Cyclonic Valve Helical Flow for Pump Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-density powder transfer pumps face inefficiencies in powder loading and expulsion due to two-tank continuous cycle systems, leading to pulsed dispensing and inadequate cleaning, with existing cleaning methods suffering from pressure loss and limited cleaning efficiency due to metallic components and axial air flow.
Innovation Solution
A cyclonic valve with a flow dividing element and orienter generates a helical cleaning flow by dividing and orienting the cleaning air flow, ensuring effective cleaning of the pump's internal components, including porous tubes, by directing the flow tangentially to create a high-speed, deep cleaning action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pressurized air is introduced radially through side walls of pumping tubes, then cleaning reaches internal surfaces, but pressure loss reduces cleaning effectiveness to about 6 bars
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into multiple independent cyclonic valves, each handling a specific pumping tube. This segmentation allows each valve to maintain optimal cleaning pressure independently, preventing the pressure loss that occurs when air must traverse through porous walls in traditional radial cleaning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from radial cleaning (air passing through side walls) to axial cyclonic cleaning (air flowing through the length of the tube). This dimensional change allows the cleaning air to maintain pressure while still effectively cleaning the internal surfaces of the pumping tubes through the helical flow pattern.
2Ease of operation
If axial air flow is introduced from above in tanks, then simple installation is achieved, but air only tangentially licks inner walls resulting in limited cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces curved guide vanes that create a helical flow path instead of straight axial flow. This curvature transforms the simple axial air flow into a rotating cyclonic flow that effectively licks the inner walls of the pumping tubes, maintaining installation simplicity while dramatically improving cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles to generate cyclonic flow patterns within the cleaning air stream. By introducing air at specific angles through guide vanes, the system creates self-sustaining rotational flow that enhances wall contact and cleaning effectiveness without requiring complex mechanical components.
3Productivity
If two-tank continuous cycle system is used for high-density powder transfer, then high flow rate is achieved, but pulsed discontinuous dispensing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic switching between two tanks in a coordinated manner, with each tank undergoing loading and expulsion phases. By synchronizing the cyclonic cleaning cycles with the powder transfer cycles and maintaining continuous air flow readiness, the system achieves high flow rates while minimizing pulsed dispensing effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains continuous cleaning action through the cyclonic valve system that operates independently of the powder transfer cycles. The cleaning air flow is continuously available and can be activated at optimal moments, ensuring that the powder transfer operation continues without interruption while cleaning effectiveness is maintained.
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 cyclonic valve achieves efficient and complete cleaning of the pump and transportation tubes, overcoming the limitations of existing systems by ensuring effective air flow pressure and cleaning efficiency, even in areas with porous materials, thereby facilitating quick powder changes and reducing residue.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclonic valve (10), i.e. a cleaning device, adapted for being associated with pumps for transferring powders of any type in high density and comprising at least one inlet duct (13) for introducing a cleaning fluid/gas, at least one flow dividing element (12) adapted for dividing said flow in inlet into a plurality of flows, and at least one flow orienter (11) configured to deviate and orient in space said plurality of flows so as to give each of said flows a tangential motion component with respect to the substantially rectilinear motion of said flows and joining said flows in a single cleaning flow so as to generate a cleaning flow having helical motion that is conveyed to the pump to be cleaned
Implementation Method 2
said flow orienter (11) configured to deviate and orient in space said plurality of flows so as to give each of said flows a tangential motion component... so as to generate a cleaning flow having helical motion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2A~4
AI summary
Cyclonic valve (10) particularly for cleaning pumps (100) for transferring powders of any type in high density, which comprises at least one inlet duct (13) for introducing a flow (F) of cleaning fluid, at least one flow dividing element (12) adapted for dividing the flow in inlet into a plurality of flows (Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd), and at least one flow orienter (11) comprising means for deviating and orienting in space said plurality of flows so as to give each of said flows a tangential motion component with respect to the direction of said flows, and then conveying said flows into one or more ducts towards the device to be cleaned, so as to generate a single cleaning flow in outlet having helical motion. Other objects are the cleaning method carried out by said cyclonic valve (10) as well as a pump for transporting powders comprising said cyclonic valve (10).