KR20050021578A - Fluid Operated Pump - Google Patents

Abstract

The pumping system includes a pump 21 for conveying the pumped fluid using a working fluid. The pump includes a rigid outer case 25 forming an inner space 26 and a tubular structure 27 housed in the inner space 26, the tubular structure 27 being both flexible and substantially inelastic. . The interior of the tubular structure 27 forms a pumping chamber 28 for receiving the pumped fluid. The tubular structure 27 can be moved between the transversely expanded and retracted states to provide a discharge stroke and a suction stroke by varying the volume of the pumping chamber 28. The inner space 26 region surrounding the tubular structure 27 defines an operating region for receiving the working fluid. The pumping chamber 28 moves the tubular structure 27 to an expanded state by receiving the pumped fluid, whereby the pumping chamber 28 performs a suction stroke. The pumping chamber 28 performs a discharge stroke upon contraction of the tubular structure 27 according to the action of the working fluid in the operating region. The pumping system further includes a pumping means for conveying the pumped fluid to the pumping chamber in a precise time sequence so that the pumping chamber 28 performs the suction stroke, and the tubular structure 27 to contract the pumping chamber laterally. And means (70) for supplying the working fluid to the working area in the correct time order for the 28 to perform the discharge stroke.

Description

Fluid Operated Pump

The present invention relates to a fluid operated pump and a pumping system having the pump.

The present invention is not necessarily necessarily intended to be used for drainage of underground mining operations. The present invention is suitable for applications in applications where high pressure is required to pump large amounts of contaminated fluid. In particular, it is possible to achieve a head pressure of about 2500m and a treatment flow rate of about 200m ³ / hr.

In draining underground mining operations, groundwater is always contaminated by solid matter. Usually, a piston plunger pump or a piston diaphragm pump is used for a pumping operation. Piston pumps work well, but require high capital and maintenance costs. The high maintenance costs are attributable to the harsh operating conditions of the valve system which regulate the suction and discharge strokes of the pump. The system requires a pump operating speed on the order of 60 to 80 cycles per minute. The high maintenance cost of the piston plunger pump is due to the corrosive action of the reciprocating piston and the contaminated water on its seal.

Diaphragm pumps do not experience the same degree of wear on their pistons and seals, but the valve system is exposed to the harsh conditions when operated at about 60 to 80 cycles per minute.

There is a need for a pump that can operate at low pump speeds and therefore is not severe in the valve system associated with the pump. This requirement is satisfied by a shrinking chamber pump which is modified from a peristaltic pump. Such a pump utilizes a flexible tube having a supply end and an outlet end and at the same time having a pumping chamber formed between these ends. The fluid in the pumping chamber is pressurized toward the discharge end using hydraulic pressure to pressurize the tube. Such pumps are US 3,406,633 (Schomburg), US 4,515,536 (van Os), US 6,345,962 (Sutter), GB 2195149 (SB Services (Pneumatics) Ltd), WO 82/01738 (RIHA), US 4,257,751 (Kofahl) and US 4,886,432 ( In various forms in patents such as Kimberlin).

Each of the above patents uses a tube that is compressible to discharge the fluid therein and at the same time is elastic and flexible to accommodate the pumped fluid. Each of these patents is limited in the maximum pressure that can be operated. This limit is due to the maximum pressure difference that the tube can withstand when the flexible tube is excessively pressurized by the pumping fluid. If the pipe is excessively pressurized, a rupture may occur at its discharge port.

Under this background, the present invention has been devised in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks and problems of the prior patent.

 The foregoing prior art is presented as a background art and should not be understood as an endorsement or suggestion that it is part of the art well known in Australia.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the description of specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic front view of a pumping system according to one embodiment;

2 is a partial view of a pump of the pumping system of FIG. 1;

3 to 13 are operational flowcharts of the pumping system according to the embodiment of FIG.

14 is a side view of the closed end of the loaded state (laterally expanded state) of the pipe structure forming part of the pumping system;

15 is an end view of FIG. 14;

Fig. 16 is a side view showing a relaxed state (laterally contracted state) of the closed end of the tubular structure;

17 is an end view of FIG. 16; And

18 is a table indicating sequential operation of the pumping system of FIGS. 3 to 13.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rigid outer case forming an inner space and a tubular structure accommodated in the inner space, the tubular structure having flexibility and substantially inelasticity, the interior of the tubular structure being pumped A pumping chamber is formed to receive the fluid, and the tubular structure can provide a discharge stroke and a suction stroke by moving between the transverse expansion state and the transverse contraction state to change the volume of the pumping chamber. The surrounding inner space region defines an operating region for receiving a working fluid, and the pumping chamber is configured to perform a suction stroke by receiving the pumped fluid such that the tubular structure is moved in an expanded state by the pumped fluid, The pumping chamber is pumped using a working fluid which performs a discharge stroke at the time of contraction of the tubular structure due to the action of the working fluid in the working area. A pump for conveying the material is provided.

