Patent Description:
Pump is a mechanical equipment which is required to lift a fluid from low level to high level or to flow fluid from low pressure area to high pressure area. Pump priming is the process of removing air from the pump and its suction line. Priming is only not required when the pump is either capable of removing air and gases from itself or the layout conditions are so arranged that the pump will be always adequately filled with the liquid to be pumped.

In the priming process the pump is being filled with the liquid being pumped and the liquid forces all the air, gas, or vapor contained in the passageways of pump to escape out.

It is known as such to prime a pump making use of an ejector or a jet pump. For example, the document <CIT> discloses an ejector in connection with a pump.

Document <CIT> discloses a debris trap for capturing debris flowing in a stream of liquid, which debris trap comprises a housing having a space inside the housing, a fluid inlet channel in connection with the space, a fluid outlet channel in connection with the space, the fluid outlet channel comprising a fluid outlet port, a float member arranged in the space, a guide means configured to guide the float member's movement as liquid level in the space changes when in use for capturing debris flowing in a stream of fluid, and a stopper in connection with the fluid outlet port configured to stop the float member's movement as liquid level in the space raises.

An ejector, or a jet pump, has however substantially narrow passageways for the fluid to be pumped. Even if the drive fluid used to operate the jet pump may easily be arranged to be clean enough, using a jet pump, operated for example with pressurized air, in connection with a pump configured to pump liquid which contains debris, may be problematic. It is quite probable that the debris may enter into the jet pump and clog the narrow passageways, resulting in disturbance of its operation and failing of the priming of the pump. Likewise, should the priming be performed making use of another kind of source of vacuum, entering of debris, at least debris of greater size, to the source of vacuum is problematic.

An object of the invention is to provide a debris trap for capturing debris flowing in a stream of liquid and a priming assembly for a pump, by means of which the operation of a priming jet pump is considerably improved compared to the prior art solutions.

Objects of the invention can be met substantially as is disclosed in the independent claims and in the other claims describing more details of different embodiments of the invention.

A debris trap for capturing debris flowing in a stream of liquid, which debris trap comprises.

Such a debris trap minimizes escape of debris flowing in a stream of liquid and still causes only minimal pressure loss when used in a priming assembly for a centrifugal pump. The debris trap is particularly for capturing debris floating in a stream of liquid in a priming assembly for a centrifugal pump. In the beginning of priming, the float member is practically not effecting on the transmitting vacuum from the fluid outlet channel to the space of the housing. But, when the float member is against the stopper, the fluid outlet port is configured to remain partially open, and while being fully open, the fluid outlet port cross sectional flow area corresponds to that of the fluid outlet channel. When the float member and the fluid outlet port are brought into effect with each other, size of the debris which may flow through the outlet port is restricted, even though the flow communication is open and vacuum is still transmitted from the fluid outlet channel to the space in the housing.

Such a debris trap minimize escape of debris flowing in a stream of liquid and causes only minimal pressure loss when used in a priming assembly.

According to an embodiment of the invention the float member, when brought against the stopper, form a fluid communication path between float member and the fluid outlet port having an area of <NUM> - <NUM>% of the area of the fluid outlet channel. Such a debris trap, in addition to minimizing escape of debris flowing in a stream of liquid and causing only minimal pressure loss when used in a priming assembly for a centrifugal pump, minimizes possible agglomeration of debris in the trap.

According to an embodiment of the invention the float member, when brought against the stopper, form a fluid communication path which creates pressure difference between the space in the housing and the fluid outlet channel. The pressure difference can be utilized for detecting the state of the priming process since when the float member is against the stopper, the priming has been completed.

According to an embodiment of the invention the float member, when brought against stopper, form a fluid communication path between float member and the fluid outlet port comprising at least two distinct flow paths. Providing a number of small, separate flow paths to form the fluid communication makes it possible to restrict escape of debris through the trap, and still causing only minimal pressure loss when used in a priming assembly for a centrifugal pump. By means of the distinct flow path it is possible to determine the size of the debris which is caught by the trap and problems caused by the debris to a source of vacuum can be minimized.

