Abstract: A progressive cavity pumping system includes a pump housing, a rotor member operatively received in the pump housing, a prime mover coupled to the rotor member for driving the rotor member in first and second directions and a controlling means for actuating the prime mover, wherein the controlling automatically causes the rotor member to be driven in the second direction after shut down or idling of the pumping system. A method of operating the pumping system includes automatically driving the rotor member in a second direction after initiating shut down or idling of the pumping system and prior to start up of the same.

Abstract: A slurry piston pump (10) including a fluid hose (70) coupled into the back end (26) of a piston cylinder (24) to provide cleaning and/or lubricating fluid (60) into the interior (23) of cylinder (24) while allowing cylinder (24) to be directly coupled to a drive cylinder (12).

Abstract: A slurry piston pump (10) including a fluid hose (70) coupled into the back end (26) of a piston cylinder (24) to provide cleaning and/or lubricating fluid (60) into the interior (23) of cylinder (24) while allowing cylinder (24) to be directly coupled to a drive cylinder (12).

Abstract: A material feed container (20), especially for thick material pumps, comprising a lower container component (38) that is upwardly open and a motor-driven agitator (44) that extends through the lower container component (38) in-between two side walls (50). In order to make the inside of the container easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance purposes, the agitator (44) is provided with a pivot bearing (56) and a drive motor (48) which together form a structural unit which is detachably connected to the lower container component (38). The container is also provided with a top piece (40) that is open towards the top and bottom, can be detachably arranged on the top edge of the lower container component (38) and can be connected to the lower container component (38) and/or agitator unit if so desired.

Abstract: A two-cylinder thick-matter pump for continuous delivery of thick matter is characterized in that a reversing valve (5) has a diverter housing (8, 8′) with at least four openings (a-b), the diverter (6, 6′) disposed in the diverter housing (8, 8′) is swiveled with its outlet opening in front of the cylinder openings and has an inlet opening (RE) which is firmly connected with the suction pipe (3), the cavity (H) in the diverter housing (8, 8′) being constantly under delivery pressure, and at least one shut-off element (10) being provided for closing the suction pipe (3) and/or the first and/or second openings (a , b) of the diverter housing (8, 8′).

Abstract: A shuttle valve for use in a pumping apparatus for pumping concrete or the like. The valve uses belleville springs to hold a wear ring against the concrete hopper, thereby creating a seal.

Abstract: A pump having both a short stroke pumping mode and a long stroke pumping mode. The pump has two material cylinders, each with an attached hydraulic cylinder for operating a piston rod extending through both the material and hydraulic cylinders. The piston rods are driven by hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic cylinders and are synchronized so that as one piston rod extends, the other piston rod retracts. The piston rods draw material into the material cylinders when retracting, and pump material out of the material cylinders when extending. To pump in a short stroke mode, a diverter valve is placed between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinders which diverts an amount of hydraulic fluid to the cylinders, causing the hydraulic pistons to only be extended about half the length of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A device for pumping molten metal that eliminates rotor bearing members comprises a pump having a pump chamber including a first bearing surface, and a monolithic rotor having a second bearing surface that aligns with the first bearing surface. The second bearing surface is formed of and integral with the material forming the rotor. Preferably a rigid rotor shaft to motor shaft connection is utilized to rigidly center the rotor within the pump chamber and, hence, within the first bearing surface.

Abstract: A grout slurry pumping system, and a grout slurry control box and associated tools are described. Methods of using the pumping system and control box are also described. The pumping system and control box may be used separately or together. The pumping system maintains a grout slurry of desired consistency and can provide it through a hose to remote locations. The control box operates to apply grout to a work surface in desired quantities and in desired amounts according to a control valve.

