Booster assembly and apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a booster apparatus (10) for entraining gas in a flowing second fluid. The booster apparatus comprises a booster housing (116) for receiving a fluid. The booster apparatus has at least one inlet (123) through which a first fluid passes to be entrained in the second fluid when the second fluid is flowing through the booster housing. The present invention also provides a booster assembly (12) comprising a booster apparatus (10) and a fluid motive mechanism such as a turbine unit (11).

Claims

1. A booster assembly comprising at least one turbine unit and at least one booster apparatus, the booster apparatus having at least one inlet through which a first fluid passes, the booster apparatus comprises a booster housing adapted to be connected to an outlet of a turbine unit of the at least one turbine unit whereby a second fluid passes along a fluid path extending through the turbine unit and passing into the booster housing, the at least one turbine unit comprising one or more drive turbine blade sets located upstream from one or more pump turbine blade sets mounted within a passage of a turbine housing, the one or more drive turbine blade sets and the one or more pump turbine blade sets are mounted on a common shaft such that the one or more drive turbine blade sets and the one or more pump turbine blade sets are confined to rotate in the same direction and same speed, wherein the first fluid passes through the at least one inlet to be entrained in the second fluid as the second fluid is flowing through the booster housing, the booster assembly further comprising a flow regulator for regulating the volume and velocity of the second fluid passing through the booster assembly, the flow regulator comprises a valve head adapted to be variably positioned along the fluid path, the valve head is supported on the common shaft, wherein the common shaft is rotatable relative to the valve head.

2. The booster assembly according to claim 1 wherein the flow regulator is positioned adjacent the inlet of the at least one turbine unit.

3. The booster apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the fluid path incorporates a portion having a reduced diameter.

4. The booster assembly according to claim 3 wherein the valve head is variably positioned with respect to the reduced portion to regulate the flow of the second fluid along the fluid path.

5. The booster assembly according to claim 1 wherein the flow regulator is positioned upstream of the at least one turbine unit.

6. The booster assembly according to claim 1 wherein the flow regulator is positioned between the at least one turbine unit and the at least one booster apparatus.

7. The booster assembly according to claim 3 wherein the valve head has a surface which complements the shape of the portion having a reduced diameter.

8. The booster assembly according to claim 1 wherein the valve head is manually positioned by an adjustment device located external of the fluid path, the adjustment device operatively engages the valve head through a rack and pinion arrangement.

9. The booster assembly according to claim 1 wherein the valve head is positioned remotely by a control centre.

10. The booster assembly according to claim 1 wherein the valve head is positioned automatically based on the flow requirements of the second fluid passing therethrough wherein a system for automatically positioning the valve head incorporates one or more sensors to measure characteristics of the fluid flow.

11. The booster assembly according to claim 1 wherein the valve head comprises an enlarged portion located at an end of a sleeve.

12. The booster assembly according to claim 1 wherein the booster apparatus is configured such that when the second fluid is passing therethrough a lower pressure region is formed in the booster apparatus, the lower pressure region being lower than the pressure of the first fluid before it enters the booster apparatus.

13. The booster assembly according to claim 1 wherein the first fluid is induced to flow through the at least one inlet into the booster housing to be entrained in the second fluid.

14. The booster assembly according to claim 12 wherein the booster apparatus comprises a reducing nozzle, wherein the reducing nozzle is configured such that when the second fluid flows therethrough the lower pressure region is created within the booster housing.

15. The booster assembly according to claim 12 wherein the lower pressure region in the booster housing is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet such that the first fluid is induced to flow through the at least one inlet into the booster housing, to be mixed with the second fluid flowing through the booster housing.

16. The booster assembly according to claim 1 wherein the drive turbine blade set and pump turbine blade set are rotatably fixed and the turbine housing rotates therearound.

17. The booster assembly according to claim 1 wherein the drive turbine blade set and pump turbine blade set are mounted in opposed relation whereby the pump turbine blade set is in reverse relation to the drive turbine blade set such that in operation a region between the drive and pump turbine blade set is created having a pressure which is lower than the pressure of the fluid supplied to the turbine unit.

