Lifting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid lifting system (200), comprising a pump (201) of the type with a primary chamber and a primary piston, and including at least one secondary chamber and as many secondary pistons, supplied by a pressure column (207). Abbreviated figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Lifting system Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a lifting system, intended to lift a fluid, such as irrigation water, drinking water or, particularly, waste water. Prior art

[0002] In water networks, particularly in regions with relief, it is known to use an electric pump to move a liquid from a low storage to a high storage located upstream of the low storage.

[0003] Such an electric pump consumes electrical energy. Also, the cost of lifting can be measured in particular by the energy expended to operate the electric pump.

[0004] Also known from the applicants' document WO 2020152402 is a pump capable of being powered by a manometric column. Such a pump is conventionally used for pumping water, for example for irrigation, but also for consumption. The operating fluid is water from the manometric column. The delivery fluid is irrigation or consumption water. Such a pump is advantageous in that it operates using gravity energy from a manometric column, which is easily renewable and substantially free. Summary of the invention

[0005] Also, the ingenuity of the present invention consists in using said pump, powered by a manometric column, to carry out a lifting from renewable energy, abundantly available and therefore substantially free.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to a system for lifting a fluid comprising a first pump, of the type with a primary enclosure and a primary piston and comprising at least one secondary chamber and as many secondary pistons, supplied by a manometric column providing an operating fluid.

[0007] Particular characteristics or embodiments, usable alone or in combination, are:

[0008] - the system further comprises a second pump connected to the first pump by two transmission pipes respectively connecting a secondary chamber of the first pump to a secondary chamber of the second pump and conveying a transmission fluid, and the primary enclosure of the second pump is connected to a lifting circuit in which the fluid to be lifted circulates,

[0009] - the first pump comprises:

[0010] - a primary enclosure inside which a primary piston slides according to a axis alternately between a first end position and a second end position under the action of the pressurized operating fluid, the primary piston separating the primary enclosure into a first primary chamber and a second primary chamber,

[0011] - a first secondary chamber comprising an inlet / outlet and a second secondary chamber comprising an inlet / outlet, for respectively receiving and discharging the transmission fluid, a first secondary piston, connected to the primary piston in order to be driven by it, sliding in the first secondary chamber to ensure the compression of the transmission fluid in the first secondary chamber, a second secondary piston, connected to the primary piston in order to be driven by it, sliding in the second secondary chamber to ensure the compression of the transmission fluid in the second secondary chamber,

[0012] - an alternating fluid distribution device for alternating the direction of circulation of the operating fluid in the primary chamber and the sliding direction of the primary piston, the first primary chamber comprising a first inlet for receiving the operating fluid during a first distribution cycle and the second primary chamber comprising a first outlet for discharging the operating fluid during a first distribution cycle, the second primary chamber comprising a second inlet for receiving the operating fluid during a second distribution cycle and the first primary chamber comprising a second outlet for discharging the operating fluid during a second distribution cycle, the alternating distribution device comprising at least one closure device comprising four movable members for closing the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets, and

[0013] - at least one trigger configured to actuate said closure members between two positions respectively of closure and opening, the alternating distribution device being operable between:

[0014] - a first arrangement associated with the first distribution cycle in which the primary piston moves to its second position, two of the moving parts respectively close the second inlet and the second outlet, and the other two moving parts respectively open the first inlet and the first outlet,

[0015] - a second arrangement associated with the second distribution cycle in which the primary piston moves to its first position, two of the moving parts respectively close the first inlet and the first outlet, and the other two moving parts respectively open the second inlet and the second outlet,

[0016] - the second pump comprises:

[0017] - a first secondary chamber comprising an inlet / outlet and a second secondary chamber comprising an inlet / outlet, for respectively receiving and discharging the transmission fluid from the transmission lines, a first secondary piston, connected to a primary piston in order to drive it, sliding in the first secondary chamber under the action of the pressure transmitted by the transmission fluid, a second secondary piston, connected to the primary piston in order to drive it, sliding in the second secondary chamber under the action of the pressure transmitted by the transmission fluid,

[0018] - a primary enclosure inside which the primary piston slides according to a axis alternately between a first end position and a second end position under the alternating action of each of the secondary pistons, the primary piston separating the primary enclosure into a first primary chamber and a second primary chamber, the first primary chamber comprising a first inlet for receiving the fluid to be raised during a first distribution cycle and the second primary chamber comprising a first outlet for discharging the fluid to be raised during a first distribution cycle, the second primary chamber comprising a second inlet for receiving the fluid to be raised during a second distribution cycle and the first primary chamber comprising a second outlet for discharging the fluid to be raised during a second distribution cycle,

