Auxiliary Volumetric Pump Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling auxiliary volumetric pumps do not adequately protect against faults or malfunctions caused by abnormal pressure conditions at the inlet and/or outlet, relying solely on maximum current absorption as a function of rotation speed and operating pressure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating pressure detection devices in the intake and discharge ducts, a control unit that adjusts the electric motor's frequency and current absorption based on the pressure difference between the intake and discharge ducts, and additional features for monitoring and alarming on pressure, temperature, and frequency anomalies to prevent malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control is based solely on maximum current absorption, then the system is simple to operate, but the pump is not protected against faults caused by abnormal pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring pressure at the pump inlet and outlet through pressure sensors, and using this information to dynamically adjust motor speed via a control unit. This closed-loop system protects the pump from abnormal pressure conditions while maintaining reliable operation through real-time parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/current-based control with an electronic control system that uses pressure sensors and a control unit to monitor and adjust motor speed. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic sensing and control provides better protection against pressure-related faults while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
2Reliability
If pressure detection devices and control units are added, then the pump is protected against abnormal pressure conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives signals from pressure sensors, processes pressure difference data, determines optimal motor speed, and controls the motor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection against pressure-related faults.
3Productivity
If the pump operates at high fluid flow rates, then productivity is improved, but the risk of abnormal pressure conditions and malfunctions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by continuously adjusting motor speed based on real-time pressure feedback. This allows the pump to operate at optimal speeds for high flow rates while automatically reducing speed when abnormal pressure conditions are detected, thereby maintaining both high productivity and reliability through adaptive operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An auxiliary volumetric pump for generating a vacuum comprising a casing (10), a rotary member (11) housed in the casing (10) and an electric motor (21) for powering the rotary member (11); the auxiliary pump (1) comprising an intake duct (2), located downstream of a user device (24), and a discharge duct (3) configured to define a delivery duct of a primary pump (4); a device for detecting the pressure (5) of the fluid entering the auxiliary pump (1), designed for emitting a signal for detecting the pressure (8) of the fluid entering the auxiliary pump (1), is positioned in the intake duct (2); a device for detecting the pressure (6) of the fluid flowing out from the auxiliary pump (1), designed for emitting a signal for detecting the pressure (9) of the fluid flowing out of the auxiliary pump (1), is positioned in the discharge duct (3); a control unit (7) is configured to receive and process the signal for detecting the pressure (8, 9) of the fluid entering and flowing out from the auxiliary pump (1) and determining the pressure of the fluid in the intake duct (2) and in the discharge duct (3) and the pressure difference between the pressure value in the intake duct (2) and in the discharge duct (3); a control unit (7) is configured for controlling the frequency of rotation and the absorption of the electric motor (21) by the rotary member (11) as a function of the pressure difference between the pressure value in the intake duct (2) and in the discharge duct (3), if less than a pre-set permissible pressure difference.