Vent Pin Flame Path for Moisture-Resistant Pump Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Explosion-proof fluid transfer pumps are susceptible to moisture ingress due to pressure differentials created when operating in rain environments, which can damage internal components and lead to premature corrosion, despite being tightly sealed except for flame paths that allow gas exit.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a vent pin with a bore through the motor or electronic device enclosure that forms a controlled flame path to equalize pressure between the interior and exterior, preventing moisture ingress by allowing air exchange while maintaining the necessary flame path dimensions for certification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pump housing is tightly sealed to prevent moisture ingress, then protection against moisture is improved, but pressure equalization is worsened causing vacuum effects that draw moisture inside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flame path seal that acts as a selective barrier - it is sufficiently sealed to prevent moisture ingress under normal conditions but contains controlled pathways that allow pressure equalization. The flame path structure creates narrow gaps that block liquid moisture while permitting air exchange to balance pressure differentials, resolving the contradiction between sealing and pressure equalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame path seal provides different properties at different locations and scales - at the macro level it provides a tight seal, but at the micro level it contains controlled gaps or pathways that permit pressure equalization. This local differentiation of sealing quality allows the structure to simultaneously prevent moisture ingress while enabling pressure balance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pump operates in rain environments, then operational versatility is improved, but moisture ingress risk is worsened due to cooling-induced pressure differentials
Solution Approach 1:
The flame path seal provides a dynamic sealing solution that adapts to pressure changes during operation in rain environments. It maintains sufficient sealing to prevent moisture ingress while containing pathways that allow pressure equalization when cooling creates vacuum effects, enabling reliable operation in adverse weather.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame path seal structure anticipates and counteracts the pressure differential effects that occur during cooling in rain environments. By providing pre-configured pathways for pressure equalization, it prevents the vacuum effect that would otherwise draw moisture inside, thereby protecting components before damage can occur.
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 solution effectively reduces moisture ingress into the pump housing, protecting internal components from damage and ensuring compliance with flame path certification standards by precisely controlling the pressure equalization and air exchange.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure differential is created between the interior of the pump housing (where the motor and motor controller are contained) and the outside environment. In this case, the pressure inside the pump housing becomes lower than the pressure of the outside environment.
Implementation Method 2
The space between the extended flange and collar provides a pathway that will extinguish any flames generated by an explosion inside the enclosure. This prevents the explosion from reaching the external explosive environment
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer pump assembly is provided that includes an electronic device enclosure, a bore, and a vent pin. The electronic device enclosure includes a wall separating an interior from an exterior of the explosion-proof fluid transfer pump assembly. The electronic device enclosure includes a bore extending through the wall of the electronic device enclosure from the interior of the electronic device enclosure to the exterior of the explosion-proof fluid transfer pump assembly. The bore is formed by at least one peripheral surface extending from the interior of the electronic device enclosure to the exterior of the explosion-proof fluid transfer pump assembly. The vent pin extends into the bore. The vent pin fills space within the bore and engages the at least one peripheral surface except that at least one portion of a pin surface of the vent pin is spaced apart from at least one portion of the at least one peripheral surface of the bore.