Centrifugal Pump Gas Separator with Spring Shut-off Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas separation mechanisms in centrifugal pumps are inefficient and prone to clogging due to gas accumulation, especially when dealing with liquids containing foreign matter, leading to poor performance and potential pump failure, and are not suitable for all industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal pump design incorporating an axial impeller cluster driven by a DC motor with a gas separation mechanism utilizing a spring shut-off valve that opens or closes based on pressure differences, preventing gas from entering the pump and ensuring efficient gas separation by using a combination of axial and centrifugal impellers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas separation is performed by drawing gas through a pipe extending to the hub of the impeller or through hollow shaft/perforations, then gas can be removed from the liquid, but the gas discharge duct becomes prone to clogging when liquid contains foreign matter
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the gas separation function from the traditional impeller gas discharge mechanisms (hollow shaft, perforations) and relocates it to a separate gas separator component positioned at the pump inlet. This separation prevents foreign matter in the liquid from clogging the gas discharge path, as the gas separator uses a float valve mechanism that is not exposed to the liquid stream containing suspended particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a float valve as an intermediary mechanism between the gas-liquid mixture and the gas discharge system. The float valve automatically opens to discharge gas when gas accumulates and closes when gas is removed, providing intelligent control without mechanical complexity. This intermediary component separates the gas discharge function from the liquid pumping function, preventing clogging issues.
2Reliability
If traditional gas separation mechanisms are used, then gas can be discharged, but the structure becomes complex and pump size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve mechanism is self-actuating and self-regulating. It automatically rises to open the gas discharge passage when gas pressure builds up and automatically closes when gas is discharged, without requiring external control systems, sensors, or complex mechanical linkages. This self-service mechanism greatly simplifies the overall pump structure while maintaining reliable gas separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses changes in the float's position (driven by gas pressure parameters) to control the gas discharge valve state. This parameter-based control mechanism replaces complex mechanical or electronic control systems with a simple physical parameter response, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective gas separation.
3Reliability
If gas separation mechanisms are added to centrifugal pumps, then gas can be removed, but pump efficiency decreases due to energy consumption by additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve operates periodically - opening to discharge gas when gas accumulates and closing when gas is removed - rather than operating continuously. This periodic action minimizes energy consumption compared to continuously running vacuum pumps or gas discharge systems, as the valve only activates when gas separation is actually needed, thereby maintaining pump energy efficiency.
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
This design enhances pump efficiency, reduces size, and prevents clogging, making it suitable for various applications including fuel systems and pulp pumps, while maintaining a simple structure and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a gas separation mechanism that uses spring shut-off valve when there is a change in liquid pressure
Implementation Method 2
combining the use of axial impeller in front of centrifugal impeller increases pump efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal pump separating gases from liquids pumps fluid containing gas comprises a pump housing divided into a working fluid chamber and an empty chamber by a baffle, the empty chamber connected to the working fluid chamber by an opening and connected to a gas separation assembly by a pumping chamber duct; an inlet for drawing liquid into pump, a outlet for pumping liquid outward and a separated gas exhaust port; an electric motor with protective cover drives an impeller cluster to create rotary movement; gas separator has a spring of sufficient hardness to control the gas discharge valve to open and close; this gas separator is connected to the empty chamber by the duct mentioned above and connected to the pump outlet by the bleed hole. During operation, when suction gas reaches a certain amount, reduced pressure at the pump outlet opens the valve to release the gas.