Abstract: A method of detecting an air pocket in a concrete pump and minimizing the effect of the nozzle and boom reaction as the air pocket reaches the end of the boom. The hydraulic pressure of the pump is monitored to determine when a pump stroke contains air. Upon detection of air in a pump stroke, an alarm is sounded and the pump is slowed to minimize the effect of the air pocket when it reaches the nozzle of the boom.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pumping system includes a pump housing, a rotor member operatively received in the pump housing, a prime mover coupled to the rotor member for driving the rotor member in first and second directions and a controlling means for actuating the prime mover, wherein the controlling automatically causes the rotor member to be driven in the second direction after shut down or idling of the pumping system. A method of operating the pumping system includes automatically driving the rotor member in a second direction after initiating shut down or idling of the pumping system and prior to start up of the same.

Abstract: The hopper of a concrete pump is pivotally mounted on the frame of the pump so that the hopper can be swung away from the pumping cylinders in order to clean the S-valve in the hopper. O-rings on the frame surround the pumping cylinders and sealingly engage the hopper when the hopper is closed against the pumping cylinders.

Abstract: A pump having both a short stroke pumping mode and a long stroke pumping mode. The pump has two material cylinders, each with an attached hydraulic cylinder for operating a piston rod extending through both the material and hydraulic cylinders. The piston rods are driven by hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic cylinders and are synchronized so that as one piston rod extends, the other piston rod retracts. The piston rods draw material into the material cylinders when retracting, and pump material out of the material cylinders when extending. To pump in a short stroke mode, a diverter valve is placed between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinders which diverts an amount of hydraulic fluid to the cylinders, causing the hydraulic pistons to only be extended about half the length of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A drywall taping and texture system for pumping drywall mastic material from a container filled with the drywall mastic material to a work surface includes a pump housing, an air compressor, a tool for applying the drywall mastic material to the work surface, material and control lines, an inflatable bladder, an air release mechanism, and an airway. The pump housing is immersed in the container filled with the drywall mastic material, and the air compressor is connected to the pump housing. The material and control lines are connected between the pump housing and the tool such that there is material and air flow communication, respectively, therebetween. The bladder is mounted within the pump housing between upper and lower valves for controlling the flow of the drywall mastic material. The airway connects the air compressor, the control line, the bladder, and the air release mechanism, such that there is air flow communication therebetween.

Abstract: A pump having both a short stroke pumping mode and a long stroke pumping mode. The pump has two material cylinders, each with an attached hydraulic cylinder for operating a piston rod extending through both the material and hydraulic cylinders. The piston rods are driven by hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic cylinders and are synchronized so that as one piston rod extends, the other piston rod retracts. The piston rods draw material into the material cylinders when retracting, and pump material out of the material cylinders when extending. To pump in a short stroke mode, a diverter valve is placed between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinders which diverts an amount of hydraulic fluid to the cylinders, causing the hydraulic pistons to only be extended about half the length of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding device for two-cylinder pumps for liquids, especially designed for concrete pumps. The sliding device (20) has a pivot pipe (16) which is bent and has substantially a C-shape. The pivot pipe is fixedly connected, at its upper end, to an extension pipe (42) protruding over a back wall (24) of a material feeding bin and connected, at its end opposite the pivot pipe, to a discharge conduit through a pipe rotating connection. The pivot pipe is placed in such a way that it is able to pivot about the axis of the extension pipe so that its other end is connected alternatively to the openings of the discharge cylinder (10). In order to ensure reliable operation in spite of frictional wear in the extension pipe (42), the invention provides for a support pipe (84) which coaxially overlaps the extension pipe (42), is fixedly connected to the upper end of the pivot pipe and extends over least on one part of the extension pipe (42).

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for conveying thick matter, in particular liquid concrete. The arrangement comprises a pump (12) which is to be charged on the input side with thick matter to be conveyed, and a distributor (10) which can be connected via a high-pressure feed line (20) to the pressure joint (30) of the pump (12) and preferably takes the form of a tunnel shuttering distributor. The high-pressure feed line (20) is connected both on the pump side and the distributor side to a pipe-switching device (22, 24) which can in each case be switched alternatively between two connections (26, 32, 40, 44). The pump-side pipe-switching device (22) is connected at its one connection (26) to the pressure joint (30) of the pump (12) and at its other connection (32) to the pressure joint (36) of a pressure medium pump (16) which can be acted upon by low-viscosity pressure medium via a reservoir (18).

