Electronic solenoid control for a self-priming electric pump

Abstract

A pump features a priming valve and a priming valve controller. The priming valve is arranged in relation to an internal recirculation channel that provides pumped fluid from a pump top housing portion to a pump bottom housing portion of the pump during a priming operation, and configured to respond to priming valve controller signaling and actuate to prevent the pumped fluid from recirculating internally via the internal recirculation channel and turn off the priming operation. The priming valve controller is configured to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on sensing an increase in an internal fluid pressure, including at least one of a suction or discharge pressure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims benefit to provisional patent application Ser. No. 63 / 439,919, filed 19 Jan. 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a pump, and more particularly relates to a self-priming electric pump.2. Brief Description of Related Art

[0003] Similar and known electric pumps with priming ability have a flow control element mated to a spring or other elastic valve-like mechanism. These elements allow water to recirculate internally from the discharge of the impellers back into the suction eyes of the impellers. During this phase, the water is being lifted in the empty suction column pipe. The air within the suction pipe is drawn into the pump and is mixed with the internal pump water being recirculated. The air and less dense water travel higher in the pump, while the denser water travels toward the bottom and back into the recirculation channel. Once the water level in the suction column reaches the pump suction, the pressure increases and the spring mechanism will close the recirculation path allowing the pump to operate as intended.Shortcomings of Known Devices

[0004] Shortcomings of the known devices include the following: Typically, the flow control elements used are mechanical in nature and not electronically monitored or operated. Some elements are internal to the pump assembly, while other designs require disassembly to set the element in the correct orientation depending on the pump's starting requirements.

[0005] In view of the aforementioned, there is a need in the industry for a better self-priming pump design.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In summary, a solenoid priming valve according to the present invention will be operated based upon electrical signals received from suction and discharge mounted pressure sensors within a pump. For example, the solenoid priming valve will operate with a human machine interface (HMI) board and an input selected by a user will determine if the solenoid priming valve will remain closed or open depending on a desired pump application. If the user chooses for the pump to start in a priming operation, then the solenoid priming valve will open and allow internal fluid to recirculate while the pump's priming cycle is taking place. As the water lifts the suction water column and reaches the pump's suction, the pressure increases internally. The suction and discharge pressure sensors will send a signal to the solenoid priming valve signaling it to close. Once closed, the pump is fully primed and will operated in a positive pressure manner operating as intended. If the user were to select the non-priming feature, then the solenoid priming valve will remain closed and the pump will operate as intended in a positive pressure manner.SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

[0007] According to some embodiments, and by way of example, the present invention may include, or take the form of, a pump featuring a priming valve and a priming valve controller.

[0008] The priming valve may be arranged in relation to an internal recirculation channel that provides pumped fluid from a pump top housing portion to a pump bottom housing portion of the pump during a priming operation, and configured to respond to priming valve controller signaling and actuate to prevent the pumped fluid from recirculating internally via the internal recirculation channel and stop the priming operation.

[0009] The priming valve controller may be configured to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on sensing an increase in an internal fluid pressure, e.g., including at least one of a suction or discharge pressure.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the present invention may also include one or more of the following features:

[0011] The priming valve controller may include, or take the form of, at least one of a suction or discharge pressure sensor that senses the internal fluid pressure and provides the priming valve controller signaling as a signal directly to the priming valve to actuate it. While embodiments will likely include controlling the primary valve based upon sensing an increase in both the suction and discharge pressure, embodiments are envisioned, and the scope of the invention is intended to include, controlling the primary valve based upon sensing an increase in only one of the suction pressure or the discharge pressure. Embodiment are also envisioned, and the scope of the invention is intended to include, the suction or discharge pressure sensor providing the signal to the primary valve controller, which in turn provides the priming valve controller signaling to the priming valve to actuate it.

[0012] The at least one suction or discharge pressure sensor may include both a suction pressure sensor and a discharge pressure sensor.

[0013] The priming valve may include a solenoid priming valve having a plunger valve; and the solenoid priming valve may be configured to respond to the priming valve controller signaling and extend the plunger valve and close the internal recirculation channel.

[0014] The solenoid priming valve may include a valve housing portion and a position maintaining spring; and the plunger valve comprises a plunger valve head and a plunger valve stem having the position maintaining spring arranged thereon between the plunger valve head and the valve housing portion, so that the plunger valve and the position maintaining spring are spring-loaded when the plunger valve is either extended and closed or retracted and open.

[0015] The priming valve may include a valve housing and a sealing ring arranged between the valve housing and the pump bottom housing portion.

[0016] The priming valve controller may include a human machine interface (HMI) board having a signal processor or processing module and configured to receive at least one user input from a user that determines whether the pump starts in a priming or non-priming operation, including whether the priming valve remains open or closed when the pump starts depending on a desired pump application.

[0017] The HMI board may be configured to receive either a user priming input to open the internal recirculation channel, or a user non-priming input to close the internal recirculation channel; and the priming valve controller signaling may contain information to open the priming valve and the internal recirculation channel, or to close the priming valve and the internal recirculation channel.

[0018] The priming valve may include electrical component connectors configured to connect to the priming valve controller and receive the priming valve controller signaling.

[0019] The pump may include the pump top housing portion, the pump bottom housing portion, and the internal recirculation channel arranged inbetween.

[0020] The priming valve controller may be configured to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on input signaling received containing information that the ambient temperature is below freezing.Self-Priming Electric Pump

[0021] According to some embodiments, the present invention may take the form of a self-priming electric pump featuring a pump housing, a suction pressure sensor, a discharge pressure sensor, a solenoid priming valve and a priming valve controller.

[0022] The pump housing has a top housing portion with a discharge port, a bottom housing portion with a suction port, and an internal recirculation channel that provides pumped fluid from the top housing portion to the bottom housing portion during a priming operation.

[0023] The suction pressure sensor is arranged in the suction port and configured to sense a suction pressure.

[0024] The discharge pressure sensor is arranged in the discharge port and configured to sense a discharge pressure.

