IMPROVEMENTS IN CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alfred Vincent Newton, of the Office for Patents, 66,
Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Mechanical Draughtsman, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS." A communication
from abroad by William Draper Andrews, of Brookhaven, in the State of New
York, United States of America.
Scaled the 18th July 1876, and dated the 8th February 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alfred Vincent Newton at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th February 1876.
ALFRED VINCENT NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Mechanical Draughtsman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CENTRIFUGAL
PUMPS."
This Invention consists in various novel constructions and combinations of parts,
whereby a more copious discharge is obtained for a given diameter of pump case
cylinder, power is economized in the operation of the pump, and the construction of
the latter cheapened; also its capacity or ability to pass foreign bodies or substances
is enlarged, likewise increased facilities are afforded for putting together and removing
the working parts without disturbing either the suction or discharge connections,
and other advantages are obtained, including an increased facility for varying the
working position of the pump.
The body or case of the pump is of a cylindrical form, the head on the driving
pulley side of the pump is made removable, and the other head on the suction side
of the pump may be cast with the body. The width of the body or inside space
between the heads should be at least equal to usually somewhat larger than the
diameter of the discharge orifice.
The cylindrical shell of the body or case is extended in direction of the working
axis upon the pulley side of the pump, and is formed at such extended portion with
an outer straight flange around its entire edge, leaving a sufficient space between
said flange and the discharge branch to accomodate nuts or heads of bolts, which
connect the removable head with the cylinder or case, and to for in a bearing around
the case for the support of the latter on a stand or bed with facility for turning the
pump axially on or in its bearings to shift the position of the discharge branch.
The flange of the case has a series of slotted bolt holes having open outer ends,
and the head similarly slotted bosses for the insertion and removal of the coupling
bolts without detaching their nuts. Furthermore, said flange is constructed with a
[ Price Gd1

page_text: series of intermediately disposed open outer ended slots to receive bolts within them,
and corresponding slots in one side of the stand to bolt the pump to the stand on its
one or pulley side, and the fixed head of the case is made with an overhanging rim
or horizontal flange, and a series of radially open slotted projections for a holding
down bolt, which is fitted to pass through the lowermost one of said projections and
a slotted projection on the side of the stand. This mode of securing the pump to
its stand not only forms a secure hold, and provides for the ready attachment and
detachment of the pump or of its removable head as required, but the slots and the
slotted projections are in sufficient number, and so arranged as to secure the pump
to its stand in six (more or less) varied positions as regards the discharge branch
by the turning or adjustment of the pump case on or in its stand. The stand is
constructed with openings to allow of the ready removal of the lowermost coupling
bolts of the case by simply slackening their nuts.
The removable head is recessed on its outer side or otherwise constructed to
project within the pump case to bring its inner face in line with the side of the
opening into the discharge branch. This head carries a hollow projecting arbor,
upon which the driving pulley revolves. Through this arbor as a bearing the
shaft of the propelling wheel passes, and is connected by a coupling with the driving
pulley. Upon the outer end of said arbor and within and enclosed by the coupling
as a cap a stuffiing box is arranged to prevent leakage.
The propelling wheel is secured upon the inner end of the shaft; and the same
and the other working parts of the pump, excluding the case and stand, are all
carried by the removable head, and can be removed and replaced with said head
without disturbing the suction or discharge pipe, and without change of relative
position, also dispensing with all outside bearings or connections, and insuring the
retention of the parts under all circumstances.
The
The dischargo branch or nozzle before mentioned is of an enlarged rectangular
construction at its junction with the case, and coincident with the sides thereof but
terminating externally in a contracted orifice, and arranged so that the interior
surface of its outer side is in tangential relation with the inner periphery of the case
and with the circular path described by the outer ends of the propelling wheel or its
wings. The outer side of this discharge branch is provided with a relief opening
having a curved surface connecting with the inner periphery of the case.
propelling wheel is constructed of three or more wings, which stand out laterally
from their hub for a distance nearly equal to their breadth. These wings are
formed of reverse curves constituting a volute for the greater portion of their
length, but having outer radial terminations. Their inner edges terminate at a
distance from the centre of the wheel so as to provide an unobstructed central space
within them. The hub of the wheel is of a diameter approximating to that of the
central space, and a firm connection between it and the wings is secured by re-
inforces or straightening pieces.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the condition of the Letters Patent filed by the
said Alfred Vincent Newton in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 5th
August 1876.