One end of the tubular structure is closed, and the other end is preferably connected to a port for introducing and discharging the pumped fluid to and from the pumping chamber when the pumping chamber performs the suction stroke and the discharge stroke.

It is preferable that the said tubular structure is kept in tension between the both ends.

It is preferable that the closed end of the pipe structure is supported.

Preferably, the closed end of the tubular structure is movably supported to accommodate the longitudinal expansion and contraction thereof. Preferably, the closed end of the tubular structure is movably supported by an appropriate structure such as a spring mechanism.

The operating region preferably includes an operating ring substantially surrounding the tubular structure and an operating chamber positioned at the closed end of the pump. The operating ring is preferably in fluid communication with the operating chamber.

The pump preferably comprises means for discharging a fluid, such as air, from the pump.

The pump comprises a pumping chamber and a separate means for evacuating air from the operating zone, wherein the air is exhausted from the pumping chamber during the intake stroke and from the operating zone during the exhaust stroke.

The pump preferably comprises monitoring means for monitoring the pump during the intake and exhaust stroke.

Preferably, the monitoring means monitors the state of the pipe structure.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the monitoring means monitors the position of the closed end of the tubular structure directly or indirectly. Thus, when the tubular structure is full, its longitudinal length is shortened and the movable closed end moves toward the fixed open end of the tubular structure.

The monitoring means preferably monitors the pressure difference between the components of the pump. The monitoring means preferably displays at least the end times of the discharge stroke and the suction stroke.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pump related to the first point of view, a conveying means for transferring a pumped fluid to a pumping chamber in an accurate time sequence so that the pumping chamber performs a suction stroke, and the pumping chamber A pumping system is provided that includes means for supplying a working fluid to the operating region in precise time order for the tubular structure to contract in a transverse direction.

The transfer means preferably comprises a transfer pump.

Typically, the conveying means should be able to operate at a relatively low pressure to the extent necessary to perform the suction stroke of the pumping chamber by introducing the pumped fluid into the interior of the tubular structure and expanding it transversely.

The working fluid is in any suitable form, such as hydraulic oil or water.

When the working fluid is hydraulic oil, the supply means is provided with a hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic oil tank and a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic circuit also includes an inlet and outlet valve system for regulating inlet and outlet in the correct time sequence to the operating region of the hydraulic oil.

If the working fluid is water, the supply means comprises a water tank installed at a high position for supplying water at an appropriate pressure head.

The conveying portion of the working fluid to the operating region is preferably located at the opposite end of the port into which the pumped fluid enters and exits the pumping chamber. The outlet of the working fluid to the operating zone is also located at the opposite end of the port where the pumped fluid enters and exits the pumping chamber.

 The pumping system operates sequentially, while the pumping chamber of one pump performs the suction stroke while the pumping chamber of the other pump performs the discharge stroke and vice versa.

 The sequential operation of the two pumps is performed such that the pumped fluid is discharged from the pumping system without interruption. This is in contrast to the prior art pumping system where intermittent drainage is performed since it is necessary to refill the pipe prior to the next drainage because it discharges a certain volume of fluid. When operated at extreme high pressures, such intermittent discharge flows cause shock waves (called hydraulic hammers) in the outlet piping system. The intermittent discharge flow in the outlet piping system of the pumping system is inefficient because the energy consumption occurs because the acceleration and deceleration must be repeated repeatedly.

The duration of the discharge stroke is longer than the duration of the intake stroke. Preferably, one pump completes the suction stroke and another pump completes the discharge stroke. The discharge stroke of one pump is preferably completed when the discharge of the other pump becomes the same flow rate as the predetermined flow rate of the pumping fluid of the pumping system.

The two pumps preferably have a common conveying means and a supplying means having an appropriate valve system for controlling the operation sequence.

