Immersion pump with fluid surface intake

Abstract

A pump assembly is provided for removing a material from a fluid of oil and water. The pump assembly includes a motor positioned outside of the fluid. The motor is attached to a pump shaft that extends from the motor into the fluid. The motor causes the pump shaft to rotate. The pump assembly includes an impeller located within a volute. The impeller is attached to the pump shaft and positioned within the fluid. The pump shaft causes the impeller to rotate. An intake apparatus is positioned within the fluid. The intake apparatus includes an intake opening through which the material passes from the fluid, through the intake opening, and toward the impeller. A discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the impeller and the intake apparatus. The discharge conduit receives the material from the intake apparatus and directs the material to a location exterior from the fluid.

Description

IMMERSION PUMP WITH FLUID SURFACE INTAKECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 670,470, filed July 12, 2024, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an immersion style pump with the ability to remove contaminant fluid / particulate from the surface of a fluid being transferred.BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known to remove a material from a mixture comprising oil and water. However, removal of the material can present issues related to longevity of structures that are in contact with the mixture.

[0004] CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining refers to the process of manufacturing a part by the removal of material with a cutting tool that is under automated control as opposed to manual control by a machinist. This cutting tool can either be held stationary, with the part moving, or the tool can be rotated and moved into a piece of stationary material. CNC machining is often performed on metals but can also be employed with plastics and composites. Almost every industry makes use of CNC machining in some form. However, the primary users of CNC machining are as follows: (1) automotive: combustion engines require exact tolerances to operate efficiently (e.g., the cylinder head and gearbox are typically manufactured using CNC machining); (2) Aerospace: The aerospace industry uses CNC machining extensively due to the requirements for repeatable and precise machining, and some typical applications include turbine blades, rocket combustion chambers, and hydraulic manifolds; (3) Medical: The medical industry often requires components that have complex geometries with small tolerances to fit up to and align with human limbs and joints. This is a perfect use case for CNC machining, and some typical components include hip joints, surgical tools, andprosthetic limbs; and (4) Electronics: Electronic components require extreme precision. For that reason, CNC machining is used extensively in this industry. Some typical applications include consumer product enclosures to protect sensitive electronics, heat sinks, and wafer chucks and wafer carriers for electronic components like semiconductors.

[0005] CNC machines utilize metalworking fluids (coolants) to help lubricate, cool, and provide rust protection to the part being machined as well as the tooling performing the cutting. This coolant is usually a water-based mixture that is either a soluble oil, semi-synthetic, or synthetic technology. Over time, these metalworking fluids degrade as contaminants are introduced. These contaminants include way lubes and hydraulic oils from the machine tool, oil from the parts being machined, and outside contaminants such as cigarette butts from machine tool operators. The reason for the metalworking coolant degrading and becoming rancid is usually linked to bacteria / fungus growth in the fluid. The coolants are formulated to be gentle to the machine operators who are exposed to them on a daily basis. Therefore, the fluids are acceptable to bacteria and fungus growth similar to what is experienced with milk over time in a refrigerator. The bacteria growth is fueled by the contaminant oils as it uses it as its food source. The removal can be achieved via many methods including belt, disc, and rope skimmers along with coalescing type products which utilize a pump to transfer the process fluid to a separate fdter device to remove the contaminants before returning the fluid back to the original process. The pumps being utilized for coalescing type technology are usually a submersible or air driven pump. The air driven pumps are utilized outside the process fluid whereas the submersible pump is placed directly in the fluid. Some type of intake apparatus is attached to the inlet of the pump to allow for the contaminants, which are normally floating on a surface of the process fluid, to be pulled off the top of fluid. These intake apparatuses can be floating and / or stationary and connected via conduit or fixtured directly to pump. All intake devices are designed to remove the surface of the fluid without causing any pump cavitation. In general, air pumps are more reliable but are more expensive and require more maintenance than submersible pumps. In the metalworking industry, most coalescing systems utilize a submersible pump because of the cost and maintenance. However, submersible pumps are not considered reliable by the end user as they have a very low pump life caused by premature failure of the shaft seal in the harsh environment, which leads to fluid enteringthe motor, but because of the economics the end user has just accepted it. A more reliable and cost-effective pump is needed.SUMMARY

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described in the detailed description.

