Double Membrane Pump Leakage Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane pump systems in homogenizing apparatuses cannot accurately detect which membrane is damaged, leading to unnecessary machine stoppages since the method fails to differentiate between membrane damage affecting the product-side and piston-side compartments.
Innovation Solution
A double membrane pump with a detection system using sensors to measure physical properties of the service fluid, allowing the control module to distinguish between contamination from the fluid product, hydraulic fluid, or both, enabling precise localization of leaks without disassembly and only stopping the apparatus when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure sensor is used to detect leakages in membrane pumps, then leakage detection capability is improved, but the ability to identify which specific membrane is damaged deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple sensors positioned at different locations within the pump housing. Each sensor monitors a specific region, allowing the system to detect not only the presence of leakage but also its location. The control module processes signals from multiple sensors to determine which membrane (first or second) is damaged based on which sensor detects the leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary that receives raw signals from the pressure sensors and processes them to determine the specific membrane damage condition. It compares sensor readings against reference values and determines whether the leakage indicates damage to the first membrane, second membrane, or neither, thereby translating sensor data into actionable diagnostic information.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the machine stops whenever a leakage is detected, then product safety is improved, but unnecessary stoppages occur when the product-side membrane remains intact
Solution Approach 1:
The control module applies different response strategies based on the location of the detected leakage. When leakage is detected in the first chamber (product-side), the system stops the pump to prevent product contamination. When leakage is detected in the second chamber (hydraulic fluid-side) while the first membrane remains intact, the system continues operation, avoiding unnecessary stoppages and maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters dynamically based on the diagnostic results. Instead of a fixed stop-on-detection policy, the control module adjusts the pump's operational state based on which membrane is damaged, transitioning between different operating modes (normal operation, warning mode, or shutdown) to optimize both safety and productivity.
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 effectively identifies membrane damage, preventing unnecessary stoppages by accurately determining the source of contamination, allowing for targeted maintenance and ensuring the product-side membrane remains intact when possible.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first sensor configured to detect a physical magnitude representing a property of the fluid present in the intermediate chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for detecting leakages of a service fluid (P3) housed within two membranes (6, 16) that separate a hydraulic section containing a hydraulic fluid (P2) from a working section containing a fluid product (P1) to homogenise in a double membrane pump (1), the method comprising the steps of: detecting a physical magnitude (S) representing a property of the fluid contained within the membranes (6, 16); and establishing if the physical magnitude (S) detected is associated with a first condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid (P3) with said fluid product (P1), or if it is associated with a second condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid (P3) with the hydraulic fluid (P2), or if it is associated with a third condition that is indicative of the mixing of the service fluid (P3) both with the fluid product (PI) and the hydraulic fluid (P2).