WO2024226666A1

WO2024226666A1 - Semi-hermetic motorized pressure exchanger

Info

Publication number: WO2024226666A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/026081
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Joseph Pattom; Kenneth Yoshio KASHIWADA; Raja Faruq RAJA BAHARUDDIN; Chengyu Zhang
Original assignee: Energy Recovery, Inc.
Priority date: 2023-04-25
Filing date: 2024-04-24
Publication date: 2024-10-31

Abstract

A motorized pressure exchanger (300) includes a rotor (310) configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. The motorized pressure exchanger (300) further includes a motorized end cap (330) forming a center bore. The motorized pressure exchanger (300) further includes a shaft (320) comprising a first distal end coupled to the rotor (310). The shaft is routed through the center bore of the motorized end cap. The motorized pressure exchanger (300) further includes a static seal (340) disposed against the motorized end cap (330) to prevent fluid from the center bore from exiting the motorized pressure exchanger (300) via the motorized end cap (330).

Description

SEMI-HERMETIC MOTORIZED PRESSURE EXCHANGER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to pressure exchangers, and, more particularly, semi- hermetic motorized pressure exchangers.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Systems use fluids at different pressures. Systems use components to increase pressure of fluid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0004] FIGS. 1 A-D illustrate schematic diagrams of fluid handling systems including hydraulic energy transfer systems, according to certain embodiments.

[0005] FIGS. 2A-E are exploded perspective views of pressure exchangers (PXs), according to certain embodiments.

[0006] FIGS. 3A-I illustrate components of PXs, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Embodiments described herein are related to semi-hermetic motorized pressure exchangers.

[0008] Systems may use fluids at different pressures. A supply of a fluid to a system may be at lower pressure and one or more portions of the system may operate at higher pressures. A system may include a closed loop with various fluid pressures maintained in different portions of the loop. These systems may include hydraulic fracturing (e.g., fracking or fracing) systems, desalinization systems, refrigeration systems, heat pump systems, energy generation systems, mud pumping systems, slurry pumping systems, industrial fluid systems, waste fluid systems, fluid transportation systems, etc. Pumps or compressors may be used to increase pressure of fluids of such systems.

[0009] Conventionally, systems (e.g., refrigeration systems, heat pump systems, reversible heat pump systems, water systems, or the like) use pumps or compressors to increase the pressure of a fluid (e.g., a refrigeration fluid such as carbon dioxide (CO2), R-744, R-134a, hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ammonia (NH3), refrigerant blends, R-407A, R-404A, etc.). Conventionally, separate pumps or compressors mechanically coupled to motors are used to increase pressure of the fluid in any portion of a system including an increase in fluid pressure. Pumps and compressors, especially those that operate over a large pressure differential (e.g., cause a large pressure increase in the fluid), require large quantities of energy. Conventional systems thus expend large amounts of energy increasing the pressure of the fluid (via the pumps or compressors driven by the motors). Additionally, conventional fluid transfer systems decrease the pressure of the fluid through expansion valves. Conventional systems inefficiently increase pressure of fluid and decrease pressure of the fluid when operating in a loop. This is wasteful in terms of energy used to run the conventional systems (e.g., energy used to repeatedly increase the pressure of the refrigeration fluid to cause increase or decrease of temperature of the surrounding environment).

[0010] Conventionally, systems (e.g., refrigeration systems, heat pump systems, reversible heat pump systems, water systems, or the like) use dynamic seals (e.g., seals disposed against a shaft) to prevent fluid leakage (e.g., leakage of pressurized fluid). Use of a dynamic seal against a rotating component can result in some leakage because the contacting surface between the rotating component and the seal are in continuous motion relative to each other (e.g., dynamic sealing). Leakage can result in waste of system fluids, may cause the system to operate inefficiently, and/or may cause foreign particles to enter the system and damage system components.

[0011] The systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure provide solutions to these and other shortcomings of conventional systems.

[0012] The present disclosure provides PXs for use in systems (e.g., fluid handling systems, heat transfer systems, refrigeration systems, heat pump systems, cooling systems, heating systems, etc.). In a system, a PX may be configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid (e.g., a high pressure portion of a refrigeration fluid in a refrigeration cycle) and a second fluid (e.g., a low pressure portion of the refrigeration fluid in the refrigeration cycle). The PX may receive the first fluid (e.g., a portion of the refrigeration fluid at high pressure) via a first inlet (e.g., a high pressure inlet) and a second fluid (e.g., a portion of the refrigeration fluid at a low pressure) via a second inlet (e.g., a low pressure inlet). When entering the PX, the first fluid may be of a higher pressure than the second fluid. The PX may exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The first fluid may exit the PX via a first outlet (e.g., a low pressure outlet) and the second fluid may exit the PX via a second outlet (e.g., a high pressure outlet). When exiting the PX, the second fluid may have a higher pressure than the first fluid (e.g., pressure has been exchanged between the first fluid and the second fluid).

[0013] The PX of the present disclosure may be a semi-hermetic PX. A semi-hermetic PX may include components that are fastened together (e.g., instead of welded together) and may be serviceable (e.g., via unfastening of the components). The fastened components may be sealed via one or more seals. A semi-hermetic PX may be a sealed system that does not allow air or pressure to escape via the fastened components.

[0014] In some embodiments, a PX includes a rotor configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid, a motorized end cap forming a center bore; and a shaft comprising a first distal end coupled to the rotor. The shaft may be routed through the center bore of the motorized end cap. The PX may further include a static seal disposed against the motorized end cap to prevent fluid from the center bore from exiting the motorized pressure exchanger via the motorized end cap.

[0015] In some embodiments, a motor rotor and a motor stator are disposed in an inner volume of the motorized end cap. The motor rotor may be coupled to a second distal end of the shaft. The motor stator may be disposed around the motor rotor. An end plate may be disposed adjacent the motorized end cap (e.g., the motor rotor and the motor stator are disposed between the end plate and the motorized end cap). The static seal may be disposed between the end plate and the motorized end cap.

[0016] In some embodiments, a coupling canister is disposed adjacent to the motorized end cap and the static seal is between the coupling canister and the motorized end cap. A coupling inner rotor may be disposed in an inner volume formed by the coupling canister. The coupling inner rotor may be coupled to a second distal end of the shaft. A coupling outer rotor may be disposed around the coupling canister. The coupling outer rotor may be coupled to a motor. The coupling outer rotor may be rotated by the coupling inner rotor via magnetic forces.

[0017] Systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure provide advantages over conventional solutions. Systems of the present disclosure reduce energy consumption compared to conventional systems. For example, use of a PX of the present disclosure may recover energy stored as pressure and transfer that energy back into the system, reducing the energy cost of operating the system. Systems of the present disclosure may reduce wear on components (e.g., pumps, compressors) compared to conventional systems. A PX of the present disclosure has less leakage than conventional systems. This provides a healthier environment, reduces waste of system fluids, increases efficiency of systems, and reduces foreign particles in the system compared to conventional systems.

