Dual Impeller Pump Parallel Series Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pumps used in mines or pits require multiple pumps with different capacities to adapt to varying operational conditions, leading to increased operational complexity and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A pump design featuring two impellers that can be configured in parallel for high capacity and low head, or in series for low capacity and high head, with a single power source and drive shaft, allowing for adaptable pumping characteristics without the need for multiple pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps with different capacities are used to adapt to varying operational conditions, then the pump system can meet different pumping requirements (high flow/low head and low flow/high head), but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed with two impellers that can be configured in different arrangements (parallel and series) to perform multiple functions. The first impeller is optimized for high flow/low head conditions while the second impeller is optimized for low flow/high head conditions. By switching between configurations, a single pump unit replaces what would traditionally require two separate pumps, achieving multi-functionality and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pump configuration is made dynamic through the ability to switch between parallel and series impeller arrangements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the pump to adapt to varying operational conditions in real-time, changing from high capacity mode to high head mode as needed, rather than being fixed in a single configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps are used to cover different operational conditions, then all pumping requirements are met, but the operational complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single pump unit is designed to universally handle both high flow/low head and low flow/high head operational conditions through its dual impeller configuration system. The operator only needs to manage one pump unit rather than coordinating multiple pumps, significantly reducing operational complexity while maintaining full coverage of different pumping requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps are deployed to handle varying pumping requirements, then all operational needs are satisfied, but the maintenance requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of two separate pumps are merged into a single integrated pump unit with a shared power source, housing, and control system. The two impellers are combined within one pump body, allowing them to be maintained together rather than separately. This merging reduces the total number of components that require maintenance and simplifies repair operations
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 efficiently adjusts to different operational conditions, reducing the need for multiple pumps, minimizing maintenance and operational costs, and ensuring reliable performance in both configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a first impeller arranged within a first impeller chamber and rotated by said drive shaft, and a second impeller arranged within a second impeller chamber and rotated by said drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A pump for fluids includes a pump housing, a power source enclosed within the housing, a drive shaft connected to the power source, at least one pump inlet arranged in the pump housing, a pump outlet arranged in the pump housing, a first impeller arranged within a first impeller chamber and rotated by the drive shaft, and a second impeller arranged within a second impeller chamber and rotated by the drive shaft. The pump is changeable between a first configuration in which the first and second impeller are arranged in parallel to provide a high pumping capacity, and a second configuration in which the first and second impeller are arranged in series to provide a pump with less pumping capacity.