Fluid pump comprising impeller

Abstract

An impeller assembly includes an impeller housing having a housing inlet and a housing outlet for receiving and discharging a working fluid; and the impeller is located in the impeller shell and can rotate relative to the impeller shell. The impeller has an impeller inlet for receiving the working fluid, a plurality of impeller blades forming a plurality of impeller passages communicating with the impeller inlet, and a plurality of impeller outlets each communicating with one of the impeller passages to discharge the working fluid. The impeller includes an impeller hub having one or more hub blades forming a hub fluid passage to receive an auxiliary fluid, where the hub fluid passage is in communication with at least one of the plurality of impeller runners and is configured to cause rotation of the impeller hub. Angled hub blades and / or inclined directional thrust balancing openings are configured to cause rotation of the impeller hub.

Description

Background Art

[0001] This application generally relates to an improved pump, and more particularly to an improved impeller design for pumping fluids and the like.

[0002] Typically, in pumps utilizing an impeller design, fluid enters the rotating impeller along its axis, and the fluid is discharged along its circumference through the blade tips of the impeller by centrifugal force. The function of the impeller is to increase the velocity and pressure of the fluid, and preferably also to direct the fluid towards the pump housing or casing outlet.

[0003] It would be advantageous to increase the efficiency of impeller pumps, including, for example, by utilizing an impeller design that will rotate more easily and reduce the amount of power required to rotate the impeller and generate pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The summary of the invention of the present disclosure is provided to assist in understanding pumps, including impeller-based pumps, which include impeller assemblies and the like, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the invention. The present disclosure is directed to those of ordinary skill in the art. It should be understood that the various aspects and features of the present disclosure can be advantageously used alone in some cases, or in combination with other aspects and features of the present disclosure in other cases. Thus, variations and modifications can be made to the impeller assembly and design to achieve different effects.

[0005] A pump assembly using an impeller for pumping fluid is disclosed. In one or more aspects, an impeller assembly is disclosed that includes: an impeller housing having a housing inlet for receiving a working fluid and a housing outlet for discharging the working fluid; and an impeller located within the impeller housing and configured to rotate relative to the impeller housing, the impeller having an impeller inlet for receiving the working fluid, a plurality of impeller vanes forming a plurality of impeller flow channels in communication with the impeller inlet for receiving the working fluid, and each of the plurality of impeller flow channels having an impeller outlet for discharging the working fluid, wherein the impeller further includes an impeller hub having one or more hub vanes forming one or more hub fluid channels for receiving an auxiliary fluid, wherein at least one of the one or more hub fluid channels is configured to cause rotation of the impeller. In one or more aspects, the impeller assembly includes at least one of one or more hub vanes angled relative to the hub longitudinal axis and / or one or more angled and oriented thrust balance openings to cause rotation of the impeller. In one embodiment, one, more, or all of the hub vanes are angled, preferably at an angle between ten (10) degrees and thirty (30) degrees, and in one aspect extend the length of the impeller hub. In one aspect, the plurality of angled hub vanes are configured with one or more hub fluid channels such that the auxiliary fluid flows through the one or more hub fluid channels in a manner that promotes rotation of the impeller relative to the impeller housing. Alternatively or additionally, one or more angled and oriented thrust balance openings are configured relative to the hub fluid channels to promote rotation of the impeller relative to the impeller housing.

[0006] In one embodiment, one or more hub fluid passages communicate with at least one of a plurality of impeller flow passages, and in another aspect, each of the one or more hub fluid passages communicates with at least a respective single impeller flow passage of the plurality of impeller flow passages. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of hub fluid passages communicate with a single impeller flow passage of the plurality of impeller flow passages. One or more hub vanes in one or more arrangements reinforce the impeller hub. In another embodiment, each of the one or more hub fluid passages includes a directional thrust balance opening to direct auxiliary fluid into at least one of a group consisting of: at least one of the plurality of impeller flow passages, an impeller housing chamber, and combinations thereof. According to one embodiment, at least one of the directional thrust balance openings is angled, preferably at an angle between 5 degrees and 45 degrees, and communicates with at least one of the plurality of impeller flow passages. In one approach, at least one angled directional thrust balance opening is located in an end wall of the impeller hub and communicates with one of the plurality of impeller flow passages, and in another aspect, is at least one of a group consisting of: a slot having a width and a length, a round hole having a diameter, and combinations thereof. According to one embodiment, at least one angled directional thrust balance opening has an angled orientation that substantially matches the angled orientation of at least one of the one or more angled hub vanes, and in another aspect, at least one angled directional thrust balance opening is oriented adjacent to an inner hub wall of the impeller hub. In another aspect, the number of the plurality of hub fluid passages is the same as the number of the plurality of impeller flow passages.

[0007] In one embodiment, the impeller assembly further includes a group of at least one that supplies auxiliary fluid to one or more of the hub fluid passages, where the group consists of: a flush circuit, an external passage, an outer passage, an internal passage, or combinations thereof. According to another aspect, the auxiliary fluid includes a portion of the working fluid. According to one arrangement, the flush circuit receives at least a portion of the auxiliary fluid from at least one of a group consisting of: one or more of the impeller outlets, the impeller housing chamber, and combinations thereof, and supplies the auxiliary fluid to one or more of the hub fluid passages. In one embodiment, the flush circuit supplies the auxiliary fluid to an interface between the impeller hub and one or more stationary components of the impeller assembly. According to one orientation, the auxiliary fluid is supplied to at least one of a group consisting of: one or more hub fluid passage inlets, along a length L of one or more of the hub fluid passages, through the inner hub wall, through the outer hub wall, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the impeller assembly further includes a shaft configured to support the impeller hub for rotation, and the angled hub vanes extend in a direction of a rotational axis associated with the shaft. The impeller receives torque to rotate the impeller relative to the impeller housing.

