US20150004006A1 - Diaphragm Pumps with Chamber Crossventing - Google Patents
Diaphragm Pumps with Chamber Crossventing Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150004006A1 US20150004006A1 US14/316,146 US201414316146A US2015004006A1 US 20150004006 A1 US20150004006 A1 US 20150004006A1 US 201414316146 A US201414316146 A US 201414316146A US 2015004006 A1 US2015004006 A1 US 2015004006A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- chamber
- compressed fluid
- main valve
- motive fluid
- fluid
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/02—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
- F04B43/06—Pumps having fluid drive
- F04B43/073—Pumps having fluid drive the actuating fluid being controlled by at least one valve
- F04B43/0736—Pumps having fluid drive the actuating fluid being controlled by at least one valve with two or more pumping chambers in parallel
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/02—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
- F04B43/06—Pumps having fluid drive
- F04B43/073—Pumps having fluid drive the actuating fluid being controlled by at least one valve
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/02—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
- F04B43/025—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms two or more plate-like pumping members in parallel
- F04B43/026—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms two or more plate-like pumping members in parallel each plate-like pumping flexible member working in its own pumping chamber
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B45/00—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids
- F04B45/04—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
- F04B45/043—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms two or more plate-like pumping flexible members in parallel
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B45/00—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids
- F04B45/04—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
- F04B45/053—Pumps having fluid drive
- F04B45/0536—Pumps having fluid drive the actuating fluid being controlled by one or more valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B49/22—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00 by means of valves
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates, generally, to diaphragm pumps and, more particularly, to diaphragm pumps with chamber crossventing.
- Double diaphragm pumps alternately pressurize and exhaust two opposing motive fluid chambers to deliver pumped media during each stroke of the pump. Pressurizing the motive fluid chambers often results in operating efficiency losses as some of the motive fluid communicated to the chambers during each stroke does not contribute to the pumping action. In an attempt to mitigate this shortcoming, some prior pumps have interrupted the supply of motive fluid part of the way through each stroke to minimize the amount of motive fluid that does not contribute to the pumping action. Such pumps, however, may have limited utility in applications where it is desirable for the pump to have access to the energy of the motive fluid source throughout each stroke (e.g., when pumping media at higher head pressures).
- a diaphragm pump may comprise a housing defining a first cavity and a second cavity, a first diaphragm disposed in the first cavity to separate the first cavity into a first motive fluid chamber and a first pumped media chamber, a second diaphragm disposed in the second cavity to separate the second cavity into a second motive fluid chamber and a second pumped media chamber, a shaft coupled between the first and second diaphragms and configured to move reciprocally with the first and second diaphragms between a first end-of-stroke position and a second end-of-stroke position, a main valve fluidly coupled between a compressed fluid inlet and the first and second motive fluid chambers, and a crossvent valve fluidly coupled between the first and second motive fluid chambers.
- the main valve may be movable between (i) a first position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber and (ii) a second position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber.
- the crossvent valve may be configured to (i) communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers during a time period when the main valve is between the first and second positions and (ii) resist communication of compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers when the main valve is in either of the first and second positions.
- the main valve may be configured to resist communication of compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first and second motive fluid chambers during the time period.
- the second motive fluid chamber may be fluidly coupled to an exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the first position, and the first motive fluid chamber may be fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the second position.
- the first and second motive fluid chambers are not fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber during the time period.
- the diaphragm pump may further comprise a pilot valve configured to selectively communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to a pilot chamber of the main valve to control movement of the main valve between the first and second positions.
- the pilot valve may be further configured to selectively communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to a pilot chamber of the crossvent valve to cause the crossvent valve to communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers during the time period.
- the crossvent valve may comprise a spool extending into the first motive fluid chamber such that the spool is configured to be actuated by the first diaphragm when in the first end-of-stroke position to cause the crossvent valve to communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers.
- the spool of the crossvent valve may also extend into the second motive fluid chamber such that the spool is also configured to be actuated by the second diaphragm when in the second end-of-stroke position to cause the crossvent valve to communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers.
- the spool of the crossvent valve may be biased toward a position in which the crossvent valve resists communication of compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers when the first and second diaphragms are between the first and second end-of-stroke positions.
- a diaphragm pump may comprise a housing defining a first cavity and a second cavity, a first diaphragm disposed in the first cavity to separate the first cavity into a first motive fluid chamber and a first pumped media chamber, a second diaphragm disposed in the second cavity to separate the second cavity into a second motive fluid chamber and a second pumped media chamber, a shaft coupled between the first and second diaphragms and configured to move reciprocally with the first and second diaphragms between a first end-of-stroke position and a second end-of-stroke position, and a main valve fluidly coupled between a compressed fluid inlet and the first and second motive fluid chambers.
- the main valve may be movable between (i) a first position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber, (ii) a second position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber, and (iii) a third position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers, the third position being between the first and second positions.
- the main valve may be configured to resist communication of compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers when the main valve is in either of the first and second positions.
- the main valve may be configured to resist communication of compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first and second motive fluid chambers when the main valve is in the third position.
- the second motive fluid chamber may be fluidly coupled to an exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the first position, and the first motive fluid chamber may be fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the second position.
- the first and second motive fluid chambers are not fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the third position.
- the diaphragm pump may further comprise a pilot valve configured to selectively communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to a pilot chamber of the main valve to control movement of the main valve between the first and second positions.
- the diaphragm pump may further comprise a flow control valve configured to control a flow rate of the compressed fluid communicated to the pilot chamber of the main valve to control a speed at which the main valve moves between the first and second positions.
- a method of operating a diaphragm pump may comprise communicating compressed fluid from a compressed fluid inlet to a first motive fluid chamber to cause first and second diaphragms to move to a first end-of-stroke position, communicating compressed fluid from the first motive fluid chamber to a second motive fluid chamber while the first and second diaphragms are in the first end-of-stroke position, communicating compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber to cause the first and second diaphragms to move to a second end-of-stroke position, and communicating compressed fluid from the second motive fluid chamber to the first motive fluid chamber while the first and second diaphragms are in the second end-of-stroke position.
- compressed fluid is not communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to either of the first and second motive fluid chambers while compressed fluid is being communicated between the first and second motive fluid chambers.
- the method may further comprise fluidly coupling the second motive fluid chamber to an exhaust chamber while communicating compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber.
- the method may further comprise fluidly coupling the first motive fluid chamber to the exhaust chamber while communicating compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber.
- the first and second motive fluid chambers are not fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber while compressed fluid is being communicated between the first and second motive fluid chambers.
- shifting a main valve of the diaphragm pump to a first position may cause compressed fluid to be communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber
- shifting the main valve to a second position may cause compressed fluid to be communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber
- compressed fluid may be communicated between the first and second motive fluid chambers while the main valve is shifting between the first and second positions.
- Compressed fluid may be communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber until the first and second diaphragms reach the first end-of-stroke position
- compressed fluid may be communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber until the first and second diaphragms reach the second end-of-stroke position.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a double diaphragm pump
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pump of FIG. 1 , taken along the line 2 - 2 in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a table showing various operating stages of the pump of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 4A-4C are block diagrams illustrating various flow paths of compressed fluid through the pump of FIG. 1 during several of the operating stages of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the pump of FIG. 1 during one of the operating stages of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the pump of FIG. 1 during another of the operating stages of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the pump of FIG. 1 during yet another of the operating stages of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of another illustrative embodiment of a double diaphragm pump during one operating stage
- FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of the pump of FIG. 8 during another operating stage
- FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of the yet another illustrative embodiment of a double diaphragm pump during one operating stage.
- FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of the pump of FIG. 10 during another operating stage.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 one illustrative embodiment of a diaphragm pump 10 is shown.
- the pump 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is illustratively embodied as an air-operated double diaphragm pump. It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, the pump 10 might be embodied as another type of diaphragm pump (or even another type of positive displacement pump).
- the pump 10 has a housing 12 that defines a cavity 14 and a cavity 16 .
- the housing 12 is illustratively comprised of three sections coupled together by fasteners. As best seen in FIG.
- the cavities 14 , 16 of the pump 10 are each separated by a respective flexible diaphragm 18 , 20 into a respective pumped media chamber 22 , 24 and a respective motive fluid chamber 26 , 28 .
- the diaphragms 18 , 20 are interconnected by a shaft 30 , such that when the diaphragm 18 is moved to increase the volume of the associated pumped media chamber 22 , the other diaphragm 20 is simultaneously moved to decrease the volume of the associated pumped media chamber 24 , and vice versa.
- the shaft 30 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a reciprocating diaphragm link rod having a fixed length, such that the diaphragms 18 , 20 move reciprocally together with the shaft 30 .
- the shaft 30 and diaphragms 18 , 20 move back and forth a fixed distance that defines a stroke.