[0007] In aspects, a pump assembly is required for transferring a material from a fluid comprising of oil / contaminant and water / solution to an oil / water separator. The pump assembly comprises a motor positioned outside the fluid. The pump motor is attached to a pump shaft that extends down into the fluid. The pump motor causes the pump shaft to rotate. The pump assembly comprises an impeller attached to the pump shaft and configured to be positioned within the fluid. The pump shaft causes the impeller to rotate within a volute. The pump assembly comprises an intake apparatus positioned within the fluid and in fluid communication with the impeller. The intake apparatus comprises an intake opening through which the material passes from the fluid, through the intake opening, and toward the impeller. The pump assembly comprises a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the impeller and the intake apparatus. The discharge conduit receives the material from the intake apparatus and directs the material to a location exterior from the fluid.

[0008] In aspects, the intake apparatus comprises an elongated body that extends along a body axis and the intake opening extends through the elongated body.

[0009] In aspects, the elongated body comprises a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion is received within the second body portion such that the first body portion and the second body portion extend coaxially along the body axis.

[0010] In aspects, the intake opening extends through the first body portion and the second body portion. The second body portion is rotatable relative to the first body portion. As such, when the second body portion is in a first rotational position relative to the first body portion, the intake opening comprises a first size, and when the second body portion is in a second rotational position relative to the first body portion, the intake opening comprises a second size that is different than the first size.

[0011] In aspects, the intake apparatus comprises a buoyant member such that the intake apparatus is configured to float on a surface of the fluid.

[0012] In aspects, the intake opening is positioned adjacent to the buoyant member such that the material passes from the surface of the fluid and into the intake opening.

[0013] In aspects, an intake conduit extends from the intake opening and toward the impeller.

[0014] In aspects, the intake apparatus comprises an elongated body that extends along a body axis and the intake opening extends through the elongated body. The elongated body circumferentially surrounds the pump shaft.

[0015] In aspects, the elongated body comprises a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion is received within the second body portion such that the first body portion and the second body portion extend coaxially along the body axis.

[0016] In aspects, the intake opening extends through the first body portion and the second body portion. The second body portion is rotatable relative to the first body portion such that when the second body portion is in a first rotational position relative to the first body portion, the intake opening comprises a first size, and when the second body portion is in a second rotational position relative to the first body portion, the intake opening comprises a second size that is different than the first size.

[0017] In aspects, methods for removing a material from a fluid comprising oil and water are provided. Methods can comprise positioning a motor outside of the fluid, the motor attached to a pump shaft that extends from the motor and into the fluid. Methods can comprise rotating the pump shaft to cause an impeller to rotate within a volute. Methods can comprise drawing the material through an intake opening of an intake apparatus such that the material is directed from the intake opening and toward the impeller. Methods can comprise discharging the material through a discharge conduit that is in fluid communication with the impeller and the intake apparatus such that the material is directed to a location exterior from the fluid.

[0018] In aspects, the intake apparatus comprises a first body portion and a second body portion, with the first body portion received within the second body portion such that the first body portion and the second body portion extend coaxially along the body axis. The intake opening extends through the first body portion and the second body portion.

[0019] In aspects, methods comprise rotating the second body portion relative to the first body portion to alter a size of the intake opening.

[0020] In aspects, the intake opening extends from a surface of the fluid and into the fluid.

[0021] In aspects, the intake apparatus comprises a buoyant member that floats on a surface of the fluid.

[0022] In aspects, the intake opening is positioned adjacent to the buoyant member such that the material passes from the surface of the fluid and into the intake opening.

[0023] In aspects, the intake apparatus comprises an elongated body that extends along a body axis and the intake opening extends through the elongated body. The elongated body circumferentially surrounds the pump shaft.

[0024] Additional features and advantages of the aspects disclosed herein will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will be clear to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the aspects described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present aspects intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the aspects disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various aspects of the disclosure, and together with the description explain the principles and operations thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] These and other features, aspects and advantages are better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates example aspects of a pump assembly for removing material(s) from a fluid;

[0027] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates example aspects of at least a portion of a pump assembly for removing material(s) from a fluid, for example, an immersion pumpwith multiple slots in an elongated cylindrical body that is situated adjacent to the pump shaft, and affixed through a base plate;

[0028] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates example aspects of at least a portion of a pump assembly for removing material(s) from a fluid;

[0029] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates example aspects of at least a portion of a pump assembly for removing material(s) from a fluid;

[0030] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates example aspects of at least a portion of a pump assembly for removing material(s) from a fluid;

[0031] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates example aspects of at least a portion of a pump assembly for removing material(s) from a fluid;

[0032] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates example aspects of at least a portion of a pump assembly for removing material(s) from a fluid;

[0033] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates example aspects of at least a portion of a pump assembly for removing material(s) from a fluid, for example, an immersion pump with multiple slots in an elongated cylindrical body encompassing a pump shaft;

[0034] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates example aspects of at least a portion of a pump assembly for removing material(s) from a fluid;

[0035] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates example aspects of at least a portion of a pump assembly for removing material(s) from a fluid; and

[0036] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates example aspects of at least a portion of a pump assembly for removing material(s) from a fluid, for example, an immersion pump with an attachment on the bottom of a volute that is attached to the shaft to accept a conduit and / or fixed intake buoyant member.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Aspects will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which example aspects are shown. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein.

