Cryogenic Pump Barrel Assembly Heat Transfer Reduction
Solution Overview
Problem
Pumps operating at cryogenic temperatures face heat transfer issues due to moving components generating heat, which can cause fuel to gasify prematurely, disrupting pump and engine operation, and existing solutions require large containers and are costly to package and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A barrel assembly for a pumping mechanism with a plunger bore and inlet and outlet passages that allow for efficient fluid communication, where the plunger bore and outlet passage form separate openings, and the outlet passage is positioned closer to the outer surface, reducing heat transfer and enabling compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pump operates at cryogenic temperatures with moving components, then pumping function is achieved, but heat transfer to fuel occurs causing premature gasification
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: a plunger bore for mechanical pumping action and separate inlet/outlet passages for fluid flow. This segmentation allows the fuel to be pumped through passages that do not require direct contact with heat-generating moving components, reducing heat transfer while maintaining pumping reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet passage acts as an intermediary channel that receives fluid from the plunger bore and transports it to the discharge point. By positioning the outlet passage closer to the outer surface and separating it from the plunger bore, the design creates a thermal buffer zone that reduces heat transfer from moving components to the fuel, preventing premature gasification
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a large container is used to accommodate liquid and gas chambers, then heat transfer is reduced, but packaging difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel assembly merges multiple functions into a single compact component: the plunger bore, inlet passage, and outlet passage are integrated into one barrel structure. This eliminates the need for separate large containers for liquid and gas chambers, reducing overall size and packaging complexity while maintaining effective heat transfer reduction through the passage design
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet passage is positioned closer to the outer surface of the barrel assembly, utilizing the radial dimension more effectively. This dimensional optimization allows compact packaging while maintaining thermal performance, as the passage layout in the radial direction reduces heat transfer path length without requiring a larger overall container volume
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 minimizes heat transfer to the fuel, preventing premature gasification and allowing for a more compact, efficient pumping mechanism that maintains pump efficiency and reduces packaging and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plunger for sliding within the plunger bore and a push rod configured to slide within the plunger bore to push the plunger to force fluid from the plunger bore into the outlet passage
Implementation Method 2
the plunger bore and the outlet passage form separate openings in the second end of the barrel assembly... effectively minimizes heat transfer to the fuel, preventing premature gasification
Data Source
AI summary
A barrel assembly for a pumping mechanism includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plunger bore configured to receive a plunger for sliding within the plunger bore. The barrel assembly also includes at least one inlet passage including at least one inlet extending through the first end and fluidly connected to the plunger bore to communicate fluid from the at least one inlet passage to the plunger bore. The barrel assembly further includes an outlet passage fluidly connected to the plunger bore and configured to receive fluid from the plunger bore, the plunger bore and the outlet passage forming separate openings in the second end of the barrel assembly.