- the fixed distance is determined by the geometry of the pump 10 , the shaft 30 , the diaphragms 18 , 20 , and other components of the pump 10 .
- a stroke is defined as the travel path of the shaft 30 between end-of-stroke positions. Movement of the shaft 30 from one end-of-stroke position to the other end-of-stroke position and back defines a cycle of operation of the shaft 30 (i.e., a cycle includes two consecutive strokes).
- the pump 10 includes an inlet 32 for the supply of a compressed fluid (e.g., compressed air, another pressurized gas, hydraulic fluid, etc.) and a main valve 34 for alternately supplying the compressed fluid to the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 to drive reciprocation of the diaphragms 18 , 20 and the shaft 30 .
- the main valve 34 is fluidly coupled between the inlet 32 and the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 .
- the main valve 34 places an exhaust assembly 36 in communication with the other motive fluid chamber 28 to permit fluid to be expelled therefrom.
- the main valve 34 when the main valve 34 supplies compressed fluid to the motive fluid chamber 28 (while in a position 61 ), the main valve 34 places the motive fluid chamber 26 in communication with the exhaust assembly 36 .
- movement of the main valve 34 between the positions 60 , 61 is controlled by a pilot valve 35 (shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 5-7 ).
- the pilot valve 35 of the pump 10 controls the supply of compressed fluid to the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 .
- the pilot valve 35 is illustratively embodied as a directional control valve having a spool 42 movable between a plurality of positions to selectively fluidly couple a plurality of ports formed in the pilot valve 35 to one another.
- the pilot valve 35 is positioned between the cavities 14 , 16 such that the spool 42 extends into each of the cavities 14 , 16 , as shown in FIGS. 5-7 .
- the diaphragms 18 , 20 move in unison with the shaft 30 between the end-of-stroke positions, the diaphragms alternately contact the spool 42 , causing the spool 42 to move between its positions such that the pilot valve 35 either communicates compressed fluid to a pilot chamber 76 of the main valve 34 or exhausts the pilot chamber 76 to the exhaust assembly 36 .
- the exhaust assembly 36 of the pump 10 includes an exhaust chamber 50 and a muffler 52 that is received in the exhaust chamber 50 .
- the main valve 34 alternately couples one of the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 (whichever of the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 is not being supplied with compressed fluid by the main valve 34 ) to the exhaust assembly 36 to allow any fluid in that motive fluid chamber 26 , 28 to be vented to the atmosphere.
- the pump 10 might use other mechanisms to selectively couple the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 to the exhaust assembly 36 (e.g., “quick dump check valves” positioned between the main valve 34 and the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 ).
- the pumped media chambers 22 , 24 alternately expand and contract to create respective low and high pressure within the respective pumped media chambers 22 , 24 .
- the pumped media chambers 22 , 24 each communicate with a pumped media inlet 38 that may be connected to a source of fluid to be pumped (also referred to herein as “pumped media”) and also each communicate with a pumped media outlet 40 that may be connected to a receptacle for the fluid being pumped.
- Check valves ensure that the fluid being pumped moves only from the pumped media inlet 38 toward the pumped media outlet 40 .
- the pumped media chamber 22 expands, the resulting negative pressure draws fluid from the pumped media inlet 38 into the pumped media chamber 22 .
- the other pumped media chamber 24 contracts, which creates positive pressure to force fluid contained therein to the pumped media outlet 40 .
- the pumped media chamber 22 will contract and the pumped media chamber 24 will expand (forcing fluid contained in the pumped media chamber 24 to the pumped media outlet 40 and drawing fluid from the pumped media inlet 38 into the pumped media chamber 24 ).
- FIG. 3 various operating stages of the pump 10 achieved as the shaft 30 completes a cycle (i.e., as the shaft 30 moves from one end-of-stroke position to the other end-of-stroke position and back) are shown as a table.
- compressed fluid is supplied from the main valve 34 to the motive fluid chamber 26 (i.e., the left chamber) to pressurize the motive fluid chamber 26 , and any fluid contained in the motive fluid chamber 28 (i.e., the right chamber) is contemporaneously vented to the exhaust assembly 36 .
- the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 are fluidly coupled to one another, thereby permitting compressed fluid to flow from the motive fluid chamber 26 to the motive fluid chamber 28 .
- compressed fluid is supplied from the main valve 34 to the motive fluid chamber 28 to pressurize the motive fluid chamber 28 , and any fluid contained in the motive fluid chamber 26 is contemporaneously vented to the exhaust assembly 36 .
- the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 are fluidly coupled to one another, thereby permitting compressed fluid to flow from the motive fluid chamber 28 to the motive fluid chamber 26 .
- FIGS. 4A-4C Various flow paths of compressed fluid through the pump 10 during the “Begin Left Stroke” stage 55 , the “End Left Stroke” stage 54 , and the “Begin Right Stroke” stage 57 are illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C , respectively, in greater detail.
- the “End Right Stroke” stage 58 is substantially similar to the “End Left Stroke” stage 54 shown in FIG. 4B and discussed below. As such, the “End Right Stroke” stage 58 will not be separately described below.
- the flow path(s) of compressed fluid through the pump 10 are shown by the connections of heavier weight.
- Compressed fluid is communicated to one or more supply valves from a compressed fluid source.
- the one or more supply valves are illustratively embodied in the single main valve 34 .
- multiple supply valves may be used.
- Compressed fluid is supplied by the main valve 34 to the motive fluid chamber 26 (i.e., the left motive fluid chamber) when the main valve 34 is in the position 60 to cause the shaft 30 to move toward the diaphragm 18 .
- any fluid contained in the motive fluid chamber 28 i.e., the right motive fluid chamber
- the one or more exhaust valves are illustratively embodied in the single main valve 34 .
- multiple exhaust valves separate from the supply valve(s) may be used.
- the pump 10 illustratively includes a crossvent valve 56 fluidly coupled between the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 , as suggested in FIG. 4A .
- the crossvent valve 56 is configured to communicate compressed fluid between the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 during a time period when the main valve 34 is between the two positions 60 , 61 .
- the crossvent valve 56 is configured to resist communication of compressed fluid between the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 when the main valve 34 is in either the position 60 or the position 61 .
- the crossvent valve 56 resists the flow of compressed fluid between the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 during the “Begin Left Stroke” stage 55 .
- the flow path of compressed fluid through the pump 10 in the “End Left Stroke” stage 54 is shown as a block diagram.
- the main valve 34 is between the position 60 and the position 61 , and the crossvent valve 56 fluidly couples the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 to one another.
- Compressed fluid is communicated from the motive fluid chamber 26 to the motive fluid chamber 28 through the crossvent valve 56 .
- compressed fluid is communicated from the motive fluid chamber 28 to the motive fluid chamber 26 through the crossvent valve 56 .
- the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 are disconnected from both the compressed fluid source and the exhaust.
- FIG. 4C the flow path of compressed fluid through the pump 10 in the “Begin Right Stroke” stage 57 is shown as a block diagram.
- Compressed fluid is communicated to the main valve 34 from the compressed fluid source, and compressed fluid is supplied by the main valve 34 to the motive fluid chamber 28 when the main valve 34 is in the position 61 to cause the shaft 30 to move toward the diaphragm 20 .
- any fluid contained in the motive fluid chamber 26 is exhausted to the atmosphere.
- the crossvent valve 56 resists the flow of compressed fluid between the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 during the “Begin Right Stroke” stage 57 .
- FIGS. 5-7 diagrammatic views of the pump 10 during the “Begin Right Stroke” stage 57 , the “End Right Stroke” stage 58 , and the “Begin Left Stroke” stage 55 are shown, respectively.
- Fluid connections between components included in the pump 10 are generally depicted by lines, and the directions of compressed fluid flow between the components of the pump 10 are generally indicated by arrowheads on those lines.
- the main valve 34 supplies compressed fluid to the motive fluid chamber 28 during the “Begin Right Stroke” stage 57 .
- compressed fluid is communicated from the inlet 32 to a port 62 of the main valve 34 via a conduit 64 , from the port 62 to a port 66 of the main valve 34 fluidly coupled to the port 62 , and from the port 66 to the motive fluid chamber 28 via a conduit 69 .
- the main valve 34 vents any fluid contained in the motive fluid chamber 26 to the exhaust assembly 36 during the “Begin Right Stroke” stage 57 .
- fluid is communicated from the motive fluid chamber 26 to a port 68 of the main valve 34 via a conduit 71 , from the port 68 to a port 70 of the main valve 34 fluidly coupled to the port 68 , and from the port 70 to the exhaust assembly 36 via a conduit 72 .
- the main valve 34 is shown (diagrammatically) in position 61 in FIG. 5 .
- compressed fluid is communicated from the inlet 32 to a pressure chamber 74 of the main valve 34 via conduits 75 , 77 .
- Compressed fluid is illustratively communicated to the pressure chamber 74 at a constant pressure.
