Flexible Fluid Liner Manifold for Reciprocating Pump Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manifolds for pumps, such as reciprocating pumps, experience pressure fluctuations and uneven fluid distribution, leading to excessive wear and tear, especially when handling fluids with entrained solid particulates, which accumulate and further disrupt flow and component longevity.
Innovation Solution
A manifold design featuring a fluid liner dynamically responding to pressure fluctuations, permanently bonded to the internal surfaces of the elongated member, with radially-extending openings and helical vanes to induce vortices and reduce particulate accumulation, utilizing a resilient material like nitrile rubber for enhanced durability and flow stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rigid manifold is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but pressure fluctuations cause uneven fluid distribution and excessive wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the traditional rigid manifold with a flexible fluid liner that can dynamically adjust its shape in response to pressure fluctuations. The liner's elastic properties allow it to deform and absorb pressure variations, maintaining more uniform fluid distribution to the pump chambers without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the manifold from rigid to flexible by using an elastic fluid liner material. This parameter change allows the manifold to adapt its internal geometry in response to operating conditions, improving fluid distribution uniformity while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solid particulates are present in the fluid, then the fluid can be handled, but particulates accumulate in the manifold causing uneven flow and component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible liner that creates smooth, continuously varying flow paths. The flexibility of the liner allows it to conform to particulate presence and maintain laminar flow patterns, reducing turbulence that would otherwise cause particulate accumulation and subsequent component wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of solid particulates into a benefit by designing smooth, curved flow paths within the flexible liner that gently guide particulates through the system without creating turbulence or dead zones where accumulation could occur. The flexible nature of the liner allows it to adapt to particulate presence while maintaining reliable component operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the fluid liner is permanently bonded to the elongated member, then the bond remains stable, but the liner must dynamically respond to pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a differentiated structure where the interface between the fluid liner and elongated member has high bonding strength and rigidity, while the bulk of the liner maintains elasticity and flexibility. This allows the bonded connection to remain stable while the liner dynamically responds to pressure fluctuations throughout its body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively uses composite material principles by combining the rigid elongated member with a flexible fluid liner material. The permanent bond creates a composite structure that exhibits both the stability of the rigid member and the dynamic response capability of the flexible liner, resolving the contradiction between bond stability and pressure response.
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 solution effectively stabilizes fluid velocities, reduces wear, and prevents particulate accumulation, enhancing pump efficiency and longevity by maintaining a permanent bond and dynamic response to pressure fluctuations while ensuring smooth fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid liner disposed within the internal region and permanently bonded to the first inside surface of the elongated member, wherein the fluid liner dynamically responds to pressure fluctuations within the internal region during fluid flow therethrough
Implementation Method 2
two helical vanes disposed in the two fluid passages, respectively; wherein the two helical vanes are adapted to induce vortices in fluid flow through the two fluid passages, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, a manifold defines an internal region and a first inside surface. A fluid liner is permanently bonded to the first inside surface, and dynamically responds to pressure fluctuations within the internal region during fluid flow therethrough while the permanent bond is maintained. According to another aspect, an end cap is connected to the elongated member and defines a second inside surface. The fluid liner is engaged with each of first and second inside surfaces, and defines a third inside surface. A first thickness of the fluid liner is defined between the first and third inside surfaces, a second thickness of the fluid liner is defined between the second and third inside surfaces, and the second thickness is greater than the first thickness. According to another aspect, a plug opening is formed through the fluid liner, and a liner plug extends within the plug opening.