Membrane Piston Pump Dual Valve Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane-based piston pumps face integrity issues during cleaning and maintenance operations, particularly when subjected to high pressures, which can lead to membrane wear and breakage.
Innovation Solution
A membrane-based piston pump design that incorporates a dual valve arrangement to manage hydraulic fluid pressure during both working and non-working conditions, ensuring the membrane integrity is preserved during cleaning and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If high pressure cleaning fluid is used to clean the system, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but membrane integrity deteriorates leading to wear and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure relief valve as an intermediary device between the cleaning fluid source and the membrane. This valve mediates the pressure transmission by automatically relieving excess pressure, allowing effective cleaning while protecting the membrane from damage. The pressure relief valve acts as a buffer that decouples the high-pressure cleaning source from the pressure-sensitive membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic pressure control by using a pressure relief valve that automatically adjusts the pressure parameter during cleaning operations. The valve maintains pressure within a safe operating range by opening at predetermined pressure thresholds, thereby transforming the static high-pressure cleaning process into a dynamically controlled process that protects membrane integrity while ensuring cleaning effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If a single valve arrangement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure control during both working and non-working conditions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve is designed with multi-functionality to serve both working and non-working conditions. During normal operation, it regulates hydraulic pressure; during cleaning operations, it protects the membrane from excessive pressure. This single component performs multiple protective and control functions, reducing the need for separate valve arrangements for different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve operates autonomously based on predetermined pressure thresholds without requiring external control systems. It automatically opens and closes based on pressure conditions, providing self-regulating pressure control for both working and cleaning modes. This self-service capability simplifies the overall valve arrangement while maintaining reliable pressure control across different operational states.
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 effectively maintains membrane integrity during cleaning and maintenance operations, preventing damage and extending the pump's lifespan, while also ensuring the pump's compact and modular design.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane means (2) separating a product side for a fluid product from a hydraulic side for a hydraulic fluid; a reciprocating piston (3) operatively active on the hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
a first valve arrangement that, in a working condition of the piston pump, is configured to discharge the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over a first predefined threshold from the hydraulic side towards the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A piston pump including a membrane separating a product side from a hydraulic side for a hydraulic fluid, a reciprocating piston operatively active on the hydraulic fluid, and a valve system to establish a selective fluid communication between the hydraulic side and a tank containing the hydraulic fluid. The valve system includes a first valve arrangement that, in a working condition of the piston pump, is configured to discharge the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over a first threshold from the hydraulic side towards the tank and to draw the hydraulic fluid from the tank to the hydraulic side when a pressure in the hydraulic side dropping below a second threshold, and a second valve arrangement that, in at least one non-working condition of the piston pump, is configured to discharge the hydraulic fluid having a pressure over a third threshold from the hydraulic side towards the tank.