Two-Stage Turbo Pump Venting for Stable Rotor Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for venting turbo pumps are complex and can be unreliable, leading to rotor instability and reduced operational life due to high stresses and wear on the main bearing or bearing cage.
Innovation Solution
A turbo pump vent assembly comprising a primary manual actuator to deliver an initial volume of air and a secondary manual actuator to deliver a greater secondary volume of air, allowing for safe and rapid slowing of the turbo pump rotor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If harsh venting using a conventional manual vent valve is used to vent the turbo pump, then the venting process is simple, but high stresses and wear occur in the main bearing or bearing cage leading to rotor instability
Solution Approach 1:
The venting process is segmented into two distinct stages: a first manual actuator delivers an initial volume of air to begin slowing the rotor, and a second manual actuator delivers a greater secondary volume of air to complete the venting. This segmentation allows controlled delivery of air volumes to reduce bearing stresses while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first manual actuator performs a preliminary action by delivering an initial volume of air to start the rotor slowing process before the main venting action. This preliminary air delivery prepares the system for the subsequent larger air volume, reducing peak stresses on the bearing during the transition.
2Reliability
If complex arrangements are used to slow the rotor by breaking, then rotor stability may be maintained, but the arrangement becomes complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses manually operated actuators that deliver air volumes in a controlled sequence without requiring complex automated control systems. The first and second manual actuators work in conjunction to naturally manage the rotor slowing process, eliminating the need for complex electronic controls or automated breaking arrangements.
3Ease of operation
If a single volume of air is delivered to vent the turbo pump, then the venting process is simple, but the rotor slows down slowly and operational time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The venting process uses periodic action by delivering air in two distinct phases: an initial volume from the first manual actuator followed by a greater secondary volume from the second manual actuator. This periodic delivery of air volumes accelerates rotor deceleration compared to a single continuous air delivery, reducing the time required to break vacuum while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 proposed vent assembly enables the turbo pump to be slowed safely and more quickly than conventional methods, reducing the risk of rotor instability and extending the operational life of the pump.
Implementation Method 1
a first manual actuator operable to deliver an initial volume of air to a turbo pump; and a second manual actuator operable to deliver a secondary volume of air to the turbo pump
Data Source
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AI summary
A turbo pump vent assembly and method are disclosed. The turbo pump vent assembly comprises: a primary manual actuator operable to deliver an initial volume of air to a turbo pump; and a secondary manual actuator operable to deliver a secondary volume of air to the turbo pump, wherein the secondary volume of air is greater than the initial volume of air. In this way, an uncomplex and reliable vent is provided which can deliver initial volumes of air to slow the turbo pump initially. Thereafter, the secondary volume of air may be delivered to slow the turbo pump more rapidly than is possible just using further initial volumes of air. Having an apparatus which can deliver differing volumes of air enables the turbo pump to be slowed safely and more quickly than is possible by delivering just the same sized volumes of air.