[0018] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described in relation to pressure exchangers, energy recovery devices, and hydraulic energy transfer systems, the current disclosure can be applied to other systems and devices (e.g., pressure exchanger that is not isobaric, rotating components that are not a pressure exchanger, a pressure exchanger that is not rotary, systems that do not include pressure exchangers, etc.).

[0019] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described in relation to exchanging pressure between fluid used in fracing systems, desalinization systems, heat pump systems, and/or refrigeration systems, the present disclosure can be applied to other types of systems. Fluids can refer to liquid, gas, transcritical fluid, supercritical fluid, subcritical fluid, and/or combinations thereof.

[0020] FIGS. 1A-D illustrate schematic diagrams of fluid handling systems 100 including hydraulic energy transfer systems 110, according to certain embodiments.

[0021] In some embodiments, a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a pressure exchanger (e.g., PX). The PX may have a static seal disposed against a motorized end cap to prevent fluid from a center bore of the motorized end cap from exiting the PX via the motorized end cap (e.g., see FIGS. 3A-I). The PX may have an internal motor (e.g., see FIGS. 3A-C) or may have a magnetic coupling to a motor (e.g., see FIGS. 3D-F). The static seal may seal against the motorized end cap without sealing against the shaft of the PX.

[0022] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) receives low pressure (LP) fluid in 120 (e.g., low-pressure inlet stream) from a LP in system 122. The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 also receives high pressure (HP) fluid in 130 (e.g., high-pressure inlet stream) from HP in system 132. The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) exchanges pressure between the HP fluid in 130 and the LP fluid in 120 to provide LP fluid out 140 (e.g., low-pressure outlet stream) to LP fluid out system 142 and to provide HP fluid out 150 (e.g., high-pressure outlet stream) to HP fluid out system 152.

[0023] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a PX to exchange pressure between the HP fluid in 130 and the LP fluid in 120. The PX may be a device that transfers fluid pressure between HP fluid in 130 and LP fluid in 120 at efficiencies in excess of approximately 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or greater (e.g., without utilizing centrifugal technology). High pressure (e.g., HP fluid in 130, HP fluid out 150) refers to pressures greater than the low pressure (e.g., LP fluid in 120, LP fluid out 140). LP fluid in 120 of the PX may be pressurized and exit the PX at high pressure (e.g., HP fluid out 150, at a pressure greater than that of LP fluid in 120), and HP fluid in 130 may be depressurized and exit the PX at low pressure (e.g., LP fluid out 140, at a pressure less than that of the HP fluid in 130). The PX may operate with the HP fluid in 130 directly applying a force to pressurize the LP fluid in 120, with or without a fluid separator between the fluids. Examples of fluid separators that may be used with the PX include, but are not limited to, pistons, bladders, diaphragms, and the like. In some embodiments, PXs may be rotary devices. Rotary PXs, such as those manufactured by Energy Recovery, Inc. of San Leandro, Calif., may not have any separate valves, since the effective valving action is accomplished internal to the device via the relative motion of a rotor with respect to end covers. Rotary PXs may be designed to operate with internal pistons to isolate fluids and transfer pressure with relatively little mixing of the inlet fluid streams. Reciprocating PXs may include a piston moving back and forth in a cylinder for transferring pressure between the fluid streams. Any PX or multiple PXs may be used in the present disclosure, such as, but not limited to, rotary PXs, reciprocating PXs, or any combination thereof. In addition, the PX may be disposed on a skid separate from the other components of a fluid handling system 100 (e.g., in situations in which the PX is added to an existing fluid handling system).

[0024] In some embodiments, a motor 160 is coupled to hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., to a PX). In some embodiments, the motor 160 controls the speed of a rotor of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., to increase pressure of HP fluid out 150, to decrease pressure of LP fluid out 140, etc.). In some embodiments, motor 160 generates energy (e.g., acts as a generator) based on pressure exchanging in hydraulic energy transfer system 110.

[0025] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may be a hydraulic protection system (e.g., hydraulic buffer system, hydraulic isolation system) that may block or limit contact between solid particle laden fluid (e.g., frac fluid) and various equipment (e.g., hydraulic fracturing equipment, high-pressure pumps) while exchanging work and/or pressure with another fluid. By blocking or limiting contact between various equipment (e.g., fracturing equipment) and solid particle containing fluid, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 increases the life and performance, while reducing abrasion and wear, of various equipment (e.g., fracturing equipment, high pressure fluid pumps). Less expensive equipment may be used in the fluid handling system 100 by using equipment (e.g., high pressure fluid pumps) not designed for abrasive fluids (e.g., frac fluids and/or corrosive fluids).

[0026] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may include a hydraulic turbocharger or hydraulic pressure exchange system, such as a rotating PX. The PX may include one or more chambers (e.g., 1 to 100) to facilitate pressure transfer and equalization of pressures between volumes of first and second fluids (e.g., gas, liquid, multi-phase fluid). In some embodiments, the PX may transfer pressure between a first fluid (e.g., pressure exchange fluid, such as a proppant free or substantially proppant free fluid) and a second fluid that may be highly viscous and/or contain solid particles (e.g., frac fluid containing sand, proppant, powders, debris, ceramics). The solid particle fluid causes abrasion and/or erosion of components of the PX, such as the rotor and end covers of the PX. The fluid (e.g., abrasive particles in the fluid) may cause wear to an interface between the rotor and each end cover as the rotor rotates relative to the end covers. Replacing worn components of the PX may be costly.

[0027] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may be used in different types of systems, such as fracing systems, desalination systems, refrigeration systems, etc.

[0028] FIG. 1 A illustrates a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100 A including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110, according to certain embodiments. Fluid handling system 100A may include a control module 180 that includes one or more controllers 185.

[0029] FIG. IB illustrates a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100B including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110, according to certain embodiments. Fluid handling system 100B may be a fracing system. In some embodiments, fluid handling system 100B includes more components, less components, same routing, different routing, and/or the like than that shown in FIG. IB.

[0030] LP fluid in 120 and HP fluid out 150 may be frac fluid (e.g., fluid including solid particles, proppant fluid, etc.). HP fluid in 130 and LP fluid out 140 may be substantially solid particle free fluid (e.g., proppant free fluid, water, filtered fluid, etc.).

[0031] LP in system 122 may include one or more low pressure fluid pumps to provide LP fluid in 120 to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX). HP in system 132 may include one or more high pressure fluid pumps 134 to provide HP fluid in 130 to hydraulic energy transfer system 110.

