U.S. patent application number 15/341362 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-04 for centrifugal pump assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is GRUNDFOS HOLDING A/S. Invention is credited to Mathis DAHLQVIST, Kare IVERSEN, Christian Guldb.ae butted.k SMITH.
Application Number | 20170122326 15/341362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54366069 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170122326 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DAHLQVIST; Mathis ; et
al. |
May 4, 2017 |
CENTRIFUGAL PUMP ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A centrifugal pump assembly includes an electric motor (2)
driving a centrifugal pump (1) and includes an electronics casing
(8). In the electronics casing (8), the control electronics (10,
11) for the pump and motor are integrated. A device for detecting
particles in a fluid fed via a bypass (6, 7) of a delivery conduit
(3) is also in the electronics casing (8).
Inventors: |
DAHLQVIST; Mathis; (Vejle,
DK) ; SMITH; Christian Guldb.ae butted.k; (Skodstrup,
DK) ; IVERSEN; Kare; (Langa, DK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GRUNDFOS HOLDING A/S |
Bjerringbro |
|
DK |
|
|
Family ID: |
54366069 |
Appl. No.: |
15/341362 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 2209/03 20130101;
G01N 2015/0053 20130101; F04D 13/06 20130101; C02F 2307/00
20130101; C02F 2209/005 20130101; F04D 15/0088 20130101; F04D 1/00
20130101; F04D 15/0209 20130101; C02F 1/307 20130101; C02F 2209/001
20130101; G01N 2001/2064 20130101; G01N 2015/0088 20130101; F04D
15/0066 20130101; C02F 1/38 20130101; F04D 29/669 20130101; E03B
5/00 20130101; C02F 1/008 20130101; G01N 33/1893 20130101; G01N
2015/0693 20130101; C02F 1/36 20130101; C02F 2209/105 20130101;
C02F 1/32 20130101; C02F 2301/043 20130101; F04D 15/0281
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04D 15/00 20060101
F04D015/00; F04D 13/06 20060101 F04D013/06; F04D 27/00 20060101
F04D027/00; F04D 1/00 20060101 F04D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 3, 2015 |
EP |
15 192 735.7 |
Claims
1. A centrifugal pump assembly delivering a delivery fluid and with
which the delivery fluid is monitored quantitatively and/or
qualitatively, the pump assembly comprising: at least one electric
motor; at least one electromotorically driven centrifugal pump;
control electronics; a particle detection device for detecting
particles in delivery fluid; and a fluid feed for feeding delivery
fluid to the particle detection device.
2. A centrifugal pump assembly according to claim 1, further
comprising a delivery path of the pump wherein: a fluid bypass is
connected to the delivery path of the pump; the fluid feed is a
part of the bypass; and the particle detection device is integrated
into the fluid bypass.
3. A centrifugal pump assembly according to claim 2, wherein the
particle detection device at an exit side comprises a conduit for a
connection onto a discharge comprising a waste water conduit, or a
capture container.
4. A centrifugal pump assembly according claim 3, further
comprising an electrically controllable shut-off valve at the entry
side and/or at the exit side of the particle detection device.
5. A centrifugal pump assembly according claim 1, wherein the
control electronics are arranged in an electronics casing which
accommodates at least parts of the particle detection device and
which is fastened on the motor casing and/or pump casing.
6. A centrifugal pump assembly according claim 1, wherein the
control electronics are configured to operate the drive of the pump
to activate the pump into cavitation, so soon as a number of
particles per volume unit of the delivery fluid and/or a type of
particles is detected by way of the particle detection device, said
number reaching a previously defined value and/or said type
corresponding to a previously defined type.
7. A centrifugal pump assembly according claim 1, wherein the
control electronics are configured to feed a fluid quantity from a
delivery flow to the particle detection device in predefined
temporal intervals by way of opening a valve actuation, and
activate the particle detection device for detecting particles.
8. A centrifugal pump assembly according claim 1, wherein the
particle detection device comprises a sample carrier which is
accessible from a casing side and which is arranged in an
exchangeable manner.
