Variable Retraction Rate Pump Piston Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positive displacement pumps face challenges in maintaining consistent flow rates and energy efficiency, particularly during the retraction stroke, where fluid evaporation can occur due to pressure and temperature changes, affecting pump performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the retraction rate of the pump piston based on the time to drain a fluid from a storage volume, ensuring a target retraction rate that balances flow rate and energy efficiency, thereby minimizing fluid evaporation and maintaining sufficient evaporation margin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump piston retraction rate is increased to improve productivity, then the flow delivery rate increases, but fluid evaporation occurs due to pressure and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump piston retraction rate variable rather than constant. The retraction rate is dynamically adjusted based on pump operating conditions, particularly the pressure differential across the piston. During the retraction stroke, the piston moves slower when the discharge pressure is high (reducing evaporation risk) and faster when discharge pressure is low (maintaining productivity). This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining high flow delivery and preventing fluid evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the pump piston, specifically the retraction rate, as a function of operating conditions. The control system modifies the retraction speed parameter based on real-time pressure measurements, transforming a static operation into a variable one. This parameter change allows the system to optimize both productivity and fluid stability simultaneously.
2Loss of energy
If the pump piston retraction rate is decreased to prevent fluid evaporation, then energy efficiency improves, but flow delivery rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic control to adjust the retraction rate based on real-time operating conditions. When the discharge pressure is high (increasing evaporation risk and energy loss), the piston retracts slower, improving energy efficiency and preventing evaporation. When discharge pressure is low, the piston retracts faster, maintaining flow delivery rate and productivity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the retraction rate is continuously adjusted based on pressure sensor feedback. The control system monitors the pressure differential across the piston and automatically modifies the retraction speed accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures optimal energy efficiency while maintaining required flow delivery, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
3Stability of the object's composition
If constant flow rate control is implemented as described in the '058 patent, then flow rate consistency is improved, but adaptability to different operational goals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static constant flow rate control to dynamic variable flow rate control. Instead of maintaining a fixed flow rate, the system dynamically adjusts the retraction rate based on operating conditions and desired operational goals. This enables the pump to adapt to different goals such as maximizing flow delivery, minimizing energy consumption, or preventing fluid evaporation, while still maintaining flow consistency appropriate to each specific goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control system that can achieve multiple operational goals through a single integrated solution. The control mechanism can be configured to prioritize different objectives (flow rate consistency, energy efficiency, evaporation prevention, or maximum productivity) depending on operational requirements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between flow rate consistency and adaptability to different operational goals.
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 ensures consistent flow rates and improved energy efficiency by controlling the retraction rate of the pump piston, reducing fluid evaporation and maintaining the fluid in a liquid state, thus enhancing the overall performance of the positive displacement pump.
Implementation Method 1
Positive displacement pumps are known for pressurizing a fluid, effecting a fluid flow, or combinations thereof. Positive displacement pumps may trap a fixed mass of fluid in a pumping chamber and then perform work on the fixed mass of fluid by deforming or displacing a boundary of the pumping chamber.
Implementation Method 2
Check valves on an inlet to the pumping chamber, an exit from the pumping chamber, or both, may at least partially define the pumping chamber. An inlet check may allow flow only in a direction into the pumping chamber via the inlet check valve, and a discharge check valve may allow flow only in a direction out of the pumping chamber via the discharge check valve.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump system includes a pump and a storage volume in fluid communication with a discharge port of the pump. The pump includes a housing defining a pump bore and a pump piston disposed in sliding engagement with the pump bore, the pump piston being in selective fluid communication with the discharge port of the pump. A method for operating the pump system includes determining a time to drain an amount of a first fluid from the storage volume, and retracting the pump piston within the pump bore at a target retraction rate based at least partly on the time to drain the first fluid from the storage volume.