Two-Stage Pump Layout With Common Overflow for Gas-Liquid Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps are limited in their ability to efficiently handle both gases and liquids, particularly when combining different types of pumping principles, leading to inefficiencies and lack of compactness.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage pump design combining a liquid ring stage and a side channel stage with shared medium openings and a common overflow opening, allowing for efficient pumping of both gases and liquids, and enabling operation in both directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a single-stage pump is used, then the structure is simple, but the discharge pressure is insufficient for high-rise buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into two independent stages: a first stage pump and a second stage pump. The first stage pump handles low-pressure flow and transfers water to the second stage pump, which then delivers high-pressure water to the building. This segmentation allows each stage to operate optimally for its pressure range, achieving high discharge pressure without requiring an overly complex single-stage design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical stacking arrangement where the first stage pump is positioned below the second stage pump. This vertical dimensionality allows the pumps to be stacked one above the other, maximizing the discharge height and pressure while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint. The vertical arrangement enables the water to flow upward through both stages, achieving high-rise building requirements.
2Reliability
If conventional pumps are used, then the initial cost is lower, but maintenance costs and downtime are high due to frequent failures
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into two independent stages that can operate separately. If the first stage pump fails, the second stage pump can continue operating or be isolated, minimizing downtime. This segmentation improves reliability by isolating failures to individual stages rather than requiring the entire pump system to be replaced or shut down for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling device is introduced as an intermediary component between the first stage pump and the second stage pump. This coupling device includes a coupling flange and coupling nut that securely connect the two stages while allowing for easy disassembly and maintenance. The intermediary coupling mechanism simplifies manufacturing by providing a standardized connection interface, yet enables reliable and maintainable operation.
3Ease of repair
If the pump housing is made as a single piece, then manufacturing is simple, but repair and maintenance are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing is divided into multiple separate components: a first housing portion for the first stage pump, a second housing portion for the second stage pump, and a coupling device. This segmentation allows each housing portion to be manufactured independently using standard casting or machining processes, then assembled together. The separate housing portions can be easily replaced or repaired individually without affecting the other stage, significantly improving maintenance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves as an intermediary connection between the first and second housing portions. It includes a coupling flange with bolt holes that align with corresponding holes in the housing portions, and a coupling nut that secures the assembly. This intermediary coupling mechanism simplifies the housing structure by providing a standardized, easy-to-assemble connection that enables straightforward repair and maintenance operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the discharge outlet is positioned at the top, then the pump can be installed in various orientations, but water may stagnate and cause bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge outlet is segmented into two separate outlets: a first discharge outlet positioned at the top of the first stage pump, and a second discharge outlet positioned at the side of the second stage pump. This segmentation allows the system to maintain versatile installation orientations while preventing water stagnation. The side-discharge configuration of the second outlet ensures continuous water flow and prevents stagnant water accumulation that could promote bacterial growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary that connects the discharge outlet of the first stage pump to the inlet of the second stage pump, ensuring continuous water flow between stages. This intermediary connection maintains proper flow dynamics and prevents stagnation, while still allowing the pump to be installed in various orientations. The coupling mechanism ensures that water flows continuously through both stages without pooling or stagnating.
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 combined pump design achieves efficient and compact operation for both gases and liquids, optimizing performance based on rotation direction, and sharing components for enhanced efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller (40) arranged to rotate about a rotation axis (L) of the pump housing (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A two-stage pump for pumping at least one medium, wherein the pump has a liquid ring stage (1), a side channel stage (2) and two medium inlets (3), wherein the liquid ring stage (1) has a medium chamber (12) and two medium openings (13, 14), wherein the two medium openings (13, 14) of the liquid ring stage (1) open onto the medium chamber (12) of the liquid ring stage (1), wherein the side channel stage (2) has a medium chamber (22) and two medium openings (23, 24), wherein the two medium openings (23, 24) of the side channel stage (2) open onto the medium chamber (22) of the side channel stage (2), and wherein one medium opening (23) of the two medium openings (23, 24) of the side channel stage (2) and one medium opening (13) of the two medium openings (13, 14) of the liquid ring stage (1) coincide to form a common overflow opening (4).