Reciprocating Pump Valve Device for Inlet Flow Limitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reciprocating piston pumps face challenges in effectively reducing pressure and limiting flow rates on the inlet side without clogging, especially when handling liquids with different viscosities and small particles, and require cost-effective solutions that prevent contamination and ensure reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a reciprocating piston pump with a valve device containing a throttle or orifice, featuring a movable insert that prevents clogging and adjusts flow based on electromagnet activation, along with a filter to ensure reliable operation and pressure management, allowing for efficient pumping of liquids with varying viscosities and compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a pressure-reducing valve is used on the inlet side to reduce pressure and limit flow rate, then pressure reduction and flow rate limitation are achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure reduction function and flow rate limitation function into a single valve device structure. The valve device includes a valve body with a valve seat, a valve element that can move between open and closed positions, and a spring mechanism integrated within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate pressure-reducing valve and flow limiter components
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it reduces inlet pressure to safe operating levels, limits the maximum flow rate into the pump, and provides flow regulation capability. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity and cost
2Productivity
If a small cross-section throttle is used to limit flow rate, then flow rate limitation is achieved, but the risk of clogging with particles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is designed to move dynamically between different positions (fully open, partially open, and fully closed) based on operating conditions. During normal operation, the valve element maintains an opening large enough to allow particles to pass through without clogging, while still limiting the maximum flow rate. The dynamic adjustment capability ensures that the effective opening size adapts to maintain reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device acts as an intermediary between the high-pressure inlet and the pump inlet. It provides a controlled transition zone where the fluid pressure and flow are gradually reduced and regulated, preventing sudden pressure drops that could cause cavitation or particle deposition. The valve body design includes flow path features that minimize particle accumulation zones
3Productivity
If the pump operates at high theoretical delivery rate, then productivity is improved, but cavitation occurs due to insufficient inflow
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded valve mechanism provides automatic feedback control. When the pump demands high flow rate, the spring force maintains the valve element in an open position, allowing maximum inflow. When the pump delivery rate exceeds the available inflow (which would cause cavitation), the pressure differential causes the valve element to close partially or fully, automatically reducing the inflow to match the pump's actual consumption and preventing cavitation
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device is designed to allow partial filling of the pump inlet chamber rather than complete filling. By controlling the valve opening to provide slightly less than the theoretical maximum inflow, the system operates in a regime where the pump always has sufficient liquid supply to avoid cavitation, even at high delivery rates. This deliberate partial action ensures reliable operation
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 effectively reduces pressure and limits flow rates while preventing clogging, ensuring reliable operation and efficient pumping of liquids with different viscosities and compositions, even in the presence of small particles, by using a valve device with a movable insert and a filter, thus enhancing the pump's functionality and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The reciprocating pump (1) is driven by an electromagnet (2) which acts against a restoring spring (11)
Implementation Method 2
The reciprocating pump (1) is driven by an electromagnet (2) which acts against a restoring spring (11)
Implementation Method 3
the valve device (8) by throttling the volume flow to the displacement chamber (3) and by temporarily blocking it
Implementation Method 4
two displacement chambers (3, 4), which are separated by a piston (5) moved by the electromagnet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
a. Problem: It is sought to achieve that the reciprocating-piston pump exhibits an inlet-side pressure reduction and/or delivery flow limitation, and operates reliably even with liquids of different composition, even contaminated with small particles. b. Solution: A first displacement body chamber (3) is connected to an inlet (9) by way of a valve device (8) which is controlled by the piston (5), wherein the valve device (8), by way of throttling of the volume flow to the displacement body chamber (3) and/or by way of temporary blocking of said volume flow in a manner dependent on the position of a piston (5), limits the inflow of liquid into the first displacement body chamber (3) to such an extent that said inflow is smaller than the volumetric displacement power made possible by the piston (5) at a predefined working frequency of the reciprocating-piston pump. c. Usage: Draining or suctioning liquid out of a filter housing, out of a water separator or out of some other vessel, preferably in diesel engines in vehicles.