Abstract: A method for controlling noise emitted by a hybrid-electric gas turbine engine for an aircraft during a takeoff flight condition includes applying a first total rotational force to a shaft with a turbine and an electric motor. The first total rotational force includes a first electric rotational force applied by the electric motor and a first thermal rotational force applied by the turbine. The first total rotational force has a first rotational force ratio of the first electric rotational force to the first thermal rotational force. The method further includes controlling the noise emitted by the gas turbine engine by reducing the first rotational force ratio from an initial rotational force ratio of the rotational force ratio as an altitude of the aircraft increases and maintaining the first total rotational force substantially constant while reducing the rotational force ratio.

Abstract: An active de-aerator for an aircraft engine is provided, with a housing having an air-oil inlet, an oil outlet and an air outlet. An impeller is received within and rotatable relative to the housing about a central axis. The active de-aerator has a first journal bearing on a first side of the impeller for rotatably supporting the impeller relative to the housing and a second journal bearing on a second side of the impeller for rotatably supporting the impeller relative to the housing, the second side being opposite the first side.

Abstract: A scavenging centrifugal baffle pump. The scavenging centrifugal baffle pump includes a main pump, which includes a pump housing. The scavenging centrifugal baffle pump further includes a baffle connected to the main pump housing and defines defining an interior volume. The scavenging centrifugal baffle pump also includes a gear coupled to the main pump at least partially located in the interior volume of the baffle, a reservoir defined in the interior volume of the baffle, an inlet defined in the baffle adjacent to the reservoir and an elongate passage defined by the baffle.

Abstract: A compressor is disclosed. The compressor includes a case having an oil reservoir space for storing oil in a lower portion of the case and a refrigerant discharge pipe for discharging a compressed refrigerant in an upper portion of the case, a drive motor provided in the case, a rotary shaft rotatably coupled to the drive motor, a compression unit coupled to the rotary shaft to compress the refrigerant, and a discharge cover hermetically coupled to a lower end of the compression unit and configured to guide an oil-containing refrigerant compressed by the compression unit toward the refrigerant discharge pipe, wherein a guide is provided between the compression unit and the discharge cover and configured to guide an oil-containing refrigerant discharged from the compression unit toward the refrigerant discharge pipe.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump of the pitot type is structured with axially-arranged inlet and discharge features positioned on opposing axial sides of a rotor, the rotor being journalled between a rotating sleeve and a suction inlet, and the rotating sleeve being concentric with the discharge, the rotating sleeve being gear-driven by a drive mechanism.

Abstract: A pitot tube assembly for a centrifugal pump includes an extension arm having a tubular body with opposing ends, at least one pickup tube secured to one of the opposing ends of the extension arm, a terminal portion positioned at the other end of the extension arm and a tapered fitting provided toward the end of the extension arm opposite to the end of the extension arm to which the pickup tube is secured, where the tapered fitting provides a frustum surface for registration with a frustoconically-shaped bore of a portion of the pump to provide axial, radial and torsional stability to the pitot tube assembly during pump operation.

Abstract: In a rotor blade cylindrical portion or a stator portion in which thread grooves are formed, convex surfaces (thread groove peak surfaces) configuring the peak sections of the thread grooves are cut by a desired amount over the entire circumference (a circumferential direction of the thread grooves) of a certain range in an axial direction. As a result, the gap on the lower side of the thread groove portion can partially be expanded by cutting the thread groove peak surfaces by a desired amount.

Abstract: A system operating as a centrifugal, liquid-liquid separator may be controlled, and even optimized, by automatic control of back pressure to establish an optimum position of the dispersion band therein. Optimizing to minimize impurities (from each other) in each of two separated phases is possible, even simultaneously, by reliance on a processor setting the settling lengths of both heavy and light phases at the same value. Settling length, defined in accordance with the invention, reflects a settling velocity multiplied by a residence time. Equating these lengths, for droplets of each in the other liquid, provides superior results over conventional settling theory maximizing settling area. Equalization of residence times did not provide an improvement over conventional settling theory.