9. A centrifugal pump assembly according claim 1, wherein at least
a mechanical/optical part of the particle detection device is
arranged within a casing in an oscillation-damped manner.
10. A centrifugal pump assembly according claim 1, wherein a
pressure reduction device is provided at the entry side of the
particle detection device.
11. A centrifugal pump assembly according to claim 10, wherein the
pressure reduction device is deactivated for the purpose of
flushing.
12. A centrifugal pump assembly according claim 1, wherein the
particle detection device comprises a pump arranged in an
electronics casing and is feeds and/or discharges the delivery
fluid.
13. A centrifugal pump assembly according claim 1, wherein the
particle detection device comprises an irradiation appliance for
the fluid which irradiation appliance is located in the particle
detection device or is led out of the particle detection device,
said irradiation appliance being arranged in the electronics
casing.
14. A centrifugal pump assembly according claim 1, wherein the
control electronics comprises control and evaluation electronics of
the particle detection device as well as control electronics of the
pump including speed controller electronics.
15. A centrifugal pump assembly according claim 14, wherein the
control electronics further comprise a data storing device of the
evaluation electronics as well as a transmission device for a wired
and/or wireless transmission of data of the evaluation electronics
and/or of stored data.
16. A method for activating a speed-controllable centrifugal pump
assembly, for delivering drinking water, with which the delivery
fluid is monitored quantitatively and/or qualitatively, with regard
to the particles including bacteria, which are located therein, the
method comprising: providing the centrifugal pump assembly, wherein
the centrifugal pump assembly comprises at least one electric
motor, at least one electromotorically driven centrifugal pump,
control electronics, a particle detection device for detecting
particles in delivery fluid and a fluid feed for feeding delivery
fluid to the particle detection device; and effecting activation of
the speed in dependence on a type and/or number of the detected
particles.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the pump is temporarily
activated with an increased speed on reaching a number of particles
per volume unit of the delivery fluid and/or on detecting a
predefined type of particles.
18. A method according to claim 16, wherein the pump is activated
to produce cavitation on reaching a number of particles per volume
unit of the delivery fluid and/or on detecting a predefined type of
particles.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119 of European Application 15 192 735.7 filed Nov. 3,
2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a centrifugal pump assembly, and
activating a speed-controllable centrifugal pump assembly, in
particular a pump assembly delivering drinking water, with at least
one electric motor, with at least one electromotorically driven
centrifugal pump and with control electronics. The invention
moreover relates to a method for activating such a centrifugal pump
assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Centrifugal pump assemblies are counted as belonging to the
state of the art in their many different construction types. They
serve for delivering fluids, and are present having a single-stage
or multi-stage design, as an inline embodiment or other embodiment.
A common design feature is at least one electric motor which drives
at least one centrifugal pump, as well as control electronics.
Thereby, with modern centrifugal pump assemblies, the control
electronics typically comprise an electronic speed controller, for
example a frequency converter, with which the motor speed and thus
the speed of the pump can be varied within large limits.
Centrifugal pump assemblies in the context of the present invention
are also to be understood as those with which two or more electric
motors each with centrifugal pumps driven by these are provided,
e.g. double pumps which have a common electronic control and
spatial arrangement.
[0004] Pump assemblies of this type are designed for delivering
fluids. It is particularly with the delivery of drinking water, but
also with the delivery of other fluids, that it can become
necessary to detect the quality of the fluid and to monitor it.
Thus, for drinking water quality, it is essential to know which
type and which quantity of bacteria or other particles are present.
However, in the field of processing technology too, it can also be
necessary to monitor the fluid fed to a process, and this being the
case with regard to its qualitative/quantitative particle
contamination. Such monitoring methods, in particularly also
devices, with which this is possible in a largely automated manner,
in the meantime are now counted as belonging to the state of the
art. It is known to irradiate a fluid sample in an optical analysis
device and to determine the type and the number of particles
located in the sample, from EP 2 469 264 A1.