[0032] Hydraulic energy transfer system 110 exchanges pressure between LP fluid in 120 (e.g., low pressure frac fluid) and HP fluid in 130 (e.g., high pressure water) to provide HP fluid out 150 (e.g., high pressure frac fluid) to HP out system 152 and to provide LP fluid out 140 (e.g., low pressure water). HP out system 152 may include a rock formation 154 (e.g., well) that includes cracks 156. The solid particles (e.g., proppants) from HP fluid out 150 may be provided into the cracks 156 of the rock formation.

[0033] In some embodiments, LP fluid out 140, high pressure fluid pumps 134, and HP fluid in 130 are part of a first loop (e.g., proppant free fluid loop). The LP fluid out 140 may be provided to the high pressure fluid pumps to generate HP fluid in 130 that becomes LP fluid out 140 upon exiting the hydraulic energy transfer system 110.

[0034] In some embodiments, LP fluid in 120, HP fluid out 150, and low pressure fluid pumps 124 are part of a second loop (e.g., proppant containing fluid loop). The HP fluid out 150 may be provided into the rock formation 154 and then pumped from the rock formation 154 by the low pressure fluid pumps 124 to generate LP fluid in 120.

[0035] In some embodiments, fluid handling system 100B is used in well completion operations in the oil and gas industry to perform hydraulic fracturing (e.g., fracking, fracing) to increase the release of oil and gas in rock formations 154. HP out system 152 may include rock formations 154 (e.g., a well). Hydraulic fracturing may include pumping HP fluid out 150 containing a combination of water, chemicals, and solid particles (e.g., sand, ceramics, proppant) into a well (e.g., rock formation 154) at high pressures. LP fluid in 120 and HP fluid out 150 may include a particulate laden fluid that increases the release of oil and gas in rock formations 154 by propagating and increasing the size of cracks 156 in the rock formations 154. The high pressures of HP fluid out 150 initiates and increases size of cracks 156 and propagation through the rock formation 154 to release more oil and gas, while the solid particles (e.g., powders, debris, etc.) enter the cracks 156 to keep the cracks 156 open (e.g., prevent the cracks 156 from closing once HP fluid out 150 is depressurized).

[0036] In order to pump this particulate laden fluid into the rock formation 154 (e.g., a well), the fluid handling system 100B may include one or more high pressure fluid pumps 134 and one or more low pressure fluid pumps 124 coupled to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110. For example, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may be a hydraulic turbocharger or a PX (e.g., a rotary PX). In operation, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 transfers pressures without any substantial mixing between a first fluid (e.g., HP fluid in 130, proppant free fluid) pumped by the high pressure fluid pumps 134 and a second fluid (e.g., LP fluid in 120, proppant containing fluid, frac fluid) pumped by the low pressure fluid pumps 124. In this manner, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 blocks or limits wear on the high pressure fluid pumps 134, while enabling the fluid handling system 100B to pump a high-pressure frac fluid (e.g., HP fluid out 150) into the rock formation 154 to release oil and gas. In order to operate in corrosive and abrasive environments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may be made from materials resistant to corrosive and abrasive substances in either the first and second fluids. For example, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may be made out of ceramics (e.g., alumina, cermets, such as carbide, oxide, nitride, or boride hard phases) within a metal matrix (e.g., Co, Cr or Ni or any combination thereof) such as tungsten carbide in a matrix of CoCr, Ni, NiCr or Co.

[0037] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a PX (e.g., rotary PX) and HP fluid in 130 (e.g., the first fluid, high-pressure solid particle free fluid) enters a first side of the PX where the HP fluid in 130 contacts LP fluid in 120 (e.g., the second fluid, low-pressure frac fluid) entering the PX on a second side. The contact between the fluids enables the HP fluid in 130 to increase the pressure of the second fluid (e.g., LP fluid in 120), which drives the second fluid out (e.g., HP fluid out 150) of the PX and down a well (e.g., rock formation 154) for fracturing operations. The first fluid (e.g., LP fluid out 140) similarly exits the PX, but at a low pressure after exchanging pressure with the second fluid. As noted above, the second fluid may be a low-pressure frac fluid that may include abrasive particles, which may wear the interface between the rotor and the respective end covers as the rotor rotates relative to the respective end covers.

[0038] FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100C including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110, according to certain embodiments. Fluid handling system 100C may be a desalination system (e.g., remove salt and/or other minerals from water). In some embodiments, fluid handling system 100C includes more components, less components, same routing, different routing, and/or the like than that shown in FIG. 1C. [0039] LP in system 122 may include a feed pump 126 (e.g., low pressure fluid pump 124) that receives seawater in 170 (e.g., feed water from a reservoir or directly from the ocean) and provides LP fluid in 120 (e.g., low pressure seawater, feed water) to hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX). HP in system 132 may include membranes 136 that provide HP fluid in 130 (e.g., high pressure brine) to hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 exchanges pressure between the HP fluid in 130 and LP fluid in 120 to provide HP fluid out 150 (e.g., high pressure seawater) to HP out system 152 and to provide LP fluid out 140 (e.g., low pressure brine) to LP out system 142 (e.g., geological mass, ocean, sea, discarded, etc.).

[0040] The membranes 136 may be a membrane separation device configured to separate fluids traversing a membrane, such as a reverse osmosis membrane. Membranes 136 may provide HP fluid in 130 which is a concentrated feed-water or concentrate (e.g., brine) to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110. Pressure of the HP fluid in 130 may be used to compress low-pressure feed water (e.g., LP fluid in 120) to be high pressure feed water (e.g., HP fluid out 150). For simplicity and illustration purposes, the term feed water is used. However, fluids other than water may be used in the hydraulic energy transfer system 110. [0041] The circulation pump 158 (e.g., centrifugal pump) provides the HP fluid out 150 (e.g., high pressure seawater) to membranes 136. The membranes 136 filter the HP fluid out 150 to provide LP potable water 172 and HP fluid in 130 (e.g., high pressure brine). The LP out system 142 provides brine out 174 (e.g., to geological mass, ocean, sea, discarded, etc.). [0042] In some embodiments, a high pressure fluid pump 176 is disposed between the feed pump 126 and the membranes 136. The high pressure fluid pump 176 increases pressure of the low pressure seawater (e.g., LP fluid in 120, provides high pressure feed water) to be mixed with the high pressure seawater provided by circulation pump 158.

[0043] In some embodiments, use of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 decreases the load on high pressure fluid pump 176. In some embodiments, fluid handling system 100C provides LP potable water 172 without use of high pressure fluid pump 176. In some embodiments, fluid handling system 100C provides LP potable water 172 with intermittent use of high pressure fluid pump 176.