[0008] According to another embodiment, an impeller assembly is disclosed, which includes: an impeller housing having a housing inlet for receiving a working fluid and an impeller outlet for discharging the fluid; and an impeller located within the impeller housing and configured to rotate relative to the impeller housing, the impeller having an impeller inlet for receiving the working fluid and a plurality of impeller vanes forming a plurality of impeller flow passages for receiving the working fluid, wherein the impeller inlet is in communication with the plurality of impeller flow passages, and each of the plurality of impeller flow passages has an impeller outlet for discharging the working fluid. The impeller further includes an impeller hub having one or more hub vanes forming one or more hub fluid passages for receiving an auxiliary fluid, and the one or more hub fluid passages are in communication with at least one of the plurality of impeller flow passages, and at least one of the hub fluid passages is configured to cause rotation of the impeller. The one or more hub fluid passages preferably include at least one directional thrust balance opening configured to direct the auxiliary fluid into at least one of the group consisting of: at least one of the plurality of impeller flow passages, an impeller housing chamber, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the at least one directional thrust balance opening is angularly oriented relative to at least one of the plurality of impeller flow passages. According to an arrangement, the at least one angularly oriented directional thrust balance opening is disposed in an end wall of the impeller hub and is in communication with at least one of the plurality of impeller flow passages. The at least one angularly oriented directional thrust balance opening includes a plurality of angularly oriented directional thrust balance openings angularly oriented relative to each respective impeller flow passage in communication with the angularly oriented directional thrust balance opening. In another aspect, the impeller assembly includes at least one of the one or more hub vanes that extends the length of the impeller hub and is angled relative to the hub longitudinal axis.

[0009] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more particular description of exemplary embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Various aspects, features, and embodiments of methods, techniques, products, assemblies, and / or systems for pumping fluids, including pumps having improved impeller assemblies and impeller designs for pumping fluids, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the provided drawings. It can be noted that numbered elements in the figures are generally numbered according to the figure in which the element is introduced, and are generally referred to by that number throughout the subsequent figures, and like reference numerals generally represent similar parts of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] For purposes of illustrating aspects, features, and / or various embodiments of methods, techniques, products, assemblies, and / or systems for pumping fluids, including pumps incorporating impeller assemblies and / or impeller designs, embodiments are provided in the drawings, but the claims should not be limited to the exact arrangements, configurations, structures, features, aspects, assemblies, sub-assemblies, systems, embodiments, approaches, methods, processes, or devices shown. The arrangements, configurations, structures, features, aspects, assemblies, sub-assemblies, systems, embodiments, approaches, methods, processes, and / or devices shown may be used alone or in combination with other arrangements, configurations, structures, features, aspects, assemblies, sub-assemblies, systems, embodiments, approaches, methods, processes, and / or devices.

[0012] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an impeller portion of a pump assembly including an impeller assembly and design in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 is for a pump assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 side cross-sectional views of different embodiments of an impeller assembly.

[0014] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of an impeller in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 is a side perspective cross-sectional view of an impeller in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4 rear perspective view of an impeller.

[0017] Figure 6 is a rear view of a portion of an impeller hub of an impeller in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is a rear view of an impeller in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of an impeller in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of an impeller in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 10 is a front perspective cross-sectional view of an impeller in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a hub fluid passage through an impeller illustrating a directional thrust balance opening in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 12 FIG. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing an external passage for supplying fluid to a plurality of hub fluid passages in an impeller.

[0024] Figure 13 FIG.

[0024] is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing another embodiment of an external passage for supplying fluid to a plurality of hub fluid passages in an impeller.

[0025] Figure 14 FIG. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing an internal passage for supplying fluid to a plurality of hub fluid passages in an impeller.

[0026] Figure 15 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a flush circuit for supplying fluid to a plurality of hub fluid passages in an impeller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following description is for purposes of illustrating the principles of the present invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concept claimed herein. In the following detailed description, numerous details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of methods, techniques, pumps, pump assemblies, and / or pump systems (including, for example, impellers) for pumping fluids. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that different and numerous embodiments of the methods, techniques, products, assemblies, pumps, and / or systems may be practiced without those specific details, and the claims and the disclosure should not be limited to the arrangements, configurations, embodiments, features, aspects, assemblies, sub-assemblies, structures, processes, methods, or details specifically described and shown herein. Additionally, the features described herein may be used in combination with other described features in each of various possible combinations and permutations.

[0028] Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation, including meanings implied from the specification and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and / or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. It should also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise specified, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents, and when used in this specification, the terms "include," "including," "comprise," and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0029] The following discussion omits or only briefly describes pump assemblies with impeller designs, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. It is assumed that those skilled in the art are familiar with pumps for pumping fluids, including impeller systems, assemblies, and designs, including appropriate sizes, configurations, and materials for pumping fluids, displacing various amounts of fluid, and / or generating various fluid flow rates.