- a pressure regulator (not shown) may be fluidly coupled between the inlet 32 and the pressure chamber 74 to regulate the compressed fluid communicated to the pressure chamber 74 to the constant pressure.
- the constant pressure supplied to the pressure chamber 74 is of a smaller magnitude than the compressed fluid pressure supplied by the inlet 32 .
- compressed fluid at a variable pressure may be communicated to the pressure chamber 74 .
- the pilot chamber 76 of the main valve 34 positioned opposite the pressure chamber 74 is fluidly coupled to the exhaust assembly 36 in the position 61 to communicate compressed fluid contained in the pilot chamber 76 to the exhaust assembly 36 as shown in FIG. 5 (e.g., so the compressed fluid pressure in the pilot chamber 76 is approximately at atmospheric pressure).
- compressed fluid in the pilot chamber 76 is communicated to a port 79 of the pilot valve 35 via conduits 78 , 80 , from the port 79 to a port 81 of the pilot valve 35 fluidly coupled to the port 79 , and from the port 81 to the exhaust assembly 36 via conduits 83 , 72 .
- the pilot valve 35 is used to control the pressure differential between the pressure chamber 74 and the pilot chamber 76 of the main valve 34 to cause the main valve 34 to move between the two positions 60 , 61 .
- the spool 42 of the pilot valve 35 extends into each of the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 , as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the spool 42 of the pilot valve 35 is spaced apart from each of the diaphragms 18 , 20 such that the port 79 is fluidly coupled to the port 81 and such that communication between a port 84 of the pilot valve 35 and the port 79 is resisted.
- the port 84 receives compressed fluid from the inlet 32 via conduits 75 , 85 , 87 .
- the pilot valve 35 fluidly couples the pilot chamber 76 to atmospheric pressure.
- the pilot valve 35 fluidly couples the pilot chamber 76 to compressed fluid pressure communicated to the port 84 when the main valve 34 is between the two positions 60 , 61 and when the main valve 34 is in the position 60 .
- the crossvent valve 56 is fluidly coupled to the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 via conduits 93 , 95 , respectively, as shown in FIG. 5 .
- a pressure chamber 86 of the crossvent valve 56 is fluidly coupled to the port 84 of the pilot valve 35 via a conduit 89 .
- a pilot chamber 88 of the crossvent valve 56 positioned opposite the pressure chamber 86 is fluidly coupled to the port 79 of the pilot valve 35 via a conduit 91 .
- the pressure differential between the pressure chamber 86 and the pilot chamber 88 substantially mirrors the pressure differential between the pressure chamber 74 and the pilot chamber 76 of the main valve 34 . As such, by controlling the pressure differential between the pressure chamber 74 and the pilot chamber 76 , the pilot valve 35 effectively synchronizes the operation of the crossvent valve 56 with the main valve 34 .
- the pressure differential between the pressure chamber 74 and the pilot chamber 76 exceeds a first threshold.
- the compressed fluid pressure communicated to the pressure chamber 74 causes the main valve 34 to move to the position 61 , thereby causing compressed fluid to be supplied from the main valve 34 to the motive fluid chamber 28 as indicated above.
- Compressed fluid supplied to the motive fluid chamber 28 flows to the crossvent valve 56 via the conduit 95 (i.e., as shown by arrows 97 ).
- the pressure differential between the pressure chamber 86 and the pilot chamber 88 exceeds a second threshold that may be approximately equal to the first threshold.
- the compressed fluid pressure communicated to the pressure chamber 86 causes the crossvent valve 56 to resist communication of compressed fluid between the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 via the conduits 93 , 95 .
- FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates the pump 10 in the “End Right Stroke” stage 58 , in which the main valve 34 is in a position 63 that is between the two positions 60 , 61 .
- the main valve 34 resists communication of compressed fluid from the inlet 32 to each of the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 when the main valve 34 is in the position 63 .
- the shaft 30 reaches the end-of-stroke position shown in FIG. 6 (i.e., the right end-of-stroke position) when the diaphragm 18 contacts the pilot valve 35 .
- the pilot valve 35 fluidly couples the port 84 to the port 79 .
- Compressed fluid is thereby communicated to the port 84 from the inlet 32 , and from the port 84 to the pilot chamber 76 via the port 79 and conduits 78 , 80 as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the pilot chamber 76 is fluidly coupled to compressed fluid pressure from the inlet 32 , the pressure differential between the pilot chamber 76 and the pressure chamber 74 in FIG. 6 is different than the pressure differential in FIG. 5 .
- the pressure differential between the pilot chamber 76 and the pressure chamber 74 in FIG. 6 falls below the first threshold.
- the compressed fluid pressure supplied to the pilot chamber 76 urges the main valve 34 into the position 63 (i.e., away from the position 61 and toward the position 60 ).
- the position 63 of the main valve 34 (shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6 ) is one illustrative position of a plurality of positions achieved by the main valve 34 during a time period when the main valve 34 moves between the two positions 60 , 61 .
- the main valve 34 fluidly de-couples each of the ports 62 , 66 , 68 , 70 from one another, as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the main valve 34 resists communication of compressed fluid from the inlet 32 to each of the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 during the time period as indicated above. Additionally, the main valve 34 resists communication of compressed fluid from the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 to the exhaust assembly 36 during the time period.
- the compressed fluid pressure communicated to the pilot chamber 76 of the main valve 34 is also communicated to the pilot chamber 88 of the crossvent valve 56 via the conduit 91 , as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the pressure differentials between the pilot chamber 76 /pressure chamber 74 and the pilot chamber 88 /pressure chamber 86 are approximately equal to one another, and the pressure differential between the pilot chamber 88 and the pressure chamber 86 falls below the second threshold.
- the compressed fluid pressure from the pilot chamber 76 causes the crossvent valve 56 to communicate compressed fluid (see the arrows 97 ) between the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 via conduits 93 , 95 as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the main valve 34 supplies compressed fluid to the motive fluid chamber 26 during the “Begin Left Stroke” stage 55 .
- compressed fluid is communicated from the inlet 32 to the port 62 via the conduit 64 , from the port 62 to the port 68 fluidly coupled to the port 62 , and from the port 68 to the motive fluid chamber 26 via the conduit 71 .
- the main valve 34 vents any fluid contained in the motive fluid chamber 28 to the exhaust assembly 36 during the “Begin Left Stroke” stage 55 .
- fluid is communicated from the motive fluid chamber 28 to the port 66 via the conduit 69 , from the port 66 to the port 70 fluidly coupled to the port 66 , and from the port 70 to the exhaust assembly 36 via the conduit 72 .
- the main valve 34 is shown in the position 60 in FIG. 7 .
- the pilot chamber 76 of the main valve 34 receives compressed fluid pressure from the inlet 32 .
- compressed fluid is communicated from the inlet 32 to the port 84 via conduits 75 , 85 , 87 , from the port 84 to the port 79 fluidly coupled to the port 84 , and from the port 79 to the pilot chamber 76 via conduits 78 , 80 .
- the pressure differential between the pressure chamber 74 and the pilot chamber 76 exceeds the first threshold.
- the compressed fluid pressure communicated to the pilot chamber 76 causes the main valve 34 to move to the position 60 , thereby causing compressed fluid to be supplied from the main valve 34 to the motive fluid chamber 26 as indicated above.
- Compressed fluid supplied to the motive fluid chamber 26 flows to the crossvent valve 56 via the conduit 93 (i.e., as shown by arrows 99 ).
- the pressure differential between the pressure chamber 86 and the pilot chamber 88 exceeds the second threshold.
- the compressed fluid pressure communicated to the pilot chamber 88 causes the crossvent valve 56 to resist communication of compressed fluid between the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 via the conduits 93 , 95 .
- FIGS. 8-9 a diaphragm pump 110 is shown that is similar in many respects to the pump 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7 and described above. Accordingly, similar reference numbers (in the 100 series in FIGS. 8-9 ) indicate features that are similar in structure and operation between the pump 110 and the pump 10 .
- the description of the pump 10 is hereby incorporated by reference to apply to the pump 110 , except in instances when it conflicts with the specific description and drawings of the pump 110 .
- the pilot valve 135 of the pump 110 is fluidly coupled between the inlet 132 and the main valve 134 .
- the main valve 134 is in the position 161 such that compressed fluid communicated to the main valve 134 from the inlet 132 is supplied to the motive fluid chamber 128 , and any fluid contained in the motive fluid chamber 126 is vented to an exhaust assembly 136 (like exhaust assembly 36 ) through the main valve 134 .
- the main valve 134 is in the position 163 such that the main valve 134 resists communication of compressed fluid from the inlet 132 to the motive fluid chambers 126 , 128 and resists communication of compressed fluid from the motive fluid chambers 126 , 128 to the exhaust assembly 136 .