[0044] In some examples, hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) receives LP fluid in 120 (e.g., low-pressure feed-water) at about 30 pounds per square inch (PSI) and receives HP fluid in 130 (e.g., high-pressure brine or concentrate) at about 980 PSI. The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) transfers pressure from the high-pressure concentrate (e.g., HP fluid in 130) to the low-pressure feed-water (e.g., LP fluid in 120). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) outputs HP fluid out 150 (e.g., high pressure (compressed) feed-water) at about 965 PSI and LP fluid out 140 (e.g., low-pressure concentrate) at about 15 PSI. Thus, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) may be about 97% efficient since the input volume is about equal to the output volume of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX), and 965 PSI is about 97% of 980 PSI.

[0045] FIG. ID illustrates a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100D including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110, according to certain embodiments. Fluid handling system 100D may be a refrigeration system. In some embodiments, fluid handling system 100D includes more components, less components, same routing, different routing, and/or the like than that shown in FIG. ID.

[0046] Hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) may receive LP fluid in 120 from LP in system 122 (e.g., low pressure lift device 128, low pressure fluid pump, etc.) and HP fluid in 130 from HP in system 132 (e.g., condenser 138). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) may exchange pressure between the LP fluid in 120 and HP fluid in 130 to provide HP fluid out 150 to HP out system 152 (e.g., high pressure lift device 159) and to provide LP fluid out 140 to LP out system 142 (e.g., evaporator 144). The evaporator 144 may provide the fluid to compressor 178 and low pressure lift device 128. The condenser 138 may receive fluid from compressor 178 and high pressure lift device 159.

[0047] The fluid handling system 100D may be a closed system. LP fluid in 120, HP fluid in 130, LP fluid out 140, and HP fluid out 150 may all be a fluid (e.g., refrigerant) that is circulated in the closed system of fluid handling system 100D.

[0048] In some embodiments, the fluid of fluid handling system 100D may include solid particles. For example, the piping, equipment, connections (e.g., pipe welds, pipe soldering), etc. may introduce solid particles (e.g., solid particles from the welds) into the fluid in the fluid handling system 100D. The solid particles in the fluid and/or the high pressure of the fluid may cause abrasion and/or erosion of components (e.g., rotor, end covers) of the PX of hydraulic energy transfer system 110.

[0049] FIGS. 2A-E are exploded perspective views a rotary PX 40 (e.g., rotary pressure exchanger, rotary liquid piston compressor (LPC)), according to certain embodiments. PX 40 may include a motor 92 and/or a control module 94.

[0050] In some embodiments, PX 40 has a static seal disposed against a motorized end cap to prevent fluid from a center bore of the motorized end cap from exiting the PX 40 via the motorized end cap (e.g., see FIGS. 3A-I). The PX 40 may have an internal motor (e.g., see FIGS. 3A-C) or may have a magnetic coupling to a motor (e.g., see FIGS. 3D-F). The static seal may seal against the motorized end cap without sealing against the shaft of the PX 40. [0051] PX 40 is configured to transfer pressure and/or work between a first fluid (e.g., proppant free fluid or supercritical carbon dioxide, HP fluid in 130) and a second fluid (e.g., frac fluid or superheated gaseous carbon dioxide, LP fluid in 120) with minimal mixing of the fluids. The rotary PX 40 may include a generally cylindrical body portion 42 that includes a sleeve 44 (e.g., rotor sleeve) and a rotor 46. The rotary PX 40 may also include two end caps 48 and 50 that include manifolds 52 and 54, respectively. Manifold 52 includes respective inlet port 56 and outlet port 58, while manifold 54 includes respective inlet port 60 and outlet port 62. In operation, these inlet ports 56, 60 enable the first and second fluids to enter the rotary PX 40 to exchange pressure, while the outlet ports 58, 62 enable the first and second fluids to then exit the rotary PX 40. In operation, the inlet port 56 may receive a high- pressure first fluid (e.g., HP fluid in 130), and after exchanging pressure, the outlet port 58 may be used to route a low-pressure first fluid (e.g., LP fluid out 140) out of the rotary PX 40. Similarly, the inlet port 60 may receive a low-pressure second fluid (e.g., LP fluid in 120) and the outlet port 62 may be used to route a high-pressure second fluid (e.g., HP fluid out 150) out of the rotary PX 40. The end caps 48 and 50 include respective end covers 64 and 66 (e.g., end plates) disposed within respective manifolds 52 and 54 that enable fluid sealing contact with the rotor 46.

[0052] As noted above, one or more components of the PX 40, such as the rotor 46, the end cover 64, and/or the end cover 66, may be constructed from a wear-resistant material (e.g., carbide, cemented carbide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, etc.) with a hardness greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., a Vickers hardness number that is at least 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, 2250, or more). For example, tungsten carbide may be more durable and may provide improved wear resistance to abrasive fluids as compared to other materials, such as alumina ceramics.

[0053] The rotor 46 may be cylindrical and disposed in the sleeve 44, which enables the rotor 46 to rotate about the axis 68. The rotor 46 may have a plurality of channels 70 (e.g., ducts, rotor ducts) extending substantially longitudinally through the rotor 46 with openings 72 and 74 (e.g., rotor ports) at each end arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis 68. The openings 72 and 74 of the rotor 46 are arranged for hydraulic communication with inlet and outlet apertures 76 and 78 (e.g., end cover inlet port and end cover outlet port) and 80 and 82 (e.g., end cover inlet port and end cover outlet port) in the end covers 64 and 66, in such a manner that during rotation the channels 70 are exposed to fluid at high-pressure and fluid at low-pressure. As illustrated, the inlet and outlet apertures 76 and 78 and 80 and 82 may be designed in the form of arcs or segments of a circle (e.g., C-shaped).

[0054] In some embodiments, a controller using sensor feedback (e.g., revolutions per minute measured through a tachometer or optical encoder or volume flow rate measured through flowmeter) may control the extent of mixing between the first and second fluids in the rotary PX 40, which may be used to improve the operability of the fluid handling system (e.g., fluid handling systems 100A-D of FIGS. 1 A-D). For example, varying the volume flow rates of the first and second fluids entering the rotary PX 40 allows the plant operator (e.g., system operator) to control the amount of fluid mixing within the PX 40. In addition, varying the rotational speed of the rotor 46 also allows the operator to control mixing. Three characteristics of the rotary PX 40 that affect mixing are: (1) the aspect ratio of the rotor channels 70; (2) the duration of exposure between the first and second fluids; and (3) the creation of a fluid barrier (e.g., an interface) between the first and second fluids within the rotor channels 70. First, the rotor channels 70 (e.g., ducts) are generally long and narrow, which stabilizes the flow within the rotary PX 40. In addition, the first and second fluids may move through the channels 70 in a plug flow regime with minimal axial mixing. Second, in certain embodiments, the speed of the rotor 46 reduces contact between the first and second fluids. For example, the speed of the rotor 46 (e.g., rotor speed of approximately 1200 revolutions per minute (RPM)) may reduce contact times between the first and second fluids to less than approximately 0.15 seconds, 0.10 seconds, or 0.05 seconds. Third, a small portion of the rotor channel 70 is used for the exchange of pressure between the first and second fluids. Therefore, a volume of fluid remains in the channel 70 as a barrier between the first and second fluids. All these mechanisms may limit mixing within the rotary PX 40. Moreover, in some embodiments, the rotary PX 40 may be designed to operate with internal pistons or other barriers, either complete or partial, that isolate the first and second fluids while enabling pressure transfer.

