Pump Axial Thrust Balance Disk with External Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary pumps face significant axial thrust forces during operation, which can lead to damage when the balance disk assembly's opposing force is insufficient, especially during start-up or shut-down, and is difficult to monitor without shutting down the pump, increasing maintenance challenges and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A pump device with a first and second housing part, coupled to the pump housing and rotor shaft respectively, featuring a biasing member to oppose axial movement and indicate the rotor shaft's position, allowing for visual inspection and easy replacement, thus preventing damage and reducing maintenance time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a balance disk assembly is provided to oppose axial thrust force, then the axial thrust force is balanced during normal operation, but the balance disk may contact the stationary counter disk during low speed operation causing wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lift-off device applies a preliminary axial lifting force to the rotor shaft through the balance disk, creating an opposing action to the axial thrust force before contact occurs. This preliminary anti-action prevents the balance disk from contacting the stationary counter disk during low speed operation, thereby eliminating wear and damage while maintaining axial thrust balance during normal operation.
2Force
If the balance disk assembly is located within the pump housing, then it can oppose axial thrust force, but it becomes inaccessible and difficult to monitor without shutting down the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two functional parts: the balance disk assembly remaining within the pump housing to oppose axial thrust force, and the indicator mechanism extending through the housing wall to the external environment. This segmentation allows the force-opposing function to remain enclosed while the monitoring function becomes externally accessible, enabling visual inspection without pump shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
An indicator mechanism acts as an intermediary between the internal balance disk assembly and the external observer. This intermediary transmits information about the balance disk's axial position and condition through the housing wall, allowing operators to monitor the assembly's status without direct access to the internal components.
3Reliability
If additional components like balance disk assembly and lift-off device are provided, then axial thrust force is opposed and damage prevented, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator function is merged with the existing balance disk assembly structure. The indicator mechanism utilizes the axial movement of the balance disk itself as part of its operation, combining the thrust opposition function with the monitoring function in a single integrated assembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance disk assembly is designed with multi-functionality: it simultaneously opposes axial thrust force during normal operation and serves as the moving element for the indicator mechanism that provides visual monitoring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated monitoring components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
Effectively opposes axial movement at low rotational speeds, allows for visual monitoring of the balance disk assembly's condition without shutting down the pump, and reduces downtime by enabling quick replacement of the device, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the pump system.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member coupled between the first housing part and the second housing part and configured to apply a force opposing axial movement of the pump rotor shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A pump device for applying a force opposing axial movement of a pump rotor shaft relative to a pump housing, the pump device having a first housing part, a second housing part axially moveable relative to the first housing part, and a biasing member coupled between the first housing part and the second housing part.