US20230184377A1 - Pressure regulation system and method for a fluidic product having particles - Google Patents
Pressure regulation system and method for a fluidic product having particles Download PDFInfo
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- US20230184377A1 US20230184377A1 US18/168,281 US202318168281A US2023184377A1 US 20230184377 A1 US20230184377 A1 US 20230184377A1 US 202318168281 A US202318168281 A US 202318168281A US 2023184377 A1 US2023184377 A1 US 2023184377A1
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Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04F—PUMPING OF FLUID BY DIRECT CONTACT OF ANOTHER FLUID OR BY USING INERTIA OF FLUID TO BE PUMPED; SIPHONS
- F04F1/00—Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped
- F04F1/06—Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped the fluid medium acting on the surface of the liquid to be pumped
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16T—STEAM TRAPS OR LIKE APPARATUS FOR DRAINING-OFF LIQUIDS FROM ENCLOSURES PREDOMINANTLY CONTAINING GASES OR VAPOURS
- F16T1/00—Steam traps or like apparatus for draining-off liquids from enclosures predominantly containing gases or vapours, e.g. gas lines, steam lines, containers
- F16T1/12—Steam traps or like apparatus for draining-off liquids from enclosures predominantly containing gases or vapours, e.g. gas lines, steam lines, containers with valves controlled by excess or release of pressure
- F16T1/14—Steam traps or like apparatus for draining-off liquids from enclosures predominantly containing gases or vapours, e.g. gas lines, steam lines, containers with valves controlled by excess or release of pressure involving a piston, diaphragm, or bellows, e.g. displaceable under pressure of incoming condensate
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- B01J8/02—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds
- B01J8/04—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds
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- B01J8/02—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds
- B01J8/06—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds in tube reactors; the solid particles being arranged in tubes
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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- F04B41/02—Pumping installations or systems specially adapted for elastic fluids having reservoirs
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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- F16T—STEAM TRAPS OR LIKE APPARATUS FOR DRAINING-OFF LIQUIDS FROM ENCLOSURES PREDOMINANTLY CONTAINING GASES OR VAPOURS
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- B01J2208/00106—Controlling the temperature by indirect heat exchange
- B01J2208/00168—Controlling the temperature by indirect heat exchange with heat exchange elements outside the bed of solid particles
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- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
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- B60G2500/204—Pressure regulating valves for air-springs
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- G05D11/02—Controlling ratio of two or more flows of fluid or fluent material
- G05D11/13—Controlling ratio of two or more flows of fluid or fluent material characterised by the use of electric means
- G05D11/131—Controlling ratio of two or more flows of fluid or fluent material characterised by the use of electric means by measuring the values related to the quantity of the individual components
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/2931—Diverse fluid containing pressure systems
- Y10T137/3115—Gas pressure storage over or displacement of liquid
- Y10T137/3127—With gas maintenance or application
Definitions
- TANK 1 24 (or TANK 2 26 ) can occur due to the treated product 114 discharged from the inlet 16 at the high pressure.
- partial or full opening and closing operations of the first air supply valve 38 and the first air discharge valve 40 are desired to maintain a certain level of air pressure in TANK 1 24 .
- a first liquid level sensor 66 configured to measure a level of the treated product 114 in TANK 1 24 is operably connected near the second end 30 of TANK 1 24 .
- a second liquid level sensor 68 configured to measure a level of the treated product 114 in TANK 2 26 is operably connected near the second end 36 of TANK 2 26 .
- the first liquid level sensor 66 measures in real time a current level of the treated product 114 stored in TANK 1 24 for monitoring purposes.
- the second liquid level sensor 68 measures in real time a current level of the treated product 114 stored in TANK 2 26 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A method of maintaining a backpressure of a fluidic product is provided. The method includes pressurizing a first reservoir to a first predetermined pressure level using compressed air, delivering the fluidic product to the pressurized first reservoir until a current level of the fluidic product in the first reservoir reaches a first predetermined level, pressurizing a second reservoir to a second predetermined pressure level using the compressed air, delivering the fluidic product to the pressurized second reservoir until a current level of the fluidic product in the second reservoir reaches a second predetermined level, and controlling the backpressure of the fluidic product using the first reservoir and the second reservoir such that a discharge flow of the fluidic product is continuous.
Description
- The present application is a divisional of, and claims 35 USC 120 priority from U.S. Ser. No. 17/006,008 filed Aug. 28, 2020, which claims 35 USC 119 priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/896,151, filed Sep. 5, 2019, titled “PRESSURE REGULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A FLUIDIC PRODUCT HAVING PARTICLES,” both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
- The present invention relates to a system for controlling a pressure of a fluidic product, and more specifically relates to a pressure regulation system for reaction treatment of the fluidic product having particles at elevated temperature and pressure.
