Frame for a pump motor arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a frame for supporting a pump system having a pump drive and a pump, the frame extending along a central frame axis and the frame comprising; - a frame base extending in a base plane spaced from the central frame axis, - a pump system accommodation that extends around the central frame axis, - a mounting system between the frame base and the pump system accommodation for securing a pump drive to the frame base in a determined position, wherein the mounting system consists of a mounting unit and a mounting point different from the mounting unit, wherein the mounting unit and the mounting point are spaced along the central frame axis and provide a hingeable connection allowing rotation of the pump drive with respect to the frame base around a transverse axis relative to the central frame axis, and wherein at least the mounting unit enables transmission of a drive torque around the central frame axis and the mounting point provides a hingeable connection allowing rotation of the pump drive with respect to the frame base around the central frame axis.

Description

[0001] Frame for a pump motor arrangement

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] The invention relates to a frame for supporting a pump system having a pump drive and a pump, the frame extending along a central frame axis.

[0004] An example of such a frame is known in EP2034096A1 that relates to a suction dredger comprising a dredging tube which at one end is connected to a suction head and which at the other end is connected to the suction dredger hull by means of a pivot connection. The dredging tube consists of an upper part and a lower part. The upper part is equipped with a suction pump.

[0005] In known frames, pump drives are subjected to high mechanical loads that may damage the pump drive.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] The current invention has for its object to decrease mechanical loads to a pump drive.

[0008] Therefore, the invention provides a frame for supporting a pump system having a pump drive and a pump, the frame extending along a central frame axis and the frame comprising;

[0009] - a frame base extending in a base plane spaced from the central frame axis, - a span member extending along the central frame axis opposite the frame base and connecting opposite ends of the frame base for reinforcing the frame, wherein the span member and the frame base are mutually spaced to form a pump system accommodation between them, wherein the pump system accommodation extends around the central frame axis,

[0010] wherein the frame further comprises;

[0011] - an inlet connection and an outlet connection for incorporating the frame in a dredge pipe system,

[0012] - a mounting system between the frame base and the pump system accommodation for securing a pump drive to the frame base in a determined position, wherein the mounting system consists of a mounting unit and a separate mounting point different from the mounting unit, wherein the mounting unit and the separate mounting point are spaced along the central frame axis and each of them provide a hingeable connection allowing rotation of the pump drive with respect to the frame base around a transverse axis relative to the central frame axis, and wherein at least the mounting unit enables transmission of a drive torque around the central frame axis and the mounting point provides a hingeable connection allowing rotation of the pump drive with respect to the frame base around the central frame axis.

[0013] The advantage of, in short, the mounting system having hingeable connections is that deformation of the frame can be accommodated without leading to mechanical stress to a pump drive in the pump system accommodation, particularly mechanical stress to the housing of the pump drive. In other words, the frame has a certain freedom to deform without causing mechanical stress to the pump drive.

[0014] In this context it will be clear that a “hingeable connection allowing rotation” does not mean that a pump drive per se rotates with respect to the frame, to the contrary, in use the mounting system secures a pump drive to the frame base in a determined position. Allowing rotation is to say that the hingeable connection allows some elastic deformation of the frame and does not transmit a torque corresponding with the allowed rotation.

[0015] The frame according to the invention can be used to advantage both above and below water. A submerged frame can be used in e.g. a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger as well as a Cutter Suction Dredger. Above water, the frame can be used in e.g. a booster station.

[0016] In an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, the mounting unit consists of a pair of mounting points spaced along the transverse axis or a line hinge for allowing transmission of a drive torque. It will be clear that different configurations for the mounting unit are conceivable, as long as the mounting unit allows rotation of the pump drive with respect to the frame base around the transverse axis relative to the central frame axis and at the same time enables transmission of the drive torque around the central frame axis. The mounting unit consisting of a pair of mounting points spaced along the transverse axis or a line hinge, all the more avoids mechanical stress to the pump drive. In an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, the separate mounting point comprises one or more of a suspension, a structural bearing, a sliding bearing, a bushing bearing, and a flexible hinge. It will be clear that different configurations for the separate mounting point are conceivable, as long as the separate mounting point allows rotation of the pump drive with respect to the frame base around both the central frame axis as well as the transverse axis.

[0017] In an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, the central frame axis and the separate mounting point are aligned in projected view on the base plane.

[0018] In an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, the mounting unit is arranged at one end of the pump system accommodation and the separate mounting point is arranged at an opposite end of the pump system accommodation. The mounting unit at one end of the pump system accommodation enables to minimize a path of force lines resulting from the transmission of the drive torque around the central frame axis. Preferably, the mounting unit is arranged symmetrically with respect to the central frame axis. Preferably, the separate mounting point is aligned with the central frame axis.

