Reciprocating Pump Spool Seal Retention at High Recovery Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reciprocating drive mechanisms in pumps are limited by the need to reduce supply gas pressure for proper operation, leading to reduced recaptured gas pressure and seal wear at higher temperatures, causing seals to lose contact and potentially dislodge at high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure reciprocating drive mechanism design with a longer proximal end portion of the spool and a smaller lip diameter to maintain seal retention, allowing operation up to 1200 psi supply pressure and 1100 psi recovery pressure without seal dislodgment, using a housing assembly with multiple seals and a cover to prevent seal popping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supply gas pressure is reduced for proper pump operation, then seal wear is reduced and seals maintain contact, but recaptured gas pressure is reduced and cannot be reused in high-pressure systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the spool (lengthening the proximal end portion) and the seal retention structure (reducing lip diameter) to enable the system to operate at higher supply pressures while maintaining seal integrity and preventing seal dislodgment
2Stress or pressure
If supply gas pressure is increased for zero emission operation, then recaptured gas pressure is increased for system reuse, but seals are subjected to excessive wear and may dislodge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the spool and seal retention structure to enable operation at higher pressures while maintaining seal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preventive measures by designing a seal retention structure with a smaller lip diameter and longer proximal end portion that proactively prevents seal dislodgment before it can occur under high-pressure conditions
3Stress or pressure
If spool seal retention structure is designed for high pressure, then seals remain retained at high pressures, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high-pressure capability by modifying existing geometric parameters (spool length, lip diameter) rather than introducing entirely new structures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 zero-emission operation at high pressures by maintaining seal integrity and allowing recovered gas to be pumped through a high-pressure system, overcoming the limitations of conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
the spool chamber may be pressurized by supply gas, thereby causing the spool to move towards the top cover
Implementation Method 2
during a downstroke motion, the end chamber may compress, which may pressurize the one or more spool chambers with a recovery pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A zero emission reciprocating drive pump. The reciprocating drive pump may comprise: a spool and housing assembly. The housing assembly may comprise a flange, spool housing, first chamber, second chamber, and first seal. The flange may attached to a proximal end of the spool housing. The first chamber may be within the flange. The second chamber may be within the spool housing. The spool may be substantially disposed in and reciprocally movable in the second chamber. A proximal end portion of the spool may move reciprocally into and out of the first chamber. The first seal may be positioned substantially adjacent to the first chamber and the second chamber and may contact the proximal end portion of the spool. The flange may comprise a lip that extends substantially along a width of a distal end of the first seal, such that the first seal does not pop out of place.