- Using a decomposing reactor, the fluidic product, such as an aqueous solution having particles, is decomposed into a treated product through one or more chemical reactions. In certain cases, the particles of the aqueous solution include biological materials, such as fiber (e.g., cotton) particles, or in some cases, include organic materials, such as plastic particles.
- During operation, the aqueous solution is stirred and heated in the decomposing reactor at high temperature and pressure for inducing the chemical reactions for the biological materials and/or the organic materials in the aqueous solution. The decomposing reactor produces the treated product through the chemical reactions of the biological materials and/or the organic materials in the aqueous solution.
- At the end of the reaction treatment of the aqueous solution, the treated product can be discharged into the atmosphere for further processing. However, due to the high pressure accumulated in the decomposing reactor, the treated product is controllably discharged using a backpressure regulator. The backpressure regulator is typically installed at a distal end of a piping system connected to the decomposing reactor. For controlling a discharge flow of the treated product, the backpressure regulator creates an obstruction to the discharge flow to maintain the backpressure of the treated product when the treated product discharged from the piping system.
- As such, although existing backpressure regulators provide certain flow control for the treated product, one disadvantage of the existing backpressure regulators is that the discharge flow of the treated product is frequently interrupted because the backpressure of the treated product is only intermittently or periodically controlled.
- In one example, a pressure relief valve can be used to control one or more inadvertent pressure occurrences only, not for steady state flow control. When the backpressure exceeds a predetermined value, the pressure relief valve opens to relieve an excess pressure. Thus, the discharge flow of the treated product is noncontinuous and recurrently disrupted.
- In another example, a pressure regulator having a set-point pressure spring and a diaphragm can be used to control the backpressure of the treated product. However, one disadvantage of such pressure regulators is a clogging problem when the treated product includes particles, such as the fiber particles or the plastic particles. Existing configurations of such pressure regulators are prone to clogging during operation due to the particles. Correcting the clogging frequently can be time consuming and also can cause increased operational expenses.
- Thus, there is a need to develop an enhanced pressure regulation system for the fluidic product having particles that overcomes one or more above-described disadvantages of the existing backpressure regulators.
- In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of maintaining a backpressure of a fluidic product is provided. The method includes pressurizing a first reservoir to a first predetermined pressure level using compressed air, delivering the fluidic product to the pressurized first reservoir until a current level of the fluidic product in the first reservoir reaches a first predetermined level, pressurizing a second reservoir to a second predetermined pressure level using the compressed air, delivering the fluidic product to the pressurized second reservoir until a current level of the fluidic product in the second reservoir reaches a second predetermined level, and controlling the backpressure of the fluidic product using the first reservoir and the second reservoir such that a discharge flow of the fluidic product is continuous.
- In one example, the method further includes continuously delivering the fluidic product to the second reservoir when an intake of the fluidic product into the first reservoir is discontinued. In one variation, the method further includes transitioning the first reservoir into an unpressurized state after discontinuing the intake of the fluidic product into the first reservoir. In another variation, the method further includes equalizing the first reservoir with atmospheric pressure to achieve the unpressurized state in the first reservoir. In yet another variation, the method further includes discharging the fluidic product from the first reservoir after transitioning the first reservoir into the unpressurized state. In still another variation, the method further includes discontinuing the discharging of the fluidic product from the first reservoir when the first reservoir is empty. In yet still another variation, the method further includes transitioning the first reservoir into a pressurized state after discontinuing the discharging of the fluidic product from the first reservoir.
- In another example, the method further includes continuously delivering the fluidic product to the first reservoir when an intake of the fluidic product into the second reservoir is discontinued. In one variation, the method further includes transitioning the second reservoir into an unpressurized state after discontinuing the intake of the fluidic product into the second reservoir. In another variation, the method further includes equalizing the second reservoir with atmospheric pressure to achieve the unpressurized state in the second reservoir. In yet another variation, the method further includes discharging the fluidic product from the second reservoir after transitioning the second reservoir into the unpressurized state. In still another variation, the method further includes discontinuing the discharging of the fluidic product from the second reservoir when the second reservoir is empty. In yet still another variation, the method further includes transitioning the second reservoir into a pressurized state after discontinuing the discharging of the fluidic product from the second reservoir.
- In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system of maintaining a backpressure of a fluidic product is provided. The system includes an air supply assembly configured to pressurize a first reservoir to a first predetermined pressure level using compressed air, and pressurize a second reservoir to a second predetermined pressure level using the compressed air. Included in the system is a pump configured to deliver the fluidic product to the pressurized first reservoir until a current level of the fluidic product in the first reservoir reaches a first predetermined level, and to deliver the fluidic product to the pressurized second reservoir until a current level of the fluidic product in the second reservoir reaches a second predetermined level. Also included in the system is a controller is configured to control the backpressure of the fluidic product using the first reservoir and the second reservoir such that a discharge flow of the fluidic product is continuous.
