Sludge Pump Outlet Valve with Intermediate Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sludge pumps require complex mechanical and control engineering for coordinated actuation of multiple valve members to combine delivery flows from multiple cylinders, leading to inefficiencies and increased wear due to full pressure differential actuation.
Innovation Solution
A sludge pump design utilizing a single valve member with intermediate states to manage delivery flows from two cylinders, allowing for uniform transitions and reduced pressure differences during switching, thereby simplifying the actuation process and minimizing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple valve members are used to control delivery flows from each cylinder, then the delivery flow can be precisely controlled, but the mechanical and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve members into a single valve member that controls the outlet for both delivery cylinders. This single valve member has multiple positions (first position blocking first cylinder outlet, second position blocking second cylinder outlet, intermediate position blocking neither) and can be actuated by a single actuator, thereby reducing mechanical and control complexity while maintaining reliable delivery flow control from both cylinders.
2Reliability
If valve members are actuated under full pressure differential, then the valve switching is reliable, but the wear on valve members increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure equalization phase before valve switching by incorporating an intermediate position where the valve member blocks neither outlet. This allows pressure to equalize between the delivery cylinders and the outlet before the valve switches to block one cylinder's outlet, thereby reducing the pressure differential during switching and minimizing valve member wear while maintaining reliable valve operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~6B
AI summary
The invention relates to a high-viscosity pump with a first delivery cylinder (21) and a second delivery cylinder (22). The high-viscosity pump comprises a first inlet valve (24) for admitting high-viscosity material into the first delivery cylinder (21), a second inlet valve (25) for admitting high-viscosity material into the second delivery cylinder (22), and an outlet valve (26) for combining the delivery flows from the first delivery cylinder (21) and the second delivery cylinder (22). According to the invention, the outlet valve (26) comprises a first passage opening (27) for high-viscosity material delivered by the first delivery cylinder (21) and a second passage opening (28) for high-viscosity material delivered by the second delivery cylinder (22), as well as a valve element (32). The valve element (32) closes the first passage opening (28) in a first state (29) and the second passage opening (28) in a second state (30).In an intermediate state (31), neither the first passage opening (27) nor the second passage opening (28) is closed. The high-viscosity pump according to the invention enables the conveying of a continuous material flow towards the pump outlet with minimal design and control engineering effort.