[0019] In an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, the frame base comprises a pair of opposite longitudinal frame base members, the span member comprises a span element, and wherein the pair of longitudinal frame base members and the span element extend in parallel. The parallel frame base members and span element enable to form the pump system accommodation and at the same time avoid deformation of the frame. The pair of opposite longitudinal frame base members extend on opposite sides of the pump system accommodation.

[0020] In an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, seen in the direction of the central frame axis, the pair of longitudinal frame base members and the span element define a triangular outline that encloses the pump system accommodation. The triangular outline enables a small footprint of the frame, when the frame is placed on deck. In an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, the pair of longitudinal frame base members and the span element connect through respective radial frame members that each extend from one of the pair of longitudinal frame base members and the span element towards the central frame axis. The frame construction having the radial frame members provides improved accessibility of the pump and pump drive in the pump system accommodation as well as improved access to frame parts itself. This importantly facilitates maintenance. Moreover, this frame provides a rigid and reliable solution for absorbing forces over the pump system and frame because of the radial frame members and associated span element and the pair of longitudinal frame base members. This allows to maintain the alignment of the pump and pump drive during operation.

[0021] In an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, seen in the direction of the central frame axis, the respective radial frame members define a X-shape or a mirrored X-shape. The X-shape as well as the mirrored X-shape, provide a small footprint as well as optimal access to the pump system accommodation for maintenance.

[0022] In an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, two opposite radial frame members are substantially aligned. Two aligned opposite radial frame members is to say a frame member that connects to the span element and a frame member that connects to a longitudinal frame base member are aligned with respect to their longitudinal axes. This facilitates handling of the frame during both onboard use of the frame and manufacture of the frame because the frame can be laid flat on at least two sides.

[0023] In an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, respective radial frame members at opposite ends of the parallel frame base members and span elements, connect respectively to the inlet connection and a support pipe. The support pipe may have a different shape as long as the respective radial frame members can connect and are supported. The support pipe is preferably aligned with the inlet connection. The support pipe eventually connects to a dredge pipe system that enables transport of dredge from the outlet connection to a hopper or any other suitable location. In an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, wherein at least the inlet connection is aligned with the central frame axis. The inlet connection being aligned with the central frame axis allows an optimal coupling to a pump arranged in the pump system accommodation.

[0024] In an embodiment of the frame according to the invention, a width of a perpendicular projection of the frame members on the base plane conforms a width of the pump system accommodation. This all the more enables a small footprint of the frame, when the frame is placed on deck.

[0025] The invention therefore provides an assembly of the frame according to the invention and a pump system arranged in the pump system accommodation, the pump system comprising a pump and a pump drive, wherein the pump drive is mounted to the frame base through the mounting system.

[0026] In an embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, the mounting unit is arranged at an output shaft of the pump drive and the separate mounting point is arranged at a side of the pump drive opposite the output shaft.

[0027] The invention therefore provides a pipe system comprising the assembly as defined above for pumping slurry through the pipe system, wherein the pipe system is configured for transport of slurry from a bottom of a body of water. The slurry may be transported to a hopper or any other conceivable collection point.

[0028] The invention therefore provides a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger comprising the pipe system as defined above.

[0029] The invention therefore provides a Cutter Suction Dredger comprising the assembly as defined above wherein the assembly is mounted on a cutter ladder of the Cutter Suction Dredger.

[0030] The invention therefore provides a booster station comprising an assembly as defined above for pumping slurry through the booster station. The invention therefore provides a use of an assembly as defined above for pumping slurry in a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger, Cutter Suction Dredger, or booster station.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Fig. 1 shows in perspective view an assembly of the frame according to the invention and a pump system;

[0033] fig. 2 shows a side view of the assembly of fig. 1;

[0034] fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly of fig. 1 in plane III indicated in fig. 2;

[0035] fig. 4A shows a schematic rear view of a vessel comprising an assembly of fig.

[0036] 1;

[0037] fig. 4B is another schematic rear view of a vessel comprising an assembly of fig. 1, wherein in the pump is shown in a different orientation;

[0038] fig. 5A is a schematic view of a detail of the assembly of fig. 1 wherein a mounting system is shown;

[0039] fig. 5B is a schematic view of a detail of the assembly of fig. 1 wherein another mounting system is shown;

[0040] fig. 6 shows a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger comprising the assembly of fig.

