Compressed Air Foam Pump Using Exhaust Gas Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed air foam systems require additional hardware and are prone to leaks and inefficiencies due to the need for separate mixers and proportioners to reuse exhaust gas for foam generation.
Innovation Solution
The system redirects the exhaust gas from a compressed gas operated pump into the fluid outlet chamber of the pump, generating compressed gas foam that is then propelled out of the pump and into a distribution system, eliminating the need for separate mixers and proportioners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate mixers and proportioners are used to reuse exhaust gas for foam generation, then foam generation capability is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to additional leak points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the exhaust gas reuse function with the pump's existing outlet chamber, eliminating the need for separate mixers and proportioners. The exhaust gas is redirected into the pump's outlet chamber where it mixes with the foam solution, integrating multiple functions into a single component and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump's outlet chamber serves dual purposes: it acts as both the pumping outlet and the mixing chamber for exhaust gas and foam solution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated mixing components, reducing device complexity while maintaining foam generation capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate mixers and proportioners are used to reuse exhaust gas, then foam generation capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to additional leak points
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the exhaust gas injection function into the pump's existing structure, the patent eliminates multiple connection points and joints that would otherwise exist in separate mixer and proportioner components. Fewer connection points mean fewer potential leak points, thereby improving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mixing function from separate external components and integrates it directly into the pump's outlet chamber. This consolidation removes the need for additional piping, connectors, and seals between separate components, reducing the number of potential failure points and improving reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware is added for exhaust gas reuse, then foam generation capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the exhaust gas reuse function with existing pump components, eliminating the need to manufacture and install separate mixers and proportioners. This reduces material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly requirements, thereby lowering overall system cost while maintaining foam generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the outlet chamber multi-functional (serving as both pump outlet and mixing chamber), the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated components. This reduces bill of materials costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly time, resulting in lower overall system cost.
4Productivity
If exhaust gas is redirected into the outlet chamber, then mixing efficiency is improved, but pump design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dynamic flow conditions within the pump's outlet chamber to achieve effective mixing. The high-velocity fluid flow and turbulence naturally present in the outlet chamber provide adequate mixing without requiring additional static mixing elements or complex internal structures, thus improving mixing efficiency while minimizing design complexity.
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
This approach enables the generation of high-energy foam without additional hardware, reducing costs and improving efficiency by ensuring thorough mixing and efficient foam generation.
Implementation Method 1
A compressed gas is introduced into the foam concentrate-water mixture under pressure, usually in the range of 60-100 psi. The gas is mixed with the foam concentrate-water mixture.
Implementation Method 2
Once the foam, which is now under high pressure, exits the delivery hose, it can travel for quite a distance, usually as much as 70 to 100 feet.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an improved compressed air foam pumping/generation system in which the compressed gas that is used to drive a pumping system is re-utilized and introduced into the outlet manifold to more efficaciously generate a compressed gas foam. A further improvement could include a three-way valve which controls the flow of the compressed gas so that the present invention could be used to generate CAF, aspirated foam (with use of an appropriate nozzle), gels or operate as a simple pump. Additional optional components include a check valve and flexible connection material.