Submersible Pump Agitator Auger Dredging Detritus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing submersible pumps are inefficient in dredging operations on seabeds with large detritus due to limited suction tube diameter and filter grating blockage, leading to sedimentation and frequent interruptions.

Innovation Solution

A submersible pump design featuring a helix-shaped pumping body with a large suction mouth, a centrifugal impeller, and an agitator element that creates turbulence to suspend detritus, along with filtering elements and an excavator auger to prevent blockages and facilitate efficient dredging of larger detritus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If the suction tube diameter is limited to increase fluid speed and pump head, then the pump head is improved, but the pump cannot handle large detritus and becomes blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump headVSAvoidcapability to handle large detritus

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suction path is segmented into two separate paths: one for liquid (through the limited-diameter suction tube) and one for solid detritus (through the large-diameter opening in the bottom plate). This allows each path to be optimized independently - the suction tube maintains high fluid velocity for adequate pump head while the bottom opening accommodates large detritus without restriction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dispersion head with its auger acts as an intermediary device that receives detritus from the bottom opening and actively conveys it to the suction tube inlet. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the large bottom opening and the smaller suction tube, enabling large detritus to be processed without blocking the suction tube

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a filter grating is used to block large detritus, then the suction tube is protected from blockage, but the filter grating itself becomes blocked by accumulated detritus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of suction tubeVSAvoidoperational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The auger in the dispersion head performs self-cleaning of the bottom opening by actively conveying detritus away before it can accumulate and block the opening. This self-service mechanism prevents the blockage problem that would otherwise require external intervention and shutdown for maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The dispersion head with rotating auger performs preliminary action by actively removing and conveying detritus from the bottom opening before it can accumulate to blocking levels. This preliminary removal action prevents the need for filter cleaning interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If only pressure-driven suction is used, then the pump structure is simple, but heavy detritus sediments in the suction tube causing blockage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump structureVSAvoidresistance to sedimentation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating auger in the dispersion head creates mechanical agitation and turbulence in the detritus-laden water at the bottom opening. This mechanical action prevents heavy detritus from settling and sedimenting in the suction tube by keeping particles in suspension and actively conveying them toward the suction inlet

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The pump creates a hydraulic suction effect that draws the detritus-water mixture through the bottom opening and into the suction tube. This hydraulic action, combined with the mechanical agitation from the auger, ensures that even heavy detritus remains suspended and is conveyed without sedimentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 design enables reliable and efficient dredging of seabeds with large detritus without frequent interruptions, ensuring easy maintenance and operation, and is structurally simple and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

The driving of the impeller of the pump generates, at the inlet opening of the support body, a reduced pressure in the process fluid that sucks the detritus towards the suction tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

an agitator element that creates turbulence to suspend detritus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentUS9863440B2Submersible pump

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 DRAGFLOW

AI summary

Submersible pump which comprises: a first motor provided with a first outlet shaft; a pumping body in which an impeller is housed that is fixed to the first outlet shaft of the first motor and drivable by the latter in order to pump a process fluid from a suction mouth to a delivery mouth of the pumping body itself; a support casing fixed to the pumping body and provided, at a lower end thereof, with an inlet opening through which a flow of the process fluid is susceptible to enter into the support casing itself; a dispersion head arranged at the lower end of the support casing and drivable in order to remove detrital material, which is conveyed by the flow of the process fluid into the inlet opening of the support casing.