Portable Hydrostatic Test Pump

Abstract

A portable hydrostatic test pump and a system incorporating the portable hydrostatic test pump to pressurize a closed piping system for leak testing purposes is described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures. The portable hydrostatic test pump includes a compact, lightweight, low power pump module operable using a portable power source. This allows the portable hydrostatic test pump to be used for testing closed piping systems located in areas that are physically difficult to access and/or without access to a permanent power source.

Description

BACKGROUND

Conventional hydrostatic test pumps used to pressurize a closed piping system for leak testing purposes are large, heavy, and bulky. As a result, they are difficult to transport to remote areas and other areas that are physically difficult to access (e.g., second or higher floors without elevator access, construction areas, and areas requiring ladder access). Further, conventional hydrostatic test pumps (e.g., rotary piston pumps) require significant energy to operate. As a result, the large motors required to operate the hydrostatic test pumps are gas powered or powered from the electrical utility service. It is common to have a need to operate a hydrostatic test pump in a construction area prior to the availability of electrical utility service. When electrical utility service is not available, a generator can be used; however, a generator adequate to power a conventional hydrostatic test pump also tends to be large, heavy, and bulky. In many cases, time needed to pressurize the closed piping system to the specified pressure is less than the time to transport the hydrostatic test pump and the generator to and/or from the location where it is used.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention may provide for a portable hydrostatic test pump and a system incorporating the portable hydrostatic test pump to pressurize a closed piping system for leak testing purposes. The portable hydrostatic test pump includes a compact, lightweight, low power pump module operable using a portable power source. This allows the portable hydrostatic test pump to be used for testing closed piping systems located in areas that are physically difficult to access and/or without access to a permanent power source.

In various embodiments, the portable hydrostatic test pump is a modular apparatus. In some embodiment, the modules of the portable hydrostatic test pump physically and operatively connect to form a single portable unit capable of pressurizing a closed fluid distribution system to a selected pressure.

A basic embodiment of the portable hydrostatic test pump includes a pump module designed to work with a drive module and a power supply module. In some embodiments, the pump module also works with one or more optional modules including, but not limited to, a reservoir module. In various embodiments, the pump module includes a low friction pump, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet is placed in fluid communication with an external fluid supply or a reservoir module. In various embodiments, the pump module is housed in an enclosure and has an externally accessible fluid inlet, an externally accessible fluid outlet, and an externally accessible extension rod or pump shaft. The pump module is compact and lightweight making it highly portable and transportable.

In various embodiments, the drive module includes an independent, portable, battery powered motor that selectively connects to the pump module. In other embodiments, the drive module includes a motor contained carried in an enclosure that is selectively attached to the pump module to form a single operable unit and selectively detached from the pump module for storage. In some embodiments, the drive module is permanently attached to or integrated with the pump module. A power module operatively connects to the drive module to provide power to the motor. A switch operatively connected to the power module and the motor controls the operation of the motor driving the pump.

Some embodiments of the portable hydrostatic test pump include a reservoir module sized to carry sufficient fluid to pressurize a previously filled closed piping system. In some embodiments, the reservoir module is an enclosure that selectively attaches to the pump module and/or other modules to form a single operable unit and selectively detaches for storage. In some embodiments, an enclosure or one of the modules serves as a carrier for the other modules of the portable hydrostatic test pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, aspects, and advantages of the invention represented by the embodiments described present disclosure will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the portable hydrostatic test pump including a pump module used with a drive module, and a power supply module; and

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the portable hydrostatic test pump including a pump module, a drive module, a power supply module, and a reservoir.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A portable hydrostatic test pump and a system incorporating the portable hydrostatic test pump to pressurize a closed piping system for leak testing purposes is described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures. The portable hydrostatic test pump includes a compact, lightweight, low power pump module operable using a portable power source. This allows the portable hydrostatic test pump to be used for testing closed piping systems located in areas that are physically difficult to access and/or without access to a permanent power source.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the portable hydrostatic test pump 100. The portable hydrostatic test pump is a modular apparatus that includes a pump module 102. The pump module 102 is compact and lightweight making it highly portable and transportable. In various embodiments, the pump module weighs approximately 2.26 kg (5 lb) or less and is hand held. Some embodiments of the pump module include an optional pressure gauge 114 to monitor the fluid pressure at the fluid outlet.

