Double-Acting Subterranean Pump

Abstract

The invention relates to a double-acting pump system for use in moving a fluid. The pump system includes a means for inputting power at a location remote from the double-acting pump. The system allows for manual power input, such as through a local pumping unit. The double-acting pump may define an interior volume and include a first end chamber in fluid communication with the local pumping unit, a second end chamber in fluid communication with the local pumping unit, a central chamber having a separating section, and a driving element (e.g., a double-ended piston) slidably located within the interior volume of the double-acting pump. The separating section may include an inlet valve section (e.g., two inlet valves) and an outlet valve section (e.g., two outlet valves).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/330,583, filed on May 3, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to fluid driven double-acting pumps, and more particularly to fluid driven double-acting pumps that provide a means for extracting a fluid from a subterranean location.

BACKGROUND

There is a universal need to bring underground fluids to the surface. These fluids can be crude oil for gasoline or water for irrigation, among many other types. Several versions of pumps have been created to satisfy this need. The most widely used pumps for fluids are the double-acting type pumps in which there is an alternating piston that, while drawing in a fluid, simultaneously compresses the fluid drawn in during the piston's previous stroke made in the opposite direction. Quite often, fluid is used as the driving medium to force the pump in disparate directions. In this setup, the fluid is typically delivered to the pump by a single fluid column. Several inventions address devices that alter the direction of the forces applied by the single fluid column. A problem with this setup is that energy is wasted in returning the fluid to its starting position.

Also, when air is used as the driving medium, these devices are usually complex and bulky, as the valves must permit the entry of air and the exit of compressed air at each stroke of the piston. These complex devices can require heavy machinery for installation and a significant amount of electricity to continually operate. However, in areas where such a device could be utilized, there is no easy access to the heavy machinery or electrical power required. As a result, areas suited to farming activities are often precluded from doing so because obtaining access to a sufficient water supply is prohibitively expensive.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing, there is a need for a device which brings fluid to the surface with a minimal amount of energy and additional equipment. In addition, there is a need for such a device which is simple, robust, and inexpensive.

The present invention is generally directed to a double-acting pump designed to move water to an elevated location with a pressure head. There are many areas where having access to water would dramatically change the nature of the environment. This is especially true in relatively arid areas where surface water is far away, while subterranean water supplies are not easily brought to ground level. Many of the methods and devices used to move the water are strenuous and/or beyond the monetary means of many people in these areas. As a result, a small, inexpensive, manually operated pump would allow for productive farming activities in new areas.

One aspect of the invention relates to a pumping system. The pumping system includes a local pumping unit and a remote pumping unit, the remote pumping unit defining an interior volume. The remote pumping unit includes a first end chamber in fluid communication with the local pumping unit, a second end chamber in fluid communication with the local pumping unit, a central chamber having a separating section, and a driving element (e.g., a double-ended piston) slidably located within the interior volume of the remote pumping unit. The separating section includes an inlet valve section (e.g., two inlet valves) and an outlet valve section (e.g., two outlet valves). The driving element is adapted to draw fluid into the central chamber through the inlet valve section and force fluid out of the central chamber through the outlet valve section when actuated by forcing a driving medium into one of the first chamber and the second chamber from the local pumping unit.

In various embodiments, the separating section may include a valve box. In a further embodiment, the separating section divides the central chamber into two separate portions. The driving element may include a piston. The driving element is adapted to move and to simultaneously draw fluid into one of the two portions of the central chamber through the inlet valve section (e.g., via one of the inlet valves) and force fluid out of the other portion of the central chamber through the outlet valve section (e.g., via one of the outlet valves) when actuated by forcing a driving medium into one of the first end chamber and the second end chamber from the local pumping unit.

Additionally, the local pumping unit can be manually operated. The local pumping unit could also be a fixed delivery hydraulic pump. The local pumping unit may include a first cylinder assembly and a second cylinder assembly, with the first end chamber in fluid communication with the first cylinder assembly and the second end chamber in fluid communication with the second cylinder assembly.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a pumping system including a power input unit and a remote pumping unit coupled with the power input unit through conduits. The remote pumping unit includes a housing unit with a central chamber, a fixed valve box, and a driving element. The fixed valve box is disposed substantially within the central chamber and contains at least four valves, wherein each of the valves is in fluid communication with at least one of an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the central chamber. The driving element is slidably disposed relative to the fixed valve box. The power input unit may include a local pumping unit, which may be manually operated and may include two pistons.