[0019] - a straightening device for pumping the fluid to be lifted in the same direction with an alternating sliding of the primary piston,

[0020] - the straightening device comprises at least one closing device comprising four movable members for closing the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets and at least one trigger configured to actuate said closing members between two positions respectively of closing and opening, the alternating distribution device being actuable between:

[0021] - a first arrangement associated with the first distribution cycle in which the primary piston moves to its second position, two of the moving parts respectively close the second inlet and the second outlet, and the other two moving parts respectively open the first inlet and the first outlet,

[0022] - a second arrangement associated with the second distribution cycle in which the primary piston moves to its first position, two of the moving parts respectively close the first inlet and the first outlet, and the other two moving parts respectively open the second inlet and the second outlet,

[0023] - the straightening device comprises an inlet Y-shaped pipe connecting the two inlets and a common inlet and comprising an incoming non-return valve at each of the two inlets and an outlet Y-pipe connecting the two outlets and a common outlet and comprising an outgoing non-return valve at each of the two outlets,

[0024] - the possible trigger is configured to be actuated by the primary piston, at less when the latter is in one of its end positions,

[0025] - the first pump is arranged near the manometric column and the second pump is placed near a low storage to be raised,

[0026] - the first pump is horizontally distant from the second pump by at least 100 m, preferably at least 1 km and still preferably at least 10 km and vertically at least 10 m, preferably at least 100 m and still preferably at least 500 m

[0027] - the manometric column comprises a pipe branching off a river, between an upstream capture and a downstream restitution, the first pump being connected in series, the upstream of the pipeline being connected to the first and second inlets and the downstream of the pipeline being connected to the first and second outlets, via a first pressure regulator,

[0028] - the manometric column comprises a pipe branching off a river, between an upstream intake and a downstream return, the first pump being connected in bypass, an upstream tap connecting the pipeline to the first and second inlets and a downstream tap connecting the pipeline to the first and second outlets, the pipeline further comprising a second pressure regulator between the upstream tap and the downstream tap,

[0029] - the pipeline may optionally include a third pressure regulator, located downstream of the downstream tapping. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended figures in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] shows a schematic diagram of a lifting system according to a method of realization,

[0032] [Fig.2] shows a zoom on the pumps of the previous diagram,

[0033] [Fig.3] shows, in sectional view, a pump capable of being supplied by a column ma nomometric,

[0034] [Fig.4] shows a first diagram of the installation of such a lifting system on a manometric column,

[0035] [Fig.5] shows a second installation diagram of such a lifting system on a manometric column. Description of the embodiments

[0036] With reference to [Fig. 1], a lifting system 200 has the purpose of taking a fluid, present in a low storage 205, and of transporting or lifting it by pumping it to a high storage 206, located upstream of the low storage 205, by opposing to gravity.

[0037] To carry out this pumping or lifting, according to a characteristic of the invention, a first pump 201 is used of the type with a primary enclosure 2 and a primary piston 13 comprising at least one secondary chamber 5, 6 and as many secondary pistons 52, 62, supplied by a manometric column 207 providing an operating fluid.

[0038] Such a pump 201 may, for example, be that described in the state of the art, and more particularly described in detail in document WO 2020152402, to which reference will be made with profit. This pump is more particularly illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0039] Such a pump 201 draws its actuating energy from a pressure column 207 to which it is connected by its primary enclosure 2. Also, the pressure energy from the pressure column 207 and transmitted by a fluid called the operating fluid, acts on the primary piston 13 so as to mobilize it according to an alternating movement of axis X. The primary piston 13 is integral, via a shaft of axis X, with at least one secondary piston 52, 62 which is thus also driven by an alternating movement. This can be used to pump a fluid.

[0040] This fluid, pumped by the secondary pistons 52, 62, can be directly the fluid to be raised according to an embodiment not illustrated.

[0041] However, the manometric column 207 may be distant, horizontally by a few kilometers or vertically by several hundred meters, from the lifting pipe connecting the lower storage 205 to the upper storage 206. In the case of a single pump 201, this would require the manometric column 207 or the lifting pipe to be extended and diverted enormously. In addition, in the case where the pump 201 is located upstream of the lower storage 205 by more than 10 m, a cavitation phenomenon occurs which prevents direct pumping.

