Submersible Pump Depth Adjustment via Flexible Conduit Winch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for submersible pumps on flotation platforms are limited in their ability to dynamically adjust the depth at which they can be lowered, requiring time-consuming and costly modifications with additional piping, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, especially in applications like tailings pond management where selective depth positioning is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A flotation platform system that incorporates both static and dynamic positioning elements, including flexible conduits and a take-up mechanism, allowing for precise and remote control of submersible pump depth, enabling operation at variable depths and improving operational efficiency and reducing manpower requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional lengths of metal pipe are added to pump discharge conduits to adjust depth, then the pump can be lowered to predetermined levels, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth positioning precisionVSAvoidtime for depth adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static metal pipe extensions with a dynamic positioning system using flexible conduit and winch mechanism. The winch can dynamically adjust the pump depth by winding or unwinding the flexible conduit, allowing real-time depth changes without manual pipe assembly or disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of adding/removing pipe sections is replaced with a motorized winch system that uses controlled winding/unwinding of flexible conduit. This substitution automates the depth adjustment process, reducing both time and labor requirements while maintaining positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional piping inventory is stored on flotation platforms to enable depth adjustment, then depth flexibility is improved, but space availability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth adjustment capabilityVSAvoidplatform storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible conduit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the discharge conduit for pumped material and the positioning medium for depth adjustment. This eliminates the need for separate pipe inventory storage, as the same flexible conduit is used for both material transport and depth control operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes from rigid metal pipe with fixed lengths to flexible conduit that can be dynamically extended or retracted. This parameter change allows the conduit length to be variable rather than fixed, enabling depth adjustment without requiring multiple pipe sections to be stored and assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If flexible conduit is used for dynamic positioning, then operational flexibility is improved, but kinking and entanglement issues may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic positioning capabilityVSAvoidconduit integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The winch mechanism acts as an intermediary device that controls the flexible conduit in a regulated manner. By winding and unwinding the conduit through a controlled mechanical system rather than free movement, the winch prevents excessive bending, kinking, and entanglement while maintaining the flexibility needed for dynamic positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10399647B2Mechanism and arrangement for static and dynamic adjustment of submersible pumps associated with a floating platform

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 WEIR CANADA

AI summary

In an amphibious or flotational device for supporting one or more submersible pumps, the flotational device is structurally configured to provide the means for enabling both static and dynamic positioning of the submersible pumps at selected depths below the flotational device, and to provide means for improved pay-out and storage of flexible piping that enables improved dynamic positioning of the submersible pumps.