[0025] The solenoid priming valve is arranged in relation to the internal recirculation channel, and configured to respond to priming valve controller signaling and actuate to prevent the pumped fluid from recirculating internally via the internal recirculation channel and stop the priming operation.

[0026] The priming valve controller is configured to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the solenoid priming valve, based on sensing an increase in the suction and discharge pressure.The Method

[0027] According to some embodiments, the present invention may take the form of a method for controlling a pump comprising:

[0028] arranging a priming valve in relation to an internal recirculation channel that provides pumped fluid from a pump top housing portion to a pump bottom housing portion of the pump during a priming operation;

[0029] sensing a suction and / or discharge pressure by a suction and / or discharge pressure sensor arranged in a suction port and / or discharge port of the pump;

[0030] configuring the priming valve to respond to priming valve controller signaling and actuate to prevent the pumped fluid from recirculating internally via the internal recirculation channel and stop the priming operation; and

[0031] configuring a priming valve controller to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on an increase in the suction and / or discharge pressure sensed.

[0032] The method may also include one or more of the features set forth herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0033] The drawing, which is not necessarily drawn to scale, includes the following Figures:

[0034] FIG. 1 includes FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C which show a solenoid priming valve according to some embodiments of the present invention. See Table 1, which provides a partial parts / components list, as follows:TABLE 1showing item nos. and part labels.ITEM #DESCRIPTION①PLUNGER VALVE②POSITION MAINTAINING SPRING③SEALING O-RING④VALVE HOUSING⑤ELECTRICAL COMPONENT CONNECTORS

[0035] FIG. 2 shows the solenoid priming valve in a closed position (normal operation) and will operate normally, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows the solenoid priming valve in an open position (priming operation) according to some embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 3, when in its priming operation, the solenoid priming valve will remain open as shown allowing more dense water (B) to flow back down and continue an internal recirculation until water is lifted up the suction column. Less dense water / air mixture (A) will move toward the top allowing the air to evacuate out the top of the pump.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a pump having a priming valve and a priming valve controller, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Similar parts in Figures are labeled with similar reference numerals and labels for consistency. Every lead line and associated reference label for every element is not included in every Figure of the drawing to reduce clutter in the drawing as a whole.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In summary, the present invention provides a pump 10 (FIGS. 2-4) having a solenoid priming valve PV (FIG. 1) that may be operated, e.g. based upon electrical signals received from suction and discharge mounted pressure sensors Ss, Sd (FIG. 4) within the pump 10. For example, the solenoid priming valve PV may be operated by a priming valve controller having a human machine interface (HMI) board that receives at least one input selected by a user to determine if the solenoid priming valve PV is to remain closed (FIG. 2) or open (FIG. 3) depending on the desired pump application. If the user chooses to start the pump 10 in a priming operation (FIG. 3), then the priming solenoid valve PV will be opened to allow the internal fluid to recirculate while the priming cycle is taking place. As the water lifts the suction water column and reaches the pump's suction, the fluid pressure increases internally within the pump 10. By way of example, suction and discharge pressure sensors Ss, Sd will sense an increase in the internal fluid pressure and send pressure sensor signaling to close the priming solenoid valve PV. In this example, the suction and discharge pressure sensors Ss, Sd may be configured to implement priming valve controller functionality directly, e.g., by sensing suction and / or discharge pressure at the pump's suction and / or discharge ports S, D (FIG. 4), and sending a signal directly to the solenoid priming valve PV as priming valve controller signaling. Alternatively, as a further example, the pump 10 may be configured with a priming valve controller 20 (FIG. 4), e.g., having the HBI board, that receives pressure sensor signaling from the suction and discharge pressure sensors Ss, Sd and provides the priming valve controller signaling to the priming solenoid valve PV to close (FIG. 2) the priming solenoid valve PV and stop the priming operation. Once closed, the pump 10 is fully primed and will operated in a positive pressure manner operating as intended. If the user selects a non-priming option, then the priming valve controller 20 will send suitable priming valve controller signaling to close and keep closed the solenoid priming valve PV (FIG. 2), and the pump 10 will operate as intended in a positive pressure manner.PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT

[0040] According to some embodiments, and by way of example, the present invention may include, or take the form of, the pump 10 shown in FIGS. 2-4 having a combination of the priming valve PV (FIGS. 1-4) and the priming valve controller 20 (FIG. 4).

[0041] The priming valve PV may be arranged in relation to an internal recirculation channel C that provides pumped fluid from a pump top housing portion 12 to a pump bottom housing portion 14 of the pump 10 during a priming operation, and configured to respond to priming valve controller signaling and actuate to prevent the pumped fluid Fp from recirculating internally via the internal recirculation channel C and stop the priming operation.

[0042] The priming valve controller 20 (FIG. 4) may be configured to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on sensing an increase an internal fluid pressure in the pump. The sensing of the increase in the internal fluid pressure may include the sensing of at least one of a suction or discharge pressure, e.g., by at least one of a suction or discharge pressure sensor Ss, Sd (FIG. 4) arranged in at least one of a suction port S or discharge port D (FIG. 4) of the pump 10. As mentioned above, the scope of the invention is intended to include controlling the primary valve based upon sensing an increase in the suction pressure, the discharge pressure, or both the suction and discharge pressure.

[0043] The priming valve controller 20 (FIG. 4) may include, or take the form of, the at least one of suction or discharge pressure sensor Ss, Sd that senses the increase in the internal fluid pressure and provides the priming valve controller signaling as a signal directly to the priming valve PV. Moreover, the at least one suction and / or discharge pressure sensor Ss, Sd may include both a suction pressure sensor and a discharge pressure sensor.

[0044] The solenoid priming valve PV (FIGS. 1-3) may include a plunger valve 1, a position maintaining spring 2, a sealing O-ring 3, a valve housing 4 and electrical component connectors 5, e.g., as labeled and shown in FIG. 1.