Preferably, the pump or each pump is oriented such that the closed end of the tubular structure is positioned higher than the other end of the tubular structure, and the conveying and discharging portions for the working area of the working fluid are in the vicinity of the closed end. Preferably located.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a rigid outer case forming an inner space and a flexible pipe structure accommodated in the inner space, the inside of the pipe structure forms a pumping chamber for receiving the pumped fluid, The pipe structure can provide a discharge stroke and a suction stroke by moving between the transversely expanded state and the transversely contracted state to change the volume of the pumping chamber, one end of the pipe structure is closed and the other end of the pumping chamber Communicates with a port for introducing and discharging the pumped fluid to and from the pumping chamber when the suction stroke and the discharge stroke are performed, the inner space region around the tubular structure forms an operating region for receiving the working fluid, and the pumping chamber Is configured to perform a suction stroke by receiving the pumped fluid such that the tubular structure is moved to an expanded state by the pumped fluid, and the pumping chamber The present invention provides a pump for transferring a pumped fluid by using a working fluid which performs a discharge stroke upon contraction of a tube structure according to the action of the working fluid in the working area.

The tubular structure is preferably substantially inelastic.

The port into which the fluid is introduced into the pumping chamber is preferably located at the end opposite to where the working fluid is introduced into the pump.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention,

At least two pumps with pumping chambers received in the operating area,

Transfer means for transferring the pumped fluid to each pumping chamber in an accurate time sequence such that each pumping chamber performs a suction stroke; and

Means for supplying a working fluid to each operating region in an exact time sequence such that each pipe structure is contracted in a lateral direction so that the pumping chamber performs a discharge stroke;

A sequential operation of the at least two pumps provides a pumping system in which pumped fluid supplied from the pumping system is generally supplied without interruption.

Each pumping chamber preferably comprises a flexible and substantially inelastic tubular structure.

One end of the pumping chamber is closed, and the other end is connected to a port for introducing and discharging the pumped fluid to the pumping chamber when the pumping chamber performs the suction stroke and the discharge stroke. The closed end of the pumping chamber is preferably located at a higher position than the other end.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a method of operating a pumping system according to a fourth aspect is provided. In this method of operation, the duration of the discharge stroke of one pump is longer than the duration of the suction stroke of the other pump, and vice versa, so that during sequential operation the pumping system generally transfers the fluid without interruption. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rigid outer case forming an inner space and a tubular structure accommodated in the inner space, the tubular structure communicating with a port for introducing and discharging the pumped fluid to the pumping chamber. It has a closed one end located higher than the other end, the inside of the tube structure forms a pumping chamber for receiving the pumped fluid, the tube structure is expanded in the transverse direction to change the volume of the pumping chamber And between the contracted state and the transverse contraction state to provide a discharge stroke and a suction stroke, wherein the inner space region around the tube structure forms an operating region for receiving the working fluid, and the pumping chamber is pumped with the tube structure. Configured to perform a suction stroke by receiving a pumped fluid to move in an expanded state by the fluid, the pumping chamber being operated in an operating region. There is provided a pump for transferring a pumped fluid using a working fluid which performs a discharge stroke upon contraction of the tubular structure due to the action of the fluid.

Preferably, the working fluid flows into the operating region adjacent to the closed end of the pumping chamber.

The tubular structure is preferably flexible and substantially inelastic.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a pump system comprising at least two pumps which individually supply pulse flow which are operated in precise time order to supply a generally uninterrupted discharge from the pump system. do.

Preferably, the duration of the discharge stroke of one of the at least two pumps is longer than the duration of the discharge stroke of the other of the at least two pumps.

1 to 13 show a pumping system 1 suitable for transporting contaminated water flowing continuously at high pressures and high flow rates. The contaminated water contains solids and usually contains a slurry. Therefore, hereinafter, contaminated water will be referred to as slurry.

The pumping system 1 is provided with two pumps 21 and 22 which can be operated in an exact time sequence (described below) for discharging the slurry through the discharge conduit 56.

In FIG. 2, each pump 21, 22 has a cylindrical outer structure with a rigid outer case 25 forming an inner space 26. The longitudinal axis of each case 25 has one end higher than the other end and is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The first end plate 34 is attached to the upper end of the case 25, and the second end plate 23 is attached to the lower end of the case 25.

In the inner space 26 of the outer case 25, a flexible pipe structure 27 supported in a longitudinally tensioned state is accommodated. The flexible tubular structure 27 is flexible and hardly elastic. The tube structure is almost inelastic in that it does not have a memory ability to return to a specific state after deformation and at the same time has a tensile strength that limits the elastic deformation of the tube.