[0042] Also, according to another characteristic of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the lifting system 200 further comprises a second pump 202. This second pump 202 is offset, relative to the first pump 201, by means of two transmission lines 203, 204. These two transmission lines 203, 204 each respectively connect a secondary chamber 5, 6 of the first pump 201 to a secondary chamber 5, 6 of the second pump 202. These two transmission lines 203, 204 and the secondary chambers 5, 6 of the two pumps 201, 202 thus form a closed circuit. This closed circuit carries a fluid that is called the transmission fluid. For the purpose of transmitting the movement, the transmission fluid is preferably any incompressible liquid. Water provides such a liquid at low cost.

[0043] The primary enclosure 2 of the second pump 202 is connected to the lifting circuit in which the fluid to be lifted circulates, connecting the lower storage 205 to the upper storage 206.

[0044] The two pumps 201, 202 are thus mounted head to tail. The operating fluid, coming from the manometric column 207 circulates in the primary enclosure 2 of the first pump 201 and mobilizes the primary piston 13 of the first pump 201 which drives, via the axis shaft X of the first pump 201, the secondary pistons 52, 62 of the first pump 201. These secondary pistons 52, 62, driven by an alternating movement, circulate the transmission fluid, which via the transmission lines 203, 204, transmits said movement to the secondary pistons 52, 62 of the second pump 202. This alternating movement of the secondary pistons 52, 62 of the second pump 202 is transmitted, via the axis shaft X of the second pump 202, to the primary piston 13 of the second pump 202. The primary enclosure 2 of the second pump 202 thus makes it possible to suck the fluid to be raised from the storage 205 low and push it back to storage 206 high.

[0045] Such an embodiment with two pumps 201, 202 is advantageous in that it allows the two pumps 201, 202 to be moved away from each other via transmission lines 203, 204 which may be long. This advantageously allows the energy collected on the manometric column 207 by the first pump 201 to be transported to the second pump 202 which can thus be advantageously placed as close as possible to its need, for example here, close to the lower storage 205.

[0046] In order to better understand the invention, the operation of a pump 1, capable of operating with the energy supplied by a manometric column, will now be detailed with reference to [Fig. 3]. This pump 1 is used on the one hand as a first pump 201, in order to capture the energy at a first point, advantageously close to the manometric column 207 and on the other hand, possibly in a modified manner, as a second pump 202, in order to actually pump the fluid to be raised, at a second point, advantageously close to the lower storage 205. The second point can advantageously be distant from the first point thanks to the transmission lines 203, 204.

[0047] The description of the pump 1 focuses initially on its use as a first pump 201. In a second step, the description details the particularities of the second pump 202.

[0048] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], a pump 1 comprises a primary enclosure 2 inside which a primary piston 13 slides, along an axis X, alternately between a first end position PI and a second end position P2. This alternating sliding is produced by the action of a pressurized operating fluid. The primary piston 13 separates the primary enclosure 2 into a first primary chamber 3 and a second primary chamber 4.

[0049] The pump 1 also comprises a first secondary chamber 5 comprising an inlet 50 and an outlet 51 each arranged on either side of the secondary piston 52. Secondary chamber 5 can thus be used in double effect.

[0050] To realize the first pump 201, the first secondary chamber 5 is used in single effect. Also a first transmission pipe 203 is connected to the inlet 50, respectively to the outlet 51, which becomes an inlet / outlet. The other port, i.e. the outlet 51, respectively the inlet 50 is in the open air.

[0051] The pump 1 also comprises a second secondary chamber 6 comprising an inlet 60 and an outlet 61 each arranged on either side of the secondary piston 62. The secondary chamber 6 can thus be used in double effect.

[0052] To realize the first pump 201, the second secondary chamber 6 is used in single effect. Also a second transmission line 204 is connected to the inlet 60, respectively to the outlet 61, which becomes an inlet / outlet. The other port, i.e. the outlet 61, respectively the inlet 60 is in the open air.

[0053] The connection of the transmission lines 203, 204 is crossed so that the first secondary chamber 5 draws the transmission fluid from one of the transmission lines 203, 204, when the second secondary chamber 6 forces the transmission fluid into the other of the transmission lines 203, 204, and vice versa.

[0054] A first secondary piston 52, connected to the primary piston 13, slides in the first secondary chamber 5 to ensure the compression of the transmission fluid in the first secondary chamber 5. Similarly, a second secondary piston 62, connected to the engine piston 13, slides in the second secondary chamber 6 to ensure the compression of the transmission fluid in the second secondary chamber 6.

