Fluid Additive Delivery System with Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for delivering additives to flowing fluids face challenges such as incomplete blending, excessive additive usage, high costs, and inaccuracy in measuring low flow rates, particularly in applications like fuel injection where precise ratios are critical. Current systems often require external power, are prone to clogging, and have limited turndown ranges, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained system powered by the fluid flow, incorporating a fluid motor, speed sensor, electricity generation, clutch-operated additive pump, and a high-resolution positive displacement reciprocating flow meter with a ferrous floating internal piston and magnetic coupling, which allows for accurate and efficient delivery of additives at low pressures and precise flow rate control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reciprocating flow meter with a ferrous floating internal piston and magnetic coupling is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the piston and the transducer with magnetic coupling. The ferrous floating internal piston is magnetically coupled to a non-contact linear digital encoding transducer, eliminating mechanical wear and improving measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the ferrous piston and the transducer. This magnetic coupling allows the piston position to be measured without direct physical contact, enabling high-precision flow rate measurement while simplifying the mechanical structure.
2Loss of energy
If a self-contained system powered by fluid flow is used, then loss of energy is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-contained system where the fluid motor is directly coupled to the additive pump through a clutch mechanism. The flowing fluid itself powers the system by driving the fluid motor, which in turn drives the additive pump, eliminating the need for external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system. The fluid motor, additive pump, clutch, and control mechanisms are merged into one self-contained unit that operates autonomously using the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid.
3Reliability
If error-correcting control systems are used to ensure minimum additive delivery, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to oversupply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microprocessor-based control system that receives real-time feedback from flow meters monitoring both the product flow and additive delivery. The controller continuously adjusts the clutch engagement and pump operation to maintain the precise desired additive-to-product ratio, preventing both oversupply and undersupply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic control system that can rapidly adjust the clutch engagement and pump speed in response to changing flow conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures accurate additive delivery across varying flow rates without requiring excessive additive supply.
4Power
If high pressure additive supply lines are used, then power is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to high pressure risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic principles where the flowing fluid itself provides the power source through the fluid motor. This eliminates the need for high-pressure additive supply lines, as the system operates at the lower pressure of the main fluid flow while still delivering adequate additive quantities through the clutch-controlled pump.
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 ensures thorough blending of additives, reduces costs by eliminating the need for external power, and provides accurate, real-time flow rate measurements and control, even at low ratios, enhancing the efficiency and safety of additive delivery in fluid flow applications.
Implementation Method 1
the internal piston is magnetically tied to a coupling arm with an end in magnetic contact with a linear digital encoding transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for delivering an additive to a flowing fluid wherein the system is in whole or in part powered by the flow of the fluid is provided. The fluid-additive delivery system includes a fluid motor, a speed sensor, an electricity generation and storage system, a clutch, an additive pump, and a flow meter, where the fluid motor and the flow meter are in fluid communication with a piping of the fluid to which the fluid additive is to be added. The flow meter provides high resolution with infinite turndown, providing a flow meter which may be used in low flow situations and with fluid additives. The flow rate of an additive fluid is determined in real time with high resolution by providing a novel reciprocating positive-displacement flow meter using magnetically coupled components and a transducer to identify the flow rate of the fluid.