Pressure Exchanger Flushing for Fouling and Particle Handling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid transfer systems are inefficient in terms of energy usage and prone to fouling and particle-related issues, leading to high energy consumption, component wear, and system downtime.

Innovation Solution

The use of pressure exchangers (PXs) that exchange pressure between fluids, incorporating features for flushing and lubrication to manage fouling and particles, reducing energy consumption and minimizing component wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If pumps or compressors are used to increase fluid pressure, then fluid pressure is increased, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid pressureVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a high-pressure pump and a pressure exchanger into an integrated system where the pressure exchanger recovers energy from the high-pressure fluid stream and transfers it to the low-pressure stream, reducing the energy burden on the high-pressure pump

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure exchanger creates a feedback loop where energy from the high-pressure outlet stream is captured and fed back to assist in pressurizing the low-pressure inlet stream, thereby reducing overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If conventional fluid transfer systems operate continuously, then fluid transfer is maintained, but fouling and particle embedding occur leading to component wear and system downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidcomponent wear and fouling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary flushing actions during low-demand periods or between operational cycles to prevent fouling and particle accumulation before they can cause damage, enabling continuous reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure exchanger system is designed to flush its own internal passages and components using its own operational fluid flow, eliminating the need for external maintenance interventions and preventing fouling during continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

PXs enhance energy recovery, reduce wear on components, decrease fouling and particle embedding, minimize downtime, and improve system efficiency by recovering energy stored as pressure.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure exchange: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a flushing operation in which particles are cleared from the radial bearing gaps and the circumferential grooves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 3

a lubrication operation in which the rotor is lubricated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20250354569A1Pressure exchangers with fouling and particle handling capabilities

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 ENERGY RECOVERY INC

AI summary

A system includes a pressure exchanger configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. The system further includes one or more first valves coupled to the pressure exchanger. The one or more first valves in an open position are associated with a flushing operation.