[0030] Figures 1 to 11 Illustrate various views and embodiments of a pump assembly that includes an impeller and a portion for the impeller in the pump assembly. Figure 1 Illustrate a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a pump assembly or system 100 for pumping fluids, while Figure 2 Illustrate a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a portion of an impeller assembly 102 in a pump assembly 100. The pump assembly 100 includes a pump housing or casing 110 and an impeller 130. The impeller 110 is received within the pump casing 110 and rotates about an axis 120 relative to the pump casing 110, the axis having a longitudinal axis 122. The axis 120 is preferably fixed and, in one embodiment, is fixed relative to the pump casing 110. Torque is applied to the impeller 130 to cause the impeller 130 within the casing 110 to rotate about the axis 120. The torque can be applied to the impeller in many different ways and by many different mechanisms. The pump casing 110 has a fluid inlet 112 for receiving a working fluid 105 and a fluid outlet 114 for discharging the working fluid 105. The working fluid 105 preferably leaves the pump casing outlet 114 at a greater velocity and pressure than the working fluid 105 enters the pump casing inlet 112.

[0031] The impeller 130 includes a plurality of impeller or hydraulic vanes 132 that form a plurality of impeller flow paths 134. The working fluid 105 received by the casing fluid inlet 112 axially enters an impeller inlet 136 along a longitudinal axis 135 of the impeller 130, which preferably coincides with the longitudinal axis 122 of the axis 120. The impeller inlet 136 is in communication with the plurality of impeller flow paths 134, and the working fluid 105 entering the impeller inlet 136 flows into the plurality of impeller flow paths 134 and flows within the plurality of impeller flow paths. The impeller 130 has a plurality of impeller outlets 138 that are in communication with the plurality of impeller flow paths 134. The impeller vanes 132 form the impeller flow paths 134, and the impeller vanes 132 are configured and shaped (e.g., curved) such that the working fluid 105 axially (i.e., in the direction along the longitudinal axis 135 of the impeller) enters the impeller inlet 136, flows through the plurality of impeller flow paths 134, and circumferentially (e.g., deviating from the longitudinal axis 135 of the impeller 130 and in a direction tangent to the longitudinal axis) leaves the impeller outlet 138.

[0032] The impeller vanes 132 preferably curve outwardly from the center of the impeller 130 to the periphery. Each impeller passage 134 is preferably formed by two impeller vanes 132 and additional impeller front wall 133 and impeller rear wall 139. Preferably, the working fluid 105 leaving the impeller outlet 138 is directed towards the pump housing outlet 114, and in one embodiment, a plurality of impeller outlets 138 communicate with a chamber 116 formed in the pump housing 110. The chamber 116 communicates with the housing outlet 114 such that the working fluid 105 leaves the impeller outlet 138 and enters the chamber 116 and / or the housing outlet 114. Due to the centrifugal force on the working fluid 105 leaving the impeller outlet 138 due to the rotation of the impeller 130, the pressure at the impeller outlet 138 and the housing chamber 116 is higher than the impeller inlet 136.

[0033] The impeller 130 includes an impeller hub 140 that receives and is supported by and / or supports on the impeller shaft 120. Figure 3 A side perspective view of the impeller is shown, Figure 4 A side perspective cross-sectional view of the impeller 130 including the impeller hub 140 is shown, and Figure 5 A rear perspective view of the impeller 130 including the impeller hub 140 is shown. As Figures 3 to 5 shown, the impeller hub 140 extends axially from the impeller portion 131 of the impeller 130, where the impeller portion 131 includes impeller vanes 132 and a plurality of impeller passages 134. The impeller hub 140 has a length L extending along the hub longitudinal axis 143, which is in the same and coincident direction as the impeller shaft 120 and the shaft longitudinal axis 122.

[0034] More specifically, in one embodiment, the impeller hub 140 includes an inner wall 142 supported on the impeller shaft 120, for example, by a sleeve. The impeller hub 140 has an outer wall 144, and there is a space 145 between the inner hub wall 142 and the outer hub wall 144. One or more hub vanes 146 are disposed in the space 145 and extend between the inner hub wall 142 and the outer hub wall 144. The vane hub 146 serves as a support for the impeller hub and strengthens and reinforces the impeller hub 140. It is contemplated that three to six hub vanes 146 will be used; however, it should be understood that the number of hub vanes 146 will vary depending on the design.

[0035] Figure 6 A side perspective view of the impeller hub 140 of the impeller 130 is shown, where the outer wall 144 is removed to better illustrate the hub vanes 146. As Figure 6As shown, the hub blades 146 are twisted or bent as they extend along the length L of the impeller hub 140 along the hub longitudinal axis 143. In other words, the hub blades 146 are twisted about the length L of the impeller hub 140 and have a pitch similar to a high-pitch thread. That is, instead of being parallel to the hub axis 143, the hub blades 146 are angled relative to the hub longitudinal axis 143. The angular orientation or angle A of the hub blades 146 relative to the hub longitudinal axis 143 can vary, and in one or more embodiments, it is expected that the angular orientation or pitch can be as low as 10 degrees and as high as 30 degrees, although other angular values are expected. In one embodiment, the hub blades 146 will have a reverse helical geometry and preferably use the directed fluid flow with a turbine effect to assist in rotating the impeller 130.

