Abstract: A method for forming an impeller for a pump provides a reliable protective barrier that prevents or eliminates the ingress of pumped fluid that might otherwise attack the magnetic assembly of the impeller. An inner barrier is hermetically connected to an internal impeller section at one or more seams to cover at least part of a first magnetic assembly. Filler is introduced into a spatial volume of the first magnet assembly associated with the internal impeller section. The remainder of an impeller is molded over or in association with the internal impeller section to form the impeller with the inner barrier and an outer barrier overlying the inner barrier for protection of the first magnet assembly from the pumped fluid.

Abstract: A rotor for a magnetic-drive centrifugal pump includes a core for supporting a magnetic assembly of magnets. An inner barrier covers at least part of the magnets. The inner barrier hermetically isolates the magnetic assembly within the impeller. For example, in one embodiment the inner barrier may be sealed or hermetically connected to the core at one or more seams. An outer barrier overlies the inner barrier.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes a housing having a housing cavity, an inlet, and an outlet. A pump shaft is located within the housing cavity. A radial bearing coaxially surrounds the pump shaft. The shaft and the radial bearing are rotatable with respect to one another. An impeller is positioned to receive a fluid from the inlet and to exhaust the fluid to the outlet. The impeller has a first magnet assembly. A rotor has a second magnet assembly spaced apart from the first magnet assembly. A primary container is interposed between the impeller and the rotor. The primary container is arranged to contain a pumped fluid. A drive shaft is associated with the rotor for rotating the rotor. A secondary container contains the pumped fluid if the primary container leaks. The secondary container supports a generally dry-running seal (e.g., non-lubricated seal) associated with the drive shaft. The seal is disposed axially from the primary container and has a stationary portion and a rotating portion.

Abstract: An impeller for a magnetic-drive centrifugal pump includes a core for supporting a magnetic assembly of magnets. An inner barrier covers at least part of the magnets. The inner barrier hermetically isolates the magnetic assembly within the impeller. For example, in one embodiment the inner barrier may be sealed or hermetically connected to the core at one or more seams. An outer barrier overlies the inner barrier.

Abstract: An impeller for a magnetic-drive centrifugal pump includes a core for supporting a magnetic assembly of magnets. An inner barrier covers at least part of the magnets. The inner barrier hermetically isolates the magnetic assembly within the impeller. For example, in one embodiment the inner barrier may be sealed or hermetically connected to the core at one or more seams. An outer barrier overlies the inner barrier.

Abstract: A containment member for a magnetic-drive centrifugal pump includes a reinforcement member cooperating with an inner layer and an outer layer to form a unitary body. The inner layer has a first side defining a generally annular recess and a second side opposite the first side. The second side defines a pocket located coaxially and radially inward with respect to the annular recess. The reinforcement member has a stem portion nested within the pocket. The reinforcement member has a curved portion extending radially outward from the stem portion. The stem portion has a first radial dimension and the curved portion has a second radial dimension greater than the first radial dimension. The outer layer covers the curved portion and is affixed to the curved portion and the inner layer.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a centrifugal pump includes a housing having a housing cavity, an inlet, and an outlet. A shaft is located in the housing cavity. A radial bearing coaxially surrounds the shaft. The shaft and the radial bearing are rotatable with respect to one another. The impeller includes an impeller hub within an opening and an impeller recess for receiving the radial bearing. A thrust balancing valve is associated with the impeller hub to define a variable orifice for fluidic communication with the inlet. A wall for containing the pumped fluid has an interior surface with different elevations for inhibiting rotational flow and reducing angular velocity of the fluid. The interior surface is disposed adjacent to a rear portion of the impeller.

Abstract: A wear ring assembly for a pump includes an inner wear ring and an outer wear ring generally coaxially oriented with respect to the inner wear ring. An impeller has an inner recess for receiving the inner wear ring. The inner wear ring has an exterior groove and the inner recess has an interior groove for axial alignment with the exterior groove. The inner wear ring is affixed to the impeller via at least one arcuate retainer for simultaneously engaging the interior groove and the exterior groove.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump includes a housing having a housing cavity, an inlet, and an outlet. A shaft and a radial bearing in the housing cavity are rotatable with respect to one another. An impeller is positioned to receive a fluid from the inlet and to exhaust a fluid to the outlet. The impeller has an impeller recess terminating at an impeller hub with an opening therein. The impeller recess receives the radial bearing. A thrust balancing system includes a thrust balancing valve. The thrust balancing valve has a ring extending from the impeller hub. The ring has an interior region in fluidic communication with the opening. The ring and the shaft are adapted to define a variable-sized vent between the ring and the shaft to balance axial forces upon the impeller under various operating points of the pump and various specific gravities of the pumped fluid.

