Cellular Tube Retrofit for Maintenance-Free Suction Stabilizers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction stabilizers in reciprocating pump systems require periodic maintenance to replenish gas in gas-filled bladders, leading to performance degradation if not maintained properly, and gas-infused closed cell materials face challenges in mounting and sizing for effective pulsation control.
Innovation Solution
Employing a cellular part made of gas-infused closed cell material, mounted within the suction stabilizer's annular body with structural supports, eliminating the need for gas replenishment and providing a maintenance-free solution by absorbing fluid pressure variations through compression of gas-filled closed cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas-filled bladders are used in suction stabilizers, then pulsation control performance is improved, but periodic maintenance is required to replenish gas charge
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-infused closed cell material serves itself by maintaining its gas charge indefinitely without external replenishment. The closed cells prevent gas escape, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating periodic maintenance requirements while maintaining pulsation control performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of gas containment from an open bladder system requiring periodic refilling to a closed cell structure where gas is permanently trapped. This parameter change in gas containment methodology eliminates maintenance while preserving the compressibility needed for pulsation control.
2Ease of operation
If gas-infused closed cell material is used, then maintenance-free operation is achieved, but mounting and sizing challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular part is designed as a segmented structure with specific mounting features that divide the complex mounting task into simpler steps. The annular tube configuration with support structures allows for modular installation, making the sizing and mounting process more manageable despite the maintenance-free benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
Support structures act as intermediaries between the cellular tube and the suction stabilizer housing, facilitating easier mounting. These intermediate elements help with positioning and securing the cellular material without requiring complex direct attachment methods.
3Force
If traditional gas-filled bladders are used, then shock absorption is provided, but system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential shock absorption function from the complex gas-filled bladder system and implements it using simpler gas-infused closed cell material. By removing unnecessary bladder components and using the cellular material directly, the shock absorption capability is maintained while system complexity is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of gas-infused closed cell material creates a composite structure that combines the shock absorption properties of gas-filled materials with the structural integrity of closed cell foam. This composite approach provides equivalent or superior force absorption with simpler construction.
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 solution provides consistent performance over a wider pressure range, reduces maintenance needs, and prevents fluid pulsations, offering a more reliable and efficient pulsation control without the weight and complexity of traditional gas-filled bladder systems.
Implementation Method 1
absorbing fluid pressure variations through compression of gas-filled closed cells
Implementation Method 2
due to the compressibility of gas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3
AI summary
An annular tube (304) (or other shape) of elastomeric cellular material comprising elastomeric closed cells having gas infused therein is supported by structures protruding from the bottom surface of a suction stabilizer's head (204) and/or by structures within the interior volume of the annular body (200) of the suction stabilizer (104), preferably with spacing between the outer diameter of the annular tube of the cellular material and the inner walls of the suction stabilizer body. The gas-infused closed cell material may thus be employed in new suction stabilizer or pulsation dampener or to retrofit existing suction stabilizers or pulsation dampeners designed for a gas-filled bladder.