- the pilot chamber 176 of the main valve 134 is fluidly coupled to the exhaust assembly so that compressed fluid pressure in the pilot chamber 176 is approximately at atmospheric pressure. Specifically, compressed fluid in the pilot chamber 176 is communicated to the port 179 of the pilot valve 135 via conduit 198 , from the port 179 to the port 181 fluidly coupled to the port 179 , and from the port 181 to the exhaust assembly 136 via conduits 183 , 172 .
- the port 184 of the pilot valve 135 receives compressed fluid from the inlet 132 via conduits 175 , 196 .
- the pilot valve 135 fluidly couples the pilot chamber 176 to compressed fluid pressure communicated to the port 184 from the inlet 132 .
- the pump 110 includes a crossvent valve 182 having a spool 167 extending into each of the motive fluid chambers 126 , 128 as shown in FIGS. 8-9 .
- the spool 167 is configured to be actuated by the diaphragm 118 when in the right end-of-stroke position to cause the crossvent valve 182 to communicate compressed fluid between the motive fluid chambers 126 , 128 .
- the spool 167 is configured to be actuated by the diaphragm 120 when in the left end-of-stroke position to cause the crossvent valve 182 to communicate compressed fluid between the motive fluid chambers 126 , 128 .
- the shaft 130 has not yet reached the right end-of-stroke position in FIG. 8 , and as such, the crossvent valve 182 is spaced apart from the diaphragm 118 .
- the spool 167 of the crossvent valve 182 is biased (e.g., pneumatically or mechanically) toward a position in which the crossvent valve 182 resists communication of compressed fluid between the motive fluid chambers 26 , 28 (as shown in FIG. 8 ).
- the bias is overcome, and the crossvent valve 182 allows compressed fluid to flow between the motive fluid chambers 126 , 128 .
- a diaphragm pump 210 is shown that is similar in many respects to the pump 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7 and described above, as well as the pump 110 shown in FIGS. 8-9 and described above. Accordingly, similar reference numbers (in the 200 series in FIGS. 10-11 ) indicate features that are similar in structure and operation between the pumps 10 , 110 , 210 . The descriptions of the pump 10 and the pump 110 are hereby incorporated by reference to apply to the pump 210 , except in instances when it conflicts with the specific description and drawings of the pump 210 .
- the pump 210 shown in FIGS. 10-11 illustratively includes a main valve 237 that is substantially similar to the main valves 34 , 134 .
- the main valve 237 is configured to move between the following positions: a position 260 (not shown) in which the main valve 237 communicates compressed fluid from the inlet 232 to the motive fluid chamber 226 , a position 261 in which the main valve 237 communicates compressed fluid from the inlet 232 to the motive fluid chamber 228 (see FIG. 10 ), and a position 263 in which the main valve 237 communicates compressed fluid between the motive fluid chambers 226 , 228 (see arrows 215 in FIG. 11 ).
- the position 263 of the main valve 134 is between the position 260 and the position 261 .
- the main valve 237 is fluidly coupled to the motive fluid chambers 226 , 228 via conduits 211 , 213 , respectively.
- the main valve 237 resists communication between the motive fluid chambers 226 , 228 via the conduits 211 , 213 .
- the main valve 237 resists communication of compressed fluid from the motive fluid chamber 228 to the motive fluid chamber 226 (see arrows 215 ) when the main valve 237 is in the position 261 .
- the main valve 237 when the main valve 237 is in the position 263 , the main valve 237 resists communication of compressed fluid from the inlet 232 to the motive fluid chambers 226 , 228 and from the motive fluid chambers 226 , 228 to an exhaust assembly 236 .
- a flow control valve 259 (illustratively embodied as a needle valve) is fluidly coupled between the pilot chamber 276 and the pilot valve 235 .
- the flow control valve 259 is configured to control the flow rate of compressed fluid communicated to the pilot chamber 276 to control a speed at which the main valve 237 moves between the position 260 and the position 261 .
- compressed fluid is communicated from the inlet 232 to the conduit 298 through the pilot valve 235 .
- the flow control valve 259 is configured to control the flow rate of compressed fluid flowing through the conduit 298 toward the pilot chamber 276 .
- Compressed fluid flowing to the pilot chamber 276 causes the main valve 237 to move between the position 260 and the position 261 to the position 263 . Therefore, by controlling the flow rate of compressed fluid to the pilot chamber 276 , the flow control valve 259 controls the speed at which the main valve 237 moves between the position 260 and the position 261 (and, hence, the duration of such movement).
Abstract
Illustrative embodiments of diaphragm pumps with chamber crossventing, and methods of operating such pumps, are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, a method of operating a diaphragm pump may comprise communicating compressed fluid from a compressed fluid inlet to a first motive fluid chamber to cause first and second diaphragms to move to a first end-of-stroke position, communicating compressed fluid from the first motive fluid chamber to a second motive fluid chamber while the first and second diaphragms are in the first end-of-stroke position, communicating compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber to cause the first and second diaphragms to move to a second end-of-stroke position, and communicating compressed fluid from the second motive fluid chamber to the first motive fluid chamber while the first and second diaphragms are in the second end-of-stroke position.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/839,703, filed Jun. 26, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/895,796, filed Oct. 25, 2013 (both entitled “Energy Efficiency Enhancements for Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps”). The entire disclosures of both of the foregoing applications are incorporated by reference herein.
- The present disclosure relates, generally, to diaphragm pumps and, more particularly, to diaphragm pumps with chamber crossventing.
- Double diaphragm pumps alternately pressurize and exhaust two opposing motive fluid chambers to deliver pumped media during each stroke of the pump. Pressurizing the motive fluid chambers often results in operating efficiency losses as some of the motive fluid communicated to the chambers during each stroke does not contribute to the pumping action. In an attempt to mitigate this shortcoming, some prior pumps have interrupted the supply of motive fluid part of the way through each stroke to minimize the amount of motive fluid that does not contribute to the pumping action. Such pumps, however, may have limited utility in applications where it is desirable for the pump to have access to the energy of the motive fluid source throughout each stroke (e.g., when pumping media at higher head pressures).
- According to one aspect, a diaphragm pump may comprise a housing defining a first cavity and a second cavity, a first diaphragm disposed in the first cavity to separate the first cavity into a first motive fluid chamber and a first pumped media chamber, a second diaphragm disposed in the second cavity to separate the second cavity into a second motive fluid chamber and a second pumped media chamber, a shaft coupled between the first and second diaphragms and configured to move reciprocally with the first and second diaphragms between a first end-of-stroke position and a second end-of-stroke position, a main valve fluidly coupled between a compressed fluid inlet and the first and second motive fluid chambers, and a crossvent valve fluidly coupled between the first and second motive fluid chambers. The main valve may be movable between (i) a first position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber and (ii) a second position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber. The crossvent valve may be configured to (i) communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers during a time period when the main valve is between the first and second positions and (ii) resist communication of compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers when the main valve is in either of the first and second positions.
- In some embodiments, the main valve may be configured to resist communication of compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first and second motive fluid chambers during the time period. The second motive fluid chamber may be fluidly coupled to an exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the first position, and the first motive fluid chamber may be fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the second position. In some embodiments, the first and second motive fluid chambers are not fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber during the time period.
- In some embodiments, the diaphragm pump may further comprise a pilot valve configured to selectively communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to a pilot chamber of the main valve to control movement of the main valve between the first and second positions. The pilot valve may be further configured to selectively communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to a pilot chamber of the crossvent valve to cause the crossvent valve to communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers during the time period.
- In some embodiments, the crossvent valve may comprise a spool extending into the first motive fluid chamber such that the spool is configured to be actuated by the first diaphragm when in the first end-of-stroke position to cause the crossvent valve to communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers. The spool of the crossvent valve may also extend into the second motive fluid chamber such that the spool is also configured to be actuated by the second diaphragm when in the second end-of-stroke position to cause the crossvent valve to communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers. The spool of the crossvent valve may be biased toward a position in which the crossvent valve resists communication of compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers when the first and second diaphragms are between the first and second end-of-stroke positions.
- According to another aspect, a diaphragm pump may comprise a housing defining a first cavity and a second cavity, a first diaphragm disposed in the first cavity to separate the first cavity into a first motive fluid chamber and a first pumped media chamber, a second diaphragm disposed in the second cavity to separate the second cavity into a second motive fluid chamber and a second pumped media chamber, a shaft coupled between the first and second diaphragms and configured to move reciprocally with the first and second diaphragms between a first end-of-stroke position and a second end-of-stroke position, and a main valve fluidly coupled between a compressed fluid inlet and the first and second motive fluid chambers. The main valve may be movable between (i) a first position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber, (ii) a second position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber, and (iii) a third position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers, the third position being between the first and second positions.
- In some embodiments, the main valve may be configured to resist communication of compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers when the main valve is in either of the first and second positions. The main valve may be configured to resist communication of compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first and second motive fluid chambers when the main valve is in the third position. The second motive fluid chamber may be fluidly coupled to an exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the first position, and the first motive fluid chamber may be fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the second position. In some embodiments, the first and second motive fluid chambers are not fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the third position.
