Patent Publication Number: US-11384757-B2

Title: Modular pump and pumping system including same

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     Fluid pumps, and in particular, a pump that is easily removed from its working environment and replaced in its working environment. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Fluid pumps, for pumping of gases and liquids, are used in a broad range of applications. The operating environment of a fluid pump may be hostile, i.e., an environment that causes wear and degradation to the pump through exposure to ambient pressures, temperatures, and/or substances present. Additionally, a fluid pump may undergo degradation due to adverse effects of the fluid that is being transported by the pump. For example, the fluid to be transported may be a liquid that contains highly corrosive constituents, or abrasive constituents, such as sand. Other solids that are present in a liquid to be pumped may interfere with a liquid motive device of the pump, such as an impeller. Such solids may cause jamming or entanglement of the motive device, causing the pump to cease operation or have a reduced output. 
     When a pump undergoes damage due to these adverse conditions or materials, it is often necessary to remove the pump from service in its working environment, and remotely perform repairs on the pump, or install another pump in its place. In most circumstances, the pump delivers fluid out of an outlet port, which is connected to an outlet conduit, also referred to as a tube or tubing, or a pipe or piping. Additionally, the pump takes in fluid through an inlet port, which may be connected to an inlet conduit, which may be in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir. The connection of an outlet port of the pump to an outlet conduit is typically achieved by the joining of fittings, such as threaded pipe fittings, compression fittings, quick connects, and the like. The connection of an inlet port of the pump to an inlet conduit may be done in a similar manner. 
     When it becomes necessary to remove the fluid pump from its working environment, it is necessary to disconnect the connection fittings at the pump outlet and the pump inlet. This can be a tedious and difficult task, particularly because pumps are often installed in locations that are difficult to access and utilize tools. Additionally, the ambient conditions in the working environment may be dangerous and/or the substances being pumped may be flammable, explosive, toxic, and otherwise hazardous to personnel. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a fluid pump that is easily installed and removed from its working environment. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to the present disclosure, a pump is provided in the form of a pump cartridge, which is easily installed and removed from its working environment. The pump cartridge is comprised of an external housing including a lateral wall, a first fin extending outwardly from a first side of the lateral wall, and a second fin extending outwardly from a second side of the lateral wall. The second side of the lateral wall may be opposed to the first side of the lateral wall, such that the fins are on substantially opposite sides of the lateral wall. 
     The first and second fins may extend outwardly from a distal region of the lateral wall. The lateral wall of the external housing may be cylindrical, with the first and second fins extending radially outwardly from a distal region of the lateral wall. The pump cartridge may be further comprised of a first cylindrical flange extending radially outwardly from the lateral wall and a second cylindrical flange extending radially outwardly from the lateral wall. The first and second cylindrical flanges may be proximate to each other, thereby defining a channel formed between them. A seal may be disposed in the channel. 
     The pump cartridge of the present disclosure may be a component of a pumping system. The pumping system may be further comprised of a chassis comprising a pump basin including an interior side wall, a first tab extending inwardly from the interior side wall, and a second tab extending inwardly from the interior side wall and opposed to the first tab. In such a pumping system, the first fin of the pump cartridge is reversibly engageable with the first tab of the chassis and the second fin of the pump cartridge is reversibly engageable with the second tab of the chassis. Additionally, the first fin of the pump cartridge may be reversibly engageable with the second tab of the chassis and the second fin of the pump cartridge may be reversibly engageable with the first tab of the chassis. 
     The first and second fins may extend outwardly from a distal region of the lateral wall of the pump cartridge, and the first and second tabs may extend inwardly from a distal region of the interior side wall of the chassis. In some instances, the lateral wall of the external housing of the pump cartridge may be cylindrical, with the first and second fins extending radially outwardly from the lateral wall. The interior side wall of the chassis may be cylindrical, with the first and second tabs extending inwardly from a distal region of the interior side wall of the chassis. 
     In instances where the pump cartridge is further comprised of a first cylindrical flange extending radially outwardly from the lateral wall and a second cylindrical flange extending radially outwardly from the lateral wall, and the first and second cylindrical flanges are proximate to each other, a seal disposed in the channel formed between the flanges is dimensioned to be in contiguous contact with the interior side wall of the chassis. 