[0041] 1;

[0042] fig 7. shows a Cutter Suction Dredger having a cutter ladder assembly comprising the assembly of fig. 1; and

[0043] fig 8. shows a booster station comprising the assembly of fig. 1.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 shows in perspective view an assembly of the frame according to the invention and a pump system. The assembly, and in particular the frame 1, is described under reference to figures 1-3 that show different perspectives of the assembly.

[0046] The frame 1 is configured for supporting a pump system 2. Such a pump system is known per se and has a pump drive 3 and a pump 4. In this case the pump drive 3 is an electric motor, however an hydraulic drive is conceivable as well. The pump drive 3 is directly coupled to the pump 4 meaning that there is no reduction gear unit required in this case.

[0047] The frame 1 extends along a central frame axis 5. The frame 1 comprises a frame base 6 that extends in a base plane 7. The base plane 7 is spaced from the central frame axis 5. The frame 1 comprises a span member 8 for reinforcing the frame 1. Therefore, the span member 8 connects at opposite ends 9, 10 of the frame base 6. The span member 8 extends along the central frame axis 5. The span member 8 extends opposite the frame base 6 and the span member 8 and the frame base 6 are mutually spaced to form a pump system accommodation 11 between them. The pump system accommodation 11 extends around the central frame axis 5.

[0048] The frame 1 comprises an inlet connection 12 as well as an outlet connection 13. The inlet connection 12 and outlet connection 13 can be connected to respective pipe ends of a dredge pipe system (not shown). In other words, the inlet connection 12 and outlet connection 13 serve the purpose of incorporating the frame 1 in the dredge pipe system with regard to a flow of dredge in the dredge pipe system. With regard to mechanical support of the frame 1, the inlet connection 12 and a support pipe 46 serve the purpose of incorporating the frame 1 in the dredge pipe system. Here, the frame 1 eventually connects to the dredge pipe system through the support pipe 46. In this case, the inlet connection 12 is aligned with the central frame axis 5. The outlet connection 13 is parallel to the central frame axis 5 and is spaced with respect to the central frame axis 5.

[0049] The frame 1 comprises a mounting system 14 for securing the pump drive 3 to the frame base in a determined position. The mounting system is arranged between the frame base 6 and the pump system accommodation 11. The mounting system consists of a mounting unit 19 and a separate mounting point 17 different from the mounting unit. The mounting unit 19 and the mounting point 17 are spaced along the central frame axis in order to distribute load along the frame 1. The mounting unit 19 and the mounting point 17 each provide a hingeable connection. The hingeable connection allows rotation of the pump drive 3 with respect to the frame base 6 around a transverse axis 18 relative to the central frame axis 5. In other words, the hingeable connection allows a certain deformation of the frame 1, without introducing mechanical stress into the pump drive 3. The mounting unit 19 enables transmission of a drive torque around the central frame axis 5. In contrast, the mounting point 17 provides a hingeable connection allowing rotation of the pump drive with respect to the frame base around the central frame axis. The mounting point 17 therefore allows a certain torsion of the frame 1 around the central frame axis 5, without introducing mechanical stress into the pump drive 3.

[0050] The mounting unit 19 is arranged at one end 23 of the pump system accommodation 11. The separate mounting point 17 is arranged at an opposite end 24 of the pump system accommodation 11.

[0051] In order to support the pump drive 3, the frame base 6 comprises a pair of opposite longitudinal frame base members 25, 26. To enforce the frame 1 along the pump system accommodation 11, the span member 8 comprises a span element 27. In this case, the pair of longitudinal frame base members 25, 26 and the span element 27 extend in parallel. Here, the pair of longitudinal frame base members 25, 26 and the span element 27 extend in parallel with the central frame axis 5. This is optimal in terms of available space in the pump system accommodation 11.

[0052] When seen in the direction of the central frame axis 5, the pair of longitudinal frame base members and the span element define a triangular outline 28. The triangular outline 28 encloses at least a part of the pump system accommodation 11.

[0053] The pair of longitudinal frame base members 25, 26 and the span element 27 connect through respective radial frame members 29a, 29b, 29c, 30a, 30b, 30c. Each of the radial frame members 29a, 29b, 29c, 30a, 30b, 30c extend from one of the pair of longitudinal frame base members 25, 26 and the span element 27 towards the central frame axis 5. In this case, each respective radial frame member 29a, 29b, 29c, 30a, 30b, 30c extend from a respective end of opposite ends 31, 32 of the pair of longitudinal frame base members 25, 26 and the span element 27.