ALFRED VINCENT NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Mechanical Draughtsman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CENTRIFUGAL.
PUMPS." A communication from abroad by William Draper Andrews, of Brook-
haveu, in the State of New York, United States of America.
This Invention consists in various novel constructions and combinations of parts,
whereby a more copious discharge is obtained for a given diameter of pump case
cylinder, power is economized in the operation of the pump, and the construction of
the latter cheapened; also its capacity or ability to pass foreign bodies or substances
is enlarged, likewise increased facilities are afforded for putting together and removing

page_text: the working parts without disturbing either the suction or discharge connections
and other advantages are obtained, including an increased facility for varying the
working position of the pump.
In the accompanying Drawing Fig. 1 represents a face elevation of the pump
from its pulley side; Fig. 2, a similar view from the reverse or suction side of the
pump; and Fig. 3, a vertical section in a plane transverse to the working axis,
Fig. 4 is an irregular vertical section lengthwise of the working axis.
Fig. 5, a view of the removable head of the cylinder or case, with the wheel,
driving shaft, and other parts attached, showing the whole as removed bodily from
the pump cylinder or case..
Fig. 6 is a diagram in illustration of the construction of the wings or blades of
the propelling wheel.
In proportioning these details of the pump, which are immediately connected with
the working of it, it is found that the greatest efficiency is attained by making the
size of the discharge orifice ba leading feature or starting point. This being deter-
mined the other details are proportioned to accord.
A is the body or case of the pump, which is of a cylindrical form, with ono
removable head B on the pulley side of the pump, and a fixed head C on the opposito
or suction side of the pump, which fixed head may be cast with the body A. The
width of the body or inside space between the heads B, C, should be at least equal
to and for purposes herein-after explained usually somewhat larger than the
diameter of the discharge orifice b.
The cylindrical shell of the body or case A is extended in the direction of the working
axis upon the pulley side of the pump and is formed at such extended portion with an
outer straight flange c around its entire edge, leaving a sufficient space between said
flange and the discharge branch D to accommodate nuts or heads of bolts (7, which
connect the removable head B with the cylinder or case A, and to form a bearing
around the case for the support of the latter on a stand or bed E with facility for
turning the pump axially on or in its bearings e of the stand to faciliate changing
the pump to discharge in different directions.
The flange c of the case has a series of slotted bolt holes having open outer ends
and the head B similarly slotted bosses for the insertion and removal of the bolts d
without detaching their nuts. Furthermore said flange c is constructed with a series
of intermediately disposed open outer ended slotes to receive bolts within them
and corresponding slots i in the one side of the stand E to bolt the pump to the
stand on its one or pulley side, and the fixed head C of the case is made with an
overhanging rim or horizontal flange and a series of radially open slotted pro-
jections for a holding down bolt m which is fitted to pass through the lowermost
one of said projections and a slotted projection n on the side of the stand. This
mode of securing the pump to its stand not only forms a secure hold and provides
for the ready attachment and detachment of the pump or of its removable head as
required, but the slots y and the slotted projections are in sufficient number and
so arranged as to secure the pump to its stand in six (more or less) varied positions
as regards the discharge branch D by the turning or adjustment of the pump case
on or in the stand E.
By constructing the pump case with an extension on its pulley side and an over-
hanging rim or horizontal flange k on its opposite side, not only is a broad bearing
secured for the pump case on its stand, but the range of the case's circular adjust-
ment may be so far extended as to admit of the discharge branch D entering in
between the sides of the stand.
To provide for the removal of the undermost bolts & from the open ended slots
in the flange c and in the removable head B when it is required to draw out or
remove said head with its attachments for cleaning purposes or otherwise, without
disturbing the pump case. The stand E on such side is constructed with openings o,"
(Fig. 1) which allow of the ready removal of said bolts by slackening their nuts.