     In an access position of the pump cartridge, the first fin of the pump cartridge is disengaged from the first tab of the chassis and the second fin of the pump cartridge is disengaged from the second tab of the chassis. In a first operating position of the pump cartridge, the first fin of the pump cartridge is engaged with the first tab of the chassis and the second fin of the pump cartridge is engaged with the second tab of the chassis. The first tab of the chassis may include a nub extending downwardly from an inward end of the first tab, and the second tab of the chassis may include a nub extending downwardly from an inward end of the second tab. In the first operating position of the pump cartridge, the first fin of the pump cartridge is in contact with the nub of the first tab, and second fin of the pump cartridge is in contact with the nub of the second tab. 
     In a second operating position of the pump cartridge, the first fin of the pump cartridge is engaged with the second tab of the chassis and the second fin of the pump cartridge is engaged with the first tab of the chassis. The external housing of the pump cartridge is reversibly rotatable between the access position of the pump cartridge and the operating positions of the pump cartridge. 
     The pumping system may be further comprised of a volute cover joined to a bottom wall of the chassis, and an impeller joined to a rotatable shaft of a pump motor and contained within a volute formed by the volute cover and the bottom wall of the chassis. The chassis and pump cartridge may be disposed in an external basin. The pumping system may be further comprised of a cover removably joined to the external basin. The pumping system may be further comprised of a level switch assembly disposed in the external basin. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will be provided with reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pumping system containing a pump cartridge of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the pumping system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the pumping system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the pumping system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the pumping system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a lower perspective view of a top cover, chassis, and pump cartridge of the pumping system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the chassis of the pumping system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the chassis of the pumping system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a side elevation view of the pump cartridge that is included in the pumping system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9B  is a lower perspective view of the pump cartridge of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9C  is a bottom view of the pump cartridge of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9D  is a top view of the pump cartridge of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10  is an oblique perspective view of the distal end of a pump basin of a chassis of the pumping system of  FIG. 1 , shown in cross-section at a plane perpendicular to the side wall of the pump basin, the plane located at line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 3 ; and 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the distal end of an external housing of a pump cartridge and the distal end of a pump basin of a chassis of a pumping system of  FIG. 1 , with both pieces shown in cross-section at a plane perpendicular to the side wall of the pump basin. 
     
    
    
     The present invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments. However, it is to be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For a general understanding of the present disclosure, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements. The drawings are to be considered exemplary, and are for purposes of illustration only. The dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary. 
     In the following disclosure, the present invention is described in the context of its use as a pump for transporting liquids. However, it is not to be construed as being limited only to use as a liquid pump. The invention is adaptable to any use in which it is desirable to pump fluids, including gases, and multiphase mixtures of liquids, solids, and/or gases. Additionally, the description may identify certain components with the adjectives “top,” “upper,” “bottom,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” etc. These adjectives are provided in the context of use of the pump and pump cartridge in a basin, and in the context of the orientation of the drawings. The description is not to be construed as limiting the pump and pumping system to use in a particular spatial orientation. The instant pump and pumping system may be used in orientations and environments other than those shown and described herein. 
     It is also to be understood that any connection references used herein (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. 
     When used, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The terms “about” and “substantially” are used herein with respect to measurable values and ranges due to expected variations known to those skilled in the art (e.g., limitations and variabilities in measurements). 
     In accordance with the present disclosure, the need for a fluid pump that is easily installed and removed from its working environment is satisfied by a pump and by pumping systems disclosed herein. 
       FIGS. 1-5  depict various views of a pumping system of the present disclosure. The pumping system  10  is comprised of a pump  100  and a chassis  200 . The pumping system  10  may further include an external basin  20 , a cover  40 , and a level switch assembly  60 . Spatial arrangements of the pump cartridge  100 , chassis  200 , external basin  20 , cover  40 , and level switch assembly  60  other than shown in  FIGS. 1-5  may be suitable. The pump cartridge  100 , which is easily installed and removed from its working environment further includes fluid moving components such as a pump motor and a rotating impeller, as will be explained subsequently. 
     The pump cartridge  100  is easily installed and removed from the pumping system  10  by virtue of features provided in the pump cartridge  100  and chassis  200 . The pump cartridge is easily moved from an operational position to an access position, from which the pump cartridge  100  may be removed from the pumping system  10 . In like manner, but in reverse order, the pump cartridge  100  may be moved from an external position into the access position, and then easily moved to the operational position. 
     This is best understood with reference to  FIGS. 7-11 , as well as  FIGS. 3-5 . In the exploded view of  FIG. 3 , the pump cartridge  100  is shown disengaged from the chassis  200 , and in an external position relative to the external basin  20 . In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the pump cartridge  100  is shown engaged with the chassis  200 , and in an operational position, ready to perform the pumping of a fluid (not shown). 
