U.S. patent application number 12/436490 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-11 for adaptors for multistage pump assemblies.
This patent application is currently assigned to GRUNDFOS PUMPS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Svend Amdisen, Ryan Haack, Joshua Talley, Greg Towsley.
Application Number | 20100284831 12/436490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43062418 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100284831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Towsley; Greg ; et
al. |
November 11, 2010 |
ADAPTORS FOR MULTISTAGE PUMP ASSEMBLIES
Abstract
A pump assembly is configured to fit to a predefined pipe layout
defined by supply and discharge interfaces that are positioned in a
predefined relation to supply and discharged centerlines,
respectively. The pump assembly includes a multistage pump having a
plurality of pumping stages mounted along a pump shaft rotating
along a rotation axis. The multistage pump has an inlet port and a
discharge port, and the multistage pump is aligned horizontally
such that the rotation axis is oriented parallel to the supply
centerline. The pump assembly also includes an adaptor having a
pump interface and a pipe interface, wherein the adaptor has an
internal fluid channel extending along a non-linear passageway
between the pump and pipe interfaces. The pump interface is coupled
to one of the inlet and discharge ports of the multistage pump, and
the pipe interface is located proximate one of the supply and
discharge interfaces.
Inventors: |
Towsley; Greg; (Lenexa,
KS) ; Haack; Ryan; (Lawrence, KS) ; Talley;
Joshua; (Lawrence, KS) ; Amdisen; Svend;
(Olathe, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE SMALL PATENT LAW GROUP LLP
225 S. MERAMEC, STE. 725T
ST. LOUIS
MO
63105
US
|
Assignee: |
GRUNDFOS PUMPS CORPORATION
Olathe
KS
|
Family ID: |
43062418 |
Appl. No.: |
12/436490 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/244 ;
137/798 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 29/708 20130101;
F04B 53/16 20130101; F04D 1/066 20130101; Y10T 137/9029
20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/244 ;
137/798 |
International
Class: |
F04B 53/00 20060101
F04B053/00 |
Claims
1. A pump assembly configured to fit to a predefined pipe layout,
the pipe layout being defined by supply and discharge interfaces
that are positioned in a predefined relation to supply and
discharged centerlines, respectively, the pump assembly comprising:
a multistage pump having a plurality of pumping stages mounted
along a pump shaft rotating along a rotation axis, the multistage
pump having an inlet port and a discharge port, the multistage pump
being aligned horizontally such that the rotation axis is oriented
parallel to the supply centerline; and an adaptor having a pump
interface and a pipe interface, the adaptor having an internal
fluid channel extending along a non-linear passageway between the
pump and pipe interfaces, the pump interface being coupled to one
of the inlet and discharge ports of the multistage pump, the pipe
interface being located proximate one of the supply and discharge
interfaces.
2. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet port and the
discharge port are arranged in-line, the discharge port being
located proximate the discharge interface.
3. The pump assembly of claim 1, the multistage pump having closed
suction and head ends, where the inlet and discharge ports are both
located along sides of the multistage pump proximate the suction
end thereof.
4. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet and discharge
ports are in-line with one another and transverse to the rotation
axis, the adaptor having a curved body shaped such that the pump
interface engages the inlet port and the pipe interface is located
in line with the rotation axis and supply centerline, the pipe
interface being located proximate the supply interface.
5. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the adaptor is configured
to directly engage one of the inlet and discharge ports.
6. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the adaptor is configured
to directly engage one of the supply and discharge interfaces.
7. The pump assembly of claim 1, the multistage pump having closed
suction and head ends, where the inlet and discharge ports are both
located along sides of the multistage pump, the adaptor having a
curved body shaped such that the pump interface engages the inlet
port and the pipe interface is located in line with the rotation
axis and supply centerline, the pipe interface being located
proximate the supply interface.
8. The pump assembly of claim 7, wherein the inlet and discharge
ports are axially aligned with one another along the rotation
axis.
9. The pump assembly of claim 7, wherein the discharge port is
located proximate the suction end and the inlet port is located
proximate the head end.
10. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet port is
arranged at the suction end in-line with the rotation axis and
supply centerline, the adaptor having a curved body shaped such
that the pump interface engages the discharge port and the pipe
interface is located radially out from the rotation axis in line
with the discharge centerline.
11. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the discharge interface
is spaced a distance X from the supply centerline, the supply
interface is spaced a distance Y from the discharge centerline, and
the ratio of X to Y is within a range of 6 to 4 and 20 to 6.
12. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the discharge interface
and the supply interface are arranged proximate the suction end,
the rotation axis being coincident with the supply centerline.
13. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the supply interface and
the discharge interface are arranged perpendicular to one another,
one of the inlet port or the discharge port directly engaging the
supply interface or the discharge interface, respectively.