[0055] A first operating circuit is thus distinguished, comprising a primary enclosure 2 in which an operating fluid circulates, typically water from a pressure column for the first pump. This alternately mobilizes the primary piston 13. By virtue of its mechanical connection with the secondary pistons 52, 53, the movement of the primary piston 13 is transmitted to the secondary pistons 52, 53, in the case of the first pump 201. A second transmission circuit, fluidically isolated from the operating circuit, comprises the secondary chambers 5, 6, in which the transmission fluid circulates. The alternating movement of the secondary pistons 52, 53 makes it possible to create an alternating circulation of the transmission fluid in the transmission lines 203, 204.

[0056] This alternating circulation makes it possible to transmit energy in the form of movement to the second pump 202, detailed further below.

[0057] The first pump 201 transforms pressure energy from the manometric column into an alternating translation of the primary piston 13. This alternation is obtained by means of an alternating fluid distribution device to alternate the direction of circulation of the operating fluid in the primary enclosure 2 and thus alternate the direction sliding of the primary piston 13. This is carried out according to a periodic succession comprising alternately a first distribution cycle and a second distribution cycle.

[0058] The first primary chamber 3 comprises a first inlet E1 for receiving the operating fluid during a first distribution cycle and the second primary chamber 4 comprises a first outlet S1 for discharging the operating fluid during the first distribution cycle. Thus, during a first distribution cycle, the primary piston 13 moves in a first direction.

[0059] The second primary chamber 4 comprises a second inlet E2 for receiving the operating fluid during a second distribution cycle and the first primary chamber 3 comprises a second outlet S2 for discharging the operating fluid during a second distribution cycle. Thus, during a second distribution cycle, the primary piston 13 moves in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

[0060] To obtain this alternation, the distribution device alternates between a distribution of operating fluid via the first inlet E1 with recovery via the first outlet S1 and a distribution of operating fluid via the second inlet E2 with recovery via the second outlet S2.

[0061] For this, the alternating distribution device comprises at least one closure device 7 comprising four movable closure members 70-73 of the first and second inputs E1, E2 and of the first and second outputs S1, S2 and at least one trigger 8, 9 configured to actuate said closure members 70-73 between two positions respectively of closure and opening.

[0062] The alternating distribution device is operable between a first arrangement, associated with the first distribution cycle, in which the primary piston 13 moves towards its second position P2 and a second arrangement, associated with the second distribution cycle, in which the primary piston 13 moves towards its first position PL

[0063] In the first arrangement, two of the movable members 71, 72 respectively close the second inlet E2 and the second outlet S2, and the other two movable members 70, 73 respectively open the first inlet E1 and the first outlet SL.

[0064] In the second arrangement, two of the movable members 70, 73 respectively close the first inlet E1 and the first outlet S1, and the other two movable members 71, 72 respectively open the second inlet E2 and the second outlet S2.

[0065] Said at least one trigger 8, 9 actuates said closure members 70-73 and makes it possible to switch alternately from the first arrangement to the second arrangement.

[0066] Furthermore, according to another characteristic, said at least one trigger 8, 9 is configured to be actuated by the primary piston 13, when the latter moves towards one of its end positions PI, P2 and at least when the latter reaches one of its end positions PI, P2. This makes it possible to carry out the alternation: the primary piston 13, when it reaches the end of its travel in the end position PI or P2, actuates at least one trigger 8, 9 which changes the arrangement. The change of arrangement causes a change in the sliding direction of the primary piston 13, which in turn will actuate at least one trigger 8, 9, and so on.

[0067] The second pump 202 is very similar to the first pump 201. It includes, unless expressly mentioned, all the components of the pump 1 of [Fig. 3] as described for the first pump 201. The description of the second pump 202 is given with reference to [Fig. 3]. However, relative to the first pump 201, the second pump 202 is connected "in reverse". In addition, it receives, from the transmission lines 203, 204, an already alternating movement. Also, it is possible to simplify and / or eliminate the alternating distribution device and / or the trigger 8, 9.

[0068] Thus, according to another characteristic, the second pump 202 comprises a first secondary chamber 5 comprising an inlet / outlet 50 and a second secondary chamber 6 comprising an inlet / outlet 60, for respectively receiving and discharging the transmission fluid from the transmission pipes 203, 204.

[0069] To produce the second pump 202, as for the first pump 201, the first secondary chamber 5 is used in single effect. Also a first transmission pipe 203 is connected to the inlet 50, respectively to the outlet 51, which becomes an inlet / outlet. The other port, i.e. the outlet 51, respectively the inlet 50 is in the open air.

