U.S. patent application number 11/100307 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for coolant pump for x-ray device.
Invention is credited to Gregory C. Andrews.
Application Number | 20060228238 11/100307 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37083324 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060228238 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andrews; Gregory C. |
October 12, 2006 |
Coolant pump for x-ray device
Abstract
This disclosure generally concerns x-ray device cooling systems
and related components. One example of such a component is a
coolant pump that includes an casing with a pair of fluid
interfaces and an electrical interface. The casing includes a body
with first and second ends. A motor is disposed within the casing
and includes a shaft to which an impeller is attached. A first end
cover is attached to the first end of the casing body, and a second
end cover includes an electrical interface and is attached to the
second end of the casing. Each of the end covers cooperates with a
corresponding sealing element to aid in sealing the casing. One or
both of the end covers is removably attached to the body of the
casing to permit removal and repair/replacement of components
disposed within the casing.
Inventors: |
Andrews; Gregory C.;
(Draper, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER;(F/K/A WORKMAN NYDEGGER & SEELEY)
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
37083324 |
Appl. No.: |
11/100307 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/423.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 13/06 20130101;
F04D 29/426 20130101; F04D 29/628 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/423.1 |
International
Class: |
F04B 17/00 20060101
F04B017/00 |
Claims
1. A casing for housing a pump, comprising: a body having first and
second ends; a first end cover including a first fluid interface,
the first end cover being removably attachable to the first end of
the body, and a second fluid interface being included in one of:
the body; or, the first end cover; and a second end cover including
an electrical interface, the second end cover being removably
attachable to the second end of the body, and the second end cover
cooperating with the first end cover and the body to substantially
define a cavity when the first and second end covers are attached
to the body, the cavity being in fluid communication with the first
and second fluid interfaces.
2. The casing as recited in claim 1, wherein the body substantially
comprises a single piece construction.
3. The casing as recited in claim 1, wherein the body is formed by
one of: extrusion; casting; or, molding.
4. The casing as recited in claim 1, wherein the casing
substantially comprises aluminum.
5. The casing as recited in claim 1, wherein the electrical
interface comprises a hermetically sealed wiring harness.
6. The casing as recited in claim 1, wherein the body includes an
integral mounting base.
7. The casing as recited in claim 1, wherein the body includes a
plurality of glands, each of which is configured to at least
partially receive a corresponding sealing element.
8. The casing as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a first
sealing element interposed between the body and the first end
cover; and a second sealing element interposed between the body and
the second end cover.
9. The casing as recited in claim 1, further comprising a snap ring
and a wave spring, each of which is configured to be positioned
within a respective groove defined by the body.
10. A pump, comprising: a casing that substantially defines a
cavity, the casing including a first fluid interface and
comprising: an extrusion body with first and second ends; first and
second sealing elements; a first end cover including a second fluid
interface, the first end cover being removably attachable to the
first end of the extrusion body and cooperating with the first
sealing element to at least partially seal the casing; and a second
end cover including an electrical interface, the second end cover
being removably attachable to the second end of the extrusion body
and cooperating with the second sealing element to at least
partially seal the casing; an impeller; and a motor including a
shaft to which the impeller is attached, at least the motor being
disposed within the casing, and the motor being in electrical
communication with the electrical interface and in fluid
communication with the cavity and first and second fluid
interfaces.
11. The pump as recited in claim 10, wherein the pump comprises a
centrifugal pump.
12. The pump as recited in claim 10, wherein the extrusion body
substantially comprises a single piece construction.
13. The pump as recited in claim 10, wherein the motor is a
submerged stator/rotor type.
14. The pump as recited in claim 10, wherein the first fluid
interface comprises an element of the first end cover, the first
fluid interface being in fluid communication with the second fluid
interface and with the cavity.
15. The pump as recited in claim 10, wherein the first fluid
interface comprises an element of the extrusion body, the first
fluid interface being in fluid communication with the second fluid
interface and with the cavity.
16. The pump as recited in claim 10, wherein the first end cover
substantially encloses the impeller.
17. The pump as recited in claim 10, wherein the pump further
comprises a snap ring and a wave spring, each of which is
configured to be positioned within a respective groove defined by
the body so that both the wave spring and the snap ring contact the
motor.
