assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPositive displacement:

Implementation Method 2

an air compressor and flexible hoses to quickly transfer hydrocarbons between tanks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20210285451A1Liquid Hydrocarbon Transfer System And Assembly

Publication Date: 2021.09.16 SOERRIES KENNETH R

AI summary

A system for pumping hydrocarbon bulk fluids includes an air-driven rotary or reciprocating positive displacement pump in fluid communication with a tank containing the hydrocarbon bulk fluid. The pump contains an inlet and an outlet. A filter or strainer is contained within the inlet for removing debris from the bulk fluid. An oiler is provided for injecting an oil and/or antifreeze mixture into an air stream provided to the air-driven positive displacement pump. A method of pumping a bulk fluid such as a hydrocarbon fuel, from one tank to another, is also presented.