The stand E is an oblong frame with the bearings or seats e for the pump
cylinder or case formed by concave circular formations of the upper edges. of its

page_text: sides for the support of said case on its opposite sides and to provide for the
adjustment of the case around its axis, the amount of which adjustment may
extend for about three-fourths of a circle and to allow of the discharge pipe deliver-
ing water at different points in the plane of that movement.
The removable head B is recessed on its outer side or otherwise constructed to
project within the pump case A to bring its inner face in line with the side of the
opening into the discharge branch D.
This head B carries a hollow projecting arbor G upon which the driving pulley H
rotates. Through this arbor as a bearing the shaft I of the propelling wheel passes
and is connected by a coupling J with the driving pulley H. Upon the outer end
of said arbor and within and enclosed by the coupling J as a cap a stuffing box
K is arranged to prevent leakage. This outside bearing for the pulley and
inside bearing for the shaft of the arbor G in combination with the free coupling J,
does away with all lateral strain on the shaft and provides for the removal of the belt
without cutting or separating it, also for the belt being led in any direction in the
plane of the pulley's motion without obstruction from any portion of the pump or
its stand. By combining with this arrangement the stuffing box K and enclosing
the latter by the cap-like coupling J, not only is outside leakage prevented but the
coupling protects and conceals the stuffing box, thereby performing a double
function or use.
The propelling wheel is secured upon the inner end of the shaft I, and the same
and the other working parts of the pump, excluding the case A and stand E, are all
carried by the removable head B, and can be removed and replaced with said head
without disturbing the suction or discharge pipe and without change of relative
position, also dispensing with all outside bearings or connections and insuring the
retention of the parts under all circumstances. The suction or induction opening
in the centre of the fixed head C experiment shows it is most advisable to make
about one and a half times the diameter where it joins the case A of the discharge
orifice b, as such proportion gives good and economical results, but these proportions
may be changed if desired. This. induction opening is extended centrally out-
wards to form a suction branch or nozzle M which it is preferable to contract at its
outer end to an equal area with the discharge orifice band which is provided with
a Hange for the attachment of the suction pipe. This tapering or contracted
construction at its outer end of the induction branch M, to which however the
Invention is not restricted, economizes the cost of the suction pipes and avoids
the necessity of a strainer as when connecting by a suction pipe of the same area as
the opening
The fixed head C is made slightly conical or dish shaped on its inside face to
insure a width of space at the centre between said head and the hub of the wheel in
proximity to the opposite head, equal at least to the distance between the heads at the
circumference. This width at the centre may be increased, not exceeding, say one-
fourth, and for passing large substances through the pump, as in dredging and
removing gravel, shells, coal, grass, seaweed and other like substances for which this
class of pumps is extensively used there will be an important gain by increasing
the size of the central passages.
The discharge branch D is mainly made of square or rectangular form in its cross
section where it unites with the cylindrical case A, and of a width about equal to
the width of the space between the heads at their circumference, and said branch
contracted to a circular form at the orifice b. This gradual change of form in the
discharge branch insures a sufficient discharge without using a very large cylinder
or case, and gives a concentrated or solid discharge. The interior surface 8 (Fig. 3)
of the outer side of the discharge pipe or branch D is tangential to the inner
periphery of the case, thus directing the water in the course it is thrown from the
case. This too, combined with the varying shape of the discharge branch is
important to secure a pérfect and economical action. The discharge opening
through the periphery corresponding with an oblique section of the rectangular
portion of the discharge branch is oblong in form, and should have a superficial area

page_text: as compared with the dischage orifice b, as twenty-two to seven. The contracted
orifice 6 is not necessarily circular. To obtain this proportion the diameter of the
case may be varied between two-and-a-half, and six times that of the discharge
orifice, and the distance between the heads at the inner periphery of the case and
width of the discharge opening from the case should be between one and one, and a
quarter times the diameter of the orifice b.
