Flexible Cryogenic Filter for Reciprocating Pump Inlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating-piston cryogenic pumps face decreased volumetric efficiency due to particle contamination and seal wear, as existing filtering techniques fail to effectively filter particles at the pump inlet, leading to increased blow-by fluid and reduced pump performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A flexible filter apparatus with a mesh filter and support structure is employed to maintain an internal space above a predetermined volume, filtering particles as small as 2 microns and integrating with the cryogenic pump to ensure effective filtration of cryogenic fluids before they enter the pump, reducing seal wear and improving volumetric efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid filter is used at the pump inlet, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the filter cannot accommodate pump movement and flexing, leading to poor sealing and particle ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed with flexible components including a flexible membrane that can deform and a resilient biasing mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment. This enables the filter to accommodate reciprocating pump movements and flexing while maintaining sealing contact with the pump inlet, ensuring continuous effective filtration without particle ingress.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the filter is designed to be flexible to accommodate pump movement, then adaptability is improved, but filtration precision may deteriorate due to potential misalignment or gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly employs different structural characteristics in different zones: the filter element itself maintains rigid, precise filtering characteristics for particle removal, while the mounting structure and membrane provide flexibility for movement accommodation. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve both adaptability to pump movement and precise filtration performance simultaneously.
3Reliability
If a complex support structure is added to maintain filter position during pump reciprocation, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly incorporates a self-adjusting resilient biasing mechanism that automatically maintains sealing pressure and positional alignment during pump reciprocation. The spring-loaded design provides continuous contact force to keep the flexible membrane sealed against the pump inlet without requiring external actuation or complex control systems, achieving reliable sealing through self-regulating mechanical means.
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 flexible filter apparatus significantly reduces seal wear and enhances the volumetric efficiency of the cryogenic pump by effectively filtering out micron-sized particles, extending the life of the seals and maintaining pump performance over time.
Implementation Method 1
The support can include one of a coil spring arranged in the internal space of the mesh
Implementation Method 2
The filter can be mesh, for example made from metal strands
Data Source
AI summary
An improved filter apparatus for a cryogenic fluid includes a filter and a support. The filter includes a mesh having an internal space and an open end. The support is associated with the mesh for maintaining a volume of the internal space above a predetermined value. In operation cryogenic fluid enters the internal space through the mesh and exits the open end thereof.