Technique for preventing air lock through stuttered starting and air release slit for pumps

Abstract

Apparatus, including a pumping system, is provided featuring a pump and a control circuit. The pump has an impeller housing configured with a slit at the top for trapped air to leave the impeller housing once the pump has been submerged. The control circuit is configured to cycle the pump on and off for a predetermined number of cycles so that the trapped air will float to the top and be expelled out the slit when the pump is cycled off. The control circuit is configured to leave the pump on after the predetermined number of cycles.

Claims

1. A stutter start anti-air lock system comprising: a pump having an impeller housing configured with a slit at the top for trapped air to leave the pump once the pump has been submerged in a liquid and the impeller housing contains an air/liquid mixture; and a control circuit configured to initiate a start-up process upon powering the pump to provide signaling to implement an anti air-lock on/off start-up cycle to cycle the pump on and off for a predetermined number of cycles, wherein trapped air not previously expelled once the pump has been submerged will float to the top and be expelled out the slit when the pump is cycled off, the control circuit also configured, once the start-up process is complete, to leave the pump on after the predetermined number of cycles until the pump is powered off, wherein the pump is configured with a motor coupled to an impeller via a shaft; and wherein a discharge from the impeller housing is a tangential discharge, the tangential discharge extending away from the impeller housing below a central axis of the shaft.

2. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 1, wherein the stutter start anti-air lock system comprises a relay arranged between the pump and the control circuit, the relay configured to respond to the signaling provided from the control circuit and provide relay signaling to cycle the pump on and off for the predetermined number of cycles.

3. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 1, wherein the stutter start anti-air lock system is configured as a pumping system having a combination of the pump and the control circuit.

4. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 1, wherein the pump is configured to contain the control circuit, so as to have the control circuit arranged therein.

5. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 1, wherein the pump is configured as a centrifugal pump.

6. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 1, wherein the slit is configured at the highest point of the impeller housing; and the control circuit is configured for implementing the anti air-lock on/off start-up cycle to cycle the pump on for some time and off for some corresponding time for the predetermined number of cycles, and also configured to turn on the pump after implementation of the anti air-lock on/off start-up cycle.

7. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured at start-up to repeatedly turn the pump: on to fill the impeller housing with liquid after some trapped air in the air/liquid mixture is expelled out of the slit, and off to allow further trapped air in the air/liquid mixture to float to the top of the impeller housing and be expelled out of the slit for each one of the predetermined number of cycles.

8. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 1, wherein each one of the predetermined number of cycles to cycle the pump on and off comprises powering the motor on and powering the motor off.

9. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 8, wherein the control circuit is configured to provide signaling to turn the motor on and off in order to cycle the pump on and off.

10. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 1, wherein the pump further comprises an outlet hose configured to allow the flow of water out of the pump when a pressure from the impeller overcomes a back pressure from the outlet hose.

11. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 1, wherein upon each time the pump is started, the control circuit is configured to cycle the pump on and off for the predetermined number of cycles and to leave the pump on after the predetermined number of cycles until the pump is manually powered off.

12. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is arranged outside the pump.

13. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 1, wherein cycling the pump off during the anti air-lock on/off start-up cycle causes the liquid in the air/liquid mixture in the impeller housing to calm and allows the air of the air/liquid mixture in the impeller housing to seep out the slit.

14. The stutter start anti-air lock system according to claim 1, wherein the slit is arranged on an outer wall of the pump and is configured to expel trapped air from the impeller housing to the liquid in which the pump is submerged.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) The drawing, which is not necessarily to scale, include the following Figures:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a known pump in the art that is air locked pump.

(3) FIG. 2 is an illustration of apparatus, including a pumping system having a pump with an anti-air lock slit configured therein, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an anti air-lock On/Off start-up cycle for the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 each time it is started, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 is a diagram of a pump before the implementation of an anti air-lock on/off start-up cycle, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 is a diagram of a pump when it is off during the implementation of an anti air-lock on/off start-up cycle, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 is a diagram of a pump when it is on after the implementation of an anti air-lock on/off start-up cycle, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 7 is a block diagram of apparatus, including a pumping system having a combination of a pump and a control circuit, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

(9) In the following description of the exemplary embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration of an embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, as structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Details of the Present Invention

(10) FIGS. 2-7 shows the present invention in the form of apparatus generally indicated as 10, including a pumping system, featuring a pump 12 and a control circuit 20 (see FIG. 7).

