Abstract: The present invention provides a new and unique method and apparatus for operating and running multiple pumps in a system together at a substantially synchronous torque to achieve a desired setpoint. Each of the multiple pumps may be operated with a variable speed drive. The present invention may also take the form of the system having the multiple pumps with a system controller for operating and running the multiple pumps, a pump for operating and running in such a system, a system control module for such a system controller, as well as a pump control module for running and operating such a pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides protection for centrifugal pumps while differentiating between dangerous operating conditions (e.g. dry running, minimum flow and runout) and/or conditions where transient conditions (e.g. closed valve operation) may occur and the protection can be revoked once the condition clears. The methodology utilizes a calculated flow value which can be mathematically determined from a calibrated closed valve power vs speed curve and/or various pump and motor parameters such as speed, torque, power and/or differential pressure or from calibrated flow curves stored in the evaluation device. The calculated flow value is then compared to threshold values of flow associated with these adverse operating conditions.

Abstract: A technique for determining pump flow without using traditional sensors features steps and modules for creating a calibrated power curve at closed valve conditions at several speeds; calculating coefficients from a normalized power curve based on a pump's power ratio; and solving a polynomial power equation for flow at the current operating point. The calibrated power curve may be created by increasing the speed of the pump from a minimum speed to a maximum speed and operating the pump with a closed discharge valve. This data is used to correct published performance for shutoff power and best efficiency point power at rated speed in order to determine the pump's power ratio. It is also used to accurately determine closed valve power at the current operating speed. The pump's power ratio is determined by the equation: Pratio=Pshutoff @100%/PBEP—corr.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and unique method and apparatus for operating and running multiple pumps in a system together at a substantially synchronous torque to achieve a desired setpoint. Each of the multiple pumps may be operated with a variable speed drive. The present invention may also take the form of the system having the multiple pumps with a system controller for operating and running the multiple pumps, a pump for operating and running in such a system, a system control module for such a system controller, as well as a pump control module for running and operating such a pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides protection for centrifugal pumps while differentiating between dangerous operating conditions (e.g. dry running, minimum flow and runout) and/or conditions where transient conditions (e.g. closed valve operation) may occur and the protection can be revoked once the condition clears. The methodology utilizes a calculated flow value which can be mathematically determined from a calibrated closed valve power vs speed curve and/or various pump and motor parameters such as speed, torque, power and/or differential pressure or from calibrated flow curves stored in the evaluation device. The calculated flow value is then compared to threshold values of flow associated with these adverse operating conditions.

Abstract: A technique for determining pump flow without using traditional sensors features steps and modules for creating a calibrated power curve at closed valve conditions at several speeds; calculating coefficients from a normalized power curve based on a pump's power ratio; and solving a polynomial power equation for flow at the current operating point. The calibrated power curve may be created by increasing the speed of the pump from a minimum speed to a maximum speed and operating the pump with a closed discharge valve. This data is used to correct published performance for shutoff power and best efficiency point power at rated speed in order to determine the pump's power ratio. It is also used to accurately determine closed valve power at the current operating speed. The pump's power ratio is determined by the equation: Pratio=Pshutoff @100%/PBEP—corr.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the operation of a pump, such as a centrifugal pump, featuring steps of either adjusting the operation of the pump, or issues a warning to a user of the pump of an undesirable operating condition, or both, based on a comparison of an actual torque value and a corrected torque value either alone or in combination with a further step of compensating the corrected torque value based on a mechanical power offset correction. The corrected torque value may include a Best Efficiency Point (BEP) torque value and may also be compensated for based on at least the current operating speed of the pump. The pump has a controller for performing the steps of the method. The controller can compensate the corrected torque value based on the square of the speed change of the pump. The comparison may include a ratio of the actual torque value to the corrected torque value.

Abstract: A flow directing device is provided for a fluid filled seal chamber for a centrifugal fluid pump, wherein the pump includes a seal chamber housing, a rotary shaft extending through the housing, an impeller mounted on one end of the shaft, and a rotary seal mounted about the shaft. The rotary shaft and housing define the seal chamber opening toward the impeller. A plurality of angled vanes radially depend about a circumferential portion of the seal chamber to direct the flow of fluid in the seal chamber along the rotary shaft to remove suspended solids from the rotary seal when the vanes extend in one direction, and to remove vapor bubbles from adjacent the rotary seal when the vanes extend in another direction and are coupled with a bulkhead flange.