Semi-submerged Vertical Pump Salt Corrosion Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semi-submerged vertical pumps used in pool filtration systems are incompatible with salt water due to corrosion and mechanical issues caused by salt crystals, which lead to pump failure.

Innovation Solution

A semi-submerged vertical pump design featuring a sealing device with a deflector and a sealed chamber around the shaft, which prevents salt water and salt crystals from reaching the motor and hydraulic parts, using a hydrophobic grease for additional sealing and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a semi-submerged vertical pump is used in a pool filtration system, then the pump can efficiently filter water, but the pump components are exposed to salt water and salt crystals causing corrosion and mechanical failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater filtration efficiencyVSAvoidpump component durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump is divided into distinct sealed zones: the motor section above water level and the hydraulic section below water level, separated by a sealed interface. The sealing device creates isolated chambers that prevent salt water and salt crystals from migrating between sections, allowing each component to operate in its appropriate environment without corrosion damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealing device comprising a deflector and sealed chamber acts as an intermediary barrier between the salt water environment and the pump's motor components. This sealing system prevents direct contact between salt crystals and sensitive components, eliminating the corrosion pathway while maintaining the pump's operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the cooling fan blows hot air downwards towards the hydraulic part, then the motor is cooled effectively, but salt crystals accumulate on the pump components causing corrosion and mechanical seizure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor cooling efficiencyVSAvoidsalt crystal accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing device is installed in advance to prevent salt water and salt crystals from reaching the motor section. By establishing this protective barrier before salt crystal accumulation occurs, the system prevents the harmful sequence of evaporation and crystal deposition that would otherwise damage the pump components during normal cooling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The sealed chamber created by the sealing device serves as an intermediary protective zone that allows hot air to pass through for cooling purposes while preventing salt crystals from accumulating on motor components. This mediator enables thermal management without exposing sensitive parts to corrosive salt environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If salt electrolysis treatment is used for pool water disinfection, then natural disinfection is achieved, but salt crystals deposit and accumulate on pump components causing corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater treatment capabilityVSAvoidpump component integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump design segments the environment into a salt-exposed hydraulic section and a salt-protected motor section. This segmentation allows the pool water to undergo salt electrolysis treatment while the motor components remain isolated from the salt environment, enabling water treatment functionality without compromising component integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing device acts as an intermediary that permits the pool water to contain salt for electrolysis disinfection while preventing salt crystals from reaching and damaging pump components. This mediator enables the beneficial water treatment function while eliminating the harmful corrosion effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively protects the pump's motor and hydraulic parts from salt water and salt crystals, preventing corrosion and mechanical failure, and allowing the pump to operate safely in saltwater environments.

Implementation Method 1

a sealing device arranged to form a sealed chamber extending under said motor and all around a section of said shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

using a hydrophobic grease for additional sealing and protection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP4443006B1Semi-submerged vertical pump

Publication Date: 2025.06.04 PISCINES WATERAIR

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AI summary

The invention relates to a semi-submersible vertical pump (1) for a pond water filtration system, comprising a pump body (2) in which are housed a motor (6), a vertical shaft (7), said shaft (7) being configured to be driven in rotation by said motor (6), and a wall (9) located below the motor (6). This pump is particular in that it further comprises a sealing device (10) including a lower external opening (12) the inner edges of which are in contact with said shaft (7) in a watertight manner, and an upper external opening (13) the edges of which are in contact with said wall (9) in a watertight manner, said sealing device (10) being arranged to form a watertight chamber (11) extending below said motor (6) and all around a section of said shaft (7).