Abstract: An integral motor pump (IMP) or turbine (IMT) applicable to a low temperature process liquid, such as liquid hydrogen, includes an impeller having an annular ring of permanent magnets attached thereto passing in axial proximity to a plurality of stator coils. The magnet ring is radially bounded by inner and outer compression sleeves having coefficients of expansion (CTEs) respectively less than and greater than the CTE of the magnets. Unequal thermal contraction of the compression sleeves, when cooled by the process liquid, applies radial compression to the magnet ring, overcoming centrifugal forces and maintains the magnets in radial compression, thereby preventing fracturing or pulverizing of the magnets. The magnet ring can be a monolithic ring with alternating magnetic regions, a ring of closely abutting magnets, or a ring of discrete magnets surrounded by a barrier material having a CTE equal to the magnet CTE.

Abstract: An axial direct drive integral motor pump (IMP) or integral motor turbine (IMT) includes a stator or impeller housing hermetically sealed in front by a cover plate. At least one port in a housing rear face enables a barrier material, such as a resin, to be injected into the housing after attachment of the cover plate, so that the barrier material abuts the cover plate with substantially no gap therebetween. The barrier plate is thereby protected from undue deformation and damage by a pressurized process fluid. The barrier material can be injected through one or more fill ports by vacuum impregnation, and/or displaced air can escape through one or more drain ports. The ports can be sealed by plugs. The ports and plugs can be threaded and/or tapered. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the barrier material can be substantially equal to a CTE of the first housing.

Abstract: A system and method of pumping low-density liquids, such as liquid hydrogen (LH2), includes a plurality of integrated motor/pump modules (IMPs) interconnected in series, each having a single IMP impeller. A controller separately adjusts the speeds of the IMP impellers such that a specified head of the pumping system is achieved, while a critical NPSH_c of each IMP remains below its NPSH_A. The IMPs can be identical, and the controller can cause all of the impellers to rotate at the same speed, except for any that require a speed reduction to ensure that its NPSH_c remains below its NPSH_A. The IMPs can comprise induction coils or permanent magnets attached to the impellers that pass in proximate radial or axial alignment with stator coils. The IMPs can be controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs). A cooling system can transfer heat from within the IMP to an external heat destination.

Abstract: A “hydraulic rotating machinery” (“HRM”) system provides optimal energy efficiency over a very wide conditions of service (“COS”) range by configuring a plurality of variable speed HRMs in a “cluster.” The HRMs are interconnected by one or more valves that can be actuated by a controller to configure and vary a flow path through which a process fluid flows from an inlet to an outlet. By actively selecting which of the HRMs are included in the flow path, the interconnections therebetween, and the operating speeds thereof, the controller ensures that the HRM cluster continues to operate at optimal efficiency as the COS fluctuates over a very wide range. The HRMs can be identical to each other, or can vary in design. The HRM system can be implemented for storage and retrieval of green energy. The controller can also monitor the health of the cluster and/or of the associated process.

Abstract: Pistons and related methods may be configured to separate fluids and to at least partially prohibit one fluid from traveling to one side of the piston from another side of the piston. Pressure exchange devices and systems may include such pistons.

Abstract: A “hydraulic rotating machinery” (“HRM”) system provides optimal energy efficiency over a very wide conditions of service (“COS”) range by configuring a plurality of variable speed HRMs in a “cluster.” The HRMs are interconnected by one or more valves that can be actuated by a controller to configure and vary a flow path through which a process fluid flows from an inlet to an outlet. By actively selecting which of the HRMs are included in the flow path, the interconnections therebetween, and the operating speeds thereof, the controller ensures that the HRM cluster continues to operate at optimal efficiency as the COS fluctuates over a very wide range. The HRMs can be identical to each other, or can vary in design. The HRM system can be implemented for storage and retrieval of green energy. The controller can also monitor the health of the cluster and/or of the associated process.

Abstract: Pistons and related methods may be configured to separate fluids and to at least partially prohibit one fluid from traveling to one side of the piston from another side of the piston. Pressure exchange devices and systems may include such pistons.

Abstract: Valve and related assemblies, systems, and methods may include a self-cleaning feature that may be configured to at least partially displace material from a portion of the valve. Such valves may be utilized in a pressure exchanger.

