Liquid Ring Pump Startup Sealing via Discharge Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor type liquid ring pumps require an extra pump to create a sufficient pressure difference for sealing liquid flow during startup, which complicates the system and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A compressor type liquid ring pump package that utilizes a sealing liquid flow path connected to the pump discharge outlet, where the pressure difference is generated by the pump's operation without an extra pump, allowing sealing liquid to flow into interstices during startup, ensuring proper operation without additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an extra pump is used to create sufficient pressure difference for sealing liquid flow during startup, then sealing liquid can be forced into interstices, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing liquid pumping function with the main pump system by using the discharge outlet of the main pump to supply sealing liquid. This eliminates the need for a separate extra pump during startup, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to force sealing liquid into interstices through the pressure differential created by the main pump's discharge pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The main pump's discharge outlet serves dual functions: pumping the primary fluid and supplying sealing liquid to the interstices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated sealing liquid pumping equipment, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while ensuring reliable sealing liquid flow during startup and operation.
2Device complexity
If sealing liquid flow path is connected to pump discharge outlet, then pressure difference is generated without extra pump, but system design becomes more integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing liquid flow path is merged with the main pump system by connecting it to the discharge outlet. This integration eliminates the need for a separate pumping system, reducing the number of components and simplifying manufacturing despite the integrated design requirements.
3Reliability
If sealing liquid enters intake zone void space, then sealing liquid displaces intake gas, but sealing liquid flow path must be carefully oriented
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing liquid flow path is oriented to deliver sealing liquid to specific locations (interstices) while avoiding other zones (intake zone void space). This localized delivery ensures sealing effectiveness without displacing intake gas, achieving reliable sealing without complex flow path design by targeting specific areas.
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 solution eliminates the need for an extra pump, simplifies the startup process, and maintains efficient operation by ensuring sufficient sealing liquid flow into interstices, maintaining a pressure differential of approximately 2-5 psi for effective sealing and lubrication, with minimal power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure difference is generated by the pump's operation without an extra pump, allowing sealing liquid to flow into interstices during startup
Implementation Method 2
A compressor type liquid ring pump package that utilizes a sealing liquid flow path connected to the pump discharge outlet, where the pressure difference is generated by the pump's operation
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid ring pump includes a housing, a pump head coupled to the housing and defining an inlet channel, an outlet space, and a cone seal area, and an intake valve movable to control the quantity of a gas entering the inlet channel. A reservoir contains a quantity of sealing liquid, a pump discharge path provides fluid communication between the outlet space and the reservoir, and a first flow member includes a first valve coupled to the reservoir and the inlet channel. A second flow member includes a second valve coupled to the reservoir and the cone seal area, and a rotor is supported for rotation by a shaft. The pump is operable in a start-up mode to draw sealing liquid into the working space via only the first flow member and during a running mode to draw sealing liquid into the working space via only the second flow member.