Patent ID: 6419450
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: F04D

Abstract:
A variable width pump impeller adapted to be rotationally mounted in a centrifugal pump, comprising:a first impeller shroud having a first side and an opposite facing second side; a plurality of radially extending impeller vanes projecting axially from said second side of said first impeller shroud, said impeller vanes having an outer edge thereon; a second impeller shroud having a first side and an opposite facing second side, said first side of said second impeller shroud having a plurality of flat surfaces thereon; and a first set of grooves on said first side of said second impeller shroud in alignment with said impeller vanes, said first set of grooves comprising a plurality of first recessed grooves, each of said first recessed grooves recessed axially in said first side a first depth amount and configured to engage said vanes in a meshing relationship, whereby said impeller vanes on said second side of said first impeller shroud are selectively joined to either said flat surfaces or said first set of grooves on said first side of said second impeller shroud to form either a first flow channel or a second flow channel disposed between said second side of said first impeller shroud, said first side of said second impeller shroud and said impeller vanes for the passage of fluid therein.