[0070] The pump 202 also comprises a second secondary chamber 6 comprising an inlet 60 and an outlet 61 each arranged on either side of the secondary piston 62. The secondary chamber 6 can thus be used in double effect.

[0071] To produce the second pump 202, as for the first pump 201, the second secondary chamber 6 is used in single effect. Also a second transmission line 204 is connected to the inlet 60, respectively to the outlet 61, which becomes an inlet / outlet. The other port, i.e. the outlet 61, respectively the inlet 60 is in the open air.

[0072] The connection of the transmission lines 203, 204 is such that the first secondary chamber 5 sucks in the transmission fluid when the second secondary chamber 6 discharges the transmission fluid and vice versa.

[0073] Thus, via the transmission lines 203, 204, which alternately send the transmission liquid into the first secondary chamber 5 of the second pump 202 or into the second secondary chamber 6 of the second pump 202, the pressure alternately mobilizes the first secondary piston 52 of the second pump 202 and the second secondary piston 62 of the second pump 202.

[0074] The first secondary piston 52 slides in the first secondary chamber 5 of the second pump 202 under the action of the pressure transmitted by the transmission fluid. It is connected to a primary piston 13 of the second pump 202 and thus drives it in its movement. The second secondary piston 62 slides in the second secondary chamber 6 of the second pump 202 under the action of the pressure transmitted by the transmission fluid. It is also connected to the primary piston 13 and also drives it in its movement.

[0075] Thus, during a first transmission cycle, the first secondary piston 52 of the second pump 202 pushes a primary piston 13 of the second pump 202 and the second secondary piston 62 of the second pump 202 pulls the primary piston 13 of the second pump 202. Then, during a second transmission cycle, where the circulation of the transmission fluid is reversed relative to the first cycle, the first secondary piston 52 of the second pump 202 pulls the primary piston 13 of the second pump 202 and the second secondary piston 62 of the second pump 202 pushes the primary piston 13 of the second pump 202. Thus, the transmission fluid makes it possible to “copy” the movement of the primary piston 13 of the first pump 201 onto the primary piston 13 of the second pump 202.

[0076] The second pump 202 further comprises a primary enclosure 2 inside which the primary piston 13 of the second pump 202 slides along an axis X, alternately between a first end position PI and a second end position P2 under the alternating action of each of the secondary pistons 52, 62. The primary piston 13 of the second pump 202 separates the primary enclosure 2 into a first primary chamber 3 and a second primary chamber 4. The first primary chamber 3 of the second pump 202 comprises a first inlet E1 for receiving the fluid to be lifted during a first distribution cycle and the second primary chamber 4 comprises a first outlet S1 for discharging the fluid to be lifted during a first distribution cycle.The second primary chamber 4 of the second pump 202 comprises a second inlet E2 for receiving the fluid to be lifted during a second distribution cycle and the first primary chamber 3 comprises a second outlet S2 for discharging the fluid to be lifted during a second distribution cycle.

[0077] In order to be able to suck / discharge the fluid to be lifted, the second pump 202 also comprises a straightening device for pumping the fluid to be lifted, always in the same direction, namely sucking from the lower storage 205 and discharging towards the upper storage 206, even though the primary piston 13 of the second pump 202 is driven by an alternating sliding movement.

[0078] According to a first embodiment, incorporating a maximum number of components in common with the first pump 201, 1, the straightening device substantially incorporates the alternating distribution device of the first pump 201. Also, the straightening device comprises at least one closure device 7 comprising four movable closure members 70-73 of the first and second inlets E1, E2 and of the first and second outlets S1, S2 and at least one trigger 8, 9 configured to actuate said closure members 70-73 between two positions, respectively closure and opening, the alternating distribution device being actuable between:

[0079] - a first arrangement associated with the first distribution cycle in which the primary piston 13 moves to its second position P2, two of the moving members 71, 72 respectively close the second inlet E2 and the second outlet S2, and the other two moving members 70, 73 respectively open the first inlet El and the first outlet SI,

[0080] - a second arrangement associated with the second distribution cycle in which the primary piston 13 moves to its first position PI, two of the moving members 70, 73 respectively close the first inlet El and the first outlet SI, and the other two moving members 71, 72 respectively open the second inlet E2 and the second outlet S2.

[0081] As for the first pump 201, said at least one trigger 8, 9 of the second pump 202 actuates said shut-off members 70-73 and makes it possible to switch alternately from the first arrangement to the second arrangement.