The inside of the tubular structure 27 forms a pumping chamber 28. Since the pipe structure 27 is flexible, it can move between the transverse contraction state and the transverse expansion state to change the volume of the pumping chamber 28. With this structure, the pumping chamber 28 can execute the suction stroke and the discharge stroke.

In the transverse contraction state, in the transverse contraction state, the tension is relaxed and becomes a contraction state except for both ends supported in the form described below, and in the transverse expansion state, the tube structure is expanded to generate stress in the tube wall. As a result, the tube structure contracts in the longitudinal direction and is shortened as described later.

One end of the tubular structure 27 is supported on the lower end plate 23. In particular, the lower end plate 23 is provided with an opening that forms a port into which the pumped slurry flows in and leaves the pumping chamber 28 formed in the tubular structure 27. The end plate 23 is provided with a sleeve portion 24 coupled to the end of the tubular structure 27 in a sealed state.

The other end of the tubular structure 27 is attached to the movable support. The movable support has a rigid cylindrical end connecting portion 29, an end wall portion 31, and a conical inner surface portion 30. The other end of the tubular structure 27 is connected to the rigid cylindrical end connecting portion 29 in a sealed manner. The end wall portion 31 is supported by a tube rod 32 penetrating through the opening 38 of the upper end plate 34. The tube bar 32 is supported to be sealed to the end plate 34. The outer end of the tube 32 is provided with a collar 36 and a compression spring 35 interposed between the collar 36 and the end plate 34. In this structure, the compression spring 35 pulls the tube 32 outward, whereby the end connecting portion 29 is pulled toward the end plate 34. Such a structure functions to accommodate the longitudinal expansion and contraction of the tubular structure and to keep the tubular structure 27 in a tension state in the longitudinal direction as described later by moving the upper end of the tubular structure 27.

The space 26 outside the tubular structure 27 and inside the rigid outer case 25 forms an actuating annulus 41 for receiving the working fluid. The outside of the circular end wall 31 and the inner region of the end plate 34 form an operating chamber 40 for receiving a working fluid, which is in fluid communication with the operating ring 41. It forms an operating area.

During the start and discharge stroke of the discharge stroke, the working fluid is introduced into the operating chamber 40 through the port 39 and then into the operating ring 41. The port 39 is connected to the upper end of the outer case 25, so that when the working fluid is introduced into the working chamber 40, the flow of the working fluid and the pipe structure 27 are not directly connected so that they do not collide.

During the start of the suction stroke and the suction stroke, the working fluid is introduced into the working chamber 40 through the operating ring 41 and then discharged through the port 33. The port 33 is connected to the uppermost value of the upper end of the outer case 25. With this structure, it is possible to exhaust the air trapped in the operation chamber 40 when discharging the working fluid.

The pumping system 1 of FIG. 1 also has a conveying means 50 for conveying the slurry to the pumping chamber 28 in the exact time sequence described below. The conveying means 50 is in communication with the slurry tank 51, and has a priming pump 52 and a conveying line 53 connected to the priming pump 52. The transfer line 53 is branched into two transfer lines 54 and 55. Specifically, each branch transfer line 54, 55 communicates with the pumping chamber 28 of each pump through the port 42. Inlet check valves 61 and 63 of the branch transfer lines 54 and 55 control the flow direction on the branch line of the slurry.

Each port 42 also communicates with the discharge conduit 56 through each discharge branch line 57, 58. Each discharge branch line 57, 58 has an outlet check valve 62, 64 for controlling the discharge direction of the slurry along the branch line.

In addition, a supply means 70 for supplying the working fluid in the correct time order is provided in each of the working chambers 40.

In this embodiment, the working fluid is hydraulic oil, and the supply means 70 is provided with a hydraulic circuit in communication with the operating chamber 40 of each pump 21, 22. The supply means 70 is an electric motor driven hydraulic pump 72 for transferring high pressure hydraulic oil along the branch lines 75 and 76 communicating with the hydraulic oil tank 71 and the operation chamber 40. ). The hydraulic valves 73 and 74 cause the relief hydraulic pressure of each branch line 75 and 76 to be returned to the tank 71.

The actuating chamber 40 of the temporary pumps 21 and 22 communicates with the branch lines 75 and 76 through transport lines 77 and 78 connected between the respective branch lines 75 and 76 and the port 39. .

Branch line 76 has a precharge inlet valve 81 associated with pump 22 and a precharge inlet valve 84 associated with pump 21. Branch line 75 has a feed inlet valve 82 associated with pump 22 and a feed inlet valve 85 associated with pump 21.