14. A pump system comprising: a supply pipe having a supply
interface, the supply pipe extending from the supply interface
along a supply centerline; a discharge pipe having a discharge
interface, the discharge pipe extending from the discharge
interface along a discharge centerline, wherein the discharge
interface and the supply interface are positioned in a predefined
relation to define a pipe layout; and a pump assembly comprising: a
multistage pump having a plurality of pumping stages centered about
a rotation axis, the multistage pump having an inlet port and a
discharge port, the multistage pump being aligned horizontally such
that the rotation axis is oriented parallel to the supply
centerline; and an adaptor having a pump interface and a pipe
interface, the adaptor having an internal fluid channel extending
along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces,
the pump interface being coupled to one of the inlet and discharge
ports of the multistage pump, wherein the pump assembly is fluidly
coupled to the supply pipe and the discharge pipe such that the
pipe interface is coupled to one of the supply interface or the
discharge interface.
15. The pump system of claim 14, wherein when the pipe interface is
coupled to the supply interface, the discharge port is coupled to
the discharge interface, and wherein when the pipe interface is
coupled to the discharge interface, the inlet port is coupled to
the supply interface.
16. The pump system of claim 14, wherein the inlet and discharge
ports are in-line with one another and transverse to the rotation
axis, the adaptor having a curved body shaped such that the pump
interface engages the inlet port and the pipe interface is located
in line with the rotation axis and supply centerline, the pipe
interface being located proximate the supply interface.
17. The pump system of claim 14, the multistage pump having closed
suction and head ends, where the inlet and discharge ports are both
located along sides of the multistage pump, the adaptor having a
curved body shaped such that the pump interface engages the inlet
port and the pipe interface is located in line with the rotation
axis and supply centerline, the pipe interface being located
proximate the supply interface.
18. The pump system of claim 14, wherein the inlet port is arranged
at the suction end in line with the rotation axis and supply
centerline, the adaptor having a curved body shaped such that the
pump interface engages the discharge port and the pipe interface is
located radially out from the rotation axis in line with the
discharge centerline.
19. The pump system of claim 14, wherein the discharge interface is
spaced a distance X from the supply centerline, the supply
interface is spaced a distance Y from the discharge centerline, and
the ration of X to Y is within a range of 6 to 4 and 20 to 6.
20. The pump system of claim 14, wherein the supply interface and
the discharge interface are arranged perpendicular to one another,
one of the inlet port or the discharge port directly engaging the
supply interface or the discharge interface, respectively.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No.
11/868,860 filed Oct. 8, 2007, the subject matter of which is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The subject matter herein relates generally to horizontal
multistage pump assemblies, and more particularly, to adaptors for
horizontal multistage pump assemblies.
[0003] Pump assemblies are provided within pipe systems of
residential, commercial or industrial facilities for increasing the
pressure and flow of the fluid within the pipe system. The pump
assembly is usually fitted to supply and discharge pipes of the
pipe system to circulate the fluid under pressure. The typical pump
assembly has an inlet that supplies fluid to the pump through a
manifold having an impeller chamber, an impeller located in the
chamber, a power head (e.g. motor and shaft) to drive the impeller,
and a discharge that returns the fluid to the pipe system. The
inlet is fitted to a supply pipe and the discharge is fitted to a
discharge pipe. The size of the pump assembly is selected based on
the particular pipe system and the desired pressure and flow of the
fluid within the pipe system. For example, various pump assembly
components may be provided to accommodate various sized supply
pipes and discharge pipes, which are typically different than one
another. The particular pump assembly components chosen depend on
the particular application. In another example, in applications
where a high pressure is desired, a pump assembly having a
relatively larger motor or a relatively larger impeller may be
used. In some known pump assemblies, multiple impellers are used,
such as in a multistage pump assembly.
[0004] The multistage pump assemblies typically have one of two
configurations, namely a horizontal configuration or a vertical
configuration. In both configurations, the pump assemblies
typically stack the multiple impellers in stages in series. In the
horizontal configuration, the stack is oriented generally
horizontally when installed; and in the vertical configuration, the
stack is oriented generally vertically when installed. A problem
often encountered is that end-users typically mount the selected
pump assembly to an existing pipe system, which has a predetermined
pipe layout. Rather than reconfiguring the pipe layout, the
end-user will typically select a pump assembly that fits the
existing pipe layout. For example, the pipe layout may have either
a horizontal or a vertical supply pipe and a horizontal or vertical
discharge pipe. The pipe layout may have the pipe interfaces at a
predetermined distance from one another, such as at opposite ends
of the stack or pump stages. As a result of needing to supply pump
assemblies to fit multiple different pipe layouts, pump
manufacturers design, manufacture and inventory many different
types of pump assemblies, which is expensive for the pump
manufacturers.