18. A pipeline comprising at least one booster assembly according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a booster assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention shown in a preferred application;

(3) FIG. 2 is a cross sectional side view of the booster assembly of the first embodiment;

(4) FIG. 3 is a close up view of a turbine unit in FIG. 2 denoted by section AA;

(5) FIG. 4 is a cross sectional side view of a booster assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention;

(6) FIG. 5 is a cross sectional side view of a booster apparatus as shown in FIG. 4;

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective, modelled view of a booster assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side view of the booster assembly of FIG. 6;

(9) FIG. 8 is a cross sectional front perspective view of the booster assembly of FIG. 6;

(10) FIG. 9 is a cross sectional rear perspective view of the booster assembly of FIG. 6;

(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a flow regulator and a turbine unit of a booster assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

(12) FIG. 11 is a cross sectional side view of FIG. 10;

(13) FIG. 12 is an end view of FIG. 10;

(14) FIG. 13 is a side view of a pumping turbine blade set and driving turbine blade set mounted on a shaft;

(15) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a flow regulator and a booster apparatus of a booster assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

(16) FIG. 15 is an end view of FIG. 14;

(17) FIG. 16 is a cross sectional side view of FIG. 15 taken through section cc;

(18) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a valve head of a flow regulator;

(19) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a nozzle;

(20) FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a flow regulator and a turbine unit of a booster assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; and

(21) FIG. 20 is a cross sectional side view of FIG. 19.

(22) In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(23) The present invention has been designed to boost the flow of fluid to an elevated position. In so doing the cost to transport fluid is reduced as the capacity of the pump required to transport the fluid, and therefore the power required by the pump, is decreased. Furthermore, friction between the flowing fluid and the pipeline is reduced. This permits the use of smaller diameter pipes.

(24) According to an aspect, the present invention is in the form of a booster assembly comprising a booster apparatus upstream of a turbine unit wherein the booster apparatus is designed to introduce a first fluid, such as a gas into a pipeline. For the purposes of the below embodiments, reference will be made to the introduction of air into the pipeline.

(25) The below embodiments can also be used to cause a fluid to be entrained within the flowing fluid, entering the flowing fluid in the same manner as the gas would become entrained therewith. This variation is considered to be within the scope of this invention.

(26) The intent of the booster apparatus is to create a low pressure region therein, whereby the low pressure region is in fluid communication with an inlet. When the low pressure region is formed, the first fluid, which is drawn from the atmosphere and is at atmospheric pressure is caused to enter the booster apparatus through the inlet and entrained with the fluid passing therethrough. In order to create a lower pressure region within the booster apparatus sufficient to induce sufficient flow through the inlet, a fluid motive mechanism is required. This fluid motive mechanism ensures the fluid passing into the booster apparatus has been accelerated to a velocity which will allow the formation of the lower pressure region. The fluid motive mechanism may be a pump, a turbine unit or similar. Where the fluid motive mechanism is provided by a turbine unit, as described herein, the energy provided in the fluid as it flows from an elevated position to the booster apparatus may be sufficient. Such is the case where the submergence factor of the turbine unit is 30%.

(27) Where applicable, each of the figures show arrow A as being indicative of the direction of fluid flow.

(28) According to a first embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a booster assembly 12 is incorporated in a pipeline 112 for transporting water. The booster assembly 12 is located at the bottom of an elevated position 114. However, it is to be understood that the booster assembly 12 may also be located anywhere along the pipeline 112, although it is preferable for it to be at the bottom relative to the elevated position, or at an interim position.

(29) In the application shown a pump 110 is positioned upstream from the booster assembly 12 for feeding water thereto.

(30) In alternative embodiments the pump 110 is replaced by a reservoir at a suitable head relative to the booster assembly 12 (typically a head greater than 3 m).

(31) In yet further embodiments the booster assembly 12 is gravity feed water, such as would occur when the pipeline delivers water to the booster assembly 12 from an elevated position.

(32) In this embodiment the booster assembly 12 comprises a turbine unit 11 and a booster apparatus 10 which is bolted to the turbine unit 11, however, it is to be understood that the booster apparatus 10 may be formed as an integral part of the turbine unit 11.

(33) The booster assembly 12 provides a fluid path extending through the turbine unit 11 and the booster apparatus 10.

(34) The booster apparatus 10 comprises a booster housing 116, a first flange 118, for connecting the booster apparatus 10 to an outlet 14 of the turbine unit 11, and a second flange 120 for connecting to the pipeline 112. The booster apparatus 10 incorporates a converging nozzle 122 for reasons which will be described below.

(35) The booster apparatus 10 also comprises two inlets 123, each in the form of a tube 124. Each inlet allows gas to pass into the booster housing 116.

(36) Each tube 124 has a first end 126 connected to the booster housing 116 so as to be in fluid communication therewith. Each tube 124 has a second end 128 which is open to the atmosphere.

(37) Adjacent the second end 128 the tube incorporates a non-return valve 130. The non-return valve 130 allows air to enter the tube 124, while preventing liquid from exiting the booster apparatus 10 through the tubes 124.

