Pump Inlet Stabilizer With Venturi Vacuum Pressure Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Positive displacement pumps in fluid pumping systems experience pressure fluctuations and acceleration head losses due to the alternately opening and closing inlet valve, leading to inefficient operation and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an automated inlet stabilizer dampener with a deformable diaphragm and a venturi vacuum regulator, which automatically switches between pressure and suction modes by adjusting the gas chamber pressure, stabilizing fluid flow and maintaining consistent pressure, thereby reducing vibrations and pulsations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a positive displacement pump with an alternately opening and closing inlet valve is used, then fluid can be transported under pressure, but pressure fluctuations and acceleration head losses occur leading to reduced efficiency and service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a compressible gas charge into the pump chamber before the inlet valve closes. This gas charge acts as a cushion that absorbs pressure fluctuations and reduces acceleration head losses during the valve closing process, thereby protecting the pump from mechanical stress and extending service life while maintaining fluid transport capability
2Productivity
If the inlet valve alternately opens and closes to move fluid, then pumping action is achieved, but pressure fluctuations cause vibrations and pulsations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a compressible gas charge as a mediator between the liquid phases during valve operation. This gas charge smooths out pressure fluctuations caused by the alternating valve openings and closings, reducing vibrations and pulsations transmitted through the pump system while maintaining continuous fluid pumping capability
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 enhances pump efficiency, extends pump lifespan, and maintains consistent fluid flow by automatically adapting to changing pressure conditions, ensuring stable operation across both positive pressure and suction modes.
Implementation Method 1
a venturi vacuum regulator, automatic venturi vacuum regulator comprising: a regulator housing having a pressure inlet port and a vacuum outlet port; a venturi vacuum pump within the regulator housing, the venturi vacuum pump configured to receive compressed air from the pressure inlet port in order to generate suction at the vacuum outlet port
Implementation Method 2
a compressed air source, the compressed air source configured to supply compressed air to an inlet of the automatic inlet stabilizer dampener; configured to introduce pressurized gas into the gas chamber
Implementation Method 3
a deformable diaphragm separating the internal volume into a gas chamber and a liquid chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pump inlet stabilizer dampener includes a deformable diaphragm separating an enclosure into a gas chamber and a liquid chamber; and a piston coupled to the deformable diaphragm and being movable with respect to a valve housing, wherein the piston is configured to be positioned in at least first, second, and third positions, wherein in the first position a first fluid flow path from a pressurized gas inlet port to the gas chamber is open, in the second position the first fluid flow path is closed, and in the third position the first fluid flow path is closed and a second fluid flow path that activates a venturi vacuum generator is open.