[0036] A plurality of hub vanes 146 between the hub inner wall 142 and the hub outer wall 144 form one or more, preferably a plurality of hub fluid channels 148. The auxiliary fluid 107 flows downward along the plurality of hub fluid channels 148 and preferably contacts the plurality of hub blades 146 to impart energy and / or force to the impeller hub 140 to facilitate the rotation of the impeller 130. The reverse helical geometry or pitch of the hub blades 146 preferably increases the fluid flow downward along the hub fluid channels 148 by sucking the fluid downward along the hub fluid channels 148. Each of the hub fluid channels 148 preferably has an inlet opening 149 to receive the auxiliary fluid 107. Opposite the opening 149 is an end wall 150 where the hub blades 146 and the hub fluid channels 148 terminate or end. The hub fluid channels 148 preferably communicate with one or more of the plurality of impeller fluid channels 134, and in one embodiment, each of the hub fluid channels 148 communicates with a corresponding one of the impeller fluid channels 134. One or more of the hub fluid channels 148 include directed thrust balance openings 152 that communicate with one or more of the plurality of impeller fluid channels 134.

[0037] Figure 7 Rear elevation view of an embodiment showing the impeller 130 with its integrated hub 140, Figure 8 Showing a rear perspective view of the impeller 130, and Figure 9 Showing a different rear perspective view of the impeller 130. As Figures 1 to 2 、 Figure 4 and Figures 7 to 9As shown, the directional thrust balance openings 152 are preferably provided in each of one or more hub fluid passages 148 to allow the auxiliary fluid 107 to flow into the impeller flow passage 134. The directional thrust balance openings 152 are preferably formed in the end wall 150 and, in one embodiment, are formed adjacent to the end 147 of each of the hub vanes 146 attached to the end wall 150. In one aspect, the directional thrust balance openings 152 may be positioned adjacent to the inner hub wall 144, preferably such that the auxiliary fluid 107 flows through the center of the impeller 130. The directional thrust balance openings 152 may be in any form, such as round holes, slots having a width and a length, other shapes, and combinations thereof. The directional thrust balance openings 152 in each hub fluid passage 148 may also include a plurality of directional thrust balance openings 152. In a preferred embodiment, each directional thrust balance opening 152 is a round hole. The curved hub vanes 146 increase fluid flow by sucking fluid into the hub fluid passages 148 and pushing the fluid through the directional thrust balance openings 152 to cause rotation of the impeller, which should improve impeller efficiency.

[0038] In one embodiment, the auxiliary fluid 107 flows into one or more inlet openings 149 to reach one or more of the hub fluid passages 148, flows through the hub fluid passages 148 to reach one or more directional thrust balance openings 152, flows through the one or more directional thrust balance openings 152 into the impeller flow passage 134, and exits the impeller outlet 138. Figure 10 Perspective cross-sectional view illustrating the impeller 130, showing the auxiliary fluid flowing into the hub fluid passages 148 through the inlet openings 149, where the auxiliary fluid 107 impinges on the angled hub vanes 146, which impart a rotational motion to the fluid and impart rotational energy to the impeller hub 140 and the impeller 130. As Figure 10 shown, the auxiliary fluid 107 exits the hub fluid passages 148 through the directional thrust balance openings 152 into the impeller flow passage 134.

[0039] As Figures 1 to 11 illustrated in one or more embodiments of the impeller design of, the hub fluid passages 148 are formed by the hub vanes 146, the hub inner wall 142, the hub outer wall 144, and the hub end wall 150. However, other configurations, designs, and arrangements are contemplated for the hub fluid passages 148. Additionally, while the directional thrust balance openings 152 that allow the auxiliary fluid 107 to flow into the impeller flow passage 134 are shown in Figures 1 to 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figures 7 to 11 as being formed in the end wall 150, it is understood that the directional thrust balance openings 152 may be configured differently and may be formed in and / or located at other locations in the impeller 130 and the hub fluid passages 148.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the directional thrust balance opening 152 is also angled or skewed, preferably causing fluid rotation at the impeller 130 to facilitate rotation of the impeller 130. In one aspect, the directional thrust balance opening 152 is formed to pass through the hub end wall 150 of the impeller hub 140 at an angle HA, as Figure 11 shown. The angle HA is preferably the angle between the plane formed by the hub end wall 150 in which the directional thrust balance opening 152 lies and the wall of the directional thrust balance opening 152 passing through the end wall 150. The angle HA formed by the directional thrust balance opening 152 can be any number of different angles, and in one or more embodiments, the angle HA formed by the directional thrust balance opening 152 in the end wall 150 can be up to sixty (60) degrees, but more preferably can be as low as five (5) degrees or up to forty-five (45) degrees, although other angles are contemplated. It is contemplated that in one embodiment, the angle HA of the directional thrust balance opening 152 will substantially match the angle A of the angled hub vanes 146. It is contemplated that the directional thrust hole openings 152 can each have the same or different angles HA and / or different paths into the impeller flow passage 134. The angulation of the directional thrust balance opening 152 helps direct the secondary fluid 107 into the impeller passage 134 and preferably in a direction to push or propel the impeller 130 in its natural direction of rotation. In one embodiment, the hub vanes 146 are formed by molding, preferably injection molding. That is, the geometry of the hub vanes 146 is preferably molded into the impeller 130 during the molding process.

[0041] It is contemplated that in one embodiment, the number of hub fluid channels 148 will be equal to the number of impeller flow passages 134, and each hub fluid channel 148 will have one directional thrust balance opening 152 leading to a corresponding impeller flow passage 134. It is also contemplated that in one or more embodiments, multiple directional thrust hole openings 152 will communicate with a single impeller flow passage 134. That is, in one or more embodiments, multiple hub fluid channels 148 are formed to empty or discharge into a single impeller flow passage 134 through multiple directional thrust hole openings 152 located at different positions within the single impeller flow passage 134, where each hub fluid channel 148 preferably has at least one directional thrust hole opening 152. The geometry and configuration of the hub vanes 146 and / or the directional thrust balance opening 152, either individually or in combination, can assist in the rotation of the impeller 130 through directed flow (e.g., rotation) having a turbine effect.

