GB750997A - Improvements in or relating to a centrifugal pump - Google Patents

Abstract

750,997. Centrifugal pumps; stuffing-box substitutes. GORMAN-RUPP INDUSTRIES, Inc. March 8, 1954, No. 6671/54. Classes 110(1) and 122(5) The casing of a centrifugal pump comprises two parts, one of which is cup-shaped and contains the inlet and outlet openings, and the walls of one of the parts are of self-supporting elastomeric material capable of flexing inwardly and outwardly relative to the normal position under forces created during pumping action. In the pump shown in Fig. 1, the main part 1 of the casing is of rubber or other elastomeric material which is resistant to corrosion and abrasion and is: capable of flexing under the pulsations which occur each time an impeller blade passes the tangential outlet 11. The flexing dislodges solids which may be deposited on the walls of the part 1. A central tubular inlet 13 is provided. A diaphragm 3, which is also made of rubber or like material but with more resiliency and flexibility than the material of the part 1 is clamped at its periphery between the part 1 and a rigid casing part 2, as by screws 32, a clamping ring 4 being provided. Ring 4 is preferably seated in an annular recess 31; alternatively, it may be moulded into the main casing part. Conical formations 25 on the diaphragm 3 form a flexible seal around the impeller shaft 5. Fig. 4 shows a modification in which the seal for the impeller shaft 55 comprises a ring 58 carrying a packing ring 59 and pressed against a stationary sleeve 56 by a spring 60 abutting a shoulder on the shaft. There is normally a small clearance between the shaft 55 and the sleeve 56, but in the event of shaft whip or vibration the sleeve may serve as a bearing to limit the shaft deflection.