Multistage Secondary Pump for Rapid Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection devices for large-volume objects require excessively long waiting times to achieve the necessary low pressures for sensitive gas analyzers, leading to inefficient detection and potential damage to the analyzer due to high pressure operation.
Innovation Solution
A multistage secondary pump with multiple suction ports and a primary pumping system, along with electronic control means to manage flow control, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple suction ports for high-speed pumping, reducing the pressure within the object quickly without increasing device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a low-flow pumping device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pumping time becomes excessively long making it unusable for large-volume test objects
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping system is segmented into multiple stages with different suction ports (first, second, and third suction ports) corresponding to different compression ratios. This allows the system to operate in different modes depending on the required pumping speed and final pressure, resolving the contradiction between simple device design and fast pumping capability for large-volume objects.
2Device complexity
If a single-stage secondary pump is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the waiting time to achieve sufficient vacuum is excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary pump is designed as a multistage dynamic system where different suction ports can be selectively activated based on the pumping requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between high-speed initial pumping and high-vacuum final pumping, significantly reducing waiting time while maintaining manageable device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the object is evacuated to very low pressure for sensitive detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the pumping time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple detection zones corresponding to different pressure ranges and suction ports. This allows leak detection to occur at multiple stages of the evacuation process, achieving high measurement precision without requiring complete evacuation to the lowest pressure, thereby reducing pumping time.
4Productivity
If multiple suction ports with different compression ratios are used, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multistage secondary pump is designed as a universal component that integrates multiple suction ports with different compression ratios into a single device. This multi-functional design allows one pump to perform both high-speed rough pumping and high-vacuum fine pumping, improving productivity while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through integration.
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 approach enables rapid and reliable leak detection in large-volume objects without increasing device size or affecting sensitivity, reducing waiting times and ensuring the gas analyzer operates within safe pressure ranges.
Implementation Method 1
A multistage secondary pump with multiple suction ports and a primary pumping system, along with electronic control means to manage flow control, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple suction ports for high-speed pumping, reducing the pressure within the object quickly
Implementation Method 2
a connected test gas detector at the secondary suction port
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (2) has an electronic control unit (11) e.g. processor, for controlling a median intermediate control flow unit (6b'') of an intermediate conduit (6b'), an inlet control flow unit (9'') of a direct inlet conduit (9') and a flow control unit (13). The electronic control unit produces a sequence of high flow pumping during which the control flow units (6b'', 9'') connected to corresponding median intermediate access (6b) and secondary aspiration access (9) of a multistage secondary pump (6) such as turbomolecular pump, are maintained in simultaneous opening. An independent claim is also included for a method for detecting leakage by counter-flow measurement.