- In one example, the system further includes a backpressure regulator assembly being controllable by the controller. The backpressure regulator has an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is configured to receive the fluidic product and fluidically connected to both the first reservoir and the second reservoir. In one variation, the first outlet is fluidically connected to the first reservoir and the second outlet is fluidically connected to the second reservoir. In another variation, a first end of the first reservoir is fluidically connected to the inlet of the backpressure regulator assembly and an opposite second end of the first reservoir is fluidically connected to the air supply assembly, and a first end of the second reservoir is fluidically connected to the inlet of the backpressure regulator assembly and an opposite second end of the second reservoir is fluidically connected to the air supply assembly. In yet another variation, a first slurry supply valve is connected at one end to the inlet of the backpressure regulator assembly and at the other end to the first end of the first reservoir, and a second slurry supply valve is connected at one end to the inlet of the backpressure regulator assembly and at the other end to the first end of the second reservoir. In still another variation, a first slurry discharge valve is connected to the first end of the first reservoir, and a second slurry discharge valve is connected to the first end of the second reservoir. In yet still another variation, the controller is configured to automatically control opening and closing operations of at least one of: the air supply assembly, the first slurry supply valve, the second slurry supply valve, the first slurry discharge valve, and the second slurry discharge valve.
- The methods, systems, and apparatuses disclosed herein may be implemented in any means for achieving various aspects. Other features will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.
- Example embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary pressure regulation system having a backpressure regulator assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of the backpressure regulator assembly ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a flow chart of an exemplary method of maintaining a backpressure of a fluidic product having particles using the pressure regulation system ofFIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. - Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail herebelow with reference to the attached drawings.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , an exemplarypressure regulation system 10 having abackpressure regulator assembly 12 and acontroller 14 is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, thepressure regulation system 10 is operably connected to adecomposing system 100 having aninduction heating assembly 102. In one embodiment, thecontroller 14 is configured to maintain an upstream pressure (or backpressure) of thedecomposing system 100 using thebackpressure regulator assembly 12. - In one embodiment, the
decomposing system 100 includes a rawmaterial supply zone 104, aheating treatment zone 106, and a treatedobject retrieving zone 108. Thedecomposing system 100 performs a decomposing treatment for converting anaqueous solution 110 having a plurality ofparticles 112 into a treatedproduct 114 to be stored in the treatedobject retrieving zone 108 for subsequent retrieval. - In embodiments, the regulation and control operations of the
pressure regulation system 10 using thecontroller 14 refer to one or more backpressure maintenance operations conducted for keeping a primary pressure of the treatedproduct 114 at a desired level. As an example only, an initial pressure of the treatedproduct 114 before the operation of thepressure regulation system 10 can be approximately one megapascal (1 MPa) but a final pressure of the treatedproduct 114 after the operation of thepressure regulation system 10 can be approximately zero (0) MPa. - In one embodiment, the
controller 14 commands or instructs relevant valves to appropriately actuate corresponding valves, e.g., upwardly or downwardly, such that the primary pressure of the treatedproduct 114 can be maintained during operation. In embodiments, the valves can include one or more valves shown inFIGS. 2 and 3A-3B , such asair supply valves air discharge valves slurry supply valves slurry discharge valves pressure regulation system 10 are described in paragraphs relating toFIGS. 2 and 3A-3B . -
Exemplary particles 112 include a biological material and/or an organic material. In one example, the biological material can include an agricultural waste, such as cotton, straw, corn, peanut byproducts and the like, and the organic material can include resin, plastic, polymer, polyester, and the like. Other suitable materials, such as inorganic substances, can also be included as theparticles 112 to suit the application. - Other
exemplary particles 112 can include different fiber materials. In one example, the fiber materials include plastic-based fibers, cellulose-based fibers, and/or protein-based fibers. For example, the plastic-based fibers include polyester, nylon, acrylic, and elastane fibers, the cellulose-base fibers include cotton, viscose, lyocell, and bast fibers (e.g., linen, hemp, or jute materials), and the protein-based fibers include wool and silk fibers. - The
respective zones FIG. 1 , and respectively treat the successively flowing and passingaqueous solution 110 to be treated by theinduction heating assembly 102. For example, theaqueous solution 110 can be fed through a hollow portion of apipe body 116 of theinduction heating assembly 102. - In
