Abstract: A vortex reduction cap for use within a fluid holding vessel above a discharge port for discharging the fluid from the vessel is disclosed. The vortex reduction cap includes a top solid surface greater than or equal to the area of the discharge port. The vortex reduction cap includes one or more inlets to allow fluid to flow from the vessel to an internal volume of the vortex reduction cap and then to the discharge port in the vessel. A passive element is positioned within the internal volume of the vortex reduction cap so that the flow of fluids through the cap and towards the discharge port of the vessel will be redirected around the passive element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering process materials in a bulk delivery system includes a plurality of pumps arranged in series along a material supply line, wherein the capacity of each pump is such that less than all of the pumps operating simultaneously can provide a desired level of system performance for a given application. In at least one preferred embodiment, a plurality of pumps include three pumps are arranged in series. Preferred embodiments provide several benefits over a parallel arrangement of two larger pumps including, in the case of a single pump failure, that the remaining pumps are signaled to increase speed to restore system performance to restore supply line pressure with less perturbation than that realized in a two-pump, parallel arranged system. Methods are also provided herein for determining which of the three pumps is a failed pump in such a case.