[0042] The auxiliary fluid 107 can be delivered to the hub passage inlet 149 in a variety of different ways and through a variety of different components. In one or more embodiments, the fluid can be delivered to the hub passage inlet 149 through an external passage in the receiving housing, an external passage in the pump housing 110 that is in communication with the external passage in the receiving housing, an internal passage in the receiving housing, and / or by using an internal flushing circuit. Figure 12 Illustrates a cross-section of a portion of the pump 100, showing the external passage 170 through the receiving housing 160. The auxiliary fluid 107 flows through the external passage 170, through the receiving housing 160, into the hub fluid passage 148, and exits the hub passage 148 through the directional thrust holes 152. Figure 13 Illustrates a cross-section of a portion of the pump assembly 100, showing the external passage 175 for delivering the auxiliary fluid 107 from outside the pump assembly 100 to the inner cavity 172. The inner cavity 172 is in communication with one or more external passages 170 through the receiving housing 160 to deliver the auxiliary fluid 107 through the directional thrust balance openings 152 such that the auxiliary fluid 107 is suctioned into the hub fluid passage 148. It is expected that Figures 12 to 13 a low pressure is created by the working fluid 105 flowing through the impeller passage 134 to suction the auxiliary fluid 107 from the inner cavity 172 into the external passage 170. The auxiliary fluid 107 is directed from the external passage 170 into the hub fluid passage 148, where the turbine effect causes rotation of the impeller hub 140 due to the hub blades 146 and the directional thrust balance openings 152, preferably angled directional thrust balance openings 152.

[0043] Figure 14 Illustrates a cross-section of a portion of the pump assembly 100, showing the internal passage 180 through the receiving housing 160. In Figure 14 this instance, a certain volume (preferably a small volume) of the working fluid 105 contained within the housing cavity 116 is supplied to the hub fluid passage 148 by the internal passage 180. In Figure 14 this instance, only the working fluid 105 is supplied to the hub fluid passage 148 through the internal passage 180. In Figure 14 this approach, the working fluid 105 flows from the impeller outlet 138 and / or the high-pressure side of the housing cavity 116 to the low pressure at the hub passage inlet 149, where the hub vanes 146 are pushed by the working fluid 105 and discharged or expelled through the directional thrust balance openings 152. Additionally or alternatively, in Figure 14 another embodiment, only the auxiliary fluid 107 separated from the working fluid 105 and supplied from outside the pump assembly 100 is supplied through the internal passage 180 through the receiving housing 160 in the pump assembly 100. In Figure 14In another embodiment, both the working fluid 105 (from the housing chamber 116 and / or the impeller outlet 138) and the auxiliary fluid 107 (e.g., separated from the working fluid 105) can be supplied to the hub fluid passage 148 through the internal passage 180. It can be further understood that Figure 14 The embodiments of Figures 12 to 13 The embodiments can use the internal passage 180 together, where the external passage 170 is also used to supply fluid into the hub fluid passage 148 and supply it downward along the hub fluid passage.

[0044] Figure 15 A cross-section showing a part of the pump assembly 100, showing the flushing circuit 185 for delivering fluid to the hub fluid passage 148. The flushing circuit 185 delivers fluid between the containment shell 160 and the moving impeller 130, more specifically between the fixed part of the pump housing 110 and the rotating impeller hub 140, to clean debris etc. from the interface 125 between the rotating hub 140 and the fixed assembly of the pump housing 110. Flushing debris from the interface 125 maintains the ease with which the impeller 130 can rotate, especially over time, where particles etc. can increase the friction at the interface 125 and resist the rotation of the impeller 130. As Figure 15 As shown, the flushing circuit 185 starts at the housing chamber 116, where a part of the working fluid 125 is sucked into the flushing passage 187, flows through the interface 125 and into the flushing chamber 188, where the working fluid 105 flows into the hub passage inlet 149 and into the plurality of hub fluid passages 148.

[0045] Figure 15 The working fluid 105 in the flushing circuit 185 of flows from the high pressure at the impeller blade outlet 138 and the housing chamber 116 into the flushing passage 187, to the low pressure at the hub passage inlet 149 and the hub fluid passage 148. The twisted and / or bent hub blades 146 are pushed by the working fluid 105 to rotate the impeller hub 140 because the working fluid 105 flows directionally downward along the hub fluid passage 148 with a turbine effect. That is, the geometry of the hub blades 146 increases the fluid flow by sucking the fluid through the flushing circuit 185, downward along the hub fluid passage 148 and out through the deflected directional thrust balancing opening 152. The working fluid 105 is discharged through the directional thrust balancing opening 152 in the hub fluid passage 148. It can be understood that the flushing circuit 185 discharges the working fluid 105 into the fluid hub passage 148 and can be configured to discharge the working fluid 105 into the fluid hub passage 148 to cause the rotation of the impeller hub 140. It can be understood that the Figure 15 The embodiments of Figure 14be used in conjunction with embodiments of, and / or may be used with embodiments in which an external passageway 170 is used Figures 12 to 13 be used in conjunction with embodiments of.

[0046] In combination Figure 15 The flush circuit 185 shown and described may be preferred because it uses portions of the flush circuit that have been used in some existing pump assemblies and guides the fluid to the rotating impeller 130 and performs the work of reducing the power and / or energy required to generate pressure. It can be understood that as the suction pressure increases due to the rotation of the impeller 130, the fluid flow through the flush circuit 185 will also increase. The configuration and geometry of the hub vanes 146 will increase the fluid flow by sucking the liquid through the flush circuit 185 and into the hub fluid passage 148 and pushing the fluid through the directional thrust balance openings 152. This fluid flow will cause the rotation of the impeller by driving the impeller 130.