     The pump cartridge  100  is comprised of an external housing  110  comprised of a top wall  112  at a proximal (upper) end  111  of the cartridge  100 , and a lateral wall  120 . A first fin  122  extends outwardly from a first side of the lateral wall  120 , and a second fin  124  extends outwardly from a second side of the lateral wall  120 . The second side of the lateral wall  120  may be opposed to the first side of the lateral wall  120 , such that the fins  122  and  124  are on substantially opposite sides of the lateral wall  120 , i.e., on sides about 180 degrees apart. 
     The first and second fins  122  and  124  may extend outwardly from a distal region  123  of the lateral wall  120  that is proximate to the distal (lower) end  125  of the cartridge  100 . In the pumping assembly  10  and the pump cartridge  100  installed therein as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , first and second fins  122  and  124  may extend outwardly from a bottom region  123  of the lateral wall  120 . The lateral wall  120  of the external housing  110  may be cylindrical, with the first and second fins  122  and  124  extending radially outwardly from the distal region  123  of the lateral wall  120 . 
     The pump cartridge  100  may be further comprised of a first cylindrical flange  126  extending radially outwardly from the lateral wall  120  and a second cylindrical flange  128  extending radially outwardly from the lateral wall  120 . The first and second cylindrical flanges  126  and  128  may be proximate to each other, thereby defining a channel  127  formed between them. A seal  130  may be disposed in the channel  127 . The seal  130  may be an O-ring seal having a circular cross-sectional shape as shown for seal  130  in  FIGS. 4, 5, and 9A . Alternatively, the seal  130  may have a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. The seal  130  is made of a suitable compliant material, such as nitrile rubber, or another elastomeric material that is chemically resistant to the fluid that is being pumped. 
     The pumping system  10  is further comprised of a chassis  200 . The chassis  200  serves as a fixture for the pumping system  10 , holding the pump cartridge  100  in an operating position. The chassis  200  may also hold a level switch assembly  60 . The chassis  200  may include a support flange  212  shaped to match a corresponding flange  22  on external basin  20 , to which chassis  200  is joined when the pumping system  10  is assembled. The cover  40  has a downward perimeter flange  42  having a shape that corresponds to the shape of the support flange  212 . 
     The chassis  200  is further comprised of a downwardly extending pump basin  220  having an interior side wall  223  including upper region  233  and lower region  231 , and an exterior wall  225 . A first tab  222  extends inwardly from the lower region  231  of the interior side wall  223 , and a second tab  224  extends inwardly from the lower region  231  of the interior side wall  223  in a location opposed to the first tab  222 . In the pumping system  10 , the first fin  122  of the pump cartridge  100  is reversibly engageable with the first tab  222  of the chassis  200  and the second fin  124  of the pump cartridge  100  is reversibly engageable with the second tab  224  of the chassis  200 , as will be explained subsequently in further detail. In some instances, the interior side wall  223  of the chassis  200  may be cylindrical, with the first and second tabs  222  and  224  extending inwardly from the lower or distal region  231  of the interior side wall  223  of the chassis  200 . The first tab  222  of the chassis  200  may include a nub  226  extending downwardly from an inward end  227  of the first tab  222 , and the second tab  224  of the chassis  200  may include a nub  228  extending downwardly from an inward end  229  of the second tab  224 . 
     In instances where the pump cartridge  100  is further comprised of a first cylindrical flange  126  extending radially outwardly from the lateral wall  120  and a second cylindrical flange  128  extending radially outwardly from the lateral wall  120 , and the first and second cylindrical flanges  126  and  128  are proximate to each other, a seal  130  that is disposed in the channel  127  formed between the flanges  126  and  128  is dimensioned to be in contiguous contact with the interior side wall  223  of the chassis  200 . In that manner, a seal between the pump cartridge  100  and the chassis  200  is achieved, and fluid to be pumped by the system  10  is prevented from flowing into any open space in the pump basin  220  that is above the seal  130 . 