[0038] As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not, and need not be, exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one value, and / or to “about” another value. When such a range is expressed, aspects include from the one value to the other value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0039] Directional terms as used herein - for example up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, upper, lower, etc. - are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0040] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any methods set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order, nor that with any apparatus, specific orientations be required. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps, or that any apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or orientation to individual components, or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or description that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, or that a specific order or orientation to components of an apparatus is not recited, it is in no way intended that an order or orientation be inferred in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic relative to arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components, or orientation of components; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, and; the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0041] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a” component includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design describedherein as “exemplary” or as an “example” should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It can be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

[0043] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and variations thereof shall be construed as synonymous and open-ended, unless otherwise indicated. A list of elements following the transitional phrases comprising or including is a non-exclusive list, such that elements in addition to those specifically recited in the list may also be present.

[0044] The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to represent that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. The term “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, for example, within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0045] Modifications may be made to the instant disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first end and a second end generally correspond to end A and end B or two different ends.

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a pump assembly 101 positioned at least partially within a fluid mixture 103 of fluid comprising one or more of the following materials: oil, water, hydraulic fluid, contaminants, metal, etc. The fluid mixture 103 can function as a coolant for a machine 105, such as, for example, a CNC machine. In operation, the fluid mixture 103 can be housed within a receptacle (e.g., container, vessel, etc.) 107 that is in fluid communication with the machine 105. By being in fluid communication, one or more conduits (e.g., hoses, tubes, pipes, etc.) can extend between the machine 105 and the receptacle 107, such that the fluid mixture 103 can be delivered from the receptacle 107 tothe machine 105 and / or received from the machine 105 to the receptacle 107. An example of the fluid mixture 103 and the receptacle 107 is discussed in U.S. Patent No. 7,416,657 (“Oil Water Coalescing Separator”), the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0047] While the fluid mixture 103 may function as a coolant for the machine 105, over time, unwanted materials may be received within, or accumulate within, the fluid mixture 103. These unwanted materials may comprise, for example, contaminant oil, materials, metal pieces, or the like. In aspects, the contaminant oil may tend to accumulate on a top surface 109 of the fluid mixture 103. It is beneficial to remove these unwanted materials, for example, the contaminant oil, to maintain the performance of the fluid mixture 103 as a coolant for the machine 105, while also limiting the unwanted materials from being delivered to the machine 105. As such, the pump assembly 101 can be positioned within the receptacle 107 and at least partially received within the fluid mixture 103. The pump assembly 101 can function to remove at least some of the unwanted materials from the fluid mixture 103, such that the pump assembly 101 can act as a fdter.

[0048] It will be appreciated that FIG. 1 illustrates the pump assembly 101, the fluid mixture 103, the machine 105, and the receptacle 107 generically / schematically for the purposes of illustration. Indeed, the machine 105, the receptacle 107, and structures that connect the machine 105 and the receptacle 107 may vary slightly in appearance from the example illustrated in FIG. 1. However, in operation, the machine 105 and the receptacle 107 may function substantially similarly as described above. Further, the pump assembly 101 is illustrated generically / schematically due to the pump assembly 101 comprising several possible different embodiments. For example, FIGS. 2-5 illustrate one embodiment of the pump assembly 101, while FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the pump assembly 101, and FIGS. 7-9 illustrate yet another embodiment of the pump assembly 101. As such, due to the possibility of varying structures of the pump assembly 101, the pump assembly 101 is illustrated generically / schematically in FIG. 1 to illustrate an example position of the pump assembly 101 relative to the fluid mixture 103 and the receptacle 107. In operation, however, the pump assembly 101 of FIG. 1 may comprise one or more of the embodiments illustrated herein and described below.

