GB732293A - Improvements in or relating to self-priming pump systems, particularly for deep wells - Google Patents

Abstract

732,293. Centrifugal pumps. JACUZZI BROS., Inc. April 28, 1953 [May 12, 1952], No. 11693/53. Class 110 (1). In a pumping system comprising a number of stages, the stages are divided into two groups, the output of the first group passing through a pressure line to an injector, and a return line connecting the injector to the input of the second group and the input of the first group and the output of the second group are connected to a priming chamber, the priming chamber being connected to a pressure tank. Water is pumped by two stages 5 and 7 in series and delivered by way of passages 93 and 81, a weir 89, passage 75 and a pressure pipe 119 to an injector 121 within a deep well. The water, together with additional water pumped from the well by the injector, returns by way of suction pipe 123, check valve 125 and passages 77 and 91 to two further stages 9 and 11 in series. The water is discharged by way of a chamber 85, passage 79 and pipe 101 to a priming chamber 111. Some of the water entering the chamber 111 is returned to the first stage 5 through a pipe 103 concentric with pipe 101. The remainder of the water preferably by way of a check valve 115, to a pressure tank 109 which supplies a pipe line 131. Air entrained in the water separates out, and helps to replenish the air cushion in the tank, 109. Excess air is relieved through a float-controlled valve 133. The pump driving motor 19 is controlled by a pressure switch 129 in accordance with the pressure in the tank 109. Siphoning off of the contents of the priming chamber 111 when the pump is not operating, due to draining of pipes 119 and 123, is prevented by the weir 89, air inlet valves 86 and 90 and the check valve 125. Valve 125 may be omitted. Valve 86 also functions to prevent the development of sub-atmospheric pressure in the pump and the priming chamber when the pump is starting. Float-controlled air release valves, functioning in :response to rise of water level in the weir passage and in the upper part of the suction line may be used to release air at these places during starting. Alternative connections 135 and 137 for the pressure and suction pipes respectively, permit the mounting of the pump directly over the well if desired. In a modification, the priming chamber is structurally separate from the pressure tank and is connected to it by a pipe connection which includes a check valve. In this case, the pipe 101 may be eliminated and the opening 98 sealed, connection to the priming chamber being made instead by a pipe connected at an opening 141, which is unplugged for this purpose. In a further modification, the priming chamber surrounds and encloses the pump.