Collection Vessel Valve Assembly for Stable Vacuum Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid evacuation systems, particularly those using vacuum-based methods, suffer from inconsistent vacuum quality, fluctuating differential pressures, and high maintenance and energy costs, leading to inefficiencies in fluid extraction processes.
Innovation Solution
A collection vessel assembly with a vacuum source valve and drain valve interconnected through a mechanical or pneumatic system, allowing for controlled operation between extraction and drainage states, ensuring consistent vacuum pressure and efficient fluid collection and drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If venturi vacuum generators are used with ball valves for fluid extraction, then fluid evacuation can be achieved, but vacuum quality becomes inconsistent and differential pressure fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum source valve and drain valve into a single integrated valve assembly with unified actuation. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual operations on multiple valves, reducing operational complexity while maintaining consistent vacuum quality through coordinated valve control.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls vacuum source connection, manages drain flow, and regulates pressure differential all through a single actuation mechanism. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating operations that previously required separate manual interventions.
2Reliability
If positive displacement pumps are used for fluid extraction, then fluid evacuation capability is provided, but performance degrades due to degradation and wear from extracted fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pump from the fluid extraction path by using a vacuum-based extraction system where the pump only handles vapor or air, not the extracted fluids. This separation protects the pump from degradation and wear caused by contact with contaminated fluids, thereby maintaining performance stability and reducing maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary vacuum phase where extracted fluids are removed through vaporization or phase change before reaching the pump. This intermediary mechanism protects the pump from direct exposure to degrading fluids, resolving the contradiction between reliability and maintenance requirements.
3Power
If venturi systems with air compressors are used, then vacuum generation is achieved, but additional maintenance and energy costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a venturi vacuum generator that utilizes the fluid extraction process itself to generate the required vacuum, eliminating the need for external air compressors. The system self-regulates vacuum generation through the flow dynamics of the extracted fluids, reducing both energy consumption and maintenance requirements while maintaining vacuum generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using variable geometry in the venturi design that adapts to different extraction conditions. This allows the vacuum generation to be optimized for each specific operation, maintaining power capability while minimizing energy consumption through parameter adaptation rather than constant high-power operation.
4Productivity
If manual ball valves and plungers are used for collection vessel operation, then fluid drainage is possible, but operational speed and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vacuum source valve and drain valve into a single integrated assembly that can be operated simultaneously or in coordinated sequence through one actuation. This eliminates the need for manual coordination between multiple operators or multiple manual valve operations, thereby increasing operational speed while simplifying the ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly is pre-configured with internal flow paths and actuation mechanisms that automatically coordinate the opening and closing sequences of vacuum and drain functions. This preliminary design of the coordination logic within the hardware eliminates the need for real-time manual coordination, speeding up the overall operation.
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 system provides stable vacuum pressure, reduces maintenance needs, and enhances operational efficiency by allowing rapid cycling between extraction and drainage, minimizing fluid infiltration and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a pump to create a vacuum for removing the fluid from a reservoir
Implementation Method 2
vacuum based systems in order to promote efficiency
Implementation Method 3
venturi vacuum generators mounted to a collection vessel or tank
Implementation Method 4
a simple ball valve on the bottom of the collection vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A system for evacuating fluid from a reservoir including a vacuum source and a fluid extraction apparatus including an extraction device and a collection vessel assembly including a collection vessel, an extraction inlet in fluid communication with the extraction device, a vacuum source valve in fluid communication with the vacuum source and the collection vessel, a drain valve in fluid communication with the collection vessel and an outlet, and an interconnection between the vacuum source valve and the drain valve, wherein the vacuum source valve is selectively operable between an open to vacuum position a closed to vacuum position, and wherein the drain valve is selectively operable between a closed position and an open position.