[0054] In figure 3 it is shown that a width 37 of a perpendicular projection of the frame base members 25, 26 on the base plane 7 conforms a width of the pump system accommodation 11. The frame 1 is shown with a pump system 2 installed in the pump system accommodation 11. This assembly of the frame and a pump system is referred to as “assembly 39”. The pump system 2 comprises a pump 4 and a pump drive 3. The pump drive 3 is mounted to the frame base 6 through the mounting system 14. The pump 4 is supported by the frame base 6 as well. Here, the pump 4 and pump drive 3 are aligned with the central frame axis 5. The pump drive 3 is coupled to the pump 4 by a mounting adaptor 38 that is known per se and is a transition piece between the pump drive 3 and pump 4 that is often referred to as “lantern piece”. The pump 4, pump drive 3 and the mounting adapter 38 together constitute the pump system that is referred to as “pump system 2”.

[0055] The mounting system 14 consists of a mounting unit 19 and separate mounting point 17. The mounting unit 19 is arranged at an output shaft (not shown) of the pump drive 3. The separate mounting point 17 is arranged at a side of the pump drive 3 opposite the output shaft.

[0056] Figure 4A shows, seen in the direction of the central frame axis 5, that the respective radial frame members 29a, 29b, 29c define a k-shape or a mirrored k-shape as shown in Figure 4B. In this case, two opposite radial frame members 29a, 29c are therefore substantially aligned. The frame 1 comprises a fender member 40. The fender member 40 facilitates lifting and lowering of the frame 1 along the Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger 34 that is schematically shown. Therefore, the fender member 40 is provided with a rubber padding to avoid damage to a port side 42 or starboard side 41 of the Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger 34.

[0057] The respective radial frame members 29a, 29b, 29c, 30a, 30b, 30c at opposite ends of the parallel frame base members 25, 26 and span element 27, connect respectively to the inlet connection 12 and a support pipe 46. The radial frame members 29a, 29b, 29c, connect to the inlet connection 12. The radial frame members 30a, 30b, 30c connect to the support pipe 46. The support pipe 46 may have a different shape as the pipe section shown here. The support pipe 46 eventually connects to a dredge pipe system that is partly shown. The transport pipe transports dredge from the outlet connection 12 to a hopper or any other suitable location. Figure 5A is a schematic view of a detail of the assembly 39 of fig. 1 wherein a mounting system 14 is shown. As indicated, the mounting unit 19 enables transmission of a drive torque around the central frame axis 5. Therefore, the mounting unit 19 consists of a pair of mounting points 15, 16 spaced along the transverse axis 18 as schematically shown.

[0058] Alternatively, shown in figure 5B, the mounting unit 19 consists of a line hinge 20 aligned with the transverse axis 18 for allowing transmission of a drive torque.

[0059] In this case, the separate mounting point 17 is a series coupling of a flexible bearing 21 and a bushing bearing 22. However, any suitable support is conceivable like one or more of a suspension, a structural bearing, a sliding bearing.

[0060] The central frame axis 5 and the separate mounting point 17 are aligned in projected view on the base plane 7.

[0061] Figure 6 shows a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger 34 comprising a pipe system 33 comprising an assembly 39. The pipe system 33 is configured for transport of slurry from a bottom 44 of a body of water to the hopper 43.

[0062] Figure 7 shows a Cutter Suction Dredger 35 having a cutter ladder 45 comprising an assembly 39. The assembly 39 is configured for transport of slurry from a bottom 44 of a body of water to above the body of water.

[0063] Figure 8 shows a booster station 36 comprising an assembly 39 for pumping slurry through the booster station 36. A booster station pipe system 47 connects to the booster station 36 to transport the slurry to and from the booster station 36.

[0064] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. List of reference numbers

[0065] 1 Frame

[0066] 2 Pump system

[0067] 3 Pump drive

[0068] 4 Pump

[0069] 5 Central frame axis

[0070] 6 Frame base

[0071] 7 Base plane

[0072] 8 Span member

[0073] 9, 10 Opposite ends

[0074] 11 Pump system accommodation

[0075] 12 Inlet connection

[0076] 13 Outlet connection

[0077] 14 Mounting system

[0078] 15, 16 Pair of mounting points

[0079] 17 Separate mounting point

[0080] 18 Transverse axis

[0081] 19 Mounting unit

[0082] 20 Line hinge

[0083] 21 Flexible bearing

[0084] 22 Bushing bearing

[0085] 23 One end of the pump system accommodation

[0086] 24 Opposite end of the pump system accommodation 25, 26 Frame base members