In various embodiments, the remote pumping unit includes a first end chamber and a second end chamber. The power input unit may be in fluid communication with the first end chamber and the second end chamber through two hoses. The remote pumping unit may include a cylindrical housing with the first end chamber and the second end chamber located at opposing distal ends thereof. In one embodiment, the driving element sealingly separates the first end chamber, the second end chamber, and the central chamber of the remote pumping unit.

Additionally, the valve box can include an inlet valve section and an outlet valve section. Each of the inlet valve section and the outlet valve section may include at least two valves. In one embodiment, the valves are one-way valves. At least two of the one-way valves may allow flow from the inlet into the central chamber and at least two of the one-way valves may allow flow out of the central chamber to the outlet.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of pumping fluid from a remote location. The method includes the steps of applying a force to a local pumping unit and driving a medium to an end chamber of a remote pumping unit, the remote pumping unit including a first end chamber, a second end chamber, a central chamber, and a driving element. The method further includes drawing fluid through an inlet of the central chamber and driving fluid out of an outlet of the central chamber through actuation of the driving element, wherein the driving element is actuated by driving the driving medium into one of the first end chamber and second end chamber through the application of force to the local pumping unit.

In one embodiment, the method is cyclically repeated by alternately driving the driving medium into the first end chamber and then the second end chamber. The driving medium may be water, or any other appropriate fluid. The remote pumping unit may be oriented horizontally or vertically.

These and other objects, along with the advantages and features of the present invention herein disclosed, will become apparent through reference to the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a pumping system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the operation of a remote pumping unit for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an example remote pumping unit for use in the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the remote pumping unit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the remote pumping unit of FIG. 3 taken through line A-A in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded view of the remote pumping unit of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart representation of the operation of the pumping system of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, various embodiments of the present invention are generally described with reference to a water irrigation pump. It is, however, to be understood that the present invention can also be used in other types of situations that require moving fluid from a lower location to a higher one.

A schematic view of a pumping system 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, is shown in FIG. 1. The pumping system 100 includes a power input unit, such as a local pumping unit 102, positioned at or above ground level, and a remote pumping unit 104 positioned below ground level and in fluid communication with a subterranean water source 106. In one embodiment, the local pumping unit 102 is a manual unit adapted to be operated by a user. In an alternative embodiment, the local pumping 102 unit is a powered unit. The powered unit may be electrically, pneumatically, mechanically, or otherwise powered. In one embodiment, the powered unit is electrically driven by a solar powered electrical source.

In operation, the local pumping unit 102 provides a driving force to power the remote pumping unit 104. In one embodiment, the local pumping unit 102 includes a first cylinder assembly 107 including a first driving piston 108 and a first driving chamber 114, and a second cylinder assembly 109 including a second driving piston 110 and a second driving chamber 116. The cylinder assemblies 107, 109 may be formed as part of a unitary housing 112. The first driving chamber 114 and the second driving chamber 116 house the first driving piston 108 and the second driving piston 110, respectively. In one embodiment, the driving chambers 114, 116 are hollow, substantially cylindrical structures configured to sealingly house the first driving piston 108 and the second driving piston 110. In one embodiment, a seal, such as a rubber seal, is placed on an outer edge of each of the first driving piston 108 and the second driving piston 110 to ensure a slidable sealed fit between the driving pistons 108, 110, and the driving chambers 114, 116, while allowing the driving pistons 108, 110 to move along the length of the driving chambers 114, 116.

