Modular Pumping System for Water Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumping systems require excavation of bodies of water for installation and necessitate shutting down the entire system for maintenance, disrupting operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular pumping system featuring elongated polymer tubes with integrated pumps and a seal plate mechanism that allows individual pump servicing without shutting down the system, eliminating the need for excavation and enabling in-place maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pumping station is installed by excavating a body of water, then the pump can be installed and operated, but the installation process is complex and time-consuming, and the entire system must be shut down for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping system is divided into modular components: individual pump units can be independently accessed, removed, and serviced within the elongated tubing structure. The seal plate mechanism allows each pump to be segmented from the rest of the system for maintenance without affecting other pumps, enabling individual pump servicing while the system remains operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump units can be extracted from the elongated tubing for maintenance by removing the seal plate and lifting the pump discharge tubing with the pump attached. This extraction allows complete pump removal and servicing while the remaining system continues to operate, eliminating the need for total system shutdown.
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional pumping station is installed by excavating a body of water, then the pump can be installed, but the installation requires excavation and disruption of the water body
Solution Approach 1:
The pump discharge tubing is nested within the elongated tubing that extends across the body of water. This nesting arrangement allows the pump system to be installed without excavation, as the elongated tubing can be positioned over the water body and the pump nested within it, eliminating disruption to the water body while maintaining installation simplicity.
3Ease of repair
If the entire pumping system is shut down for maintenance, then all pumps can be serviced, but operational progress is temporarily halted
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independently serviceable pump units. Each pump can be accessed and serviced individually through the seal plate mechanism, allowing maintenance of one pump while other pumps continue to operate, thus maintaining productivity during repair activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables continuous pumping operation by allowing individual pump maintenance without system shutdown. While one pump is being serviced, other pumps continue to perform useful pumping action, maintaining overall system productivity and eliminating interruptions to water transfer operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A pumping system is provided. The pumping system includes at least one elongated tubing. The elongated tubing includes a first end forming an entrance and a second end forming an exit. A pump discharge tubing is disposed within the elongated tubing and runs from the first end to the second end of the elongated tubing. A pump is coupled to the pump discharge tubing and is operable to pump liquids through the pump discharge tubing. A seal plate is releasably secured to a flange formed at the exit of the elongated tubing. The pump discharge tubing snuggly runs through an opening formed through the seal plate and releasably secures to a manifold.