[0055] FIGS. 2B-2E are exploded views of an embodiment of the rotary PX 40 illustrating the sequence of positions of a single rotor channel 70 in the rotor 46 as the channel 70 rotates through a complete cycle. It is noted that FIGS. 2B-2E are simplifications of the rotary PX 40 showing one rotor channel 70, and the channel 70 is shown as having a circular cross- sectional shape. In other embodiments, the rotary PX 40 may include a plurality of channels 70 with the same or different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.). Thus, FIGS. 2B-2E are simplifications for purposes of illustration, and other embodiments of the rotary PX 40 may have configurations different from that shown in FIGS. 2A-2E. As described in detail below, the rotary PX 40 facilitates pressure exchange between first and second fluids by enabling the first and second fluids to briefly contact each other within the rotor 46. In certain embodiments, this exchange happens at speeds that result in limited mixing of the first and second fluids. The speed of the pressure wave traveling through the rotor channel 70 (as soon as the channel is exposed to the aperture 76), the diffusion speeds of the fluids, and the rotational speed of rotor 46 dictate whether any mixing occurs and to what extent.

[0056] FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary PX 40 (e.g., rotary LPC), according to certain embodiments. In FIG. 2B, the channel opening 72 is in a first position. In the first position, the channel opening 72 is in fluid communication with the aperture 78 in end cover 64 and therefore with the manifold 52, while the opposing channel opening 74 is in hydraulic communication with the aperture 82 in end cover 66 and by extension with the manifold 54. As will be discussed below, the rotor 46 may rotate in the clockwise direction indicated by arrow 84. In operation, low-pressure second fluid 86 passes through end cover 66 and enters the channel 70, where it contacts the first fluid 88 at a dynamic fluid interface 90. The second fluid 86 then drives the first fluid 88 out of the channel 70, through end cover 64, and out of the rotary PX 40. However, because of the short duration of contact, there is minimal mixing between the second fluid 86 and the first fluid 88.

[0057] FIG. 2C is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary PX 40 (e.g., rotary LPC), according to certain embodiments. In FIG. 2C, the channel 70 has rotated clockwise through an arc of approximately 90 degrees. In this position, the opening 74 (e.g., outlet) is no longer in fluid communication with the apertures 80 and 82 of end cover 66, and the opening 72 is no longer in fluid communication with the apertures 76 and 78 of end cover 64. Accordingly, the low-pressure second fluid 86 is temporarily contained within the channel 70.

[0058] FIG. 2D is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary PX 40 (e.g., rotary LPC), according to certain embodiments. In FIG. 2D, the channel 70 has rotated through approximately 60 degrees of arc from the position shown in FIG. 2B. The opening 74 is now in fluid communication with aperture 80 in end cover 66, and the opening 72 of the channel 70 is now in fluid communication with aperture 76 of the end cover 64. In this position, high-pressure first fluid 88 enters and pressurizes the low-pressure second fluid 86, driving the second fluid 86 out of the rotor channel 70 and through the aperture 80.

[0059] FIG. 2E is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary PX 40 (e.g., rotary LPC), according to certain embodiments. In FIG. 2E, the channel 70 has rotated through approximately 270 degrees of arc from the position shown in FIG. 2B. In this position, the opening 74 is no longer in fluid communication with the apertures 80 and 82 of end cover 66, and the opening 72 is no longer in fluid communication with the apertures 76 and 78 of end cover 64. Accordingly, the first fluid 88 is no longer pressurized and is temporarily contained within the channel 70 until the rotor 46 rotates another 90 degrees, starting the cycle over again.

[0060] Abrasion and/or erosion damage in a PX may occur when suspended solids are introduced and mixed in the fluid that enters the PX. Abrasion damage may occur when particles enter gaps in the PX (e.g., trapped between a stationary end cover and a rotating end cover). Erosion damage may occur due to existence of suspended solids (e.g., erodents) in high velocity fluid jets (e.g., slurry jets) that are formed due to the high pressure differentials inside the PX. When the high velocity jet makes an impact with components of the PX, the high velocity jet can cause damage to those components. Damage (e.g., erosion damage) can occur when a high pressure rotor port (e.g., rotor duct) opens to a low pressure end cover port (e.g., kidney) or when a low pressure rotor port (e.g., rotor duct) opens to a high pressure end cover port (e.g., kidney) which causes a high pressure differential. [0061] FIGS. 3A-I illustrate components of PXs 300 (e.g., motorized pressure exchangers, semi-hermetic motorized pressure exchangers), according to certain embodiments. Hydraulic energy transfer system 110 of one or more of FIGS. 1 A-D and/or PX 40 of one or more of FIGS. 2A-E may include one or more features, materials, functionalities, etc. that are the same as or similar to those of one or more of FIGS. 3A-I. PXs 300 described in one or more of FIGS. 3A-I may include one or more features, materials, functionalities, etc. as described in relation to one or more of FIGS. 1 A-2E. PX 300 may be a motorized PX that has zero leakage (e.g., or reduced leakage compared to conventional solutions). One or more components of PX 300 may be made of stainless steel and/or cast iron. In some embodiments, sound pulses may be used to rotate (e.g., bump, adjust) the rotor 310.

[0062] In some embodiments, PX 300 uses a motor (e.g., internal motor 370, motor 398) to control flow (e.g., increase flow, decrease flow) of fluid through the PX 300. In some embodiments, PX 300 uses a motor (e.g., internal motor 370, motor 398) to convert mechanical energy (e.g., rotational energy, kinetic energy) into electrical energy.

[0063] In some embodiments, a PX 300 includes a rotor 310, a shaft 320, a motorized end cap 330, and a static seal 340. The PX 300 may further include a sleeve 312, end covers 350A-B, end cap 352, ports 354A-D, center vessel 314, bearings 360, and bearing retaining plate 362, and seal plate 356. In some embodiments, bearings 360 are ball bearings, plastic bearings, and/or journal bearings (e.g., plain bearings, shaft or journal that is configured to rotate around shaft 320).

[0064] The rotor 310 is configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. The sleeve 312 is disposed around the rotor 310. End cover 350A is disposed at a first distal end of the rotor 310. End cover 350B is disposed at a second distal end of the rotor 310. [0065] The motorized end cap 330 forms a center bore. The shaft 320 has a first distal end coupled to the rotor 310. The shaft 320 is routed through the center bore of the motorized end cap 330. The static seal 340 is disposed against the motorized end cap 330 to prevent fluid (e.g., from the center bore) from exiting the PX 300 via the motorized end cap 330.

