Drainage Pump Sedimentation Trap Prevents Sand Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drainage pumps in mining and construction sites face excessive wear and energy consumption due to pumping liquids with high sand content, and existing solutions like non-return valves are blocked by settling sand, requiring repeated pumping and energy use even when the pump is stopped.
Innovation Solution
A drainage pump assembly with a sedimentation trap and non-return valve configuration that captures solid matter sliding back when the pump is stopped, protecting the valve and minimizing pressure loss during operation, using a sedimentation trap with a belly volume sufficient to hold solids and a flap valve for minimal flow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the drainage pump is stopped to decrease energy consumption when not able to lift liquid, then energy consumption is reduced, but both water and sand rush back through the pump causing increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
A non-return valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the outlet conduit to prevent backflow of water and sand when the pump is stopped. This valve allows the pump to stop without exposing it to reverse flow damage, thus reducing wear while maintaining energy efficiency benefits
2Reliability
If a non-return valve is arranged downstream the drainage pump to prevent water backflow, then water backflow is prevented, but sand settles on the valve and blocks/damages it
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet conduit is configured with a specific geometric arrangement featuring upward sections and downward sections. This dimensional change in flow path orientation causes sand to settle in lower sections away from the non-return valve while water continues to flow through the valve, separating the harmful sand deposition from the valve mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet conduit is segmented into multiple sections with different orientations (upward and downward sections). This segmentation creates distinct zones where water flow and sand settlement are separated, protecting the non-return valve from sand blockage while maintaining its backflow prevention function
3Reliability
If the drainage pump operates constantly to ensure continuous water removal, then water removal reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the flow characteristics of water and sand themselves to achieve protection. The water flow automatically prevents sand from blocking the non-return valve during operation, and the system self-regulates to allow pump stopping without manual intervention, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability
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
Prevents repeated pumping and wear on the drainage pump, reduces energy consumption, and protects the non-return valve from blockage by sand, allowing efficient operation and extended pump life.
Implementation Method 1
the outlet conduit comprises a sedimentation trap having an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a belly located between said inlet opening and said outlet opening
Implementation Method 2
said first conduit comprises a non-return valve
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drainage pump assembly comprising a drainage pump (2) and an outlet conduit (3) connected to said drainage pump (2), the drainage pump (2) comprising a pump chamber and being configured to pump liquid comprising solid matter. The drainage pump assembly is characterized in that the outlet conduit (3) comprises a sedimentation trap (9) having an inlet opening (11), an outlet opening (12) and a belly (13) located between said inlet opening (11) and said outlet opening (12), and a first conduit (10) extending between the pump chamber of the drainage pump (2) and the belly (13) of the sedimentation trap (9), wherein said first conduit (10) comprises a non-return valve (14), and wherein the outlet opening (12) of the sedimentation trap (9) is configured to be connected to a second conduit (15).