Vertical Pump Arrangement

Abstract

In one aspect, a pump having a pump module and a motor module includes a support member that substantially supports a weight of the motor module and uncouples the pump module from the weight of the motor module.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]1. Field of the Disclosure[0002]The present disclosure relates to devices for configuring vertical pumps and methods for servicing vertical pumps.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Vertically aligned pumps are used in many applications because of their relatively small “footprint,” i.e., the amount of floor space or area they need for installation and operation. A typical vertical centrifugal pump includes a centrifugal pump, an electric motor module superposed on the pump module, and an intermediate drive train that transmits rotary power from the motor module to the pump module. The small footprint is mostly attributed to the motor module being positioned vertically over the pump module.[0005]In a conventional vertical pump arrangement, the weight of the motor module is typically supported directly or indirectly by a mechanical connection to the pump module. Such an arrangement can have certain disadvantages. For instance, servicing the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present patent provides a pump with a vertically and serially aligned pump module and motor module. The motor module is positioned above the pump module and connected to it with a drive train. A support member is used to transfer the weight of the motor module to a location below or adjacent to the pump module. The patent also includes methods for servicing vertical pumps by supporting the weight of the motor module, disconnecting it from the pump module, and servicing various components such as the motor module, pump module, drive train, and wear components. The technical effect of the patent is to provide a more efficient and easy way to service vertical pumps."

Problems solved by technology

As can be appreciated, servicing a vertical centrifugal pump module can be time consuming and expensive.

Moreover, in some applications, vertical centrifugal pumps are employed in very harsh operating conditions.

Such conditions, which can include high operating speeds, high pressures or contact with abrasive materials, can cause the components of a vertical pump to have relatively short operating lives.

Thus, the time consuming and expensive service operation described above must be repeated frequently through the service life of the vertical pump.

In some cases, the accumulated cost of these frequent servicing operations can be five to ten times the cost of the pump itself.

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