Vacuum Pump Ejector Parallel Flow Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum pumping systems with lubricated vanes face challenges in reducing electrical energy consumption and achieving high flow rates and final vacuum levels, often requiring complex and costly additional stages or control systems.
Innovation Solution
A pumping method that integrates a primary vacuum pump with lubricated vanes and an ejector in parallel, where the ejector is supplied with motive fluid by a compressor, allowing continuous operation without the need for complex control systems, using a non-return valve to manage pressure and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional stages are added to multi-stage Roots or Claw vacuum pumps to improve final vacuum and reduce energy consumption, then vacuum performance improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the vacuum pumping function into two separate components: a primary lubricated vane pump for base vacuum and an ejector for final vacuum enhancement. This segmentation allows each component to operate optimally in its designated pressure range, achieving high final vacuum without the complexity of multi-stage mechanical pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector acts as an intermediary device between the primary pump and the vacuum chamber. It uses compressed gas as a working fluid to create a vacuum effect that supplements the primary pump, enabling high final vacuum without modifying the primary pump's mechanical structure or adding complex control systems.
2Reliability
If control, adjustment, or servo systems are employed in Roots-type booster pump systems to improve final vacuum and increase flow rate, then vacuum performance improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector system is designed to operate automatically based on pressure differential alone, without requiring external control systems. The compressed gas supply to the ejector is self-regulating, activating when vacuum pressure reaches a certain level and deactivating when the desired vacuum is achieved, eliminating the need for sensors, controllers, or servo systems.
3Reliability
If the ejector is supplied with working fluid via an external gas line to reduce final vacuum achievable by Roots-type primary pump, then vacuum performance improves, but dependency on external compressed gas sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the compressed gas generation function into the vacuum pump system itself by integrating a compressed gas generator that uses a portion of the primary pump's output. This combination eliminates dependency on external compressed gas sources while maintaining the ejector's vacuum enhancement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary lubricated vane pump serves multiple functions: it acts as both the main vacuum pump for the chamber and as the driver for the compressed gas generator that supplies the ejector. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity and eliminates external dependencies.
4Device complexity
If a lubricated vane vacuum pump operates alone to create vacuum in a chamber, then system simplicity is maintained, but flow rate at low pressure and final vacuum are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces pneumatic assistance by using an ejector that operates on compressed gas flow to create a vacuum effect. This pneumatic element supplements the mechanical pumping action of the vane pump, significantly enhancing low-pressure flow rate and final vacuum achievement without complicating the base system.
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 configuration simplifies the system, reduces energy consumption, and enhances vacuum performance by minimizing internal leakage and heat production, while maintaining independence from external compressed gas sources.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector (7) connected in parallel to this non-return valve (6)... The ejector is supplied with motive fluid by the compressor
Implementation Method 2
The pumping system also includes a compressor (10) that supplies the gas flow at the pressure required for operation of the ejector (7)
Implementation Method 3
a non-return valve (6) located in this outlet conduit (5)... connected to this non-return valve (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of pumping in a pumping system (SP, SPP) comprising: a primary lubricated vane screw vacuum pump (3) with a gas inlet opening (2) linked to a vacuum chamber (1) and a gas outlet opening (4) that opens into a conduit (5) before opening into the gas outlet (8) of the pumping system (SP, SPP), a check valve (6) positioned in the conduit (5) between the gas outlet opening (4) and the gas outlet (8), and an ejector (7) connected in parallel with the check valve (6). According to said method, the primary lubricated vane screw vacuum pump (3) is operated in order to pump the gases contained in the vacuum pump (1) through the gas outlet opening (4); simultaneously, the ejector (7) is supplied with motive medium, and the ejector (7) continues to be supplied with motive medium throughout the time that the primary lubricated vane vacuum pump (3) is pumping the gases contained in the vacuum chamber (1) and/or throughout the time that the primary lubricated vane vacuum pump (3) is maintaining a predefined pressure in the vacuum chamber (1). The present invention also relates to a pumping system (SP, SPP) suitable for being used for implementing said method.