[0005] A need remains for pump assemblies that can accommodate
different pipe layouts. A need remains for pump assemblies that can
be manufactured at a reduced cost. A need remains for pump
assemblies that can reduce inventory.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one embodiment, a pump assembly is provided that is
configured to fit to a predefined pipe layout, the pipe layout
being defined by supply and discharge interfaces that are
positioned in a predefined relation to supply and discharge
centerlines, respectively. The pump assembly includes a multistage
pump having a plurality of pumping stages mounted along a pump
shaft rotating along a rotation axis. The multistage pump has an
inlet port and a discharge port, and the multistage pump is aligned
horizontally such that the rotation axis is oriented parallel to
the supply centerline. The pump assembly also includes an adaptor
having a pump interface and a pipe interface, wherein the adaptor
has an internal fluid channel extending along a non-linear
passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces. The pump interface
is coupled to one of the inlet and discharge ports of the
multistage pump, and the pipe interface is located proximate one of
the supply and discharge interfaces.
[0007] Optionally, the inlet port and the discharge port may be
arranged in-line, with the discharge port being located proximate
the discharge interface. The multistage pump may have closed
suction and head ends, where the inlet and discharge ports are both
located along sides of the multistage pump proximate the suction
end thereof. The inlet and discharge ports may be in-line with one
another and transverse to the rotation axis. Optionally, the
adaptor may have a curved body shaped such that the pump interface
engages the inlet port and the pipe interface is located in line
with the rotation axis and supply centerline with the pipe
interface being located proximate the supply interface. The adaptor
may be configured to directly engage one of the inlet and discharge
ports. The adaptor may be configured to directly engage one of the
supply and discharge interfaces.
[0008] Optionally, the inlet and discharge ports may both be
located along sides of the multistage pump, with the inlet and
discharge ports axially aligned with one another along the rotation
axis or alternatively with the discharge port located proximate the
suction end and the inlet port located proximate the head end. The
inlet port may be arranged at the suction end in line with the
rotation axis and supply centerline, wherein the adaptor is shaped
such that the pump interface engages the discharge port and the
pipe interface is located radially out from the rotation axis in
line with the discharge centerline. Optionally, the discharge
interface may be spaced a distance X from the supply centerline,
the supply interface may be spaced a distance Y from the discharge
centerline, and the ratio of X to Y may be within a range of 6 to 4
and 20 to 6. The discharge interface and the supply interface may
be arranged proximate the suction end with the rotation axis being
coincident with the supply centerline. The supply interface and the
discharge interface may be arranged perpendicular to one another
with either the inlet port or the discharge port directly engaging
the supply interface or the discharge interface, respectively.
[0009] In another embodiment, a pump system is provided including a
supply pipe having a supply interface, wherein the supply pipe
extends from the supply interface along a supply centerline, and a
discharge pipe having a discharge interface, wherein the discharge
pipe extends from the discharge interface along a discharge
centerline. The discharge interface and the supply interface are
positioned in a predefined relation to define a pipe layout. The
pump system also includes a pump assembly including a multistage
pump having a plurality of pumping stages centered about a rotation
axis. The multistage pump has an inlet port and a discharge port
and is aligned horizontally such that the rotation axis is oriented
parallel to the supply centerline. The pump assembly also includes
an adaptor having a pump interface and a pipe interface with an
internal fluid channel extending along a non-linear passageway
between the pump and pipe interfaces. The pump interface is coupled
to one of the inlet and discharge ports of the multistage pump. The
pump assembly is fluidly coupled to the supply pipe and the
discharge pipe such that the pipe interface is coupled to one of
the supply interface or the discharge interface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
horizontal, multistage pump assembly arranged within a pump system
that includes a supply pipe and a discharge pipe.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pump assembly shown in FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative pump assembly including an
adaptor arranged within a pump system.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative pump assembly
including an adaptor arranged within a pump system.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates yet another alternative pump assembly
including an adaptor arranged within a pump system.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a further alternative pump assembly
including an adaptor arranged within a pump system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
horizontal, multistage pump assembly 10 arranged within a pump
system 100 that includes a supply pipe 102 and a discharge pipe
104. The pump assembly 10 includes a pump motor 12 and a pump
housing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump housing 14
includes a cartridge 15 and a manifold or volute 16 that are
separately provided from one another and coupled to one another. In
an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge 15 includes a multistage
pump stack having a plurality of pumping stages. The pump assembly
10 may be installed in an existing or new pipe system to the supply
pipe 102 and the discharge pipe 104 for increasing the pressure
and/or flow of water or another fluid within the pipe system.
[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 10
represents a horizontal pump assembly that may be mounted to a base
18 via a plurality of supports or braces, such as motor supports
20, a cartridge support 22, and volute supports 24. The base 18 is
generally planar and is oriented horizontally, and may be mounted,
directly or indirectly to a ground or building surface (not shown).
While various embodiments of horizontal pump assemblies are
described below, it is understood that the pump assembly 10 may be
beneficial in other, non-horizontal applications as well. The
following embodiments are therefore provided for illustrative
purposes only.