Abstract: A squeeze type pump that transfers slurry via an elastic tube by squeezing the elastic tube with pairs of rollers to elastically deform the tube by moving each pair of squeezing rollers. The elastic tube has an outer diameter, an inner diameter, and a thickness. A ratio of the inner diameter to the outer diameter is set within a range of 0.56 to 0.72, and the thickness is set within a range of 23 to 35 mm.

Abstract: A mobile pumping station includes a mobile base frame designed to be moved across the ground and a slurry vessel mounted on the mobile base frame and connected to a liquid supply. A primary feed hopper also mounted on the mobile base frame receives a mineral and transfers the mineral to the slurry vessel. The primary feed hopper can be adjusted to achieve a predetermined flow of the mineral to the slurry vessel so that the ratio of the mineral to the liquid can be controlled. The mobile pumping station can be moved into a position adjacent a mineral deposit such that a portion of the mineral deposit can be loaded into the slurry vessel. The mineral is formed into a flowable slurry by combining liquid from the liquid supply with the mineral, and thereafter the flowable slurry is discharged from the vessel via a slurry pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston pump for thick matter such as concrete, sewage sludge, excavated tunnel material and similar. The inventive piston pump has at least one hydraulically operated pump cylinder (10, 12). The pump piston (30) of said pump cylinder (10, 12) is connected to the piston (38) of a hydraulic drive cylinder (26, 28) by a common piston rod (34). A water box (42) is situated between the pump cylinders (10, 12) and the drive cylinders (26, 28), the piston rod (34) passing through said water box (42) for cleaning purposes. Said water box (42) has an assembly opening (44) at the top end, said opening being accessible from above, and a closeable water outlet nozzle (66) located at the bottom end. The water box also has an assembly opening located at the bottom end for easier assembly. Said bottom-end assembly opening (54) can be closed in such a way that it is liquid-tight by means of a removable base plate (52).

Abstract: A portable gold mining dredge for use in collecting potentially gold containing aggregate from streambeds for subsequent classification and separation. The dredge has a receptacle, comprised of a drum with a water-tight lid, for receiving the aqueous dredged aggregate. The receptacle is of a size suitable for carrying. A self-priming pump having an inlet port and an outlet port is attached to the receptacle. A dip tube extends into the receptacle, the outer end of the dip tube being connected to the inlet port of the pump by a conduit. A suction tube communicates with the interior of the receptacle. Hoses are connected to the inlet of the suction tube and to the outlet port of the pump. During operation the suction hose is used to suck up aqueous aggregate from a streambed and the discharge hose is used to wash aggregate from cracks and crevices in rocks.

Abstract: A composition for and a method of promoting the flow of a concrete slurry through a pump and a conduit is provided. The composition is a dry particulate mixture comprised of a water soluble, inorganic material and a solvatable, organic polymer. The composition, when mixed with a suitable quantity of water, is useful in a method of priming a pump used to pump a concrete slurry. The composition, when mixed with a concrete slurry, is useful to improve the flow of the slurry through a conduit.

Abstract: A apparatus for feeding concrete and other thick materials from a container into a feeding pipe by two feeding cylinders which are alternately connectable by a switching device to the container or the feeding pipe. The feeding pistons of the feeding cylinders alternately perform a suction stroke and a pressure stroke, with the average piston speed being at least temporarily greater during the suction stroke than during the pressure stroke. A continuous feeding flow is achieved in that during the switching period t.sub.u of the switching device the two feeding cylinders are substantially separated from the container at least temporarily and are short-circuited together to form a joint conenction with the feeding pipe. In this state, the one feeding piston is still finishing its pressure stroke while the other feeding piston already begins its pressure stroke at the same time.