     To install the pump cartridge  100  in the pumping system  10 , the pump cartridge is moved to an access position. (The position is referred to as an “access position” because in this position, the pump cartridge  100  is not installed in the chassis  200 , and instead is accessible, i.e., an operator can easily lift the pump cartridge  100  out of the pump basin  220  of the chassis  200 , repair it, or replace it with another pump cartridge  100 .) Referring to  FIG. 11  in particular, in the access position, the pump cartridge  100  is positioned relative to the chassis  200  such that the first fin  122  of the pump cartridge  100  is disengaged from the first tab  222  of the chassis  200  and the second fin  124  of the pump cartridge  100  is disengaged from the second tab  224  of the chassis  200 . In other words, the first and second fins  122  and  124  are aligned with respective gaps between the first and second tabs  222  and  224 . The pump cartridge  100  is moved into the access position as indicated by arrow  99 . In the access position, the first and second fins  122  and  124  are disposed in a plane that is slightly beneath a plane in which the first and second tabs  222  and  224  lie. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-11 , and to  FIGS. 10 and 11  in particular, to install the pump cartridge  100  in the operating position, the pump cartridge  100  is rotated as indicated by arrow  98  in  FIG. 11 , and as indicated by the “LOCK” arrow in  FIG. 9D . With such rotation, the first fin  122  of the pump cartridge  100  is engaged with the first tab  222  of the chassis  200 , and the second fin  124  of the pump cartridge  100  is engaged with the second tab  224  of the chassis  200 . The first fin  122  may be provided with a tapered ramp section  132 , and the first tab  222  may be provided with a tapered ramp section  232 . In like manner, the second fin  124  may be provided with a tapered ramp section  134 , and the second tab  224  may be provided with a tapered ramp section  234 . In that manner, at the start of rotation, engagement of the respective fins  122  and  124  and tabs  222  and  224  are facilitated. The remaining sections of the fins  122  and  124  and tabs  222  and  224  may be dimensioned such that when the rotation to the operating position is completed, there is an interference fit between the respective pairs of the fins and tabs, thereby rigidly securing the pump cartridge  100  in the chassis  200  in the operating position. Additionally, when the pump cartridge  100  is in the operating position, the first fin  122  of the pump cartridge  100  may be in contact with the nub  226  provided at the end  227  of the first tab  222 , and the second fin  124  of the pump cartridge  100  may be in contact with the nub  228  provided at the end  229  of the second tab  224 . The nubs  226  and  228  act as stops to halt rotation of the pump cartridge  100 , thereby ensuring that the pump cartridge  100  is fully engaged with the chassis  200  and in the operating position. 
     An engagement feature may be provided on the pump cartridge  100  for engagement of a tool that provides the torque for rotating the pump cartridge  100  into the operating position. Referring to  FIG. 9D , the engagement feature  135  may have the form of a hex nut, and/or the engagement feature  135  may have a square recess which may receive the square drive of a common socket wrench. Alternatively, the engagement feature  135  may have a hexagonal recess for receiving a hex wrench. 
     In an alternative access position, the pump cartridge  100  may be rotated 180 degrees from the position shown in  FIG. 11  and described above. This results in a second operating position of the pump cartridge  100 , in which the first fin  122  of the pump cartridge  100  is engaged with the second tab  224  of the chassis  200  and the second fin  124  of the pump cartridge  100  is engaged with the first tab  222  of the chassis. 
     The external housing  120  of the pump cartridge  100  is reversibly rotatable between the access positions of the pump cartridge  100  and the operating positions of the pump cartridge  100 . Accordingly, in removing the pump cartridge  100  from the pumping system  10 , the above steps of installation of the pump cartridge  100  are reversed. In that manner, installation of the pump cartridge  100  and removal of the pump cartridge  100  from the pumping system  10  are very simple and rapid. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , the pumping system  10  may be further comprised of a volute cover  80  joined to a bottom wall  240  of the chassis  200 . Referring also to  FIGS. 9A-9C , an impeller  180  is joined to a rotatable shaft (not shown) of the pump cartridge  100 . The impeller  180  is contained within a volute  85  formed by the volute cover  80  and the bottom wall  240  of the chassis  200 . 
     In operation of the pumping system  10 , fluid (not shown) to be pumped is provided through an inlet conduit(s) (not shown), which may be connected to one or more of various inlet ports  41 ,  43 , and/or  45 . The fluid is contained within the open volume in the external basin  20  that is beneath the chassis  200  and pump cartridge  100 . Electrical power to the pump is provided through the level switch assembly  60 , which provides on/off control of the pump based on the level of the fluid within the external basin 20 . Electrical power applied to the pump motor  150  causes rotation of the impeller  180 . Fluid in the external basin  20  is drawn into the volute  85  though an opening  82  in volute cover  80 . The impeller  180  drives fluid through a pump outlet port  84  and through an outlet conduit  86 . The fluid exits the pumping system  10  though an external basin outlet port  24 . 
