Pneumatic Fluid Pump Auger for Dual-Rotation Fouling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic fluid pumps used in applications like landfill water pumping face challenges with internal component fouling due to contaminated fluids, leading to costly and time-consuming cleaning needs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a swirling flow inducing auger element within the pump casing to create dual rotational fluid flows during fill and discharge cycles, using a one-way check valve and an auger subassembly to enhance cleaning of internal surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pneumatic pump is used without special cleaning mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the internal components become fouled quickly requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The auger element creates periodic swirling flows during each pump cycle (fill and discharge), providing continuous cleaning action that prevents fouling accumulation. This periodic turbulent flow ensures internal surfaces remain clean without requiring separate cleaning cycles or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump uses its own operating cycles (fill and discharge) to clean its internal components. The auger element leverages the existing fluid flow and compressed air to generate swirling motions that self-clean the pump interior, eliminating the need for external cleaning systems or additional energy input.
2Productivity
If the pump operates with contaminated fluids, then the productivity is maintained, but the internal components become fouled requiring time-consuming cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The swirling flow generated by the auger element occurs during every pump cycle, providing continuous protection against fouling. This ensures the pump maintains high productivity without interruption for cleaning, as the turbulent flow constantly prevents contaminant accumulation on internal surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of contaminated fluids into a beneficial cleaning mechanism. The turbulent swirling flow created by the auger element uses the contaminated fluid itself as the cleaning medium, where the fluid's motion and turbulence scrape contaminants from surfaces, turning the fouling risk into a self-cleaning advantage.
3Ease of repair
If cleaning is performed manually, then the pump can be maintained, but the cleaning process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump performs its own cleaning automatically during operation. The auger element generates swirling flows that continuously clean internal components without requiring manual disassembly, drainage, or external intervention. This eliminates the need for scheduled maintenance downtime and reduces operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning action is continuous and occurs during every pump cycle rather than requiring periodic manual intervention. The auger element ensures that internal surfaces are constantly exposed to turbulent flowing fluid that prevents fouling accumulation, maintaining clean operation throughout extended periods without interruption.
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 auger element provides effective cleaning of internal components by inducing strong turbulent flows, reducing fouling and maintaining pump reliability with minimal additional complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
The auger element causes a swirling, rotational fluid flow during a fluid fill or eject cycle
Implementation Method 2
The auger element provides effective cleaning of internal components by inducing strong turbulent flows
Implementation Method 3
A one-way check valve may be included which is adjacent the lower end of the pump, and which forms a one-way path to admit fluid into the pump casing during a fill cycle
Implementation Method 4
Fluid having collected within the pump casing is forced by the jet of compressed air into and up through the discharge tube
Implementation Method 5
Fluid is forced by the jet of pressurized air into and up through the discharge tube
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fluid pump which has a pump casing, a top cap securable to an upper end of the pump casing and having an air intake port and a fluid discharge port. A fluid discharge tube extends to adjacent a lower end of the pump casing. A one-way check valve is disposed adjacent the lower end of the pump and forms a one-way path to admit fluid into the pump casing during a fill cycle of operation of the pump. A one-way check valve at the discharge port allows fluid to escape during a discharge cycle. An auger element is disposed inside the pump casing for causing a swirling, rotational fluid flow during a fluid eject cycle, in response to a jet of compressed air released into the pump casing, in which fluid having collected within the pump casing is forced by the jet of compressed air into and up through the discharge tube, and out from the pump casing.