[0087] 27 Span element

[0088] 28 Triangular outline

[0089] 29, 30 Radial frame members

[0090] 31, 32 Opposite ends of pair of longitudinal frame base members 33 Pipe system

[0091] 34 Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger

[0092] 35 Cutter Suction Dredger

[0093] 36 Booster station Projected width of frame Lantern piece or mounting adapter Assembly

[0094] Fender member

[0095] Starboard side

[0096] Port side

[0097] Hopper

[0098] bottom of a body of water Cutter ladder

[0099] Support pipe

[0100] Booster station pipe system

Claims

CLAIMS1. Frame (1) for supporting a pump system (2) having a pump drive (3) and a pump (4), the frame extending along a central frame axis (5) and the frame comprising;- a frame base (6) extending in a base plane (7) spaced from the central frame axis,- a span member (8) extending along the central frame axis opposite the frame base and connecting opposite ends (9, 10) of the frame base for reinforcing the frame,wherein the span member and the frame base are mutually spaced to form a pump system accommodation (11) between them, wherein the pump system accommodation extends around the central frame axis,wherein the frame further comprises;- an inlet connection (12) and an outlet connection (13) for incorporating the frame in a dredge pipe system,- a mounting system (14) between the frame base and the pump system accommodation for securing a pump drive to the frame base in a determined position,wherein the mounting system consists of a mounting unit (19) and a separate mounting point (17) different from the mounting unit, wherein the mounting unit and the separate mounting point are spaced along the central frame axis and each of them provide a hingeable connection allowing rotation of the pump drive with respect to the frame base around a transverse axis (18) relative to the central frame axis (5), and wherein at least the mounting unit enables transmission of a drive torque around the central frame axis (5) and the mounting point (17) provides a hingeable connection allowing rotation of the pump drive with respect to the frame base around the central frame axis.

2. Frame according to claim 1, wherein the mounting unit consists of a pair of mounting points (15, 16) spaced along the transverse axis or a line hinge for allowing transmission of a drive torque.

3. Frame according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the separate mounting point comprises one or more of a suspension, a structural bearing, a sliding bearing, a bushing bearing, and a flexible hinge.

4. Frame according to a preceding claim, wherein the central frame axis and the separate mounting point (17) are aligned in projected view on the base plane (7).

5. Frame according to a preceding claim, wherein the mounting unit is arranged at one end of the pump system accommodation and the separate mounting point is arranged at an opposite end of the pump system accommodation.

6. Frame according to a preceding claim, wherein the frame base comprises a pair of opposite longitudinal frame base members, the span member comprises a span element, and wherein the pair of longitudinal frame base members and the span element extend in parallel.

7. Frame according to claim 6, wherein seen in the direction of the central frame axis, the pair of longitudinal frame base members and the span element define a triangular outline that encloses the pump system accommodation.

8. Frame according to a claim 6 or 7, wherein the pair of longitudinal frame base members and the span element connect through respective radial frame members that each extend from one of the pair of longitudinal frame base members and the span element towards the central frame axis.

9. Frame according to a claim 8, wherein seen in the direction of the central frame axis, the respective radial frame members define a X-shape or a mirrored X-shape.

10. Frame according to a claim 8 or 9, wherein two opposite radial frame members are substantially aligned.

11. Frame according to a preceding claim 8-10, wherein respective radial frame members at opposite ends of the parallel frame base members and span elements, connect respectively to the inlet connection and a support pipe.

12. Frame according to a preceding claim, wherein at least the inlet connection is aligned with the central frame axis.

13. Frame according to a preceding claim 6-12, wherein a width of a perpendicular projection of the frame members on the base plane conforms a width of the pump system accommodation.

14. Assembly of the frame according to a preceding claim and a pump system arranged in the pump system accommodation, the pump system comprising a pump and a pump drive, wherein the pump drive is mounted to the frame base through the mounting system.

15. Assembly according to claim 14, wherein the mounting unit (19) is arranged at an output shaft of the pump drive and the separate mounting point (17) is arranged at a side of the pump drive opposite the output shaft.

16. Pipe system comprising the assembly according to claim 14 or 15 for pumping slurry through the pipe system, wherein the pipe system is configured for transport of slurry from a bottom of a body of water.

17. Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger comprising a pipe system according to claim 16.

18. Cutter suction dredger comprising an assembly according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the assembly is mounted on a cutter ladder of the Cutter Suction Dredger.

19. Booster station comprising an assembly according to claim 14 or 15 for pumping slurry through the booster station.

20. Use of an assembly according to claim 14 or 15 for pumping slurry in a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger, Cutter Suction Dredger, or booster station.-0-0-0-0-0-0-

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