In one exemplary embodiment, the side edges of the driving pistons 108, 110 are grooved to allow for an o-ring, such as a polymer o-ring, to stably fit within the groove and stay in position during movement. The o-ring creates a substantially fluid-tight seal between the driving pistons 108, 110 and the inner walls of the driving chambers 114, 116. The o-ring also reduces friction when the driving pistons 108, 110 slide along the length of the driving chambers 114, 116. Components of the driving pistons 108, 110 can be manufactured from a polymer, a metal, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, a flexible, though inelastic, membrane may be used, either instead of or in addition to the o-rings, such as the diaphragms sold by Bellofram Corporation (Newell, W. Va.).

The driving chambers 114, 116 and the driving pistons 108, 110 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. In an alternative embodiment, the driving chambers 114, 116 and the driving pistons 108, 110 may be of any appropriate cross-sectional shape such as, but not limited to, square, rectangular, or oblong.

The cross-sectional area and the length of the interior of the driving chambers 114, 116 may be sized to provide the required driving force to the system. In one embodiment, the driving chambers 114, 116 are of equal size, thereby providing the same pneumatic force to the system. In an alternative embodiment, the driving chambers 114, 116 may be of a different length, cross-sectional area, and/or shape.

The distal end 118 of the first driving piston 108 and the distal end 120 of the second driving piston 110 may extend through an opening at the distal end of each of the driving chambers 114, 116 and be connected to a manual or powered driving element for providing a force to each of the driving pistons 108, 110. In one embodiment, the driving element is a manually driven, foot powered, rocking element attached to the distal ends 118, 120 of the first driving piston 108 and the second driving piston 110, respectively, such that an inward driving force 122 on the first driving piston 108 will produce a corresponding outward force on the second driving piston 110. For example, an arrangement such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,396,218 may be utilized, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In an alternative embodiment, a hand driven rocking pump action or a cyclically driven forcing action (e.g., a foot or hand driven cyclical pedal action) may be utilized to provide force to each of the first driving piston 108 and second driving piston 110. In further alternative embodiments, any appropriate manually actuated mechanical device may be used to drive the first driving piston 108 and/or the second driving piston 110.

One embodiment of the invention includes inlet/outlet ports 124, 126, located at the proximal ends of the driving chambers 114, 116, thereby providing a fluid pathway into and out of the sealed portions of the driving chambers 114, 116. These inlet/outlet ports 124, 126 are attached to coupling elements 128, 130, adapted to couple the local pumping unit 102 to a first driving hose 132 and a second driving hose 134, respectively. In an alternative embodiment, the driving hoses 132, 134 are connected directly to the inlet/outlet ports 124, 126 without the need for separate coupling elements 128, 130. In a further alternative embodiment, the inlet/outlet ports 124, 126 may be respectively connected to the first driving hose 132 and second driving hose 134 through any appropriate structure that provides a flow path between the driving chambers 114, 116 and the driving hoses 132, 134. In a further alternative embodiment, a single two-way piston within a single chamber may be used, in place of the two separate driving pistons and chambers, with inlet/outlet ports 124, 126 connected at different ends of the chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention, the driving chambers 114, 116 are oriented vertically, with the first driving piston 108 and the second driving piston 110 free to move vertically upwards and downwards within the driving chambers 114, 116 upon application of a driving force to the distal ends 118, 120 thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the driving chambers 114, 116 may be oriented at any appropriate angle, and may be oriented at the same or different angles. In one embodiment, the driving hoses 132, 134 are connected at a proximal end to the coupling elements 128, 130, and at a distal end to coupling elements 136, 138 of the remote pumping unit 104.

In one embodiment, the remote pumping unit 104 is positioned underground near a water source 106. The remote pumping unit 104 can be located above, within or below any water source 106, as appropriate for the specific geology and geography in which the water source 106 is located. The remote pumping unit 104 is connected to the water source 106 through an inlet supply conduit 140, where a distal end of the inlet supply conduit 140 is within the water source and the proximal end of the inlet supply conduit 140 is attached to an inlet coupling element 142 to create a fluid connection with an inlet 141 of the remote pumping unit 104. An outlet supply conduit 144 is attached at a proximal end to an outlet coupling element 146 to create a fluid connection with an outlet 143 of the remote pumping unit 104. The distal end of the outlet supply conduit 144 may be located above ground, thereby providing a path for moving the water between the remote pumping unit 104 and the above ground environment.

