Pump Inlet Manifold with Resilient Liner for Solids Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating piston/plunger pumps face issues with uneven distribution of solids particulates and fluid flow, leading to excessive wear and potential damage to pump components due to accumulation and uneven distribution in the inlet manifold, causing erratic operation and pressure fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
An improved pump inlet manifold with a resilient, nitrogen-filled foamed rubber or polymer liner and guide tubes that stabilize fluid velocities, centralize solids, and ensure uniform distribution, preventing pressure drops and accumulation of solids, while maintaining a 'gas charge' to respond to pressure changes without mechanical limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pump inlet manifold is used to distribute fluid with entrained solids, then the manifold can handle the fluid flow, but solids particulates accumulate unevenly in the manifold discharge ports causing excessive wear and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the manifold by introducing a resilient liner that can dynamically change the manifold's internal volume and flow characteristics in response to pressure changes, transforming the rigid manifold into a compliant system that adapts to pressure fluctuations and prevents solids accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a resilient liner (flexible shell) inside the rigid manifold. This liner deforms under pressure changes to modify flow patterns and prevent solids from settling in discharge ports, thereby eliminating the harmful accumulation effect while maintaining reliable pump operation
2Productivity
If fluid velocity increases to meet peak pump flow demands, then the pump can handle higher flow rates, but pressure drops and acceleration pressure losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic element (resilient liner) that automatically adjusts the manifold's internal geometry in response to pressure changes. During peak flow demands, the liner deforms to maintain optimal flow velocities without excessive pressure drops, dynamically balancing productivity and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient liner acts as a passive feedback mechanism that responds to pressure changes within the manifold. When pressure increases during peak flow, the liner deforms to reduce flow resistance and maintain velocities that maximize productivity while minimizing acceleration pressure losses
3Loss of energy
If the manifold volume is reduced to minimize fluid acceleration pressure losses, then energy efficiency improves, but the manifold cannot adequately respond to pump chamber fluid accelerations when inlet valves open
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient liner provides a flexible boundary that allows a compact manifold volume while still accommodating pressure changes. The liner deforms under pressure to maintain adequate response capability without requiring a large rigid volume, thus reducing acceleration pressure losses while preserving reliability
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 minimizes wear, prevents clogging, and stabilizes fluid flow, reducing pressure fluctuations and maintaining consistent operation by centralizing solids and stabilizing fluid velocities, thus enhancing the durability and efficiency of the pump.
Implementation Method 1
a liner of resilient material, such as foamed rubber, which includes closed cell nitrogen filled chambers operable to provide manifold volume capacity change as pressures change within the manifold
Implementation Method 2
The resilient closed cell liner is operable to maintain a 'gas charge' within the chambers formed by the foamed rubber or polymer liner
Implementation Method 3
take advantage of forces which concentrate any entrained solids centrally in the pumped fluid flow stream
Data Source
AI summary
A reciprocating piston/plunger pump inlet manifold includes an elongated cylindrical manifold member closable at opposite ends by transverse end caps connected to the manifold member by releasable couplings. A rubber or polymer liner formed with nitrogen filled closed cells is disposed within the manifold member. Spaced apart fluid discharge guide and mixing tubes are connected to the manifold member and include flanges for securing the manifold to inlet valve housings of a pump. The fluid flow guide and mixing tubes include partitions and a mixing chamber portion of the tubes. Improved fluid flow characteristics with minimal solids separation and minimal fluid velocity or acceleration induced pressure losses are exhibited by the manifold.