[0018] The pump housing 14 extends between a head end 26 and a
suction end 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the motor 12 is
positioned proximate the head end 26 and the volute 16 is
positioned proximate the suction end 28. The motor 12, the
cartridge 15 and the volute 16 are axially aligned with one another
along a longitudinal or rotation axis 30. The motor 12 includes a
motor shaft 32 aligned with the rotation axis 30, and the cartridge
15 includes a pump shaft 34 aligned with the rotation axis 30. The
motor shaft 32 and the pump shaft 34 are interconnected by a shaft
coupling 36 for transmitting torque from the motor shaft 32 to the
pump shaft 34. The shaft coupling 36 is housed within an enclosure
38 extending between the motor 12 and the cartridge 15.
[0019] The cartridge 15 defines a pump unit that includes the pump
stack (not shown), a pump head 40, a sleeve 42 and an end plate 44.
In an exemplary embodiment, the pump stack is a multi-stage pump
stack having a plurality of pumping stages. Each pumping stage
includes an impeller and a diffuser. The sleeve 42 surrounds the
pump stack 14. The pump stack 14 and the sleeve 42 generally extend
between the pump head 40 and the end plate 44. The sleeve 42 has a
generally circular cross section and defines a chamber through
which the fluid flows. In the illustrated embodiment, and as will
be explained in greater detail below, the cartridge 15 includes an
inner chamber and an outer chamber through which the fluid is
channeled. The sleeve 42 defines a radially outer surface of the
outer chamber. The sleeve flange 44 is separately provided from,
and coupled to, the sleeve 42. The sleeve flange 44 is retained in
place with respect to the sleeve 42 and the pump head 40 by
multiple staybolts 46 extending between the pump head 40 and the
sleeve flange 44. The pump shaft 34 extends through the cartridge
15 and is substantially centered within the chamber defined by the
sleeve 42. Optionally, an end of the pump shaft 34 may be supported
by a bearing support 48 integrated with the sleeve flange 44.
[0020] The volute 16 includes a front end 50, a rear end 52, a top
54, a bottom 56, and sides 58 and 60. Optionally, the front end 50
may define the suction end 28 of the pump housing 14, however,
other components may be positioned between the front end 50 and the
suction end 28 in alternative embodiments. The volute supports 24
may be coupled to the sides 58, 60 using known fasteners or known
fastening methods. The volute 16 is coupled to the sleeve flange 44
via a volute flange 62 extending radially outward at the rear end
52 of the volute 16, such as using known fasteners and known
fastening methods. The volute 16 is coupled to the sleeve flange 44
such that the volute 16 is in fluid communication with the
cartridge 15.
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the volute 16 represents an
end-suction, radial-discharge volute having an inlet port 64 at the
front end 50 and a discharge port 66 at the top 54. The inlet port
64 and the discharge port 66 are non-parallel with respect to one
another, such that the volute 16 has a non-in-line configuration
(e.g. an orientation in which the inlet and the outlet are not
aligned with one another along an axis). Optionally, the inlet port
64 and the discharge port 66 may be generally perpendicular with
respect to one another, such as the end-suction, radial discharge
configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. Optionally, the inlet port 64
may be oriented in-line with the rotation axis 30 such that the
fluid flows through the inlet port 64, the volute 16, the sleeve
flange 44 and the cartridge 15 in a direction along the rotation
axis 30, shown by the arrow A. More particularly, the fluid flows
through the multiple stages of the pump stack of the cartridge 15
by flowing through the inner chamber, such as to the pump head 40,
and then flows through the outer chamber, which is radially outward
with respect to the inner chamber, back to the volute 16, where the
fluid is discharged through the discharge port 66.
[0022] Other configurations and orientations of the inlet and
discharge ports 64 and 66 and the arrangement of the stages and
fluid flow path are contemplated in alternative embodiments. For
example, the inlet and discharge ports 64 and 66 may be arranged at
the front end 50, top 54, bottom 56 or sides 58, 60 in an in-line
configuration (e.g. an orientation in which the inlet and the
outlet are aligned with one another along an axis) or a different
non-in-line configuration. The inlet and discharge ports 64 and 66
may be arranged remote with respect to one another, such as at
opposite ends of the pump housing 14 with, for example, the inlet
port 64 proximate the suction end 28 and the discharge port
proximate the head end 26, or vice versa. Additionally, other
configurations of pump housings 14 may be provided, such as with
the cartridge 15 and the volute 16 as a single piece.
[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, an inlet fitting 68 is
coupled to the inlet port 64. The fitting 68 is separately provided
from the volute 16 and mountable thereto. The fitting 68 may be
securely coupled to the volute 16 using known fasteners or
fastening methods. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting 68
constitutes a victaulic connection using a snap ring 72 and
corresponding grooves on each of the inlet fitting 68 and the
volute 16 at the inlet port 64. In alternative embodiments, the
fitting 68 may be threadably coupled to the volute 16; the fitting
68 may be coupled to the volute 16 using an integral flange and
corresponding fasteners; the fitting 68 may be soldered or welded
to the volute 16; and the like. The fitting 68 is also configured
for attachment to the supply pipes 102, such as by a flange
coupling, a threaded coupling, a soldered coupling, and the like.
