Cryogenic Pump Torque Isolation via Tubular Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryogenic pumps with a vertically oriented piston face challenges in mechanical strength and vibration due to lack of counter-torque systems, especially when using a Cardan system for torque transmission, which can lead to structural weaknesses and increased fatigue risks.
Innovation Solution
A tubular structure is rigidly connected between the motor and the mechanical conversion system to absorb torque and forces, allowing for optimal torque transmission without overloading the structural components, and the motor is suspended from the upper mounting structure with the mechanical conversion system, enabling better support and reduced thermal losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a Cardan system is used to transmit torque from the motor to the crank mechanism in a vertically oriented piston pump, then the pump can be optimally mounted with the piston axis vertical, but the torque is transferred through the entire pumping structure causing mechanical strength issues and vibration problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the torque transmission path into separate segments: the motor and gearbox are mounted on an independent support structure rather than being rigidly connected to the pump tank. This segmentation isolates the torque-generating components from the fluid-containing structure, allowing vertical mounting capability while preventing torque transfer to the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure (independent framework) that mediates between the motor assembly and the pump tank. This intermediary structure absorbs and isolates the torque and vibrations generated during operation, preventing them from being transmitted to the tank and compromising its mechanical strength.
2Force
If the motor is rigidly fixed to the upper mounting structure with the mechanical conversion system, then the structure can withstand the torque, but this increases the overall strength requirements and creates vibration and fatigue risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque transmission function from the pump tank structure by mounting the motor and gearbox on a separate support framework. This allows the mechanical conversion system to handle torque independently without relying on the tank structure, thereby reducing vibration and fatigue risks to the overall system.
3Volume of moving object
If the motor is positioned close to the mechanical conversion system for compactness, then the layout is more efficient, but the structural components become overloaded and require excessive dimensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by utilizing the vertical dimension and positioning the motor and gearbox on an elevated support structure above the pump tank. This dimensional arrangement maintains functional proximity for efficient torque transmission while physically separating the components to prevent structural overloading, achieving both compactness and reduced strength requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An installation for pumping cryogenic fluid including a fluidtight enclosure to contain a bath of cryogenic fluid, the enclosure housing a compression chamber communicating with the bath and a movable piston to compress the fluid in the compression chamber, the piston being mounted at a first end of a rod, the apparatus including a drive mechanism driving a second end of the rod in a back and forth movement in a longitudinal direction, the drive mechanism including a motor equipped with a rotary shaft and a mechanical conversion system converting the rotational movement of the rotary shaft into a translational movement, in the configuration of operation of the installation, the longitudinal direction of travel of the piston rod being vertical, the motor being fixed rigidly to an upper mounting structure.