(38) Each tube 124 also incorporates a regulating device in the form of a gate valve 132. The gate valve 132 is adjustable to control the size of the inlet of the tube 124 so as to regulate the amount of air which may pass through the tube 124 and into the booster housing 116.

(39) Each turbine unit 11 comprises a drive turbine blade set 13 and a pump turbine blade set 15 coaxially mounted on a common shaft 17.

(40) The drive turbine blade set 13 and pump turbine blade set 15 are positioned in a turbine passage 21 formed in a turbine housing 19. The turbine passage 21 forms part of the fluid path of the booster assembly 12 and channels fluid to the drive turbine blade set 13 and pump turbine blade set 15.

(41) The turbine passage 21 has a first end 23 and a second end 25. The turbine passage 21 also incorporates a converging portion 27 located between the first end 23 and the drive turbine blade set 13, and a diverging portion 29 located between the drive turbine blade set 13 and the pump turbine blade set 15.

(42) In initial operation, the pump 110 supplies fluid to the booster assembly. The fluid enters the turbine unit 11, increasing in velocity as it passes through the converging portion 27 of the turbine passage 21. The fluid strikes the drive turbine blade set 13 leading to the simultaneous rotation of the shaft 17 and the pump turbine blade set 15.

(43) Once the pumping turbine blade set 15 is rotating a region of low pressure is created in the portion of the turbine passage 21 between the two turbine blade sets 13, 15. This pressure difference is dependent on the configuration of the turbine unit but would typically be in the range of 10-90 kPa below atmospheric pressure. The pump turbine blade set 15 effectively pulls the fluid away from the drive turbine blade set 13 until it passes through the pump turbine blade set 15. It then pushes the fluid out from the first turbine unit 11. The reduction in pressure accelerates the velocity of the fluid impacting the drive turbine blade set to between 3 to 35 m/sec and higher. At full mass flow (or greater) the substantial increase in velocity caused by the lower pressure region increases the force striking the driving turbine blade set which is converted to mechanical energy through the shaft 17. This assists in continued operation of the turbine unit.

(44) Furthermore, the pulling action of the pump turbine blade set 15 on the fluid mitigates the effect of backflow pressure losses created by the drive turbine blade set 13 as well as the build-up of pressure which may be caused at the front of the drive turbine blade set 13, and creates a further low pressure region upstream from the drive turbine blade set 13. The pulling effect also assists in reducing turbulence and increasing fluid velocity.

(45) As fluid enters the turbine passage 21 of the turbine unit 11 it is accelerated through the converging portion 27 towards the drive turbine blade set 13. As the drive turbine blade set 13 rotates the pump turbine blade set 15 also rotates to draw more fluid through the turbine passage 21. The rotation of the pump blade set 15 is induced by the rotation of the drive blade set 13 since they are mounted on the same shaft.

(46) As the blades of the pump turbine blade set 15 are reversed to those of the drive blade set 13 the pump turbine blade set 15 pulls the fluid from the drive blade set 13 and propels it into the pipeline section 116 of the booster apparatus 10 at high velocity (typically >12 m/sec).

(47) As the water enters the booster apparatus 10 it passes through the converging nozzle 122 to be accelerated. As the water accelerates it creates a low pressure region 134. Owing to the configuration of the booster apparatus 10 the low pressure region 134 is formed around or within close proximity of the second end 128 of each tube 124. As the pressure at the second end 128 of each tube 124 is lower than the pressure at the first end 126 of each tube 124, air is drawn into the booster housing 116 through each tube 124.

(48) The air that is drawn from the atmosphere into the booster apparatus 10 mixes with the water so as to be entrained with the water, wherein a portion of the air may dissolve within the water. The air within the water naturally tends to rise, lifting the water with it. This significantly reduces the amount of energy required to pump the water through the pipeline 112 to the elevated position 114. Furthermore, as the water rises, the air entrained therewith expands to further enhance the transportation of the water to the elevated position.

(49) A booster assembly 212, according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. For convenience, features of the booster assembly 212 that are similar or correspond to features of the booster assembly 12 of the first embodiment have been referenced with the same reference numerals.

(50) As with the first embodiment the booster assembly 212 comprises a turbine unit 11 and a booster apparatus 210. The turbine unit is as described in the first embodiment.

(51) The booster apparatus 210 has a similar construction to the booster apparatus 10 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the booster apparatus 210 further comprises a diffuser in the form of a venturi diffuser 223 located upstream from the converging nozzle 122. The venturi diffuser 223 accelerates the fluid passing therethrough to further assist in lifting the fluid to the elevated position. Furthermore, the venturi diffuser 223 causes further mixing of the gas with the fluid, resulting in greater absorption of the gas in the fluid. This further assists in lifting the fluid to the elevated position.