FIG. 1 , the rawmaterial supply zone 104 includes atank 118 for storing a proper amount of theaqueous solution 110 to be treated by theinduction heating assembly 102. Afeed path 120 formed of a metal pipe (e.g., stainless) is connected at one end to thetank 118 and at the other end to theinduction heating assembly 102. - A typical example of the
tank 118 has a tank capacity of 1000 liters (L), a discharge pressure of 0.1 megapascal (MPa), and a flow rate of 10-40 liter per minute (L/min). However, the tank capacity, the discharge pressure, and the flow rate can vary to suit different applications. Apump 122, for example, can be connected to thefeed path 120 for generating a high pressure that increases the discharge pressure of theaqueous solution 110 and for forcibly securing the flow rate of theaqueous solution 110 in thefeed path 120. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theheating treatment zone 106 includes theinduction heating assembly 102 having thepipe body 116. To induce the chemical reaction in theaqueous solution 110, theinduction heating assembly 102 inductively heats theaqueous solution 110 to a predetermined treatment temperature while theaqueous solution 110 is fed in thepipe body 116. Specifically, thepipe body 116 of theheating treatment zone 106 includes one ormore metal pipes 124 functioning as a feed heating kiln body. An exemplary treatment temperature ranges approximately between 100-350 degrees Celsius (° C.). - Further, the
induction heating assembly 102 includes one or more heating induction coils 126 configured to surround at least a portion of themetal pipes 124, and a high-frequencypower supply unit 128 configured to inductively drive the heating induction coils 126. In one embodiment, the heating induction coils 126 includes a firstheating induction coil 134 surrounding a first portion of themetal pipe 124 and a secondheating induction coil 136 surrounding a second portion of themetal pipe 124. - In order to use a hollow portion of the
metal pipe 124 as a flow path for theaqueous solution 110, themetal pipe 124 has one end communicating with and connected to a discharge end of thefeed path 120 of the rawmaterial supply zone 104, and is made of stainless steel to be inductively heated by the heating induction coils 126. - A typical inner diameter of each
metal pipe 124 is approximately 50 millimeters (mm) or 2 inches and a typical length of eachmetal pipe 124 is approximately 10 meters. In embodiments, the inner diameter of eachmetal pipe 124 can range between 2 and 4 inches, and the length of eachmetal type 124 can range between 10 and 80 meters depending on the type of substance of theparticles 112 in theaqueous solution 110. For example, for cotton particles, the length can be about 10 meters, but for plastic particles, the length can be about 50 meters. However, the inner diameter and the length can vary to suit different applications. - In one embodiment, the
metal pipe 124 may be disposed with an upward inclination to facilitate a feed of theaqueous solution 110 to be treated. However, in another embodiment, thefeed path 120 may be disposed with a downward inclination to facilitate the feed of theaqueous solution 110. Other suitable arrangements are also contemplated to suit the application. - The high-frequency
power supply unit 128 generates and passes a high-frequency current enough to increase the temperature of themetal pipe 124 to a predetermined treatment temperature, e.g., 100-350° C., for theaqueous solution 110 to be treated using the heating induction coils 126. An exemplary energization frequency of the high-frequencypower supply unit 128 can be approximately 20 kilohertz (KHz) and a maximum output can be approximately 270 kilowatts (KW). However, the frequency and the maximum output of the high-frequencypower supply unit 128 can vary to suit different applications. - Exemplary arrangements of the
metal pipes 124 in theinduction heating assembly 102 can be in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal attitude to suit different applications. However, the diagonal attitude can be selected in consideration of a type ofparticles 112 and/or the feed of theaqueous solution 110. - In the illustrated embodiment, a
control system 154 is communicably connected to theinduction heating assembly 102 via acommunication link 156. In one embodiment, thecontrol system 154 includes computer readable program instructions stored in one of memories of electronic controllers in thecontrol system 154 and executed by a respective processor of the electronic controllers, or other computer usable medium. In another embodiment, thecontrol system 154 includes a module or controller, which may or may not be independent from one of the electronic controllers of the decomposingsystem 100. - In
FIG. 1 , thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 of thepressure regulation system 10 has aninlet 16, afirst outlet 18, and asecond outlet 20. Although asingle inlet 16 anddouble outlets inlet 16 of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 is communicating with and fluidically connected to adischarge end 158 of themetal pipes 124 in theinduction heating assembly 102. At thedischarge end 158, the treatedproduct 114 is discharged at a high pressure (e.g., generated by the pump 122). - As a continuous flow path for the treated
product 114, thefirst outlet 18 and thesecond outlet 20 of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 are communicating with and fluidically connected to the treatedobject retrieving zone 108. In this configuration, the pressurized treatedproduct 114 received from thedischarge end 158 of themetal pipes 124 in theinduction heating assembly 102 passes through thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 at a constant flow rate. As such, the treatedproduct 114 is continuously delivered to and stored in the treatedobject retrieving zone 108 without interruption. - Various automated operations of the
