Method of detecting occlusions in a solution pumping system
First Claim
1. A method of operating a solution pumping system including pump means which creates a positive liquid pressure at said pump means during a pumping stroke, and a negative liquid pressure at said pump means during a return stroke, said method comprising the steps of:
- determining a pressure P1 during a pumping stroke of said pump means corresponding to a peak pressure of said system;
waiting a predetermined time interval TA after determination of said pressure P1 ;
determining a pressure P2 corresponding to the pressure of said system; and
providing a signal indicating occlusion of said system downstream of said pump means if P2 exceeds a predetermined value.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of detecting occlusions in a solution pumping system includes monitoring and analyzing pressures within the system during selected portions of a pumping cycle. The pumping system of the illustrated embodiment includes a positive displacement pump operated by a reciprocable pump piston, with analysis of pressures within the system identifying those conditions which reflect the presence of an occlusion either upstream or downstream of the positive displacement pump. A suitable signal or alarm can then be activated to alert operating personnel.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of operating a solution pumping system including pump means which creates a positive liquid pressure at said pump means during a pumping stroke, and a negative liquid pressure at said pump means during a return stroke, said method comprising the steps of:
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determining a pressure P1 during a pumping stroke of said pump means corresponding to a peak pressure of said system; waiting a predetermined time interval TA after determination of said pressure P1 ; determining a pressure P2 corresponding to the pressure of said system; and providing a signal indicating occlusion of said system downstream of said pump means if P2 exceeds a predetermined value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of operating a solution pumping system including pump means which creates a positive liquid pressure at said pump means during a pumping stroke, and negative liquid pressure at said pump means during a return stroke, said method comprising the steps of:
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measuring an initial pressure PI prior to operation of said pump means; measuring a peak pressure PP during a pumping stroke of said pump means; determining a pressure P1, corresponding to a peak pressure of said system, by subtracting PI from PP ; comparing pressure P1 to a predetermined value PREF ; waiting one of;
(1) a first predetermined time interval TA(1) after determining if said pressure P1 is less than PREF, indicating a relatively non-viscous liquid, and (2) a second predetermined time interval TA(2), greater than TA(1), if said pressure P1 is greater than PREF, indicating a relatively viscous liquid;determining a pressure P2 corresponding to the pressure of said system by measuring a pressure PSYS of the system and subtracting therefrom the value of the initial pressure PI of the system; and providing a signal indicating occlusion of said system downstream of said pump means if P2 exceeds a predetermined value. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A method of operating a pumping system including pump means which creates a positive liquid pressure at the pump means, comprising the steps of:
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monitoring liquid pressure within said pumping system; analyzing the monitored pressure within said system to identify an occlusion in said system; and providing a signal indicating occlusion of system, wherein said monitoring and analyzing steps include determining a pressure P1 corresponding to a peak pressure of said system, waiting a predetermined time interval TA after determination of said pressure P1, and determining a pressure P2 corresponding to the pressure of the system, said step of providing a signal including providing a signal indicating occlusion of system downstream of said pump means if P2 exceeds a predetermined value.
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11. A method of operating a pumping system including pump means which creates a positive liquid pressure at the pump means, comprising the steps of:
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monitoring liquid pressure within said pumping system; analyzing the monitored pressure within said system to identify an occlusion in said system; and providing a signal indicating occlusion of system, wherein said pump means is operated to create a negative pressure in said system, said pump means is operated to create a negative pressure in said system, said monitoring and analyzing steps include measuring a pressure PR prior to operating said pump to create said negative pressure, waiting a predetermined time interval TB after operation of said pump to create said negative pressure, and determining a pressure P3 corresponding to the pressure of the system, and comparing P3 to PR, said step of providing a signal including providing a signal including occlusion of said system upstream of said pump means if the difference between PR and P3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
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12. A method of operating a pumping system including pump means which creates a positive liquid pressure at the pump means, comprising the steps of:
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monitoring liquid pressure within said pumping system; analyzing the monitored pressure within said system to identify an occlusion in said system; and providing a signal indicating occlusion of system, wherein said monitoring and analyzing steps include determining a pressure P1 corresponding to a peak pressure of said system, and comparing said pressure P1 to a predetermined value PREF to determine the viscosity of liquid being pumped by said system.
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Specification