18. A cooling system suitable for use in connection with an x-ray
device, comprising: a heat exchanger; and a pump configured for
fluid communication with the heat exchanger, and comprising: a
casing that substantially defines a cavity, the casing including a
first fluid interface and comprising: an extrusion body with first
and second ends; first and second sealing elements; a first end
cover including a second fluid interface, the first end cover being
removably attachable to the first end of the extrusion body and
cooperating with the first sealing element to at least partially
seal the casing; and a second end cover including an electrical
interface, the second end cover being removably attachable to the
second end of the extrusion body and cooperating with the second
sealing element to at least partially seal the casing; an impeller;
and a motor including a shaft to which the impeller is attached, at
least the motor being disposed within the casing, and the motor
being in electrical communication with the electrical interface and
in fluid communication with the first and second fluid interfaces
and the cavity.
19. The cooling system as recited in claim 17, wherein the
extrusion body substantially comprises a single piece
construction.
20. The cooling system as recited in claim 17, wherein the motor is
a submerged stator/rotor type.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to x-ray systems,
devices, and related components. More particularly, exemplary
embodiments of the invention concern cooling systems and components
for x-ray imaging systems.
[0003] 2. Related Technology
[0004] The ability to consistently develop high quality
radiographic images is an important element in the usefulness and
effectiveness of x-ray devices as diagnostic tools. However,
various factors relating to the construction and/or operation of
the x-ray device often serve to materially compromise the quality
of radiographic images generated by the device. Such factors
include, among others, various thermally induced effects such as
the occurrence of physical changes in the x-ray device components
as a result of high operating temperatures and/or thermal
gradients. These factors are cause for concern in therapeutic x-ray
devices as well.
[0005] The physical changes that occur in the x-ray device
components as a result of the relatively high operating
temperatures typically experienced by the x-ray device are of
particular concern. Not only do the high operating temperatures
impose significant mechanical stress and strain on the x-ray device
components, but the heat transfer effected as a result of those
operating temperatures can cause the components to deform, either
plastically or elastically.
[0006] While plastic deformation of an x-ray device component is a
concern because it may be symptomatic of an impending failure of
the component, elastic deformation of the x-ray device components
under high heat conditions is problematic as well. For example, as
the various components and mechanical joints are subjected to
repeated elastic deformation under the influence of thermal cycles,
the connections between the components can loosen and the
components may become misaligned or separated. In addition, the
elastic deformation of x-ray device components has significant
implications as well with respect to the performance of the x-ray
device.
[0007] Accordingly, various cooling systems, components and devices
have been considered in an effort to confront the problems
implicated by the high operating temperatures and thermal cycles
typically experienced in x-ray devices and imaging system
environments. As discussed below however, many cooling systems and
devices, particularly coolant pumps, have proven to be
problematic.
[0008] One problem that is of particular concern relates to the
nature of the construction of coolant pumps used in x-ray device
cooling systems. For example, many of such coolant pumps include
multiple parts that are separately manufactured and then attached
together to form the coolant pump. Such parts may include the pump
body, electrical feedthru, impeller housing, inlet fitting, and
outlet fitting. These component parts are manufactured using a
variety of different processes, such as fabrication, stamping, and
drawing. The large number of coolant pump parts, as well as the
wide variety of different manufacturing processes that must be
employed to construct those parts, contribute significantly to the
relatively high cost of such coolant pumps.
[0009] A related problem with many coolant pumps concerns the
methods used to assemble the various component parts together. One
process commonly used in the assembly of coolant pumps is welding.
Welding processes are often used because such processes allow a
fair amount of flexibility in terms of the design and construction
of the coolant pump. However, the cost of welding is often
significant because it is a labor-intensive process. Thus, the use
of welding processes contributes further to the expense associated
with the construction of coolant pumps that employ a relatively
large number of parts.
[0010] Welding processes impose other constraints as well on the
design and construction of coolant pumps. For example, x-ray device
coolant pumps are often employed in harsh environments and so must
be constructed of materials that are resistant to corrosion. The
cost of the coolant pump can be reduced somewhat by selection of a
corrosion resistant material that is relatively easier to weld than
other materials, since a simpler welding process may translate to
some reduction in cost. This type of approach is problematic
however, because materials that are both corrosion-resistant and
easy to weld, such as stainless steel, are relatively expensive.
Thus, any cost savings that might be obtained by using materials
that can be easily welded are often offset by the expense of the
material that is used.
[0011] The welded construction of some coolant pumps also causes
problems later in the life cycle of the pump. In particular, it is
sometimes necessary to remove and repair/replace certain pump
components, such as the impeller for example, after those
components have reached the end of their service life. A welded
pump construction complicates the removal process since the welds
that join the coolant pump components together must be machined or
ground away so that the parts can be separated and the worn out
component removed.