The supply means 70 also has a return line 95.

The return line 95 communicates with the ports 33 of the respective pumps 21, 22, and has a discharge valve 86 associated with the pump 21 and a discharge valve 93 associated with the pump 22. do.

The valves 81 and 86 are configured to operate in the correct time sequence under the control of a control system (not shown). Typically, the valves 81 and 86 operate in response to electrical signals of the control system.

While the operation of the valves 81 to 86 is controlled in a precise time sequence by the control system, the valves 61 to 64 related to the intake and discharge of the slurry to the pumping chamber 28 are simple check valves in response to hydraulic pressure. It should be noted that

As described above, a single slurry is discharged from each pumping chamber 28 by the influence of a single hydraulic oil flowing into the operating ring 41 and the operating chamber 40. At the completion of this discharge stroke a batch of hydraulic oil is used. The used hydraulic oil is discharged from the operating ring 41 and the operating chamber 40 by expanding the pipe structure 27 during the suction stroke of the pumping chamber 28. This continuous operation is, of course, controlled by the accurate timed actuation of the control valves 81 to 86. Specifically, when each inlet valve 82, 85 is opened and each outlet valve 83, 86 is closed, the discharge stroke of each pump 21, 22 is performed, and each outlet valve 83, 86 is performed. Is opened and at the same time each inlet valve 82, 85 is closed, the suction stroke is performed. Each of the discharge valves 83 and 86 is opened to allow the working fluid to be discharged and at the same time to allow a space for the pipe structure 27 to expand upon the inflow of the slurry.

In order to operate the pump satisfactorily, not only the air in the pumping chamber 28 but also the air in the operating ring 41 and the operating chamber 40 must be discharged. As described above, the port 33 is located at the uppermost point of the operating chamber 40, so that the operating ring 41 and the operating chamber 41 in each of the pumps 21 and 22 when the respective control valves 83 and 86 are opened. The air trapped in 40) is exhausted. On the other hand, the air trapped in each pumping chamber 28 is exhausted through the port 37.

As shown in FIG. 2, the port 37 is connected to the pumping chamber 28 by a hollow tube rod 32. The conical inner surface 30 guides the air trapped in the pumping chamber 28 to the hollow tube rod 32. When the discharge valve 65 communicating with the tube rod 32 is opened and the pumping chamber 28 is filled with the slurry during the suction stroke, the slurry is discharged through the hollow tube rod 32, whereby the pumping chamber 28 Air trapped in) is forcedly exhausted.

Naturally, the exhaust of the capture air from the pumping chamber 18 may utilize a variety of other means, such as exhaust through an exhaust pipe located at the top of the pipe structure 27.

The operation of the pumping system 1 according to the first embodiment will now be described. The operation sequence is shown in the table in FIG.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, it is necessary to fill both pumps 21 and 22 so that the pumping chamber 28 of each pump is filled with slurry when starting the pumping operation using the pumping system 1.

Next, the control system is operated to transfer hydraulic oil to the operating chamber 40 of the pump 22. When the hydraulic oil is filled in the operating chamber 40 and the operating ring 41 of the pump 22, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the tubular structure 27 is exposed to the working fluid to port the slurry contained therein. Discharge to the conduit 56 along the branch discharge line 57 through 42. As the end of the discharge stroke of the pump 22 approaches, the discharge stroke of the pump 21 is started as shown in FIG. By simultaneously executing the discharge stroke of both pumps 22 and 21 simultaneously, a constant pressure is achieved, whereby the flow rate of the slurry through the feed conduit 56 is kept constant during the switching between the pumps 21 and 22. . If the operation switching between the two pumps 21 and 22 is made smoothly, as shown in Fig. 8, the discharge stroke of the pump 22 is terminated following the start of the suction stroke.

In the suction stroke, the slurry is transferred to the pump 22 by the transfer means 50. As shown in Figs. 9 to 13, this circulation operation is repeated so that the slurry is pumped continuously through the discharge conduit 56 by two pumps 21 and 22 which operate in the correct time sequence. By this, a constant flow rate is transferred.

In order to transfer the slurry pumped to the discharge pipe 56 without interruption, the suction stroke execution time should be shorter than the discharge stroke execution time. This provides the time required for the operation of the various control valves when switching from one pump to another.