[0047] It can be understood that torque can be applied to the impeller 130 in a variety of different ways. In an exemplary embodiment, the drive carrier 190 is rotated by a drive shaft 192 or by any other member. The drive carrier 190 has one or more magnetic materials or magnets 193 attached thereto such that the one or more magnetic materials 193 rotate with the drive carrier 190. The impeller 130 has one or more magnets or magnetic materials 194 attached thereto such that when the drive carrier 190 rotates, it causes the impeller 130 to rotate by the attraction between the magnets and the magnetic materials 193, 194. Other members for rotating the impeller 130 are contemplated.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, the impeller hub 140 has a length L of about 4 to 6 inches, preferably about 5 inches, the inner hub wall 142 has a diameter of about 2 inches, the outer hub wall 144 has a diameter of about 4.3 inches, and the hub vanes 146 have a width (height) of about one inch and a thickness ranging from as low as about 0.12 inches to as high as about 0.3 inches, preferably about 0.25 inches thick. An exemplary impeller embodiment has four to six hub vanes 146, preferably five hub vanes 146, thereby forming four to six hub fluid passages 148, preferably five hub fluid passages 148. In this regard, four hub vanes 146 form four hub fluid passages 148, five hub vanes 146 form five hub fluid passages 148, etc. In addition to facilitating the application of rotational force or energy to the impeller, the curved hub vanes 146 strengthen and reinforce the impeller hub 140. Thus, the number and configuration of the hub vanes 146 (e.g., thickness, width, length, curvature, etc.) will depend on design requirements and loads and may vary depending on design factors. All of the foregoing dimensions and values provided in this paragraph are exemplary and should not limit or narrow the present disclosure or the present invention as other dimensions, values, and configurations are contemplated.

[0049] In an exemplary impeller embodiment, the hub vanes 146 have a twist or pitch angle A of from about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees, preferably about 20 degrees (the angle A between the hub longitudinal axis 143 (which coincides with the impeller axis 135) and the hub vane 146). The exemplary impeller embodiment further includes a single directional thrust balance opening 152 in communication with each of the hub fluid passages 148, wherein each directional thrust balance opening 152 has a diameter of as low as.100 inches to as high as.38 inches, preferably about.125 inches. In the exemplary impeller embodiment, the impeller portion 131 of the impeller 130 has a diameter of as low as about four (4) inches to as high as about thirteen (13) inches, preferably about eleven (11) inches, and includes between four and six impeller blades 132, preferably five impeller blades 132, thereby forming four to six impeller flow passages 134, preferably five impeller flow passages 134. In this regard, four impeller blades 132 form four impeller flow passages 134, five impeller blades 132 form five impeller flow passages 134, and so on. In a preferred exemplary impeller 130, there are five impeller blades 132 forming five impeller flow passages, and each hub fluid passage 148 is in communication with a corresponding one of the impeller flow passages 134 through a directional thrust hole opening 152. All of the foregoing dimensions and values provided in this paragraph are exemplary and should not limit or narrow the present disclosure or the present invention, as other dimensions, values, and configurations are contemplated.

[0050] Although certain embodiments and examples have been described, including certain details thereof, the impeller vanes 132 and / or the impeller flow passages 134 are not limited to the described embodiments and examples, as different shapes, sizes, configurations, arrangements, geometries, or numbers of impeller vanes 132 and / or impeller flow passages 134 are contemplated. Additionally, the hub vanes 146 and / or the hub fluid passages 148 formed by one or more hub vanes 146 are not limited to the described embodiments, examples, or details, as different shapes, sizes, configurations, arrangements, geometries, or numbers of hub vanes 146 and / or hub fluid passages 148 formed by one or more hub vanes 146 are contemplated. Additionally, the directional thrust balance openings are not limited to the described embodiments, examples, or details, as different shapes, sizes, configurations, arrangements, geometries, angles, positions, or numbers of directional thrust balance openings 152 are contemplated. The manner or components for rotating the impeller should also not be limited to the described examples, as different components for rotating the impeller are contemplated. Further, the manner and components for delivering a fluid (e.g., the auxiliary fluid 107 and / or the working fluid 105) to the hub fluid passage 148 should not be limited to the disclosed embodiments or examples, as different components for delivering a fluid to the hub fluid passage 148 are contemplated. That is, the external passage 170, the internal passage 172, the external passage 175, the internal passage 180, and / or the flushing circuit 185, also referred to as the auxiliary fluid circuit or passage, for delivering a fluid to the hub fluid passage 148 can take different forms and can have different shapes, sizes, positions, configurations, arrangements, and / or geometries.

[0051] Disclosed is an impeller assembly which, in one embodiment, includes an impeller housing having a housing inlet for receiving a working fluid and an impeller outlet for discharging the working fluid. According to one embodiment, the impeller assembly further includes an impeller located within the impeller housing and configured to rotate relative to the impeller housing, the impeller having an impeller inlet for receiving the working fluid and a plurality of impeller vanes forming a plurality of impeller flow passages for receiving the working fluid, wherein the impeller inlet is in communication with the plurality of impeller flow passages and each of the plurality of impeller flow passages has an impeller outlet for discharging the working fluid. According to one aspect, the impeller may optionally further include an impeller hub having one or more hub vanes forming one or more hub fluid passages for receiving an auxiliary fluid, wherein at least one of the one or more hub vanes is angled relative to the hub longitudinal axis and the at least one angled hub vane extends along the length of the impeller hub. In another aspect, the impeller may optionally further include one or more hub fluid passages in communication with at least one of the plurality of impeller flow passages, and at least one of the hub fluid passages is configured to cause rotation of the impeller.

