Fill port for a self-priming centrifugal pump, with safety device

Abstract

A safety cover for the fill port of a self-primer pump is structured to improve the seal between the fill port cover and the fill port in the pump casing to thereby control the release of steam from the pump, and includes an improved sealing band between the fill port and fill port cover, an improved fill port cover design and an improved retaining clamp design.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 707,097 filed Aug. 10, 2005.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to self-primer centrifugal pumps, and specifically relates to a fill port assembly having improved safety construction. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Self-priming centrifugal pumps are well-known and frequently used in industries where processing fluids with entrained solids is required. Self-primer pumps, also known as trash pumps, are characterized as having a casing which houses a suction chamber and a separation chamber divided by a wall or plenum. An impeller positioned in a volute section of the pump receives fluid from the suction chamber and delivers it by centrifugal action into the separation chamber where it is eventually expelled through an outlet. [0006] In operation of a self-prime...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, a safety cover for the fill port of a self-primer pump is provided which improves the seal between the fill port cover and the fill port in the pump casing and which assures securement of the fill port cover to the fill port during release of steam from the pump so that injury can be avoided.

[0013] The retaining clamp of the safety device of the present invention may also be structured with recesses or depressions at either end of the retaining clamp in order to accommodate the head of a socket cap head screw in the retaining clamp as the clamp is connected to the pump casing. The depressions retain the head of the screws and prevent the retaining clamp from releasing away from the screws or the fill port cover.

[0014] The three safety elements of the present invention may be employed together or in various combinations to provide a fill port cover that is structured to assure that the fill port cover releases steam from the pump at a more controlled rate than is possible in prior art systems. The safety elements also assure that the fill port cover is not blown or jettisoned away from the fill port of the pump casing under release of high pressure steam from the pump.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, the fluid level in the suction chamber is very low making re-priming of the pump very difficult.

However, low fluid levels may occur for a number of reasons, including back siphoning of fluid from the pump.

Accessing the interior of the pump through the fill port can be extremely dangerous, however, especially when the pump fails to prime and turns the water in the pump into steam.

Removing the cover of the fill port can result, and has resulted, in significant to severe injury, usually due to steam escaping through the fill port.

Despite these efforts, numerous injuries continue to occur due to the design of the safety cover.

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