Piezoelectric Actuator Self-Cleaning Pump Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical pumps in liquid processing systems are prone to clogging due to media hardening or particulate separation, leading to equipment damage and failure in applications like water purification, oil/gas drilling, and drug dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric self-cleaning apparatus using a piezoelectric actuator or transducer generates acoustic waves to remove unwanted solids from the liquid processing path, maintaining chemical integrity by employing modulated DC voltage at specific frequencies, preventing precipitation, crystallization, or separation of particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical pumps are used to move chemicals through liquid processing path, then the pump can move chemicals effectively, but the pump can be adversely affected by clogging if the media hardens or particulates fall out of suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration (a form of mechanical vibration) to the pump components to prevent media hardening and particulate deposition. The vibrational energy disrupts the formation of hardened media and keeps particulates in suspension, thereby preventing clogging while maintaining continuous operation and reliability of the pump system.
2Loss of energy
If the pump operates for extended periods without movement, then energy consumption is reduced, but media hardens and causes clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic ultrasonic vibration cycles during pump operation. Instead of continuous high-energy vibration that would consume excessive power, the system applies vibration in periodic pulses sufficient to prevent media hardening and maintain fluidity, thereby achieving reliability without excessive energy loss.
3Reliability
If ultrasonic frequency is increased to improve cleaning effectiveness, then cleaning performance improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the ultrasonic frequency parameters to achieve effective cleaning and anti-clogging performance at reduced energy levels. By carefully selecting and adjusting the frequency parameters within the ultrasonic range, the system maintains cleaning effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption of the piezoelectric actuator.
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
Effectively prevents clogging and maintains chemical integrity by using piezoelectric materials like lead zirconate titanate to generate acoustic waves, ensuring continuous operation and preventing damage to pump components.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator connected to or integral with the liquid processing path to enhance removal of unwanted solids from the liquid processing path
Implementation Method 2
providing a modulated DC voltage at a desired frequency and voltage level to the piezo-material transducer to generate acoustic waves in the liquid to remove unwanted solids
Implementation Method 3
an at least one piezo-material vibrating disc located in the outlet of the pump head and providing a modulated DC voltage at a desired frequency and voltage level to the piezo-material vibrating disc to generate acoustic waves
Implementation Method 4
generate acoustic waves to maintain a blend, mix and/or integrity of the chemical, so that it does not precipitate particles, crystallize, separate or come out of solution
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a piezoelectric self-cleaning apparatus, such as a chemical injection pump. The chemical injection pump is self-cleaning by employing either as an integral part or as an added part, a piezoelectric component that implosively cleans the pump head. This invention involves a liquid delivery system made of a liquid processing path and a piezoelectric actuator connected to or integral with said liquid processing path to enhance removal of unwanted solids from the liquid processing path or to maintain a blend, mix and/or integrity of a liquid chemical, wherein the liquid chemical does not precipitate particles, crystallize, separate or come out of solution.