Centrifugal Pump Venting Device for Blockage Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sewage lifting systems face issues with air accumulation and blockages during startup, leading to inefficient priming and potential clogging, especially when handling media with solids like fibers, resulting in noise and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a venting device at the level of or above the impeller within the centrifugal pump's housing part, with a radial ventilation configuration and a gap for pressure reduction, to ensure effective venting and prevent blockages, while directing leakage flow to minimize noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional open lines with large diameter are used for venting, then air accumulation is removed effectively, but blockages occur due to fibrous solids in the waste water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventing reliabilityVSAvoidblockage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific radial flow pattern in a localized region of the pump housing. The venting device is positioned to generate a radial leakage flow that moves outward from the impeller area, creating a localized clean flow path that prevents fibrous solids from entering the venting system while maintaining effective air removal capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the radial leakage flow - that acts as a mediator between the impeller region and the venting opening. This controlled flow pattern serves as an intermediate pathway that allows air to escape while the radial direction and flow characteristics prevent solids from being carried into the vent, thus mediating between the need for venting and the need to prevent blockages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If ventilation is arranged in the space behind the impeller, then air can be vented, but negative pressure occurs that draws in air and reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventing functionVSAvoidpriming efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional venting approach. Instead of placing the venting device in the space behind the impeller where negative pressure occurs, the venting opening is positioned in the pump housing such that it utilizes the radial leakage flow moving outward from the impeller area. This inverted positioning allows the vent to capture air being naturally pushed outward by the radial flow, converting a potential harm (negative pressure) into a beneficial flow pattern that aids venting without compromising priming efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the centrifugal pump is installed above water level with foot valve, then priming can be maintained, but manual filling is required using filling funnel or ventilation system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepriming capabilityVSAvoidfilling operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing a venting system that automatically performs the function of manual filling without requiring external intervention. The radial leakage flow created by the impeller naturally draws air out through the venting device in the pump housing, enabling the pump to self-prime when started. This eliminates the need for operators to manually fill the pump using a funnel or external ventilation system, while maintaining reliable priming capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This configuration ensures reliable venting, reduces the risk of blockages, and minimizes noise by directing leakage flow effectively, enhancing the system's efficiency and reliability when handling fibrous materials.

Implementation Method 1

an arrangement (9) with a centrifugal pump (10) which is arranged in the container (1) and has a motor (13) for driving the centrifugal pump (10) which is arranged above the centrifugal pump (10), the centrifugal pump having an impeller (24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

a gap for pressure reduction, to ensure effective venting and prevent blockages, while directing leakage flow to minimize noise

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3405677B1Venting device for pump in a container
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 KSB SE & CO KGAA
  • EP3405677B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3405677B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3405677B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a system comprising a container (1) and an assembly (9). The assembly (9) comprises a centrifugal pump (10) in the container, and a motor (13) for driving the centrifugal pump (10), said motor (13) being located above the centrifugal pump (10). The centrifugal pump (10) includes an impeller wheel and a first housing part (11). The first housing part (11) includes at least one vent (27) at the level of the impeller wheel (24) and/or above the impeller wheel (24).