According to an embodiment of the invention the least two distinct flow paths comprise axial notches arranged to an inlet edge of the fluid outlet port. Arranging the flow path by downwardly open axial notches in the edge of the fluid outlet minimize the possibility of agglomeration of debris to the fluid outlet port since, after the space of the housing of the debris trap has emptied from the liquid the float member moves away from the fluid outlet and any debris may fall down and be conveyed with the liquid away.

Depending on the case, decreasing the fluid communication through the fluid outlet port, when the float member and the fluid outlet port are brought into effect with each other, can be accomplished also such that the least two distinct flow paths comprise holes arranged to extend from a side wall of the float member to a top wall of the side.

According to an embodiment of the invention the least two distinct flow paths comprise holes arranged to the fluid outlet channel.

The guide means is advantageously a linear guide, which provides a reliable operation and simple construction of the debris trap.

According to an embodiment of the invention the guide means comprises at least three guide bars spaced around the outlet between which the float member is slidably supported.

According to an embodiment of the invention the guide means is an external guide to the float member. This way the outlet port flow area can be set effectively.

According to an embodiment of the invention the guide means comprises a retainer coupled to the at least three guide bars at a distance from the outlet and the float member is arranged between guide bars and the retainer.

According to an embodiment of the invention the guide means comprise radial extensions, which extend from the float member towards inner wall of the housing of the debris trap.

Priming assembly according to the invention for a pump, which pump comprising a suction side and discharge side, the assembly comprises a source of vacuum controllably connected to the suction side of the pump, and
a debris trap according to anyone of the claims <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the fluid outlet channel of the debris trap is connected between the source of vacuum and the suction side of the pump.

Priming assembly according to an embodiment the invention for a pump, which pump comprises a suction side and discharge side, wherein the source of vacuum comprising a jet pump having.

a debris trap according to anyone of the claims <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the fluid outlet channel of the debris trap is connected to the first inlet of the jet pump.

The priming assembly is particularly advantageous for use in priming of a centrifugal pump.

The exemplary embodiments of the invention presented in this patent application are not to be interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used in this patent application as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features. The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims.

<FIG> depicts schematically a priming assembly <NUM> for a pump <NUM>. A centrifugal pump is a pump type which requires priming in order to start pumping process. In normal conditions, common centrifugal pumps are unable to evacuate the air from an inlet line leading to a liquid surface level <NUM> of liquid storage <NUM> which is vertically below that of the pump <NUM>. The pump has a suction side <NUM> and discharge side <NUM>, more particularly the pump is provided with a suction pipe <NUM> and a discharge pipe <NUM> which are connected to the pump <NUM>. The discharge pipe <NUM> is provided with a discharge valve <NUM>. The priming assembly further comprises a jet pump <NUM> which is arranged vertically above the centrifugal pump <NUM>. The jet pump <NUM>, often called also as an ejector, is known as such for a skilled person in the art. In an ejector, a drive fluid flows through a jet nozzle <NUM> into a tube that first narrows and then expands in cross-sectional area, which is referred to as a throat <NUM>. The high velocity drive fluid mixes with the liquid that is drawn in by the vacuum created by the ejector. The strength of the vacuum produced depends on the velocity of the drive fluid and shape of the fluid jet and the shape of the throat and mixing sections downstream the throat <NUM>. The jet pump is very compact device in size and has no moving parts and is therefore advantageous for the purpose of priming the pump <NUM>.

