Double-Suction Submersible Pump for Viscous Abrasive Slurries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumps are ineffective in handling high-density, high-viscosity, and viscous fluids, particularly those containing solids, as they tend to clog or damage easily due to the accumulation of materials like mud, sludge, and abrasive sand at the bottom of tanks or ponds.
Innovation Solution
The development of a submersible, portable pump apparatus with a double-suction configuration and optional agitators that can handle viscous fluids and semi-solid materials without internal bearings or mechanical seals, allowing for extended dry operation and efficient pumping of abrasive solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pumps are used to handle viscous fluids and abrasive solids, then pumping capability is provided, but the pumps tend to clog and damage easily
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into two separate suction inlets (first and second suction inlets) positioned at different locations, allowing the pump to draw from multiple sources simultaneously. This segmentation enables the pump to handle viscous fluids and solids more effectively by distributing the load and reducing clogging in any single inlet path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point suction to a distributed multi-point suction system by adding vertical separation between the first and second suction inlets. This dimensional change allows the pump to access fluids at different depths and reduces the likelihood of all inlets being simultaneously blocked by solids or debris.
2Productivity
If single suction configuration is used, then pump structure is simple, but turbulence and cavitation occur reducing flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two suction streams into a single pump chamber, merging the flow from the first suction inlet and the second suction inlet. This merging of multiple fluid sources increases the overall flow rate and reduces turbulence by providing balanced inlet conditions to the impeller, while the combined structure remains integrated within a single pump housing.
3Duration of action of moving object
If pumps with internal bearings and mechanical seals are used, then sealing is provided, but they cannot operate extended periods in dry conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional internal bearings and mechanical seals from the pump design, eliminating components that are vulnerable to damage in dry conditions. This extraction of problematic components allows the pump to operate indefinitely in dry conditions without risk of bearing seizure or seal failure, while the essential sealing function is achieved through alternative means such as magnetic coupling or dynamic seals positioned differently.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The pump apparatus effectively handles viscous and abrasive materials by reducing turbulence and cavitation, maintaining high flow rates and vertical head pressure, and operating efficiently in both wet and dry conditions without damage, outperforming conventional pumps in severe service applications.
Implementation Method 1
The pump apparatus effectively handles viscous and abrasive materials by reducing turbulence and cavitation
Implementation Method 2
The pump apparatus effectively handles viscous and abrasive materials by reducing turbulence and cavitation
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed submersible pump apparatus includes a three-dimensional frame, a pump housing, a drive shaft, an impeller, and first and second motors. The impeller is mounted on the driveshaft within the pump housing and is driven by one or both of the motors. The first motor is connected to a first end of the drive shaft and the second motor connected a second end of the drive shaft. The first and second motors are hydraulic motors and in a first configuration, the first and second motors are configured to cooperatively rotate the drive shaft with hydraulic fluid supplied to and removed from the first and second motors using a parallel fluidic connection. In a second configuration, only one of the motors has a drive gear and drives the drive shaft while the second motor does not have a drive gear and acts as a frictionless bearing supporting the drive shaft.