Abstract: A multi-stage hydraulic rotating machine (MSHRM) maintains near-optimal efficiency over widely varying conditions of service (COS) when controlling a fluid having a gas volume fraction (GVF) greater than 50% and large changes in volumetric flow rate (VFR) between stages. The MSHRM includes separately controlled stages having at least two different designs with different VFR ranges. Stage impellor differences can include impellor diameter, blade pitch, blade width, blade number, inlet diameter, and outlet diameter. Diffusers can differ in similar ways between stages. VFR ranges can be progressively higher or lower in successive stages. The stages can share a common VFR range within which incompressible liquids can be controlled. The MSHRM can function as a pump or turbine, and can be applicable to energy storage and recovery in “green” energy systems.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump with a rotating impeller and a rotating diffuser. The diffuser may be rotated with a controlled speed to broaden the operational range of the pump. Such control may be done independently of the rotational speed of the impeller to tailor pump operation to a particular NPSH, efficiency, fluid flow or related requirement. In one preferred form, the impeller and diffuser are made to counter-rotate relative to one another, while the independent rotational speed of each may be provided by one or more motors, as well as a variable-speed transmission coupled to such motor or motors. Such a pump is optimized for specific speed operating ranges beneath those associated with axial flow pump configurations.

Abstract: Pistons and related methods may be configured to separate fluids and to at least partially prohibit one fluid from traveling to one side of the piston from another side of the piston. Pressure exchange devices and systems may include such pistons.

Abstract: A coaxial pump or turbine module includes an integral, modular motor or generator comprising a magnet structure containing radial or axial permanent magnets and/or induction coils detachably fixed to a rotor, and a stator housing detachably fixed to the module housing. Working fluid is directed axially through a flow path symmetrically distributed within an annulus formed between the module housing and the stator housing. The stator housing can be cooled by the working fluid, or by a cooling fluid flowing between passages of the flow path. The flow path can extend over substantially a full length and rear surface of the stator housing. A plurality of the modules can be combined into a multi-stage apparatus, with rotor speeds independently controlled by corresponding variable frequency drives. Embodiments include guide vanes and/or diffusers. The rotor can be fixed to a rotating shaft, or rotate about a fixed shaft.

Abstract: Pistons and related methods may be configured to separate fluids and to at least partially prohibit one fluid from traveling to one side of the piston from another side of the piston. Pressure exchange devices and systems may include such pistons.

Abstract: Valve and related assemblies, systems, and methods may include a self-cleaning feature that may be configured to at least partially displace material from a portion of the valve. Such valves may be utilized in a pressure exchanger.

Abstract: Valve and related assemblies, systems, and methods may include a self-cleaning feature that may be configured to at least partially displace material from a portion of the valve. Such valves may be utilized in a pressure exchanger.

Abstract: Pressure exchange devices and related systems may include a valve device configured to selectively place a fluid at a first higher pressure in communication with another fluid at a lower pressure in order to pressurize the another fluid to a second higher pressure. Methods of exchanging pressure between at least two fluid streams may include a pressure exchanger having two low pressure inlets.

Abstract: Valve and related assemblies, systems, and methods may include a self-cleaning feature that may be configured to at least partially displace material from a portion of the valve. Such valves may be utilized in a pressure exchanger.

Abstract: Pressure exchange devices and related systems may include a valve device configured to selectively place a fluid at a first higher pressure in communication with another fluid at a lower pressure in order to pressurize the another fluid to a second higher pressure. Methods of exchanging pressure between at least two fluid streams may include a pressure exchanger having two low pressure inlets.

Abstract: Pistons and related methods may be configured to separate fluids and to at least partially prohibit one fluid from traveling to one side of the piston from another side of the piston. Pressure exchange devices and systems may include such pistons.

Abstract: A coaxial pump or turbine module includes an integral, modular motor or generator comprising a magnet structure containing radial or axial permanent magnets and/or induction coils detachably fixed to a rotor, and a stator housing detachably fixed to the module housing. Working fluid is directed axially through a flow path symmetrically distributed within an annulus formed between the module housing and the stator housing. The stator housing can be cooled by the working fluid, or by a cooling fluid flowing between passages of the flow path. The flow path can extend over substantially a full length and rear surface of the stator housing. A plurality of the modules can be combined into a multi-stage apparatus, with rotor speeds independently controlled by corresponding variable frequency drives. Embodiments include guide vanes and/or diffusers. The rotor can be fixed to a rotating shaft, or rotate about a fixed shaft.