The jet pump <NUM> comprises a first inlet <NUM> for the priming liquid. The priming assembly <NUM> comprises a priming conduit <NUM> which connects the pumps <NUM> suction side <NUM> to the first inlet <NUM>. There is a first control valve <NUM> arranged to the priming conduit <NUM> connected to the first inlet <NUM>. The first inlet is thus connected to the suction side <NUM> of the pump <NUM>. The connection to the suction side means that the actual connection is provided to the suction pipe <NUM> or to the pump <NUM> itself at a location where the impeller housing will be filled with liquid when the jet pump is operated during the priming process. The jet pump <NUM> comprises further a second inlet <NUM> for drive fluid. The second inlet <NUM> for the drive fluid is connected to source of pressurized drive fluid <NUM> by means of a feed pipe <NUM>. There is a second control valve <NUM> connected to the second inlet <NUM>. In this connection the drive fluid is advantageously pressurized air, and the source of pressurized drive fluid is a source of pressurized air. The jet pump <NUM> comprises further an outlet <NUM> for discharging the priming liquid and the drive fluid from the jet pump <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> is advantageously connected to the liquid storage <NUM>.

The priming assembly comprises further a debris trap <NUM> arranged to the priming conduit <NUM> between the suction pipe <NUM> and the jet pump <NUM>. Here the priming conduit <NUM> is coupled to the upper-most location of the suction pipe <NUM>. The debris trap <NUM> is arranged for capturing debris flowing in a stream of priming liquid towards the jet pump <NUM>. The debris trap <NUM> is positioned to a vertical level above the pump's shaft, advantageously above the impeller of the pump <NUM>. The first control valve <NUM> is between the debris tramp <NUM> and the jet pump <NUM> in the <FIG>, but the debris trap <NUM> may be arranged also between the first control valve and the jet pump <NUM>. By means of the debris trap <NUM> it is ensured that the jet pump will not become clogged. <FIG> shows a debris trap <NUM> in extremely exemplary manner for purposes of understanding the main functions of the trap <NUM>. The debris trap <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> in which a space <NUM> is arranged inside the housing. The housing is provided with a liquid inlet channel <NUM> in connection with the space <NUM>. The priming conduit <NUM> is connected to the fluid inlet channel <NUM>. There is a fluid outlet channel <NUM> arranged to the upper part of the housing <NUM>, in connection with the space <NUM>. The fluid outlet channel <NUM> comprises a fluid outlet port <NUM> which provides fluid communication between the space <NUM> and the fluid outlet channel <NUM>.

There is a float member <NUM> arranged in the space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The debris trap <NUM> is further provided with a guide means <NUM> in the space <NUM>. The guide means <NUM> comprises linear guides, such as bars, arranged to extend vertically around the guide means <NUM>. The guide means <NUM> are external to the float member <NUM>. The debris trap <NUM> is provided with a stopper <NUM> arranged in the space <NUM> at an upper end of the guide means <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> is in connection with the fluid outlet port <NUM> and it is configured to stop the float member's movement, as liquid level in the space raise in the space <NUM>, before the fluid outlet port closes totally. The float member <NUM> in the <FIG> is a spherical ball having a slanted top regardless of its position. The float member <NUM> is arranged to be guided by the guide means <NUM> into operational contact, and from operational contact, while the fluid outlet port <NUM> as the liquid level in the space <NUM> changes vertically when in use for capturing debris flowing in a stream of liquid during the priming operation of the assembly <NUM>. The float member <NUM>, the guide means <NUM> and the fluid outlet port <NUM> together control fluid communication from the space <NUM> to the fluid outlet channel <NUM> of the debris trap <NUM>. The float member <NUM> and the fluid outlet port <NUM>, when the float member, more particularly its upper end, is brought against the stopper <NUM>, decrease effective cross sectional flow area of fluid communication through the fluid outlet port, which is thus configured to remain partially open, when the float member <NUM> is against the stopper <NUM>. Depending on the practical case, the fluid outlet port is decreased so as to have an area of <NUM> - <NUM>% of the area of the fluid outlet channel, but it does not totally close the flow connection from the space <NUM> to the fluid outlet channel <NUM>.