[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the pump assembly 101. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the pump assembly 101 is illustrated as being partially disassembled with portions of the pump assembly 101 disconnected from one another for the purposes of illustration and to more clearly show the various portions and structures of the pump assembly 101. However, in operation and when positioned within the fluid mixture 103, the pump assembly 101 may be fully assembled, with the portions and structures operatively attached to one another. The pump assembly 101 can comprise a pump 201. In aspects, the pump 201 can comprise a motor 202 that can be positioned within a pump housing 203. The pump housing 203 can comprise one or more walls that surround the motor 202 and define a space that can shield the motor 202 from the fluid mixture 103. The motor 202 and the pump housing 203 can be positioned outside of the fluid mixture 103. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, by being outside of the fluid mixture 103, the motor 202 and the pump housing 203 may be positioned above the top surface 109 of the fluid mixture 103. In this way, the motor 202 may be protected from the fluid mixture 103, which can reduce the likelihood of damage to the motor 202.

[0050] The pump 201 can comprise a pump shaft 205 that is attached to the motor 202 and extends from the motor 202 and into the fluid mixture 103. The motor 202 can cause the pump shaft 205 to rotate (e.g., rotate about an axis along which the pump shaft 205 extends). In aspects, the pump shaft 205 can be positioned within a shaft housing 207 that surrounds the pump shaft 205, with the shaft housing 207 extending substantially coaxially with the pump shaft 205. The pump 201 can comprise an impeller 209 that is attached to the pump shaft 205, with the impeller 209 located within a volute 210. The impeller 209 may be positioned within the fluid mixture 103 such that one end of the pump shaft 205 may be attached to the motor 202 and an opposing end of the pump shaft 205 may be attached to the impeller 209. The motor 202 can cause the pump shaft 205 to rotate, which can likewise cause the impeller 209 to rotate as well (e.g., can cause the impeller to rotate within the volute 210). The impeller 209 is the driven rotor (e.g., rotating component of centrifugal pump) that is used to increase pressure and flow of a fluid, for example, by accelerating fluid outward from a center of rotation of the impeller 209. The motor 202 causes the shaft and impeller to rotate causing fluid to draw through a base plate passage 219 towards the rotating impeller along its axis and is cast out by centrifugal force alongits circumference through the impellers van tips, increasing the fluids velocity and pressure directing it down towards a base plate 217 from an intake opening 223 of an intake apparatus 215.

[0051] In aspects, the pump assembly 101 can comprise the intake apparatus 215 that can be operatively attached to the impeller 209 via the base plate 217. The base plate 217 can define the base plate passage 219 (e.g., a hollow passage) through which fluid or material can flow from the intake apparatus 215, through the base plate passage 219 of the base plate 217, and toward the impeller 209. The intake apparatus 215 can comprise the intake opening 223 through which a fluid can be drawn from the fluid mixture 103. In aspects, the fluid can comprise oil or other unwanted materials that may accumulate at the top surface 109 of the fluid mixture 103. Rotation of the impeller 209 can cause the fluid to be drawn into the intake opening 223, whereupon the fluid can travel through the intake apparatus 215 and through the base plate passage 219. In aspects, the pump assembly 101 can comprise a discharge conduit 227 that is attached to the base plate 217 and in fluid communication with the base plate passage 219. The discharge conduit 227 can comprise a hose, tube, or other hollow structure through which the fluid can travel. The discharge conduit 227 can receive the fluid from the base plate passage 219 and deliver the fluid to a different location. In this way, the pump assembly 101 can function to remove the fluid from the fluid mixture 103, for example, by functioning as a pre-filter for the fluid mixture 103 that is supplied to the machine 105, and limit the fluid from being delivered to the machine 105.

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an example of the intake apparatus 215. The intake apparatus 215 can comprise an elongated body 301 that extends along a body axis 303. The intake opening 223 extends through the elongated body 301. In aspects, the intake opening 223 can extend along the body axis 303, for example, by extending substantially parallel to the body axis 303. FIG. 3 illustrates a possible location of the top surface 109 (e.g., illustrated with dashed lines) of the fluid mixture 103 relative to the intake apparatus 215. As such, in this way, the intake opening 223 can be located within the fluid mixture 103 such that a portion (e.g., a bottom portion) of the intake opening 223 is below the top surface 109, and another portion (e.g., a top portion) of the intake opening 223 is above the top surface 109.

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional, top-down view of the intake apparatus 215 along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3. The elongated body 301 of the intake apparatus 215 can, in aspects, comprise a plurality of portions / structures, such as, for example, a first body portion 401 and a second body portion 403. The first body portion 401 can be received within the second body portion 403 such that the first body portion 401 and the second body portion 403 can extend coaxially along the body axis 303. The first body portion 401 and the second body portion 403 can comprise substantially circular cross-sectional shapes, such that the first body portion 401 and the second body portion 403 may each be substantially cylindrical. However, other possible cross-sectional shapes (e.g., oval, square, etc.) may be possible. The first body portion 401 may comprise a smaller cross- sectional size than the second body portion 403 such that the first body portion 401 can be received within a hollow chamber 405 of the second body portion 403.

