Submersible Pump Torque Meter Testing Vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneous performance testing of vertical shaft submersible pumps and electric motors in their designed operational configuration has not been achievable due to the limitations of electronic torque meters not being suitable for submerged operation.
Innovation Solution
A vessel with a torque meter is designed to enable submerged performance testing of submersible pumps and electric motors, using a watertight connector and pressurizing fluid to maintain an elevated pressure within the vessel, preventing water ingress and allowing for the measurement of torque and RPM while submerged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard torque meters are used for performance testing, then measurement capability is provided, but they cannot be used in submerged conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A watertight vessel acts as an intermediary environment, containing the torque meter and test equipment while excluding water. This allows standard non-submersible torque meters to measure performance of submersible pumps and motors during submerged operation testing without direct water contact with the measurement devices.
2Reliability
If submersible pumps and motors are tested in their designed operational configuration, then realistic performance data is obtained, but electronic torque meters cannot operate in this configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is segmented into three distinct zones: (1) the watertight vessel containing electronic equipment that cannot operate submerged, (2) the submerged pump and motor assembly being tested, and (3) the water environment. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its appropriate environment while still achieving integrated performance measurement.
3Productivity
If mathematical combinations of standard pump and motor information are used, then overall efficiency can be theoretically determined, but actual specific unit performance variations are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables direct self-measurement of actual pump and motor performance under real operating conditions. Instead of relying on theoretical calculations from standard information, the installed units measure their own actual performance parameters (torque, RPM, power consumption, flow rate, head pressure) during submerged operation, capturing manufacturing variations and real-world efficiency.
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
Enables simultaneous measurement of submersible pump and electric motor performance in a submerged, vertically oriented configuration, providing accurate and reliable data on their combined performance.
Implementation Method 1
using a watertight connector and pressurizing fluid to maintain an elevated pressure within the vessel, preventing water ingress
Data Source
AI summary
Submersible pump and motor performance testing. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: coupling a torque meter between an electric motor and a pump; and submersing the torque meter, electric motor, and pump in water. During periods of time when the torque meter, electric motor and pump are submerged in the water, the method comprises: operating the pump and the electric motor; measuring pump performance; and simultaneously measuring electric motor performance.