At the start of the stroke of each pump, the operating ring 41 and the operating chamber 40 of one pump are connected to the operating ring 41 and operating chamber 40 of the other pump (the pump being in the discharge stroke at almost the end point). Pressurized to the same pressure as. If the operating ring 41 and the operating chamber 40 of the pump which are imminent at the start of the discharge stroke are not so pressurized before the start of the discharge stroke, a pressure loss occurs and continuous transfer to the discharge conduit 56 is stopped.

Most important during the operation of the pumping system 1 is that a slurry must be filled in each pumping chamber 28 before the start of the pumping stroke. If this condition is not satisfied, there is a possibility that the pipe structure 27 will eventually be damaged after repetition of the discharge stroke in each pumping chamber 28. Thereby, for example, there is a possibility that the tubular structure 27 is extruded through the port 42.

When excessive discharge is made from the pipe structure 27, the volume of the pumping chamber 28 is reduced by discharge of the slurry, and the length of the pipe structure is shortened when the pipe structure 27 is almost inelastic. The length shortening of the tube structure 27 is accommodated by the tube rod 32 and the spring 35, which is a movable support assembly. The length reduction amount is measured by referring to the movement amount of the tube rod 32, for example, and a signal indicating that the discharge stroke is completed when the tube rod 32 is in the innermost position, that is, when the tube rod 32 is in the innermost position. Can be generated.

There are various ways to monitor the operation of the pumping system to ensure that each pumping chamber 28 has been filled correctly before the start of the discharge stroke. One method is to monitor the pressure difference between actuation chamber 40 and pumping chamber 28. For illustration purposes, the working fluid is withdrawing from the working chamber 40 while the slurry is inflowing into one pumping chamber 28 through each port 42. In other words, the discharge control valves 83 and 86 of the hydraulic circuit associated with the specific operation chamber 40 are opened to allow the discharge of the working fluid. In the operation chamber 40 (since the discharge valves 83 and 86 are open), the minimum back pressure is applied, so that the slurry can expand the pipe structure 27 as the working fluid is discharged. When the tubular structure 27 is completely filled, the conveying means 50 exerts a continuous pressure on the tubular structure 27, which is absorbed by the stretching characteristics of the tubular structure 27. The pipe structure 27 is tensioned by the internal pressure, and is in the maximum possible expansion state. When the tubular structure 27 is in this state, since the discharge valves 83 and 86 of the actuating chamber 40 are still open, the tubular structure 27 can no longer be expanded). No pressure is applied to the remaining working fluid. Thus, a pressure difference occurs that can be detected and used as an indicator of the fullness of the pumping chamber 28.

Other detection systems take advantage of the shortening effect that occurs when each tube structure moves from relaxed to fully filled. The shortening effect can be seen in FIGS. 14 to 17. 14 and 15 show the closed end of the tubular structure 27 when fully filled. As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, when the tubular structure 27 is in a relaxed state, if the tubular structure expands in the radial direction as shown by reference numeral 91, the tubular structure 27 is shortened as a whole as shown by reference numeral 90. do. The length shortening of the tube structure 27 is accommodated by the movable support assembly consisting of the tube rod 32 and the spring 35. The length reduction amount can be measured, for example, by referring to the moving distance of the pipe rod 32, and the measurement is made in the fully filled state of the pumping chamber 28, that is, the state in which the pipe rod 32 is in its innermost position. It can be used to generate a signal representing.

Naturally, the ends of the tubular structure 27 can be closed in any suitable way.

The inclination angles of the pumps 21, 22 are selected such that upon precipitation of solid particles in the slurry present in the pumping chamber 28, the precipitated particles are deposited at the lower end of the pumping chamber 28 adjacent to the port 42. . The precipitated particles are collected and discharged by the slurry discharged at high velocity near the discharge port 42 at the next discharge stroke.

As mentioned above, it is apparent that the present invention provides a simple and high efficiency pumping system capable of pumping high pressure fluids of uniform flow rate. The pump system 1 can operate with a low speed pumping cycle compared to a conventional reciprocating piston pump of a high speed pumping cycle, and the valve system used in the pumping system operates under less severe conditions. For example, each pump 21, 22 in the pump system 1 can operate at a rate of about 2 to 4 cycles per minute, which is extremely low compared to the speed of 60 to 80 cycles per minute of a conventional industrial piston pump.

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above-described embodiment, it is natural that the pumping system of the present invention can be applied to various fields that require fluid pumping.

In addition, the pump system 1 of the above-described embodiment uses two pumps 21 and 22 that operate in the correct time sequence, but uses only one pump (where intermittent discharge is allowed) or operates sequentially. It is also possible to use two or more series connected pumps.

Modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Throughout the specification, unless otherwise indicated in context, the word “comprises” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” shall be understood to mean including a defined number of integers or groups of integers. Will be understood to mean not excluding any other integer number or group of integer numbers.

Claims (50)

A rigid outer case forming an inner space and a tubular structure housed in the inner space, the tubular structure having flexibility and substantially inelasticity, the interior of the tubular structure forming a pumping chamber for receiving pumped fluid and The pipe structure may provide a discharge stroke and a suction stroke by moving between the transverse expansion state and the transverse contraction state to change the volume of the pumping chamber, and the inner space region around the tube structure may provide a working fluid. An operating region for receiving, the pumping chamber is configured to perform a suction stroke by receiving the pumped fluid such that the tubular structure is moved in an expanded state by the pumped fluid, the pumping chamber being configured to Transfer the pumped fluid using the working fluid, characterized in that the discharge stroke is performed during the contraction of the pipe structure according to the action The pump. The method of claim 1, wherein one end of the tubular structure is closed, and the other end is connected to a port for introducing and discharging the pumped fluid to and from the pumping chamber when the pumping chamber performs the suction stroke and the discharge stroke. Pump that transfers pumped fluids using working fluid. The pump as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tubular structure contracts gradually from the closed end to the other end. 4. The pump as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the tubular structure is kept in tension between both ends thereof. 5. The pump as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the tubular structure is supported by a closed end thereof. The pump as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the closed end of the tubular structure is movably supported to receive the longitudinal expansion and contraction thereof. 7. The pump according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the closed end of the tubular structure is movably supported by a suitable structure such as a spring mechanism. 8. The pumped fluid according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the operating region includes an operating ring positioned substantially at the closed end of the pump and an operating ring substantially surrounding the tubular structure. Conveying pump. The pump as claimed in claim 8, wherein the operating ring is in fluid communication with the operating chamber. 10. A pump as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pump comprises means for discharging a fluid, such as air, from the pump. 11. The pump as claimed in claim 10, wherein the pump comprises a pumping chamber and separate means for evacuating air from the operating zone, wherein the air is exhausted from the pumping chamber during the intake stroke and exhausted from the operating zone during the exhaust stroke. A pump for transferring the pumped fluid using a working fluid. 12. The pump as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump comprises monitoring means for monitoring the pump during intake and exhaust stroke. 13. The pump as claimed in claim 12, wherein the monitoring means monitors the state of the pipe structure. 14. The pump as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the sensing means directly or indirectly monitors the position of the closed end of the tubular structure. 13. The pump as claimed in claim 12, wherein the monitoring means monitors the pressure difference between the components of the pump. 16. The pump according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the monitoring means indicates at least an end time of the discharge stroke and the suction stroke. 17. A pump according to any one of claims 1 to 16, conveying means for conveying the pumped fluid to the pumping chamber in a precise time sequence so that the pumping chamber performs a suction stroke, and said pumping chamber performing a discharge stroke. And means for supplying a working fluid to the operating region in the correct time order to retract the structure laterally. 18. The pumping system of claim 17, wherein the transfer means comprises a transfer pump. 19. The pumping system of claim 17 or 18, wherein the working fluid is in any suitable form, such as hydraulic oil or water. 20. The pumping system of claim 19, wherein the working fluid is hydraulic oil. 21. The pumping system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said supply means comprises a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulic oil tank and a hydraulic pump. 22. The pumping system of claim 21, wherein the hydraulic circuit further comprises an inlet and outlet valve system for regulating inlet and outlet in the correct time sequence to the operating region of the hydraulic oil. 20. The pumping system of claim 19, wherein the working fluid is water. 24. The pumping system of claim 23, wherein said supply means comprises a water tank mounted at a high position for supplying water to a suitable pressure head. 25. The pumping system according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the transfer portion of the working fluid to the operating zone is located at the opposite end of the port where the pumped fluid enters and exits the pumping chamber. 26. The pumping system according to any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the outlet of the working fluid to the operating zone is also located at the opposite end of the port where the pumped fluid enters and exits the pumping chamber. 27. The pump system according to any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the pumping system performs the same while the pumping chamber of another pump performs the discharge stroke and vice versa while the pumping chamber of one pump performs the suction stroke. A pumping system comprising two pumps according to claims 1 to 16 which operate sequentially. 