[0005] The device according to EP 2 469 264 A1 however can only
carry out this evaluation with a quasi still fluid, which is why
the device appears to be rather unsuitable for integration into a
conduit system with a throughflow. A further problem is the
arrangement of such a device in a facility, since the device
comprises highly sensitive optical measuring devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to the invention, one envisages designing a
centrifugal pump assembly of the known type, with a device for
detecting particles in fluids. Thereby and according to the
invention, at least means of feeding delivery fluid to the device
are provided in the centrifugal pump assembly, in order to be able
branch at least a part-flow of the delivery fluid to the device and
to ensure that a sample of the delivery fluid is given to the
device in a quasi continuous manner or when required.
[0007] A basic concept of the present invention, is to integrate a
device for detecting particles in fluid, into a centrifugal pump
assembly, and thereby, even if the device does not operate in a
continuous manner, to create certain synergies, in particular in a
further development, to design the centrifugal pump assembly for
carrying out a method according to the invention which will yet be
explained further below.
[0008] The centrifugal pump assembly according to the invention and
which in particular is a drinking water delivery pump assembly,
comprises at least one electric motor and at least one
electromotorically driven centrifugal pump, as well as control
electronics. According to the invention, the assembly is provided
with a device for detecting particles in fluid and moreover
comprise at least means for feeding delivery fluid to this device.
The centrifugal pump assembly according to the invention is thus
not only designed for delivering fluid, but also for examining
parts of this fluid in a quantitative and/or qualitative manner,
with regard to particles located in the fluid. Thereby, particles
in the context of the present invention are typically bacteria, but
also suspended matter or sediment matter of a similar size.
[0009] The centrifugal pump assembly typically comprises an
electric motor and a single-stage or multi-stage centrifugal pump
which is driven by this. It can however also be configured as a
double pump. An assembly in the context of the present invention
can also be the arrangement and connection of several centrifugal
pumps which are driven by an electric motor in each case and which
comprise common control electronics or at least a common control
electronics part assigned to such a device, for example an
arrangement as is offered by the Applicant under the name Grundfos
Multi Hydro.
[0010] The inventive design of the centrifugal pump assembly with
such a device has the advantage that it is ensured that the device
is arranged at a central location, specifically where the fluid is
delivered, and that moreover the control electronics for the device
on the one hand and for the control of the electric motor which is
to say of the centrifugal pumps connected thereto, on the other
hand, at least spatially are largely brought together. The
centrifugal pump assembly is a construction unit, essentially
consisting of the centrifugal pump, control, electric motor and
device.
[0011] Synergistic effects such as the utilization of a common
mains supply connection, the common utilization of mains parts, the
common utilization of microprocessors, memories and similar digital
components, as well as of communication components with LAN
connection, WLAN connection, Bluetooth connection, infrared
connection and likewise, result on account of this. Finally, the
centrifugal pump assembly always forms a type of foundation in a
facility, be it by way of calm location being formed by the mass
concentration in the pipe system or be it by way of the centrifugal
pump assembly itself being supported by a foundation. This is
particularly advantageous with regard to the arrangement of the
device, since it is hereby the case of a sensitive optical analysis
system. Finally, the feed or supply of the delivery fluid to the
device on the pump assembly can be utilization in a particularly
simple and inexpensive manner by way of either suitable channels
being provided in pump components, or a connection being effected
via conduits. In both cases, the constructional effort is minimal
and can be effected on the part of factory, and thus no pipe
working is necessary on location.
[0012] The patent application filed by the Applicant at the
European Patent Office with the application Ser. No. 14/186,884.4
and describing in detail such a device with an exchangeable sample
carrier, is additionally referred to.
[0013] Advantageous designs of the invention are specified in the
de-pendent claims, the subsequent description and the drawings.
[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the device is
hydraulically integrated into a bypass of the delivery path of the
pump or pumps, since then, as the case may be, one can make do
without a separate pump for the delivery of the fluid from and to
the device, at least when the device with its feed conduit is
connected to the pump assembly at the delivery side, and with a
return conduit which is present at the case may be, to the pump
assembly at the suction side, thus counter to the delivery path of
the pump.