Abstract: A pump for processing molten metal having an enlarged tubular body which houses a centrifugal pump at its bottom end. The bottom end has a concave curved shape whose shape is a function of the particular type of vortex to be created for the application at hand. This curved portion of the body receives the ejected molten metal from the impeller and forms an uplifting axial vortex within the tubular section of the body. The pump is designed to cooperate synergistically with said body such that the uplifting axial vortex to climb up the inner wall of the body up to and out of an outlet formed in the upper end of the body. A radial vane impeller is formed in the back plate of the impeller. When the impeller is rotated, solid particles introduced into the body are accelerated radially by the back plate impeller into the vortex.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump of the pitot type is structured with axially-arranged inlet and discharge features positioned on opposing axial sides of a rotor, the rotor being journalled between a rotating sleeve and a suction inlet, and the rotating sleeve being concentric with the discharge, the rotating sleeve being gear-driven by a drive mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal pump assembly with an electric drive motor and with a control device having a frequency converter, for the control of the rotational speed of the drive motor, wherein the control device is designed in a manner such that in at least one control region, a field weakening is produced in the drive motor, by way of which the rotational speed of the drive motor is increased.

Abstract: A pump for processing molten metal having an enlarged tubular body which houses a centrifugal pump at its bottom end. The bottom end has a concave curved shape whose shape is a function of the particular type of vortex to be created for the application at hand. This curved portion of the body receives the ejected molten metal from the impeller and forms an uplifting axial vortex within the tubular section of the body. The pump is designed to cooperate synergistically with said body such that the uplifting axial vortex to climb up the inner wall of the body up to and out of an outlet formed in the upper end of the body. A radial vane impeller is formed in the back plate of the impeller. When the impeller is rotated, solid particles introduced into the body are accelerated radially by the back plate impeller into the vortex.

Abstract: A pump for processing molten metal having an enlarged tubular body which houses a centrifugal pump at its bottom end. The bottom end has a parabolic shape which receives the ejected molten metal from the impeller and forms a vortex within the tubular body. The pump is controlled to cause the vortex to climb up the inner wall of the body up to and out of an outlet formed in the upper end of the body. A radial vane impeller is formed in the back plate of the impeller. When the impeller is rotated, solid particles introduced into the body are accelerated radially by the back plate impeller into the vortex.

Abstract: A radial turbomolecular pump comprising an electrostatically levitated rotor with a high compression ratio and pump speed at a chip-scale level. The levitated rotor can be sandwiched between a stator plate and a driver and multiple concentric rings of microblades can be fabricated on the rotor plate and the stator plate. The center portions of the driver and the base plate include concentric ring electrodes for rotor levitation by electrostatic forces. The space between two concentric rings of microblades forms a groove that is wide enough to receive the microblades from the opposing disk. The stator disk can be fixed and the rotor disk spins such that the rotor microblades move tangentially relative to the stator microblades. The microblades can be tilted at an angle from the tangent, facilitating momentum transfer to gas molecules in the radial direction.

Abstract: A pitot tube pump having a hydraulic chamber, a fluid supply line, a fluid discharge line, and a drive, in which the supply line, the discharge line and the drive are all arranged on the same side of the hydraulic chamber. A pitot tube preferably is mounted in the hydraulic chamber on a shoulder of a fixed shaft in communication with the discharge line. The drive is preferably an electric motor with a stator which is connected in a rotationally secure manner to the fixed shaft, and a rotor which forms a part of the hydraulic chamber or which is connected in a rotationally secure manner to the hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotation device, such as a pump or a hydromotor of the rotating type, wherein a rotation-symmetrical rotor bounds at least two rotor channels together with radial baffles. The rotor comprises two generally goblet-shaped dishes, the innermost dish of which is stiffened by a first stiffening plate which has a peripheral widening, for instance branches in its peripheral zone into at least two rings which are rigidly connected with at least two respective bent peripheral edges, substantially over the whole outer surfaces thereof, to the inner surface of the peripheral edge of the relevant dish such that the stiffness of the peripheral edge of the dish is increased.