When the float member <NUM> is against the stopper <NUM> the flow communication through the outlet port remains partially open with restricted area and therefore size of the debris which may flow through the outlet port <NUM> is restricted, even though the flow communication is open and vacuum is still transmitted from the fluid outlet channel <NUM> to the space <NUM>.

The priming assembly <NUM> functions in a following manner, applicable to all embodiments of the debris trap. After the pump <NUM> has been stopped and it has been emptied from the pumped liquid i.e. the pump is filled with the air. When the pump is desired to be started the priming steps are executed as follows. First, the discharge valve <NUM> is closed separating the discharge pipe <NUM> from the pump <NUM>. Next, the second control valve <NUM> is opened which connects the source of pressurized air to the jet pump <NUM>. Pressurized air is led to the jet pump <NUM> and out through the outlet <NUM>. The first control valve <NUM> is now opened. This starts the operation of the jet pump. Vacuum is generated to the first inlet <NUM> of the jet pump and liquid begins to rise up from the liquid storage <NUM> to the suction pipe <NUM>. After the jet pump has been operating for a while, the liquid surface rises up to the debris trap <NUM> and the liquid level is thus so high that the pump housing is also filled with the liquid. Adequate level of the liquid can be detected in the debris trap. Now the pump <NUM> can be started and the discharge valve <NUM> opened. The first valve <NUM> of the jet pump can now be closed and also the introduction of the pressurized air can be stopped.

The priming assembly is advantageous for use in practical applications where the liquid, such as water, contains small, debris in it, wherein the debris trap is configured particularly for capturing debris floating in a stream of liquid. When priming a pump, the most problematic debris is a floating debris which does not experience gravity force substantially greater than buoyance caused by the liquid. Floating debris may be floating on the surface of the liquid or it may be partially or fully submerged in the liquid.

Such applications where the liquid contains small debris in it can be found for example in forest industry, and waste treatment processes, just to mention a few. In the <FIG>, which shows a debris trap <NUM> of the <FIG> during the priming process, liquid level has risen up to the debris trap <NUM> being under effect of the under-pressure created by the jet pump <NUM>. The float member <NUM> has moved upwards from its lower position (the lowest position shown in the <FIG>), where the air flow into the fluid outlet channel <NUM> is practically unaffected by the float member <NUM>, under guidance of the guide means <NUM> to its uppermost position (the position shown in the <FIG>), where float member <NUM> and the fluid outlet port <NUM> are brought into effect with each other. The float member is against the stopper <NUM>. In this embodiment the fluid outlet port <NUM> reduces to a narrow slot formed between the float member <NUM> and the end of the fluid outlet channel <NUM>. This embodiment prevents entry of substantially compact debris into the jet pump, but may allow an escape of substantially elongated debris which has its diagonal dimension smaller than the slot. The float member <NUM> has a predetermined buoyancy in the liquid in question, such that its uppermost point raises above the liquid level <NUM> when it is floating freely. The actual height of the float member <NUM> above the liquid level is determined by knowledge or assessment of quantity and/or quality, such as size, of the debris present in the liquid. Advantageously the float is configured to extend more than <NUM> above the liquid surface <NUM>. Typically, the float member <NUM>, having an axial length in the direction of its guided movement in the space, has a portion of less than <NUM>% of its axial length above the surface of the liquid.

As a first measure, since the float member extends above the surface liquid surface level, the float member is guided by the guide means <NUM> to move to in front of the fluid outlet port <NUM> before the rising liquid. This alone decreases the possibility of larger debris escaping through the fluid outlet port <NUM>. As a next measure, since the float member <NUM> is guided by the guide means <NUM> to move towards the fluid outlet port <NUM>, without totally closing the fluid communication through the fluid outlet port <NUM>, the jet pump still effects on the space <NUM> of the debris trap <NUM> and the priming conduit <NUM>, maintaining the liquid up in the priming conduit <NUM>, suction pipe <NUM> and the pump housing <NUM>. This position is shown in the <FIG>. Here the float member <NUM> and the fluid outlet port <NUM>, when brought facing to, or into effect with each other, form a fluid communication path having a reduced area for a fluid communication. The area is determined to be such that any possibly escaping debris has so small size that it does not clog up the jet pump <NUM>.