Abstract: The grooved shaft preferably has one or more axial grooves with semi-elliptical or U-shaped groove cross sections. Flat areas adjoin the axial groove or grooves. The flat areas are tapered tangentially relative to a substantially cylindrical shaft area. The grooved shaft optimally has a front shaft radius and a rear shaft radius. The front shaft radius is smaller than the rear shaft radius such that the front shaft radius may be oriented near an impeller intake to decrease hydraulic flow resistance. In practice, the grooved shaft is incorporated into a magnetic-drive centrifugal pump and the grooves are statically oriented in a position of minimal radial loading.

Abstract: The magnetic-drive assembly has an axial bearing which is strategically located to minimize compressive forces on a primary shaft. The axial bearing functions both as an ordinary thrust bearing and an inefficient impeller for circulating fluid internally within the magnetic-drive assembly. The axial bearing circulates lubricating fluid to a radial bearing to promote bearing longevity. The magnetic-drive assembly has a shaft adjustment mechanism for adjusting the axial orientation of a primary shaft and impellers with respect to a housing. The shaft adjustment mechanism retains its fixed axial orientation despite exposure to vibration and shock produced by the pump.

Abstract: The centrifugal pump includes a separable, multipartite impeller assembly and preferably incorporates a shock-absorbent shaft support that is tolerant of impeller vibrations or minor imbalances in the impeller assembly. The multipartite impeller assembly comprises an impeller portion, a wet-end magnetic coupler, and a radial bearing. The impeller portion and the wet-end magnetic coupler are secured together by a snap-fit joint, which is reinforced by a radial bearing adjacent to the snap-fit joint. The shaft support has an encapsulation junction which secures braces to a peripheral base.

Abstract: The axial bearing includes a first ring and a second ring. During operation of the axial bearing, the first ring rotates with respect to the second ring. Over time the foregoing rotation produces wear of the first ring; consequently, exposes layers of the first ring to the second ring. The different layers of the first ring produce variations in the coefficient of friction within the axial bearing. If the axial bearing is associated with a drive motor, then the variations in the coefficient of friction change the load on the drive motor. The change in load upon the drive motor may be monitored to indicate axial bearing wear or the need for axial bearing replacement.

Abstract: The multipartite impeller assembly includes an impeller portion, a magnetic coupler, a snap-fit connector, and a radial bearing. The impeller portion and the magnetic coupler have complementary polygonal shapes which can be interlocked. The impeller portion and the magnetic coupler are secured together by a snap-fit connector, which is reinforced by a radial bearing adjacent to the snap-fit connector. The radial bearing prevents radial movement of the snap-fit connector or snap-fit joint, which could otherwise tend to release the snap-fit joint.

Abstract: An axial bearing includes a ring, pads and a base. Multiple, independent pads are orientated in a curved or circular configuration with respect to one another. The pads are retained by recesses in the base. If the pump is installed in a centrifugal pump, the base is preferably integrated into a front impeller shroud. Each pad conforms in shape and size to a corresponding recess's shape and size. Each pad has a side which faces a face of the ring. Axial clearances between the base and the pads may be controlled by varying the pad heights. Fractured pads can potentially be retained in the recesses. The user may remove individual pads during repair and inspection of the axial bearing.

Abstract: The grooved shaft for a magnetic-drive centrifugal pump preferably has an axial groove with a semi-elliptical or U-shaped groove cross section. Adjoining the axial groove is a flat area which is tapered tangentially relative to a substantially cylindrical shaft area. The grooved shaft optimally has a front shaft radius and a rear shaft radius, wherein the front shaft radius is smaller than the rear shaft radius such that the front shaft radius may be oriented near an impeller intake to decrease hydraulic flow resistance. Meanwhile, the rear shaft radius provides increased axial and radial load capacity for the grooved shaft. In practice, the grooved shaft is incorporated into a magnetic-drive centrifugal pump and the groove is statically oriented in a position of minimal radial loading.

Abstract: The axial bearing includes a first ring and a second ring. During operation of the axial bearing, the first ring rotates with respect to the second ring. Over time the foregoing rotation produces wear of the first ring; consequently, exposes layers of the first ring to the second ring. The different layers of the first ring produce variations in the coefficient of friction within the axial bearing. If the axial bearing is associated with a drive motor, then the variations in the coefficient of friction change the load on the drive motor. The change in load upon the drive motor may be monitored to indicate axial bearing wear or the need for axial bearing replacement.

Abstract: The seal assembly comprises a housing, a shaft, seals, and a reservoir. The housing has a hollow section bounded by a cylindrical surface and a first curved protrusion. The housing has a first channel and a second channel extending from the hollow section. The shaft extends through the hollow section. Seals seal the hollow section with respect to the shaft to form a chamber. The combination of the first curved protrusion and the sleeve cooperatively form a hydraulic pump for conveying a lubricating fluid from the chamber via the first channel to reservoir. The lubricating fluid is circulated from the reservoir to the chamber via a second channel. The seal assembly has a fluid level gauge or an optoelectronic leak detector for detecting leaks in the seals of the seal assembly or leaks in a fluid pump (i.e. a magnetic-drive centrifugal pump) coupled to the seal assembly.