A cross-sectional representation of the remote pumping unit 104 is shown in FIG. 2. The remote pumping unit 104 includes a housing 148 with a hollow interior in fluid communication with each of the coupling elements 136, 138, inlet coupling element 142, and outlet coupling element 146. A driving element such as a piston 150 is slidably located within the hollow interior of the housing 148. This piston 150 includes a first end plate 152, a second end plate 154, and a connecting rod 156. In one embodiment, the first end plate 152 and second end plate 154 provide a movable fluid-tight seal between the first end plate 152 and second end plate 154 and the inner walls of the housing 148. As a result, the housing 148 is effectively split into three separate chambers: a first end chamber 158 in fluid communication with the first coupling element 136, a second end chamber 160 in fluid communication with the second coupling element 138, and a central chamber 162 in fluid communication with the inlet coupling element 142 and outlet coupling element 146.

The central chamber 162 includes a separating section 164. The separating section 164 includes an inlet valve section 166 in fluid communication with the inlet coupling element 142, and an outlet valve section 168 in fluid communication with the outlet coupling element 146. Sides 165 of the separating section 164 may be perpendicular to a wall 167 of the separating section 164. In other embodiments, portions of the sides 165 may be sloped relative to the wall 167. The separating section 164 sealingly divides the central chamber 162 into a first compartment 170 and a second compartment 172, with the connecting rod 156 of the piston 150 slidably extending through a channel formed by the separating section 164. A sealing element, such as, but not limited to, one or more o-rings, may be located within the channel, and/or on the connecting rod 156, to prevent flow between the first compartment 170 and a second compartment 172 as the connecting rod 156 of the piston 150 slides therethrough.

The inlet valve section 166 includes two inlet flapper valves 174a, 174b, the inlet flapper valve 174a in fluid communication with the first compartment 170 and the inlet flapper valve 174b in fluid communication with the second compartment 172 of the central chamber 162. These inlet flapper valves 174a, 174b are free to extend out into the first compartment 170 and second compartment 172, respectively, thereby allowing a fluid to flow from the inlet supply conduit 140 through the inlet 141 and into the first compartment 170 and the second compartment 172, when opened.

The outlet valve section 168 includes two outlet flapper valves 176a, 176b, the outlet flapper valve 176b in fluid communication with the first compartment 170 and the outlet flapper valve 176a in fluid communication with the second compartment 172. These outlet flapper valves 176a, 176b are free to open into the outlet valve section 168, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the first compartment 170 and the second compartment 172 through the outlet 143 and into the outlet supply conduit 144, when opened.

The flapper valves 174a, 174b, 176a, 176b include a pivotable flap portion extending over a port such that when open, the flap extends away from the port, thereby allowing flow therethrough. When closed, the flap portion sealingly closes the port. The flap portions may be screwed, or otherwise attached, to the sides of the separating section 164. For similarly dimensioned separating sections 164, larger ports may be formed in the sides 165 when they are sloped as opposed to when the sides 165 are perpendicular to the wall 167, because of the increased surface area of the sides 165. The larger ports can allow for a greater fluid flow rate into and out of the separating section 164. Alternatively, when comparing ports of similar size, the separating section 164 may be smaller when the sides 165 are sloped as opposed to when the sides 165 are perpendicular to the wall 167. Decreasing the size of the separating section 164 and corresponding components, such as the piston 150, can lower material costs. A smaller size may also allow the remote pumping unit 104 to be used in boreholes or tubewells with smaller and/or special geometries that could prevent usage of a larger pumping unit. The flapper valves 174a, 174b, 176a, 176b may be of any appropriate shape and size. In an alternative embodiment, the inlet valve section 166 and outlet valve section 168 may include a greater number of flapper valves of any appropriate size and shape. In a further alternative embodiment, any other appropriate type of one-way valves, such as a spring and check ball valve, may be utilized.