The type and size of fitting 68 (e.g. flange, threaded, and the
like) may be selected based on the supply pipe interface 106
included on the supply pipe 102.
[0024] Optionally, the fitting 68 may be used to change (e.g.
increase or decrease) the diameter of the flow path to transition
from the supply pipe 102 to the inlet port 64, when the diameters
of the supply pipe 102 and the inlet port 64 are different
diameters. In alternative embodiments, the fitting 68 may
constitute a modular supply spool having first and second flanges
at the ends thereof. Multiple supply spools may be provided with
the pump assembly 10, wherein each spool has different dimensions,
such as opening size, flange size, height, width, length,
thickness, fitting type, and the like. The supply spools are
interchangeable with the volute 16 to accommodate a range of supply
pipe 102 configurations. Optionally, seals may be positioned
between the fitting 68 and the volute 16 to seal the
interconnection therebetween. In alternative embodiments, the
fitting 68 may be integrally formed with the volute 16 and
positioned for interconnection with the supply pipe 102.
[0025] The pump assembly 10 includes an adaptor 80 coupled to the
discharge port 66, however the adaptor 80 may be coupled to the
inlet port 64 in alternative embodiments. The adaptor 80 includes a
pump interface 82 and a pipe interface 84. The adaptor 80 includes
an internal fluid channel 86 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1) extending
along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces
82, 84. The pump interface 82 may be coupled to the discharge port
66 and the pipe interface 84 may be coupled to a discharge
interface 108 of the discharge pipe 104. The interfaces may be
either directly coupled or indirectly coupled (e.g. have additional
components or fittings therebetween).
[0026] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pump assembly 10 connected to
the supply pipe 102 and the discharge pipe 104. The pump assembly
10 is mounted generally horizontally such that the rotation axis 30
is oriented generally horizontally. The pump assembly 10 is
illustrated as resting along the base 18 that has a generally
horizontally planar support surface 120. The rotation axis 30 is
positioned a distance 122 from the support surface 120. Optionally,
the heights of the motor supports 20, cartridge support 22, and
volute supports 24 may be selected to control the distance 122.
Additionally, the heights of the motor supports 20, cartridge
support 22, and volute supports 24 may be selected to orient the
pump assembly 10 in a generally horizontal orientation. The
cartridge support 22 and volute supports 24 are separated by a
distance 123.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet port 64, or more
particularly, the fitting 68 associated with the inlet port 64 is
directly coupled to the supply pipe 102 at the supply interface
106. For example, the fitting 68 and the supply pipe 102 both
include flanges that are coupled to one another. Optionally, a
gasket may be provided between the flanges. Other types of
connections may be used, such as threaded connections, NPT
connections, sweat connections, and the like. In the illustrated
embodiment, the supply interface 106 is generally vertically
oriented, such as in a direction that is generally perpendicular to
the support surface 120.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet port 64 is arranged at
the suction end 28 in-line with the rotation axis 30. Optionally,
the inlet port 64 is arranged at the suction end 28 in-line with a
supply centerline 124, which is the centerline of the supply pipe
102 proximate the supply interface 106. The supply centerline 124
is generally parallel to the rotation axis 30 and the support
surface 120. The supply centerline 124 is positioned a distance 126
from the support surface 120. The supply centerline 124 may be
generally horizontal. Optionally, the distance 126 may be
substantially equal to the distance 122 such that the supply
centerline 124 is aligned with the rotation axis 30.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the adaptor 80 is coupled to the pump
assembly 10 such that the pump interface 82 is coupled to the
discharge port 66. Optionally, the pump interface 82 is directly
coupled to the discharge port 66, such as by connecting a flange
128 to the pump housing 14. The adaptor 80 is coupled to the
discharge pipe 104 such that the pipe interface 84 is coupled to
the discharge interface 108. Optionally, the pipe interface 84 may
be directly coupled to the discharge interface 108. For example, a
flange 130 of the adaptor 80 may be connected to a flange 132 at
the discharge interface 108. Optionally, a gasket may be provided
between the flanges 130, 132. Other types of connections may be
used.
