Vacuum Liquid Removal Using Gravity and Interconnected Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing moisture from paper products in a vacuum environment face challenges such as premature mechanical failure, energy inefficiency, and variations in moisture content due to the use of pumps designed to operate against vacuum pressure.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing the weight of accumulating liquid in a storage container to drive its removal from a vacuum environment, employing interconnected tanks and valves to equalize pressure and facilitate gravity-driven discharge, eliminating the need for pumps to handle liquids against vacuum pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump is used to remove liquid from a vacuum environment, then liquid removal capability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to premature failure of packing and mechanical seals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid removal function from the vacuum environment by introducing a second chamber at atmospheric pressure. Liquid is transferred from the vacuum chamber to the atmospheric chamber through a transfer line, allowing pump operation to occur in the atmospheric chamber rather than the vacuum chamber. This separation eliminates the reliability issues of pumps operating under vacuum conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The second chamber at atmospheric pressure serves as an intermediary between the vacuum chamber and the pump. Liquid accumulates in this intermediate chamber before being pumped away, acting as a buffer that protects the vacuum system from direct pump operation and allows the pump to operate in favorable atmospheric conditions.
2Productivity
If a pump is used to extract liquid from vacuum pressure, then liquid removal is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid removal function from the vacuum environment to an atmospheric environment, where pumps operate more efficiently. By moving liquid to the second chamber at atmospheric pressure before pumping, the system avoids the high energy costs associated with pumping directly from vacuum conditions.
3Reliability
If liquid accumulates in the chamber, then vacuum draw capability is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to variations in moisture content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using a float indicator that responds to liquid level changes in the second chamber. When liquid reaches a certain level, the float triggers a mechanism to open the pump inlet valve, automatically initiating liquid removal. This feedback loop maintains liquid levels within an optimal range, ensuring consistent vacuum draw capability and uniform moisture content in the final product.
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 approach reduces energy consumption, enhances system reliability, and maintains consistent moisture levels in paper products by leveraging the weight of accumulating liquid to efficiently remove moisture from the vacuum environment.
Implementation Method 1
A system is provided that utilizes the weight of accumulating liquid in a storage container to act as a substantial force for removal of such liquid from a vacuum environment
Implementation Method 2
an equalization passageway, and having first, second, third and fourth valves controlling flow into and out of the second holding tank
Data Source
AI summary
A system operating in an environment under a vacuum draw in which liquid accumulates utilizes the weight of the liquid to discharge the liquid from the system. The system includes a first holding tank and a second holding tank interconnected by a liquid passageway and a pressure equalization passageway. A number of valves are provided for controlling flow into and out of the second holding tank. The valves are operated in a sequence to use gravity to bring accumulating liquid from the first holding tank to the second holding tank in the vacuum environment, and then to discharge the liquid from the second holding tank to the environment outside of the system.