[0082] Furthermore, according to another characteristic, said at least one trigger 8, 9 of the second pump 202 is configured to be actuated by the primary piston 13, when the latter moves towards one of its end positions PI, P2 and at least when the latter reaches one of its end positions PI, P2. This makes it possible to carry out the alternation: the primary piston 13, when it reaches the end of its travel in the end position PI or P2, actuates at least one trigger 8, 9 which changes the arrangement. Thus a change of arrangement is carried out at each change of sliding direction of the primary piston 13, which makes it possible to straighten: maintain a constant pumping direction from the low storage 205 to the high storage 206.

[0083] This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to use a second pump 202 substantially identical to the first pump 201.

[0084] According to another embodiment, allowing a simplified production of the second pump 202, the straightening device instead comprises a Y-shaped inlet pipe. This pipe connects the two inlets E1, E2 together and the third branch of the Y forms a common inlet. An incoming non-return valve, namely a non-return valve only allowing circulation from the common inlet to the two inlets E1, E2 is arranged at each of the two inlets E1, E2. The alternating distribution device also comprises an outlet Y-shaped pipe. This pipe connects the two outlets S1, S2 together and the third branch of the Y forms a common outlet. An outgoing non-return valve, namely a non-return valve allowing only circulation from the two outlets S1, S2 to the common outlet, is arranged at each of the two outlets S1, S2. Thus, whatever the movement of the primary piston 13 of the second pump 202, from P1 to P2 or from P2 to P1, the common inlet connected to the lower storage 205 sucks and the common outlet connected to the upper storage 206 discharges.

[0085] The separation of the lifting system 200 into two pumps 201, 202 advantageously makes it possible to arrange each of the pumps 201, 202 where it is most efficient. Thus, the first pump 201 is advantageously arranged near the manometric column 207. Similarly, the second pump 202 is advantageously arranged near the lower storage 205.

[0086] According to another characteristic, it is possible to immerse the second pump 202 in said low storage 205.

[0087] The configuration with two pumps 201, 202 and the transmission lines 203, 204 makes it possible to transport the energy, captured by the first pump 201, to the second pump 202. The very principle of energy transmission is such that it causes few line losses. Also, it is advantageously possible to space the two pumps 201, 202 horizontally and / or vertically apart. The first pump 201 may be horizontally distant from the second pump 202 by at least 100 m, preferably at least 1 km and even more preferably at least 10 km. Similarly, the first pump 201 may be vertically distant from the second pump 202 by at least 10 m, preferably at least 100 m and even more preferably at least 500 m. This is possible even in the case where the second pump 202 is downstream of the first pump 201.Here, even with a difference in height of more than 10 m, the principle of energy transmission between the two pumps 201, 202 does not cause any harmful cavitation phenomenon at the level of the second pump 202.

[0088] Another advantage of the principle of the invention is the use of a piston pump for the second pump 202 which actually carries out the lifting. Despite an initial screening which makes it possible to remove the largest components from the wastewater, waste remains which can lead to the clogging of the pumps currently used. The second pump 202, unlike the electric circular pumps conventionally used to carry out the lifting, has large passage sections, not falling below a section of diameter 100. Also, such a pump 202 cannot substantially be clogged by the waste which can be found in wastewater.

[0089] Thus, the invention is applicable to the lifting of wastewater, conventionally collected, in a low storage 205, by gravity, in order to lift it to a high storage 206 of a purification station.

[0090] According to another characteristic, the section of the primary enclosure 2 is larger than the section of the secondary chambers 5, 6. It follows that the first pump 201 acts as a pressure multiplier. On the contrary, advantageously, the second pump 202 acts as a pressure divider. This advantageously makes it possible to have a transmission fluid at higher pressure, thus improving the transmission efficiency.

[0091] It has been seen that the lifting system 200 draws its energy from a manometric column 207. Such a manometric column 207 continuously supplies an operating fluid, conventionally water, under a pressure allowing the pump 201 to operate.

[0092] Such a manometric column 207 is conventionally produced by a waterfall, the difference in water height continuously providing a pressure difference. A pressure difference can be created by any other known means, such as for example a Venturi.

[0093] According to a first characteristic, illustrated [Fig.4], a manometric column comprises a pipe 207 bypassing a river, between an upstream intake and a downstream return. The pump 201 is connected in series, the upstream of the pipe 207 being connected to the first and second inlets E1, E2 and the downstream of the pipe 207 being connected to the first and second outlets S1, S2, via a first pressure regulator 210. This assembly is more particularly suitable for a public network pipe of small or medium section.