(11) By way of example, FIG. 2 shows the pump 12 which may include an impeller housing 14 configured with at least one slit (aka an anti air lock slit) at the top for trapped air to leave the impeller housing 14 once the pump 12 has been submerged. The pump 12 may take the form of a centrifugal pump, as well as other types or kinds of pumps either now known or later developed in the future. In FIG. 2, the slit may be configured substantially at the top of the impeller housing of the pump, although the scope of the invention is intended to include configuring the slit at other locations as long as trapped air can be released from inside the impeller housing 14. Moreover, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type, kind or configuration of the slit, or hole, as long as trapped air can leave or be released from the impeller housing once the pump has been submerged.

(12) The control circuit 20 (see FIGS. 3 and 7) may be configured to cycle the pump 12 on and off for a predetermined number of cycles so that the trapped air will float to the top and be expelled out the slit when the pump 12 is cycled off. The cycling of the pump 12 on and off for a predetermined number of cycles at start-up is also known herein and referred to as either a stutter start anti-air lock start-up or system, and may also be referred to herein as an anti air-lock on/off start-up cycle. By way of example, the control circuit 20 (FIG. 7) may be arranged or configured inside or outside the pump 12 in FIG. 2, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the same.

FIG. 3

(13) By way of example, FIG. 3 shows a graph having an ON/OFF cycle for the pump 12 each time it is started. Upon powering the pump 12, the motor(s) will turn on for some time, and then off for some time, and this process may be repeated for a predetermined number of cycles after which the motor will remain on until the pump 12 is manually powered off. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular number of ON/OFF cycles or the duration of the ON/OFF cycles. Based on that disclosed herein, a person skilled in the art, without undue experimentation, would be able configured the control circuit 20 to cycle the pump 12 on and off for a predetermined number of cycles so that the trapped air will float to the top and be expelled out the slit when the pump 12 is cycled off.

FIG. 4: Air Locked Pump with Added Slit

(14) FIG. 4 shows the pumping system 10 according to some embodiment of the present invention, e.g., before the implementation of the anti air-lock on/off start-up cycle. In FIG. 4, the pump 12 is shown immersed in a fluid, such as water, indicated by a dark coloration in FIG. 4. The pump 12 has an added slit that may allow the release of trapped air, but with the impeller constantly spinning the air into the water (and possibly cavitating) so as to form an air/water mixture as shown as by a light gray coloring in FIG. 4, the escape of the air is inefficient. Similar to that shown in FIG. 1, and consistent with that shown in FIG. 4, the pressure from the impeller(s) is overcome by the back pressure from the outlet hose, so there is no meaningful flow, if any, out the outlet hose. In effect, the pumping system is, or may be considered, merely an air locked pump with an added slit.

FIG. 5: Implementation of Anti Air-Lock On/Off Start-Up Cycle

(15) In contrast to that in FIG. 4, FIG. 5 shows the pumping system 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention, e.g., when the pump 12 is turned off during the implementation of an anti air-lock on/off start-up cycle. In operation, when the motor is turned on, then turned off, the water (shown at the bottom of the impeller housing by a darker gray coloring) calms and the air (shown at the top of the impeller housing by a white coloring) is allowed to seep out of the anti air-lock slit. In effect, the turning on and shutting off of the pump allows the release of trapper air, which is shown as air bubbles floating to the top of the fluid in which the pump 12 is immersed.

FIG. 6: Pump Turned on After Anti Air-Lock On/Off Start-Up Cycle

(16) FIG. 6 shows the pumping system 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention, e.g., when the pump is turned on after the implementation of the anti air-lock on/off start-up cycle, according to some embodiments of the present invention. When the pump turns back on, the housings are now full of water (as shown) and are able to overcome the back pressure of the hose allowing the flow of water. In contrast to that shown in FIG. 1, and consistent with that shown in FIG. 6, the pressure from the impellers overcomes the back pressure from the outlet hose, so there is water flow out and through the outlet hose. In effect, after releasing the air, the pump operates properly.

