Side-Channel Pump Overspeed Gas Suction and Shock Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side-channel pumps are unable to effectively draw in gas when the working chamber is empty of liquid, as they rely on a liquid ring to seal off vane cells, leaving significant leakage gaps that impede gas intake.
Innovation Solution
Operating the side-channel pump at an overspeed when the chamber is gas-filled, allowing for effective gas suction despite the absence of a liquid ring, and then reducing speed to operate conventionally when liquid is introduced, with the option of using a controller for active braking or power adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the side-channel pump operates at normal speed with a liquid ring, then liquid pumping is effective, but gas intake is impeded due to leakage gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates at variable speeds depending on the medium being pumped. For gas pumping, the pump runs at overspeed (at least 30% above maximum liquid pumping speed) to function as a high-speed blower, achieving good suction power despite leakage gaps. When liquid is detected, the speed is reduced to operating speed for conventional liquid pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters of the pump are changed by adjusting the rotational speed. The controller monitors the medium being pumped and adjusts the drive speed accordingly - overspeed for gas (at least 30% above maximum speed) to overcome leakage gaps and achieve effective gas suction, and normal operating speed for liquid pumping.
2Productivity
If the pump operates at overspeed for gas pumping, then gas suction power increases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump dynamically adjusts its operating speed based on the medium being pumped. The controller monitors whether gas or liquid is being pumped and adjusts the drive speed accordingly, operating at overspeed only when gas pumping is required, and at normal speed for liquid pumping, thereby optimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump alternates between different operating modes (overspeed for gas, normal speed for liquid) based on the periodic detection of the medium type. The controller continuously monitors the working chamber and adjusts the operating parameters accordingly, creating a periodic cycle of speed adjustment that optimizes both performance and energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If the pump reduces speed from overspeed to operating speed, then liquid pumping resumes, but shock load occurs on the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed with a centrifugal inlet stage that can withstand shock loads from liquid impingement. This inlet stage acts as a cushioning element that protects the subsequent impeller stages from the full impact of sudden liquid entry, allowing the pump to transition from gas to liquid pumping without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifugal inlet stage serves as an intermediary between the gas pumping mode and the liquid pumping mode. It handles the transition by first receiving the liquid impingement and then gradually introducing it to the impeller stages, reducing the shock load effect on the pump's mechanical components.
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 efficient gas pumping without a liquid ring, achieving high suction power during overspeed operation and conventional liquid pumping with reduced power consumption and shock load management, suitable for applications like liquefied gas refilling stations.
Implementation Method 1
When the impeller rotates, the quantity of liquid forms a liquid ring in the working chamber, by means of which adjacent vane cells are sealed off partially with respect to one another
Implementation Method 2
the pump forms as it were a high-speed blower when pumping gas, by means of which blower a good suction power is achieved despite the significant leakage gaps
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a side-channel pump and to a method for operating a side-channel pump in which an impeller rotates in a working chamber provided with a side channel. According to the invention, the pump is operated at an overspeed with a gas-filled working chamber in a first step. The speed is then reduced to an operating speed in order to pump a liquid. The pump according to the invention has a high suction power as a result of the overspeed, but only gas is drawn initially.