- In some embodiments, the diaphragm pump may further comprise a pilot valve configured to selectively communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to a pilot chamber of the main valve to control movement of the main valve between the first and second positions. The diaphragm pump may further comprise a flow control valve configured to control a flow rate of the compressed fluid communicated to the pilot chamber of the main valve to control a speed at which the main valve moves between the first and second positions.
- According to yet another aspect, a method of operating a diaphragm pump may comprise communicating compressed fluid from a compressed fluid inlet to a first motive fluid chamber to cause first and second diaphragms to move to a first end-of-stroke position, communicating compressed fluid from the first motive fluid chamber to a second motive fluid chamber while the first and second diaphragms are in the first end-of-stroke position, communicating compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber to cause the first and second diaphragms to move to a second end-of-stroke position, and communicating compressed fluid from the second motive fluid chamber to the first motive fluid chamber while the first and second diaphragms are in the second end-of-stroke position.
- In some embodiments, compressed fluid is not communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to either of the first and second motive fluid chambers while compressed fluid is being communicated between the first and second motive fluid chambers. The method may further comprise fluidly coupling the second motive fluid chamber to an exhaust chamber while communicating compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber. The method may further comprise fluidly coupling the first motive fluid chamber to the exhaust chamber while communicating compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber. In some embodiments, the first and second motive fluid chambers are not fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber while compressed fluid is being communicated between the first and second motive fluid chambers.
- In some embodiments, shifting a main valve of the diaphragm pump to a first position may cause compressed fluid to be communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber, shifting the main valve to a second position may cause compressed fluid to be communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber, and compressed fluid may be communicated between the first and second motive fluid chambers while the main valve is shifting between the first and second positions. Compressed fluid may be communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber until the first and second diaphragms reach the first end-of-stroke position, and compressed fluid may be communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber until the first and second diaphragms reach the second end-of-stroke position.
- The concepts described in the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a double diaphragm pump; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pump ofFIG. 1 , taken along the line 2-2 inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a table showing various operating stages of the pump ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 4A-4C are block diagrams illustrating various flow paths of compressed fluid through the pump ofFIG. 1 during several of the operating stages ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the pump ofFIG. 1 during one of the operating stages ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the pump ofFIG. 1 during another of the operating stages ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the pump ofFIG. 1 during yet another of the operating stages ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of another illustrative embodiment of a double diaphragm pump during one operating stage; -
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of the pump ofFIG. 8 during another operating stage; -
FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of the yet another illustrative embodiment of a double diaphragm pump during one operating stage; and -
FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of the pump ofFIG. 10 during another operating stage. - While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , one illustrative embodiment of adiaphragm pump 10 is shown. Thepump 10 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 is illustratively embodied as an air-operated double diaphragm pump. It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, thepump 10 might be embodied as another type of diaphragm pump (or even another type of positive displacement pump). In the illustrative embodiment, thepump 10 has ahousing 12 that defines acavity 14 and acavity 16. Thehousing 12 is illustratively comprised of three sections coupled together by fasteners. As best seen inFIG. 2 , thecavities pump 10 are each separated by a respectiveflexible diaphragm media chamber motive fluid chamber diaphragms shaft 30, such that when thediaphragm 18 is moved to increase the volume of the associated pumpedmedia chamber 22, theother diaphragm 20 is simultaneously moved to decrease the volume of the associated pumpedmedia chamber 24, and vice versa. - The
shaft 30 illustrated inFIG. 2 is a reciprocating diaphragm link rod having a fixed length, such that thediaphragms shaft 30. Theshaft 30 anddiaphragms pump 10, theshaft 30, thediaphragms pump 10. A stroke is defined as the travel path of theshaft 30 between end-of-stroke positions. Movement of theshaft 30 from one end-of-stroke position to the other end-of-stroke position and back defines a cycle of operation of the shaft 30 (i.e., a cycle includes two consecutive strokes). - The
pump 10 includes aninlet 32 for the supply of a compressed fluid (e.g., compressed air, another pressurized gas, hydraulic fluid, etc.) and amain valve 34 for alternately supplying the compressed fluid to themotive fluid chambers diaphragms shaft 30. Themain valve 34 is fluidly coupled between theinlet 32 and themotive fluid chambers main valve 34 supplies compressed fluid to the motive fluid chamber 26 (while in a position 60), themain valve 34 places anexhaust assembly 36 in communication with the othermotive fluid chamber 28 to permit fluid to be expelled therefrom. Conversely, when themain valve 34 supplies compressed fluid to the motive fluid chamber 28 (while in a position 61), themain valve 34 places themotive fluid chamber 26 in communication with theexhaust assembly 36. In the illustrative embodiment of thepump 10, movement of themain valve 34 between thepositions FIGS. 5-7 ). As such, by controlling movement of themain valve 34, thepilot valve 35 of thepump 10 controls the supply of compressed fluid to themotive fluid chambers - As seen in
FIGS. 5-7 , thepilot valve 35 is illustratively embodied as a directional control valve having aspool 42 movable between a plurality of positions to selectively fluidly couple a plurality of ports formed in thepilot valve 35 to one another. Thepilot valve 35 is positioned between thecavities spool 42 extends into each of thecavities FIGS. 5-7 . As thediaphragms shaft 30 between the end-of-stroke positions, the diaphragms alternately contact thespool 42, causing thespool 42 to move between its positions such that thepilot valve 35 either communicates compressed fluid to apilot chamber 76 of themain valve 34 or exhausts thepilot chamber 76 to theexhaust assembly 36. - The
exhaust assembly 36 of thepump 10 includes anexhaust chamber 50 and amuffler 52 that is received in theexhaust chamber 50. In the illustrative embodiment, themain valve 34 alternately couples one of themotive fluid chambers 26, 28 (whichever of themotive fluid chambers exhaust assembly 36 to allow any fluid in thatmotive fluid chamber pump 10 might use other mechanisms to selectively couple themotive fluid chambers main valve 34 and themotive fluid chambers 26, 28). - During operation of the
pump 10, as themain valve 34, thepilot valve 35, and theexhaust assembly 36 cooperate to effect the reciprocation of thediaphragms shaft 30, the pumpedmedia chambers media chambers media chambers media inlet 38 that may be connected to a source of fluid to be pumped (also referred to herein as “pumped media”) and also each communicate with a pumpedmedia outlet 40 that may be connected to a receptacle for the fluid being pumped. Check valves (not shown) ensure that the fluid being pumped moves only from the pumpedmedia inlet 38 toward the pumpedmedia outlet 40. For instance, when the pumpedmedia chamber 22 expands, the resulting negative pressure draws fluid from the pumpedmedia inlet 38 into the pumpedmedia chamber 22. Simultaneously, the other pumpedmedia chamber 24 contracts, which creates positive pressure to force fluid contained therein to the pumpedmedia outlet 40. Subsequently, as theshaft 30 and thediaphragms media chamber 22 will contract and the pumpedmedia chamber 24 will expand (forcing fluid contained in the pumpedmedia chamber 24 to the pumpedmedia outlet 40 and drawing fluid from the pumpedmedia inlet 38 into the pumped media chamber 24). - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , various operating stages of thepump 10 achieved as theshaft 30 completes a cycle (i.e., as theshaft 30 moves from one end-of-stroke position to the other end-of-stroke position and back) are shown as a table. In the “Begin Left Stroke”stage 55, compressed fluid is supplied from themain valve 34 to the motive fluid chamber 26 (i.e., the left chamber) to pressurize themotive fluid chamber 26, and any fluid contained in the motive fluid chamber 28 (i.e., the right chamber) is contemporaneously vented to theexhaust assembly 36. In the “End Left Stroke”stage 54, themotive fluid chambers motive fluid chamber 26 to themotive fluid chamber 28. In the “Begin Right Stroke”stage 57, compressed fluid is supplied from themain valve 34 to themotive fluid chamber 28 to pressurize themotive fluid chamber 28, and any fluid contained in themotive fluid chamber 26 is contemporaneously vented to theexhaust assembly 36. In the “End Right Stroke”stage 58, themotive fluid chambers motive fluid chamber 28 to themotive fluid chamber 26. - Various flow paths of compressed fluid through the