[0045] The priming valve PV may include, or take the form of, a solenoid priming valve having the plunger valve 1. The solenoid priming valve PV may be configured to respond to the priming valve controller signaling, extend the plunger valve 1 and close the internal recirculation channel C, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2.

[0046] The plunger valve 1 may include a plunger valve head 1a and a plunger valve stem 1b having the position maintaining spring 2 arranged thereon between the plunger valve head 1a and the valve housing 4, so that the plunger valve 1 and the position maintaining spring 2 are spring-loaded when the plunger valve 1 is either extended and closed (FIG. 2) or retracted and open (FIG. 3). The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to how the plunger valve 1 and the position maintaining spring 2 are spring-loaded.

[0047] The pump bottom housing portion 14 includes a pumping chamber inlet 14a configured to receive and provide fluid to a pumping chamber 14b, which provides pumped fluid Fp to the pump top housing portion 14a, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2-3. The pumped fluid Fp circulates through the pump top housing portion 14a, includes less dense water / air mixture indicated by label A (FIG. 3) that will move toward the top allowing air to evacuate out the top of the pump, and also includes more dense water indicated by label B that flows back down and continues an internal recirculation to the pump bottom housing portion 14b via the internal recirculation channel C until the pump 10 is primed.

[0048] The pump top housing portion 12 and 14 are configured with the recirculation channel C, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2-3, that provides the pumped fluid Fp from the pump top housing portion 12 to the pump bottom housing portion 14 and allows recirculated fluid Fr to flow from the pump top housing portion 12 to the pump bottom housing portion 14 when the pump 10 operates in the priming operation and the plunger valve 1 is retracted as shown in FIG. 3.

[0049] The pump bottom housing portion 14 includes a bottom housing chamber 14c having a bottom housing chamber inlet 14c′ configured to receive the recirculated fluid Fr from the internal recirculation channel C provided to the bottom housing chamber 14c. The bottom housing chamber 14c also includes a bottom housing chamber outlet 14c″ configure to receive and provide the recirculated fluid Fr from the bottom housing chamber 14c to a bottom housing channel 14d that fluidically couples the bottom housing chamber 14c to the pumping chamber 14b.

[0050] When the pump 10 is primed and the plunger valve 1 is extended, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2, the bottom housing chamber outlet 14c″ is configured to receive the plunger valve head 1a in a sealing manner to close the bottom housing channel 14d, e.g., as indicated by the “X” in FIG. 2, preventing the internal recirculation channel C from providing any more recirculated fluid Fr to the bottom housing chamber 14c, thus closing the internal recirculation channel C.

[0051] By way of example, and consistent with that shown in FIGS. 2-3, the internal recirculation channel C is labeled as a channel formed between the pump top housing portion 12 and the pump bottom housing portion 14; however, the internal recirculation channel C is understood to extend from the pump top housing portion 12 to the pump bottom housing portion 14 (including extending through the bottom housing chamber 14c and the bottom housing channel 14d), so as to allow the recirculating fluid Fr to flow from the pump top housing portion 12 into the pumping chamber 14b of the pump bottom housing portion 14.

[0052] The sealing O-ring 3 may be arranged between part of the valve housing 4 and a corresponding part of the pump bottom housing portion 14, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

[0053] The priming valve controller 20 may include a human machine interface (HMI) board 40 having a signal processor or processing module 42 and configured to receive at least one user input from a user that determines whether the pump 10 starts in a priming or non-priming operation, including whether the priming valve PV remains open or closed when the pump 10 starts depending on a desired pump application.

[0054] The HMI board 40 may be configured to receive either a user priming input to open the internal recirculation channel C, or a user non-priming input to close the internal recirculation channel C. The priming valve controller signaling actuates and opens the priming valve PV and the internal recirculation channel C (FIG. 3), or actuates and closes the priming valve PV and the internal recirculation channel C (FIG. 2).

[0055] The electrical component connectors 5 (FIG. 1) of the priming valve PV are configured to connect to the priming valve controller 20 to receive the priming valve controller signaling, and / or receive the electrical signal from the suction and / or discharge pressure sensor Ss, Sd (FIG. 4).Opening the Priming Valve During Below Freezing Conditions

[0056] By way of further example, embodiments are envisioned where if the pump is operated outdoors or in an environment below freezing, then the priming valve controller may be configured to open the priming valve and allow the pump to operate and exercise itself. During this exercise phase, the pump's motor will generate heat and recirculate water internally which can prevent any freezing inside the pump. With the priming valve open, the pump will not generate any pressure on the closed system. After exercising, the priming valve will close so the pump can operate under normal boosting conditions.

[0057] For example, in order to implement such an embodiment, the pump may include a temperature sensor configured to sense the ambient temperature and provide temperature sensing signaling containing information about the ambient temperature to the priming valve controller 20, e.g., which may open the priming valve when below freezing conditions are sensed. Alternatively, embodiments are also envisioned where a user may provide a suitable user input to the MBI board to open the priming valve, e.g., when below freezing conditions are sensed by the user.Implementation of the Functionality of the Priming Valve Controller 20 and / or HBI Board 40

[0058] The functionality of the priming valve controller 20 and / or the HBI board 40 may be implemented in whole or in part using one or more signal processor or processing modules 42 that may be configured using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular embodiment thereof. In a typical software implementation, a signal processor or processing module, e.g., like element 42 (FIG. 4), may take the form of one or more microprocessor-based architectures having a processor or microprocessor, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), where the RAM and ROM together form at least part of a memory for storing a computer program code, input / output devices and control, data and address buses connecting the same. A person skilled in the art would be able to program such a microprocessor-based implementation with the computer program code to perform the functionality described herein without undue experimentation. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular implementation using technology either now known or later developed in the future. Moreover, the scope of the invention is intended to include the signal processor or processing module being a stand alone module, or in some combination with other circuitry for implementing another module. Moreover still, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind of signal processor or processing module used to perform the signal processing functionality, or the manner in which the computer program code is programmed or implemented in order to make the signal processor operate.