[0030] The adaptor 80 includes a curved body 134 shaped to
transition the fluid flow from the pump interface 82 to the pipe
interface 84 along the channel 86. The curved body 134 is
non-linear and accommodates the non-linear passageway defining the
channel 86. In an alternative embodiment, rather than having a
curved body, the body 134 may be shaped differently, such as
generally box-shaped, and the curved or serpentine channel 86 may
extend therethrough. Optionally, the adaptor 80 may be used to
change (e.g. increase or decrease) the diameter of the flow path to
transition from the discharge port diameter to the discharge pipe
diameter, when the diameters of the discharge pipe and the
discharge port are different diameters. In the illustrated
embodiment, the discharge port 66 is non-aligned with a discharge
centerline 136 of the discharge pipe 104. The discharge centerline
136 is the centerline of the discharge pipe 104 proximate the
discharge interface 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the discharge
centerline 136 is generally perpendicular to the rotation axis 30
and the support surface 120. The discharge centerline 136 may be
generally vertical.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, a pipe layout is defined by the
supply pipe 102 and the discharge pipe 104. For example, the pipe
layout is defined by the supply and discharge interfaces 106, 108
and by the supply and discharge centerlines 124, 136. As such, the
orientation and the location of the supply and discharge pipes 102,
104 defines the pipe layout. In an exemplary embodiment, the pipe
layout defines an orthogonal pipe layout, wherein the supply pipe
102 and the discharge pipe are oriented perpendicular to one
another. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipe layout is defined
by the discharge interface 108 being positioned a distance X from
the supply centerline 124 and the supply interface 106 being
positioned a distance Y from the discharge interface 136.
Optionally, the ratio of X to Y may be within a range of 6 to 4 and
20 to 6. In alternative embodiments, the pipe layout may be a
non-orthogonal pipe layout, such as a parallel pipe layout.
[0032] The pump assembly 10 is adapted to fit within the pipe
layout. For example, the adaptor 80 is used to fit the pump
assembly 10 to the pipe layout. Optionally, multiple adaptors may
be utilized, such as one between the supply pipe 102 and the pump
assembly 10 and another between the discharge pipe 104 and the pump
assembly 10. The adaptor 80 may have any size and shape to
transition between the pump assembly 10 and the respective supply
and/or discharge pipe 102, 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the
adaptor 80 transitions the fluid flow a distance 138 in a rearward
direction along the rotation axis 30, generally away from the
supply interface 106. In alternative embodiments, the distance 138
may be increased or decreased, depending on the particular pipe
layout and discharge port 66 location. In other alternative
embodiments, the adaptor 80 may transition the fluid flow in a
different direction, such as in a forward direction. The adaptor 80
may also transition the fluid flow in a direction transverse to the
direction illustrated in FIG. 2, such as toward one of the sides of
the pump assembly 10.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative pump assembly 310
including an adaptor 312 arranged within a pump system 300 that
includes a supply pipe 302 and a discharge pipe 304. The pump
assembly 310 includes a pump motor 314 and a pump housing 316. In
the illustrated embodiment, the pump housing 316 includes a
multistage cartridge 318 and a manifold or volute 320. The pump
housing 316 extends between a head end 322 and a suction end 324.
In the illustrated embodiment, the volute 320 represents an in-line
volute having an inlet port 330 and a discharge port 332 aligned
with one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet port 330
is positioned at a bottom of the volute 320 and faces downward and
the discharge port 332 is positioned at a top of the volute 320 and
faces upward. The adaptor 312 is coupled to the inlet port 330.
[0034] The adaptor 312 includes a pump interface 334 and a pipe
interface 336. The adaptor 312 includes an internal fluid channel
338 (shown in phantom in FIG. 3) extending along a non-linear
passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces 334, 336. The pump
interface 334 is coupled to the inlet port 330 and the pipe
interface 336 is coupled to the supply pipe 302. The adaptor 312
extends from the bottom of the pump assembly 310 and then wraps
around the front of the pump assembly 310 to interface with the
supply pipe 302.
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, a pipe layout is defined by the
supply pipe 302 and the discharge pipe 304. The supply pipe 302
includes a supply interface 340 and a supply centerline 342, which
is the centerline of the supply pipe 302 proximate the supply
interface 340. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply centerline
342 is horizontal. A flange coupling is provided at the supply
interface 340. The discharge pipe 304 includes a discharge
interface 344 and a discharge centerline 346, which is the
centerline of the discharge pipe 304 proximate the discharge
interface 344. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge
centerline 346 is vertical. A sweat coupling is provided at the
discharge interface 340. The pipe layout is defined by the supply
and discharge interfaces 340, 344 and by the supply and discharge
centerlines 342, 346. As such, the orientation and the location of
the supply and discharge pipes 302, 304 defines the pipe layout. In
an exemplary embodiment, the pipe layout defines an orthogonal pipe
layout.
[0036] The pump assembly 310 is adapted to fit within the pipe
layout. For example, the adaptor 312 is used to fit the pump
assembly 310 to the pipe layout. The adaptor 312 may have any size
and shape to transition between the pump assembly 310 and the
supply pipe 302. For example, the size of the pump assembly 310 may
impact the size and or the shape of the adaptor 312. The position
and orientation of the pipe layout may impact the size and or the
shape of the adaptor 312. In the illustrated embodiment, the
adaptor 312 transitions the in-line type of pump assembly to fit to
an orthogonal pipe layout.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative pump assembly 410
including an adaptor 412 arranged within a pump system 400 that
includes a supply pipe 402 and a discharge pipe 404. The pump
assembly 410 includes a pump motor (not shown) that drives a shaft
414 and a pump housing 416. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump
housing 416 includes a multistage cartridge 418. The pump housing
416 extends between a head end 422 and a suction end 424.