pump 10 during the “Begin Left Stroke”stage 55, the “End Left Stroke”stage 54, and the “Begin Right Stroke”stage 57 are illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4C , respectively, in greater detail. It will be appreciated that, with respect to the block diagrams ofFIGS. 4A-4C , the “End Right Stroke”stage 58 is substantially similar to the “End Left Stroke”stage 54 shown inFIG. 4B and discussed below. As such, the “End Right Stroke”stage 58 will not be separately described below. In each ofFIGS. 4A-4C , the flow path(s) of compressed fluid through thepump 10 are shown by the connections of heavier weight. - Referring now to
FIG. 4A , the flow path of compressed fluid through thepump 10 in the “Begin Left Stroke”stage 55 is shown as a block diagram. Compressed fluid is communicated to one or more supply valves from a compressed fluid source. In thepump 10, the one or more supply valves are illustratively embodied in the singlemain valve 34. However, in other embodiments, multiple supply valves may be used. Compressed fluid is supplied by themain valve 34 to the motive fluid chamber 26 (i.e., the left motive fluid chamber) when themain valve 34 is in theposition 60 to cause theshaft 30 to move toward thediaphragm 18. At the same time, any fluid contained in the motive fluid chamber 28 (i.e., the right motive fluid chamber) is vented through one or more exhaust valves to the atmosphere. In thepump 10, the one or more exhaust valves are illustratively embodied in the singlemain valve 34. However, in other embodiments, multiple exhaust valves separate from the supply valve(s) may be used. - The
pump 10 illustratively includes acrossvent valve 56 fluidly coupled between themotive fluid chambers FIG. 4A . As shown inFIG. 4B (andFIG. 6 ), thecrossvent valve 56 is configured to communicate compressed fluid between themotive fluid chambers main valve 34 is between the twopositions crossvent valve 56 is configured to resist communication of compressed fluid between themotive fluid chambers main valve 34 is in either theposition 60 or theposition 61. As shown inFIG. 4A , thecrossvent valve 56 resists the flow of compressed fluid between themotive fluid chambers stage 55. - Referring now to
FIG. 4B , the flow path of compressed fluid through thepump 10 in the “End Left Stroke”stage 54 is shown as a block diagram. Themain valve 34 is between theposition 60 and theposition 61, and thecrossvent valve 56 fluidly couples themotive fluid chambers motive fluid chamber 26 to themotive fluid chamber 28 through thecrossvent valve 56. In comparison, during the “End Right Stroke” stage 58 (seeFIG. 6 ), compressed fluid is communicated from themotive fluid chamber 28 to themotive fluid chamber 26 through thecrossvent valve 56. During both the “End Left Stroke”stage 54 and the “End Right Stroke”stage 58, themotive fluid chambers - Referring now to
FIG. 4C , the flow path of compressed fluid through thepump 10 in the “Begin Right Stroke”stage 57 is shown as a block diagram. Compressed fluid is communicated to themain valve 34 from the compressed fluid source, and compressed fluid is supplied by themain valve 34 to themotive fluid chamber 28 when themain valve 34 is in theposition 61 to cause theshaft 30 to move toward thediaphragm 20. At the same time, any fluid contained in themotive fluid chamber 26 is exhausted to the atmosphere. As shown inFIG. 4C , thecrossvent valve 56 resists the flow of compressed fluid between themotive fluid chambers stage 57. - Referring generally now to
FIGS. 5-7 , diagrammatic views of thepump 10 during the “Begin Right Stroke”stage 57, the “End Right Stroke”stage 58, and the “Begin Left Stroke”stage 55 are shown, respectively. Fluid connections between components included in thepump 10 are generally depicted by lines, and the directions of compressed fluid flow between the components of thepump 10 are generally indicated by arrowheads on those lines. - As seen in
FIG. 5 , themain valve 34 supplies compressed fluid to themotive fluid chamber 28 during the “Begin Right Stroke”stage 57. Specifically, compressed fluid is communicated from theinlet 32 to aport 62 of themain valve 34 via aconduit 64, from theport 62 to aport 66 of themain valve 34 fluidly coupled to theport 62, and from theport 66 to themotive fluid chamber 28 via aconduit 69. Additionally, themain valve 34 vents any fluid contained in themotive fluid chamber 26 to theexhaust assembly 36 during the “Begin Right Stroke”stage 57. Specifically, fluid is communicated from themotive fluid chamber 26 to aport 68 of themain valve 34 via aconduit 71, from theport 68 to aport 70 of themain valve 34 fluidly coupled to theport 68, and from theport 70 to theexhaust assembly 36 via aconduit 72. - The
main valve 34 is shown (diagrammatically) inposition 61 inFIG. 5 . When themain valve 34 is in the position 61 (as well as theposition 60 and all other positions of themain valve 34 between the twopositions 60, 61), compressed fluid is communicated from theinlet 32 to apressure chamber 74 of themain valve 34 viaconduits 75, 77. Compressed fluid is illustratively communicated to thepressure chamber 74 at a constant pressure. A pressure regulator (not shown) may be fluidly coupled between theinlet 32 and thepressure chamber 74 to regulate the compressed fluid communicated to thepressure chamber 74 to the constant pressure. In some embodiments, the constant pressure supplied to thepressure chamber 74 is of a smaller magnitude than the compressed fluid pressure supplied by theinlet 32. In other embodiments, compressed fluid at a variable pressure may be communicated to thepressure chamber 74. In any case, thepilot chamber 76 of themain valve 34 positioned opposite thepressure chamber 74 is fluidly coupled to theexhaust assembly 36 in theposition 61 to communicate compressed fluid contained in thepilot chamber 76 to theexhaust assembly 36 as shown inFIG. 5 (e.g., so the compressed fluid pressure in thepilot chamber 76 is approximately at atmospheric pressure). Specifically, compressed fluid in thepilot chamber 76 is communicated to aport 79 of thepilot valve 35 viaconduits port 79 to aport 81 of thepilot valve 35 fluidly coupled to theport 79, and from theport 81 to theexhaust assembly 36 viaconduits pilot valve 35 is used to control the pressure differential between thepressure chamber 74 and thepilot chamber 76 of themain valve 34 to cause themain valve 34 to move between the twopositions - The
spool 42 of thepilot valve 35 extends into each of themotive fluid chambers FIG. 5 . Thespool 42 of thepilot valve 35 is spaced apart from each of thediaphragms port 79 is fluidly coupled to theport 81 and such that communication between aport 84 of thepilot valve 35 and theport 79 is resisted. Theport 84 receives compressed fluid from theinlet 32 viaconduits FIG. 5 , thepilot valve 35 fluidly couples thepilot chamber 76 to atmospheric pressure. As best seen inFIGS. 6-7 , thepilot valve 35 fluidly couples thepilot chamber 76 to compressed fluid pressure communicated to theport 84 when themain valve 34 is between the twopositions main valve 34 is in theposition 60. - The
crossvent valve 56 is fluidly coupled to themotive fluid chambers conduits FIG. 5 . Apressure chamber 86 of thecrossvent valve 56 is fluidly coupled to theport 84 of thepilot valve 35 via aconduit 89. Apilot chamber 88 of thecrossvent valve 56 positioned opposite thepressure chamber 86 is fluidly coupled to theport 79 of thepilot valve 35 via aconduit 91. The pressure differential between thepressure chamber 86 and thepilot chamber 88 substantially mirrors the pressure differential between thepressure chamber 74 and thepilot chamber 76 of themain valve 34. As such, by controlling the pressure differential between thepressure chamber 74 and thepilot chamber 76, thepilot valve 35 effectively synchronizes the operation of thecrossvent valve 56 with themain valve 34. - During the operating stage of the
pump 10 shown inFIG. 5 , the pressure differential between thepressure chamber 74 and thepilot chamber 76 exceeds a first threshold. As a result, the compressed fluid pressure communicated to thepressure chamber 74 causes themain valve 34 to move to theposition 61, thereby causing compressed fluid to be supplied from themain valve 34 to themotive fluid chamber 28 as indicated above. Compressed fluid supplied to themotive fluid chamber 28 flows to thecrossvent valve 56 via the conduit 95 (i.e., as shown by arrows 97). Similar to themain valve 34, the pressure differential between thepressure chamber 86 and thepilot chamber 88 exceeds a second threshold that may be approximately equal to the first threshold. As a result, the compressed fluid pressure communicated to thepressure chamber 86 causes thecrossvent valve 56 to resist communication of compressed fluid between themotive fluid chambers conduits -
FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates thepump 10 in the “End Right Stroke”stage 58, in which themain valve 34 is in aposition 63 that is between the twopositions main valve 34 resists communication of compressed fluid from theinlet 32 to each of themotive fluid chambers main valve 34 is in theposition 63. - The
shaft 30 reaches the end-of-stroke position shown inFIG. 6 (i.e., the right end-of-stroke position) when thediaphragm 18 contacts thepilot valve 35. In response to being contacted by thediaphragm 18, thepilot valve 35 fluidly couples theport 84 to theport 79. Compressed fluid is thereby communicated to theport 84 from theinlet 32, and from theport 84 to thepilot chamber 76 via theport 79 andconduits FIG. 6 . Because thepilot chamber 76 is fluidly coupled to compressed fluid pressure from theinlet 32, the pressure differential between thepilot chamber 76 and thepressure chamber 74 inFIG. 6 is different than the pressure differential inFIG. 5 . Specifically, the pressure differential between thepilot chamber 76 and thepressure chamber 74 inFIG. 6 falls below the first threshold. As a result, the compressed fluid pressure supplied to thepilot chamber 76 urges themain valve 34 into the position 63 (i.e., away from theposition 61 and toward the position 60). - The