28. The pumping system of claim 27, wherein the sequential operation of the two pumps is performed such that pumped fluid is discharged from the pumping system without interruption. 29. The pumping system of claim 27 or 28, wherein the duration of the discharge stroke is longer than the duration of the suction stroke. 30. The pumping system of claim 27, 28 or 29, wherein the other pump completes the discharge stroke while one pump completes the intake stroke and initiates the discharge stroke. 31. The pumping system according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the discharge stroke of one pump is completed when the discharge of the other pump is equal to a predetermined flow rate of the pumping fluid of the pumping system. 32. The pumping system according to any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the two pumps have a common transfer means and a supply means with an appropriate valve system for controlling the operation sequence. 33. The pumping system according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the pump or each pump is oriented such that the closed end of the tubular structure is positioned higher than the other end of the tubular structure. 34. The pumping system according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the conveying and discharging portions for the working region of the working fluid are located near the closed end. A rigid outer case forming an inner space and a flexible pipe structure accommodated in the inner space, the inside of the pipe structure forms a pumping chamber for receiving the pumped fluid, the pipe structure changes the volume of the pumping chamber To provide a discharge stroke and a suction stroke by moving between the transverse expansion state and the transverse contraction state so that one end of the tubular structure is closed and the other end the pumping chamber to perform the suction stroke and the discharge stroke. And in communication with a port for introducing and discharging the pumped fluid to and from the pumping chamber, the inner space region around the tubular structure forms an operating region for receiving the working fluid, and the pumping chamber is connected to the fluid pumped. Configured to perform a suction stroke by receiving a pumped fluid to move in an expanded state by means of which the pumping chamber is Pump to transport the pumped fluid using a actuating fluid, characterized in that to perform the discharge stroke during the contraction of the tube structure according to the for. 36. The pump of claim 35, wherein the tubular structure is substantially inelastic. 37. The pump as claimed in claim 35 or 36, wherein a port into which the fluid is introduced into the pumping chamber is located at an end opposite to where the working fluid is introduced into the pump. At least two pumps with pumping chambers received in the operating area, Conveying means for conveying the pumped fluid to each pumping chamber in a precise time sequence for each pumping chamber to perform a suction stroke, and each pipe structure is contracted in a lateral direction so that each pumping chamber performs a discharge stroke Means for supplying a working fluid to an operating region, wherein the pumped fluid supplied from the pumping system is substantially discharged from the pumping system by sequential operation of the at least two pumps. 39. The pumping system of claim 38, wherein each pumping chamber comprises a flexible, substantially inelastic tubular structure. 40. A pump according to claim 38 or 39, wherein one end of the pumping chamber is closed and the other end is connected to a port for introducing and discharging the pumped fluid to the pumping chamber when the pumping chamber performs the suction stroke and the discharge stroke. Pumping system. 41. The pumping system of claim 40, wherein the closed end of the pumping chamber is located higher than the other end thereof. The duration of the discharge stroke of one pump is longer than the duration of the suction stroke of the other pump, and vice versa, whereby the pumping system transfers the fluid substantially without interruption during sequential operation. 42. A method of operating a pumping system according to any of claims 38 to 41. A rigid outer case forming an inner space and a tubular structure accommodated in the inner space, wherein the tubular structure is closed at a higher position than the other end communicating with a port for inflow and discharge of pumped fluid to a pumping chamber; And a pumping chamber for receiving the pumped fluid, wherein the pipe structure moves between the transverse expansion state and the transverse contraction state to change the volume of the pumping chamber. Thereby providing a discharge stroke and a suction stroke, wherein an inner space region around the tubular structure forms an operating region for receiving a working fluid, and the pumping chamber pumps the tubular structure to move in an expanded state by the pumped fluid. Configured to carry out the suction stroke by receiving the filled fluid, the pumping chamber having a number of pipe structures according to the action of the working fluid in the operating region. Pump to transport the pumped fluid using a actuating fluid, characterized in that to perform the discharge stroke at the time. 44. The pump of claim 43, wherein the working fluid flows into an operating region adjacent to a closed end of the pumping chamber. 45. A pump as claimed in claim 43 or 44, wherein the tubular structure is flexible and substantially inelastic. A method of operating a pump system, characterized in that it comprises at least two pumps that individually supply pulse flow which are operated in precise time order to supply the discharge generally from the pump system without interruption. 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the duration of the discharge stroke of one of the at least two pumps is longer than the duration of the discharge stroke of the other of the at least two pumps, and vice versa. How the pump system works. Pump described substantially with reference to the drawings. Pump system described substantially with reference to the drawings Substantially the method described with reference to FIG.