[0066] The static seal 340 is disposed against the motorized end cap 330 without being disposed adjacent the shaft 320 (e.g., static seal 340 is not disposed against any rotating components, static seal 340 is not a dynamic seal, static seal 340 is not a dynamic shaft seal, static seal 340 is not a shaft seal).

[0067] In some embodiments, PX 300 is used to exchange pressures between transcritical CO2 refrigeration fluids (e.g., in the transcritical CO2 refrigeration industry). In some embodiments, PX 300 (e.g., of FIGS. 3A) is used to exchange pressures between non- conductive fluids (e.g., dielectric constant of the fluids is similar to the dielectric constant of air, dielectric constant below about 2, dielectric constant below about 1.8). In some embodiments, PX 300 (e.g., of FIGS. 3D-F) can be used with any fluid. In some embodiments, PX 300 has a smaller footprint than conventional systems. In some embodiments, PX 300 is used in a refrigeration rack. In some embodiments, PX 300 complies with transcritical CO2 refrigeration industry standards of hermetic and/or semi-hermetic compressors.

[0068] FIGS. 3A-C and 3G-I illustrate components of PXs 300 that have an internal motor 370. FIG. 3A illustrates a PX 300. FIG. 3B illustrates an internal motor rotor 372 of a PX 300 (e.g., of FIG. 3A). FIG. 3C illustrates an internal motor stator 374 of a PX 300 (e.g., of FIG. 3A). In some embodiments, FIGS. 3A-C illustrate components of the same PX 300 or similar PXs 300. FIG. 3G illustrates a cross-sectional front view of a PX 300. FIG. 3H illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a PX 300. FIG. 31 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an internal motor 370 of a PX 300. In some embodiments, FIGS. 3G-I illustrate components of the same PX 300 or similar PXs 300.

[0069] PX 300 of FIG. 3 A may have a rotor 310, sleeve 312 disposed around rotor 310, end cover 350A (e.g., LP end cover) at a first distal end of the rotor 310), end cover 350B (e.g., HP end cover) disposed at a second distal end of rotor 310, seal plate 356 disposed proximate end cover 350A (e.g., end cover 350A disposed between seal plate 356 and rotor 310), end cap 352 disposed proximate seal plate 356 (e.g., seal plate 356 disposed between end cap 352 and end cover 350A), and port 354A (e.g., LPIN) and port 354B (e.g., HPOUT) disposed at end cap 352. Center vessel 314 (e.g., center vessel housing, cartridge housing) may be disposed around (e.g., or include) rotor 310, sleeve 312, end covers 350A-B, and/or seal plate 356. Motorized end cap 330 may be disposed proximate end cover 350B (e.g., end cover 350B is disposed between motorized end cap 330 and rotor 310). An end plate 332 (e.g., end cover) may be disposed proximate motorized end cap 330 (e.g., motorized end cap 330 is disposed between end plate 332 and end cover 350B. Motorized end cap 330 may include port 354C (e.g., LPOUT) and port 354D (e.g., HPIN). Shaft 320 may be disposed through at least a portion of rotor 310, motorized end cap 330, and internal motor 370 (e.g., internal motor rotor 372 and internal motor stator 374). A first distal portion of shaft 320 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to rotor 310 and a second distal portion of shaft 320 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to internal motor rotor 372 (e.g., via key hole formed by shaft 320 and retaining bolt routed through internal motor rotor 372 and shaft 320). Bearings 360 may be disposed between motorized end cap 330 and shaft 320. Bearing retaining plate 362 may be disposed around shaft 320 between motorized end cap 330 and internal motor 370. Internal motor may include an internal motor rotor 372 and an internal motor stator 374 that is disposed around internal motor rotor 372. Rotor retaining cap 376 may be disposed at a second distal end of shaft 320 (e.g., first distal end of shaft 320 being attached to rotor 310). Stator retaining plate 378 may be configured to prevent the internal motor stator 374 from rotating (e.g., hold the internal motor stator 374 in place). The stator retaining plate 378 may be fastened (e.g., bolted, via pin and pinhole formed by internal motor stator 374) to the internal motor stator 374 and/or may use friction to prevent the internal motor stator 374 from rotating.

[0070] The internal motor 370 may include internal motor rotor 372 and internal motor stator 374. In some embodiments, PX 300 includes end plate 332, rotor retaining cap 376, and/or stator retaining plate 378. FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of PX 300, FIG. 3B illustrates internal motor rotor 372, and FIG. 3C illustrates internal motor stator 374. In some embodiments, one or more wires are routed from the internal motor 370 through the stator retaining plate 378 (e.g., via an epoxy plug with terminals on both sides) to one or more external components.

[0071] PX 300 of FIG. 3 A may not have an external motor and may not have a shaft seal that attempts to seal pressurized fluid (e.g., shaft seal may result in leakage of fluids to atmosphere because contacting surface between the rotating shaft and the seal may be in continuous motion relative to each other, dynamic sealing). PX 300 of FIG. 3 A may have an internal motor 370 (e.g., exposed to the contained fluid) and may have a static seal where there is not relative motion (e.g., may not have a dynamic seal). PX 300 of FIG. 3 A may be a motorized PX that has an internal frameless motor (e.g., internal motor 370) that includes a stator (e.g., internal motor stator 374) and rotor (e.g., internal motor rotor 372) without a shaft seal (e.g., reducing leakage compared to conventional solutions, resulting in zero leakage). [0072] PX 300 of FIG. 3 A may have an internal motor 370 and a static seal 340 to prevent (e.g., interrupt) process fluid leakage to the atmosphere. PX 300 of FIG. 3 A may be used with non-conducting fluids (e.g., since internal motor 370 is exposed to the fluid).

[0073] PX 300 of FIG. 3 A may be a motorized pressure exchanger that includes a rotor 310 configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid, a shaft 320 including a first distal end coupled to the rotor 310, a motorized end cap 330 forming an interior volume, and an internal motor 370 disposed in the interior volume and coupled to a second distal end of the shaft 320. The internal motor 370 may include an internal motor rotor 372 disposed in an inner volume of the motorized end cap 330. The internal motor rotor 372 may be coupled to the second distal end of the shaft. The internal motor 370 may include an internal motor stator 374 disposed in the inner volume of the motorized end cap 330. The internal motor stator 374 may be disposed around the internal motor rotor 372.

[0074] PX 300 of FIG. 3 A may further include an end plate 332 disposed adjacent the motorized end cap 330. The internal motor rotor 372 and the internal motor stator 374 are disposed between the end plate 332 and the motorized end cap 330. The static seal 340 is disposed between the end plate 332 and the motorized end cap 330.