Abstract: A sewage lifting station having at least two solid waste collection chambers for receiving pumped solid waste-contaminated sewage. The station has a collection tank for receiving pre-treated waste water flowing from the solid waste collection chambers via connection pipes. Each solid waste collection chamber is connected to a pump to empty the collection tank via one of the connection pipes and solid waste collection chambers to pump the current of sewage into a pressure pipeline. There is a closing device connected to each connection pipe to selectively close an exit orifice in the connection pipe and open a connection to an operating pump to drain the collection tank. A control device alternately closes and opens the exit orifices with the closing devices so that an exit orifice allocated to an operating pump is closed and an exit orifice allocated to a non-operating pump is simultaneously and automatically opened.

Abstract: A squeeze type pump, which transfers slurry via an elastic tube by squeezing the elastic tube with pairs of rollers to elastically deform the tube while moving each pair of squeezing rollers. The squeeze type pump includes a cylindrical drum with the elastic tube being arranged along an inner surface of the drum. A drive shaft is supported at a center portion of the drum while pairs of support shafts are cantilevered by the drive shaft. Bearings rotatably support the rollers on each support shaft. The squeezing rollers are formed from a synthetic resin material.

Abstract: A mechanism for pumping slurry includes a housing for receiving the slurry and two cylinders secured to the housing for drawing the slurry into and out of cylinders. A pipe is pivotally secured to the housing and has one end for selectively aligning with either of the openings and for allowing the slurry to be supplied into the pipe by the cylinders alternatively. The housing includes a pivotal follower for rotating the pipe and one or more actuators for rotating the follower and the pipe.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling a materials handling system. The materials handling system preferably includes a feed system, a positive displacement pump and a disposal system. The feed system includes a material feeder, which in the preferred embodiment is a screw feeder driven by a drive, and a transition housing. The material feeder forces material through the transition housing to an inlet of the positive displacement pump. The control system includes a pressure sensor, located on the transition housing, connected to a computer. The computer is also connected to the drive of the screw feeder. During operation of the materials handling system, the pressure sensor senses a parameter indicative of material pressure within the transition housing and sends a signal to the computer representative of this parameter. The computer provides a control signal to the feed system to control operation of the materials handling system as a function of the sensed parameter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for opening and closing a closure cap (16) fitted over a cleaning aperture (10) in the floor of the discharge container (12) of a pump (14) for thick-bodies fluids. The cap (16) is linked to a hydraulic drive unit (20) and can be swung out hydraulically, when a control valve (48) is actuated, into the open position in which the discharge outlet is left open. The cap (16) is swung back into the closed position by means of a hand-operated lever (23), the hydraulic drive unit (20) being returned at the same time to its initial position.

Abstract: A solid material pump comprising a pump housing, a pair of parallel pump cylinders driven by hydraulic cylinders and each connected to a pump chamber, a slurry feed device which communicates via inlet valves with inlet valve chambers each of which communicates with a pump chamber, the axes of valve cylinders for actuating the inlet valves extending in parallel and spaced relationship to the axes of the pump cylinders and the inlet openings being provided at the pump housing opposite to the pump cylinder whereby the sucked-in flow is deflected twice, further comprising outlet valve chambers adapted to communicate via outlet valves each with a pump chamber and connected to a common outlet conduit, with the valve cylinders for actuating the outlet valves being connected to the pump housing on the side opposite to the inlet valve cylinders and their axes extending in parallel and spaced relationship to the axes of the pump cylinders and the inlet valve cylinders.

Abstract: A composition for and a method of promoting the flow of a concrete slurry through a pump and a conduit is provided. The composition is a dry particulate mixture comprised of a water soluble, inorganic material and a solvatable, organic polymer. The composition, when mixed with a suitable quantity of water, is useful in a method of priming a pump used to pump a concrete slurry. The composition, when mixed with a concrete slurry, is useful to improve the flow of the slurry through a conduit.

