Abstract: A pump system, including an impeller and an impeller shaft, which has one end secured to the impeller and another end that may be coupled to a motor to drive the impeller. The pump system further includes a substantially liquid-proof barrier which has an opening through which the impeller shaft extends. The opening in the barrier is sealed with a shaft sealing system that includes a supply chamber fluidly coupled with a cavity. The cavity surrounds, and is at least partially bounded by, the impeller shaft. The shaft sealing system further includes a pressure mechanism that is configured to pressurize lubrication matter contained within the supply chamber and cavity, so as to inhibit liquid from passing along the impeller shaft through the cavity and thereby penetrating the liquid-proof barrier. The pressure mechanism is further configured to vary pressure of the lubrication matter based on atmospheric pressure surrounding the pump system.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.

Abstract: A pump deployment system having a frame adapted to be loaded on a trailer, a pump/engine unit mounted on the frame, and jacks secured to the frame. The jacks are adapted such that, when the frame is loaded on a trailer, the jacks can be engaged with a ground surface supporting the trailer, the jacks being operable to selectively raise the frame to allow the trailer to be removed from underneath the frame, the jacks being further operable to lower the frame toward the ground surface so that the pump/engine can be placed in a semi-permanent configuration.

Abstract: A motor system using a totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) electric motor to provide power. The motor enclosure may be sealed with a variety of sealing devices, including a double mechanical seal a single mechanical seal, a double lip seal injected with grease, a labyrinth seal, and/or a repeller positioned adjacent the motor enclosure. A release mechanism prevents the fan from creating excessive drag when the system is immersed in water. The fan cools the motor when the water level is below the motor, and the surrounding water combines with the fan to cool the motor when the water level rises to at least partially surround the motor. When the fan is at least partially immersed, the release mechanism substantially prevents the fan from imposing a load on the motor due to the surrounding water. The release mechanism can take the form of a shear key, a torque-release clutch or flexible fan blades. Alternatively, a separate fan motor may be provided for driving the cooling fan.

Abstract: A dry-pit submersible pump using a totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) electric motor to power the pump. A release mechanism prevents the fan from creating excessive drag when submerged in water. The fan cools the motor when the water level is below the motor, and the surrounding water combines with the fan to cool the motor when the water level rises to at least partially surround the motor. When the fan is at least partially submerged, the release mechanism substantially prevents the fan from imposing a load on the motor due to the surrounding water. The release mechanism can take the form of a shear key, a torque-release clutch or flexible fan blades.

Abstract: A system for dissolved air floatation treatment of a liquid stream where the system includes a pump having an impeller cavity with input and output ports, and an impeller with an eye disposed adjacent the input port. The impeller draws liquid through the input port and drives the liquid toward the output port and creates a subatmospheric pressure zone in the cavity away from the eye. The pump includes an air introduction port opening into the subatmospheric zone to introduce significant quantities of air into the cavity for mixing with the liquid stream. The system also includes a tank adapted to receive the liquid stream from the pump with dissolved air introduced therein.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump having a rotatable impeller that operates to drain liquid into the intake of the pump. An air-introduction passage connects with a subatmospheric pressure region at the back of the impeller. Air introduced through this passage is mixed with a portion of the fluid pumped, and the air-fluid mixture is expelled as the discharge of the pump.

Abstract: A programmable leak tester is implemented to include the ability for performing a math step in conjunction with the program steps. The math step can use as inputs the result of a previous step, a register value, or a previous compensation or calibration value. As outputs, the math step can provide a compensation or calibration value for use in the execution of another program, can provide a register output, or can be provided as the step result for the current step. By using multiple math steps, the programmable tester provides flexible and adaptable leak testing in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.

Abstract: A cylinder and sleeve combination, such as those found in fluid control devices, having closely positioned moving elements that leach one or more substances upon sustained contact with the subject, reactive fluid. One embodiment comprises a metering pump which utilizes small clearances that were heretofore unacceptably tight for the applications disclosed. The materials used to form at least one of the moving elements allow a substance to leach out of the moving elements as a result of a chemical reaction with the fluid, and the leached substance undergoes a separate reaction with the fluid which causes it to coagulate. The various embodiments of the present invention avoid binding of the moving elements by providing at least one scraping edge which continuously scrapes away the coagulum forming between these elements. The scraping edge is advantageously configured so as not to interfere with the operative movement of these elements.