[0054] The first body portion 401 and the second body portion 403 can each comprise openings that, together, form the intake opening 223. For example, the first body portion 401 can comprise a first opening 409 and the second body portion 403 can comprise a second opening 411. Together, the first opening 409 and the second opening 411 can form the intake opening 223, with the first opening 409 and the second opening 411 extending along the body axis 303. The first opening 409 defines a recess, passage, channel, etc. through a wall of the first body portion 401, and the second opening 411 defines a recess, passage, channel, etc. through a wall of the second body portion 403. In this way, an axis perpendicular to the body axis 303 can extend perpendicularly from the body axis 303 and outwardly through the openings 409, 411 of the intake opening 223, to an exterior of the intake apparatus 215.

[0055] The first body portion 401 can be rotated relative to the second body portion 403 and / or the second body portion 403 can be rotated relative to the first body portion 401. In this way, with the intake opening 223 extending through the first body portion 401 and the second body portion 403, the second body portion 403 can be rotated relative to the first body portion 401 such that when the second body portion 403 is in a first rotational position (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 4) relative to the first body portion 401, the intake opening comprises a first size 419, and when the second body portion 403 is in a second rotational position (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 5) relative to the first body portion 401, the intake opening223 comprises a second size 501 that is different than the first size 419. In aspects, the first size 419 may be larger than the second size 501. In this way, the size of the intake opening 223 can be adjusted to alter the flow rate of the fluid mixture 103 (e.g., the fluid 425 within the fluid mixture 103) that flows (e.g., the flow of the fluid 425 is illustrated schematically with arrowheads in FIGS. 4-5) through the intake opening 223 and into the hollow chamber 405 of the intake apparatus 215. That is, when the intake opening 223 comprises the smaller second size 501, the flow rate of the fluid 425 into the intake apparatus 215 can be reduced. However, when the intake opening 223 comprises the larger first size 419, the flow rate of the fluid 425 into the intake apparatus 215 can be increased.

[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates the pump assembly 101 with a fluid path of the fluid traveling through the pump assembly 101. For example, the fluid path can comprise a plurality of path portions, such as a first path portion 601, a second path portion 603, a third path portion 605, etc. In operation, as the impeller 209 is rotated, a negative pressure is generated within the hollow chamber 405 (e.g., illustrated in FIGS. 4-5) of the intake apparatus 215, which can cause the fluid 425 to be drawn through the intake opening 223. The fluid 425 can travel through the pump assembly 101 along a flow path. For example, the fluid 425 can travel along the first path portion 601 through the intake apparatus 215, for example, along the hollow chamber 405 parallel to the body axis 303 and toward the base plate 217. The fluid can then travel along the second path portion 603 through the base plate 217 (e.g., through the base plate passage 219), from the intake apparatus 215 and toward the discharge conduit 227. Finally, the fluid can pass from the base plate 217 and to the discharge conduit 227, whereupon the fluid travels along the third path portion 605. In this way, the impeller 209 can cause the fluid to be drawn into the intake apparatus 215 and can direct the fluid along the path portions 601, 603, 605 through the pump assembly 101 and to the discharge conduit 227.

[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of an intake apparatus 701 of the pump assembly 101. The intake apparatus 701 of FIG. 7 can be used with the pump assembly 101 illustrated and described relative to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6. The intake apparatus 701 can serve a similar function to the intake apparatus 215 illustrated and described in FIGS. 3-5, though with the intake apparatus 701 comprising some structural differences from the intake apparatus 215. For example, the intake apparatus 701 can comprise a buoyantmember 703, an intake opening 705, and an intake conduit 707. The buoyant member 703 can comprise a floatation device or other structure that can float or rest upon the top surface 109 (e.g., illustrated schematically with dashed lines in FIG. 7) of the fluid mixture 103. In aspects, the buoyant member 703 can comprise a body or wall that surrounds a hollow chamber filled with air. While FIG. 7 illustrates a single buoyant member 703, the intake apparatus 701 is not so limited. Rather, the intake apparatus 701 can comprise a plurality of buoyant members 703 that are substantially similar or identical to the buoyant member703 illustrated in FIG. 7. The buoyant member 703 can float at the top surface 109 of the fluid mixture 103 irrespective of the level / height of the fluid mixture 103 changing. That is, as the level / height of the fluid mixture 103 changes, the buoyant member 703 may remain floating at the top surface 109.

