Abstract: Devices and method include relatively moving elements having one or more bearing surfaces defining a gap between the elements into which a fluid is received. At least one of the bearing surfaces comprises a varying topography to provide pressurized volumes of the fluid in order to define a hydraulic bearing to support at least one of the elements during movement.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting properties of motion of at least one component of fluid exchange devices, such as, for example, a pressure exchange device or system.

Abstract: Devices and method include relatively moving elements having one or more bearing surfaces defining a gap between the elements into which a fluid is received. At least one of the bearing surfaces comprises a varying topography to provide pressurized volumes of the fluid in order to define a hydraulic bearing to support at least one of the elements during movement.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting properties of motion of at least one component of fluid exchange devices, such as, for example, a pressure exchange device or system.

Abstract: Pressure exchange devices, systems, and related methods may include a tank, a piston, a valve device, and one or more sensors for monitoring a position of the piston in the tank.

Abstract: Devices and method include relatively moving elements having one or more bearing surfaces defining a gap between the elements into which a fluid is received. At least one of the bearing surfaces comprises a varying topography to provide pressurized volumes of the fluid in order to define a hydraulic bearing to support at least one of the elements during movement.

Abstract: Devices and systems for exchanging properties between at least two fluid streams and related methods may include a valve device comprising a valve actuator configured to move at variable rates in order to selectively fill and empty at least one tank. Devices for exchanging properties between at least two fluid streams may include a valve device comprising offset openings positioned along a path of a valve actuator. The offset openings may be configured to selectively and gradually place an inlet in communication with at least one tank.

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: Devices and systems for exchanging properties between at least two fluid streams and related methods may include a valve device comprising a valve actuator configured to move at variable rates in order to selectively fill and empty at least one tank. Devices for exchanging properties between at least two fluid streams may include a valve device comprising offset openings positioned along a path of a valve actuator. The offset openings may be configured to selectively and gradually place an inlet in communication with at least one tank.

Abstract: Devices and systems for exchanging properties between at least two fluid streams and related methods may include a valve device comprising a valve actuator configured to move at variable rates in order to selectively fill and empty at least one tank. Devices for exchanging properties between at least two fluid streams may include a valve device comprising staggered and overlapping openings positioned along a path of a valve actuator. The staggered and overlapping openings may be configured to selectively and gradually place an inlet in communication with at least one tank.

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: Devices and systems for exchanging properties between at least two fluid streams and related methods may include a valve device comprising a valve actuator configured to move at variable rates in order to selectively fill and empty at least one tank. Devices for exchanging properties between at least two fluid streams may include a valve device comprising staggered and overlapping openings positioned along a path of a valve actuator. The staggered and overlapping openings may be configured to selectively and gradually place an inlet in communication with at least one tank.

Abstract: Pressure exchange devices, systems, and related methods may include a tank, a piston, a valve device, and one or more sensors for monitoring a position of the piston in the tank.

Abstract: A coaxial pump or turbine module directs working fluid past a rotor and through a flow path symmetrically distributed within an annulus formed between an outer module housing and an inner motor or generator coil housing. The inner housing can be cooled by working fluid in the flow path, 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 inner housing. The rotor can be fixed to a rotating shaft, or rotate about a fixed shaft, which can be threaded into the motor and/or module housing. A plurality of the modules can be combined into a multi-stage apparatus, with rotor speeds independently controlled by corresponding variable frequency drives. The motor or generator can include radial or axial permanent magnets and/or induction coils. Embodiments include guide vanes and/or diffusers.

Abstract: An integral motor pump module directs at least 90% of its rotor discharge over at least 50% of its motor housing surface, thereby cooling the motor with little or no need for a separate flow path. The discharge can flow through an annulus formed between the motor and pump housings, and can extend over substantially all of the sides and rear of the motor housing. The rotor can be fixed to a rotating shaft, or rotate about a fixed shaft, which can be threaded into the motor and/or module housing. A plurality of the modules can be combined into a multi-stage pump, with rotor speeds independently controlled by corresponding variable frequency drives. The motor can be a radial or axial permanent magnet or induction motor. A separate cooling flow can provide additional cooling e.g. when pumping heated process fluids. Embodiments include guide vanes and/or diffusers.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump impellor includes balancing holes that reduce axial thrust while minimizing the loss of pump efficiency. In one general aspect, the balancing holes penetrate the rear shroud between the blades, and are angled in both axial and rotational directions so as to direct the leakage fluid approximately parallel to the primary process fluid, so that it causes minimal interference with the primary fluid flow. In a second general aspect, the balancing holes extend from the rear cavity within the impellor blades and through the leading edges of the blades, thereby entering the primary flow in locations where the process fluid is almost static relative to the blades. This minimizes the impact on the flow of the process fluid past the blades, and thereby minimizes the loss of pump efficiency caused by the balance holes. In embodiments, each blade leading edge includes a plurality of balancing hole outlets.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump impellor includes balancing holes that reduce axial thrust while minimizing the loss of pump efficiency. In one general aspect, the balancing holes penetrate the rear shroud between the blades, and are angled in both axial and rotational directions so as to direct the leakage fluid approximately parallel to the primary process fluid, so that it causes minimal interference with the primary fluid flow. In a second general aspect, the balancing holes extend from the rear cavity within the impellor blades and through the leading edges of the blades, thereby entering the primary flow in locations where the process fluid is almost static relative to the blades. This minimizes the impact on the flow of the process fluid past the blades, and thereby minimizes the loss of pump efficiency caused by the balance holes. In embodiments, each blade leading edge includes a plurality of balancing hole outlets.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump impellor includes balancing holes that reduce axial thrust while minimizing the loss of pump efficiency. In one general aspect, the balancing holes penetrate the rear shroud between the blades, and are angled in both axial and rotational directions so as to direct the leakage fluid approximately parallel to the primary process fluid, so that it causes minimal interference with the primary fluid flow. In a second general aspect, the balancing holes extend from the rear cavity within the impellor blades and through the leading edges of the blades, thereby entering the primary flow in locations where the process fluid is almost static relative to the blades. This minimizes the impact on the flow of the process fluid past the blades, and thereby minimizes the loss of pump efficiency caused by the balance holes. In embodiments, each blade leading edge includes a plurality of balancing hole outlets.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump impellor includes balancing holes that reduce axial thrust while minimizing the loss of pump efficiency. In one general aspect, the balancing holes penetrate the rear shroud between the blades, and are angled in both axial and rotational directions so as to direct the leakage fluid approximately parallel to the primary process fluid, so that it causes minimal interference with the primary fluid flow. In a second general aspect, the balancing holes extend from the rear cavity within the impellor blades and through the leading edges of the blades, thereby entering the primary flow in locations where the process fluid is almost static relative to the blades. This minimizes the impact on the flow of the process fluid past the blades, and thereby minimizes the loss of pump efficiency caused by the balance holes. In embodiments, each blade leading edge includes a plurality of balancing hole outlets.