Even if a spherical float member, as is shown in the <FIG>, may operate adequately in some practical applications, for certain type of debris, <FIG> shows another embodiment, which is an improved form of the debris trap <NUM> of the <FIG>. The debris trap <NUM> shown in the <FIG> is installed in the priming assembly in similar way as the one shown in the <FIG>. It also operates in corresponding manner. More particularly, the debris trap <NUM> comprises a tubular housing <NUM> having a space <NUM> inside the housing. The housing is formed a tube part <NUM> which is provided with an end plate <NUM> at an upper end of the tube part <NUM>. The end plate <NUM> has a fluid outlet <NUM> arranged coaxially with the tube part <NUM>.

The housing is provided with a liquid inlet channel <NUM> which is formed by a first flange <NUM>. The first flange is rigidly connected to the tube part <NUM>. The tube part <NUM> and the first flange <NUM> have substantially equal inner diameter forming a cylindrical space <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. The fluid outlet channel <NUM> is a pipe which is arranged extend through the end plate <NUM> into the space <NUM>. The fluid outlet channel <NUM> has smaller diameter than the tube part <NUM> such that an annular space is formed between the fluid outlet channel <NUM>. The fluid outlet channel <NUM> comprises a fluid outlet port <NUM> which provides fluid communication between the space <NUM> and the fluid outlet channel <NUM>. The fluid outlet channel comprises further a flange <NUM> at its upper end, being rotatably assembled in respect to the outlet channel <NUM>. The housing structure shown in the <FIG> can be provided with a float member <NUM> shown in the <FIG>.

Also, in the improved form of the debris trap there is a float member <NUM> arranged in the space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, which is arranged to move vertically under control of guide means <NUM> in the space <NUM>. The float member is substantially cylindrical having a lightening recess <NUM> at its bottom, which is the opposite end to the one configured to cooperate with the stopper <NUM>. By means of the lightening recess <NUM> it is possible to adjust and set the height of the float member <NUM> above the liquid surface, while axial length of its side wall provides adequate guidance from the guide means. The guide means comprise linear bars <NUM> arranged to extend vertically downwards from the end plate <NUM>. Each guide bar <NUM> is fixed to lower surface of the end plate <NUM> evenly around the fluid outlet <NUM>. The lower end of formed set of guide bars, which may also be referred to as a cage, has a retainer ring <NUM> at its lower end. The guide bars <NUM> form an external guide to the float member <NUM>. The retainer ring <NUM> has an opening at its center area for increasing flow area in the space <NUM> at the axial location of the retainer ring <NUM>. The retainer ring <NUM> keeps the float member <NUM> inside the cage. <FIG> shows four guide bars <NUM> but even three spaced guide bars results in proper guidance for a cylindrical float member <NUM> and therefore the presented four guide bars can be replaced with a setup of three guide bars.

The float member <NUM> is arranged to be guided by the guide bars <NUM> into contact, and from contact, with the fluid outlet port <NUM> as the liquid level in the space <NUM> changes vertically when in use for capturing debris flowing in a stream of liquid during the priming operation of the assembly <NUM>. The end of the fluid outlet channel <NUM> is also the stopper <NUM> for the upwards movement of the float member <NUM>. The fluid outlet port <NUM> comprise several axially extending notches <NUM> arranged to the inlet edge of the fluid outlet channel <NUM>. This way the outlet port, when the float member <NUM> is against the stopper <NUM>, comprises several separate, or distinct flow paths. Here the distal ends of the notches form the stopper <NUM>. The float member <NUM>, the guide means <NUM> and the notches <NUM> of the fluid outlet port <NUM> together control fluid communication from the space <NUM> to the fluid outlet channel <NUM> of the debris trap <NUM>. Now the notches have an axial depth which is substantially equal to its width. This way the embodiment prevents escape of substantially compact debris, and also prevents efficiently escape of substantially elongated debris which has its diagonal dimension smaller than the slot.