(52) A booster assembly 312, according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6 to 9. For convenience, features of the booster assembly 312 that are similar or correspond to features of the booster assembly of the first and second embodiments have been referenced with the same reference numerals. The booster assembly comprises a booster apparatus 310 connected to a turbine unit 11.

(53) The booster assembly 312 of the third embodiment is very similar to that of the second embodiment. A difference is in relation to the orientation of two inlets 323. As with previous embodiments, each inlet 323 is provided by a tube 324, wherein a first end 326 of each tube 324 terminates in a low pressure region 134 created in the booster apparatus 310.

(54) A booster assembly 412, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 10 to 12. For convenience, features of the booster assembly 412 that are similar or correspond to features of the booster assembly of the first embodiment have been referenced with the same reference numerals.

(55) The booster assembly 412 comprises a booster apparatus (not shown) connected to a turbine unit 11. While the booster apparatus is not shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the booster apparatus may, for example, take the form of any of the booster apparatus shown in the previous embodiments, or as otherwise described above.

(56) The booster assembly 412 also comprises a flow regulator 436 for regulating the flow characteristics of the fluid passing through the booster assembly 412. The flow regulator 436 comprises a valve head 438 which is rotatably supported on a shaft 17 such that the valve head 438 is mounted in the fluid path. As best shown in FIG. 11 a drive turbine blade set 13 and pumping turbine blade set 15 of the turbine unit 11 are also mounted on the shaft 17.

(57) An adjustment mechanism 440 operatively engages the valve head 438 such that the valve head is variably positioned along the shaft 17. In this embodiment the adjustment mechanism 440 is manually operable and comprises a wheel 442 external the booster assembly 410. The wheel 442 engages a sleeve 444 of the valve head 438 through a rack and pinion arrangement 446 whereby rotation of the wheel 442 translates to longitudinal movement of the valve head 438 along the shaft 17.

(58) An enlarged end 447 of the valve head 438 has a profile which is complementary to a nozzle 27 of the turbine unit 11. A surface 448 of the enlarged end 447 of the valve head 438 co-operates with an inner surface of the nozzle 27 to regulate the flow of fluid through the booster assembly 410. Movement of the valve head 438 towards the nozzle 27 reduces the cross sectional area of the fluid path to slow the volume and velocity of the fluid passing through the booster assembly 412. Movement of the valve head 438 away from the nozzle 27 increases the cross sectional area of the fluid path, allowing a greater volume of fluid to pass through the booster assembly 412.

(59) The valve head 438 is angularly supported within the booster assembly 412 to prevent rotation of the valve head 438, while still permitting rotation of the shaft 17. As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 17 the valve head 438 is supported by three fins 450 which extend radially outward from the sleeve 444. An end 452 of each fin 450 is received in guide tracks 454. The guide tracks 454 permit travel of the fin 450 along the longitudinal extent of the guide track 454.

(60) A booster assembly 512, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 14 to 16. For convenience, features of the booster assembly 512 that are similar or correspond to features of the booster assembly of the first and fourth embodiments have been referenced with the same reference numerals.

(61) The booster assembly 512 is adapted to be secured to an outlet of a turbine unit (not shown) or may be secured to another type of fluid motive mechanism that supplies a motive fluid force such as an impellor pump, an air pump or a combustion engine.

(62) The booster assembly 512 comprises a booster apparatus 510 connected to a flow regulator 436 for regulating the flow characteristics of the fluid passing through the booster assembly 512. A valve head 438 has an enlarged end 447 which is adapted to co-operate with a converging nozzle 122 of the booster apparatus 510 to regulate the flow of fluid passing along the fluid path.

(63) In this embodiment the booster apparatus 510 incorporates two inlets 523. Each inlet 523 is provided by a tube 524 which has a portion oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the booster apparatus 510. As best shown in FIG. 16, the inlet 523 extends passed the end of the converging nozzle 122.

(64) The position of each inlet and the angular orientation of each tube is based on the required outcome of the booster assembly. However, an important consideration is that each inlet is located with the low pressure region created in the booster apparatus.

(65) A booster assembly 612, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. For convenience, features of the booster assembly 612 that are similar or correspond to features of the booster assembly of the first and fourth embodiments have been referenced with the same reference numerals.

(66) The booster assembly 612 comprises a booster apparatus (not shown) connected to a turbine unit 11. While the booster apparatus is not shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the booster apparatus may, for example, take the form of any of the booster apparatus as herein described.