position 63 of the main valve 34 (shown diagrammatically inFIG. 6 ) is one illustrative position of a plurality of positions achieved by themain valve 34 during a time period when themain valve 34 moves between the twopositions position 63, themain valve 34 fluidly de-couples each of theports FIG. 6 . Themain valve 34 resists communication of compressed fluid from theinlet 32 to each of themotive fluid chambers main valve 34 resists communication of compressed fluid from themotive fluid chambers exhaust assembly 36 during the time period. - The compressed fluid pressure communicated to the
pilot chamber 76 of themain valve 34 is also communicated to thepilot chamber 88 of thecrossvent valve 56 via theconduit 91, as shown inFIG. 6 . As such, the pressure differentials between thepilot chamber 76/pressure chamber 74 and thepilot chamber 88/pressure chamber 86 are approximately equal to one another, and the pressure differential between thepilot chamber 88 and thepressure chamber 86 falls below the second threshold. The compressed fluid pressure from thepilot chamber 76 causes thecrossvent valve 56 to communicate compressed fluid (see the arrows 97) between themotive fluid chambers conduits FIG. 6 . - As seen in
FIG. 7 , themain valve 34 supplies compressed fluid to themotive fluid chamber 26 during the “Begin Left Stroke”stage 55. Specifically, compressed fluid is communicated from theinlet 32 to theport 62 via theconduit 64, from theport 62 to theport 68 fluidly coupled to theport 62, and from theport 68 to themotive fluid chamber 26 via theconduit 71. Additionally, themain valve 34 vents any fluid contained in themotive fluid chamber 28 to theexhaust assembly 36 during the “Begin Left Stroke”stage 55. Specifically, fluid is communicated from themotive fluid chamber 28 to theport 66 via theconduit 69, from theport 66 to theport 70 fluidly coupled to theport 66, and from theport 70 to theexhaust assembly 36 via theconduit 72. - The
main valve 34 is shown in theposition 60 inFIG. 7 . In theposition 60, thepilot chamber 76 of themain valve 34 receives compressed fluid pressure from theinlet 32. Specifically, compressed fluid is communicated from theinlet 32 to theport 84 viaconduits port 84 to theport 79 fluidly coupled to theport 84, and from theport 79 to thepilot chamber 76 viaconduits - During operation of the
pump 10 as shown inFIG. 7 , the pressure differential between thepressure chamber 74 and thepilot chamber 76 exceeds the first threshold. As a result, the compressed fluid pressure communicated to thepilot chamber 76 causes themain valve 34 to move to theposition 60, thereby causing compressed fluid to be supplied from themain valve 34 to themotive fluid chamber 26 as indicated above. Compressed fluid supplied to themotive fluid chamber 26 flows to thecrossvent valve 56 via the conduit 93 (i.e., as shown by arrows 99). Similar to themain valve 34, the pressure differential between thepressure chamber 86 and thepilot chamber 88 exceeds the second threshold. As a result, the compressed fluid pressure communicated to thepilot chamber 88 causes thecrossvent valve 56 to resist communication of compressed fluid between themotive fluid chambers conduits - Referring now to
FIGS. 8-9 , adiaphragm pump 110 is shown that is similar in many respects to thepump 10 shown inFIGS. 1-7 and described above. Accordingly, similar reference numbers (in the 100 series inFIGS. 8-9 ) indicate features that are similar in structure and operation between thepump 110 and thepump 10. The description of thepump 10 is hereby incorporated by reference to apply to thepump 110, except in instances when it conflicts with the specific description and drawings of thepump 110. - As seen in
FIGS. 8-9 , thepilot valve 135 of thepump 110 is fluidly coupled between theinlet 132 and themain valve 134. In the “Begin Right Stroke”stage 157 shown inFIG. 8 , themain valve 134 is in theposition 161 such that compressed fluid communicated to themain valve 134 from theinlet 132 is supplied to themotive fluid chamber 128, and any fluid contained in themotive fluid chamber 126 is vented to an exhaust assembly 136 (like exhaust assembly 36) through themain valve 134. In the “End Right Stroke”stage 158 shown inFIG. 9 , themain valve 134 is in theposition 163 such that themain valve 134 resists communication of compressed fluid from theinlet 132 to themotive fluid chambers motive fluid chambers - In the
position 161 shown inFIG. 8 , thepilot chamber 176 of themain valve 134 is fluidly coupled to the exhaust assembly so that compressed fluid pressure in thepilot chamber 176 is approximately at atmospheric pressure. Specifically, compressed fluid in thepilot chamber 176 is communicated to theport 179 of thepilot valve 135 viaconduit 198, from theport 179 to theport 181 fluidly coupled to theport 179, and from theport 181 to the exhaust assembly 136 viaconduits positions main valve 134 shown inFIGS. 8-9 , respectively, theport 184 of thepilot valve 135 receives compressed fluid from theinlet 132 viaconduits position 163 of themain valve 134 shown inFIG. 9 , thepilot valve 135 fluidly couples thepilot chamber 176 to compressed fluid pressure communicated to theport 184 from theinlet 132. - The
pump 110 includes acrossvent valve 182 having aspool 167 extending into each of themotive fluid chambers FIGS. 8-9 . Thespool 167 is configured to be actuated by thediaphragm 118 when in the right end-of-stroke position to cause thecrossvent valve 182 to communicate compressed fluid between themotive fluid chambers spool 167 is configured to be actuated by thediaphragm 120 when in the left end-of-stroke position to cause thecrossvent valve 182 to communicate compressed fluid between themotive fluid chambers - The
shaft 130 has not yet reached the right end-of-stroke position inFIG. 8 , and as such, thecrossvent valve 182 is spaced apart from thediaphragm 118. Thespool 167 of thecrossvent valve 182 is biased (e.g., pneumatically or mechanically) toward a position in which thecrossvent valve 182 resists communication of compressed fluid between themotive fluid chambers 26, 28 (as shown inFIG. 8 ). When thespool 167 contacts thediaphragm 118, as shown inFIG. 9 , the bias is overcome, and thecrossvent valve 182 allows compressed fluid to flow between themotive fluid chambers - Referring now to
FIGS. 10-11 , adiaphragm pump 210 is shown that is similar in many respects to thepump 10 shown inFIGS. 1-7 and described above, as well as thepump 110 shown inFIGS. 8-9 and described above. Accordingly, similar reference numbers (in the 200 series inFIGS. 10-11 ) indicate features that are similar in structure and operation between thepumps pump 10 and thepump 110 are hereby incorporated by reference to apply to thepump 210, except in instances when it conflicts with the specific description and drawings of thepump 210. - The
pump 210 shown inFIGS. 10-11 illustratively includes amain valve 237 that is substantially similar to themain valves main valves main valve 237 is configured to move between the following positions: a position 260 (not shown) in which themain valve 237 communicates compressed fluid from theinlet 232 to themotive fluid chamber 226, aposition 261 in which themain valve 237 communicates compressed fluid from theinlet 232 to the motive fluid chamber 228 (seeFIG. 10 ), and aposition 263 in which themain valve 237 communicates compressed fluid between themotive fluid chambers 226, 228 (seearrows 215 inFIG. 11 ). Theposition 263 of themain valve 134 is between the position 260 and theposition 261. - The
main valve 237 is fluidly coupled to themotive fluid chambers conduits main valve 237 is in either the position 260 or theposition 261, themain valve 237 resists communication between themotive fluid chambers conduits FIG. 10 , themain valve 237 resists communication of compressed fluid from themotive fluid chamber 228 to the motive fluid chamber 226 (see arrows 215) when themain valve 237 is in theposition 261. Similar to themain valves main valve 237 is in theposition 263, themain valve 237 resists communication of compressed fluid from theinlet 232 to themotive fluid chambers motive fluid chambers - Referring to
FIGS. 10-11 , a flow control valve 259 (illustratively embodied as a needle valve) is fluidly coupled between thepilot chamber 276 and thepilot valve 235. Theflow control valve 259 is configured to control the flow rate of compressed fluid communicated to thepilot chamber 276 to control a speed at which themain valve 237 moves between the position 260 and theposition 261. As best seen inFIG. 11 , compressed fluid is communicated from theinlet 232 to theconduit 298 through thepilot valve 235. Theflow control valve 259 is configured to control the flow rate of compressed fluid flowing through theconduit 298 toward thepilot chamber 276. Compressed fluid flowing to thepilot chamber 276 causes themain valve 237 to move between the position 260 and theposition 261 to theposition 263. Therefore, by controlling the flow rate of compressed fluid to thepilot chamber 276, theflow control valve 259 controls the speed at which themain valve 237 moves between the position 260 and the position 261 (and, hence, the duration of such movement). - While certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detail in the figures and the foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected. There are a plurality of advantages of the present disclosure arising from the various features of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the apparatus, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of the apparatus, systems, and methods that incorporate one or more of the features of the present disclosure.
