Positive Displacement Pump Slurry Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for treating slurries require intermittent shutdowns for filter cleaning and are not capable of continuous operation at high flow rates, especially with varying solid concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a positive displacement pump and a passageway with a porous material allows for continuous separation of solids from water, enabling the formation of both a solids-enriched and a solids-depleted portion, with mechanisms to maintain continuous operation and clean the filter by adjusting pressure and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filters are used for separation, then solids can be separated from water, but the equipment must be shut down intermittently for filter cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by using multiple filter elements that can be cleaned sequentially while others remain in service. The positive displacement pump delivers continuous pulsatile flow that enables both separation and cleaning functions to occur without shutting down the equipment, ensuring uninterrupted slurry treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The positive displacement pump generates pulsatile flow that periodically reverses direction, creating alternating high-pressure and low-pressure phases. During the low-pressure phase, accumulated solids are automatically flushed back through the filter elements, providing periodic self-cleaning that prevents filter clogging and eliminates the need for manual intervention.
2Productivity
If high flow rates are used for continuous treatment, then productivity increases, but filter clogging becomes more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic pulsatile flow instead of steady continuous flow. The positive displacement pump creates varying pressure conditions that periodically flush solids backward through the filter elements. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain high average flow rates while the periodic reverse flow prevents solid accumulation and clogging, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If filter separation is performed, then solids concentration increases in the filtrate, but the system cannot handle varying solid concentrations effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system adapts to varying solid concentrations by changing the operational parameters of the positive displacement pump, specifically the pulsatile flow rate and pressure. When slurry with higher solid content is detected, the pump adjusts its delivery characteristics to maintain effective separation. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain separation efficiency across a wide range of solid concentrations without requiring manual reconfiguration.
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
Enables continuous treatment of slurries at high flow rates without clogging, allowing for efficient separation and concentration of solids, maintaining system operation without the need for intermittent shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is attached to the frame and has an input to accept a continuous slurry flow and an output to provide the flow at an elevated pressure
Implementation Method 2
The passageway has a length of an open weave material. While operating the positive displacement pump to provide the continuous slurry, a solids-depleted portion is provided through the open weave material and a solids-enriched portion is provided through the second end
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are disclosed for the continuous treatment of the flow of a mixture containing liquids and solids. A pump provides the mixture to tube that includes a woven material. The liquid is filtered from the mixture, leaving a solids-enriched mixture in the tube. The tube may be flexed during the process, freeing solids trapped in the tube to flow through the center of the tube. A valve may be provided to the tube to generate a back-pressure in the system.