Integrated Pump Assembly for High-Pressure Mechanical Seal Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical seal assemblies face high costs due to the need for redundant pump systems at higher differential pressures, which complicates the design and increases costs for the barrier medium system.
Innovation Solution
A compact pump assembly with a single drive system, comprising a magnetic coupling and three integrated pumping stages (two axial and one radial pumps) that convey fluid in axial and radial directions, allowing for balanced axial forces and efficient fluid distribution, reducing the number of components and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a redundant arrangement comprising a second pump is used at higher differential pressures, then the pressure generation capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single integrated pump assembly. The first axial pump and second axial pump are merged into one unit, along with the radial pump, all driven by a common drive shaft. This consolidation achieves the required pressure generation capability without needing redundant separate pump systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high differential pressure performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly is segmented into distinct functional stages: a first axial pump stage, a second axial pump stage, and a radial pump stage. Each stage handles a portion of the pressure generation task, allowing the system to achieve high differential pressures through cumulative effect rather than requiring multiple complete pump systems. This segmentation enables efficient pressure buildup while keeping the overall design compact and simple.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple pumps are integrated in a single assembly, then the compactness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common drive shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it drives the first axial pump, the second axial pump, and the radial pump. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate drive mechanisms needed, simplifying manufacturing while achieving compact integration. The hollow cylinder also serves dual purposes as both a structural support element and a magnetic coupling component.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly employs a nested structure where the first axial pump and second axial pump are arranged in series along the drive shaft, with the radial pump integrated into the same assembly. The magnetic coupling components (permanent magnets and hollow cylinder) are nested within the pump housing structure. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization, achieving compactness without excessive manufacturing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a magnetic coupling is used to separate fluid and atmosphere, then the contamination resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling acts as an intermediary between the drive mechanism and the pump components. The permanent magnets on the drive shaft interact magnetically with the hollow cylinder, transmitting rotational motion without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary arrangement effectively seals the fluid environment from atmospheric contamination while avoiding complex mechanical sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sealing systems with a magnetic coupling system. Instead of using mechanical seals or packings that require complex assembly and maintenance, the invention uses magnetic fields to transmit power across the fluid barrier. This substitution simplifies the overall structure, reduces potential contamination paths, and eliminates the need for complex mechanical sealing components.
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 solution enables the generation of higher pressures with a simple and cost-effective design, minimizing leakage and maintaining a compact, robust structure suitable for high pressures up to 200×105 Pa, while reducing friction and heat development, and allowing for easy control of fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
The pump assembly comprises a magnetic coupling comprising an input part having a first permanent magnet, a fixed hollow cylinder and an output part having a second permanent magnet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pump assembly, especially of a mechanical seal assembly, for supplying a fluid, especially to a mechanical seal (2a, 2b), comprising exactly one drive (11) comprising a drive shaft (24), a first axial pump (21), which conveys the fluid in the axial direction (X-X) of the drive shaft, a second axial pump (22), which conveys the fluid in the axial direction of the drive shaft, and a radial pump (23), which conveys the fluid in the radial direction (R) of the drive shaft, wherein the first axial pump (21) and the second axial pump (22) are arranged in front of the radial pump (23) in the flow-through direction (B) of the fluid across the pump assembly, and wherein the drive (11) simultaneously drives the first axial pump (21), the second axial pump (22) and the radial pump (23).