Abstract: A turbine has a hollow conical rotor sealed by a base end cap. The outer race of a bearing is centered and mounted on the end cap. An intake shaft mounted within the bearing's inner race passes through the race. High-pressure fluid introduced into a passage within the intake shaft passes through a nozzle arm and nozzle mounted on the intake shaft within the interior of the rotor and is directed by the nozzle against the inner surface of the rotor. Friction and adhesion between the fluid and the inner surface transfers kinetic energy to the rotor, causing it to rotate. Fluid is exhausted from the interior of the cone through a passage in an output shaft attached to the apex of the rotor. Mechanical power may be extracted from the rotating output shaft directly, or through pulleys, gears, or other means. The turbine may be enhanced by addition of a cylinder between the base of the cone and the end cap, providing more surface area for energy exchange.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating a fluid includes: a pumping member rotatable about a vertical axis, the pumping member having at least one ramped path, the ramped path having a lowermost portion insertable below the surface of a fluid to be elevated, and an uppermost portion that is more distant from the vertical axis than the lowermost portion thereof; a catch chamber surrounding a circular trajectory of the uppermost portion as it rotates about the vertical axis and positioned to receive fluid expelled from the uppermost portion; and a motor coupled to the pumping member for imparting rotational motion to the pumping member about the vertical axis, the motor having sufficient power to generate a centrifugal force that will drive the fluid from the lowermost portion of the ramped path to the uppermost portion and into the catch chamber.

Abstract: A radial turbomolecular vacuum pump that includes a rotor made from a silicon rotor surface comprising monolithically fabricated micro blades, and a stator made from a silicon stator surface comprising corresponding monolithically fabricated grooves. The micro blades and grooves are arranged in multiple rings, and the rotor and stator disks are placed in proximity, creating interdigitated stator and rotor blade rings. The interdigitated stator and rotor blade rings form a multi-stage compression in the radial direction.

Abstract: Main rotor features rotor blades, mounted on the outside of a split bowl-shaped bushing; a centrifugal fan is mounted inside the bushing and fan blades rotate in direction opposite to the rotation of rotor blades. Rotor blades are encased in an external drum attached to its ends, which, in turn, is fastened to a bushing with bolts; a centrifugal fan is constructed as a disc with blades and no casing. Alternatively, rotor blades can be mounted on the outside of a split bowl-shaped bushing while the centrifugal fan is placed inside, and equipped with an external drum.

Abstract: A method of pumping gaseous matter comprises a step of providing a pump rotor, intake port, exhaust port, and gas passageway. The gas passageway operatively connects the intake port to the exhaust port. The exhaust port is radially farther from the rotor's center axis than is the intake port. The method also includes a step of providing a stator and a step of rotationally driving the pump rotor relative to the stator in a manner causing gaseous matter to enter the gas passageway of the pump rotor via the intake port, to gain energy, and to move radially away from the center axis and out of the exhaust port. The gaseous matter has a supersonic velocity relative to the stator upon exiting the exhaust port. The method can be used to evacuate or compress gaseous matter.

Abstract: A method of pumping gaseous matter comprises a step of providing a pump rotor, intake port, exhaust port, and gas passageway. The gas passageway operatively connects the intake port to the exhaust port. The exhaust port is radially farther from the rotor's center axis than is the intake port. The method also includes a step of providing a stator and a step of rotationally driving the pump rotor relative to the stator in a manner causing gaseous matter to enter the gas passageway of the pump rotor via the intake port, to gain energy, and to move radially away from the center axis and out of the exhaust port. The gaseous matter has a supersonic velocity relative to the stator upon exiting the exhaust port. The method can be used to evacuate or compress gaseous matter.

Abstract: The direct contact liquid air contaminant control system and method to revitalize air by removal of carbon dioxide and other trace gas contaminants use a direct contact air, liquid scrubber element and stripper element. The scrubber element has two rotor elements rotatably mounted in a housing first for centrifugal separation of an air flow and liquid absorbent mixture which liquid absorbent has absorbed carbon dioxide and trace gas contaminants. Then second for centrifugal separation of an air flow and acid water wash mixture which acid water wash has liquid absorbent and other contaminants. The processed air is then passed through a charcoal bed filter for further removal of contaminants. A rotary contact processor may also be used to reprocess contaminated liquid absorbent for reuse.

