Trailered Lagoon Pump With Submersible Force Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lagoon pumping systems face inefficiencies due to decreasing Net Positive Suction Head (NPSHA) as liquid slurry levels lower, leading to reduced pump performance and increased cavitation risks in suction draw methods, and require complex, costly force feeding systems to maintain flow rates, which are energy-intensive and costly.

Innovation Solution

A trailered engine-driven lagoon pump with a centrifugal pump, diesel engine, and extended driveline connected to a clutch, featuring steerable wheels and a pivoting sub-frame for improved maneuverability and stability, allowing efficient pumping from varying depths with reduced energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suction draw method is used with engine-driven centrifugal pump, then pumping capability is provided, but pump performance decreases and cavitation risk increases as liquid slurry level lowers in lagoon

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump performanceVSAvoidNPSHA

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A submersible force feed pump is introduced as an intermediary device between the lagoon slurry and the centrifugal pump. This force feed pump forces slurry into the centrifugal pump inlet, maintaining positive pressure and preventing cavitation when slurry levels are low, thereby resolving the NPSHA limitation of suction draw methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes hydraulic principles by employing a submersible force feed pump that operates underwater to force slurry into the centrifugal pump. This hydraulic approach maintains consistent pumping performance regardless of slurry level, eliminating the NPSHA degradation problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If force feeding system is added to maintain flow rates at low slurry levels, then pumping performance is maintained, but system complexity and energy consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rateVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diesel engine serves multiple functions: it directly drives the centrifugal pump for primary pumping and also powers the submersible force feed pump through a PTO shaft when needed. This multi-functionality maintains flow rates at low slurry levels without requiring a separate dedicated power source, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If force feeding system is added to maintain flow rates at low slurry levels, then pumping performance is maintained, but operational and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rateVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system maintains efficient flow and pressure across all lagoon depths with lower energy requirements, reducing operational and maintenance costs while enhancing maneuverability and stability, making it more cost-effective for farmers and users.

Implementation Method 1

a centrifugal pump couple to the rear end of the elongated chassis structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

a diesel engine fluidly connected to a fuel tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS11678603B2Trailered engine driven lagoon pump for Mixing and pumping manure slurries

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 BAMBAUER EQUIP

AI summary

A lagoon pump may comprise a chassis structure having front and rear ends; a tow bar couple releasably to the front end of the chassis structure; a centrifugal pump couple to the rear end of the structure; a diesel engine fluidly connected to a fuel tank; a clutch rotationally connected to the diesel engine; an extended driveline directly connected to the clutch at one end and to the pump at an opposed end to drive the pump via rotational energy from the diesel engine; a pair of steerable wheels connected adjacent the front end of the chassis structure; and ground engaging wheels connected under the chassis structure between the ends, wherein the ground engaging wheels are both extendable radially outwardly and rotatable axially relative to the chassis structure. A method of mixing and pumping a slurry material from a lagoon or storage pit utilizing such a pump is also disclosed.