Optionally, the pump motor may be coupled to the shaft 414
proximate the suction end 424. In the illustrated embodiment, the
pump housing 416 includes a suction manifold 426 at the suction end
424 and a discharge manifold 428 at the head end 422. The multiple
stages are arranged between the inlet and discharge manifolds 426,
428 and the fluid flows from the suction end 424 to the head end
422 and is discharged from the pump assembly 410 at the head end
422. The pump assembly 410 includes an inlet port 430 at the inlet
manifold 426 and a discharge port 432 at the discharge manifold
428. The inlet and discharge ports 430, 432 extend from the same
side of the pump assembly 410, such as the top of the pump assembly
410. The ports 430, 432 may extend from other sides in alternative
embodiments and/or the ports 430, 432 may extend from different
sides than one another in some alternative embodiments. The adaptor
412 is coupled to the inlet port 430.
[0038] The adaptor 412 includes a pump interface 434 and a pipe
interface 436. The adaptor 412 includes an internal fluid channel
438 (shown in phantom in FIG. 4) extending along a non-linear
passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces 434, 436. The pump
interface 434 is coupled to the inlet port 430 and the pipe
interface 436 is coupled to the supply pipe 402. In the illustrated
embodiment, the adaptor 412 extends from the top of the pump
assembly 410 to a side portion of the pump assembly 410 and then
wraps around the front of the pump assembly 410 to interface with
the supply pipe 402.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, a pipe layout is defined by the
supply pipe 402 and the discharge pipe 404. The supply pipe 402
includes a supply interface 440 and a supply centerline 442, which
is the centerline of the supply pipe 402 proximate the supply
interface 440. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply centerline
442 is horizontal. The discharge pipe 404 includes a discharge
interface 444 and a discharge centerline 446, which is the
centerline of the discharge pipe 404 proximate the discharge
interface 444. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge
centerline 446 is vertical. The pipe layout is defined by the
supply and discharge interfaces 440, 444 and by the supply and
discharge centerlines 442, 446. As such, the orientation and the
location of the supply and discharge pipes 402, 404 defines the
pipe layout. In an exemplary embodiment, the pipe layout defines an
orthogonal pipe layout.
[0040] The pump assembly 410 is adapted to fit within the pipe
layout. For example, the adaptor 412 is used to fit the pump
assembly 410 to the pipe layout. The adaptor 412 may have any size
and shape to transition between the pump assembly 410 and the
supply pipe 402. For example, the number of stages may impact the
size and or the shape of the adaptor 412. The size of the pump
assembly 410 may impact the size and or the shape of the adaptor
412. The position and orientation of the pipe layout may impact the
size and or the shape of the adaptor 412. In the illustrated
embodiment, the adaptor 412 transitions the parallel pipe type of
pump assembly to fit to an orthogonal pipe layout.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates yet another alternative pump assembly 510
including an adaptor 512 arranged within a pump system 500 that
includes a supply pipe 502 and a discharge pipe 504. The pump
assembly 510 includes a pump motor (not shown) that drives a shaft
514 and a pump housing 516. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump
housing 516 includes a multistage cartridge 518. The pump housing
516 extends between a head end 522 and a suction end 524.
Optionally, the pump motor may be coupled to the shaft 514
proximate the head end 522. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump
housing 516 includes a suction manifold 526 at the suction end 524
and a discharge manifold 528 at the head end 522. The multiple
stages are arranged between the inlet and discharge manifolds 526,
528 and the fluid flows from the suction end 524 to the head end
522 and is discharged from the pump assembly 510 at the head end
522. The pump assembly 510 includes an inlet port 530 at the inlet
manifold 526 and a discharge port 532 at the discharge manifold
528. The pump assembly defines an end-suction, radial discharge
type of pump assembly 510 with the discharge port 532 positioned a
distance 533 from the inlet port 530.
[0042] The adaptor 512 includes a pump interface 534 and a pipe
interface 536. The adaptor 512 includes an internal fluid channel
538 (shown in phantom in FIG. 5) extending along a non-linear
passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces 534, 536. The pump
interface 534 is coupled to the discharge port 532 and the pipe
interface 536 is coupled to the discharge pipe 504. In the
illustrated embodiment, the adaptor 512 extends along the top of
the pump assembly 510 from a position proximate the head end 522 to
a position proximate the suction end 524.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, a pipe layout is defined by the
supply pipe 502 and the discharge pipe 504. The supply pipe 502
includes a supply interface 540 and a supply centerline 542, which
is the centerline of the supply pipe 502 proximate the supply
interface 540. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply centerline
542 is horizontal. The discharge pipe 504 includes a discharge
interface 544 and a discharge centerline 546, which is the
centerline of the discharge pipe 504 proximate the discharge
interface 544. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge
centerline 546 is vertical. The pipe layout is defined by the
supply and discharge interfaces 540, 544 and by the supply and
discharge centerlines 542, 546. As such, the orientation and the
location of the supply and discharge pipes 502, 504 defines the
pipe layout. In an exemplary embodiment, the pipe layout defines an
orthogonal pipe layout.
