Lubricated Polymer Screw Pump Components for Lower Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw pumps face performance limitations that can be improved upon.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least one screw made of a lubricated polymer material, such as polyphenylene sulfide with solid lubricants like PTFE, molybdenum disulfide, or graphite, and using a lubricated polymer insert and casing to enhance fluid flow efficiency and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional materials are used for screws in screw pumps, then manufacturing cost and structural simplicity are maintained, but friction is high and fluid flow efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the screws by using lubricated polymer materials instead of conventional materials. This material parameter change reduces the coefficient of friction between screws and fluid, directly addressing the contradiction by improving fluid flow efficiency while reducing energy loss to friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of polymer base materials combined with solid lubricants. This composite approach creates a material that simultaneously provides structural integrity and low-friction surface properties, resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural requirements and reducing frictional energy loss.
2Loss of energy
If lubricated polymer materials are used for screws, then friction is reduced and fluid flow efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solid lubricants are incorporated into the polymer material during the manufacturing process itself, rather than being applied as a separate post-processing step. This preliminary incorporation simplifies the overall manufacturing process by combining material fabrication and lubrication application into a single operation, addressing the concern about manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricated polymer material is designed to be self-lubricating, eliminating the need for external lubrication systems or maintenance. The material inherently provides low-friction properties through its composition, reducing manufacturing complexity associated with additional lubrication components and systems.
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
Enhances the performance of screw pumps by reducing friction and improving fluid flow efficiency through the use of lubricated polymer materials and inserts.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the screws comprises a lubricated polymer material
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a screw pump comprising: a casing with an inlet, an outlet and a flow chamber between the inlet and the outlet; and at least two screws housed in the flow chamber to force a fluid flow through the flow chamber from the inlet to the outlet; wherein at least one of the screws comprises a lubricated polymer material.