Self-Priming Pump Seal Cooling via Dedicated Passageways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-priming centrifugal pumps lack prolonged wetting and cooling of the pump shaft seal during self-priming operations, leading to potential failure, and require complex and expensive constructions that are not easily serviceable or environmentally resilient.
Innovation Solution
A portable transfer pump with a unitary, cast aluminum alloy housing that includes self-priming fluid passageways ensuring constant liquid supply to the shaft seal for lubrication and cooling, along with a simple and robust design for easy maintenance and environmental durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If self-priming centrifugal pumps use a recirculation port to achieve self-priming capability, then the pump can operate in self-priming mode, but the pump shaft seal lacks prolonged wetting and cooling leading to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the volute chamber into functionally distinct zones: a self-priming zone with a recirculation port for air removal, and a seal cooling zone with dedicated passageways for continuous liquid supply to the shaft seal. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between self-priming capability and seal durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by providing enhanced liquid flow specifically to the shaft seal region through dedicated cooling passageways, while maintaining the recirculation port configuration for self-priming operation. The seal area receives concentrated liquid supply for cooling and lubrication, whereas other areas maintain their original self-priming function, thus improving seal reliability without compromising self-priming capability.
2Ease of repair
If self-priming centrifugal pumps are designed with complex multi-piece casing and volute assemblies, then access to interior components is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pump housing into a removable cover portion and a main body, with the volute chamber accessible through the cover. This allows the interior components (impeller, shaft seal, recirculation port) to be accessed by simply removing the cover, maintaining ease of repair while using a simpler integrated construction that reduces overall device complexity compared to multi-piece casings.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump cover serves multiple functions: it provides structural enclosure, facilitates access to interior components for maintenance, and incorporates the seal cooling passageways. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining ease of repair and maintenance capabilities.
3Productivity
If self-priming centrifugal pumps operate for prolonged periods, then liquid transfer is accomplished, but heat buildup occurs at the pump shaft seal causing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention ensures continuous liquid supply to the shaft seal through dedicated cooling passageways that maintain constant wetting and cooling during prolonged self-priming operation. This continuous cooling action prevents heat buildup at the seal interface, enabling sustained productivity without temperature-related failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces liquid as an intermediary cooling medium that flows through dedicated passageways to the shaft seal. This liquid intermediary absorbs heat from the seal interface and carries it away, preventing excessive temperature buildup and enabling prolonged continuous operation without seal failure.
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 operates reliably in self-priming mode with extended durability of the shaft seal, is cost-effective, and features a straightforward design for easy service and protection against adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a thin film of liquid provides lubrication between a rapidly rotating first surface, and a stationary second surface
Implementation Method 2
buildup of heat at the pump shaft seal... failure thereof during a prolonged period of self priming is a problem
Implementation Method 3
A rotating impeller is driven by an internal or external power source, drawing liquid into a pump chamber, and expelling liquid therefrom at increased pressure
Implementation Method 4
The froth in the pump chamber separates so that the majority of the gas is discharged from the outlet of the pump chamber. The liquid returning to the recirculation port by gravity therefore is relatively free of gas
Data Source
AI summary
A portable self-priming transfer pump comprising a one piece unitary housing, comprised of a first portion that houses a motor, a second casing portion within which is formed a pump cavity, and a handle; and a one piece cover fitted to the outboard end of the second portion of the housing.