[0012] Such machining and grinding processes inevitably result in
the removal of not only the weld, but a portion of the base
material of the component(s) as well. As a result of the removal of
the base metal material, there is a practical limit to the number
of times that a particular component can be separated from, and
then rejoined to, another component before the component(s) must be
completely replaced, or the pump scrapped. These machining and
welding processes also add to the overall cost of maintaining the
pump throughout its life cycle.
[0013] The problems with many coolant pumps are not limited just to
the construction of the pump itself. For example, another concern
with typical coolant pumps is that they are sometimes integrated
together with the x-ray tube housing. As a result of this
configuration, the position and orientation of the coolant pump and
pump connections cannot be readily modified, if at all. In
addition, the repair of such coolant pumps can be complicated by
the fact that the coolant pump is integral with the housing.
Further, the design and construction of the housing are made more
difficult if accommodation has to be made for integration of the
coolant pump with the housing.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In view of the problems in the field that have been
identified herein, and other problems not specifically addressed
here, it would be useful to provide a coolant pump that has a
relatively low part count and that contributes to the ease with
which repair, maintenance, and reconfiguration can be performed.
Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the invention are generally
concerned with a coolant pump suitable for use as an element of a
fluid cooling system.
[0015] In one exemplary embodiment of a coolant pump, the coolant
pump includes a casing having a body with first and second ends.
The casing includes a first fluid interface. A motor is disposed
within the body and includes a shaft to which an impeller is
attached. The casing also includes a first end cover having a
second fluid interface and removably attached to the first end of
the body, as well as a second end cover that includes an electrical
interface and is removably attached to the second end of the body.
Each of the end covers cooperates with a corresponding sealing
element to aid in sealing the casing.
[0016] In this way, pump components such as the impeller and motor
can be readily removed and repaired/replaced without necessitating
labor intensive disassembly and reassembly processes. These and
other, aspects of exemplary embodiments of the invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other aspects of the invention are obtained, a more particular
description of the invention briefly described above will be
rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these
drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention
will be described and explained with additional specificity and
detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram indicating the arrangement of
various components of an exemplary x-ray system that includes an
x-ray tube and associated cooling system;
[0019] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a coolant pump with a casing
that includes a body;
[0020] FIG. 2B is a section view, showing the coolant pump
illustrated in FIG. 2A, as assembled;
[0021] FIG. 3A is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of
a coolant pump with a casing that includes a body; and
[0022] FIG. 3B is a section view, showing the coolant pump
illustrated in FIG. 3A, as assembled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe
various aspects of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It
should be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and
schematic representations of such exemplary embodiments and,
accordingly, are not limiting of the scope of the present
invention, nor are the drawings necessarily drawn to scale.
[0024] Generally, embodiments of the invention are concerned with
x-ray imaging systems and associated cooling systems and
components. As discussed more particularly below, exemplary
implementations provide for a coolant pump that is constructed so
as to allow ready removal and replacement of components such as the
impeller and motor without necessitating labor intensive
disassembly and reassembly processes.
I. X-Ray System
[0025] Details will now be provided concerning an exemplary
implementation of an x-ray system, denoted generally at 100, in
connection with which embodiments of the invention may be employed.
While various aspects of exemplary embodiments of the invention are
discussed in the context of x-ray systems, devices and related
components, the scope of the invention is not limited to any
particular type of, or application for, such x-ray systems, devices
and related components. For example, aspects of the disclosure are
applicable to systems where the radiation source is stationary,
relative to the subject, as well as to systems where the radiation
source moves relative to the subjects, such as computed tomography
("CT") systems for example. Similarly, some embodiments of the
invention are employed in treatment systems, while other
embodiments of the invention find application in diagnostic
systems. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be
construed to be limited solely to the exemplary embodiments and
applications disclosed herein.
[0026] It should further be noted that while at least some
embodiments of the coolant pump disclosed herein are particularly
well suited for use in x-ray device cooling systems, the scope of
the invention is not limited to such uses. Rather, the coolant
pumps disclosed herein can be effectively used in any of a wide
variety of fluid systems, one example of which is a fluid coolant
system. As the foregoing suggests, the pumps disclosed herein may
be referred to as "coolant" pumps for the sake of convenience in
describing particular exemplary embodiments, but such pumps can,
more generally, be employed in any other suitable application and
are not limited to use in cooling systems or in any other
particular fluid system.