The pump module 102 is designed to work with a drive module 116 and its associated power supply module 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump module 102 is driven by a drive module 116. In various embodiments, the pump module 102 includes a low friction pump 104, a fluid inlet 106, a fluid outlet 108, a pump shaft 110, and an optional extension rod 112 operably connected to the pump shaft 110. The fluid inlet is placed in fluid communication with an external fluid supply 128 (e.g., a fluid supply line or a fluid tank). The extension rod 112 allows the drive shaft 120 to operably connect to the pump module 102 via a connector 122. Various embodiments of the pump module 102 are capable of pressurizing a closed piping system 130 to a pressure in excess of 3.45 bar (50 psi) when driven by the battery powered motor 118. In some embodiments, the pump module 102 is capable of pressurizing a closed piping system to a pressure in excess of 10.34 bar (150 psi) when driven by the battery powered motor 118. In some embodiments, the pump module 102 is capable of pressurizing a closed piping system to a pressure in excess of 13.79 bar (200 psi) when driven by the battery powered motor 118. One suitable type of low friction pump 104 for use in the pump module 102 is a rotary vane pump. In some embodiments, the low friction pump is self-priming. In various embodiments, the pump module is housed in an enclosure and has an externally accessible fluid inlet, an externally accessible fluid outlet, and an externally accessible extension rod or pump shaft.

In various embodiments, the drive module 116 includes an independent, portable, battery powered motor 118 that selectively connects to the pump shaft 110, either directly or indirectly, and actuates the pump module 102. In other embodiments, the drive module 116 includes a motor 118 contained carried in an enclosure that is selectively attached to the pump module to form a single operable unit and selectively detached from the pump module for storage. In some embodiments, the drive module is permanently attached to or integrated with the pump module. In various embodiments, the chuck (keyed or keyless), clamp, or other connector operatively connects the drive module to the pump shaft. In other embodiments, a keyed or interlocking connection or coupler is used to operatively connect the pump shaft to the drive shaft.

A power module 126 operatively connects to the drive module to provide power to the motor. In various embodiments, the power module includes one or more batteries. In various embodiments, the batteries of the power module are rechargeable. This allows the portable hydrostatic test pump to be used in areas without electrical utility service and without the need for a generator, which are often large and relatively heavy. In some embodiments, the power module includes a transformer that allows the portable hydrostatic test pump to be used with electrical service (when available). A switch 124 operatively connected to the power module and the motor controls the operation of the motor and, therefore, the operation of the pump.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the portable hydrostatic test pump 100 where the modules of the portable hydrostatic test pump physically and operatively connect to form a single portable unit capable of pressurizing a closed fluid distribution system to a selected hydrostatic pressure when driven by the battery powered motor 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump shaft 110 is adapted to directly receive the drive shaft 120. In other embodiments, a gear system operatively connects the drive module to the pump shaft.

As one purpose of the portable hydrostatic test pump is to pressurize a previously filled closed piping system to a selected pressure and not to fill the closed piping system, the pressure test pump does not require a connection to a municipal utility or access to a significant amount of fluid (e.g., water). Accordingly, some embodiments of the portable hydrostatic test pump include a reservoir module 228 sized to carry sufficient fluid to pressurize the closed piping system. In some embodiments, the reservoir module is an enclosure that selectively attaches to the pump module and/or other modules to form a single operable unit and selectively detaches for storage. In various embodiments, the reservoir is sized to carry water (or other fluid) with a fluid capacity ranging from approximately 3.79 l (1 gal) to approximately 7.57 l (2 gal). In other embodiments, the reservoir has a fluid capacity ranging from approximately 3.79 l (1 gal) to approximately 37.85 l (10 gal). In other embodiments, the reservoir has a fluid capacity ranging from approximately 7.57 l (2 gal) to approximately 18.93 l (5 gal). In other embodiments, the reservoir has a fluid capacity ranging from approximately 11.36 l (3 gal) to approximately 15.14 l (4 gal).

In various embodiments, the portable hydrostatic test pump includes an enclosure that serves as a carrier for some or all of the other modules of the portable hydrostatic test pump. In some embodiments, one of the modules doubles as the enclosure.

The description and illustration of one or more embodiments provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the invention as claimed in any way. The embodiments, examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed invention. The claimed invention should not be construed as being limited to any embodiment, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A portable hydrostatic test pump comprising for pressurizing a closed piping system to a selected hydrostatic pressure:

a pump module comprising a low friction pump, an inlet, and an outlet, said inlet selectively connectable to and detachable from a fluid supply, said outlet selectively connectable to and detachable from the closed piping system;

a power module comprising a battery; and

a drive module comprising a motor and a switch, said drive module selectively attachable to and detachable from said power module, said motor selectively connectable to said low friction pump in operable engagement, said switch operable to place said battery in electrical communication with said motor such that said motor drives said low friction pump to draw fluid from the fluid supply via said inlet and, when said low friction pump is in fluid communication with the closed piping system, to pump fluid into the closed piping system via said outlet until the closed piping system reaches a selected hydrostatic pressure.

2. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 1 further comprising a pressure gauge having a gauge inlet and a gauge outlet, said gauge inlet in fluid communication with said outlet of said pump module.

3. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 1 further comprising a reservoir module selectively connectable to and detachable from said inlet of said pump module, said reservoir module has a fluid capacity selected from approximately 37.85 l (10 gal), approximately 18.93 l (5 gal), approximately 15.14 l (4 gal), approximately 11.36 l (3 gal), approximately 7.57 l (2 gal), and approximately 3.79 l (1 gal).

4. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 1 characterized in that said inlet of said low friction pump is selective attachable to and detachable from an external water supply.

5. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 1 characterized in that said low friction pump is capable of pressurizing the closed piping system to a minimum hydrostatic pressure selected from approximately 3.45 bar (50 psi), approximately 10.34 bar (150 psi), and approximately 13.79 bar (200 psi) when said portable hydrostatic test pump is battery powered.

6. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 1 characterized in that pump module weighs approximately 2.26 kg (5 lb) or less.

7. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 1 characterized in that when said switch ceases to be actuated after pressuring the fluid in the closed piping system to said selected hydrostatic pressure, said low friction pump holds said closed piping system closed to maintain said selected hydrostatic pressure for a selected length of time absent a leak in the closed piping system.

8. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 1 characterized in that said low friction pump is a self-priming rotary vane pump.

9. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 1 characterized in that said drive module physically connects to said pump module and to said power module to form a single unit.

10. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 1 characterized in that said drive module and said pump module physically connect to and are carried by said reservoir module.

11. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 10 characterized in that said power module physically connects to and is carried by said reservoir module.

12. A portable hydrostatic test pump comprising for pressurizing a closed piping system to a selected hydrostatic pressure:

a pump module comprising a low friction pump, an inlet, and an outlet, said low friction pump including a pump shaft, said inlet selectively connectable to and detachable from a fluid supply, said outlet selectively connectable to and detachable from the closed piping system, said low friction pump capable of pressurizing the closed piping system to a selected hydrostatic pressure of at least 150 psi while powered by a battery and holding the closed piping system at the selected hydrostatic pressure;

a power module comprising a battery; and

a drive module comprising a motor and a switch, said drive module selectively connectable to and detachable from said power module, said motor selectively connectable to said pump shaft of said low friction pump, said battery placed in electrical communication with said switch when said power module is connected to said drive module, said switch operable to place said battery in electrical communication with said motor such that said pump module forces fluid from said fluid supply into said closed piping system to pressurize the closed piping system to a selected hydrostatic pressure and to hold the closed piping system at said selected hydrostatic pressure for a selected length of time.

13. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 12 characterized in that said low friction pump is a self-priming rotary vane pump.

14. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 12 further comprising a pressure gauge having a gauge inlet and a gauge outlet, said gauge inlet in fluid communication with said outlet of said pump module.

15. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 12 further comprising a reservoir adapted to contain a volume of fluid sufficient to pressurize the closed piping system to said selected hydrostatic pressure, said reservoir selectively connectable to and detachable from said pump module, said inlet being in fluid communication with reservoir when said reservoir is connected to said pump module.

16. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 15 characterized in that said reservoir has a fluid capacity selected from approximately 37.85 l (10 gal), approximately 18.93 l (5 gal), approximately 15.14 l (4 gal), approximately 11.36 l (3 gal), approximately 7.57 l (2 gal), and approximately 3.79 l (1 gal).

17. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 1 characterized in that said low friction pump is capable of pressurizing the closed piping system to a minimum hydrostatic pressure selected from approximately 3.45 bar (50 psi), approximately 10.34 bar (150 psi), and approximately 13.79 bar (200 psi) using said battery and said motor.

18. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 1 characterized in that pump module weighs approximately 2.26 kg (5 lb) or less.

19. A portable hydrostatic test pump for pressurizing a closed piping system pre-filled with fluid comprising:

a power module comprising a battery;

a drive module comprising a motor and a switch, said drive module selectively connectable to and detachable from said power module, said switch selectively placing said motor and said battery in electrical communication when said power module is connected to said drive module;

a reservoir module with a fluid capacity of no more than 18.93 l (5 gal), and

a pump module comprising a self-priming rotary vane pump, an inlet, and an outlet, said inlet in fluid communication with said reservoir module, said outlet selectively connectable to and detachable from the closed piping system, said self-priming rotary vane pump selectively engaged by said motor, said self-priming rotary vane pump drawing at least a portion of the fluid from said reservoir module while said switch is actuated and, when said outlet is connected to the closed piping system, forcing the portion of the fluid out of said outlet into the closed piping system until the fluid contained by the closed piping system reaches a selected hydrostatic pressure.

20. The portable hydrostatic test pump of claim 19 characterized in that said low friction pump is capable of pressurizing the closed piping system to a minimum hydrostatic pressure of selecting from the group of pressures consisting of 3.45 bar (50 psi), 10.34 bar (150 psi), and 13.79 bar (200 psi) when driven by said motor powered by said battery.