Patent ID: 6606977
Filing Date: 2003-08-19
Classification: F02M

Abstract:
A method for optimizing the geometry of a line providing fluid communication between an outlet of a pump and an inlet, the pump and inlet each having a fixed location, the line being composed of tubing, the pump imposing a periodic pressure pulse on the tubing, the method comprising the steps of:a) identifying a basic design of the line using conventional industry practices for the specific application; b) making an initial determination as to the minimum number of bends which are required by the basic line design, 1) advancing to step (c) if the tubing can be routed in a straight line from the pump outlet to the inlet with no bends required, 2) if the tubing must be bent, i) establishing the bend routing to best fit the installation constraints set by the design layout, ii) verifying that the quantity of bends is minimized and returning to step (b) if the number of bends may be reduced; c) performing a finite element analysis to determine the minimum and maximum loading on the tubing imposed by the expected pressure pulse; and d) selecting the material of the tubing to satisfy design safety factors with the minimal material cost.