The system of FIG. 1, therefore, includes a number of fluid flow paths. A first sealed fluid flow path extends from the first driving chamber 114 in the local pumping unit 102 through the first driving hose 132 to the first chamber 158 in the remote pumping unit 104. A second sealed fluid flow path extends from the second driving chamber 116 in the local pumping unit 102 through the second driving hose 134 to the second chamber 160 in the remote pumping unit 104. These sealed fluid flow paths may be filled with a driving medium 178. In one embodiment, the driving medium 178 is a fluid, such as, but not limited to, water or oil. In an alternative embodiment, the driving medium 178 is a gas, such as, but not limited to, air. Water may be advantageous as a driving medium 178, at least because a leak of water through the seals dividing the central chamber 162 from the first end chamber 158 and second end chamber 160 will not significantly pollute the water being drawn from the water source 106. When a substantially equal amount of the driving medium 178 is located in each of the flow paths and each of the flow paths terminate at substantially the same elevations, only a minimal force is required to move the piston 150.

An open fluid flow path for water from the water source 106 extends from the subterranean water source 106 through the inlet supply conduit 140 and into the central chamber 162 (i.e., the first compartment 170 and second compartment 172) of the remote pumping unit 104, and thereafter extends out through the outlet supply conduit 144 and up to the surface for collection and use in irrigation, as drinking water, or for any other appropriate purpose.

In operation, the inward driving force 122 on the first piston 108 forces the driving medium 178 in the first sealed flow path out of the first driving chamber 114 in the local pumping unit 102 and into the first chamber 158 in the remote pumping unit 104. This in turn forces the piston 150 through the hollow interior of the housing 148 towards the second chamber 160.

The movement of the piston 150 increases the pressure within the first compartment 170 and reduces the pressure in the second compartment 172. As a result, the inlet flapper valve 174a in fluid communication with the first compartment 170 will be forced shut, thereby stopping any flow from the inlet supply conduit 140 to the first compartment 170. Simultaneously, the inlet flapper valve 174b in fluid communication with the second compartment 172 will be forced open, thereby allowing flow from the inlet supply conduit 140 to the second compartment 172 via the inlet 141, with the flow pulled into the second compartment 172 by the suction created by the movement of the piston 150.

Similarly, the outlet flapper valve 176a in fluid communication with the second compartment 172 will be forced shut, thereby preventing flow to the outlet supply conduit 144 from the second compartment 172, and the outlet flapper valve 176b in fluid communication with the first compartment 170 will be forced open, thereby allowing flow to the outlet supply conduit 144 from the first compartment 170 via the outlet 143. The fluid flow is driven into the outlet supply conduit 144 by the pressure created by the movement of the piston 150.

As a result, an inward driving force 122 on the first piston 108 has the effect of drawing water from the water source 106 into the second compartment 172, while simultaneously forcing water in the first compartment 170 out of the remote pumping unit 104 and through the outlet supply conduit 144 towards the surface. Arrows indicating the flow path for the fluids within the system upon application of the driving force 122 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In one embodiment, while an inward driving force 122 is being applied to the first piston 108, the driving medium 178 in the second flow path is forced out of the second chamber 160 and into the second driving chamber 116, thereby forcing the second piston 110 outward/upward. In another embodiment, an outward force may also be applied by a device coupling the motion of the first piston 108 to the motion of the second piston 110, such as a rocker mechanism. In one embodiment, where the first piston 108 and second piston 110 each have seals providing bi-directional sealing, the outward movement of the second piston 110 can lower the pressure within the second driving chamber 116, helping pull the driving medium 178 in the second sealed flow path from the second chamber 160. In an alternative embodiment, the first piston 108 and second piston 110 may be operated separately, with the second piston 110 left free to move of its own accord in response to an inward driving force 122 being applied to the first piston 108, and vice-versa.

Once the first piston 108 has been depressed, an inward driving force can be applied to the second piston 110. This will produce a reciprocal motion on the remote pumping unit 104, with the piston 150 being forced through the hollow interior of the housing 148 towards the first chamber 158. This in turn closes the inlet flapper valve 174b and opens the outlet flapper valve 176a, while simultaneously opening the inlet flapper valve 174a and closing the outlet flapper valve 176b. As a result, an inward driving force on the second piston 110 has the effect of drawing water from the water source 106 into the first compartment 170, while simultaneously forcing the previously drawn water in the second compartment 172 out of the remote pumping unit 104 and through the outlet supply conduit 144 towards the surface. By cyclically repeating the inward driving force to the first piston 108 and second piston 110, a substantially constant flow of water can be created from the subterranean water source 106, through the remote pumping unit 104 and up through the outlet supply conduit 144 to the surface.

