Dual Vessel Pneumatic Pump for Consistent Solids Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic pumping of materials with high solids content faces challenges such as inconsistent flow, stalling, and clogging, as well as systemic pressure loss during component movement or changes.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic pump system comprising two pressure vessels and corresponding pneumatic assemblies, with a controller managing the cycles to ensure consistent flow by varying gas flow rates during pressurization and depressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pressure vessel is used in pneumatic pumping, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain consistent pumping flow deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single pressure vessel is divided into two separate pressure vessels (first pressure vessel and second pressure vessel), each capable of independent pressurization and depressurization cycles. This segmentation allows alternating operation modes where one vessel is being filled while the other is being emptied, enabling continuous material transfer and consistent pumping flow without requiring a single complex vessel system.
2Ease of operation
If compressed air is used for both conveyance of material and control of pumping cycles, then the ease of operation is improved, but the pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air supply is segmented into separate functional pathways: one for material conveyance and another for cycle control. The controller receives dedicated control air that is independent from the material conveyance air stream, allowing precise control of valve timing without compromising the pressure needed for material transport. This segmentation reduces pressure loss in the control system while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the compressed air supply and the pneumatic assembly valves. The controller manages the timing and sequencing of valve operations, coordinating the pressurization and depressurization cycles of both pressure vessels. This intermediary control mechanism enables efficient operation while minimizing pressure loss by optimizing air usage and preventing redundant pressurization events.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic pumping is used for high solids content material, then the adaptability is improved, but the flow consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of the two pressure vessels through coordinated pressurization and depressurization cycles. The controller dynamically adjusts the operation timing and pressure levels based on the specific material characteristics being pumped. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt to varying material compositions including high solids content while maintaining consistent flow by optimizing the pressure differential and flow rate at each cycle stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual pressure vessel configuration enables continuous material transfer by alternating between filling and emptying cycles. While one vessel is being filled with material, the other is simultaneously being emptied, ensuring uninterrupted flow of pumpable material through the system. This continuous operation eliminates idle time and maintains consistent pumping flow even when handling challenging high solids content materials.
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 achieves substantially continuous and consistent pumping of heterogenous materials with high solids content, effectively addressing issues of flow consistency and pressure loss.
Implementation Method 1
compressed air is used to lower the internal pressure of the vessel by venturi effect to draw material in
Implementation Method 2
the venturi is stalled or choked to pressurise the vessel and expel the material
Data Source
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AI summary
A pneumatic pump is provided, the pump comprising a first pressure vessel; a second pressure vessel; a first pneumatic assembly in flowable connection with the first pressure vessel, the first pneumatic assembly comprising a first pneumatic assembly valve; a second pneumatic assembly in flowable connection with the second pressure vessel, the second pneumatic assembly comprising a second pneumatic assembly valve; a first transfer assembly in flowable connection with the first pressure vessel, the first transfer assembly comprising one or more first transfer assembly valves; a second transfer assembly in flowable connection with the second pressure vessel, the second transfer assembly comprising one or more second transfer assembly valves; and a controller for controlling the first pneumatic assembly valve, the second pneumatic assembly valve, the one or more first transfer assembly valves, and the one or more second transfer assembly valves.