Abstract: A centrifugal pump, particularly of the pitot tube type, is specifically configured and coupled with a switched reluctance motor to provide improved pumping characteristics and economical operating advantages in the pump assembly, including the ability to rapidly decrease pump speed (e.g., from 100% to 10%) in a matter of seconds (i.e., three to six seconds) and, likewise, to rapidly increase (e.g., zero percent to 80% or greater) in a matter seconds (i.e., five to ten seconds), despite the larger mass and inertia characteristics of some centrifugal pumps. The pump assembly of the present invention is also configured to provide a smaller footprint, thereby rendering the pump more suitable to a wider variety of applications than has been previously available to conventional pitot tube pumps. The pump assembly of the present invention is more economical to manufacture and use.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump, particularly of the pitot tube type, is specifically configured and coupled with a switched reluctance motor to provide improved pumping characteristics and economical operating advantages in the pump assembly, including the ability to rapidly decrease pump speed (e.g., from 100% to 10%) in a matter of seconds (i.e., three to six seconds) and, likewise, to rapidly increase (e.g., zero percent to 80% or greater) in a matter seconds (i.e., five to ten seconds), despite the larger mass and inertia characteristics of some centrifugal pumps. The pump assembly of the present invention is also configured to provide a smaller footprint, thereby rendering the pump more suitable to a wider variety of applications than has been previously available to conventional pitot tube pumps. The pump assembly of the present invention is more economical to manufacture and use.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump of the pitot tube type is structured with axially stabilizing elements which assist in stabilizing the pitot tube assembly of the pump during high pressure operating conditions. The axially stabilizing elements include at least one seat member positionable to register against the discharge tube of the pitot tube assembly to keep the discharge tube in axial alignment and in a selected tension. The pitot pump may also include a pressure relief channel positioned to accommodate increased pressures which may arise from an o-ring failure in the sealing mechanism of the discharge assembly. The axially stabilizing elements reduce the occurrence of fretting and galling resulting from axial forces exerted on the pitot tube assembly and facilitate simplified construction and assembly of the inlet manifold to a discharge assembly or manifold. The cost of constructing and maintaining the centrifugal pump is thereby reduced.