     Easy removal and replacement of the pump cartridge  100  from the pumping system  10  is facilitated by the electrical connections to the pump motor  150 . Referring again to  FIGS. 3, 4, 9A, and 9D , the pump cartridge  100  is further comprised of three electrical wires  152 ,  154 , and  156  which provide electrical power to the pump motor  150  and grounding of the pump cartridge  100 . The wires  152 ,  154 , and  156  are connected to a 3-pin electrical connector  158 , which is connected to a corresponding mating electrical connector  62 . The mating electrical connector  62  is connected to the level switch  65  of the level switch assembly  60 , and to the power cord  70 . For removal and replacement of the pump cartridge  100 , the electrical connectors  158  and  62  are simply joined together or unplugged. This electrical wiring arrangement is simplified and easy to connect and disconnect, as compared to conventional pump and level switch connections. 
     The exemplary pump cartridge  100  as shown in the drawings and described above includes a pump motor and a rotating impeller. The exemplary pump cartridge  100  is configured as a centrifugal pump. It is to be understood that a pump cartridge of the present disclosure is not limited to a centrifugal pumping configuration. The pump cartridge may have other configurations for moving fluids, including but not limited to configurations of gear pumps, vane pumps, progressing cavity pumps, piston pumps, and blowers for moving compressible and incompressible fluids. The pump cartridge  100  of the present disclosure is adaptable to any configuration in which the pump cartridge  100  is reversibly rotatable between an access positions and an operating position. Moreover, the configuration of cartridge  100  is applicable to any arrangement of a motor contained in a housing that is reversibly rotatable between an access positions and an operating position as disclosed herein. 
     It is therefore apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present disclosure, a pump that is easily removed from and replaced in its working environment. The foregoing description of technology and the invention is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture, and use of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. The following definitions and non-limiting guidelines must be considered in reviewing the description. 
     The headings in this disclosure (such as “Background” and “Summary”) and sub-headings used herein are intended only for general organization of topics within the present technology, and are not intended to limit the disclosure of the present technology or any aspect thereof. In particular, subject matter disclosed in the “Background” may include novel technology and may not constitute a recitation of prior art. Subject matter disclosed in the “Summary” is not an exhaustive or complete disclosure of the entire scope of the technology or any embodiments thereof. Classification or discussion of a material within a section of this specification as having a particular utility is made for convenience, and no inference should be drawn that the material must necessarily or solely function in accordance with its classification herein when it is used in any given composition. 
     To the extent that other references may contain similar information in the Background herein, said statements do not constitute an admission that those references are prior art or have any relevance to the patentability of the technology disclosed herein. Any discussion in the Background is intended merely to provide a general summary of assertions. 
     The description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the technology disclosed herein, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology. Moreover, recitation of multiple embodiments having stated features is not intended to exclude other embodiments having additional features, or other embodiments incorporating different combinations of the stated features. Specific examples are provided for illustrative purposes of how to make and use the compositions and methods of this technology and, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are not intended to be a representation that given embodiments of this technology have, or have not, been made or tested. 
     Unless otherwise specified, relational terms used in the present disclosure should be construed to include certain tolerances that those skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalent functionality. By way of example, the term perpendicular is not necessarily limited to 90.00°, but also to any variation thereof that those skilled in the art would recognize as providing equivalent functionality for the purposes described for the relevant member or element. Terms such as “about” and “substantially” in the context of configuration relate generally to disposition, location, and/or configuration that is either exact or sufficiently close to the location, disposition, or configuration of the relevant element to preserve operability of the element within the invention while not materially modifying the invention. Similarly, unless specifically specified or clear from its context, numerical values should be construed to include certain tolerances that those skilled in the art would recognize as having negligible importance, as such do not materially change the operability of the invention. 
     Similarly, the terms “can” and “may” and their variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation that an embodiment can or may comprise certain elements or features does not exclude other embodiments of the present technology that do not contain those elements or features. Unless noted otherwise, the pump disclosed herein encompasses all combinations of the disclosed features thereof, regardless of whether each possible combination of features defining an apparatus has been explicitly recited. 
     Having thus described the basic concept of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed disclosure is intended to be presented by way of example only, and is not limiting. Various alterations, improvements, and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art, though not expressly stated herein. These alterations, improvements, and modifications are intended to be suggested hereby, and are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the recited order of processing elements or sequences, or the use of numbers, letters, or other designations therefore, is not intended to limit the claimed processes to any order except as may be expressly stated in the claims.