US 4,439,112 A · Method and apparatus for pumping viscous and/or abrasive fluids

Abstract

A method and apparatus for pumping fluids, especially viscous and/or abrasive fluids, are disclosed. The method comprises using one working fluid to pump an intermediate working fluid, which may be different from the first working fluid, through a conduit system in a smooth and continuous pulsating manner. The intermediate fluid pumps the process fluid through the actual pumping zone. Heat exchange between the intermediate and process fluids may be effected, e.g. by counterflow. The preferred apparatus comprises a hydraulically operated displacement pump. A tubular diaphragm pump is coupled in-line in a pipe line. The tubular diaphragm pump includes a housing coupled to the pipe line, and a tubular diaphragm coupled to the housing in such a manner that the process fluid flows from the pipe line, through the interior of the tubular diaphragm and back into the pipe line. A check valve insures that the process fluid passes through the tubular diaphragm in a single direction. The housing is adapted to direct the intermediate working fluid introduced into the housing from a conduit system into contact with the exterior of the tubular diaphragm and back into the conduit. A power section is spaced from the housing and pumps the intermediate fluid through the conduit system and housing in a pulsating, but continuous and smooth, manner.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A process for pumping a viscous or abrasive aqueous fluid, comprising the steps of:

(a) passing said fluid in one direction through an expanding and contracting pumping zone;
(b) actuating said pumping zone by a second aqueous fluid caused to flow continuously and smoothly through a conduit system having valve means responsive to small pressure differentials adjacent to said pumping zone so as to cause said pumping zone to respond hydraulically to the movement of said second fluid;
and
(c) actuating said second fluid by hydraulic pressure from a third non-aqueous fluid.

1 more element

A hydraulically operated displacement pumping system for pumping a first fluid through a pipe line, said displacement pump comprising:

(A) a tubular diaphragm pump coupled in series with said pipe line, said tubular diaphragm pump including:
(1) a housing coupled to said pipe line;
(2) a tubular diaphragm coupled to said housing so that said first fluid flows from said pipe line, through the interior of said tubular diaphragm, and back into said pipe line;
(3) check valve means for insuring that said first fluid passes through said tubular diaphragm in only one direction;
and
(4) said housing directing a second fluid introduced into said housing into contact with the exterior of said tubular diaphragm;
(B) a power section spaced from said housing for pumping said second fluid in a pulsating manner;
said power section including a high pressure pump for pumping a third fluid and further including means for transferring pressure and momentum from said third fluid to said second fluid to effect said pumping of said second fluid in said pulsating manner;
and
(C) conduit means connecting said power section to said housing in such a manner that said second fluid is pumped from said power section to said housing and into contact with said exterior of said tubular diaphragm whereby said tubular diaphragm pulsates and thereby pumps said first fluid through said pipe line;
said conduit means including additional check valve means for causing said second fluid to pass through said conduit means in a single direction, opposite to said one direction, and for causing said second fluid to pass through said conduit means in a sufficiently smooth and continuous manner to avert losses due to said second fluid stopping and starting in said conduit means while said pump is in operation;
said additional check valve means comprising a conical perforated member having secured to the interior thereof a flexible diaphragm, said additional check valve means being rapidly responsive to pressure differentials.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for pumping viscous and/or abrasive fluids

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for pumping viscous and/or abrasive fluids

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims6