Centrifugal Pump Particle Removal via Return Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal pumps used for fluids with particles face efficiency issues due to abrasive particles accumulating in sealing gaps between the impeller and stator, leading to wear and potential clogging, which reduces pump performance and increases maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal pump design incorporating a particle removal device with a storage space connected to the intake channel via a return line, where particles are discharged back into the main flow, preventing accumulation and maintaining efficiency by using a narrow gap with increased resistance and a fluid collection member to manage flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the gap between the impeller and stator is kept small to maintain pump efficiency, then pump efficiency is improved, but abrasive particles accumulate in the gap causing wear and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts abrasive particles from the fluid stream before they can reach the impeller-stator gap. A particle separation device is positioned upstream to remove particles from the fluid, and a dedicated particle discharge channel separates the particle removal path from the main fluid flow path, preventing particle accumulation in the gap while maintaining small gap dimensions for high efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary particle discharge channel that acts as a mediator between the fluid stream and the gap region. This channel provides a controlled path for particle removal without disrupting the main fluid flow through the gap, allowing the gap to remain small for efficiency while particles are continuously removed through the intermediary channel
2Reliability
If wear-resistant material is used for sealing surfaces to extend replacement intervals, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary particle removal upstream before the fluid reaches the sealing surfaces. By removing particles in advance through the particle separation device and discharge channel, the sealing surfaces are protected from abrasive wear, allowing the use of less expensive materials while maintaining long service intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides beforehand protection by creating a particle-free zone at the sealing surfaces through the particle removal system. This cushioning effect prevents direct contact between abrasive particles and the sealing surfaces, reducing wear rates and extending component life without requiring expensive wear-resistant materials
3Object-affected harmful factors
If particles are removed in an annular chamber as in prior art, then particle separation is achieved, but particles accumulate in the chamber causing deposits and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention continuously extracts particles from the fluid stream through the particle separation device and removes them via the particle discharge channel. This continuous extraction prevents particle accumulation in the separation zone, eliminating the deposit formation and clogging problems that occur in closed annular chambers where particles have nowhere to go
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains continuous particle removal action through the discharge channel that constantly evacuates separated particles from the system. This continuous action prevents the intermittent accumulation and saturation that occurs in closed chambers, ensuring the particle separation process remains effective throughout operation without performance degradation
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 effectively prevents particle accumulation, reducing wear and maintenance costs while maintaining pump efficiency by ensuring particles are reintegrated into the main flow, thus avoiding clogging and maintaining flow integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal pump (1) with a particle removal device. The centrifugal pump (1) comprises an impeller (6) by means of which a fluid (2) can be conveyed through an intake channel (5) from an intake connection (3) to a pressure connection (4)
Implementation Method 2
The flow in the return line is maintained by the pressure difference between the storage space and the intake duct
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A centrifugal pump (1, 101) comprises a device for removing particles, wherein the centrifugal pump comprises an impeller (6, 106). A fluid (2, 102) can be conveyed by means of said impeller (6, 106) through a suction channel (5, 105) from a suction port (3, 103) to a pressure port (4, 104). The impeller (6, 106) can be rotated in a stator (7, 107). A gap (9, 19, 109) is arranged between stator (7, 107) and impeller (6, 106), wherein said gap (9, 19, 109) leads into a retaining space (11, 21, 111) for particles. Said retaining space (11, 21, 111) is connected to said suction channel (5, 105) via a return line (12, 112) running through said stator (7, 107).