[0075] The shaft 320 is routed through a center bore of the motorized end cap 330. The static seal 340 is configured to prevent fluid from the center bore from exiting the PX 300 (e.g., motorized pressure exchanger) via the motorized end cap 330. The static seal 340 is disposed against the motorized end cap 330 without being disposed adjacent the shaft 320. [0076] The internal motor 370 may be an internal frameless motor that is configured to control rotation of the rotor 310. The internal motor 370 may be an induction motor or a permanent magnet motor.

[0077] FIGS. 3G-H illustrate a PX 300 that has an induction motor that has an oil management system 400 including one or more of an oil drain port 410 (e.g., oil drain, drain line), an oil sensor port 420 (e.g., sensor), and/or an oil sight glass port 430 (e.g., sight glass). In some embodiments, PX 300 of FIGS. 3G-H includes one or more of a terminal box 440 or a wire feedthrough 450. The oil management system 400 may include a sensor in the oil sensor port 420 that is configured to provide sensor data regarding oil (e.g., oil level, oil quality, etc.). The oil management system 400 may include a sight glass (e.g., transparent component) disposed in sight glass port 430 that is configured to provide viewing into the PX 300. The oil management system 400 may include an oil drain (e.g., component configured to adjustably allow and/or adjustably prevent oil drainage from the PX 300) associated with the oil drain port 410. The oil management system 400 may include a terminal box 440 that covers the wire feedthrough 450. One or more wires attached to one or more components (e.g., one or more sensors, sensor of oil sensor port 420, internal motor rotor 372, internal motor stator 374, etc.) may exit the PX 300 via wire feed through 450 into terminal box 440. FIG. 31 may illustrate an exploded perspective view of the internal motor 370 of FIG. 3G and/or FIG. 3H.

[0078] FIGS. 3D-F illustrate components of PX 300 that has a magnetic coupling assembly 380. FIG. 3D illustrates a system 301 that includes PX 300. FIG. 3E illustrates a PX 300 (e.g., of system 301 of FIG. 3D). FIG. 3F illustrates a magnetic coupling assembly 380 (e.g., of PX 300 of FIG. 3D and/or FIG. 3E). [0079] PX 300 of FIG. 3D may have a rotor 310, sleeve 312 disposed around rotor 310, end cover 350A (e.g., LP end cover) at a first distal end of the rotor 310), end cover 350B (e.g., HP end cover) disposed at a second distal end of rotor 310, seal plate 356 disposed proximate end cover 350A (e.g., end cover 350A disposed between seal plate 356 and rotor 310), end cap 352 disposed proximate seal plate 356 (e.g., seal plate 356 disposed between end cap 352 and end cover 350A), and port 354A (e.g., LPIN) and port 354B (e.g., HPOUT) disposed at end cap 352. Center vessel 314 (e.g., center vessel housing, cartridge housing) may be disposed around (e.g., or include) rotor 310, sleeve 312, end covers 350A-B, and/or seal plate 356. Tie rods 390 may couple (e.g., attach) end cap 352 to motorized end cap 330. Motorized end cap 330 may be disposed proximate end cover 350B (e.g., end cover 350B is disposed between motorized end cap 330 and rotor 310). An end plate 332 (e.g., end cover) may be disposed proximate motorized end cap 330 (e.g., motorized end cap 330 is disposed between end plate 332 and end cover 350B. Motorized end cap 330 may include port 354C (e.g., LPOUT) and port 354D (e.g., HP IN). Shaft 320 may be disposed through at least a portion of rotor 310, motorized end cap 330, and internal motor 370 (e.g., internal motor rotor 372 and internal motor stator 374). A first distal portion of shaft 320 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to rotor 310 and a second distal portion of shaft 320 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to coupling inner rotor 384. Bearings 360 may be disposed between motorized end cap 330 and shaft 320. Bearing retaining plate 362 may be disposed around shaft 320 between motorized end cap 330 and coupling canister 382.

[0080] Magnetic coupling assembly 380 may include coupling canister 382, coupling inner rotor 384, and coupling outer rotor 386. Coupling outer rotor 386 may be disposed around coupling canister 382. Coupling canister 382 may be disposed around coupling inner rotor 384 (e.g., sidewalls of coupling canister 382 is disposed between coupling inner rotor 384 and coupling outer rotor 386). Coupling motor hub 396 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to coupling outer rotor 386 and a shaft of motor 398. A motor adapter 394 may be disposed between motorized end cap 330 and motor 398. Motor adapter 394 may be disposed around magnetic coupling assembly 380 and coupling motor hub 396 (e.g., and at least a portion of a shaft of motor 398). Magnetic coupling assembly 380 may translate rotation of shaft 320 to shaft of motor 398 via magnetic coupling assembly 380 (e.g., coupling canister 382, coupling inner rotor 384, and coupling outer rotor 386).

[0081] Internal motor may include an internal motor rotor 372 and an internal motor stator 374 that is disposed around internal motor rotor 372. Rotor retaining cap 376 may be disposed at a second distal end of shaft 320 (e.g., first distal end of shaft 320 being attached to rotor 310).

[0082] The magnetic coupling assembly 380 may include a coupling canister 382 (e.g., metal canister, titanium canister, plastic canister, ceramic canister, non-magnetic canister, etc.), coupling inner rotor 384, and coupling outer rotor 386. In some embodiments, PX 300 includes tie rods 390, motor adapter 394, and/or coupling motor hub 396 (e.g., metal piece with set screw to attach to the motor shaft). FIG. 3D illustrates a cross-sectional view of PX 300, FIG. 3E illustrates a cross-sectional view of PX 300, and FIG. 3F illustrates an exploded view of magnetic coupling assembly 380.

[0083] PX 300 of FIGS. 3D-E may be coupled to an external motor (e.g., motor 398) via a magnetic coupling (e.g., via magnetic coupling assembly 380). The magnetic coupling assembly 380 may include an inner magnetic rotor (e.g., coupling inner rotor 384), a canister (e.g., coupling canister 382), and an outer magnetic rotor (e.g., coupling outer rotor 386). The coupling canister 382 (e.g., via a flange of the coupling canister 382) seals the pressurized fluid using a static seal 340. Torque is transmitted from the coupling outer rotor 386 to the coupling inner rotor 384 through the coupling canister 382 via magnetic forces (e.g., eliminating need for a dynamic shaft seal). PX 300 of FIGS. 3D-E may exchange pressure between fluids that are conductive or non-conductive (e.g., since the motor is not in contact with the fluid).

[0084] PX 300 of FIGS. 3D-E may be a motorized pressure exchanger that includes a rotor 310 configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid, a motorized end cap 330 forming a center bore, a shaft 320 (e.g., routed through the center bore of the motorized end cap) including a first distal end coupled to the rotor 310, and a magnetic coupling assembly 380 coupled to the motorized end cap 330 and a second distal end of the shaft 320.

