2008-03-27|InnoCentive: R&D Challenges

Solution Submission Form

Username: xx0xxxxxxxx
InnoCentive Challenge #: 5869931
InnoCentive Challenge Name: Low Volume, Low Power Chemical Pump
Doc. Number: (internal use only)

My Solution:

Detailed Description of the Solution

The Solver's novel micro-pump capable of pumping strong acids against a 35 kPa backpressure in acidic chemical environments is the "Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump".
The low-volume, low-power Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump will be resistant to specific chemistries, and be mass-producible using standard industrial processes.
The novel Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump comprises a pump assembly and a control assembly. The pump assembly comprises a casing, a helical vane for moving fluid, and a permanent magnet. The casing has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The helical vane is housed inside the casing.
The permanent magnet is securely attached to the bottom portion of the helical vane. The control assembly comprises a casing, a control circuitry, and a plurality of electromagnets. The electromagnets are securely attached to the top portion of the casing.
The helical vane is capable of minimising turbulent flow and of maximising laminar flow inside the pump assembly. The control circuitry is capable of generating magnetic field by energising the electromagnets. Sequentially changing magnetic field of the electromagnets causes the helical vane to rotate.
Please refer to the detailed drawings of the Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump.
Each of the Seeker's Technical Requirements and Desirable Properties is addressed as follows.
1. The total volume of the Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump will be < 25 cm^3 including the motor and any control circuitry.
2. The material for the body of the Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump will be PVDF (Polyvinylidene Difluoride). PVDF withstands an acidic chemical environment of air and CO2 which contains up to 100 ppm NOx and up to 1 % vaporous HNO3.
3. The Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump will be capable of pumping 5 centipoise (cP) fluids at 100 cm^3/min against a 5 psi resistive head pressure. It will be leak-free up to 10 psi. Pressure spikes will be kept to < 2 psi above mean output pressure at flow rate above.
4. A 12 V supply will be used for the Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump. There will be a < 0.5 W average power dissipation at above pressure and flow conditions at 25 C ambient, 50 C solution temperature.
5. The fluid connections of the Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump will be made with 1/8" ID O-rings. The mounting of the Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump will be 2 (two) M3 screws.
6. The Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump will:
  1. pass inert particulates < 10 micrometre without noticeable degradation or flow impedance.
  2. have a < 50 dB noise rating per ISO-07779.
  3. self-prime and not capture gas bubbles in any orientation.
  4. have an expected lifetime of > 2 000 hours of continuous operation in the above chemical conditions.

References and Notes

Patent application "Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump" has been drafted by the Solver for potential licensing to the Seeker. Please find attached the partial text of the patent application for your review.

Conclusion

The Solver believes that the novel Magnetically Driven Archimedes Spiral Screw Pump will meet all of the Seeker's Technical Requirements and Desirable Properties.