[0027] With attention now to FIG. 1, the exemplary x-ray system 100
includes an x-ray tube housing 102 within which an x-ray tube (not
shown) is disposed. Examples of such x-ray tubes include rotating
anode and stationary anode x-ray tubes. The x-ray tube housing 102
is configured to contain a volume of coolant, such as a dielectric
coolant for example, that serves to remove heat from the x-ray tube
as the coolant flows through the x-ray tube housing 102.
Additionally, the x-ray tube housing includes a fluid inlet
connection 102A and fluid outlet connection 102B, both of which are
in fluid communication with a cooling system 200 by way of
respective coolant hoses 104A and 104B. In some alternative
arrangements, one or both of the coolant hoses are omitted in favor
of hard pipe or tubing.
[0028] In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the cooling system
200 includes a coolant pump 202 powered by a motor (not shown). As
discussed in further detail below in connection with FIGS. 2A
through 3B, the coolant pump 202 may be any of a variety of
different types. In at least some implementations, the coolant pump
202 is a centrifugal pump.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the coolant pump 202 includes
an inlet connection 202A arranged to receive the coolant leaving
the x-ray tube housing 102. An outlet connection 202B of the
coolant pump 202 directs the flow of coolant into a heat exchanger
204. In general, the heat exchanger 204 serves to remove heat from
the coolant received from the x-ray tube housing 102 by way of the
coolant pump 202. The heat exchanger 204 can be implemented in
various forms, examples of which include a liquid-to-liquid heat
exchange configuration, and a liquid-to-air heat exchange
configuration. In one example of the latter configuration, one or
more fans are used to direct a flow of air across liquid carrying
tubes of the heat exchanger.
[0030] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, various instruments,
controls, and other devices may be employed in connection with the
cooling system 200. Examples of such instruments, controls and
devices include, but are not limited to, pump controllers, pressure
gages, temperature gages, flow and temperature alarms, and flow
control devices.
II. Exemplary Embodiments of a Coolant Pump
[0031] Directing attention now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, details are
provided concerning an exemplary embodiment of a coolant pump,
denoted generally at 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the
coolant pump 300 is implemented as a centrifugal pump, but various
other types of pumps are employed in other embodiments of the
invention and, accordingly, the scope of the invention is not
limited to centrifugal pumps.
[0032] In general, the coolant pump 300 includes a casing 400
within which is disposed a motor 304 having a shaft 304A to which
an impeller 306 is attached. The size and configuration of the
impeller 306, as well as the output of the motor 304, may be varied
as necessary to suit a particular set of requirements. In addition
to the shaft 304A, the motor 304 further includes an electrical
connection 304B, exemplarily implemented as a group of wires or
cables, by way of which power is supplied. At least some
implementations of the invention employ a submerged type motor that
includes a wetted stator and rotor. In those embodiments, the motor
304 and the impeller 306 are hermetically sealed within the casing
400, as discussed in further detail below. In some alternative
embodiments, dry stator motors are employed.
[0033] Turning now to the casing 400, the illustrated embodiment of
the casing 400 generally includes a body 402 to which a first end
cover 404 and a second end cover are removably attached. The body
402 cooperates with the first and second end covers 404 and 406 to
define a cavity 408 within which the motor 304 and impeller 306 are
at least partly disposed. Further details concerning the specific
configuration and arrangement of the first end cover 404 and second
end cover 406 are provided below, and an alternative embodiment of
the first end cover is discussed below in connection with FIGS. 3A
and 3B.
[0034] In at least some implementations, the body 402 is of single
piece construction, and is formed by an extrusion process. A body
formed by an extrusion process may generally be referred to herein
as an "extrusion body." However, the body 402 may be formed by
other processes as well, such as casting or molding. Various types
of materials can be used to construct the body 402. Metals,
including aluminum for example, are particularly well suited for
some applications. Plastics are useful in some applications as
well. In at least some cases, the body 402 has a substantially
cylindrical geometry, but the body can take other forms as well,
depending upon the particular application.
[0035] At least some implementations of the body 402 include an
integral mounting base 402A which takes the form of a generally
flat surface that is drilled and tapped, or otherwise adapted, to
facilitate mounting of the coolant pump 300 on a foundation or
other structure. The mounting base of the body may, more generally,
be arranged and/or configured in other ways as well, depending upon
the manner in which the coolant pump 300 is to be mounted.