backpressure regulator assembly 12 are achieved by thecontroller 14. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontroller 14 is communicably connected to thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 via acommunication link 22. In embodiments, thecommunication link 22 can include a wired and/or wireless data transmission interface. Detailed components of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 are described in paragraphs relating toFIGS. 2 and 3A-3B . - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , an exemplary configuration of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 is shown. In one embodiment, thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 includes a first reservoir (TANK1) 24 and a second reservoir (TANK2) 26, both of which are configured to store the treatedproduct 114. Although tworeservoirs inlet 16 of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 is fluidically connected to both thefirst reservoir 24 and thesecond reservoir 26. Also, thefirst outlet 18 is fluidically connected to TANK1 24, and thesecond outlet 20 is fluidically connected to TANK2 26. - In one embodiment, a
first end 28 of TANK1 24 is fluidically connected to theinlet 16 of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 and an oppositesecond end 30 of TANK1 24 is fluidically connected to anair supply assembly 32. Similarly, afirst end 34 ofTANK2 26 is fluidically connected to theinlet 16 of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 and an oppositesecond end 36 ofTANK2 26 is fluidically connected to theair supply assembly 32. - In this illustrated embodiment, the
air supply assembly 32 is configured to provide air pressure for both TANK1 24 andTANK2 26. In another embodiment, separate air supply assemblies can be used to independently provide the air pressure forTANK1 24 andTANK2 26. To selectively control the air pressure, a firstair supply valve 38 and a firstair discharge valve 40 are connected to thesecond end 30 ofTANK1 24. - Similarly, a second
air supply valve 42 and a secondair discharge valve 44 are connected to the second end of 36 ofTANK2 26. In one embodiment, the firstair supply valve 38, the firstair discharge valve 40, the secondair supply valve 42, and the secondair discharge valve 44 are operated byrespective actuators 45, such as solenoids. - During operation, however, one or more bursting incidents in TANK1 24 (or TANK2 26) can occur due to the treated
product 114 discharged from theinlet 16 at the high pressure. Thus, partial or full opening and closing operations of the firstair supply valve 38 and the firstair discharge valve 40 are desired to maintain a certain level of air pressure inTANK1 24. - To provide a smooth flow of the treated
product 114 intoTANK1 24, thecontroller 14 can control the air pressure inTANK1 24 by selectively performing such opening and closing operations. Similarly, thecontroller 14 can control the opening and closing operations of the secondair supply valve 42 and the secondair discharge valve 44. - A
first pressure sensor 46 configured to measure an inner pressure ofTANK1 24 is operably connected upstream from thefirst end 28 ofTANK1 24. Similarly, asecond pressure sensor 48 configured to measure an inner pressure ofTANK2 26 is operably connected upstream from thefirst end 34 ofTANK2 26. In another embodiment, thefirst pressure sensor 46 can be operably connected near thesecond end 30 of TANK1 24 or directly to a housing of TANK1 24 to suit the application. Thesecond pressure sensor 48 can also be arranged in the similar fashion as thefirst pressure sensor 46. Any number of pressure sensors disposed on any suitable locations is contemplated to suit different applications. - For facilitating an intake of the treated
product 114 intoTANK1 24, a firstslurry supply valve 50 operated by a firstsupply valve actuator 52 is connected at one end to theinlet 16 and at the other end to thefirst end 28 ofTANK1 24. In one embodiment, an intake flow rate of the treatedproduct 114 is adjusted by the firstsupply valve actuator 52 using, for example, a knife or slide gate valve. - For facilitating an output of the treated
product 114 fromTANK1 24, a firstslurry discharge valve 54 operated by a firstdischarge valve actuator 56 is connected to thefirst end 28 ofTANK1 24. In one embodiment, an output flow rate of the treatedproduct 114 is adjusted by the firstdischarge valve actuator 56 using, for example, a knife or slide gate valve. - Likewise, for facilitating an intake of the treated
product 114 intoTANK2 26, a secondslurry supply valve 58 operated by a secondsupply valve actuator 60 is connected at one end to theinlet 16 and at the other end to thefirst end 34 ofTANK2 26. In one embodiment, an intake flow rate of the treatedproduct 114 is adjusted by the secondsupply valve actuator 58 using, for example, a knife or slide gate valve. - For facilitating an output of the treated
product 114 fromTANK2 26, a secondslurry discharge valve 62 operated by a seconddischarge valve actuator 64 is connected to thefirst end 34 ofTANK2 26. In one embodiment, an output flow rate of the treatedproduct 114 is adjusted by the seconddischarge valve actuator 64 using, for example, a knife or slide gate valve. - A first
liquid level sensor 66 configured to measure a level of the treatedproduct 114 inTANK1 24 is operably connected near thesecond end 30 ofTANK1 24. Similarly, a secondliquid level sensor 68 configured to measure a level of the treatedproduct 114 inTANK2 26 is operably connected near thesecond end 36 ofTANK2 26. In one embodiment, the firstliquid level sensor 66 measures in real time a current level of the treatedproduct 114 stored inTANK1 24 for monitoring purposes. Similarly, the secondliquid level sensor 68 measures in real time a current level of the treatedproduct 114 stored inTANK2 26. - In