In the <FIG> liquid level has risen up to the debris trap <NUM> being under effect of the under-pressure created by the jet pump <NUM>. The float member <NUM> has moved upwards from its lowest position (the situation in the <FIG>), where the air flow into the fluid outlet channel <NUM> is unaffected by the float member <NUM>, under guidance of the guide means <NUM> to its uppermost position (the situation in the <FIG>), where float member <NUM> and the fluid outlet port <NUM> are brought into effect with each other. The float member has a predetermined buoyancy in the liquid in question, such that is uppermost point raises above the liquid level <NUM>. The actual height of the float member <NUM> above the liquid level is determined by knowledge or assessment of quantity and/or quality, such as size, of debris present in the liquid. Advantageously the float is configured to more than <NUM> above the liquid surface <NUM>.

The float member <NUM>, when the float member is brought against the stopper <NUM>, decrease a fluid communication through the fluid outlet port such that the separate notches have a common area of <NUM> - <NUM>% of the area of the fluid outlet channel, but does not totally close the flow connection from the space <NUM> to the fluid outlet channel <NUM>.

Also, in the embodiment of the <FIG> and <FIG> the float member extends above the surface liquid surface level, when floating freely, and the float member is guided by the guide means <NUM> to move to in front of the fluid outlet port <NUM> before the rising liquid can reach the outlet port <NUM>. This alone decreases the possibility of larger debris escaping through the fluid outlet port <NUM>. As a next measure, since the float member <NUM> is guided by the guide bars <NUM> to move against the stopper, without totally closing the fluid communication through the fluid outlet port <NUM>, the jet pump still effects on the space <NUM> of the debris trap <NUM> and the priming conduit <NUM> maintaining the liquid up in the priming conduit <NUM>, suction pipe <NUM> and the pump housing <NUM>. This position is shown in the <FIG>, where the float member <NUM> and the fluid outlet port <NUM>, when brought facing to each other, form a fluid communication path having an area for a fluid communication. In the <FIG> and four the float member <NUM>, when brought against the stopper <NUM>, form a fluid communication path comprising at least two distinct flow paths. The distinct flow paths are formed by the notches in rim the fluid outlet channel <NUM>. The area of each distinct flow path is determined to be such that any possibly escaping debris has so small size that it does not clog up the jet pump <NUM>. In practice this can be achieve for example such that the area of each distinct flow path is smaller than the area of the throat of the jet pump.

<FIG> shows another embodiment which is otherwise similar to that in the <FIG> and <FIG> except that instead of the notches, the outlet channel <NUM> is provided with holes <NUM>, preferably round holes, arranged near the edge of the channel <NUM>. The holes are arranged at a small distance from the edge which is smaller than the diameter of the holes. Alternatively or additionally to other embodiment which result in decreasing the area of the fluid communication port <NUM> when the float member <NUM> and the fluid outlet port <NUM> are brought into effect with each other, <FIG> describe holes <NUM> arranged to extend from a side wall of the float member to a top wall of the float member, forming least two distinct flow paths in the fluid communication port. The area of each distinct flow path, i.e. the holes, is determined to be such that any possibly escaping debris has so small size that it does not clog up the jet pump <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another embodiment which is otherwise similar to that in the <FIG> and <FIG> except that instead of the notches being arranged to the outlet channel <NUM>, the float member <NUM> is provided with radial grooves <NUM> at its upper end. The grooves extend from the side wall of the float member <NUM> towards its center. The top end may be slanted to improve removal of debris from the top of the float member <NUM>. Also in the other embodiments described the top of the float member may be slanted of conical.