[0036] It was noted above that the first end cover 404 and second
end cover 406 are configured to be removably attached to the body
402. To that end, a first end 402B and a second end 402C of the
body 402 each define a plurality of tapped holes 402D distributed
about the circumference of the body 402. As discussed in further
detail below, each of the tapped holes 402D is configured to engage
a corresponding fastener passing through the first end cover 404 or
second end cover 406.
[0037] The first end 402B and a second end 402C of the body 402
each further define a corresponding gland 402E and 402F,
respectively. In at least some cases, the glands 404A and 404B are
formed by a machining process. In one alternative embodiment, the
glands are formed in the first and second end covers 404 and 406,
respectively, rather than in the body 402. As indicated in FIGS. 2A
and 2B, each of the glands 402E and 402F is configured to receive a
corresponding sealing element 410 and 412, such as O-rings for
example. This is an exemplary arrangement however, and various
other types and configurations of sealing elements can be employed
in connection with the body 402 to provide functionality comparable
to that of the sealing elements 410 and 412.
[0038] Thus, when the first end cover 404 and second end cover 406
are attached to the body 402, the sealing elements 410 and 412 are
compressed and the cavity 408 is substantially hermetically sealed.
Among other things, this hermetic sealing functionality
substantially prevents coolant from leaking out of the casing
400.
[0039] With continuing reference to the illustrated embodiment, the
casing 400 defines or otherwise includes a pair of fluid
interfaces, particularly, a first fluid interface 402G and a second
fluid interface 404B, discussed below, both of which are in fluid
communication with the cavity 408. In general, the first fluid
interface 402G is represented schematically at 202A in FIG. 1 and
permits coolant leaving the impeller to exit the casing 400. More
generally still, the fluid interfaces disclosed herein serve to
facilitate fluid communication between the casing 400 and one or
more other components.
[0040] In at least some embodiments, the first fluid interface 402G
is integral with the body 402. Additionally, the first fluid
interface 402G can be configured and positioned as necessary to
interface with other elements of the cooling system 200, such as
hoses, fittings, pipe, or tubing.
[0041] Examples of such configurations of the first fluid interface
402G include, but are not limited to, a quick-disconnect
configuration, a threaded configuration, and a straight pipe
configuration suitable for use with a hose and hose clamps.
Further, the first fluid interface 402G may be implemented in
various geometries, examples of which include a 45 degree bend, a
90 degree bend, or a straight configuration. The foregoing
discussion of the first fluid interface 402G is germane as well to
the second fluid interface 404B.
[0042] Finally, the exemplary body 402 is configured to aid in the
prevention of axial motion of the motor 304 and impeller 306, as
well as prevention of rotation of the motor 304 relative to the
casing 400. In particular, the body 402 includes grooves 402H and
402I, implemented in FIGS. 2A and 2B as substantially annular
grooves. As indicated in those figures, the groove 402H receives a
snap ring 414, while the groove 402I receives a wave spring 416.
The relative positions of the snap ring 414 and wave spring 416 may
be reversed however, so that the snap ring 414 resides in groove
402I while the wave spring 416 resides in groove 402H. In the
illustrated embodiment, the snap ring 414 is positioned so that an
axial force exerted by the wave spring 416 acts on the motor so as
to maintain the motor 304 in contact with the snap ring 414. In
this way, axial motion of the motor 304 within the body 402 is
substantially prevented. It should be noted that structures with
functionality comparable to that implemented by the snap ring 414
and wave spring 416 may alternatively be employed.
[0043] It was noted earlier herein that the body 402 cooperates
with the first end cover 404 and second end cover 406 to facilitate
the hermetic sealing of the motor 304 and impeller 306 within the
cavity 408. Directing renewed attention now to FIGS. 2A and 2B,
further details are provided concerning the configuration of the
exemplary first end cover 404 and second end cover 406.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the first end cover 404 is
generally in the form of a plate that defines a plurality of bolt
holes 404A distributed about the circumference of the first end
cover 404. Each of the bolt holes 404A is positioned to align with
a corresponding tapped hole 402D of the first end 402B of the body
402, and is configured to receive a corresponding bolt 418, or
other suitable fastener. As a result, the first end cover 404 can
be readily attached to, and removed from, the body 402.
[0045] The exemplary first end cover 404 further includes a second
fluid interface 404B. In general, the second fluid interface 404B
is represented schematically at 202B in FIG. 1 and is configured
and arranged to permit coolant from the heat exchanger 204 (see
FIG. 1) to flow through the first end cover 404 and into the
impeller 306 of the coolant pump 300. In the illustrated
embodiment, the second fluid interface 404B takes the form of a
threaded connection aligned with an opening defined in the first
end cover 404. The threaded configuration permits attachment of
hoses or other system components. The second fluid interface 404B
can alternatively be implemented, for example, as a simple pipe
stub for use with a hose and hose clamps, or as a quick-disconnect
connection.