FIG. 2 , thecontroller 14 is communicably connected to thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 via thecommunication link 22. In one embodiment, thecontroller 14 includes computer readable program instructions stored in one of memories of electronic controllers in thecontroller 14 and executed by a respective processor of the electronic controllers, or other computer usable medium. - In another embodiment, the
controller 14 includes a module or controller, which may or may not be independent from one of the electronic controllers of thepressure regulation system 10. For example, thecontroller 14 can be a programmable logic controller (PLC) or programmable controller. - In one embodiment, the
controller 14 automatically controls the opening and closing operations of the firstair supply valve 38 and the firstair discharge valve 40 by instructing therespective actuators 45 using the computer readable program instructions. Further, thecontroller 14 automatically controls the opening and closing operations of the secondair supply valve 42 and the secondair discharge valve 44 by instructing therespective actuators 45 using the computer readable program instructions. - In embodiments, the
controller 14 automatically controls the opening and closing operations of the firstslurry supply valve 50 by instructing the firstsupply valve actuator 52 using the computer readable program instructions. Also, thecontroller 14 automatically controls the opening and closing operations of the firstslurry discharge valve 54 by instructing the firstdischarge valve actuator 56 using the computer readable program instructions. - In embodiments, the
controller 14 controls the operations of the secondslurry supply valve 58 and the secondslurry discharge valve 62 by instructing the respective secondsupply valve actuator 60 and seconddischarge valve actuator 64. Further, in certain embodiments, other relevant components, such as theair supply assembly 32 can be controlled by thecontroller 14. Also included in thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 are one ormore support structures 70, such as chassis, configured to removably secure various components of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12 as known in the art. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3A and 3B , a flow chart of anexemplary method 200 of maintaining the backpressure of a fluidic product is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluidic product is theaqueous solution 110, having a plurality of particles, such as theparticles 112. Themethod 200 is shown in relation toFIGS. 1 and 2 , including thepressure regulation system 10. - In embodiments, the
method 200 can be implemented by the controller 14 (FIG. 2 ) communicably connected to thebackpressure regulator assembly 12. In one embodiment, the steps implementing themethod 200 may be in the form of computer readable program instructions stored in one of memories of electronic controllers in thecontroller 14 and executed by a respective processor of the electronic controllers, or other computer usable medium. - In another embodiment, the steps implementing the
method 200 may be stored and executed on a module or a control system, which may or may not be independent from one of the electronic controllers of thepressure regulation system 10. Themethod 200 may run continuously or may be initiated in response to one or more predetermined events, such as an initial push of a start button (not shown). Any steps of themethod 200 can be executed in any order suitable for the application. - The
method 200 begins instep 202. In step 204, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuators 45 to transition TANK1 24 andTANK2 26 into a pressurized state. In embodiments, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuators 45 to open the firstair supply valve 38 and the secondair supply valve 42 for receiving compressed air intoTANK1 24 andTANK2 26. Thus,TANK1 24 andTANK2 26 are pressurized to a predetermined pressure level, e.g., one megapascal (1 MPa), to approximately match a pressure level of theinlet 16. In embodiments, the pressure levels are measured using the respective first andsecond pressure sensors - In some embodiments, the predetermined pressure level can be 0.93 MPa depending on a power capability of the
air supply assembly 32. As such, thecontroller 14 instructs theair supply assembly 32 to deliver sufficient compressed air intoTANK1 24 andTANK2 26 to pressurize and reach the predetermined pressure level. - In
step 206, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuators 45 to close the firstair supply valve 38 and/or the secondair supply valve 42 forTANK1 24 andTANK2 26 when the predetermined pressure level is obtained in the respective reservoirs, i.e.,TANK1 24 andTANK2 26. At this moment,TANK1 24 andTANK2 26 are ready to receive the treatedproduct 114 from theinlet 16 of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12. - In
step 208, thecontroller 14 instructs the firstsupply valve actuator 52 to open the firstslurry supply valve 50 for receiving the treatedproduct 114 from theinlet 16. As such, the treatedproduct 114 is continuously delivered to TANK1 24 until the level of the treatedproduct 114 inTANK1 24 reaches a predetermined level (e.g., eighty percent (80%) full). - In
step 210, thecontroller 14 determines whether a current level of the treatedproduct 114 delivered intoTANK1 24 is greater than a predetermined level LEVEL1 using the firstliquid level sensor 66. When the current level of the treatedproduct 114 inTANK1 24 is greater than the predetermined level LEVEL1, control proceeds to step 212 andstep 226. - It is advantageous that although the intake of the treated