[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the device at the exit side
can advantageously comprise a conduit for the connection to a
discharge, in particular to a waste water conduit or a capture
container, if the fluid examined in the device is to be prevented
from getting back into the delivery path. It is also conceivable to
feed the examined fluid to suitable sample containers and to
archive it.
[0016] According to a further development, one envisages providing
an electrically controllable shut-off valve, advantageously at the
entry and exit side of the device, in order to be able to control
the feed of fluid to the device and the discharge of fluid away
from the device. With this, the device can be charged automatically
or on receipt of a corresponding control command in the control
electronics. It is particularly advantageous if an electronics
casing accommodates at least parts of the device or the device
itself, in the case that the centrifugal pump assembly, as is often
the case, is configured as a construction unit essentially
consisting of a centrifugal pump, an electric motor driving this
pump and this electronics casing (housing) which as a rule is
fastened to and arranged on the motor casing. This is also
particularly advantageous due to the fact that the mechanical and
hydraulic subassemblies which is to say componentries, specifically
the electric motor and the pump, can remain largely unmodified,
thus here one can apply subassemblies which can also be applied
with other centrifugal pump assemblies, and it is only the
electronics casing which needs to be adapted accordingly. The
latter can be configured in a largely free manner, and this being
with regard to the inner construction as well as the outer spatial
extension.
[0017] The centrifugal pump assembly according to the invention is
not only used for examining a part of the delivery fluid, but in a
further development of the invention is also advantageously used
for treating the delivery fluid, in particular if, on examination,
it is ascertained in the device that such further action is needed,
for example if the bacteria contamination of the delivery fluid, in
particular of the drinking water is too high, or a certain bacteria
type in too high a concentration is ascertained. According to an
advantageous design of the invention, a speed-controllable
centrifugal pump assembly with regard to the speed is then to be
activated in a manner depending on the type and/or number of the
detected particles. Thus, speed interventions can be envisaged in
the control electronics of the centrifugal pump assembly, and these
interventions for example activate the pump with an increased speed
when a defined number of particles per unit of volume has been
exceeded and registered in the device, or if certain bacteria are
detected or detected in an unallowably high quantity. Thereby,
according to the invention, one can envisage the pump being
activated with a speed or speed sequence which in particularly
causes cavitation in the suction region of the pump, in order to
kill at least a share of this bacteria or for example to
disintegrate large particles into smaller ones. A delivery fluid
treatment appliance, for example by way of UV radiation, ultrasound
radiation, X-ray radiation or likewise can be alternatively or
additionally be provided in the pump assembly, wherein this
delivery fluid treatment appliance can be activated on exceeding a
defined limit valve within the device and deactivated again on
falling short of this.
[0018] According to a further development of the invention, the
control electronics of the centrifugal pump assembly according to
the invention are configured such that they operate the drive of
the pump in another manner, in particularly activate it into
activation, as soon as a number of particles per volume unit of
delivery fluid and/or a type of particle is detected by way of the
device, said number and/or type reaching a previously set
quantitative and/or qualitative limit value. A fluid treatment
appliance which is integrated in the pump assembly or is arranged
directly upstream or downstream of the pump, in the flow path, can
be activated instead of or additionally to the recontrol of the
pump assembly, which is to say the operation of this pump assembly
in another manner, and this in particular being the case with the
delivery of drinking water but also on delivering fluids in
industrial processes.
[0019] It is particularly advantageous if the control electronics
are de-signed such that they feed a fluid quantity from the
delivery flow to the device in predefinable temporal intervals by
way of opening valve actuation, and activate the device for
detecting particles. A quasi continuous monitoring of the delivery
fluid is possible with such a device. The detection of particles by
the device, with regard to time can be effected simultaneously with
the pump activation of the centrifugal pump. In a variant of the
invention, the pump is automatically stopped whilst the device
detects particles, or the speed of the pump is automatically
closed-loop controlled to a speed which produces no or little
vibration. The speed can also be kept constant during the
detection. The fluid is kept calm during the detection by way of
this.
