Twin Screw Pump Powder Induction Backflow Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for incorporating powders into liquids face challenges such as backflow and high viscosity issues, particularly when using eductors and liquid ring pumps, which hinder efficient powder flow and pressure management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of twin screw pumps in the powder induction system addresses backflow and viscosity challenges by utilizing one or two twin screw pumps, either downstream or upstream of the eductor, to manage pressure and flow effectively, ensuring continuous operation across a wide range of viscosities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If eductors and liquid ring pumps are used for powder incorporation, then powder can be incorporated into liquid streams, but backflow occurs and powder flow is hindered due to wetting and high viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional eductor/liquid ring pump mechanical system with a pressurized powder delivery system using a powder pump (such as a progressive cavity pump or piston pump). This substitution eliminates backflow issues and maintains reliable operation by mechanically controlling powder delivery through a sealed system, preventing the wetting and caking problems that occur in open hopper systems.
2Stress or pressure
If downstream pressure increases due to increasing viscosity or restrictions, then liquid stream pressure increases, but backflow of liquid into the hopper occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the open hopper configuration that allows backflow. By implementing a sealed powder delivery system with a powder pump and pressurized powder conduit, the system removes the harmful backflow path entirely. The powder is delivered through a closed system that prevents liquid from returning to the powder source, even under high downstream pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a powder pump as an intermediary device between the powder source and the liquid stream. This intermediary mechanically controls powder delivery and maintains a pressure differential that prevents backflow. The pump acts as a barrier and control mechanism that allows high discharge pressure while eliminating the harmful backflow effect.
3Ease of manufacture
If powder is held in an open hopper, then powder storage is simple, but wetting of powder occurs preventing free flow into liquid stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple open hopper system with a mechanically controlled powder delivery system. While this increases system complexity slightly, it dramatically improves powder flowability by preventing wetting through sealed containment and positive displacement delivery mechanisms that maintain powder freedom and prevent caking.
4Reliability
If twin screw pump is used downstream of eductor, then backflow is eliminated and high discharge pressure is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a twin screw pump (or other positive displacement powder pump) to replace the inadequate eductor system. This mechanical substitution provides reliable backflow elimination through positive displacement sealing and maintains high discharge pressure capability. While the system becomes more complex, the reliability gains and operational improvements justify the additional 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
This solution eliminates backflow and enables the achievement of high discharge pressures, maintaining efficient powder incorporation and liquid flow even as viscosity increases, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the powder induction process.
Implementation Method 1
twin screw positive displacement pump technology
Implementation Method 2
eductor can be any type of suction tee arrangement that creates a negative pressure on the powder inlet side
Data Source
AI summary
One or more twin screw pumps prevent backflow of wetted powder and jamming of powder eductors. A twin screw pump at an exit of a powder eductor produces a vacuum in the eductor to prevent backflow. A twin screw pump in a liquid input line produces a strong liquid stream through the eductor. A viscous or recycled fluid bypasses the eductor or is pumped through the eductor using the twin screw pump in the eductor liquid input line. The twin screw pump at the eductor output reduces the eductor exit pressure and draws a viscous liquid stream from the eductor. The powder-laden stream is directed for processing or recycling.