product 114 intoTANK1 24 is discontinued instep 212, the intake of the treatedproduct 114 intoTANK2 26 continues instep 226. As such, the discharge flow of the treatedproduct 114 is continuous and uninterrupted. When the current level of the treatedproduct 114 inTANK1 24 is less than or equal to the predetermined level LEVEL1, control returns to step 208. - In
step 212, thecontroller 14 instructs the firstsupply valve actuator 52 to close the firstslurry supply valve 50 for discontinuing the feed of the treatedproduct 114 from theinlet 16. - In
step 214, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuator 45 to transition TANK1 24 into an unpressurized state. In embodiments, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuator 45 to open the firstair discharge valve 40 for equalizingTANK1 24 with atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the inner pressure ofTANK1 24 is approximately 0.00 MPa. At this moment,TANK1 24 is transitioned into the unpressurized state and ready to discharge the treatedproduct 114 from thefirst outlet 18 of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12. - In
step 216, thecontroller 14 instructs the firstdischarge valve actuator 56 to open the firstslurry discharge valve 54 for facilitating the discharge of the treatedproduct 114 fromTANK1 24 through thefirst outlet 18. In this configuration, the discharge of the treatedproduct 114 fromTANK1 24 is achieved under the action of gravity since the inner pressure ofTANK1 24 is equalized with the atmosphere pressure. - In
step 218, thecontroller 14 instructs the firstdischarge valve actuator 56 to close the firstslurry discharge valve 54 for discontinuing the discharge of the treatedproduct 114 from thefirst outlet 18. In one embodiment, the firstslurry discharge valve 54 is closed whenTANK1 24 is empty. - In
step 220, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuator 45 to transition TANK1 into the pressurized state. In embodiments, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuator 45 to close the firstair discharge valve 40 to transition TANK1 24 into the pressurized state. - In
step 222, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuator 45 to open the firstair supply valve 38 for receiving compressed air intoTANK1 24. As a result,TANK1 24 is pressurized to the predetermined pressure level (e.g., 1 MPa) to approximately match the pressure level of theinlet 16. - In
step 224, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuator 45 to close the firstair supply valve 38 forTANK1 24 when the predetermined pressure level is obtained inTANK1 24. At this moment,TANK1 24 is transitioned into the pressurized state and ready to receive the treatedproduct 114 from theinlet 16 of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12. - In
step 226, thecontroller 14 instructs the secondsupply valve actuator 60 to open the secondslurry supply valve 58 for receiving the treatedproduct 114 from theinlet 16. As such, the treatedproduct 114 is continuously delivered to TANK2 26 until the level of the treatedproduct 114 inTANK2 26 reaches a predetermined level (e.g., eighty percent (80%) full). - In
step 228, thecontroller 14 determines whether a current level of the treatedproduct 114 delivered intoTANK2 26 is greater than a predetermined level LEVEL2 using the secondliquid level sensor 68. When the current level of the treatedproduct 114 inTANK2 26 is greater than the predetermined level LEVEL2, control proceeds to step 230 andstep 208. - It is advantageous that although the intake of the treated
product 114 intoTANK2 26 is discontinued instep 230, the intake of the treatedproduct 114 intoTANK1 24 continues instep 208. As such, the discharge flow of the treatedproduct 114 is continuous and uninterrupted. When the current level of the treatedproduct 114 inTANK2 26 is less than or equal to the predetermined level LEVEL2, control returns to step 226. - In
step 230, thecontroller 14 instructs the secondsupply valve actuator 60 to close the secondslurry supply valve 58 for discontinuing the feed of the treatedproduct 114 from theinlet 16. - In
step 232, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuator 45 to transition TANK2 26 into an unpressurized state. In embodiments, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuator 45 to open the secondair discharge valve 44 for equalizingTANK2 26 with atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the inner pressure ofTANK2 26 is approximately 0.00 MPa. At this moment,TANK2 26 is transitioned into the unpressurized state and ready to discharge the treatedproduct 114 from thesecond outlet 20 of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12. - In
step 234, thecontroller 14 instructs the seconddischarge valve actuator 64 to open the secondslurry discharge valve 62 for facilitating the discharge of the treatedproduct 114 fromTANK2 26 through thesecond outlet 20. In this configuration, the discharge of the treatedproduct 114 fromTANK2 26 is achieved under the action of gravity since the inner pressure ofTANK2 26 is equalized with the atmosphere pressure. - In
step 236, thecontroller 14 instructs the seconddischarge valve actuator 64 to close the secondslurry discharge valve 62 for discontinuing the discharge of the treatedproduct 114 from thesecond outlet 20. In one embodiment, the secondslurry discharge valve 62 is closed whenTANK2 26 is empty. - In
step 238, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuator 45 to transition TANK2 into the pressurized state. In embodiments, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuator 45 to close the secondair discharge valve 44 to transition TANK2 26 into the pressurized state. - In