[0058] In aspects, the intake apparatus 701 can comprise an intake body 704 that is attached to the buoyant member 703. Due to the floatation of the buoyant member 703, the intake body 704 can likewise float at the top surface 109 of the fluid mixture 103. The intake body 704 can comprise the intake opening 705 that is positioned adjacent to the buoyant member 703. The intake opening 705 can function similarly to the intake opening 223 described above. In this way, the fluid can pass from the top surface 109 of the fluid mixture 103 and into the intake opening 705. While the intake apparatus 701 is illustrated in FIG. 7 as comprising one intake body 704 and one intake opening 705, any number of intake bodies 704 (e.g., which may be similar or identical to the intake body 704) and / or any number of intake openings 705 (e.g., which may be similar or identical to the intake opening 705) may be provided. The intake conduit 707 can be attached to the intake body704 and can extend from the intake body 704 to the base plate 217. In this way, the intake conduit 707 can be attached at one end to the intake body 704 and at an opposing end to the base plate 217. In aspects, the intake conduit 707 can comprise a tube, a pipe, a hose, or similar hollow structure through which the fluid can pass. For example, the intake conduit 707 can comprise a passageway 709 that extends through the intake conduit 707 between the intake opening 705 and the base plate passage 219 of the base plate 217. In this way, with the passageway 709 in fluid communication with the intake opening 705 and the base plate passage 219, the fluid can flow through the intake opening 705, through the passageway 709, and into the base plate passage 219. The intake conduit 707 cantherefore extend from the intake opening 705 and toward the base plate 217 and the impeller 209.

[0059] In operation, as the impeller 209 is rotated, a negative pressure is generated within the passageway 709 of the intake apparatus 701, which can cause the fluid 425 to be drawn through the intake opening 705. The fluid 425 can travel through the pump assembly 101 along a flow path. For example, the fluid 425 can travel along the first path portion 601 through the intake apparatus 701, for example, along the passageway 709 parallel to the body axis 303 and toward the base plate 217. The fluid 425 can then travel along the second path portion 603 through the base plate 217 (e.g., through the base plate passage 219), from the intake apparatus 215 and toward the discharge conduit 227. Finally, the fluid can pass from the base plate 217 and to the discharge conduit 227, whereupon the fluid travels along the third path portion 605 (FIG. 8). In this way, the impeller 209 can cause the fluid to be drawn into the intake apparatus 701 and can direct the fluid along the path portions 601, 603, 605 through the pump assembly 101 and to the discharge conduit 227.

[0060] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another example of an intake apparatus 801 of the pump / pump. The intake apparatus 801 can be used with the pump 201 illustrated and described relative to other FIGS, herein. The intake apparatus 801 can serve a similar function to the intake apparatuses 215, 701 illustrated and described herein, though with the intake apparatus 801 comprising some structural differences from the intake apparatuses 215, 701. For example, the intake apparatus 801 can be adjacent to and at least partially surrounding the pump shaft 205.

[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates an immersion style pump with surface intake capability at least partially within the fluid. In operation it may function substantially similarly as described. Further, the pump is illustrated generically / schematically due to the pump comprising several possible different embodiments. The pump is mounted vertically in the sump via magnet mount 650. FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the pump 201, the base plate 217, and the intake apparatus 801 in a partially disassembled form to show the interaction between the pump 201 and the base plate 217. In this example, the intake apparatus 801 can comprise an elongated body 803 that extends along the body axis 303 and comprises an intake opening 223 extending through the elongated body 803. The elongated body 803can circumferentially surround the pump shaft 205. FIG. 8 illustrates a possible location of the top surface 109 (e.g., illustrated with dashed lines) of the fluid mixture 103 relative to the intake apparatus 801. As such, in this way, the intake opening 223 can be located within the fluid mixture 103 such that a portion (e.g., a bottom portion) of the intake opening 223 is below the top surface 109, and another portion (e g., a top portion) of the intake opening 223 is above the top surface 109.