(67) The booster assembly 612 also comprises a flow regulator 636 for regulating the flow characteristics of the fluid passing through the booster assembly 612. The flow regulator 636 comprises a valve head 638 which is rotatably supported on a shaft 17 such that the valve head 638 is mounted in the fluid path. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 a drive turbine blade set 13 and pumping turbine blade set 15 of the turbine unit 11 are also mounted on the shaft 17.

(68) The valve head 638 comprises a sleeve 644 which is supported by a fin 650 which extends radially outward from the sleeve 644. The end 652 of the fin 650 is received in guide tracks 654. The guide tracks 654 permit travel of the fin 650 along the longitudinal extent of the guide track 654.

(69) The sleeve 644 also has an end 647 which co-operates with an inner surface of the nozzle 27 of the turbine unit 11 to control the cross sectional area of the fluid path to therefore control the flow of fluid through the booster assembly 612.

(70) As would be readily understood by the person skilled in the art, the pipeline 112 may incorporate one or more booster assemblies' therealong.

(71) The pipeline 112 may have a vent valve (not shown) at the elevated position 114. The vent valve vents gas as it separates from the water and collects at the elevated position.

(72) In instances where the pipeline 112 continues to a lower position the water, minus the entrained air, can flow to the lower position under gravity. At that position a further pump and booster assembly (or just a booster assembly) may pump the fluid to the next elevated position, and so on until the final destination is reached.

(73) The booster apparatus can be fitted to a pipeline having a gradient ranging between a continuous upward gradient (greater than 0.25%) up to a vertical gradient, as for example those used in multi-story buildings.

(74) The booster assembly will have the capacity to pump fluid to a head which is directly proportional to the energy converted on to the shaft of the turbine unit.

(75) Considering the turbine unit, the rotation of the pump turbine blade set allows for the induction of greater mass flow across the drive turbine blade set through the creation of a substantially lower pressure zone than would have been created in its absence.

(76) The energy loss of the drive turbine blade set is compensated by the action of the pump turbine blade set since it is acting as a pump. Effectively the energy is transferred from the drive turbine blade set along the shaft to the pump turbine blade set. This is only possible when both blade sets are mounted on the same shaft, rotate simultaneously and are in reversed orientation such that the pump turbine blade set pulls the fluid through the turbine unit whilst the drive turbine blade set operates in a conventional manner.

(77) The action of the pump turbine blade set creates a high pressure differential between the front of the drive turbine blade set and the rear of the pump turbine blade set. This differential induces a larger mass flow rate as fluid travels from a region of higher pressure (in front of drive turbine blade set) to a region of lower pressure (behind the pump turbine blade set). The higher pressure region could be caused by either natural (i.e. atmospheric pressure), or be forced (i.e. pumped or pressure head). The pump turbine blade set therefore induces increased mass flow and velocity of the fluid through the drive turbine blades. As a result of the action of the pump turbine blade set the velocity of the fluid passing through the turbine assembly increases (for water, from 3 m/sec to in excess of 35 m/sec) whereby the velocity of the fluid substantially exceeds that of its terminal velocity caused by gravity.

(78) In addition, the pumping turbine blade set evacuates the fluid and at the same time removes the potential of back pressure and impediment to the fluid flow that would normally occur in front of the drive turbine blade set.

(79) The diameter of the pumping turbine blade set relative to the diameter of the driving turbine blade set can be the same, smaller or larger, depending upon the required result as well as the conditions in which the turbine unit.

(80) The common shaft may extend through the turbine housing and protrude therefrom to allow an alternator or motor to be connected thereto in order to generate electricity.

(81) In some applications the turbine housing supports a convergent venturi. The convergent venturi provides a convergence area which increases the velocity of fluid due to the conservation of mass. The conservation of mass states that as a fluid body travels through a smaller area, its velocity increases and vice versa.

(82) In some applications the turbine housing supports a divergent venturi. The divergent venturi provides a divergence area which decreases the velocity of fluid travelling there through.

(83) The purpose of the convergent venturi immediately prior to the drive turbine blade set is to increase the velocity of the fluid to levels that exceed the terminal velocity of the fluid cause by gravity (for water this is approximately 7 m/sec). This facilitates maximum extraction of kinetic energy from the moving fluid.

(84) The portion of the turbine housing in which the pump turbine is located may also include a divergent venturi. This portion of turbine housing may diverge away from the drive turbine blade set to the pump turbine blade set, may be the same size between the two turbine blade sets, or may converge from the drive turbine blade set to the pump turbine blade set.

(85) Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

(86) Reference to positional descriptions, such as lower and upper, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

(87) Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.