[0052] In one approach, at least one of the angled hub vanes comprises a plurality of angled hub vanes, and wherein the plurality of angled hub vanes are configured with one or more hub fluid passages such that the auxiliary fluid flows through the one or more hub fluid passages in a manner that facilitates rotation of the impeller relative to the impeller housing. In the configuration, one or more of the hub vanes reinforce and / or stiffen the impeller hub. Preferably, the impeller outlet discharges the working fluid in a radial direction (e.g., circumferentially away from the impeller outlet). In another preferred configuration, one or more of the hub fluid passages communicate with at least one of the plurality of impeller fluid passages. In another embodiment, each of the one or more hub fluid passages communicates with at least a respective single one of the plurality of impeller fluid passages. In an alternative approach, a plurality of hub fluid passages communicate with a single one of the plurality of impeller fluid passages.

[0053] In one embodiment, each of the one or more hub fluid passages comprises a directional thrust balance opening to direct the auxiliary fluid into at least one of the group consisting of: at least one of the plurality of impeller fluid passages, an impeller housing chamber, and combinations thereof, and additionally, in one embodiment, at least one of the directional thrust balance openings is angled and communicates with at least one of the plurality of impeller fluid passages. The at least one angled directional thrust balance opening can take many forms, including a slot having a width and a length, a round hole having a diameter, or a more complex shape. The size of the angled directional thrust balance opening can be adjusted to meet various design parameters. In one aspect, the at least one angled directional thrust balance opening has an angular orientation of less than 60 degrees, such as as low as 5 degrees and as high as 45 degrees, and in another design consideration, can have an angular orientation that substantially matches the angular orientation of at least one of the angled hub vanes. In a preferred approach, the at least one angled directional thrust balance opening is positioned adjacent to the inner hub wall of the impeller hub.

[0054] According to another configuration, the pump assembly may include a plurality of angled hub vanes and a plurality of hub fluid channels, wherein the plurality of angled hub vanes and the plurality of hub fluid channels are positioned around the circumference of the impeller hub. In an example embodiment, there are 4 to 8 angled hub vanes distributed around the circumference of the hub, preferably 5 to 6 angled vanes, and according to another aspect, the plurality of angled hub vanes extend from an inner (preferably circumferential) hub wall to an outer (preferably circumferential) hub wall, and each of the plurality of hub fluid channels includes at least two angled hub vanes, an inner hub wall, and an outer hub wall. In one aspect, the number of the plurality of hub fluid channels is the same as the number of the plurality of impeller flow channels. At least one angled hub vane according to an example embodiment may have an angle of between about as low as 10 degrees to as high as about 30 degrees, more preferably about 20 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis of the impeller hub, and / or one or more of the hub vanes substantially extend the length of the impeller hub. Each of the hub fluid channels in an embodiment of the pump assembly includes at least one angled thrust balance opening in the end wall of the impeller hub that communicates with at least one of the plurality of impeller vane flow channels. In one aspect, all of the hub fluid channels may include two angled hub vanes.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the impeller assembly further includes providing auxiliary fluid to at least one of a group of one or more hub fluid channels, wherein the group consists of: a flush circuit, an external passage, an outer passage, an internal passage, or a combination thereof. In one aspect, the auxiliary fluid includes a portion of the working fluid, but the auxiliary fluid may be separate and independent of the working fluid. In one aspect, the flush circuit receives at least a portion of the auxiliary fluid from at least one of a group consisting of: one or more of the impeller outlets, the impeller housing chamber, and combinations thereof, and provides the auxiliary fluid to one or more hub fluid channels. In another aspect, the flush circuit provides the auxiliary fluid to the interface between the impeller hub and one or more fixed components of the impeller assembly, and in one aspect may be part of the flush circuit.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the auxiliary fluid is provided to at least one of a group consisting of: one or more hub fluid channel inlets, along the length L of one or more hub fluid channels, through the inner hub wall, through the outer hub wall, and combinations thereof. The impeller assembly may further include a shaft configured to support the impeller hub for rotation, and in another embodiment, the angled hub vanes extend in the direction of the axis of rotation associated with the shaft. The impeller receives torque to rotate the impeller relative to the impeller housing, and it is contemplated that the torque may be supplied and / or received in a variety of different ways.

[0057] All structural, material, acts, and equivalents of the components or steps plus function elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The terms used herein are chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, or the technical improvement of technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. The embodiments and examples are selected and described to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure of the various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.

[0058] It will be clear that the various features of the foregoing systems and / or methods may be combined in any manner, thereby creating multiple combinations from the description presented above.

Claims

1. An impeller assembly, wherein it includes: an impeller housing having a housing inlet for receiving a working fluid and a housing outlet for discharging the working fluid; and an impeller located within the impeller housing and configured to rotate relative to the impeller housing, the impeller having an impeller inlet for receiving the working fluid, a plurality of impeller vanes forming a plurality of impeller flow channels in communication with the impeller inlet for receiving the working fluid, and each of the plurality of impeller flow channels having an impeller outlet for discharging the working fluid, wherein the impeller further includes an impeller hub having one or more hub vanes forming one or more hub fluid channels for receiving an auxiliary fluid, wherein at least one of the one or more hub fluid channels is in communication with at least one of the plurality of impeller flow channels and is configured to cause rotation of the impeller hub.

