Multi-stage membrane pump check valve sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-stage membrane suction pumps face challenges in achieving a high final vacuum efficiently due to large check valves and connection line cross-sections, which increase dead space and negatively impact the switchover from parallel to serial operation.
Innovation Solution
The membrane suction pump is designed with check valves in the inlet and outlet areas of connection lines that are significantly smaller than the pump chamber valves, and includes at least one intermediate stage, allowing for quicker reaction and reduced dead space, enabling efficient switchover to serial operation and achieving a low final vacuum in the shortest time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If check valves and connection lines are sized similarly to inlet/outlet valves of pump chambers, then the pump can maintain sufficient flow capacity during parallel operation, but dead space increases and final vacuum performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sizing criteria to different components: check valves and connection lines are sized based on their specific functional requirements (smaller for vacuum performance), while inlet/outlet valves are sized for flow capacity. This local differentiation allows each component to be optimized for its specific role without compromising overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pump system into functionally distinct components with independent sizing: pump chambers, inlet/outlet valves, check valves, and connection lines. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - check valves and connection lines can be smaller to reduce dead space, while pump chambers maintain sufficient size for flow capacity during parallel operation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If check valves are made smaller to reduce dead space, then final vacuum performance improves, but the switchover from parallel to serial operation may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects the size parameters of check valves and connection lines to achieve an optimal balance. The check valves are made smaller than inlet/outlet valves to reduce dead space, but not so small that they create excessive flow resistance. This parameter optimization ensures that the switchover from parallel to serial operation occurs at the appropriate differential pressure without unnecessary delay.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If connection line cross-sections are reduced to minimize dead space, then achievable final vacuum improves, but flow loss during transition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the connection lines and check valves to dynamically adapt to different operating modes. During parallel operation, the system maintains high flow capacity through properly sized inlet/outlet valves. During serial operation and transition, the smaller check valves and connection lines minimize dead space. The differential pressure naturally drives the switchover, making the system dynamically adaptive without manual intervention.
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 facilitates a rapid transition to serial operation, minimizing flow loss and allowing for the creation of a high final vacuum in a short time by reducing the size of connection line cross-sections and the weight of check valves, thereby enhancing the pump's ability to achieve low final vacuums.
Implementation Method 1
upon reaching/exceeding a differential pressure in the suction line, changing from a parallel operation of its pump chambers to at least also a serial operation of said pump chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage membrane suction pump having at least two pump chambers, each having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and having a suction line connecting the fluid inlets. Successive pump chambers are connected via at least one connecting line such that the membrane pump upon reaching/exceeding a differential pressure in the suction line changes from a parallel operation into at least also a serial operation. In the inflow and outflow regions of the at least one connecting line, at least one check valve each is interposed, opening toward the subsequent pump stage. The check valves provided in the connecting line(s) are designed smaller compared to inlet and outlet valves of the pump chambers, and line sections of the connecting lines that open toward the neighboring pump chamber have a smaller clear line cross-section compared to the inlet and outlet valves, and are associated with the check valves.