System and method of fluid transfer using devices with rotatable housings

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward systems and methods of transferring fluid using devices that have a rotatable housing. One embodiment of the invention attaches a fluid-drive element to a rotatable housing to drive fluid into a conduit for transfer. In another embodiment, a pitot tube is attached to the rotatable housing, the motion of the housing driving fluid into the conduit for transfer. Other embodiments of the invention may utilize a pressure difference to drive fluid through a conduit. Embodiments of the invention may also utilize baffles to alter circulation of fluid that may be induced by the motion of the rotating housing, to promote fluid transfer through a conduit. Some of the aforementioned embodiments may be especially useful in transporting fluid in a liquid ring pump with a rotatable housing.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation in part application from the U.S. patent application titled “Pressurized Vapor Cycle Liquid Distillation” with inventors David F. Bednarek, Jason A. Demers, Timothy P. Duggan, James L. Jackson, Scott A. Leonard, David W. McGill, and Kingston Owens, filed Nov. 13, 2003 (Ser. No. not yet assigned), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to transferring fluids between systems and within a system, and more particularly to fluid transfer systems that include a rotatable housing. BACKGROUND ART [0003] Pumps are a common means to transfer fluids within a system or between two systems. The use of pumps, however, has disadvantages. Pumps are typically dynamic devices with a plurality of moving parts that are subject to aging, wear, and breakage. Thus, pumps require continuous monitoring and maintenance, which requires shut down of a system an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] A fluid transfer system in third embodiment of the invention includes a rotatable housing defining at least a part of a boundary of a first chamber; a second chamber capable of holding fluid, the first chamber being nested in the second chamber; and a conduit connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the conduit is configured such that fluid is driven through the conduit when a pressure difference exists between the first chamber and the second chamber. The rotatable housing may be a portion of a liquid ring pump. Fluid may be driven from the second chamber to the first chamber when pressure in the second chamber is higher than pressure in the first chamber.

Problems solved by technology

The use of pumps, however, has disadvantages.

Thus, pumps require continuous monitoring and maintenance, which requires shut down of a system and labor to service and monitor the pump, Pumps also have a finite operating lifetime; even with constant maintenance, sudden failure of the pump without warning may occur.

Such power usage may expend a substantial amount of energy, which can substantially decrease the energy efficiency of a process.

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