AMPHIBIOUS MODULAR PUMPS

Abstract

“Modular Amphibious Pumps.” The objective of this invention is to provide a modular pump (1) that can be installed in a series, that has a special volute (11) and impeller (12), and that can allow the entry of larger particles without damaging the system.

Description

The current patent request is for a modular pump with greater particle intake capacity, with a variety of possible uses, but used most specifically in irrigation systems, basic sanitation, and for pumping industrial fluids.

The underwater pumps currently used in fluid pumping systems present numerous maintenance issues, because they don't allow the passage of long fibers. The pumps are installed in holding tanks at each level, according to need. Due to the constant elevations that exist in the tubing path, it is necessary to build several holding tanks and install these pumps to supply an entire area, whether it's an industrial area or a city's entire basic sanitation network.

Residue that was discarded into the tubing, such as diapers, sanitary napkins, condoms, and hair, can often be found stored in these holding tanks. Due to the fiber size of these particles, the pump opening is frequently blocked, causing it to no longer pump effectively. Also, due to the type of particles found in these collection boxes, bad smells and the production of methane gas can occur. This gas not only produces an unpleasant sensation, but can also cause explosions if the methane comes into contact with anything ignescent.

To resolve some of the problems mentioned above, the ABS and FLYGT companies developed and made pumps that operate in holding tanks. These pumps operate in a vertical position and have a special impeller with two larger outlets that allow the entry of larger particles. However, due to the way they are built; these particles normally get stuck in the volute and end up blocking the passage of fluid and thus blocking fluid entry into the volute. Also, the pumps made by these previously mentioned companies are pumps with dry electric motors that are protected by a mechanical seal system. This type of construction can't function with elevated pressure levels, because the liquid pressure would burst the seal, allowing water to enter the motor, damaging the electric coil (burning the motor) and the bearings, causing the pump to stop.

The maintenance for this equipment is also difficult. Their size and weight and the difficult access of their locations, considering they are inside underwater holding tanks, makes their handling an expensive, slow and risky technical job.

Less powerful pumps placed in the same previously mentioned conditions would not perform the task, because they would lack the power needed to transport the fluids to the necessary heights and distances, and neither is their construction appropriate for this desired use.

As an attempt at solving the technical problems that remain, the request for patent PI 0103598-3 proposes a pump and a pumping system that can be buried under the surface without the need for holding tanks and that can be activated in a series, or in other words, one pump can be attached to another in a series directly in the tubing system. However, in this set up the design of the volute does not allow larger volume particles to enter so, depending on where the pump is being used, constant maintenance is required.

The objective of this invention is to supply a modular pump (1) that can be installed in a series and has a special volute and impeller, capable of allowing large particles to enter without damaging the system.

To achieve the aforementioned objective the modular pump (1) proposed here is made up of an opening where there is a volute (11) and a impeller (12) that are followed by an motor shaft (15) of the motor (14), and a centrifuge (13) connected to the motor shaft (15).

The invention, as well as its purposes and advantages, can be better understood with the reference and description of the preferred configurations that are included with the attached illustrations where:

FIG. 1 represents a frontal cut section view of one configuration of the modular pump (1), where we can observe the location of the impeller (12) of the centrifuge (13), and the motor (14).

FIG. 2 represents a detailed view of the centrifuge (13) where we can observe the orifices. (131).

FIG. 3 represents a perspective view of the impeller (12) where we can observe the location of both exits (122) and both tabs (123);

FIG. 4 represents an overhead view of the impeller (12) where we can observe the location of the tabs (123);

FIG. 5 represents a perspective view of another configuration of the modular pump (1) in a vertical direction;

FIG. 6 represents a frontal cut section view of another configuration of the modular pump (1), where we can observe the location of the impeller (12) and of the centrifuge (13) in a vertical direction.

This modular pump (1) has a volute (11) and a impeller (12) with a design shape with rounded edges, which allows for larger particle such as diapers, sanitary napkins, or any other long fiber to pass through the impeller (12), while in use, without getting stuck.

The impeller (12) has a fluid entrance attached to the pump entrance through the volute (11), and in its perimeter has two exits (122). Observing the impeller in isolation, we notice that between the exits are two tabs (123). Due to the tabs (123) the centrifugal force that arises during the movement of the impeller (12) does not allow a layer of fluid to develop. This fluid normally contains particles that would be abrasive to the body of the impeller (12).

As the fluid that passes by the impeller normally has a certain quantity of sand, there is a centrifuge (13) attached to the motor shaft (15), along the continuation of the impeller (12).

The centrifuge (13), with the help of centrifugal force, expels the sand in the fluid out the orifices present along the body of the centrifuge. This keeps the pump from getting worn down all the way to the pump wear out rings.

In the main configuration of this modular pump (1) the pump works horizontally, this way the fluid enters radially in relation to the pump. Under this configuration, the motor of the pump was relocated and rather than being in the center of the pump it is above the center of the pump (1), so that the fluid and the particles with long fibers pass freely, directly below the motor (14).

The modular pump (1) is mounted in connection with the tubing, with no special construction necessary such as holding tanks, even though the modular pumps (1) may be mounted in a series if necessary.

In a second configuration of this modular pump (1) we have a pump that functions vertically. In this case, the fluid enters the pump in the vertical position, but it does not cross the pump. In this case, it is not necessary to relocate the motor (14) because the fluid exits from a side opening.

It should be obvious to those who are familiar with pump technique that this invention can be configured in several other specific ways without ceasing to be in accordance with the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, one should understand that the invention may be configured in the ways previously described as long as the presented purpose remains the same.

Therefore, the examples and configurations listed here should be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not limited to the details included in this document, but may be modified within the scope and equivalency of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A modular pump for pumping fluids and suspended solids where the pump comprises a chamber having a center and containing a wet motor having a motor shaft and comprising a volute (11) and a impeller (12) with one entrance and at least two exits (122) and two tabs (123) with rounded edges.

2. A modular pump according to claim 1, additionally comprising a centrifuge (13) having a body with orifices (131) along the body and stationary to the motor shaft.

3. A modular pump according to claim 1, where said motor is displaced away from the center.

4. A modular pump according to claim 1, where the exits (122) are located transversely to the motor shaft, forcing a centrifugal movement on the fluid.