Claims (20)
1. A diaphragm pump comprising:
a housing defining a first cavity and a second cavity;
a first diaphragm disposed in the first cavity to separate the first cavity into a first motive fluid chamber and a first pumped media chamber;
a second diaphragm disposed in the second cavity to separate the second cavity into a second motive fluid chamber and a second pumped media chamber;
a shaft coupled between the first and second diaphragms and configured to move reciprocally with the first and second diaphragms between a first end-of-stroke position and a second end-of-stroke position;
a main valve fluidly coupled between a compressed fluid inlet and the first and second motive fluid chambers, the main valve being movable between (i) a first position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber and (ii) a second position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber; and
a crossvent valve fluidly coupled between the first and second motive fluid chambers, the crossvent valve being configured to (i) communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers during a time period when the main valve is between the first and second positions and (ii) resist communication of compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers when the main valve is in either of the first and second positions.
2. The diaphragm pump of claim 1 , wherein the main valve is configured to resist communication of compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first and second motive fluid chambers during the time period.
3. The diaphragm pump of claim 1 , wherein:
the second motive fluid chamber is fluidly coupled to an exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the first position;
the first motive fluid chamber is fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the second position; and
the first and second motive fluid chambers are not fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber during the time period.
4. The diaphragm pump of claim 1 , further comprising a pilot valve configured to selectively communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to a pilot chamber of the main valve to control movement of the main valve between the first and second positions.
5. The diaphragm pump of claim 4 , wherein the pilot valve is further configured to selectively communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to a pilot chamber of the crossvent valve to cause the crossvent valve to communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers during the time period.
6. The diaphragm pump of claim 1 , wherein the crossvent valve comprises a spool extending into the first motive fluid chamber such that the spool is configured to be actuated by the first diaphragm when in the first end-of-stroke position to cause the crossvent valve to communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers.
7. The diaphragm pump of claim 6 , wherein the spool of the crossvent valve also extends into the second motive fluid chamber such that the spool is also configured to be actuated by the second diaphragm when in the second end-of-stroke position to cause the crossvent valve to communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers.
8. The diaphragm pump of claim 7 , wherein the spool of the crossvent valve is biased toward a position in which the crossvent valve resists communication of compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers when the first and second diaphragms are between the first and second end-of-stroke positions.
9. A diaphragm pump comprising:
a housing defining a first cavity and a second cavity;
a first diaphragm disposed in the first cavity to separate the first cavity into a first motive fluid chamber and a first pumped media chamber;
a second diaphragm disposed in the second cavity to separate the second cavity into a second motive fluid chamber and a second pumped media chamber;
a shaft coupled between the first and second diaphragms and configured to move reciprocally with the first and second diaphragms between a first end-of-stroke position and a second end-of-stroke position; and
a main valve fluidly coupled between a compressed fluid inlet and the first and second motive fluid chambers, the main valve being movable between (i) a first position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber, (ii) a second position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber, and (iii) a third position in which the main valve is configured to communicate compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers, the third position being between the first and second positions.
10. The diaphragm pump of claim 9 , wherein the main valve is configured to resist communication of compressed fluid between the first and second motive fluid chambers when the main valve is in either of the first and second positions.
11. The diaphragm pump of claim 9 , wherein the main valve is configured to resist communication of compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first and second motive fluid chambers when the main valve is in the third position.
12. The diaphragm pump of claim 9 , wherein:
the second motive fluid chamber is fluidly coupled to an exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the first position;
the first motive fluid chamber is fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the second position; and
the first and second motive fluid chambers are not fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber when the main valve is in the third position.
13. The diaphragm pump of claim 9 , further comprising a pilot valve configured to selectively communicate compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to a pilot chamber of the main valve to control movement of the main valve between the first and second positions.
14. The diaphragm pump of claim 13 , further comprising a flow control valve configured to control a flow rate of the compressed fluid communicated to the pilot chamber of the main valve to control a speed at which the main valve moves between the first and second positions.
15. A method of operating a diaphragm pump comprising a housing defining a first cavity and a second cavity, a first diaphragm disposed in the first cavity to separate the first cavity into a first motive fluid chamber and a first pumped media chamber, a second diaphragm disposed in the second cavity to separate the second cavity into a second motive fluid chamber and a second pumped media chamber, a shaft coupled between the first and second diaphragms, and a compressed fluid inlet, the method comprising:
communicating compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber to cause the first and second diaphragms to move to a first end-of-stroke position;
communicating compressed fluid from the first motive fluid chamber to the second motive fluid chamber while the first and second diaphragms are in the first end-of-stroke position;
communicating compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber to cause the first and second diaphragms to move to a second end-of-stroke position; and
communicating compressed fluid from the second motive fluid chamber to the first motive fluid chamber while the first and second diaphragms are in the second end-of-stroke position.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein compressed fluid is not communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to either of the first and second motive fluid chambers while compressed fluid is being communicated between the first and second motive fluid chambers.
17. The method of claim 15 , further comprising:
fluidly coupling the second motive fluid chamber to an exhaust chamber while communicating compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber; and
fluidly coupling the first motive fluid chamber to the exhaust chamber while communicating compressed fluid from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the first and second motive fluid chambers are not fluidly coupled to the exhaust chamber while compressed fluid is being communicated between the first and second motive fluid chambers.
19. The method of claim 15 , wherein:
shifting a main valve of the diaphragm pump to a first position causes compressed fluid to be communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber;
shifting the main valve to a second position causes compressed fluid to be communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber; and
compressed fluid is communicated between the first and second motive fluid chambers while the main valve is shifting between the first and second positions.
20. The method of claim 15 , wherein:
compressed fluid is communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to the first motive fluid chamber until the first and second diaphragms reach the first end-of-stroke position; and
compressed fluid is communicated from the compressed fluid inlet to the second motive fluid chamber until the first and second diaphragms reach the second end-of-stroke position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/316,146 US20150004006A1 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2014-06-26 | Diaphragm Pumps with Chamber Crossventing |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201361839703P | 2013-06-26 | 2013-06-26 | |
US201361895796P | 2013-10-25 | 2013-10-25 | |
US14/316,146 US20150004006A1 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2014-06-26 | Diaphragm Pumps with Chamber Crossventing |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20150004006A1 true US20150004006A1 (en) | 2015-01-01 |
Family
ID=52115772
Family Applications (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/316,146 Abandoned US20150004006A1 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2014-06-26 | Diaphragm Pumps with Chamber Crossventing |
US14/316,770 Active 2035-08-13 US9752566B2 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2014-06-26 | Air mass control for diaphragm pumps |
US14/316,780 Expired - Fee Related US9664186B2 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2014-06-26 | Diaphragm pumps with air savings devices |
US15/493,820 Expired - Fee Related US10174750B2 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2017-04-21 | Diaphragm pumps with air savings devices |
US16/242,862 Abandoned US20190145397A1 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2019-01-08 | Diaphram pumps with air savings devices |
Family Applications After (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/316,770 Active 2035-08-13 US9752566B2 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2014-06-26 | Air mass control for diaphragm pumps |
US14/316,780 Expired - Fee Related US9664186B2 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2014-06-26 | Diaphragm pumps with air savings devices |
US15/493,820 Expired - Fee Related US10174750B2 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2017-04-21 | Diaphragm pumps with air savings devices |
US16/242,862 Abandoned US20190145397A1 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2019-01-08 | Diaphram pumps with air savings devices |
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US (5) | US20150004006A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
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US10967121B2 (en) | 2014-04-07 | 2021-04-06 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Rotational metering pump for insulin patch |
US10132308B2 (en) * | 2014-04-07 | 2018-11-20 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Rotational metering pump for insulin patch |
US10675404B2 (en) | 2014-04-07 | 2020-06-09 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Rotational metering pump for insulin patch |
DE102017117983A1 (en) * | 2017-08-08 | 2019-02-14 | Scheugenpflug Ag | Pump unit, bearing device equipped therewith and method of operating the bearing device |
WO2023080931A1 (en) * | 2021-11-08 | 2023-05-11 | Pdc Machines Inc. | High-throughput diaphragm compressor |
US20230332590A1 (en) * | 2022-04-18 | 2023-10-19 | Warren Rupp, Inc. | Air operated double diaphragm pump with accessible features |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20150004019A1 (en) | 2015-01-01 |
US9752566B2 (en) | 2017-09-05 |
US10174750B2 (en) | 2019-01-08 |
US20150004003A1 (en) | 2015-01-01 |
US20190145397A1 (en) | 2019-05-16 |
US9664186B2 (en) | 2017-05-30 |
US20170226997A1 (en) | 2017-08-10 |
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