Flow-Directing Pump Assembly for Slurry Recirculation and Anti-Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sump pumps in mining applications face issues with particle buildup in the sump pit and within the pump housing, leading to potential jamming and early failure, as well as reduced flow rates when trying to prevent this buildup.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly comprising a flow directing device, a pump casing, and an impeller, where the flow directing device creates a recirculation flow pattern to disturb settled particulate matter and has separate passageways for delivering fluidized slurry to the impeller for removal, addressing both jamming and flow limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If agitators are provided to disturb settled particles in the sump pit, then particle buildup is reduced, but the agitators wear rapidly and efficiency diminishes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the agitation function from separate mechanical agitators and integrates it into the flow directing device that is already present in the pump system. The flow directing device uses the pump's own hydraulic power to create circulation currents that disturb settled particles, eliminating the need for separate agitators that would wear and require maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow directing device is given a dual function: it directs flow to the impeller for pumping while simultaneously creating circulation currents through its passageways to disturb settled particles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate agitators and uses the pump's own hydraulic energy for both purposes.
2Reliability
If the lower sump pump inlet is closed off to prevent impeller jamming, then impeller protection is improved, but flow rate is limited and sump overflow may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the inlet flow paths by providing separate upper and lower inlets with different functions. The upper inlet handles the bulk pumping flow while the lower inlet with flow directing device handles particle disturbance and circulation, allowing both protection and adequate flow rate to be achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow directing device acts as an intermediary between the lower inlet and the impeller, using its circulation passageways to disturb settled particles before they reach the impeller, while delivery passageways provide protected flow paths. This mediation allows particle protection without sacrificing flow rate.
3Reliability
If strainers are provided at pump inlets to prevent large particulate matter ingress, then impeller protection is improved, but particle buildup can still occur within the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The flow directing device performs preliminary action by disturbing settled particles at the source (in the sump pit and lower inlet region) before they can accumulate in the pump casing. The circulation currents created by the flow directing device prevent particle settlement in the first place, eliminating the need for additional protection measures within the casing.
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
Effectively clears settled solids from the sump pit while maintaining flow rates, extending the life of the pump components and preventing jamming by using a dual-function flow directing device that disturbs and removes particulate matter efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
two flow circulating passageways providing for the in use circulation of a flow of material past the impeller
Implementation Method 2
two delivery passageways providing for the in use delivery of material to an opening of the impeller
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A pump assembly and components therefor including an impeller which has flow inducer elements on an inner surface of a front shroud thereof, a flow directing device or strainer having passageways for delivering material to the impeller and at least one flow circulating passageway and a pump casing having an intake section with flow distribution vanes in the region of a feed opening adjacent the intake section.