[0094] According to another characteristic, illustrated in [Fig.5], the manometric column comprises a pipe 207 bypassing a river, between an upstream intake and a downstream return. The pump 201 is connected in bypass, an upstream tapping 208 connecting the pipe 207 to the first and second inlets E1, E2 and a downstream tapping 209 connecting the pipe 207 to the first and second outlets S1, S2, the pipe 207 also advantageously comprising a second pressure regulator 211 between the upstream tapping 208 and the downstream tapping 209. This assembly is more particularly suitable for a public network pipe of large section.

[0095] According to another characteristic, the pipe 207 also comprises a third pressure regulator 212, arranged downstream of the downstream tapping 209.

[0096] In the above, a pressure regulator 210, 211, 212 means any device capable of reducing the pressure in a controlled manner, such as a pressure regulator, a pressure reducer or any other equivalent device. Its function is to maintain a pressure difference between its upstream and downstream, which can also result from the use of a Venturi. This difference is functional, so as not to risk stopping the pump 201 in the event of a balance of the upstream and downstream pressures.

[0097] Such a manometric column 207 is typically created by a relief of the river present between the upstream capture and the downstream restitution. It is easy to set up in a country presenting such a relief. The energy, provided by gravity, is here infinitely renewable and thus appears to be almost free. The invention is thus particularly advantageous in that it makes it possible to transport energy and to carry out a lifting from available and free energy. In addition, all the water captured upstream is entirely returned downstream. The lifting system does not consume any water. It only takes its mechanical energy.

[0098] The invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description. This should be considered as illustrative and given by way of example and not as limiting the invention to this description alone. Numerous alternative embodiments are possible.

Claims

1.

2. Demands Fluid lifting system (200), characterized in that it comprises a first pump (201), of the type comprising a primary chamber (2) for receiving an operating fluid and a primary piston (13), which first pump (201) comprises two secondary chambers (5, 6) and as many secondary pistons (52, 62), which primary chamber (2) is connected to a manometric column (207) intended to supply the operating fluid, and in that it comprises a second pump (202) comprising a primary chamber (2) and two secondary chambers (5, 6), which second pump (202) is connected to the first pump (201) by two transmission lines (203, 204) respectively connecting a secondary chamber (5, 6) of the first pump (201) to a secondary chamber (5, 6) of the second pump (202) and conveying the transmission fluid,and the primary chamber (2) of the second pump (202) being configured to be connected to a lifting circuit in which the fluid to be lifted circulates. Lifting system (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first pump (201) comprises: - a primary chamber (2) within which a primary piston (13) slides along an axis (X) alternately between a first end position (PI) and a second end position (P2) under the action of the pressurized operating fluid, the primary piston (13) separating the primary chamber (2) into a first primary chamber (3) and a second primary chamber (4), - a first secondary chamber (5) comprising an inlet / outlet (50) and a second secondary chamber (6) comprising an inlet / outlet (60), respectively, for receiving and expelling the transmission fluid, a first secondary piston (52), connected to the primary piston (13) so as to be driven by it, sliding in the first secondary chamber (5) to ensure the compression of the transmission fluid in the first secondary chamber (5), a second secondary piston (62), connected to the primary piston (13) so as to be driven by it,sliding in the second secondary chamber (6) to ensure compression of the transmission fluid in the second secondary chamber (6), - an alternating fluid distribution device to alternate the direction of flow of the operating fluid in the primary chamber (2) and the, direction of sliding of the primary piston (13), the first primary chamber (3) comprising a first inlet (E1) for receiving the operating fluid during a first distribution cycle and the second primary chamber (4) comprising a first outlet (S1) for evacuating the operating fluid during a first distribution cycle, the second primary chamber (4) comprising a second inlet (E2) for receiving the operating fluid during a second distribution cycle and the first primary chamber (3) comprising a second outlet (S2) for evacuating the operating fluid during a second distribution cycle, the alternating distribution device comprising at least one shut-off device (7) comprising four movable shut-off members (70-73) of the first and second inlets (E1, E2) and of the first and second outlets (S1, S2) and at least one trigger (8,9) configured to actuate said shuttering devices (70-73) between two positions respectively of shuttering and opening, the alternating distribution device being actuable between:, - a first arrangement associated with the first distribution cycle in which the primary piston (13) moves to its second position (P2), two of the moving parts (71, 72) respectively close the second inlet (E2) and the second outlet (S2), and the two other moving parts (70, 73) respectively open the first inlet (E1) and the first outlet (S1), - a second arrangement associated with the second distribution cycle in which the primary piston (13) moves to its first position (PI), two of the moving parts (70, 73) respectively close the first inlet (El) and the first outlet (SI), and the other two moving parts (71, 72) respectively open the second inlet (E2) and the second outlet (S2).

