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: 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 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: 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.