Abstract: A pitot tube inlet for the pitot tube of a centrifugal pump is configured to improve pump efficiencies when processing fluids that have a solids content the type or character of which causes the solids to accumulate along the inner peripheral surface of the rotor of the pump. The pitot tube inlet is configured to contact and remove the accumulated solids from the rotor to lessen the drag on the rotor, to lessen degradation of the pitot tube and to improve pump efficiencies.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for a centrifugal pump is configured with at least one non-planar outer surface, in either the rotor cover or the rotor, or both, to produce centrifugal forces which exert an inward force on the rotor cover and/or rotor to counterbalance centrifugal pressures and suction pressures exerted on the rotor assembly from within the rotor chamber which cause deleterious deflections of the rotor assembly, thereby limiting the operational speed of the pump, limiting suction pressure and accelerating degradation of the seals associated with the rotor cover.

Abstract: Apparatus for altering translational velocity of molecules in a gas. A source of gas is in fluid communication with a supersonic nozzle. The nozzle is disposed on an arm at a selected distance from an axis for rotation about the axis. The nozzle has an exit portion substantially perpendicular to the arm. Motive apparatus rotates the arm so that the translational velocity of molecules with respect to a laboratory frame of reference is altered. In a preferred embodiment, gas flows from the source through the axis and the arm to exit from the nozzle.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump has a casing, an overhung-mounted rotor in the casing having a feed chamber, which centrifugally accelerates the liquid flowing centrally to it, and a discharge chamber positioned axially behind it and connected to the feed chamber in the vicinity of the inner circumference of the rotor, as well as a scoop pipe guided centrally into the discharge chamber close to the inner circumference thereof and by means of which the liquid is discharged. For the discharge of liquids from a vacuum chamber, the discharge chamber is connected by means of a line centrally introduced into it to the gas phase of the vacuum chamber, so that the liquid flowing in via the feed chamber forms on its inner circumference a liquid ring, into which is immersed the feed end of the scoop pipe, and that on the drain side the scoop pipe is closed by an automatically closing valve, which opens under the operating pressure.

Abstract: An insert is provided for attachment to the inlet or nose of a pitot tube to withstand the wear and damage imposed on the inlet of the pitot tube by high velocity and high pressure fluid moving through the rotary casing and into the pitot tube. The insert reduces the amount of damage normally done to the pitot tube under normal operating conditions thereby extending the life of the pitot tube. When worn or damaged, only the insert needs to be replaced rather than the entire pitot tube as is done in conventional systems. The insert permits the machining of the insert to meet the specifications of a particular application, thereby providing the ability to control pump performance over a wider range of operational conditions.

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.

Abstract: A paper machine has a high pressure liquid pump for use with a liquid slitter for slitting a fiber material web. The high pressure liquid pump includes a pump shell having an axis of rotation and an annular smooth inwardly facing surface. The inwardly facing surface is configured for carrying a film of liquid thereon. A hydraulic shoe having an outer convexly curved working face is in close running engagement with the inwardly facing surface. A pivotal arm is connected with the shoe and positions the shoe relative to the inwardly facing surface. The arm is movable toward and away from the inwardly facing surface. A hydraulic pressure member is engaged with the arm for urging the shoe toward the inwardly facing surface dependent upon a hydraulic pressure therein.

Abstract: A pump (P) including a stationary pump housing (1) and a rotating pump housing (10, 10a) mounted on the stationary pump housing (1) and defining a fluid receiving chamber (11). A pitot probe (5) freely rotatably mounted in the stationary pump housing (1) and terminating in a tip portion (5a) disposed in the fluid receiving chamber (11). A brake arrangement (20, 21) is provided for braking a rotational speed of the probe (5) so as to enable a controlling of the rotational speed of the probe (5) independent of the rotational speed of the rotating pump housing (10, 10a) thereby producing variable pump pressures and fluid flow rates for the pump (P).

