Positive Displacement Pump Pressure Relief Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Positive displacement pumps experience localized pressure buildup that interferes with successful operation, necessitating a solution to relieve these pressures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of pressure relief channels within the pump chamber, communicating between high and low pressure zones, to alleviate pressure imbalances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If positive displacement pump operates with rotary intermeshing impellers, then fluid pumping efficiency is improved, but localized high pressure zones develop that interfere with successful pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber is segmented into multiple pressure zones by the rotary intermeshing impellers, and pressure relief channels are strategically positioned to segment and communicate between these zones. This allows localized pressure management while maintaining the overall pumping efficiency of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure relief channels serve as intermediary pathways that connect high pressure zones with low pressure zones within the pump chamber. These channels mediate the pressure imbalance by providing a controlled flow path, allowing fluid to move from high to low pressure areas and relieving the harmful localized pressure buildup.
2Reliability
If pressure relief channels are added to communicate between pressure zones, then pressure imbalances are relieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief channels are integrated into the existing pump chamber structure, serving multiple functions: they relieve localized pressure, maintain pump reliability, and work in conjunction with the rotary impellers to ensure smooth fluid flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate pressure management components.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure relief channels are strategically positioned at specific locations where high pressure zones develop, rather than uniformly distributed throughout the pump. This localized approach ensures pressure relief where most needed while minimizing the overall structural complexity and material requirements.
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 relieves pressure imbalances, ensuring smooth operation and efficient fluid pumping by allowing fluid flow between pressure zones.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure relief channel may communicate among all potential high pressure zones, or alternatively, may communicate between two such zones
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary, self-priming, positive displacement pump is described. The pump may include a pump housing including an inlet and an outlet, a pump chamber including an upper wall, a lateral wall, and a floor, first and second rotary impellers in the pump chamber, and a pair of gears each secured to the first and second rotary impellers, and a pressure relief feature operable to relieve pressure developing in a relatively high pressure zone of the pump chamber. The gears mesh with each other to ensure that the vanes do not contact one another during rotation. The pressure relief feature may comprise one or more channels formed in the pump housing and/or the first and second rotary impellers. The channels connect the high pressure zone with another zone to redistribute pressure. The channels may include one continuous channel or alternatively, a plurality of unconnected channels.