Abstract: The pump includes two pistons 10 each sliding in a cylinder 11. These are fed by a screw 21 through ports 12. Upon delivery, a rotary valve 6 turning in a bearing 1A2 in succession closes off and uncovers the passages 1A1 from the cylinders. This rotary valve 6 includes an axial bore 61 and a slot 62 through which the material collected from the cylinders passes in the direction of the outlet orifice of the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transportation and slurrying of cuttings from an oil well or drilling rig is taught comprising a vessel and a vertical shaft type centrifugal pump located below the vessel. Paddles or similar blades are mounted on the shaft to agitate the slurry during pumping. Means for recirculating part of the exiting slurry through a control valve and into the top of the vessel are included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary piston pump for conveying and/or metering liquid or pourable media. It consists of a pump casing (2) with a cylinder chamber (4) having a cylindrical inner periphery (6) into which open at least one inlet (8) and at least out outlet (10), and a rotary piston (20) rotating inside the cylinder chamber (4) which, together with at least one region of its outer peripheral surface (22) forms a seal with the inner peripheral surface (6) of the cylinder chamber (4) and is separated in regions from the inner peripheral surface (6) by a radial stroke distance. When the rotary piston rotates (arrow 70), an expanding working chamber (24) is formed in the region of the inlet (8) to draw the medium in and, on further rotation, contracts again in the region of the outlet to force the medium out.

Abstract: The invention covers a device for the pneumatic delivery of concrete that is hydromechanically transported in an enclosed stream (2) with a concrete pump (1) for the hydromechanical transport, and a solidification accelerator dosing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a concreting device with a rotary column (16) pivotable on a chassis (10) about a vertical axis (14), a distribution mast (18) pivotable about a horizontal axis (20) on the rotary column (16) and having at least two extended pole arms (24, 24', 24", 24'") which are movable relatively to one another, a distributor arm (26) articulated on the free end of the distribution mast (18) and a conveyor line (32, 32') for the concrete extending along the distribution mast (18) from the rotary column (16) to the distributor arm (26). In order to be able to use the concreting device even on low tunnel work sites, the distribution mast (18) consists of at least two longitudinally telescopic pole arms (24, 24', 24'", while the distributor arm (26) is fitted on the distribution mast (18) to rotate about a transverse axis (30) perpendicular to the telescopic axis and about a longitudinal axis (28) perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: In a hydraulic control device for a viscous fluid pump with at least one feed cylinder (11) drivable by a hydraulic cylinder (12), the feed chamber (17) of which can be alternately connected via a hydraulically operable inlet valve (18) a hydraulically operable outlet valve (21) to a reservoir (19) and a feed line (22), whereby in the loading phase of the feed cylinder (11) the inlet valve (18) is open and the outlet valve (21) closed and in the feed phase of the feed cylinder, in which its piston is driven so as to reduce the volume in the feed chamber (17), the outlet valve is open and the inlet valve is closed, and with a hydraulic sequence control actuating the correct cyclic changeover between the inlet and outlet valves and the changeover of the pump drive, a valve forming part of the changeover control device of the sequence control and relieving the pressure in the feed chamber of the control cylinder (53) designed to actuate the outlet valve (21) takes the form of an electrically or hydraulically act

Abstract: A valve, to control the injection of lubricant into a viscous material pump pipeline is disclosed. The valve is operated off a parameter of the viscous material pump such as hydraulic fluid pressure from one or both differential/popper teed lines for the pump. The preferred valve includes coaxial water and hydraulic oil spools on opposing ends of a rod, and two hydraulic signals are used to control water flow through two outlets, to properly feed water to two lubricant injectors. Inlets and outlets of the valve are all located along one surface, and an intermediate chamber is provided to receive any leakage past the rod seals.

Abstract: The present invention is a sludge pump system which includes a means for monitoring operation of a sludge pump. The sludge pump includes a material cylinder and a piston moveable in the material cylinder. A pump drive moves the piston during working cycles which include a pumping stroke and a filling stroke. A pump valve mechanism connects the material cylinder to an outlet during pumping strokes and connects the material cylinder to an inlet during filling strokes. A means for monitoring operation of the pump is provided. The means for monitoring includes a means for sensing a first parameter related to operation of the pump drive, a means for sensing a second parameter indicative of operation of the piston, and a means for determining errors in the operation of the pump based upon the first parameter and the second parameter.

