Compact Cryogenic Pump Gas Release Plate Cavitation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryogenic pumps are unsuitable for continuous operation at low flow rates, leading to cavitation issues and inefficiencies, and are not compact or cost-effective for small-scale laboratory use, making it difficult to maintain a constant flow of cryogenic liquids for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A compact cryogenic pump design featuring a gas release plate to vent gas bubbles and an inducer to increase pressure, allowing continuous recirculation and operation at low flow rates, along with a level sensor for automated refilling, enabling continuous flow without technician intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a centrifugal pump is used to pump cryogenic liquid, then the pump can withstand cryogenic temperatures, but the pump is susceptible to cavitation
Solution Approach 1:
The gas release plate extracts gas bubbles from the pump chamber through multiple gas release holes, removing the harmful factor (gas bubbles) that causes cavitation while maintaining the centrifugal pump's ability to withstand cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The pump operates at flow rates below the best efficiency point, changing the operating parameters to reduce cavitation. The gas release plate compensates for this by actively removing gas bubbles, allowing the pump to operate reliably in the low flow rate regime
2Productivity
If a self-pressurization pump is used, then the pump can operate at low flow rates, but the pump cannot support recirculation and requires large cryogenic liquid supply
Solution Approach 1:
The centrifugal pump is adapted to perform multiple functions: it can operate at low flow rates below its best efficiency point and simultaneously support recirculation. The gas release plate enables this multi-functionality by allowing the pump to maintain reliability in recirculation mode at low flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the cryogenic liquid after use, the system recirculates it back to the reservoir. The gas release plate enables this recovery by preventing cavitation during the recirculation process, allowing the same liquid to be used repeatedly
3Productivity
If the pump operates at low flow rates, then the pump can meet experimental requirements, but cavitation is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The gas release plate extracts gas bubbles formed during low flow rate operation through multiple gas release holes, removing the harmful factor that would otherwise cause cavitation and allow the pump to operate reliably at low flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
The gas release plate acts as an intermediary component between the pump chamber and the external environment, providing a controlled pathway for gas bubbles to escape while maintaining the low flow rate operation needed for experiments
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 pump achieves continuous operation for days to weeks at low flow rates, reducing cavitation and the need for large cryogenic liquid supplies, making it suitable for small-scale laboratory use and extending trap storage times in experiments.
Implementation Method 1
the inducer increases the pressure on the cryogenic liquid at the impeller, preventing the formation of gas bubbles
Implementation Method 2
the onset of cavitation is delayed because the gas bubbles in the pump's impeller are vented
Implementation Method 3
A compact cryogenic pump design featuring a gas release plate to vent gas bubbles and an inducer to increase pressure, allowing continuous recirculation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a cryogenic liquid pump system, having a first end with at least an insulating lid and motor; a second end, wherein the second end is a pump, said pump comprising an impeller; and a gas release plate upstream of the impeller; and a shaft disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the motor imparts mechanical energy to the pump through the shaft. Also provided is a method for preventing cavitation of a cryogenic liquid in a cryogenic pump, the method having the steps of constantly maintaining pressure on the liquid in the pump and evacuating gas bubbles that form within the pump.