High-Pressure Plunger Pump Pull Mechanism for Deadhead Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positive displacement pumps face challenges in efficiently managing pressure and preventing pressure spikes, especially during deadhead conditions, due to mechanical pushing forces that can lead to component damage and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a reciprocating member and fluid displacement components with different surface areas, where the reciprocating member mechanically pulls the fluid displacement components during suction strokes and the working fluid pressures them during pumping strokes, preventing mechanical pushing forces and allowing continuous operation during deadhead conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a reciprocating member mechanically pushes the fluid displacement component during pumping strokes, then the pump can achieve high output pressure, but pressure spikes occur during deadhead conditions causing component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful pushing force transmission by introducing a pull mechanism that selectively engages only during suction strokes. The pull member connects the reciprocating member to the fluid displacement component, allowing mechanical pulling during suction while preventing mechanical pushing during pumping, thus eliminating pressure spikes during deadhead conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The pull member acts as an intermediary element between the reciprocating member and the fluid displacement component. It transmits only tensile forces (pulling) while blocking compressive forces (pushing), serving as a force-selective mediator that protects the system from pressure spikes while maintaining necessary mechanical coupling during suction strokes
2Productivity
If the reciprocating member is mechanically coupled to the fluid displacement component, then the pump operates efficiently, but mechanical pushing forces cause pressure spikes during deadhead conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic force transmission mechanism where the pull member's engagement state changes based on the operational phase. During suction strokes, the pull member is engaged to transmit mechanical pulling force, maintaining pump efficiency. During pumping strokes, the pull member disengages or flexes to prevent transmission of pushing forces, thereby eliminating pressure spikes while maintaining efficient operation
3Device complexity
If compressed air is used as working fluid in air operated pumps, then the pump structure is simple, but the pump cannot operate at high pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by employing compressed air as the working fluid to drive the reciprocating member. The compressed air expands and contracts within the drive chamber, converting pneumatic energy to mechanical motion that drives the fluid displacement component. This approach maintains the structural simplicity of air-operated pumps while achieving high output pressures through the pneumatic driving mechanism and the pull member's selective force transmission
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 configuration achieves higher output pressures, reduces component damage, and eliminates pulsation, enabling continuous operation and increased efficiency by sequencing suction and pumping strokes.
Implementation Method 1
pressure exerted on the first surface by the working fluid moves the second surface in a first direction towards the process fluid to expel the process fluid downstream
Implementation Method 2
the pull mechanically transferring a pulling force from the reciprocating member to the fluid displacement component to move the fluid displacement component in a second direction that is the opposite of the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system for a pump includes a housing defining an internal pressure chamber, a working fluid disposed within and charging the internal pressure chamber, and a reciprocating member disposed within the internal pressure chamber. A fluid displacement component has first and second surfaces. The first surface is configured to contact the working fluid and the second surface is configured to contact the process fluid. The area of the first surface is greater than the area of the second surface. A pull extends between and connects the reciprocating member and the fluid displacement component. The pull mechanically transfers a pulling force from the reciprocating member to the fluid displacement component.