Abstract: A dual inline double acting plunger arrangement is particularly adapted for pumping thick slurries and includes a hollow cylinder divided into two closed chambers by a partition. A first plunger is disposed in a first chamber and a second plunger is disposed in a second chamber with the two plungers coupled together by appropriate linkage outside of the cylinder. A drive mechanism connected to the coupling linkage simultaneously displaces the two plungers in a reciprocating manner within the two chambers. Inlet and outlet ports in each of the chambers coupled to inlet and outlet valve assemblies allow for the pumping of a slurry from the chambers by the two plungers in an alternating manner. Each valve assembly includes a housing having a pair of ball valves which are both employed either as inlet valves or outlet valves, as the valve assembly may be configured to perform both functions.

Abstract: An improved, rapid clean-out valve assembly (36) is provided which is especially adapted for use on a food pump (10) or similar device. The assembly (36) includes a stationary valve body (38) presenting a pair of inlets (44, 46) as well as an outlet (50) and adapted to receive a pivotal valve rotor (52) therein; the rotor (52) is selectively pivotal via an actuator (60) between alternate flow-directing positions respectively communicating each inlet (44 or 46) with outlet (50). Rapid clean-up of the assembly (36) is afforded by means of structure (42) permitting manual translational movement of the internal valve rotor (52) from its operational position within housing (48) to a lowered, clean-out position outside of the confines of the housing (48). The structure (42) includes apertured slider blocks (76, 78) secured to an actuator housing (68), with the blocks (76, 78) receiving corresponding stationary guides (80, 82).

Abstract: A concrete pump vehicle has a foldable concrete distributing boom (18) arranged on a chassis (10), a material container (24) arranged next to the rear end of the chassis (10) and a concrete pump (28) connected at its suction side to the material container (24) and at its delivery side to a delivery line (26) that extends over the distributing boom (18). The material container (24) is provided with an anti-splashing device that projects over the edge of the opening and ensures that no concrete splashes reach the machine area during operation of the pump. In order to achieve an optimal splash-protection in both the traveling and working states, the anti-splash device has a wall structure (36) that projects over the edge of the opening and a foldable wall (40) hingedly linked to the area of the upper edge of the wall structure (36).

Abstract: A pumping apparatus of the type comprising twin cylindrical pumping chambers which alternately take in and deliver material to be pumped, the taking in being via ports in a common feeding chamber and the delivery being via a delivery conduit which moves to the port of the chamber which is to deliver. The pumping is carried out by hydraulically-actuated pumping pistons in the chambers, the hydraulic circuitry being adapted to ensure that the pumping piston in that chamber taking in material arrives at the fully charged position before the delivering chamber attains the fully discharged position. In another embodiment, the pumping apparatus comprises a "push-over" facility, wherein the speed of the pumping is automatically increased to compensate for the drop in flow rate caused by the time taken by the delivery conduit to move from one port to the other. The apparatus gives an exceptionally pulsation-free flow and is especially useful in concrete spraying apparatus.

Abstract: A concrete container for introducing concrete into formwork, particularly into sliding formwork. The container includes an upwardly open container with a downwardly tapering lower portion having an outlet opening. A distributing hose is connected to the outlet opening. The vessel is provided with a support frame. The support frame can be connected to a lifting unit for lifting the concrete container. A pipe section is provided between the outlet opening of the container and the distributing hose. A motor-driven screw is mounted in the pipe section. The motor serving for driving the screw is mounted on the vessel or on the support frame. The axial length of the screw is slightly greater than the axial length of the pipe section. A support beam extending across the vessel is mounted on the upper rim of the vessel. The motor is flanged to the middle portion of the support beam. The drive shaft extends concentrically through the vessel.

