Magnetically Coupled Expander Pump Axial Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetically coupled pumps redirect fluid flow perpendicularly, which is undesirable in certain applications, such as geothermal or oil and gas production, where axial flow is preferred to maintain efficiency and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically coupled expander pump with an axial flow path is designed, featuring an outer and inner magnet-bearing cylinder separated by a non-magnetic wall, allowing the pumped fluid to flow axially through the center pipe while utilizing an expander-driven magnetic coupling to transfer torque from a pressurized working fluid, maintaining axial flow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetically coupled pump uses a canister-type cylindrical magnetic coupling with axially aligned drive shafts, then torque can be transferred to a completely isolated fluid path, but the fluid flow must be redirected in a perpendicular direction between inlet and outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow path from perpendicular redirection to axial alignment by arranging the inlet and outlet in the same axial direction. The magnetic coupling maintains radial separation while the flow path extends axially through the center, eliminating the need for perpendicular redirection and maintaining fluid isolation.
2Reliability
If a magnetically coupled pump redirects fluid flow perpendicularly, then magnetic coupling isolation is achieved, but axial flow is lost which reduces efficiency in geothermal or oil and gas production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the flow path within the magnetic coupling structure by allowing fluid to flow axially through the center of the magnetic coupling. The inner and outer magnet-bearing cylinders are arranged concentrically with the flow path passing through the center, maintaining isolation while preserving axial flow for efficiency.
3Power
If an open-ended magnetic coupling is used to transfer torque from expander to pump, then torque transfer is enabled, but the pumped fluid cannot flow through the center of the magnetic coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling is segmented into inner and outer magnet-bearing cylinders separated by a non-magnetic wall. This segmentation allows the flow path to pass through the center of the inner cylinder while the magnetic fields interact across the non-magnetic wall to transfer torque, enabling both torque transfer and central fluid flow.
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 enhances productivity and reliability, reduces carbon footprint and maintenance costs by leveraging latent heat for energy, and allows for efficient axial fluid flow in geothermal or oil and gas production, providing a more efficient and cost-effective pumping solution compared to traditional electric submersible pumps.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetically coupled expander pump with an axial flow path is designed, featuring an outer and inner magnet-bearing cylinder separated by a non-magnetic wall
Implementation Method 2
A pressurized working fluid can be fed into one annulus of a set of concentric pipes and allowed to build pressure as it flows down a geothermal power wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor free, generator free system production well for accelerated oil and gas removal from a reservoir using a magnetically coupled expander pump assembly, which include an outer expansion turbine that rotates around a pump. A magnetic coupling couples the expansion turbine to the pump. An inner portion of the magnetic coupling can be coupled to a pump shaft that drives the pump. An outer portion of the magnetic coupling can be driven by the expansion turbine, which rotates circumferentially around the pump. The expansion turbine drives the fluid to pump a driven fluid stream through the magnetic coupling. In this manner, flow directions of both driving and driven fluid streams remain separate and coaxial, thereby facilitating a reduction in an overall diameter of the expander pump assembly.