Variable Speed Pump Loop for High Viscosity Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high pressure pumps for thick, viscous materials like mastic require short circuits with multiple pumps and storage vessels, leading to inefficiencies and material thickening or solidification when idle, especially in large production lines.
Innovation Solution
A variable speed pump system with a loop configuration that operates in high pressure mode for fluid delivery and low pressure mode for recirculation, using a controller to maintain pressure and keep fluid moving, along with a medium pressure pumping station and booster station to ensure continuous fluid flow and prevent thickening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If conventional high pressure pumps are used to deliver thick viscous materials, then high pressure fluid delivery is achieved, but the circuit must be short and multiple pumps and storage vessels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single pump system that can operate in different modes (high pressure delivery mode and recirculation mode). This single integrated system replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate pumps and storage vessels, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to deliver high pressure fluid when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system is designed to dynamically switch between different operating modes based on demand. The pump can operate in high pressure mode for fluid delivery to manufacturing points, and switch to recirculation mode during idle periods. This dynamic adaptability allows a single system to replace multiple static systems, reducing the number of components required.
2Stress or pressure
If conventional pumps are used with short circuits, then high pressure delivery is maintained, but fluid thickening and solidification occur during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous fluid circulation during idle periods through the recirculation mode. The pump continuously moves fluid through the circuit even when no delivery is required at manufacturing points. This continuous motion prevents the fluid from stagnating, thereby preventing thickening and solidification, and maintaining stable fluid composition throughout the circuit.
3Stress or pressure
If multiple pumps and storage vessels are installed close to manufacturing points, then high pressure delivery is ensured, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can deliver high pressure fluid to any manufacturing point along the circuit, and it can recirculate fluid throughout the entire circuit during idle periods. This universal, multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized pumps and storage vessels, improving operational efficiency by reducing the number of components that need maintenance and monitoring while maintaining full operational capability.
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 system provides consistent high pressure fluid delivery at manufacturing points and prevents fluid thickening by maintaining fluid circulation during idle periods, reducing the need for multiple pumps and storage vessels and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a variable speed positive displacement pump
Implementation Method 2
the controller controls the speed of the pump to maintain the pressure of the fluid in the circuit
Implementation Method 3
the pump pumps the fluid around the circuit in a low pressure mode during periods when none of the fluid off-takes are being used
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A system for delivery of a high viscosity fluid comprises a variable speed pump. A circuit through which the fluid is pumped comprises a loop having a plurality of fluid off- takes from the circuit. A controller controls the operation and speed of the pump, (i) such that the pump pumps the fluid in the circuit in a high pressure mode in which fluid flows from the pump to the fluid off-takes through both ends of the loop. During the high pressure mode, the controller controls the speed of the pump to maintain the pressure of the fluid in the circuit. The controller also controls the operation and speed of the pump, (ii) such that the pump pumps the fluid around the circuit in a low pressure mode during periods when none of the fluid off-takes are being used.