3. Lifting system (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second pump (202) comprises: - a first secondary chamber (5) comprising an inlet / outlet (50) and a second secondary chamber (6) comprising an inlet / outlet (60), for respectively receiving and expelling the transmission fluid from the transmission lines (203, 204), a first secondary piston (52), connected to a primary piston (13) in order to drive it, sliding in the first secondary chamber (5) under the action of the pressure transmitted by the transmission fluid, a

4. second secondary piston (62), connected to the primary piston (13) in order to drive it, sliding in the second secondary chamber (6) under the action of the pressure transmitted by the transmission fluid, - a primary chamber (2) inside which the primary piston (13) slides along an axis (X) alternately between a first end position (PI) and a second end position (P2) under the alternating action of each of the secondary pistons (52, 62), the primary piston (13) separating the primary chamber (2) into a first primary chamber (3) and a second primary chamber (4), the first primary chamber (3) comprising a first inlet (El) to receive the fluid to be lifted during a first distribution cycle and the second primary chamber (4) comprising a first outlet (SI) to discharge the fluid to be lifted during a first distribution cycle,the second primary chamber (4) comprising a second inlet (E2) to receive the fluid to be lifted during a second distribution cycle and the first primary chamber (3) comprising a second outlet (S2) to discharge the fluid to be lifted during a second distribution cycle, - a straightening device for pumping the fluid to be lifted in the same direction with alternating sliding of the primary piston (13). Lifting system (200) according to claim 3 wherein the straightening device comprises at least one shut-off device (7) having four movable shut-off members (70-73) of the first and second inlets (E1, E2) and of the first and second outlets (S1, S2) and at least one trigger (8, 9) configured to actuate said shut-off members (70-73) between two positions respectively of shut and open, the alternating distribution device being actuable between: - a first disposition associated with the first distribution cycle in which the primary piston (13) moves to its second position (P2), two of the movable members (71, 72) respectively shut off the second inlet (E2) and the second outlet (S2), and the other two movable members (70,73) respectively open the first inlet (El) and the first outlet (SI), - a second arrangement associated with the second distribution cycle in which the primary piston (13) moves to its first position (PI), two of the moving parts (70, 73) respectively close the first inlet (El) and the first outlet (SI), and the two other moving parts (71, 72) respectively open the second inlet (E2) and the second, exit (S2).

5. Lifting system (200) according to claim 3 wherein the straightening device comprises an inlet Y-pipe connecting the two inlets (El, E2) and a common inlet and having an inlet check valve at each of the two inlets (El, E2) and an outlet Y-pipe connecting the two outlets (SI, S2) and a common outlet and having an outlet check valve at each of the two outlets (SI, S2).

6. Lifting system (200) according to any one of claims 2 or 5, wherein the trigger (8, 9) is configured to be actuated by the primary piston (13), at least when the latter is in one of its end positions (PI, P2).

7. Lifting system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first pump (201) is provided to be disposed near the pressure column (207) and the second pump (202) is provided to be disposed near a low storage (205) to be lifted.

8. Lifting system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first pump (201) is provided to be horizontally separated from the second pump (202) by at least 100 m, preferably by at least 1 km and even more preferably by at least 10 km and vertically by at least 10 m, preferably by at least 100 m and even more preferably by at least 500 m.

9. A pumping system (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure column comprises a pipeline (207) branching off a river, between an upstream intake and a downstream discharge, the first pump (201) being connected in series, the upstream of the pipeline (207) being connected to the first and second inlets (El, E2) and the downstream of the pipeline (207) being connected to the first and second outlets (SI, S2), via a first pressure regulator (210).

10. A pumping system (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure column comprises a pipeline (207) branching off a river, between an upstream intake and a downstream discharge, the first pump (201) being connected in a bypass, an upstream branch (208) connecting the pipeline (207) to the first and second inlets (E1, E2) and a downstream branch (209) connecting the pipeline (207) to the first and second outlets (S1, S2), the pipeline (207) further comprising a second pressure regulator (211) between the upstream branch (208) and the downstream branch (209).

11. Lifting system (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pipeline (207) further comprises a third pressure regulator (212), disposed downstream of the downstream branch (209).

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