[0046] Finally, the first end cover 404, as well as the second end
cover 406 discussed below, can be constructed of a variety of
materials, one example of which is aluminum. However, any other
material(s) suitable for the intended use of the coolant pump 300
may alternatively be employed.
[0047] With continuing reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the second end
cover 406 is similar in many regards to the first end cover 404.
Accordingly, the following discussion will focus primarily on
certain differences between the two end covers. In particular, the
second end cover 406 includes an electrical interface 406A that
generally serves to facilitate electrical communication between the
motor 304 and a power source (not shown).
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical interface 406A
takes the form of a hermetically sealed electric wiring harness
configured and arranged to interface with the electrical connection
304B of the motor 304. However, aspects of the electrical interface
406A of the second end cover 406 may be changed as necessary to
suit the requirements of a particular application and/or motor. For
example, it was noted earlier herein that some embodiments of the
invention employ a dry stator motor. In such applications, the
electrical interface need not be hermetically sealed. In another
embodiment, the electrical interface 406A takes the form of one or
more electrical contacts in electrical communication with the
electrical connection 304A of the motor 304, and extending through
the second end cover 406.
[0049] Directing attention now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, details are
provided concerning an alternative implementation of a coolant
pump, generally designated at 500. The embodiment disclosed in
FIGS. 3A and 3B is similar in many regards to the coolant pump
disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Accordingly, the following discussion
will focus primarily on selected differences between the two
exemplary embodiments.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the casing 502 includes a
first end cover 504 removably attached to a body 506, where the
first end cover 504 takes the form of an impeller housing within
which an impeller 508 is substantially disposed. Similar to the
exemplary embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the casing 502
includes a first fluid interface 504A and a second fluid interface
504B. The coolant pump 500 differs however from that embodiment in
that the first fluid interface 504A is an element of the first end
cover 504, rather than being, an element of the body 506. Among
other things, this alternative arrangement may simplify the
construction of the casing 502 in some instances.
[0051] In the arrangement disclosed in FIGS. 3A and 3B, coolant is
discharged from the coolant pump 500 by way of the first fluid
interface 504A, and received into the coolant pump 500 by way of
the second fluid interface 504B. As discussed below, the
aforementioned exemplary configuration of the first end cover 504
provides various benefits.
[0052] For example, if the impeller 508 requires repair or
replacement, removal of the impeller 508 can be readily
accomplished by simply removing the first end cover 504. No further
disassembly of the casing 502 would typically be required. Among
other things, this arrangement enables ready modification of the
design of the coolant pump 500, since one impeller can be replaced
with another impeller having the desired performance
characteristics.
[0053] As another example, the second fluid interface 504B can be
positioned as necessary to suit the placement, configuration and
orientation of other components, such as hoses for example, of the
cooling system in which the coolant pump 500 is employed. In
particular, the first end cover 504 is simply rotated, relative to
the casing 502, until the second fluid interface 504B is in a
desired radial position. Once the second fluid interface 504B is
thus positioned, the first end cover 504 is then attached to the
casing 502. Changes to the position of the second fluid interface
504B can be readily achieved by detaching the first end cover 504
and rotating the first end cover 504 until the second fluid
interface 504B is in the new position.
III. Operational Considerations
[0054] With continuing attention to FIGS. 2A through 3B, details
are now provided concerning various operational aspects of a system
such as is exemplified in FIG. 1. More particularly, heat generated
as a result of x-ray tube operations is transferred to coolant
passing through the x-ray tube housing 102. The heated coolant then
exits the x-ray tube housing 102 and enters the coolant pump
300/500. The hermetic design of the coolant pump 300/500 casing
ensures that little or no coolant leakage occurs. The pressure of
the heated coolant is increased by the coolant pump 300/500 and the
coolant then exits the coolant pump 300/500 and enters the heat
exchanger 204 where heat is removed from the coolant. After this
heat removal process, the coolant is then returned from the heat
exchanger 204 to the x-ray tube housing 102 to repeat the heat
transfer
[0055] The described embodiments are to be considered in all
respects only as exemplary and not restrictive. The scope of the
invention is thus indicated by the appended claims rather than by
the foregoing description. All changes which come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced
within their scope.
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