[0062] FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional, top-down view of the intake apparatus 801 along lines 9-9 of FIG. 8. The elongated body 803 of the intake apparatus 801 can, in aspects, comprise a plurality of portions / structures, such as, for example, a first body portion (e.g., first body portion 401) and a second body portion (e.g., second body portion 403). The first body portion 401 and the second body portion 403 of the intake apparatus 801 may be substantially identical to the body portions 401, 403 of the intake apparatus 215 of FIGS. 4-5 of the pump shaft 205, and the shaft housing 207 may also be received within the hollow chamber 405. The first body portion 401 can be received within the second body portion 403 such that the first body portion 401 and the second body portion 403 can extend coaxially along the body axis 303. The first body portion 401 and the second body portion 403 can comprise substantially circular cross-sectional shapes, such that the first body portion 401 and the second body portion 403 may each be substantially cylindrical. However, other possible cross-sectional shapes (e.g., oval, square, etc.) may be possible. The first body portion 401 may comprise a smaller cross-sectional size than the second body portion 403 such that the first body portion 401 can be received within the hollow chamber 405 of the second body portion 403. The pump shaft 205 and the shaft housing 207 may also be received within the hollow chamber 405. In this way, the pump shaft 205, the shaft housing 207, the first body portion 401, and the second body portion 403 can extend substantially parallel to one another, for example, by extending substantially coaxially with one another.

[0063] The first body portion 401 and the second body portion 403 can each comprise openings that, together, form the intake opening 223. For example, the first body portion 401 can comprise the first opening 409 and the second body portion 403 can comprise the second opening 411. Similar to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, the first body portion 401 can be rotated relative to the second body portion 403 and / or thesecond body portion 403 can be rotated relative to the first body portion 401. In this way, the size (e.g., 419, 501) of the intake opening 223 can be adjusted to control the flow of the fluid from the fluid mixture 103 and into the hollow chamber 405.

[0064] With reference to FIG. 8, in operation, the fluid path of the fluid traveling through the pump can comprise a plurality of path portions, such as the first path portion 601, the second path portion 603, and the third path portion 605. As the impeller 209 is rotated, a negative pressure is generated within the hollow chamber 405 (e.g., illustrated in FIGS. 9-10) of the intake apparatus 801, which can cause the fluid 425 to be drawn through the intake opening 223. The fluid 425 can travel through the pump along a flow path. For example, the fluid 425 can travel along the first path portion 601 through the intake apparatus 801, for example, along the hollow chamber 405 parallel to the body axis 303 and toward the base plate 217. The fluid can then travel along the second path portion 603 through the base plate 217 (e.g., through the base plate passage 219), from the intake apparatus 801 and toward the volute 210, whereupon the fluid travels along the third path portion 605. In this way, the impeller 209 can cause the fluid to be drawn into the intake apparatus 801 and can direct the fluid along the path portions 601, 603, 605 through the pump assembly 101 and to the discharge conduit 227.

[0065] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of an intake apparatus 1100 that is similar to the other intake apparatuses 215, 701, 801. For example, the intake apparatus 1100 can comprise the pump 201, the pump shaft 205, the shaft housing 207, the impeller209, the volute 210, the base plate 217, the magnet mount 650, etc. In addition, the intake apparatus 1100 (e.g., along with the other intake apparatuses 215, 701, 801) can comprise an adjustable lock flange 1101 that can be attached to the shaft housing 207. The adjustable lock flange 1101 can be attached to a lid, wall, or other structure to secure the intake apparatus 1100 in place. In addition, the intake apparatus 1100 can comprise an intake 1103 that extends from, and is in fluid communication with, the volute 210. In this way, fluid can pass through the intake 1103 and can flow between the intake 1103 and the volute210, whereupon the fluid can be discharged through the discharge conduit 227. The intake 1103 can be attached to, and in fluid communication with, any of the intake apparatuses 215, 701 described herein. For example, one of the intake apparatuses 215, 701 can be attached to the intake 1103 in a similar manner as described above, such that fluid can bedrawn into the intake apparatuses 215, 701, through the intake 1103, through the volute 210, and may exit through the discharge conduit 227. As such, the intake apparatuses 215, 701 can be in fluid communication with the intake 1103 (e.g., wherein the intake 1103 comprises a hollow tube, conduit, opening, etc.). The function of the pump 201 can be substantially identical to the function described above, such that the pump 201 can draw fluid in through the intake apparatus (e.g., 215 or 701) and the fluid can pass through the intake 1103, the volute 210, and to the discharge conduit 227.

[0066] Accordingly, methods for removing the fluid 425 can comprise positioning the pump 201 outside of the fluid mixture 103, with the pump 201 outside attached to the pump shaft 205 that extends from the pump 201 and into the fluid mixture 103. Methods can also comprise rotating the pump shaft 205 to cause the impeller 209 to rotate within a volute. Methods can also comprise drawing the fluid 425 through the intake opening 223, 705 such that the fluid 425 is directed from the intake opening 223, 705 and toward the impeller 209. Methods can comprise discharging the fluid 425 through the discharge conduit 227 that is in fluid communication with the impeller 209 and the intake apparatus 215, 701, 801 such that the fluid 425 is directed to a location exterior from the fluid mixture 103. Methods can further comprise rotating the second body portion 403 relative to the first body portion 401 to alter a size 419, 501 of the intake opening 223.

