Nested Suction Valve Pump for Air Removal Without Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-priming centrifugal pumps face issues with air accumulation during low flow rates, leading to hydraulic collapse and permanent power losses due to permanent backflow openings, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A dual-valve system with a first suction valve and a second pressure valve, where the second valve is housed within the first valve, allowing for adaptive operation and reducing the number of parts by utilizing existing components for multiple functions, thereby minimizing permanent power losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent backflow opening is provided around the suction side, then air can be removed from the suction side, but significant power loss occurs due to continuous backflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the permanent static backflow opening with a dynamic valve mechanism. The suction valve responds to changing operating conditions by opening or closing based on pressure differential and flow rate, enabling the system to adapt between air removal mode and power-efficient pumping mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by monitoring the flow rate and pressure differential across the suction valve. When flow rate exceeds a threshold, the valve closes to minimize power loss; when flow rate is low, the valve opens to maintain air removal capability, thus changing the system state based on operating parameters.
2Loss of energy
If the suction valve is closed during low flow rate operation, then power loss is minimized, but air accumulates on the suction side leading to hydraulic collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the suction valve's position is continuously adjusted based on the pressure differential and flow rate conditions. The system detects when air accumulation is occurring (through pressure sensors or flow rate monitoring) and automatically opens the valve to restore hydraulic stability, creating a closed-loop control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction valve mechanism is designed to automatically respond to operating conditions without external control. The pressure differential across the valve and the spring force create a self-regulating system that opens or closes based on whether air removal or power efficiency is the priority, eliminating the need for complex external control systems.
3Device complexity
If a single suction valve is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adequately address both high flow rate power loss and low flow rate air accumulation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single suction valve into multiple independent valve elements, each responsible for different operating conditions. The first suction valve handles high flow rate conditions, while the second suction valve addresses low flow rate air accumulation, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested valve arrangement where one suction valve is positioned within or alongside another. This nested configuration allows both valves to occupy compact space while maintaining independent functionality, with each valve responding to different pressure differentials and flow rates to cover the full range of operating conditions.
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 dual-valve system enables efficient suction and stable pumping characteristics without permanent power losses, allowing for optimal performance curve adaptation and reduced part count, effectively addressing air accumulation and hydraulic issues.
Implementation Method 1
a valve body (208) which is biasingly coupled by a spring (210) within the valve housing (206)
Implementation Method 2
This creates a flow pressure gradient between the areas before and after the valve body. Since the pressure in front of the valve body is bigger than the pressure after the valve body, a resulting force is created, which counteracts a force applied by the compression spring of the suction valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A pump (100) includes a body (102) defining an inlet (104) and an outlet (106). A first valve (300) selectively opens a backflow opening (110). The first valve (300) includes a first valve housing (306), such that a first valve body (308) is biasingly coupled by a first spring (310) within the first valve housing (306). The first valve body (308) moves the first spring (310) to a first compressed state, and to a first uncompressed state. A second valve (312) provided within the first valve (300) includes a second valve body (314). The second valve body (314) is biasingly coupled by a second spring (316) within the first valve body (308). The second valve body (314) moves the second spring (316) to a second compressed state to allow flow of the liquid, and to a second uncompressed state to disallow flow of the liquid through the second valve (312).