Multi-pump sequencing for viscous material handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In viscous material handling systems, multiple positive displacement pumps can cause pressure spikes and reduce fill efficiency due to simultaneous discharge, leading to potential pipeline or pump failure and increased wear.
Innovation Solution
A system with N positive displacement pumps, where N is greater than two, featuring a hydraulic drive that synchronizes the reciprocating stroke cycles of each pump to stagger discharging and filling strokes by 1/N positions, preventing simultaneous piston positions and incorporating monitoring to adjust the speed of pistons for improved fill efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple positive displacement pumps operate simultaneously, then pumping capacity increases, but pressure spikes occur in the outlet pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by staggering the discharge timing of multiple pumps in a cyclic sequence. Each pump operates on a timed schedule where discharges are distributed evenly throughout the operational cycle, preventing simultaneous discharge and the resulting pressure spikes while maintaining overall pumping capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of multiple pumps by varying their discharge timing based on real-time conditions. The control system monitors pipeline pressure and material flow characteristics, dynamically sequencing pump discharges to optimize capacity while preventing pressure surges.
2Productivity
If multiple positive displacement pumps discharge simultaneously, then material is pumped faster, but viscous material backs up into the pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sequencing actions by pre-scheduling pump discharge times based on predicted material flow characteristics. Before material backup can occur, the control system has already sequenced the next pump discharge to occur after sufficient material has been delivered to the pipeline, preventing backup conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor material flow conditions and pump operation status. This feedback information is used to adjust the sequencing timing of subsequent pump discharges, ensuring that each pump operates under optimal conditions and preventing material backup while maintaining high pumping rates.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple positive displacement pumps operate without sequencing, then pumping volume increases, but fill efficiency of individual pumps decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total pumping operation into distinct phases for each individual pump. By dividing the multi-pump operation into sequential segments with optimized timing, each pump can achieve near-optimal fill efficiency during its designated discharge window while the overall system maintains high total pumped volume through coordinated operation of all pumps.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump system for pumping a viscous material that includes N positive displacement pumps, where N is an integer greater than two, and a hydraulic drive. Each pump has an inlet and an outlet therefrom, and a pair of cylinders each with a piston movable in a reciprocating stroke cycle therein. The hydraulic drive is connected to the N positive displacement pumps to reciprocate the pistons within the cylinders. The stroke cycle includes a discharging stroke and a filling stroke. The discharging stroke and the filling stroke of the N positive displacement pumps are staggered from one another by 1/N stroke positions such that no two pumps have pistons in the same stroke position at the same time.