[0059] The signal processor or processing module, e.g., like element 42 (FIG. 4), may include one or more other sub-modules for implementing other functionality that is known in the art, but does not form part of the underlying invention per se, and is not described in detail herein. For example, the functionality of the one or more other modules may include the techniques for the receiving signaling, provisioning of signaling for activating, deactivating or controlling the pump based on certain processing control functionality, including providing the signal automatically, providing the signal after a certain time period, etc., that can depend on a particular application for a particular customer.

[0060] The signal processor or processing module may also be configured to implement the underlying signal processing functionality in combination with other signal processor circuits or components 42 (FIG. 4), e.g., including input / output modules, memory modules, data, address and control busing architecture, etc.Pumps

[0061] Pumps, e.g., including electric pumps, are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind either now known or later developed in the future. By way of example, and as a person skilled in the art would appreciate, such pumps may include a pump housing with a pump top upper housing portion, a pump bottom housing portion, an inlet and an outlet. Such pumps may also have an impeller arranged in the pump housing for drawing fluid into the inlet, pumping the liquid drawn through the pump housing, and providing the fluid pumped from the outlet.Solenoid Valves Like PV

[0062] Solenoid valves like element PV are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind either now known or later developed in the future. By way of example, and as a person skilled in the art would appreciate, in operation a solenoid valve responds to electrical signaling and actuate, e.g., by extending or retracting a plunger valve. By way of example, the plunger valve may close or opening an orifice that allows fluid (i.e., air or liquid) to flow or not to flow through the orifice.Suction and / or Discharge Pressure Sensors Ss, Sd

[0063] Suction and / or discharge pressure sensors like elements Ss, Sd are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind either now known or later developed in the future. By way of example, and as a person skilled in the art would appreciate, in operation such suction and / or discharge pressure sensors may be configured to sense suction and / or discharge pressure and provide suction and / or discharge pressure sensor signaling containing information about the suction and / or discharge pressure sensed at the pump's suction port S or discharge port D.THE SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

[0064] Further still, the embodiments shown and described in detail herein are provided by way of example only; and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular configurations, dimensionalities, and / or design details of these parts or elements included herein. In other words, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that design changes to these embodiments may be made and such that the resulting embodiments would be different than the embodiments disclosed herein, but would still be within the overall spirit of the present invention.

[0065] It should be understood that, unless stated otherwise herein, any of the features, characteristics, alternatives or modifications described regarding a particular embodiment herein may also be applied, used, or incorporated with any other embodiment described herein.

[0066] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, the foregoing and various other additions and omissions may be made therein and thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0039]In summary, the present invention provides a pump 10 (FIGS. 2-4) having a solenoid priming valve PV (FIG. 1) that may be operated, e.g. based upon electrical signals received from suction and discharge mounted pressure sensors Ss, Sd (FIG. 4) within the pump 10. For example, the solenoid priming valve PV may be operated by a priming valve controller having a human machine interface (HMI) board that receives at least one input selected by a user to determine if the solenoid priming valve PV is to remain closed (FIG. 2) or open (FIG. 3) depending on the desired pump application. If the user chooses to start the pump 10 in a priming operation (FIG. 3), then the priming solenoid valve PV will be opened to allow the internal fluid to recirculate while the priming cycle is taking place. As the water lifts the suction water column and reaches the pump's suction, the fluid pressure increases internally within the pump 10. By way of example, suction and discharge pressure sensors Ss, S...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims benefit to provisional patent application Ser. No. 63 / 439,919, filed 19 Jan. 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a pump, and more particularly relates to a self-priming electric pump.2. Brief Description of Related Art

[0003] Similar and known electric pumps with priming ability have a flow control element mated to a spring or other elastic valve-like mechanism. These elements allow water to recirculate internally from the discharge of the impellers back into the suction eyes of the impellers. During this phase, the water is being lifted in the empty suction column pipe. The air within the suction pipe is drawn into the pump and is mixed with the internal pump water being recirculated. The air and less dense water travel higher in the pump, while the denser water travels toward the bottom and back into the recirculation channel. Once the water level in the suction column reaches the pump suction, the pressure increases and the spring mechanism will close the recirculation path allowing the pump to operate as intended.Shortcomings of Known Devices

[0004] Shortcomings of the known devices include the following: Typically, the flow control elements used are mechanical in nature and not electronically monitored or operated. Some elements are internal to the pump assembly, while other designs require disassembly to set the element in the correct orientation depending on the pump's starting requirements.

[0005] In view of the aforementioned, there is a need in the industry for a better self-priming pump design.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In summary, a solenoid priming valve according to the present invention will be operated based upon electrical signals received from suction and discharge mounted pressure sensors within a pump. For example, the solenoid priming valve will operate with a human machine interface (HMI) board and an input selected by a user will determine if the solenoid priming valve will remain closed or open depending on a desired pump application. If the user chooses for the pump to start in a priming operation, then the solenoid priming valve will open and allow internal fluid to recirculate while the pump's priming cycle is taking place. As the water lifts the suction water column and reaches the pump's suction, the pressure increases internally. The suction and discharge pressure sensors will send a signal to the solenoid priming valve signaling it to close. Once closed, the pump is fully primed and will operated in a positive pressure manner operating as intended. If the user were to select the non-priming feature, then the solenoid priming valve will remain closed and the pump will operate as intended in a positive pressure manner.SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

[0007] According to some embodiments, and by way of example, the present invention may include, or take the form of, a pump featuring a priming valve and a priming valve controller.

[0008] The priming valve may be arranged in relation to an internal recirculation channel that provides pumped fluid from a pump top housing portion to a pump bottom housing portion of the pump during a priming operation, and configured to respond to priming valve controller signaling and actuate to prevent the pumped fluid from recirculating internally via the internal recirculation channel and stop the priming operation.

