Reciprocating Piston Pump with Elastomeric Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chemical injection pumps used in the oil and gas industry face challenges in handling high pressure, temperature extremes, and chemical resistance, while existing pneumatic pumps have high operating costs and environmental drawbacks, and solar-powered alternatives require significant capital and infrastructure changes.
Innovation Solution
A pump head design featuring a motor coupler, piston housing, and reciprocating piston with a torsion bolt and elastomeric sleeve for reduced vibration and high pressure resistance, combined with a modular assembly for easy servicing and low starting torque, allowing for precise displacement and self-priming capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pneumatic pumps are used for chemical injection in remote locations, then the pump can operate without external power infrastructure, but the operating costs are high due to fuel consumption and there are environmental drawbacks from emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic (combustion-based) mechanical system with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor converts electrical energy directly to mechanical rotation, eliminating fuel combustion, emissions, and the need for complex pneumatic components. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational capability while eliminating the energy loss to emissions.
2Stress or pressure
If high pressure is achieved in the pump, then the pump can handle oil and gas industry applications, but the starting torque and starting amperage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure generation process into two distinct phases: a low-starting-torque phase using an electric motor to initiate rotation, and a high-pressure phase achieved during normal operation. The electric motor provides smooth starting characteristics with low amperage draw, while the pump architecture (positive displacement mechanism) builds pressure progressively during rotation rather than requiring peak pressure at startup. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between achieving high pressure and limiting starting power requirements.
3Reliability
If the pump is designed for chemical resistance and high pressure, then it can handle demanding oil and gas applications, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves chemical resistance and high-pressure capability by selecting appropriate material parameters (chemically resistant materials for contact surfaces) and operational parameters (controlled pressure ranges) rather than through complex multi-component designs. The electric motor provides controlled, smooth operation that prevents the high-stress transients that would require overly robust (and complex) mechanical designs. This parameter-based approach resolves the contradiction by achieving reliability through material and operational selection rather than structural complexity.
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 design achieves high efficiency, long Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), and chemical resistance, reducing pulsation and starting amperage, making it suitable for remote, high-pressure applications with minimal environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
An elastomeric sleeve isolates the torsion bolt from torsion sleeve
Implementation Method 2
An elastomeric sleeve isolates the torsion bolt from torsion sleeve
Implementation Method 3
a reciprocating piston operative within said piston housing and in a fluid flow path between said fluid input and said fluid output to pump a fluid from said fluid input to said fluid output
Data Source
AI summary
A pump head has a motor coupler; a motor mount; at least one piston housing; a fluid input; a fluid output; and a reciprocating piston to pump a fluid from fluid input to fluid output. The manifold has fluid input and output bores extending parallel with the reciprocating piston, and from end to end thereof. The motor mount has a mounting flange configured to couple to a motor, and a torsion sleeve extending from the flange. A torsion bolt is coupled with the piston housing. An elastomeric sleeve isolates the torsion bolt from torsion sleeve. The torsion bolt longitudinally compresses and radially expands the elastomeric sleeve toward and against the torsion sleeve. The reciprocating piston, piston housing, a first seal, and a second seal in combination define a fluid collection chamber for fluid that leaks past the first seal. A fluid conduit connects the fluid collection chamber to the fluid input. An over-pressure release valve assembly is coupled on an input with the fluid output from the pump head, and is configured to stay closed until a predetermined maximum pressure is exceeded, and when opened will spill fluid back to at least one of the fluid inlet or a fluid reservoir.