Abstract: A method of operating a pitot pump that pressurizes a first fluid of a first viscosity and first density wherein the pump includes a rotatable housing and a stationary probe disposed within the housing includes the steps of providing a source of a second fluid having a second viscosity and second density less than the first viscosity and first density, detecting a physical condition in the housing indicative of the presence of the first fluid at a second radial position inside the first radial position and connecting the source of the second fluid to an inner annular chamber of the housing when the detected physical condition indicates that the first fluid is present at the second radial position.

Abstract: A variable pressure and variable flow rate pump in accordance with the invention includes a stationary pump housing (1), a rotating pump housing (10), rotatably mounted with respect to the stationary pump housing including a fluid receiving chamber (12) for receiving fluid to be pumped which is driven by a drive (11); a pitot probe (5) rotatably mounted in the stationary pump housing having a tip (5a) disposed in the fluid receiving chamber radially offset from an axis of rotation of the probe for receiving fluid from the fluid receiving chamber; a brake (15) for selectively braking a rotational speed of the probe to control the rotational speed of the probe independently of a rotational speed of the rotating pump housing to provide a fluid output from the output with a variable pressure and flow rate; a thermal insulator (44) mounted between the brake and the fluid receiving chamber for thermally insulating the fluid receiving chamber from heat generated by the brake; and a control (C) coupled to the brake f

Abstract: A mechanical pump assembly (20) for pumping a secondary vacuum, the assembly comprising two pumping stages, the first stage having a suction inlet (9) and the second stage having a suction orifice (10), said inlet and said orifice both opening out to the outside, both stages having a common delivery outlet (4), the pump assembly being characterized in that both of said pumping stages are of the Holweck drum type, said first stage having a compression ratio of about 50 for a gas such as helium and of about 30,000 for air, the pumping speed of the first stage being about 4 l/s for air and about 2.5 l/s for said gas, and in that said second stage has a pumping speed of about 3.5 l/s for air and of about 2 l/s for said gas, the nominal speed of rotation of said mechanical pump assembly being about 27,000 rpm.

Abstract: Prior centrifugal pitot pumps have suffered from reduced efficiency and inability to control flow parameters during operation. In order to overcome these problems, a pitot pump for pressurizing a fluid includes a rotatable housing having a housing inlet through which fluid may be passed wherein a rotating flow of fluid is induced in a volume of space within the housing, a probe disposed in the housing and having a movable probe inlet disposed in the volume of space and a probe outlet at which outlet fluid flow is established and means for moving the probe inlet within the range of positions within the rotating flow of fluid whereby a parameter of the outlet fluid flow can be controlled. The pitot pump has improved controllability and efficiency.

Abstract: A pumping system comprising a liquid ring vacuum pump including a casing and a rotatable runner. A Pitot pump including a casing, a Pitot tube, an impeller and a drum, the impeller and the drum being rotatably mounted in the casing, and the Pitot tube being mounted within the casing adjacent the outer periphery thereof. A gas passage leads into the vacuum pump, from the vacuum pump into the Pitot pump, and out of said Pitot pump, and a liquid passage leads from the Pitot tube to the vacuum pump. The system further includes a cooler connected to the liquid passage for cooling liquid therein, and a drive motor coupled to rotate the runner, the impeller and the drum.

Abstract: A pitot pump assembly including a rotating drum 12 having a central bore 14 and a cavity 20 between its two axial ends and at least one radially extending opening 22. A stationary shaft 24 is inserted within the bore 14 and includes a plurality of fluid passages 26. The shaft 24 has one or more bearing surfaces 28 and sealing surfaces 30 between the shaft 24 and the rotating drum 12. A unitary pitot sub-assembly 32 is inserted through the radial opening 22 of the rotating drum 12 and has one or more radially extending pitot tubes 36 in which to receive fluid from within the cavity 20 of the rotating drum 12. A sleeve 48 is disposed on the rotating drum 12 for sealing the opening(s) 22 and an outer housing 52 is secured to the stationary shaft 24 and encases the rotating drum 12.