FIG. 7: Block Diagram of Pumping System

(17) FIG. 7 shows the control circuit 20 that forms part of the pumping system generally indicated as 10 and that is arranged in relation to a power source 40. By way of example, the pumping system 10 may include a relay 30 coupled between the pump 12 and the control circuit 20, as shown. In operation, the control circuit 20 provides signaling to turn the relay 30 on/off in order to cycle the pump 12 on and off for the predetermined number of cycles so that the trapped air will float to the top and be expelled out the slit when the pump 12 is cycled off. By way of example, the relay 30 may be coupled directly to the motor of the pump 12, shown in FIGS. 4-6. Once the start-up process is complete, the control circuit 20 may be configured to leave the pump 12 on after the predetermined number of cycles.

(18) Relays, and techniques for controlling and cycling such relays, are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future.

(19) Embodiments are also envisioned in which the control circuit 20 is coupled directly to the motor of the pump 12 and to provide the signaling to turn the motor (see FIGS. 4-6) on/off in order to cycle the pump 12 on and off for the predetermined number of cycles so that the trapped air will float to the top and be expelled out the slit when the pump 12 is cycled off.

Implementation of the Functionality of the Control Circuit and Associated Signal Processor

(20) The control circuit 20 may be implemented in, or form part of, a signal processor module having a signal processor, and/or a printed circuit board (PCB), or some combination thereof.

(21) Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future for implementing the runtime on/off cycling functionality of the present invention.

(22) By way of example, the functionality of the control circuit 20, the PCB, the associated signal processor, and/or any associated signal processing may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular embodiment thereof. For example, in a typical software implementation, the signal processor may take the form of one or more microprocessor-based architectures having a processor or microprocessor, a random and/or read only access memory (RAM/ROM), where the RAM/ROM together forming at least part of the memory, input/output devices and control, data and address buses connecting the same. A person skilled in the art would be able to program such a microprocessor-based implementation with computer program code to perform the functionality described herein without undue experimentation. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular implementation using technology either now known or later developed in the future. Moreover, the scope of the invention is intended to include the signal processor being a stand alone module, or in some combination with other circuitry for implementing another module. Moreover still, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind of signal processor used to perform the signal processing functionality, or the manner in which the computer program code is programmed or implemented in order to make the signal processor operate. A person skilled in the art without undue experimentation would appreciate and understand how to develop or write a suitable software program or algorithm for running on, e.g., such a PCB-based control circuit, so as to implement the functionality set forth herein.

(23) Such a PCB-based control circuit and/or the associated signal processor may include one or more other sub-modules for implementing other functionality that is known in the art, but does not form part of the underlying invention per se, and is not described in detail herein.

Centrifugal Pump

(24) In one particular embodiment, the present invention may take the form of, or may be implemented in, a centrifugal pump encased in such a housing that directs the water projected from the pump's impeller into an exit tube. In the centrifugal pump, there exists, or may be configured, a small hole or slit formed in this casing or housing through which to expel the trapped air when the pump is submerged. The centrifugal pump and/or pumping system may include the control circuit like element 20 whose function is to cycle, e.g., the motor of the centrifugal pump on and off for some predetermined time upon powering of the unit or pumping system, consistent with that set forth herein.

The Pump 12

(25) The pump 12, like that shown in FIGS. 2 and 4-7, may also include, e.g., other parts, elements, components, or circuits that do not form part of the underlying invention, including inlet ports, outlet ports, pressure transducers, wiring for coupling the motor to the control circuit 20, and are thus not identified and described in detail herein.

(26) Moreover, pumps having motors and impeller arranged or configured thereon are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or kind thereof either now known or later developed in the future.

Possible Applications

(27) Possible applications are envisioned to include any type or kind of pump or rotary equipment that may be submerged and contain trapped air, e.g., in its housing or impeller housing, including but not limited to centrifugal pumps or other types or kinds of submersible pumps either now known or later developed in the future.

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

(28) Although described in the context of particular embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a number of modifications and various changes to these teachings may occur. Thus, while the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to one or more preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain modifications or changes, in form and shape, may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth above.