Axial Diffuser Centrifugal Pump Layout Without Mechanical Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal pumps experience efficiency losses due to the need for mechanical seals and axial space increases, which complicate manufacturing and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal pump design incorporating axial diffusers and a compact structure that eliminates mechanical seals and integrates pump components within the diffuser body, utilizing radial and axial channels to optimize fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If radial diffusers are used to convey fluid from periphery to center in multistage pumps, then fluid acceleration is achieved, but axial space increases and efficiency losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the diffuser and the pump housing into a single integrated structure. The diffuser channels are formed directly within the housing body, eliminating the need for separate diffuser components and reducing axial space requirements while maintaining fluid acceleration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reconfigures the fluid flow path to utilize a more compact three-dimensional arrangement within the housing. By optimizing the spatial configuration of channels and passages in multiple dimensions, the design achieves necessary fluid acceleration without increasing axial length.
2Reliability
If mechanical seals are used to seal between fixed and rotating parts, then sealing is achieved, but lubrication requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical seal system entirely by using a magnetic coupling mechanism that transfers rotational force from the motor to the impeller without direct mechanical contact. This removes the sealing complexity and lubrication requirements associated with traditional mechanical seals while maintaining reliable separation between the motor and pump sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical seal system with a magnetic coupling system. Instead of using mechanical contact for both sealing and power transmission, the design uses magnetic fields to transmit torque through a non-contact interface, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical seals and their associated lubrication and maintenance requirements.
3Power
If continuous diversion of fluid from center to periphery and back is implemented, then multistage pumping is achieved, but efficiency losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-swirl channels in the pump housing that pre-condition the fluid flow before it enters the impeller. This preliminary action optimizes the fluid's angular momentum and reduces turbulence and shock losses at the impeller inlet, thereby improving overall efficiency while maintaining multistage pumping capability.
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 design reduces pressure drops, enhances efficiency, and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining compactness and low costs.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid to be pumped is accelerated from the center of the pump towards the periphery, by means of one or more impellers, which impart a centrifugal force to the fluid itself
Data Source
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AI summary
Centrifugal pump (1) including: - at least one impeller (4, 4') configured to rotate around an axis (Z) in order to accelerate in a radial direction a fluid (F) to be pumped, and - an axial diffuser (18) positioned downstream of said impeller (4, 4'), and configured to divert said flow of the pumped fluid (F) from a radial direction to a substantially axial direction along said axis (Z), and characterized in that said axial diffuser (18) comprises a diffuser body (22) configured to contain, at least partially, at least one further component of the pump.