Inline Valve Unit Relocation in Positive Displacement Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing displacement pumps face challenges in handling high pressures and high volume flows, and are difficult to maintain due to complex designs and valve configurations.
Innovation Solution
A positive displacement pump design featuring a drive unit with two inline valve units per working chamber, where the inline valve units are clamped between flanges using connecting and spacer means, allowing for easy relocation and maintenance without dismantling, and utilizing a hydraulic tensioning device for precise clamping and reduced downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the inline valve unit is clamped between two flanges with connecting and spacer means, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into modular components: the inline valve unit is a separate, self-contained module that can be independently removed and replaced. The flanges with connecting and spacer means create discrete assembly points that allow the valve unit to be segmented from the rest of the pump system, enabling maintenance without dismantling the entire pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism using connecting and spacer means between flanges creates a dynamic assembly that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The valve unit transitions between being securely clamped during operation and easily removable during maintenance, providing dynamic ease of repair without permanent complex fastening structures.
2Ease of operation
If the distance between connecting and spacer means is larger than the valve unit dimensions, then the ease of relocation is improved, but the structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer means act as intermediary elements between the connecting means and the valve unit. These spacers provide the necessary distance to allow easy relocation and removal of the valve unit, while still maintaining structural integrity by distributing the clamping forces through the flange assembly. The spacer serves as a mediator that balances accessibility with structural strength.
3Productivity
If multiple inline valve units are provided per working chamber, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple inline valve units are provided as separate, identical modular components rather than a single complex valve mechanism. Each valve unit is a standardized module that can be independently installed and maintained, improving productivity through parallel flow paths while keeping individual components simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves higher productivity by changing the parameter of valve quantity from one to multiple, rather than making a single valve more complex. By providing multiple simpler valve units in parallel, the system increases flow capacity and productivity while maintaining the simplicity of individual valve components.
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 design simplifies maintenance, reduces downtime, and allows for efficient operation at high pressures and volumes, such as up to 300 bar and 1500 m³/h, while minimizing wear and flow loss.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic tensioning device for pre-tensioning the conveying valves
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A positive displacement pump having a drive unit (A) and having a pump unit (100) with at least one inline valve unit (1, 1'), wherein each inline valve unit (1, 1') is, in the operating position (B), braced between two flanges (2, 2'), having a valve relocation device (3) by means of which each inline valve unit (1, 1') can be relocated from an operating position (B) into a servicing position (W), wherein the inline valve unit (1, 1') can be relocated along a non-circular movement path.