As here represented the contracted discharge orifice 6 has a circular form, and the
discharge branch is enlarged by its rectangular shape where it joins the case A, but
the proportions herein-before specified for the opening from the case and the
circular orifice bare not so applicable to pumps of any considerable capacity, or at
least these proportions make such pumps unwieldy in size and weight, unduly
enlarge the surface exposed to friction, and the bulk or weight of water in constant
motion by the wheel, that is, rotating with the latter, which causes much wasteful
consumption of power. To reduce the size of the pump and retain the tangential
discharge while securing the proper size of opening from the case, it is desirable to
observe the following peculiarities as regards the construction of the discharge
branch D: Whereas a decreased diameter of case with the tangential surface &
extended until it unites with the periphery at y would leave an insufficient opening
from the case, therefore it is proposed to start at a point on the periphery
sufficiently beyond y to secure the proper length of opening, and by a convex
curved surface s¹ connect that point with the tangential surfaces at a point about
twice as far on the outer side of y as it started beyond it, thereby forming a relief
openings. The shape of this curved space or opening s however may be varied.
The proper opening from the case may also be secured by increasing the distance
between the heads of the case, making the discharge the same width and tapering
into the discharge orifice b, and it will be often a matter of convenience to avail of
this arrangement in whole or in part, but it increases the surface exposed to friction
and weight of the water carried by the wheel though to nothing like the extent as
does enlarging the diameter of the pump case.
The propelling wheel is not restricted to carry any precise number of wings N,
but three are preferable; these wings are equidistant from each other, and are
attached to and carried by a small central hub N', which at its back is connected
to and carried by the driving shaft I, no portion of the shaft projecting into the
case beyond the hub to obstruct the influx of water into the central portion of the
case between or within the wings of the wheel. The wings N connect with the
hub N at their inner ends, and are strengthened and supported by reinforces o
attached to the edge of the hub and to the wings along their backs. By attaching
the wings N to a small hub at their inner ends, even when said ends are extended
over the face of the hub, but leaving much their larger portion beyond its outer
edge, the wheel is relieved from end pressure, and for all practical purposes it is
balanced or nearly so. By the use of the reinforces O, said hub also admits of the
inner ends of the wings, stopping short of the centre of the wheel as shown, thus
leaving a free space in the centre of the case A of a width and diameter equal to
that of the discharge orifice b, thereby permitting of the passage into and through
the wheel of substances as large as can pass through the discharge pipes, and
perfectly balancing the wheel. Such omission from the centre of the wheel of the
inner ends of the wings N also renders less power necessary to drive the wheel, and
the clear passage through the wheel obviates the necessity for a strainer upon the
suction pipe to exclude substances which otherwise could not pass through the
pump, consequently diminishing the friction of the water.
The propelling arms or wings N extend outwards to the perimeter of the case
without coming into actual contact with it, and are of a width corresponding with
that of the case without touching however the heads of the latter. Said wings
thus sweep the whole body of the case, excepting the small central space between
the inner ends of the wings where the latter stop short of the centre, as shown, and
they deliver water only through the small portion of the inner perimeter of the case
interrupted by the discharge branch or space forming the opening into the latter

page_text: from the case, thus dispensing with the extended circular or excentric passage
ordinarily used, and which entirely surrounds the wheel and passes water from the
latter throughout the entire length of said passage that is necessarily narrow in
proportion as it is elongated and presents a large surface exposed to friction, thus
confining the water within the diameter and grasp of the wheel, and allowing of its
escape therefrom in a nearly direct line into the tangential discharge pipe or branch
in a compact body, not only provides a free discharge passage for large foreign
substances and reduces the surface exposed to friction, but reduces the speed of
the wheel and the power required to drive it to perform a given amount of work.
Furthermore, the size of the pump for a given capacity is diminished, and its cost
of manufacture reduced.