[0009] The priming valve controller may be configured to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on sensing an increase in an internal fluid pressure, e.g., including at least one of a suction or discharge pressure.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the present invention may also include one or more of the following features:

[0011] The priming valve controller may include, or take the form of, at least one of a suction or discharge pressure sensor that senses the internal fluid pressure and provides the priming valve controller signaling as a signal directly to the priming valve to actuate it. While embodiments will likely include controlling the primary valve based upon sensing an increase in both the suction and discharge pressure, embodiments are envisioned, and the scope of the invention is intended to include, controlling the primary valve based upon sensing an increase in only one of the suction pressure or the discharge pressure. Embodiment are also envisioned, and the scope of the invention is intended to include, the suction or discharge pressure sensor providing the signal to the primary valve controller, which in turn provides the priming valve controller signaling to the priming valve to actuate it.

[0012] The at least one suction or discharge pressure sensor may include both a suction pressure sensor and a discharge pressure sensor.

[0013] The priming valve may include a solenoid priming valve having a plunger valve; and the solenoid priming valve may be configured to respond to the priming valve controller signaling and extend the plunger valve and close the internal recirculation channel.

[0014] The solenoid priming valve may include a valve housing portion and a position maintaining spring; and the plunger valve comprises a plunger valve head and a plunger valve stem having the position maintaining spring arranged thereon between the plunger valve head and the valve housing portion, so that the plunger valve and the position maintaining spring are spring-loaded when the plunger valve is either extended and closed or retracted and open.

[0015] The priming valve may include a valve housing and a sealing ring arranged between the valve housing and the pump bottom housing portion.

[0016] The priming valve controller may include a human machine interface (HMI) board having a signal processor or processing module and configured to receive at least one user input from a user that determines whether the pump starts in a priming or non-priming operation, including whether the priming valve remains open or closed when the pump starts depending on a desired pump application.

[0017] The HMI board may be configured to receive either a user priming input to open the internal recirculation channel, or a user non-priming input to close the internal recirculation channel; and the priming valve controller signaling may contain information to open the priming valve and the internal recirculation channel, or to close the priming valve and the internal recirculation channel.

[0018] The priming valve may include electrical component connectors configured to connect to the priming valve controller and receive the priming valve controller signaling.

[0019] The pump may include the pump top housing portion, the pump bottom housing portion, and the internal recirculation channel arranged inbetween.

[0020] The priming valve controller may be configured to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on input signaling received containing information that the ambient temperature is below freezing.Self-Priming Electric Pump

[0021] According to some embodiments, the present invention may take the form of a self-priming electric pump featuring a pump housing, a suction pressure sensor, a discharge pressure sensor, a solenoid priming valve and a priming valve controller.

[0022] The pump housing has a top housing portion with a discharge port, a bottom housing portion with a suction port, and an internal recirculation channel that provides pumped fluid from the top housing portion to the bottom housing portion during a priming operation.

[0023] The suction pressure sensor is arranged in the suction port and configured to sense a suction pressure.

[0024] The discharge pressure sensor is arranged in the discharge port and configured to sense a discharge pressure.

[0025] The solenoid priming valve is arranged in relation to the internal recirculation channel, and configured to respond to priming valve controller signaling and actuate to prevent the pumped fluid from recirculating internally via the internal recirculation channel and stop the priming operation.

[0026] The priming valve controller is configured to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the solenoid priming valve, based on sensing an increase in the suction and discharge pressure.The Method

[0027] According to some embodiments, the present invention may take the form of a method for controlling a pump comprising:

[0028] arranging a priming valve in relation to an internal recirculation channel that provides pumped fluid from a pump top housing portion to a pump bottom housing portion of the pump during a priming operation;

[0029] sensing a suction and / or discharge pressure by a suction and / or discharge pressure sensor arranged in a suction port and / or discharge port of the pump;

[0030] configuring the priming valve to respond to priming valve controller signaling and actuate to prevent the pumped fluid from recirculating internally via the internal recirculation channel and stop the priming operation; and

[0031] configuring a priming valve controller to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on an increase in the suction and / or discharge pressure sensed.

[0032] The method may also include one or more of the features set forth herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0033] The drawing, which is not necessarily drawn to scale, includes the following Figures:

[0034] FIG. 1 includes FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C which show a solenoid priming valve according to some embodiments of the present invention. See Table 1, which provides a partial parts / components list, as follows:TABLE 1showing item nos. and part labels.ITEM #DESCRIPTION①PLUNGER VALVE②POSITION MAINTAINING SPRING③SEALING O-RING④VALVE HOUSING⑤ELECTRICAL COMPONENT CONNECTORS

[0035] FIG. 2 shows the solenoid priming valve in a closed position (normal operation) and will operate normally, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows the solenoid priming valve in an open position (priming operation) according to some embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 3, when in its priming operation, the solenoid priming valve will remain open as shown allowing more dense water (B) to flow back down and continue an internal recirculation until water is lifted up the suction column. Less dense water / air mixture (A) will move toward the top allowing the air to evacuate out the top of the pump.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a pump having a priming valve and a priming valve controller, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Similar parts in Figures are labeled with similar reference numerals and labels for consistency. Every lead line and associated reference label for every element is not included in every Figure of the drawing to reduce clutter in the drawing as a whole.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In summary, the present invention provides a pump 10 (FIGS. 2-4) having a solenoid priming valve PV (FIG. 1) that may be operated, e.g. based upon electrical signals received from suction and discharge mounted pressure sensors Ss, Sd (FIG. 4) within the pump 10. For example, the solenoid priming valve PV may be operated by a priming valve controller having a human machine interface (HMI) board that receives at least one input selected by a user to determine if the solenoid priming valve PV is to remain closed (FIG. 2) or open (FIG. 3) depending on the desired pump application. If the user chooses to start the pump 10 in a priming operation (FIG. 3), then the priming solenoid valve PV will be opened to allow the internal fluid to recirculate while the priming cycle is taking place. As the water lifts the suction water column and reaches the pump's suction, the fluid pressure increases internally within the pump 10. By way of example, suction and discharge pressure sensors Ss, Sd will sense an increase in the internal fluid pressure and send pressure sensor signaling to close the priming solenoid valve PV. In this example, the suction and discharge pressure sensors Ss, Sd may be configured to implement priming valve controller functionality directly, e.g., by sensing suction and / or discharge pressure at the pump's suction and / or discharge ports S, D (FIG. 4), and sending a signal directly to the solenoid priming valve PV as priming valve controller signaling. Alternatively, as a further example, the pump 10 may be configured with a priming valve controller 20 (FIG. 4), e.g., having the HBI board, that receives pressure sensor signaling from the suction and discharge pressure sensors Ss, Sd and provides the priming valve controller signaling to the priming solenoid valve PV to close (FIG. 2) the priming solenoid valve PV and stop the priming operation. Once closed, the pump 10 is fully primed and will operated in a positive pressure manner operating as intended. If the user selects a non-priming option, then the priming valve controller 20 will send suitable priming valve controller signaling to close and keep closed the solenoid priming valve PV (FIG. 2), and the pump 10 will operate as intended in a positive pressure manner.PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT

[0040] According to some embodiments, and by way of example, the present invention may include, or take the form of, the pump 10 shown in FIGS. 2-4 having a combination of the priming valve PV (FIGS. 1-4) and the priming valve controller 20 (FIG. 4).

[0041] The priming valve PV may be arranged in relation to an internal recirculation channel C that provides pumped fluid from a pump top housing portion 12 to a pump bottom housing portion 14 of the pump 10 during a priming operation, and configured to respond to priming valve controller signaling and actuate to prevent the pumped fluid Fp from recirculating internally via the internal recirculation channel C and stop the priming operation.

[0042] The priming valve controller 20 (FIG. 4) may be configured to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on sensing an increase an internal fluid pressure in the pump. The sensing of the increase in the internal fluid pressure may include the sensing of at least one of a suction or discharge pressure, e.g., by at least one of a suction or discharge pressure sensor Ss, Sd (FIG. 4) arranged in at least one of a suction port S or discharge port D (FIG. 4) of the pump 10. As mentioned above, the scope of the invention is intended to include controlling the primary valve based upon sensing an increase in the suction pressure, the discharge pressure, or both the suction and discharge pressure.

[0043] The priming valve controller 20 (FIG. 4) may include, or take the form of, the at least one of suction or discharge pressure sensor Ss, Sd that senses the increase in the internal fluid pressure and provides the priming valve controller signaling as a signal directly to the priming valve PV. Moreover, the at least one suction and / or discharge pressure sensor Ss, Sd may include both a suction pressure sensor and a discharge pressure sensor.

[0044] The solenoid priming valve PV (FIGS. 1-3) may include a plunger valve 1, a position maintaining spring 2, a sealing O-ring 3, a valve housing 4 and electrical component connectors 5, e.g., as labeled and shown in FIG. 1.

[0045] The priming valve PV may include, or take the form of, a solenoid priming valve having the plunger valve 1. The solenoid priming valve PV may be configured to respond to the priming valve controller signaling, extend the plunger valve 1 and close the internal recirculation channel C, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2.

[0046] The plunger valve 1 may include a plunger valve head 1a and a plunger valve stem 1b having the position maintaining spring 2 arranged thereon between the plunger valve head 1a and the valve housing 4, so that the plunger valve 1 and the position maintaining spring 2 are spring-loaded when the plunger valve 1 is either extended and closed (FIG. 2) or retracted and open (FIG. 3). The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to how the plunger valve 1 and the position maintaining spring 2 are spring-loaded.

[0047] The pump bottom housing portion 14 includes a pumping chamber inlet 14a configured to receive and provide fluid to a pumping chamber 14b, which provides pumped fluid Fp to the pump top housing portion 14a, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2-3. The pumped fluid Fp circulates through the pump top housing portion 14a, includes less dense water / air mixture indicated by label A (FIG. 3) that will move toward the top allowing air to evacuate out the top of the pump, and also includes more dense water indicated by label B that flows back down and continues an internal recirculation to the pump bottom housing portion 14b via the internal recirculation channel C until the pump 10 is primed.

[0048] The pump top housing portion 12 and 14 are configured with the recirculation channel C, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2-3, that provides the pumped fluid Fp from the pump top housing portion 12 to the pump bottom housing portion 14 and allows recirculated fluid Fr to flow from the pump top housing portion 12 to the pump bottom housing portion 14 when the pump 10 operates in the priming operation and the plunger valve 1 is retracted as shown in FIG. 3.

[0049] The pump bottom housing portion 14 includes a bottom housing chamber 14c having a bottom housing chamber inlet 14c′ configured to receive the recirculated fluid Fr from the internal recirculation channel C provided to the bottom housing chamber 14c. The bottom housing chamber 14c also includes a bottom housing chamber outlet 14c″ configure to receive and provide the recirculated fluid Fr from the bottom housing chamber 14c to a bottom housing channel 14d that fluidically couples the bottom housing chamber 14c to the pumping chamber 14b.

[0050] When the pump 10 is primed and the plunger valve 1 is extended, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2, the bottom housing chamber outlet 14c″ is configured to receive the plunger valve head 1a in a sealing manner to close the bottom housing channel 14d, e.g., as indicated by the “X” in FIG. 2, preventing the internal recirculation channel C from providing any more recirculated fluid Fr to the bottom housing chamber 14c, thus closing the internal recirculation channel C.

[0051] By way of example, and consistent with that shown in FIGS. 2-3, the internal recirculation channel C is labeled as a channel formed between the pump top housing portion 12 and the pump bottom housing portion 14; however, the internal recirculation channel C is understood to extend from the pump top housing portion 12 to the pump bottom housing portion 14 (including extending through the bottom housing chamber 14c and the bottom housing channel 14d), so as to allow the recirculating fluid Fr to flow from the pump top housing portion 12 into the pumping chamber 14b of the pump bottom housing portion 14.

[0052] The sealing O-ring 3 may be arranged between part of the valve housing 4 and a corresponding part of the pump bottom housing portion 14, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

[0053] The priming valve controller 20 may include a human machine interface (HMI) board 40 having a signal processor or processing module 42 and configured to receive at least one user input from a user that determines whether the pump 10 starts in a priming or non-priming operation, including whether the priming valve PV remains open or closed when the pump 10 starts depending on a desired pump application.