[0044] The pump assembly 510 is adapted to fit within the pipe
layout. For example, the adaptor 512 is used to fit the pump
assembly 510 to the pipe layout. The adaptor 512 may have any size
and shape to transition between the pump assembly 510 and the
discharge pipe 502. For example, the number of stages may impact
the size and or the shape of the adaptor 512. The size of the pump
assembly 510 may impact the size and or the shape of the adaptor
512. The position and orientation of the pipe layout may impact the
size and or the shape of the adaptor 512. In the illustrated
embodiment, the adaptor 512 transitions the fluid flow from being
discharge proximate the head end 522 to a position that is
proximate the suction end 524. For example, the discharge of the
pipe interface 536 is positioned a distance 548 from the inlet port
530, where the distance 548 is less than the distance 533.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a further alternative pump assembly 610
including a first adaptor 611 and a second adaptor 612 arranged
within a pump system 600 that includes a supply pipe 602 and a
discharge pipe 604. The first adaptor 611 is substantially similar
to the adaptor 512 (shown in FIG. 5). The pump assembly 610
includes a pump motor (not shown) that drives a shaft 614 and a
pump housing 616. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump housing
616 includes a multistage cartridge 618. The pump housing 616
extends between a head end 622 and a suction end 624. Optionally,
the pump motor may be coupled to the shaft 614 proximate the head
end 622. The shaft rotates about a rotation axis 615. In the
illustrated embodiment, the pump housing 616 includes a suction
manifold 626 at the suction end 624 and a discharge manifold 628 at
the head end 622. The discharge manifold 628 may be defined by a
sleeve surrounding the stages. The multiple stages are arranged
between the inlet and discharge manifolds 626, 628 and the fluid
flows from the suction end 624 to the head end 622 and is
discharged from the pump assembly 610 at the head end 622. The pump
assembly 610 includes an inlet port 630 at the inlet manifold 626
and a discharge port 632 at the discharge manifold 628. The inlet
port 630 is positioned at the end of the pump assembly 610 and thus
defines an end-suction type pump assembly. The inlet port 630 is
off-set with respect to the rotation axis 615 such that the inlet
port 630 is not aligned with the rotation axis 615.
[0046] The adaptor 612 includes a pump interface 634 and a pipe
interface 636. The adaptor 612 includes an internal fluid channel
638 (shown in phantom in FIG. 6) extending along a non-linear
passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces 634, 636. The pump
interface 634 is coupled to the inlet port 630 and the pipe
interface 636 is coupled to the supply pipe 602. In the illustrated
embodiment, the adaptor 612 is positioned in front of the pump
assembly 610 and generally transitions from a first height to a
lower height that is substantially aligned with the rotation axis
615.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, a pipe layout is defined by the
supply pipe 602 and the discharge pipe 604. The supply pipe 602
includes a supply interface 640 and a supply centerline 642, which
is the centerline of the supply pipe 602 proximate the supply
interface 640. The supply centerline 642 is generally aligned with
the rotation axis 615. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply
centerline 642 is horizontal. The discharge pipe 604 includes a
discharge interface 644 and a discharge centerline 646, which is
the centerline of the discharge pipe 604 proximate the discharge
interface 644. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge
centerline 646 is vertical. The pipe layout is defined by the
supply and discharge interfaces 640, 644 and by the supply and
discharge centerlines 642, 646. As such, the orientation and the
location of the supply and discharge pipes 602, 604 defines the
pipe layout. In an exemplary embodiment, the pipe layout defines an
orthogonal pipe layout.
[0048] The pump assembly 610 is adapted to fit within the pipe
layout. For example, the first adaptor 611 and the second adaptor
612 is both used to fit the pump assembly 610 to the pipe layout.
The first adaptor 611 transitions from the discharge port 632 to
the discharge interface 644 of the discharge pipe 604. The second
adaptor 612 transitions from the inlet port 630 to the supply
interface 640 of the supply pipe 602.
[0049] It is to be understood that the above description is
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in
combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings
of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions,
types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the
number and positions of the various components described herein are
intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no
means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other
embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing
the above description. The scope of the invention should,
therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims,
along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in
which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective
terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, in the following
claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used
merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical
requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the
following claims are not written in means--plus-function format and
are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112,
sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly
use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void
of further structure.
* * * * *