[0020] It is particularly when examining drinking water, that it is
practically impossible to prevent accumulations (deposits) from
forming over the course of time, such as bio-film, lime-scale or
likewise. According to the invention, one envisages equipping the
device with a sample carrier, which although being able to be
subjected to throughflow, the actual examination however is
effected in it given a still/calm fluid, thus is effected in a
quasi stationary manner, in order here to ensure that the
qualitative/quantitative examinations of the device can take place
in a reliable manner and with the necessary precision. According to
the invention, this sample carrier is advantageously arranged on
the device in an exchangeable manner, and specifically such that it
is accessible from a casing side of the centrifugal pump assembly,
in particular of the electronics casing--if the device is
integrated there. The sample carrier is advantageously arranged
such that it is arranged at an easily accessible location of the
centrifugal pump assembly and can be rapidly and simply
exchanged.
[0021] Even if the centrifugal pump assembly, in particular the
pump with the electric motor, forms a certain calm foundation for
the device, according to a further development of the invention,
one envisages at least the mechanical/optical part of the device
being arranged within the casing, in particular within the
electronics casing, in an oscillation-damped manner, in order to
prevent the oscillations/vibrations which are produced by the
electric motor, but also possibly introduced into the assembly via
the pipe conduit system, from negatively affecting the sensitive
optical/mechanical components, leading to a worsening of the
measurement.
[0022] It is particularly if the centrifugal pump is integrated
into a high-pressure conduit, or, as can particularly be the case
with multi-stage pumps, the pump delivers at a high pressure, that
it is advantageous to provide means for pressure reduction at the
entry side of the device, so that the device, in particular the
sample carrier, is not subjected to the high system pressure.
[0023] According to an advantageous further development of the
invention, these means for pressure reduction in the entry conduit
of the device can however be deactivated, either by way of a
corresponding activation or by way of the provision of a bypass.
This deactivation is advantageously utilized to flush the device at
increased pressure, in order to remove the already mentioned
deposits/sediments.
[0024] Although the device can be subjected to the pressure of the
delivery fluid, as initially mentioned, in particular if it is
connected to the delivery side of the pump, this however always
assumes that the pump delivers, and specifically at the necessary
pressure. A design, with which a separate pump is provided for
feeding and/or discharging delivery fluid and with which this pump
is preferably arranged in the electronics casing, is more
independent inasmuch as this is concerned. Hereby, it can likewise
be the case of a centrifugal pump, however it is advantageously the
case of a displacement pump, and for example of a membrane pump or
of an impeller pump. It is always ensured that a suitable quantity
of delivery fluid is fed to the device or led away out of this, on
account of such a pump, independently of the system condition of
the delivery pump.
[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the device comprises an
irradiation appliance for the fluid which is located in the device
or is led out of the device. Such an irradiation appliance for
example can be a UV irradiation appliance which ensures that the
fluid which is led out of the device is not contaminated with
germs. Such an irradiation appliance is also advantageously
arranged within the electronics casing. The electronics casing at
the same time thereby forms a protective casing which prevents
radiation of the irradiation appliance from getting to the
outside.
[0026] The control electronics which are at least partly arranged
within the electronics casing advantageously comprise control and
evaluation electronics of the device, as well as control
electronics of the pump, in particular the speed controller
electronics activating the electric motor driving the centrifugal
pump.
[0027] Thereby, the control electronics advantageously comprise
means for storing data of the evaluation electronics as well as
means for wired and/or wireless transmission of the data of the
evaluation electronics and/or of stored data. Thereby, the
communication means for transmitting data can advantageously serve
for transmitting the data of the device as well as for transmitting
the data of the pump control. In particular, the digital
componentries or units of the control electronics such as the
processor, the working memory and the ROM can advantageously be
used for the data of the pump control as well as for data of the
device. With the application of frequency converter technology
which is common today, parts of the existing electronics for
example can also be used for the control and evaluation of the
device on account of this. In particular, the complete sequential
control for the device can be assumed by these.
