Pumping System with Guillotine Valves for High Altitude Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumping systems face challenges in achieving high fluid delivery pressure, particularly at high altitudes, due to limitations in sealing integrity and pressure efficiency, which affects the reliability and effectiveness of fluid delivery in mountainous or plateau regions.
Innovation Solution
A pumping system with a drive enclosure and multiple pistons that utilize alternating fluid distribution cycles and shut-off mechanisms, including guillotine valves and pneumatic activation, to manage pressure and flow efficiently, ensuring high delivery pressure and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a distribution carriage sliding within a distribution chamber is used to alternate fluid direction, then the pump can operate autonomously with very little energy, but perfect sealing of the intake and delivery ducts becomes difficult to ensure when fluid pressure becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution carriage is divided into multiple independent movable shut-off members (first inlet valve, second inlet valve, first outlet valve, second outlet valve) that can be actuated independently. Each valve member separately controls its respective duct, allowing precise sealing control at each connection point rather than relying on a single centralized sealing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve members are made movable between open and closed positions rather than being fixed. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying pressure conditions by adjusting the sealing position and force of each valve member independently, maintaining reliable sealing even when fluid pressure becomes large.
2Use of energy by moving object
If motorized delivery pumps are used to deliver water from low altitude to high altitude areas, then energy efficiency is achieved, but installation and maintenance costs are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates autonomously using the energy of the flowing water itself. The alternating distribution device automatically switches fluid direction based on piston position without external control signals, and the piston's reciprocating motion self-regulates the valve operations. This eliminates the need for external motors, controllers, and complex maintenance systems while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If hydraulic rams are used as an alternative to motorized pumps, then installation costs are reduced and maintenance is minimal, but the flow rate becomes weak and choppy and delivery height is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pump delivers fluid continuously through alternating action of two multiplier chambers. While one chamber is compressing and delivering fluid, the other is filling, ensuring uninterrupted flow output. This eliminates the intermittent, choppy flow characteristic of single-chamber hydraulic rams and maintains steady productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses two multiplier chambers (first and second) operating in alternation rather than a single chamber. This segmentation allows continuous delivery as one chamber completes its stroke while the other prepares, doubling the effective productivity and eliminating flow interruptions.
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 system achieves enhanced reliability and efficiency in fluid delivery at high altitudes by maintaining high fluid pressure, enabling effective use in applications such as water filtration and desalination, while reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a drive piston configured to slide therein along a longitudinal axis of said drive enclosure between first and second end positions under the action of a pressurized operating fluid
Implementation Method 2
the sliding of the first multiplier piston ensuring the compression of the delivery fluid inside the first multiplier chamber such that the pressure of the delivery fluid at the outlet is greater than the pressure of the delivery fluid at the inlet
Implementation Method 3
at least one shut-off device comprising four movable shut-off members of the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets of the pumping system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates mainly to a pumping system (1) which comprises an alternating distribution device comprising at least one shut-off device (7) comprising four mobile shut-off members (70-73) for shutting off first and second inlets (E1, E2; E1a, E2a) and first and second outlets (S1, S2; S1a, S2a) of the pumping system (1) and at least one trigger (8, 9) configured to actuate said shut-off members (70-73) between two positions, respectively a shutting-off position and an open position, which alternating distribution device can be actuated between a first arrangement associated with a first fluid distribution cycle and a second arrangement associated with a second fluid distribution cycle.