Pump design for circulating supercritical carbon dioxide
US6986647B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2300/436
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a pump assembly for circulating a supercritical fluid is disclosed. The pump assembly comprises an impeller for pumping fluid between a pump inlet and a pump outlet; a rotating pump shaft coupled to the impeller, wherein the pump shaft is supported by corrosion resistant bearings; a rotor of a DC motor potted in epoxy and encased in a non-magnetic material sleeve; and a stator sealed from the fluid via a polymer sleeve. The pump can be of centrifugal type. The bearings can be made of silicon nitride balls combined with bearing races made of Cronidur® and can operate without oil or grease lubrication. The polymer sleeve can be a PEEK™ sleeve which forms a casing for the stator. The non-magnetic material sleeve encasing the rotor of the DC motor is preferably made of stainless steel. A portion of the fluid passing through the pump assembly can be diverted over the bearings and/or the rotor and stator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.