Abstract: In a priming piston loading double acting pump for high viscosity materials, the shovel plate assembly is formed of a flexible, abrasion resistant disk or cup. The disk may be made from silicon rubber and the cup may be made from a glass filled Teflon polytetrafluoroethylene material. The clearance between the plate assembly and the intake cylinder is essentially zero to allow for a build-up of a vacuum as the plate assembly moves downwardly and out of the intake cylinder to greatly enhance the loading ability of the pump.

Abstract: A double acting pump having inlet and outlet poppet valves clamped to the pump housing in proximity to an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. The end portion of each cylinder in the double acting pump is provided with a sloped wall to prevent debris in the pumped fluid from becoming stuck in the pump cylinder. Each poppet includes a valve housing having a spring biased valve head slidably mounted therein and engageable with a removable valve seat. A stem is connected to the valve head and extends through an end wall of the valve housing to the exterior thereof to function as an external indicator rod to indicate the position of the valve head within the valve body. A handle is connected to the stem so that the stem can be manually pulled to lift the valve head from the seat to check the operation of the poppet valve, and a disc is mounted on the stem a predetermined distance from the end wall when the valve is in the closed position so that the wear between the valve seat and head can be obtained.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a sludge material handling system is disclosed. The sludge material handling system includes a positive displacement piston/cylinder pump, a sludge material feed system which delivers sludge material to the pump, and a sludge material disposal system which receives and disposes of sludge material from the pump. A first parameter is sensed, the first parameter bearing a known relationship to an actual volume of sludge material delivered during a pumping cycle. An output value is determined from the first parameter. A control signal is provided as a function of the output value.

Abstract: The present invention is a sludge pump system which includes a means for monitoring operation of a sludge pump. The sludge pump includes a material cylinder and a piston moveable in the material cylinder. A pump drive moves the piston during working cycles which include a pumping stroke and a filling stroke. A pump valve mechanism connects the material cylinder to an outlet during pumping strokes and connects the material cylinder to an inlet during filling strokes. A means for monitoring operation of the pump is provided. The means for monitoring includes a means for sensing a first parameter related to operation of the pump drive, a means for sensing a second parameter indicative of operation of the piston, and a means for determining errors in the operation of the pump based upon the first parameter and the second parameter.

Abstract: In a pump for thick matter with delivery cylinders (1, 2), in particular a two-cylinder concrete pump, which in order to control the flow of thick matter, incorporates a distributing regulator (11) that is connected permanently at an outlet opening (8) with the pump-side end (9) of a delivery line (7) and which incorporates at least one inlet opening (12) where it is sealed on the web (29) between the thick-matter flow passage openings (16, 17) from the delivery cylinders into a supply tank (6), the thick-matter flow passage openings (16, 17) and the inlet opening (12) of the distributing regulator (11) being of identical outline and area, the distributing regulator (11) connecting adjacent thick matter flow passage openings (16, 17) alternately with the delivery line (7) and the supply tank (6) by a rotating movement, the present invention provides for the fact that the thick-matter flow passage openings (16, 17) together with their associated delivery cylinder openings (22, 23) are each connected through a

Abstract: A feeding reservoir for a two-cylinder pump is provided for the pressurized delivery of thick matter. The feeding reservoir includes a material supply port, a front wall having two pump-side ports therein, and a back wall opposite the front wall having two outlet-side ports therein. The pump-side ports lead to the delivery cylinders of the pump, and the outlet-side ports lead to delivery lines. The outlet-side ports are each positioned diametrically opposite to a respective pump-side port, forming two port pairs. A swing pipe is positioned in the reservoir capable of swivelling alternately between one port pair to the other port pair to place the outlet-side port of a port pair in communication with the pump-side port of the port pair. The swing pipe is a straight through-way pipe. Self-adjusting sealing and wearing rings are positioned between the ends of the swing pipe and the pump-side and outlet-side ports for being pressed against the ports under delivery pressure.

Abstract: A system for the transport of high solids sludge includes a positive displacement pump for pumping sludge through a pipeline. The volume of sludge transported is accurately measured by determining the fill percentage by using a material flow signal, measured time intervals, hydraulic fluid pressure, or hydraulic fluid flow rate during each pumping cycle.