Parallel Pump Arrangement for Flow Rate Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow systems face limitations in precision and flexibility when adding fluid components due to pump size constraints and flow rate regulation challenges.
Innovation Solution
The use of two pumps in parallel, one as a support pump and the other for regulation, allows for precise control of flow rates and broader flow range, enabling better precision and flexibility by avoiding operation near pump capacity limits and allowing for the combination of pumps of different sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single pump is used for adding fluid component, then the system structure is simple, but the precision and flexibility of flow rate regulation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump system is segmented into two parallel pumps: a first pump (support pump) and a second pump (regulation pump). This segmentation allows the support pump to handle the majority of the flow at constant rate while the regulation pump makes precise adjustments, thereby improving flow rate regulation precision without requiring a single oversized pump with poor control characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If a large pump capacity is used, then the flow range is sufficient, but the precision of flow rate regulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump capacity is segmented between two pumps operating in parallel. The first pump provides the base flow capacity at a higher flow rate, while the second pump provides fine adjustment capacity at a lower flow rate. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high total capacity and high regulation precision, as each pump operates in its optimal range.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pump operates at a constant flow rate that covers the majority of the required flow demand, while the regulation pump provides partial action for precise adjustment. This partial action approach allows the regulation pump to operate at lower flow rates where precision is better, while the support pump handles the excessive flow requirement.
3Productivity
If a single pump operates at high flow rate, then the productivity is high, but the pump lifespan decreases due to operation near capacity limits
Solution Approach 1:
The flow demand is segmented between two pumps, allowing each pump to operate within a broader and more optimal flow range. The support pump operates at a steady constant flow rate away from its capacity limits, while the regulation pump handles variations. This segmentation extends pump lifespan by avoiding operation near capacity limits while maintaining high productivity through the combined capacity of both pumps.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flow rate regulation is performed with a single pump, then the system is simple to operate, but the flexibility and precision of adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into two functionally distinct pumps: a support pump for maintaining constant flow and a regulation pump for precise adjustment. This segmentation enhances adaptability and versatility by enabling the system to operate across a broader flow range with improved precision, while the modular structure keeps operation relatively simple through defined roles for each pump.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for adding a first fluid component into a flow system, said arrangement comprising:a first pump provided in a first component adding fluid line which is connecting a first system fluid line of the flow system with a first fluid component source comprising the first fluid component to be added into the flow system; anda second pump provided in a second component adding fluid line connected in parallel with the first component adding fluid line, said second component adding fluid line connecting the first system fluid line of the flow system with a first fluid component source comprising the first fluid component to be added into the flow system.