Abstract: A heat management system especially adapted for spacecraft including a first heat exchanger in heat exchange relation with a sink having a widely varying temperature and a second heat exchanger in heat exchange relation with a variable heat load. An equilibrator is provided to maintain respective bodies of heat exchange fluid in the liquid state and in the gaseous state. A first flow path is provided for circulating a mixture of liquid phase fluid and gaseous phase fluid from the equilibrator to the first heat exchanger and return fluid from the first heat exchanger to the equilibrator. A second flow path circulates liquid phase fluid from the equilibrator to the second heat exchanger and returns fluid therefrom to the equilibrator.

Abstract: A positive displacement machine including first and second scrolls having interfitting vanes adapted to define at least one traveling pocket. One of the scrolls has a central outlet and a hollow shaft mounts the scroll for rotation. A machine housing contains the scrolls and the shaft and has an outlet port. A transfer tube is stationarily mounted in the housing in fluid communication with the port and extends into one end of the shaft. A seal seals the interface of the transfer tube and the shaft.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump assembly comprising one or more bowl castings each housing an impeller and also two or more individual fluid passageways for the flow of fluid discharged by an impeller to the next impeller, the passageways having some exterior walls defining the exterior of the assembly. By changing the number of the individual passageways, the specific speed of the pump, i.e., the ratio of the amount of energy imparted to the fluid and the amount of fluid being pumped, can be changed.

Abstract: A fluid processing device for use in the oil system of gas turbine or other plant, performs the functions of a de-gassifier and filter for liquid from part of the plant, scavenge pump for returning clean liquid to the plant, air/liquid droplet separator and main pressure pump, or any required combination of these functions. The performances of individual rotary devices are enhanced by the inclusion of a quantity of a rigid porous material having interconnected interstitial passages so that all the rotary devices can operate at the same speed and can thus be driven from a single shaft.In a gas turbine engine application (FIG. 3) the device has a plurality of individual compartments 36,38,40 and 41 within a rotating housing 21, each compartment containing the porous material. Compartments 36 and 38 are supplied with air and emulsified oil via pipes 44 from bearing chambers.

Abstract: A full admission pitot pump is described including a rotatable outer housing having at least a first rotor housing member and at least a first stator housing member secured thereto. The rotor housing member has a reduced diameter portion at its first end and an enlarged diameter portion at its second end. The stator housing member has an enlarged diameter portion at its first end which is secured to the enlarged diameter portion of the first rotor housing member. A stator is positioned within the housing and remains stationary as the outer housing is rotated. The first rotor housing member rotates with a housing and defines a plurality of spaced-apart passageways formed therein which communicate with a plurality of spaced-apart passageways formed in the stator.

Abstract: An improved design of a rotary pump is provided having a rotary pumping chamber with stationary axially disposed fluid inlet and outlet passages communicating therewith. To increase the rotational speed and the flow capacity, the axial inlet passage is enlarged in diameter to approach the diameter of the rotary pumping chamber. To impart the required rotational velocity to the fluid entering the chamber, vanes are provided in the rotating chamber immediately adjacent the axial annular inlet passage. The fluid pickup and discharge unit is defined by a hollow stationary member disposed in the rotary pumping chamber and having in one embodiment, a plurality of peripherally spaced inlet openings transversely positioned to receive the high rotating velocity fluid therein, and in another modification, a substantially continuous annular inlet opening in a radial plane.