<FIG> shows still another embodiment which is otherwise similar to that in the <FIG> and <FIG>, except that the guide means <NUM> is integrated to the float member <NUM> replacing the guide bars. The guide means comprise radial extensions, which extend from the float member <NUM> towards inner wall of the housing <NUM> of the debris trap <NUM>. The radial extension has a guide surface <NUM> parallel to the inner surface of the space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The guide surface <NUM> may be comprised of outer edges of several separate extensions. The guide means may also comprise a sleeve (not shown) arranged against the inner surface of the space <NUM> connected with radial supports to the float member <NUM>. It is also conceivable to arrange the float means <NUM> such that its diameter is so large that it takes its guidance directly from the inner surface of the space <NUM> and provided with axial flow through channels with adequate area radially outside the region of the fluid outlet channel <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses schematically a priming assembly <NUM> for a pump <NUM>. A centrifugal pump is a pump type which requires priming in order to start pumping process. In normal conditions, common centrifugal pumps are unable to evacuate the air from an inlet line leading to a liquid surface level <NUM> of liquid storage <NUM> which is vertically below that of the pump <NUM>. The pump has a suction side <NUM> and discharge side <NUM>, more particularly the pump is provided with a suction pipe <NUM> and a discharge pipe <NUM> which are connected to the pump <NUM>. The discharge pipe <NUM> is provided with a discharge valve <NUM>. The priming assembly further comprises a source of vacuum <NUM>. The source of vacuum may be for example an ejector, a vacuum pump, blower or even a general vacuum system, such as a paper machine vacuum system. The source of vacuum <NUM> is connected to the suction side <NUM> of the pump <NUM>. The connection to the suction side means that the actual connection is provided to the suction pipe <NUM> or to the pump <NUM> itself at a location that the impeller housing will be filled with liquid when source of vacuum is in flow connection, controlled by a valve <NUM>, with the suction side of the pump.

The priming assembly comprises further a debris trap <NUM> arranged to the priming conduit <NUM> between the suction pipe <NUM> and the source of vacuum <NUM>. Here the priming conduit <NUM> is coupled to the upper-most location of the suction pipe <NUM>. The debris trap <NUM> is arranged for capturing debris flowing in a stream of priming liquid towards the jet pump <NUM>. The debris trap <NUM> is positioned to a vertical level above the pump's shaft, advantageously above the impeller of the pump <NUM>. The first control valve <NUM> is between the debris tramp <NUM> and the source of vacuum <NUM>. By means of the debris trap <NUM> it is ensured that only possibly debris of only limited size may proceed towards the source of vacuum <NUM>. <FIG> shows a debris trap <NUM> in extremely exemplary manner for purposes of understanding the main functions of the trap <NUM>, and it may be constructed according to anyone of the embodiments of the debris trap described here, and modified within the skills of a person in the art.

Claim 1:
A debris trap (<NUM>) for capturing debris flowing in a stream of liquid, the debris trap (<NUM>) comprising
- a housing (<NUM>) having a space (<NUM>) inside the housing (<NUM>)
- a fluid inlet channel (<NUM>) in connection with the space (<NUM>),
- a fluid outlet channel (<NUM>) in connection with the space (<NUM>), the fluid outlet channel (<NUM>) comprising a fluid outlet port (<NUM>),
- a float member (<NUM>),
- a guide means (<NUM>) configured to guide the float member's (<NUM>) movement as liquid level in the space (<NUM>) changes when in use,
- a stopper (<NUM>) in connection with the fluid outlet port (<NUM>) configured to stop the float member's (<NUM>) movement as liquid level in the space (<NUM>) raises,
characterized in that
- the fluid outlet port (<NUM>) which, when the float member (<NUM>) is against the stopper (<NUM>), is configured to remain partially open and the float member (<NUM>), when brought against the stopper (<NUM>), form a fluid communication path with reduced area, which restricts the size of the debris which may flow through the outlet port (<NUM>).