Auxiliary Pumping Port Maintains Flow in Rotary Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary pumping systems in positive-displacement pumps, which rely on differential pressure, suffer from low flowrate issues at low pressures and high viscosities, and are prone to clogging, limiting their effectiveness for cooling and lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A positive-displacement rotary pump design with an auxiliary pumping port that maintains fluid communication after the collapsing pocket is no longer connected to the discharge port, allowing for independent flowrate from differential pressure and viscosity, and featuring a configuration resistant to clogging through pressure-driven fluid displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If differential pressure systems are used for auxiliary pumping, then the system structure is simple, but the flowrate becomes very low when differential pressure is low or viscosity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary pumping function is segmented from the main pumping function by providing a separate auxiliary pumping port and dedicated passageway. This allows the auxiliary stream to be independently controlled and optimized without affecting the main pumping operation, enabling consistent flowrate regardless of differential pressure variations in the main system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the auxiliary pumping system by using positive displacement mechanics rather than pressure-driven flow. The collapsing pocket mechanism ensures that auxiliary flowrate remains consistent across varying differential pressure conditions and fluid viscosities, fundamentally altering the performance characteristics of the auxiliary stream.
2Device complexity
If differential pressure systems are used for auxiliary pumping, then the system is simple to implement, but the system becomes prone to clogging when fluid contains solids or thickened accumulations
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary pumping system serves itself by using the main pumping action to drive the auxiliary stream. The collapsing pocket mechanism automatically maintains positive displacement flow without requiring additional control systems or maintenance interventions, making the system self-regulating and resistant to clogging conditions.
3Productivity
If oscillating displacement systems are used, then the system can provide auxiliary flow, but the oscillating nature reduces cooling effectiveness due to small volume displacement and fluid moving back and forth
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the oscillating nature of auxiliary flow by maintaining continuous positive displacement through the collapsing pocket mechanism. Fluid is continuously drawn from the suction side and delivered to the discharge side through the auxiliary port, ensuring uninterrupted cooling action rather than periodic oscillation, thereby significantly improving cooling effectiveness.
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
This design provides a consistent and effective auxiliary fluid stream for cooling and lubrication, independent of differential pressure and viscosity, and is resistant to clogging, enhancing the performance of positive-displacement pumps.
Implementation Method 1
pumping elements that move within the pumping cavity of the casing and define a collapsing pocket that maintains fluid communication with the positive-displacement auxiliary pumping port
Data Source
AI summary
Positive-displacement auxiliary pumping systems for use in pump apparatus of different configurations are disclosed. The positive-displacement auxiliary pumping systems are included in positive-displacement rotary pumps having a casing defining a pumping cavity, an inlet port connected to the pumping cavity, a discharge port connected to the pumping cavity, and a positive-displacement auxiliary pumping port connected to the pumping cavity. Pumping elements move within the pumping cavity of the casing and define a collapsing pocket that maintains fluid communication with the positive-displacement auxiliary pumping port after the collapsing pocket is no longer in fluid communication with the discharge port.