Abstract: A pitot heat pump is described wherein a multi-stage pitot pump is employed as the compression means in a heat pump thermodynamic cycle. The heat pump is comprised of a multi-stage vapor pitot pump, liquid pitot pump, turbine, vaporizer, evaporator, condenser and expansion valve. The turbine is used to rotate a shaft to which the impellers of the pitot pump are attached. Refrigerant gas from the evaporator enters the first stage of the pitot pump and the impeller therein forces the refrigerant gas outwardly where it enters the narrow end of a pitot tube provided therein. The discharge end of the pitot tube is in communication with the next stage of the pitot pump. In passing through the pitot tube, the refrigerant gas expands and the centrifugal force and the kinetic energy of the gas provide the energy whereby the refrigerant gas is compressed. After the last stage, the compressed gas is transmitted to the condenser of the heat pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to agitating means for preventing the accumulation of particulate matter at the contaminate outlet orifices in a pump and centrifugal separator apparatus. The pump-separator apparatus includes a rotatable casing forming a chamber for centrifugally separating the oil, water and contaminant matter in an oil well production fluid. The clean oil is collected by a stationary pitot tube in the chamber, the clean water is drawn off at an outlet port near the outer periphery of the chamber, and the dirty water and contaminants are discharged through outlet orifices formed in the outer wall of the casing. The agitating means includes rotating jet ports for directing streams of pressurized fluid tangentially along the inner surface of the casing to agitate accumulations of separated solid contaminant matter thereby preventing the clogging of the outlet orifices.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump is provided for generating a relatively high pressure fluid discharge. The pump includes a stationary, enclosed rotor housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A rotor assembly is rotatably supported in the rotor housing. The rotor assembly includes a chamber having a radial passage formed in one end thereof for fluid communication between the fluid inlet and a peripheral portion of the chamber. A drive shaft is rotatably supported in the rotor assembly and has a discharge tube formed therein with one end in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. A pair of hollow, radially extending pickup arms are attached to the drive shaft. Each pickup arm has an inlet positioned proximate the peripheral portion of the chamber and an outlet in fluid communication with the other end of the discharge tube.

Abstract: A centrifugal pitot pump has a rotor driven in rotation within a casing. A pitot tube pickup in a rotor chamber within the rotor intercepts rotating fluid and withdraws the fluid through a duct. The duct mounts the pitot tube and passes through the rotor casing. Fluid to be pumped passes through the annulus between the rotor and the duct and up through generally radial passages in the rotor into the rotor chamber. A leakage path from the rotor chamber to the inlet annulus between a hub of the pitot tube pickup and the rotor permits fluid to pass from the chamber into the annulus. A ring interrupts line-of-sight communication between the chamber and the annulus along the leak path and dissipates considerable of the leaking fluid velocity head to thereby improve the net positive suction head of the pump.

Abstract: A hollow casing defining a fluid chamber is rotated relative to a stationary pitot tube mounted within the casing. The pitot tube is supported by a stationary hollow discharge tube whose bore defines the fluid outlet passage for the pump. An annular fluid inlet passage is provided surrounding one end of the discharge tube. Cylindrical portions on the discharge tube provide hardened bearing surfaces for cooperation with hardened sleeve bearings carried by the axially opposed end walls of the rotating casing. Radial flanges on such hardened bearing members provide thrust bearing capability if required. The bearings are exposed to the fluid being pumped and lubricated by such fluid.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator and pitot pump has a rotatable hollow casing for separating contaminants such as suspended solids from an inlet fluid delivered to the interior of the casing. Inside the casing a stationary inner pitot tube has an outlet opening relatively nearer the rotational axis of the casing, and a separate rotatable outer pitot tube has an outlet opening relatively nearer the periphery of the casing. The outer pitot tube is rotated in the same direction of rotation as the casing, but at a slower speed, and the rotating casing forces separated solids outwardly toward the periphery of the casing where the solids are withdrawn in a fluid carrier through the outer pitot tube. Rotation of the outer pitot tube greatly reduces particle erosion of the tube caused by impingement of abrasive solid particulate material when compared with erosion produced on a fixed pitot tube. Clean fluid is withdrawn from an intermediate region of the casing through the stationary inner pitot tube.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator and pitot pump has a rotor driven in rotation within a casing with fluid to be cleansed of solid material entering a separation chamber of the rotor. Under a rotor imposed, centrifugal force field, solids in the fluid separate from the fluid and exit in a liquid carrier through a pitot tap close to the outer radial rotor wall. Radially interiorly of this tap, a pitot pickup intercepts cleansed production fluid and exits that fluid from the rotor. A head of a scoop of the pitot tap has an inlet in a blunt leading face and a top at the maximum radial limit of the scoop that is relieved from the leading face of the scoop to a trailing end. An inlet passage from the inlet generally parallels the line of the relief. In profile, the leading face of a scoop neck below the head curves in relief from the inlet face to a scoop base and has a relatively large radius of curvature.