step 240, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuator 45 to open the secondair supply valve 42 for receiving compressed air intoTANK2 26. As a result,TANK2 26 is pressurized to the predetermined pressure level (e.g., 1 MPa) to approximately match the pressure level of theinlet 16. - In
step 242, thecontroller 14 instructs therespective actuator 45 to close the secondair supply valve 42 forTANK2 26 when the predetermined pressure level is obtained inTANK2 26. At this moment,TANK2 26 is transitioned into the pressurized state and ready to receive the treatedproduct 114 from theinlet 16 of thebackpressure regulator assembly 12. - The
method 200 may end instep 242 and/or control may return to step 202. One or more of steps 204-242 can be repeated as desired to suit the application. - It should be appreciated that any steps of the
method 200 described herein may be implemented by a process controller, or other similar component, of thecontroller 14. Specifically, the process controller may be configured to execute computer readable instructions for performing one or more steps of themethod 200. In one embodiment, the process controller may also be configured to transition from an operating state, during which a larger number of operations are performed, to a sleep state, in which a limited number of operations are performed, thus further reducing quiescent power draw of an electrical power source for thepressure regulation system 10. - The present disclosure is more easily comprehended by reference to the specific embodiments, examples and drawings recited hereinabove which are representative of the present disclosure. It must be understood, however, that the same are provided for the purpose of illustration, and that the present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated without departing from its spirit and scope. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of various other embodiments and that its several components and related details are capable of various alterations, all without departing from the basic concept of the present disclosure. Accordingly, descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive in any form whatsoever. Modifications and variations of the system, method, and apparatus described herein will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (7)
1. A system of maintaining a backpressure of a fluidic product, the system comprising:
an air supply assembly configured to pressurize a first reservoir to a first predetermined pressure level using compressed air, and pressurize a second reservoir to a second predetermined pressure level using the compressed air;
a pump configured to deliver the fluidic product to the pressurized first reservoir until a current level of the fluidic product in the first reservoir reaches a first predetermined level, and to deliver the fluidic product to the pressurized second reservoir until a current level of the fluidic product in the second reservoir reaches a second predetermined level; and
a controller configured to control the backpressure of the fluidic product using the first reservoir and the second reservoir such that a discharge flow of the fluidic product is continuous.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a backpressure regulator assembly being controllable by the controller, the backpressure regulator having an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, the inlet being configured to receive the fluidic product and fluidically connected to both the first reservoir and the second reservoir.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the first outlet is fluidically connected to the first reservoir and the second outlet is fluidically connected to the second reservoir.
4. The system of claim 2 , wherein a first end of the first reservoir is fluidically connected to the inlet of the backpressure regulator assembly and an opposite second end of the first reservoir is fluidically connected to the air supply assembly, and a first end of the second reservoir is fluidically connected to the inlet of the backpressure regulator assembly and an opposite second end of the second reservoir is fluidically connected to the air supply assembly.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein a first slurry supply valve is connected at one end to the inlet of the backpressure regulator assembly and at the other end to the first end of the first reservoir, and a second slurry supply valve is connected at one end to the inlet of the backpressure regulator assembly and at the other end to the first end of the second reservoir.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein a first slurry discharge valve is connected to the first end of the first reservoir, and a second slurry discharge valve is connected to the first end of the second reservoir.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the controller is configured to automatically control opening and closing operations of at least one of: the air supply assembly, the first slurry supply valve, the second slurry supply valve, the first slurry discharge valve, and the second slurry discharge valve.
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US17/006,008 US11761582B2 (en) | 2019-09-05 | 2020-08-28 | Pressure regulation system and method for a fluidic product having particles |
US18/168,281 US20230184377A1 (en) | 2019-09-05 | 2023-02-13 | Pressure regulation system and method for a fluidic product having particles |
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2020
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2023
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US20210071813A1 (en) | 2021-03-11 |
US11761582B2 (en) | 2023-09-19 |
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