The wings N of the pump are of peculiar construction, substantially as follows,
and as illustrated by the diagram Fig. 6 of the Drawing:-Thus, to lay out the
wings divide a circular space equal to the intended diameter of the wheel into any
number of parts by equidistant concentric circles band by radial lines c¹, into any
given number of segments. The following division it is found answers in practice :-
First lay out the aforesaid circular space by twelve equidistant concentric circles, and
by thirty-six equidistant radial lines and traverse nearly one-third the circular space to
form each wing. For instance, in laying out cach wing N commence at the centre
of the circular space bounded by the circular line a¹ (Fig. 6) and draw a curved line
that shall intersect the first circle at a point where it crosses the next radial line, and
so on outwardly towards the circumference crossing each succeeding concentric circle
at its intersection with the next succeeding radial lines until the ninth circle from the
centre is reached. When the wings N are required to be cut away at the centre,
then instead of commencing to lay out the wings from the centre of the circular
space of which a¹ is the boundary line commence at a cencentric circle corresponding
with the diameter of the suction pipe, but otherwise retain the herein-before specified
construction of the wing to or about the ninth concentric circle from the centre.
This gives a volute form to each wing, and from where the volute terminates, that
is about the ninth concentric circle, a reverse curve or segment of a circle is made,
having its centre on the circle a¹, said reverse curve being extended to the next
radial line at its junction with the second concentric circle from the boundary circle
or line a', and the wing then being continued outwards in the last-named radial
line to the periphery. These proportions and directions, however, may be varied,
thus the pitch of the involute and it points of starting and ending may be changed,
but in all cases it is proposed to use the reverse curves in combination with the
outer radial termination on the wing, whether said radial termination be longer or
shorter, as shown by full and dotted lines in Fig. 6, and whatever may be the pro-
portions of the volute and reverse curve. The greater the distance the water is
to be raised the less should be the pitch of the involute, the proportions of which
herein-before given is good for deliveries of from ten to twenty feet high.
The improved pump herein described may be made without turning, boring,
or drilling, excepting the boring of the stuffing box and turning of the pulley
bearing. The castings also may be made almost entirely without coring.
Having now set forth the nature of the Invention of "Improvements in Centri-
fugal Pumps," as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent, and explained
the manner of carrying the same into effect, I wish it to be understood that under
the above in part recited Letters Patent I claim,-
First. In a centrifugal pump having a cylindrical case A, the discharge branch or
nozzle D of an enlarged rectangular construction at its junction with the case, and
coincident with the sides thereof, but terminating externally in a contracted orifice
b, and arranged so that the interior surface s of its outer side is in tangential rela-
tion with the inner periphery of the case, and with the circular path described by
the outer ends of the wings of the propelling wheel substantially as specified.
Second. The discharge branch or nozzle D, having the interior surface & of its
outer side in tangential relation with the cylindrical case A, and constructed or is
provided with a relief opening 82, having a curved surface s¹ arranged to connect with

page_text: the inner periphery of the case, and with the tangential surface s of the discharge
branch or nozzle D, essentially as shown and described, and for the purposes herein
set forth.
Third. The wings N of the propelling wheel constructed of reverse curves, con-
stituting a volute for the greater portion of the length of the wings, but having
outer radial terminations, essentially as shown and described.
Fourth. The combinations of the wings N, N, irrespective of their shape, having
their inner edges terminating at a distance from the centre of the wheel so as to
provide an unobstructed central space within them, with a hub N¹ on one side of a
diameter approximating to that of said central space, and with reinforces 0, 0,
said hub and reinforces extending equally into the cylinder, substantially as herein
described.
Fifth. The removable head B of the pump case, provided with an arbor G for the
wheel shaft, and constructed to independently carry the propelling wheel shaft and
driving pulley, substantially as described.
Sixth. The combination of the pulley H, arranged on the arbor G, projecting
from the removable head with the shaft I, and the coupling J, essentially as
described.
Seventh. The combination with the removable head B, constructed to indepen-
dently carry the driving pulley and wheel shaft, having an attached clutch of the
pump case A, and its attached head C, induction nozzle M, and discharge branch D,
substantially as described.
Eighth. The circularly adjustable case A, formed with circular extensions on its
opposite sides or faces to form broad bearings in the support of the case by the
stand E, beyond opposite sides of the discharge pipe D, essentially as shown and
described.
Ninth. The openings o in the stand E, in combination with the open ended slots
in the bosses, and corresponding slots in the flange c of the case A, to provide for
removal of the lowermost bolts d, essentially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alfred Vincent Newton, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, the Third day of August, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
A. V. NEWTON. (L.S.)