Various elements of the local pumping unit 102, remote pumping unit 104, and connecting hoses may be constructed from various materials such as, but not limited to, metals, plastics, rubber, carbon fiber, polymeric materials, and combinations thereof. For example, in one embodiment, the local pumping unit 102 and remote pumping unit 104 are constructed from a metal such as stainless steel, while the connecting hoses are constructed from a flexible elastomeric material. Any appropriate pipe fittings, as known in the art, may be used to connect the hoses to the local pumping unit 102 and remote pumping unit 104. For example, in one embodiment, the driving hoses 132, 134, the inlet supply conduit 140, and/or the outlet supply conduit 146 may be fitted to their respective coupling elements in the local pumping unit 102 and/or remote pumping unit 104 through a simple interference fit with the coupling elements. In one embodiment, coupling elements 128, 130, 136, 138, 142, and/or 146 may include protrusions on their outer surfaces to facilitate the creation of a tight interference fit between the coupling elements 128, 130, 136, 138, 142, and/or 146 and the driving hoses 132, 134, inlet supply conduit 140, and/or outlet supply conduit 144. Alternate methods of connecting the hoses and conduits to the coupling elements include, but are not limited to, a threaded attachment or other quick connect mechanism that provides a stable fluid-tight connection. The relevant hoses and/or supply conduits may be flexible hoses, although a rigid construction (e.g., pipe) is also viable. The flexible construction can, for example, be made with an elastomer, whereas the rigid construction can include a stiff polymer or metal.

The various stationary components of the local pumping unit 102 and remote pumping unit 104 may be connected through means including, but not limited to, welding, bolting, threaded connections, and any other appropriate means. The local pumping unit 102 and/or remote pumping unit 104 may be constructed from a number of separate components that may be easily assembled and disassembled for ease of transporting and maintenance. Alternatively, each of the local pumping unit 102 and remote pumping unit 104 may be constructed as a single, unitary structure.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a single local pumping unit 102 may be coupled to a plurality of remote pumping units 104, thereby allowing a single local pumping unit 102 to power the drawing of water from a plurality of sources. In one embodiment, the remote pumping unit 104 is positioned such that its main elongate axis is positioned substantially horizontally or vertically.

An example remote pumping unit 300, according to one embodiment of the invention, is shown in FIGS. 3-6. The remote pumping unit 300 includes a housing 348 including a first end plate 302 and a second end plate 304, with a number of support rods 306 extending therebetween. A first hollow section 308 is sealingly connected to the first end plate 302, with a second hollow section 310 sealingly connected to the second end plate 304. A separating section 164, as described above for FIGS. 1 and 2, is placed in sealed contact between the first hollow section 308 and the second hollow section 310. The support rods 306 may be threaded, bolted, glued, or otherwise coupled to the end plates 302, 304 and provide a static compressive force between the two end plates 302, 304 to hold the housing 348 in place in sealed contact. A first coupling element 136 is mounted to the first end plate 302, while a second coupling element 138 is mounted to the second end plate 304. The remote pumping unit 300 may be connected to a local pumping unit 102 and perform as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