[0054] The HMI board 40 may be configured to receive either a user priming input to open the internal recirculation channel C, or a user non-priming input to close the internal recirculation channel C. The priming valve controller signaling actuates and opens the priming valve PV and the internal recirculation channel C (FIG. 3), or actuates and closes the priming valve PV and the internal recirculation channel C (FIG. 2).

[0055] The electrical component connectors 5 (FIG. 1) of the priming valve PV are configured to connect to the priming valve controller 20 to receive the priming valve controller signaling, and / or receive the electrical signal from the suction and / or discharge pressure sensor Ss, Sd (FIG. 4).Opening the Priming Valve During Below Freezing Conditions

[0056] By way of further example, embodiments are envisioned where if the pump is operated outdoors or in an environment below freezing, then the priming valve controller may be configured to open the priming valve and allow the pump to operate and exercise itself. During this exercise phase, the pump's motor will generate heat and recirculate water internally which can prevent any freezing inside the pump. With the priming valve open, the pump will not generate any pressure on the closed system. After exercising, the priming valve will close so the pump can operate under normal boosting conditions.

[0057] For example, in order to implement such an embodiment, the pump may include a temperature sensor configured to sense the ambient temperature and provide temperature sensing signaling containing information about the ambient temperature to the priming valve controller 20, e.g., which may open the priming valve when below freezing conditions are sensed. Alternatively, embodiments are also envisioned where a user may provide a suitable user input to the MBI board to open the priming valve, e.g., when below freezing conditions are sensed by the user.Implementation of the Functionality of the Priming Valve Controller 20 and / or HBI Board 40

[0058] The functionality of the priming valve controller 20 and / or the HBI board 40 may be implemented in whole or in part using one or more signal processor or processing modules 42 that may be configured using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular embodiment thereof. In a typical software implementation, a signal processor or processing module, e.g., like element 42 (FIG. 4), may take the form of one or more microprocessor-based architectures having a processor or microprocessor, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), where the RAM and ROM together form at least part of a memory for storing a computer program code, input / output devices and control, data and address buses connecting the same. A person skilled in the art would be able to program such a microprocessor-based implementation with the computer program code to perform the functionality described herein without undue experimentation. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular implementation using technology either now known or later developed in the future. Moreover, the scope of the invention is intended to include the signal processor or processing module being a stand alone module, or in some combination with other circuitry for implementing another module. Moreover still, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind of signal processor or processing module used to perform the signal processing functionality, or the manner in which the computer program code is programmed or implemented in order to make the signal processor operate.

[0059] The signal processor or processing module, e.g., like element 42 (FIG. 4), may include one or more other sub-modules for implementing other functionality that is known in the art, but does not form part of the underlying invention per se, and is not described in detail herein. For example, the functionality of the one or more other modules may include the techniques for the receiving signaling, provisioning of signaling for activating, deactivating or controlling the pump based on certain processing control functionality, including providing the signal automatically, providing the signal after a certain time period, etc., that can depend on a particular application for a particular customer.

[0060] The signal processor or processing module may also be configured to implement the underlying signal processing functionality in combination with other signal processor circuits or components 42 (FIG. 4), e.g., including input / output modules, memory modules, data, address and control busing architecture, etc.Pumps

[0061] Pumps, e.g., including electric pumps, are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind either now known or later developed in the future. By way of example, and as a person skilled in the art would appreciate, such pumps may include a pump housing with a pump top upper housing portion, a pump bottom housing portion, an inlet and an outlet. Such pumps may also have an impeller arranged in the pump housing for drawing fluid into the inlet, pumping the liquid drawn through the pump housing, and providing the fluid pumped from the outlet.Solenoid Valves Like PV

[0062] Solenoid valves like element PV are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind either now known or later developed in the future. By way of example, and as a person skilled in the art would appreciate, in operation a solenoid valve responds to electrical signaling and actuate, e.g., by extending or retracting a plunger valve. By way of example, the plunger valve may close or opening an orifice that allows fluid (i.e., air or liquid) to flow or not to flow through the orifice.Suction and / or Discharge Pressure Sensors Ss, Sd

[0063] Suction and / or discharge pressure sensors like elements Ss, Sd are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind either now known or later developed in the future. By way of example, and as a person skilled in the art would appreciate, in operation such suction and / or discharge pressure sensors may be configured to sense suction and / or discharge pressure and provide suction and / or discharge pressure sensor signaling containing information about the suction and / or discharge pressure sensed at the pump's suction port S or discharge port D.THE SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

[0064] Further still, the embodiments shown and described in detail herein are provided by way of example only; and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular configurations, dimensionalities, and / or design details of these parts or elements included herein. In other words, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that design changes to these embodiments may be made and such that the resulting embodiments would be different than the embodiments disclosed herein, but would still be within the overall spirit of the present invention.

[0065] It should be understood that, unless stated otherwise herein, any of the features, characteristics, alternatives or modifications described regarding a particular embodiment herein may also be applied, used, or incorporated with any other embodiment described herein.

[0066] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, the foregoing and various other additions and omissions may be made therein and thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0039]In summary, the present invention provides a pump 10 (FIGS. 2-4) having a solenoid priming valve PV (FIG. 1) that may be operated, e.g. based upon electrical signals received from suction and discharge mounted pressure sensors Ss, Sd (FIG. 4) within the pump 10. For example, the solenoid priming valve PV may be operated by a priming valve controller having a human machine interface (HMI) board that receives at least one input selected by a user to determine if the solenoid priming valve PV is to remain closed (FIG. 2) or open (FIG. 3) depending on the desired pump application. If the user chooses to start the pump 10 in a priming operation (FIG. 3), then the priming solenoid valve PV will be opened to allow the internal fluid to recirculate while the priming cycle is taking place. As the water lifts the suction water column and reaches the pump's suction, the fluid pressure increases internally within the pump 10. By way of example, suction and discharge pressure sensors Ss, S...