2. The impeller assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more hub vanes is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the impeller such that the auxiliary fluid abuts against at least one angled hub vane in a manner that promotes rotation of the impeller relative to the impeller housing.

3. The impeller assembly according to claim 2, wherein the at least one of the one or more hub vanes includes a plurality of angled hub vanes, and wherein the plurality of angled hub vanes and the one or more hub fluid channels are configured such that the auxiliary fluid flows through the one or more hub fluid channels in a manner that promotes rotation of the impeller relative to the impeller housing.

4. The impeller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more hub vanes strengthen the impeller hub.

5. The impeller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the one or more hub fluid channels is in communication with at least a respective single one of the plurality of impeller flow channels.

6. The impeller assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of hub fluid channels are in communication with a single one of the plurality of impeller flow channels.

7. The impeller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the one or more hub fluid channels includes a directional thrust balance opening for directing the auxiliary fluid into at least one of a group consisting of: at least one of the plurality of impeller flow channels, an impeller housing chamber, and combinations thereof, wherein the directional thrust balance opening is configured to cause rotation of the impeller.

8. The impeller assembly according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the directional thrust balance openings is angled and in communication with at least one of the plurality of impeller flow channels.

9. The impeller assembly according to claim 8, wherein at least one angled directional thrust balance opening is at least one of a group consisting of a slot having a width and a length, a round hole having a diameter, and combinations thereof.

10. The impeller assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one angled orientation thrust balance opening has an angular orientation between 5 degrees and 45 degrees.

11. The impeller according to claims 8 to 10, wherein the at least one angled orientation thrust balance opening has an angular orientation that substantially matches the angular orientation of at least one of the one or more angled hub vanes.

12. The impeller assembly according to claims 8 to 11, wherein the at least one angled orientation thrust balance opening is positioned adjacent to the inner hub wall of the impeller hub.

13. The impeller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more hub vanes include a plurality of angled hub vanes, and the number of the plurality of hub fluid channels is the same as the number of the plurality of impeller fluid channels.

14. The impeller assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one angled hub vane has an angle between 10 degrees and 30 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the impeller hub.

15. The impeller assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein each hub fluid channel includes at least one of the angled orientation thrust balance openings in the end wall of the impeller hub that communicates with one of the plurality of impeller blade fluid channels.

16. The impeller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising providing the auxiliary fluid to at least one of the group of the one or more hub fluid channels, wherein the group consists of at least one of the following: a flush circuit, an external passage, an outer passage, an internal passage, and combinations thereof.

17. The impeller assembly according to claim 16, wherein the auxiliary fluid includes a portion of the working fluid.

18. The impeller assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 17, further comprising the flush circuit, wherein the flush circuit receives at least a portion of the auxiliary fluid from at least one of the group consisting of one or more of the impeller outlets, the impeller housing chamber, and combinations thereof, and provides the auxiliary fluid to the one or more hub fluid channels.

19. The impeller assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the flush circuit provides the auxiliary fluid to the interface between the impeller hub and one or more fixed components of the impeller assembly.

20. The impeller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary fluid is provided to at least one of the group consisting of: one or more hub fluid channel inlets, along the length L of the one or more hub fluid channels, through the inner hub wall, through the outer hub wall, and combinations thereof.

21. The impeller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a shaft configured to support the impeller hub for rotation, and the hub vanes extend in the direction of the axis of rotation associated with the shaft.

22. The impeller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the impeller receives torque to rotate the impeller relative to the impeller housing.

23. An impeller assembly, which comprises: An impeller housing having a housing inlet for receiving a working fluid and a housing outlet for discharging the fluid; And An impeller located within the impeller housing and configured to rotate relative to the impeller housing, the impeller having an impeller inlet for receiving the working fluid, a plurality of impeller vanes forming a plurality of impeller flow channels in communication with the impeller inlet to receive the working fluid, and each of the plurality of impeller flow channels having an impeller outlet for discharging the working fluid, wherein the impeller further comprises an impeller hub having one or more hub vanes forming one or more hub fluid channels for receiving an auxiliary fluid, and one or more of the hub fluid channels are in communication with at least one of the plurality of impeller flow channels, and at least one of the hub fluid channels contains at least one of the group configured to cause rotation of the impeller, the group consisting of: the one or more hub vanes angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the impeller, one or more angled directional thrust balance openings, and combinations thereof.

24. The impeller assembly according to claim 23, wherein the one or more hub fluid channels include at least one directional thrust balance opening configured to direct the auxiliary fluid into at least one of the group consisting of: at least one of the plurality of impeller flow channels, an impeller housing chamber, and combinations thereof.

25. The impeller assembly according to claim 24, wherein the at least one directional thrust balance opening is angled relative to at least one of the plurality of impeller flow channels.

26. The impeller assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 25, wherein the at least one angled directional thrust balance opening is disposed in an end wall of the impeller hub and is in communication with at least one of the plurality of impeller flow channels.

27. The impeller assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the at least one angled directional thrust balance opening includes a plurality of angled directional thrust balance openings angled relative to each respective impeller flow channel in communication with the respective angled directional thrust balance opening.

28. The impeller assembly according to claim 23, wherein at least one of the one or more angled hub vanes extends the length of the impeller hub.

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