[0067] As illustrated and described herein, the structure of the pump assembly 101 can yield several benefits. For example, the pump 201 can be positioned at least partially outside of the fluid mixture 103, for example, with the motor 202 located above the top surface 109 of the fluid mixture 103. In this way, the motor 202 can be shielded from the effects of the fluid mixture 103. By positioning the motor 202 outside of the fluid mixture 103, the longevity of the motor 202 may be increased, and the likelihood of inadvertent damage or wear-and-tear on the motor 202 may be reduced. Further, the pump assembly 101 can still function to remove unwanted materials (e.g., fluid 425) from the fluid mixture 103

[0068] It should be understood that while various aspects have been described in detail relative to certain illustrative and specific examples thereof, the present disclosure should not be considered limited to such, as numerous modifications and combinations ofthe disclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A pump assembly for removing a material from a fluid comprising oil and water, the pump assembly comprising: a motor positioned outside of the fluid, the motor attached to a pump shaft that extends from the motor and into the fluid, the motor configured to cause the pump shaft to rotate; an impeller attached to the pump shaft and configured to be positioned within the fluid, the pump shaft configured to cause the impeller to rotate within a volute; an intake apparatus positioned within the fluid and in fluid communication with the impeller, the intake apparatus comprising an intake opening through which the material passes from the fluid, through the intake opening, and toward the impeller; and a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the impeller and the intake apparatus, the discharge conduit configured to receive the material from the intake apparatus and direct the material to a location exterior from the fluid.

2. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the intake apparatus comprises an elongated body that extends along a body axis and the intake opening extends through the elongated body.

3. The pump assembly of claim 2, wherein the elongated body comprises a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion received within the second body portion such that the first body portion and the second body portion extend coaxially along the body axis.

4. The pump assembly of claim 3, wherein the intake opening extends through the first body portion and the second body portion, and wherein the second body portion is rotatable relative to the first body portion such that: when the second body portion is in a first rotational position relative to the first body portion, the intake opening comprises a first size; andwhen the second body portion is in a second rotational position relative to the first body portion, the intake opening comprises a second size that is different than the first size.

5. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the intake apparatus comprises a buoyant member such that the intake apparatus is configured to float on a surface of the fluid.

6. The pump assembly of claim 5, wherein the intake opening is positioned adjacent to the buoyant member such that the material passes from the surface of the fluid and into the intake opening.

7. The pump assembly of claim 6, further comprising an intake conduit extending from the intake opening and toward the impeller.

8. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the intake apparatus comprises an elongated body that extends along a body axis and the intake opening extends through the elongated body, the elongated body circumferentially surrounding the pump shaft.

9. The pump assembly of claim 8, wherein the elongated body comprises a first body portion and a second body portion, the first body portion received within the second body portion such that the first body portion and the second body portion extend coaxially along the body axis.

10. The pump assembly of claim 9, wherein the intake opening extends through the first body portion and the second body portion, and wherein the second body portion is rotatable relative to the first body portion such that: when the second body portion is in a first rotational position relative to the first body portion, the intake opening comprises a first size; and when the second body portion is in a second rotational position relative to the first body portion, the intake opening comprises a second size that is different than the first size.

11. A method for removing a material from a fluid comprising oil and water, the method comprising: positioning a motor outside of the fluid, the motor attached to a pump shaft that extends from the motor and into the fluid; rotating the pump shaft to cause an impeller to rotate within a volute; drawing the material through an intake opening of an intake apparatus such that the material is directed from the intake opening and toward the impeller; and discharging the material through a discharge conduit that is in fluid communication with the impeller and the intake apparatus such that the material is directed to a location exterior from the fluid.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the intake apparatus comprises a first body portion and a second body portion, with the first body portion received within the second body portion such that the first body portion and the second body portion extend coaxially along the body axis, the intake opening extending through the first body portion and the second body portion.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising rotating the second body portion relative to the first body portion to alter a size of the intake opening.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the intake opening extends from a surface of the fluid and into the fluid.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the intake apparatus comprises a buoyant member that floats on a surface of the fluid.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the intake opening is positioned adjacent to the buoyant member such that the material passes from the surface of the fluid and into the intake opening.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the intake apparatus comprises an elongated body that extends along a body axis and the intake opening extends through the elongated body, the elongated body circumferentially surrounding the pump shaft.

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