[0085] The magnetic coupling assembly 380 may include a coupling canister 382 disposed adjacent to the motorized end cap 330.

[0086] The magnetic coupling assembly 380 may include a coupling inner rotor 384 disposed in an inner volume formed by the coupling canister 382. The coupling inner rotor 384 may be coupled to the second distal end of the shaft 320. The magnetic coupling assembly 380 may include a coupling outer rotor 386 disposed around the coupling canister 382. The coupling outer rotor 386 is coupled to a motor 398 (e.g., external motor). The coupling outer rotor 386 is to be rotated by the coupling inner rotor 384 via magnetic forces. [0087] PX 300 of FIGS. 3D-E may include a coupling motor hub 396 configured to couple the coupling outer rotor 386 to the motor 398. PX 300 of FIGS. 3D-E may include a motor adapter 394 disposed around the coupling outer rotor 386.

[0088] PX 300 of FIGS. 3D-E may include a static seal 340 disposed between the coupling canister 382 (e.g., flange of the coupling canister 382) and the motorized end cap 330. The static seal may be disposed against the motorized end cap 330 (e.g., between the coupling canister 382 and the motorized end cap 330) without being disposed adjacent the shaft 320. [0089] The PXs 300 of the present disclosure improve performance while providing flow capacity for different applications (e.g., desalination industry, refrigeration industry, fracing industry, etc.). The present disclosure may be configured to enable the application of a pressure exchanger in a refrigeration system (e.g., transcritical carbon dioxide (CO2) refrigeration system). However, the present disclosure may be used in any application of a pressure exchanger in any field.

[0090] The present disclosure may enable the use of gaseous or multi-phase fluids at high pressures in the pressure exchanger by providing a leak proof seal (e.g., substantially leak proof seal).

[0091] The present disclosure (e.g., one or more embodiments of FIGS. 3A-I) may have improvement in one or more of pressure range, efficiency, reduction in volume and cost, etc. compared to conventional solutions.

[0092] The preceding description sets forth numerous specific details, such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth, in order to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Descriptions of systems herein may include descriptions of one or more optional components. Components may be included in combinations not specifically discussed in this disclosure, and still be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0093] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” When the term “about,” “substantially,” or “approximately” is used herein, this is intended to mean that the nominal value presented is precise within ±10%. Also, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. as used herein are meant as labels to distinguish among different elements and can not necessarily have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical designation.

[0094] The terms “over,” “under,” “between,” “disposed on,” “before,” “after,” and “on” as used herein refer to a relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components. For example, one layer disposed on, over, or under another layer may be directly in contact with the other layer or may have one or more intervening layers. Moreover, one layer disposed between two layers may be directly in contact with the two layers or may have one or more intervening layers. Similarly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, one feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent features or may have one or more intervening layers or components.

[0095] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which each claim is entitled.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A motorized pressure exchanger comprising: a rotor configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid; a motorized end cap forming a center bore; a shaft comprising a first distal end coupled to the rotor, wherein the shaft is routed through the center bore of the motorized end cap; and a static seal disposed against the motorized end cap to prevent fluid from the center bore from exiting the motorized pressure exchanger via the motorized end cap.

2. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 1 further comprising: a motor rotor disposed in an inner volume of the motorized end cap, the motor rotor being coupled to a second distal end of the shaft; and a motor stator disposed in the inner volume of the motorized end cap, the motor stator being disposed around the motor rotor.

3. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 2 further comprising an end plate disposed adjacent the motorized end cap, wherein the motor rotor and the motor stator are disposed between the end plate and the motorized end cap, and wherein the static seal is between the end plate and the motorized end cap.

4. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 1 further comprising a coupling canister disposed adjacent to the motorized end cap, wherein the static seal is between the coupling canister and the motorized end cap.

5. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 4 further comprising: a coupling inner rotor disposed in an inner volume formed by the coupling canister, the coupling inner rotor being coupled to a second distal end of the shaft; and a coupling outer rotor disposed around the coupling canister, wherein the coupling outer rotor is coupled to a motor, wherein the coupling outer rotor is to be rotated by the coupling inner rotor via magnetic forces.

6. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 5 further comprising: a coupling motor hub configured to couple the coupling outer rotor to the motor; and a motor adapter disposed around the coupling outer rotor.

7. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 1, wherein the static seal is disposed against the motorized end cap without being disposed adjacent the shaft.

8. A motorized pressure exchanger comprising: a rotor configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid; a shaft comprising a first distal end coupled to the rotor; a motorized end cap forming an interior volume; and an internal motor disposed in the interior volume and coupled to a second distal end of the shaft.

9. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 8, wherein the internal motor comprises: a motor rotor disposed in an inner volume of the motorized end cap, the motor rotor being coupled to the second distal end of the shaft; and a motor stator disposed in the inner volume of the motorized end cap, the motor stator being disposed around the motor rotor.

10. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 9 further comprising an end plate disposed adjacent the motorized end cap, wherein the motor rotor and the motor stator are disposed between the end plate and the motorized end cap, and wherein a static seal is disposed between the end plate and the motorized end cap.

11. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 10, wherein the shaft is routed through a center bore of the motorized end cap, and wherein the static seal is configured to prevent fluid from the center bore from exiting the motorized pressure exchanger via the motorized end cap.

12. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 8 further comprising a shaft seal disposed against the motorized end cap without being disposed adjacent the shaft.

13. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 8, wherein the internal motor is an internal frameless motor that is configured to control rotation of the rotor.

14. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 8, wherein the internal motor is an induction motor or a permanent magnet motor.

15. A motorized pressure exchanger compri sing : a rotor configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid; a motorized end cap forming a center bore; a shaft comprising a first distal end coupled to the rotor, wherein the shaft is routed through the center bore of the motorized end cap; and a magnetic coupling assembly coupled to the motorized end cap and a second distal end of the shaft.

16. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 15, wherein the magnetic coupling assembly comprises a coupling canister disposed adjacent to the motorized end cap.

17. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 16, wherein the magnetic coupling assembly further comprises: a coupling inner rotor disposed in an inner volume formed by the coupling canister, the coupling inner rotor being coupled to the second distal end of the shaft; and a coupling outer rotor disposed around the coupling canister, wherein the coupling outer rotor is coupled to a motor, wherein the coupling outer rotor is to be rotated by the coupling inner rotor via magnetic forces.

18. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 17 further comprising: a coupling motor hub configured to couple the coupling outer rotor to the motor; and a motor adapter disposed around the coupling outer rotor.

19. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 17 further comprising a static seal disposed between the coupling canister and the motorized end cap.

20. The motorized pressure exchanger of claim 19, wherein the static seal is disposed against the motorized end cap without being disposed adjacent the shaft.