Split-Volume Transfer Tank for Constant-Pressure Fluid Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer systems face challenges in transferring fluid between vessels with a pressure differential without causing a pressure change, particularly in scenarios like space vacuum applications where direct exposure to vacuum is hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a split volume tank and a four-way valve to manage fluid transfer between vessels, allowing for simultaneous expansion and collapse of tank volumes to maintain constant pressure, along with conduits, switches, and shutoff valves for controlled flow and pressure regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluid is transferred directly from a pressurized vessel to a vacuum vessel, then fluid transfer occurs, but the pressure differential causes hazardous exposure to vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate transfer vessel that acts as a mediator between the pressurized source vessel and the vacuum destination vessel. This intermediate vessel allows fluid transfer to occur through controlled stages, preventing direct exposure of personnel or equipment to vacuum conditions while enabling complete fluid transfer from the pressurized to vacuum environment
2Device complexity
If a single tank is used for fluid transfer, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain constant pressure during transfer is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer tank is divided into two separate volumes (first volume and second volume) that can independently expand and collapse. This segmentation allows one volume to expand while the other collapses, maintaining overall pressure stability during fluid transfer operations. The dual-volume design provides pressure buffering capacity that a single tank cannot achieve
3Productivity
If fluid transfer occurs between vessels with pressure differential, then fluid moves from high to low pressure, but pressure change occurs in the vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the transfer tank volumes (expansion and collapse) to compensate for pressure changes that would normally occur during fluid transfer. By dynamically adjusting the volume parameters of the two tank sections, the system maintains constant pressure in both the source and destination vessels while enabling continuous fluid transfer
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 fluid transfer between vessels with minimal to no pressure change, ensuring safe and controlled fluid release in hazardous environments like space vacuum, with features like the capacitance vessel buffering non-linear pressure changes and quick-connectors for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the first volume and the second volume act to buffer pressure changes within the system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for transporting fluid, including a first vessel (120) and a second vessel (130), the system including: a split volume tank (140) comprising a first volume (160) and a second volume (170), wherein when one of the volumes expands the other volume collapses; and a four way valve (190) fluidly connecting the first and second volumes and first vessel and the second vessel, the four way valve comprising a plurality of passages including a first passage (290) and a second passage (300), the four way valve being controllable between a plurality of orientations including: a first orientation in which the first passage fluidly connects the first volume and the first vessel and the second passage fluidly connects the second volume and the second vessel; a second orientation in which the first passage fluidly connects the first volume and the second vessel and the second passage fluidly connects the second volume and the first vessel.