In one embodiment, the remote pumping unit 300 is substantially cylindrical. In an alternative embodiment, any other appropriate shape may be utilized for the remote pumping unit 300 including, but not limited to, a rectangular, square, or oblong cross-sectional elongate hollow object. In one embodiment, the separating section 164 has grooves or other appropriate mating elements to ensure a correct, sealed connection between the separating section 164 and the first and second hollow sections 308, 310. An exploded view of the remote pumping unit 300 can be seen in FIG. 6.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the remote pumping unit 300. A piston 350 is slidably located within the hollow interior of the housing 348. This piston 350 includes a first end plate 352, a second end plate 354, and a connecting rod 356. The connecting rod 356 extends through a channel 358 in the separating section 164. As discussed above, an o-ring, or other appropriate sealing element, may be positioned within the channel 358 to prevent the flow of liquid between the first compartment 170 and second compartment 172 of the central chamber 162. The o-ring, or other sealing element(s), may be placed on a wall of the channel 358 or may be mounted on the connecting rod 356. Alternatively, the connecting rod 356 may be sufficiently tightly fitted with the wall of the channel 358 to provide a sealed fit without the need for a separate sealing element, while still allowing the connecting rod 356 to slide therethrough. For example, the connecting rod 356 and/or channel 358 may be constructed from an elastomeric substance that can provide sufficient sealing force while still allowing substantially frictionless sliding of the connecting rod 356 through the channel 358. In another embodiment, a flow path defined between the connecting rod 356 and the channel 358 is of sufficient length to create a tortuous leak path, making a hydrodynamic seal.

In one embodiment, the connecting rod 356 is covered with an elastomeric material to reduce the frictional forces experienced by the connecting rod 356 while sliding through the channel 358. In alternative embodiments, the connecting rod 356 may be covered in other low friction coatings to reduce the frictional forces. In one embodiment, each end of the connecting rod 356 is externally threaded to the center of each of the first end plate 352 and the second end plate 354. Additional attachment methods such as, but not limited to, bolting, welding, gluing, or an interference fit, can also provide the necessary strength for the connection. In one embodiment, the connecting rod 356 is a rigid elongate rod. In alternative embodiments, the connecting rod 356 may have any appropriate shapes and properties.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the piston 350 may be replaced by one or more diaphragms located within the interior of the housing 348 and adapted to produce a change in the pressure within the remote pumping unit 300 in response to a driving force from the local pumping unit 102 in fluid communication with the remote pumping unit 300. In further alternative embodiments, other appropriate pneumatic or mechanical means of controlling the pressure within the different chambers of the remote pumping unit 300 may be utilized.

In one embodiment, the separating section 164 is formed by welding two substantially enclosed chambers together. Each of these chambers is shaped like a half-cylinder, and each has a half-cylindrical cut-out in the middle of the flat side, the cut-out running the length of the chamber. The two chambers are positioned so that the half cylinder cut outs align, forming the channel 358 when connected. The two chambers are then welded in this position to form the separating section 164. Alternate methods may be used to create a similarly operational structure for the separating section 164 that has two internal chambers and a channel passing through the middle. Other manufacturing techniques include injection molding the separating section 164, either as a single piece, or as separate pieces that are then plastic-welded or clamped together.

A flow chart showing the operation of the pumping system 100 can be seen in FIG. 7. Here, the driving force 122 is first applied to the first driving piston 108 of the local pumping unit 102 (Step 702). The first driving piston 108 drives the driving medium 178 within the first driving chamber 114 to the first chamber 158 of the remote pumping unit 104 via the first driving hose 132 (Step 704). The driving medium 178 entering the first chamber 158 of the remote pumping unit 104 drives the first end plate 152 of the piston 150 toward the separating section 164 (Step 706). The inlet flapper valve 174a is forced shut, while the outlet flapper valve 176b is forced open. Water in the first compartment 170 is forced through the outlet 143 and towards the surface through the outlet supply conduit 144 (Step 708).

The first end plate 152 and the connecting rod 156 of the piston 150 drive the second end plate 154 of the piston 150 away from the separating section 164 (Step 710). This causes the outlet flapper valve 176a to be forced shut, while the inlet flapper valve 174b is forced open. As a result, water from the water source 106 is drawn through the inlet 141 and the inlet valve section 166 into the second compartment 172 (Step 712). The second end plate 154 pushes the driving medium 178 out of the second chamber 160 and up to the second driving chamber 116 in the local pumping unit 102 (Step 714). The driving medium 178 applies a force to elevate the second driving piston 110 (Step 716).

