Modular Flood Pump System with Integrated Backflow Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a high-capacity flood pump system that can selectively transport large volumes of water from flooded areas to a river or other outlet, particularly in low-lying areas prone to flooding, to manage heavy water loads and prevent flooding-related disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a floodwater diversion pathway, a pump assembly with a flood pump having an impeller housing and at least one impeller driven by a power unit, and floodgates to control water flow and prevent backflow, allowing for efficient evacuation of water under various precipitation conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump system is used to transport large volumes of water from flooded areas, then the drainage capacity is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into modular components including pump housing, impeller housing, power unit, and valve assemblies that can be independently manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This segmentation allows for high-capacity pumping while managing system complexity through standardized modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system is designed to perform multiple functions: pumping water, preventing backflow through integrated valves, and adapting to various flood conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high drainage capacity.
2Reliability
If floodgates and valves are added to prevent backflow and control water flow, then the reliability of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floodgate and valve mechanisms are merged into the pump assembly structure itself, with inlet and outlet valves integrated into the pump housing and impeller housing. This combination provides reliable backflow prevention while reducing the number of separate components, thereby managing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the pump assembly is positioned above the floodwater diversion pathway, then the system prevents suction of silt and maintains levee integrity, but the elevation requirement may limit installation locations
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is positioned at an elevation above the floodwater diversion pathway to create a gravitational equipotential that prevents backflow and silt suction. This elevation positioning ensures reliable operation while the modular design allows installation at various locations where the elevation requirement can be met.
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 system effectively transfers a large volume of water from flooded areas to a designated outlet, providing enhanced security against backflow and preventing suction of silt, which helps maintain levee integrity and ensures efficient drainage even under heavy flooding conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one impeller disposed in the impeller housing; and a power unit drivingly engaging the at least one impeller
Data Source
AI summary
A high capacity flood pump system includes a floodwater diversion pathway; a pump assembly above the floodwater diversion pathway, the pump assembly including a flood pump having a pump housing with a pump housing inlet and a pump housing outlet; an impeller housing disposed in fluid communication with the pump housing between the pump housing inlet and the pump housing outlet, the impeller housing disposed beneath the pump housing; at least one impeller disposed in the impeller housing; and a power unit drivingly engaging the at least one impeller.