Claims

1. A pump comprising:a priming valve arranged in relation to an internal recirculation channel that provides pumped fluid from a pump top housing portion to a pump bottom housing portion of the pump during a priming operation, and configured to respond to priming valve controller signaling and actuate to prevent the pumped fluid from recirculating internally via the internal recirculation channel and turn off the priming operation; anda priming valve controller configured to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on sensing an increase in an internal fluid pressure in the pump.

2. A pump according to claim 1, wherein the priming valve controller includes, or takes the form of, at least one suction or discharge pressure sensor that senses the internal fluid pressure and provides the priming valve controller signaling as a signal directly to the priming valve.

3. A pump according to claim 2, wherein the at least one suction or discharge pressure sensor include both a suction pressure sensor and a discharge pressure sensor.

4. A pump according to claim 1, whereinthe priming valve comprises a solenoid priming valve having a plunger valve; andthe solenoid priming valve is configured to respond to the priming valve controller signaling and extend the plunger valve and close the internal recirculation channel.

5. A pump according to claim 4, whereinthe solenoid priming valve comprises a valve housing portion and a position maintaining spring; andthe plunger valve comprises a plunger valve head and a plunger valve stem having the position maintaining spring arranged thereon between the plunger valve head and the valve housing portion, so that the plunger valve and the position maintaining spring are spring-loaded when the plunger valve is either extended and closed or retracted and open.

6. A pump according to claim 1, wherein the priming valve comprises a valve housing and a sealing ring arranged between the valve housing and the pump bottom housing portion.

7. A pump according to claim 1, wherein the priming valve controller comprises a human machine interface (HMI) board having a signal processor or processing module and configured to receive at least one user input from a user that determines whether the pump starts in a priming or non-priming operation, including whether the priming valve remains open or closed when the pump starts depending on a desired pump application.

8. A pump according to claim 7, whereinthe HMI board is configured to receive either a user priming input to open the internal recirculation channel, or a user non-priming input to close the internal recirculation channel; andthe priming valve controller signaling contains information to open the priming valve and the internal recirculation channel, or to close the priming valve and the internal recirculation channel.

9. A pump according to claim 1, wherein the priming valve includes electrical component connectors configured to connect to the priming valve controller and receive the priming valve controller signaling.

10. A pump according to claim 1, wherein the pump comprises the pump top housing portion, the pump bottom housing portion, and the internal recirculation channel arranged inbetween.

11. A self-priming electric pump comprising:a pump housing having a top housing portion with a discharge port, a bottom housing portion with a suction port, and an internal recirculation channel arranged between the top housing portion and the bottom housing portion and configured to allow pumped fluid to recirculate internally within the pump via the internal recirculation channel from the top housing portion to the bottom housing portion during a priming operation;a solenoid priming valve arranged in relation to an internal recirculation channel, and configured to respond to priming valve controller signaling and actuate to prevent pumped fluid from recirculating internally via the internal recirculation channel and turn off the priming operation; anda priming valve controller configured to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on sensing an increase in an internal fluid pressure, including at least one of a suction pressure or discharge pressure.

12. A self-priming electric pump according to claim 11, wherein the priming valve controller includes, or takes the form of, at least one of a suction pressure sensor configured to sense the suction pressure or a discharge pressure sensor configured to sense the discharge pressure and provide the priming valve controller signaling as a signal directly to the solenoid priming valve.

13. A self-priming electric pump according to claim 12, wherein the at least one of the suction pressure sensor or the discharge pressure sensor includes both the suction pressure sensor and the discharge pressure sensor.

14. A self-priming electric pump according to claim 11, whereinthe solenoid priming valve comprises a plunger valve; andthe solenoid priming valve is configured to respond to the priming valve controller signaling and extend the plunger valve and close the internal recirculation channel.

15. A self-priming electric pump according to claim 12, whereinthe solenoid priming valve comprises a valve housing portion and a position maintaining spring; andthe plunger valve comprises a plunger valve head and a plunger valve stem having the position maintaining spring arranged thereon between the plunger valve head and the valve housing portion, so that the plunger valve and the position maintaining spring are spring-loaded when the plunger valve is either extended and closed or retracted and open.

16. A self-priming electric pump according to claim 11, wherein the solenoid priming valve comprises a valve housing and a sealing ring arranged between the valve housing and the pump bottom housing portion.

17. A self-priming electric pump according to claim 11, wherein the priming valve controller comprises a human machine interface (HMI) board having a signal processor or signal processing module and configured to receive at least one user input from a user that determines whether the pump starts in a priming or non-priming operation, including whether the priming valve remains open or closed when the pump starts depending on a desired pump application.

18. A self-priming electric pump according to claim 17, whereinthe HMI board is configured to receive either a user priming input to open the internal recirculation channel, or a user non-priming input to close the internal recirculation channel; andthe priming valve controller signaling contains information to open the solenoid priming valve and the internal recirculation channel, or to close the solenoid priming valve and the internal recirculation channel.

19. A self-priming electric pump according to claim 11, wherein the priming valve comprises electrical component connectors configured to connect to the priming valve controller and receive the priming valve controller signaling.

20. A method for controlling a pump comprising:arranging a priming valve in relation to an internal recirculation channel that provides pumped fluid from a pump top housing portion to a pump bottom housing portion of the pump during a priming operation;sensing a suction and / or discharge pressure by a suction and / or discharge pressure sensor arranged in a suction port and / or discharge port of the pump;configuring the priming valve to respond to priming valve controller signaling and actuate to prevent the pumped fluid from recirculating internally via the internal recirculation channel; andconfiguring a priming valve controller to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on sensing an increase in an internal fluid pressure, including at least one of suction or discharge pressure.

21. A pump according to claim 1, where the priming valve controller is configured to provide the priming valve controller signaling to actuate the priming valve, based on input signaling received containing information that the ambient temperature is below freezing.

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