Similarly, a force may then be applied to the second driving piston 110 (Step 718). The second driving piston 110 then drives the driving medium 178 to the second chamber 160 of the remote pumping unit 104 via the second driving hose 134 (Step 720). The driving medium 178 drives the second end plate 154 of the piston 150 toward the separating section 164 (Step 722). As a result, the inlet flapper valve 174b is forced shut, while the outlet flapper valve 176a is forced open. Water in the second compartment 172 is therefore forced through the outlet 143 and toward the surface (Step 724). The second end plate 154 and the connecting rod 156 of the piston 150 drive the first end plate 152 of the piston 150 away from the separating section 164 (Step 726). As a result, the outlet flapper valve 176b is forced shut, and the inlet flapper valve 174a is forced open. Water from the water source 106 is therefore drawn through the inlet 141 and the inlet valve section 166 into the first compartment 170 (Step 728). The first end plate 152 pushes the driving medium 178 out of the first chamber 158 and up to the first driving chamber 114 in the local pumping unit 102 (Step 730). The driving medium 178 elevates the first driving piston 108 (Step 732). This cycle may then be repeated to continuously operate the pumping system 100.

The sizes and shapes of the components of the local pumping unit and the remote pumping unit may be configured to suit a particular application (e.g., pumping from a narrow well or a shallow water source) or to handle various volumes/flow rates. The various components described herein can be manufactured from any suitable non-fluid degradable materials or combinations thereof.

Having described certain embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concepts disclosed herein may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A pumping system comprising:

a local pumping unit; and

a remote pumping unit, the remote pumping unit defining an interior volume and comprising: a first chamber in fluid communication with the local pumping unit; a second chamber in fluid communication with the local pumping unit; a central chamber comprising a separating section, the separating section comprising an inlet valve section and an outlet valve section; and a driving element slidably located within the interior volume of the remote pumping unit, wherein the driving element is adapted to draw fluid into the central chamber through the inlet valve section and force fluid out of the central chamber through the outlet valve section when actuated by forcing a driving medium into one of the first chamber and the second chamber from the local pumping unit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the local pumping unit is manually operated.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the local pumping unit comprises a first cylinder assembly and a second cylinder assembly.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first chamber is in fluid communication with the first cylinder assembly, and the second chamber is in fluid communication with the second cylinder assembly.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the driving element comprises a piston.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the separating section comprises a valve box.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the separating section divides the central chamber into two separate portions and activation of the driving element draws fluid into one of the two portions through the inlet valve section and simultaneously forces fluid out of the other portion through the outlet valve section.

8. A pumping system comprising:

a power input unit; and

a remote pumping unit, the remote pumping unit coupled with the power input unit through conduits and comprising: a housing unit with a central chamber; a fixed valve box disposed substantially within the central chamber, the valve box containing at least four valves, each of the valves in fluid communication with at least one of an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the central chamber; and a driving element slidably disposed relative to the fixed valve box.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the remote pumping unit comprises a first chamber and a second chamber.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the power input unit is in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber through two hoses.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the remote pumping unit comprises a cylindrical housing with the first chamber and the second chamber located at opposing distal ends thereof.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the valve box comprises an inlet valve section and an outlet valve section.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein each of the inlet valve section and outlet valve section comprise two valves.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the driving element sealingly separates the first chamber, second chamber, and central chamber.

15. The system of claim 8, wherein the power input unit comprises a local pumping unit.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the local pumping unit comprises two pistons.

17. The system of claim 8, wherein the valves comprise one-way valves.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein at least two of the one-way valves allow flow from the inlet into the central chamber and at least two of the one-way valves allow flow out of the central chamber to the outlet.

19. A method of pumping fluid from a remote location, the method comprising the steps of:

applying a force to a local pumping unit;

driving a medium to an end chamber of a remote pumping unit, the remote pumping unit comprising a first end chamber, a second end chamber, a central chamber, and a driving element; and

drawing fluid through an inlet of the central chamber and driving fluid out of an outlet of the central chamber through actuation of the driving element, wherein the driving element is actuated by driving the driving medium into one of the first end chamber and second end chamber through the application of force to the local pumping unit.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the method is cyclically repeated by alternately driving the driving medium into the first end chamber and then the second end chamber.