[0028] The invention is hereinafter explained in more detail by way
of embodiment examples. The various features of novelty which
characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in
the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a
better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and
specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred
embodiments of the invention are illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] In the drawings:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram relating to a centrifugal pump
assembly according to the invention, with a device for detecting
particles in fluids;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multi-stage inline
centrifugal pump with an electric motor, electronics casing and a
device which is integrated into this, in a greatly simplified and
perspective lateral view;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pump assembly according to
FIG. 2, in a perspective view from another side;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a side a view of the pump assembly according to
FIG. 2, in a lateral view;
[0034] FIG. 5 is another side a view of the pump assembly according
to FIG. 2, in a lateral view which is rotated by 90 with respect to
FIG. 4;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a greatly simplified perspective view showing a
circulation pump assembly with a device for detecting particles in
fluid;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a greatly simplified perspective view showing the
centrifugal pump assembly according to FIG. 6, in a different
perspective representation;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a front view of the centrifugal pump assembly
according to FIG. 6;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a side view of the centrifugal pump assembly
according to FIG. 6; and
[0039] FIG. 10 is a side view onto the centrifugal pump assembly
according to FIG. 6.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Referring to the drawings, the basic construction of a
centrifugal pump assembly according to the invention is represented
by way of FIG. 1. The centrifugal pump assembly comprises a
centrifugal pump 1 which is driven by an electric motor 2. The
centrifugal pump 1 delivers through a main delivery conduit 3,
whose entry in FIG. 1 is indicated at 4 and whose exit at 5. The
main delivery conduit 3 at the entry side leads to the suction side
of the pump 1, whose delivery side is connected to the exit 5 via
the conduit.
[0041] A bypass conduit 6, 7 which divided up into a delivery-side
part 6 and a suction-side part of the bypass 7, is provided
parallel to the centrifugal pump 1. This bypass conduit 6, 7 leads
into an electronics casing 8 which is arranged and fastened on the
electric motor 2 and forms a type of terminal box, into which on
the one hand the windings of the motor are led out and contacted
and into which on the other hand an electrical mains supply 9 is
led. A device for detecting particles in fluid and whose
construction for the most part is described in the European patent
application 14186884.4 of the Applicant, which is explicitly
referred to here, is integrated within this electronics casing 8.
The mechanical as well as the electronic part of the
above-mentioned device, as well as the control and regulation
electronics of the motor 2 or of the pump 1 connected thereto, are
therefore arranged in the electronics casing 8.
[0042] The motor control is characterized at 10 in FIG. 1, and it
comprises a frequency converter whose output directly affects the
windings of the electric motor 2. A pump control 10 communicating
with sensors within the pump 1 via an input/output interface 12 is
serially connected before the motor control 10.
[0043] A display 13, an operating surface 14, as well as a
communication interface 15 which are connected to the pump control
11 as well as to control electronics 16 forming part of the device
for detecting particles, are moreover provided within the
electronics casing 8. With regard to the display 13, it is the case
of an LCD display, but here, it can basically also be the case of
any other suitable signal or display device. The operating surface
14 is configured as a membrane keyboard, but here too, any other
suitable signal input source can be applied. A LAN connection as
well as a WLAN transmitter-receiver is provided as a communication
interface 15. Basically, any other suitable communication interface
can be applied here as well.
[0044] The device for detecting particles in fluid is fed via the
part of the bypass conduit 6 which is branched from the main
delivery conduit 3 at the delivery side. A controllable pressure
reducer 17 is firstly provided within the device, downstream of
which pressure reducer a delivery pump 18 is connected, wherein
this delivery pump is connected to the actual analysis device via a
controllable shut-of valve 19. The analysis device consists
essentially of an illumination source 20, of a receiving device 21
for a sample carrier and of an optical sensor 22 in the form of a
sensor matrix whose data is evaluated in the control electronics
16, stored and transmitted further. The receiving device 21 for the
sample carrier, at the exit side is connected via an electrically
controllable shut-off valve 21 to a UV treatment appliance 24,
whose exit is connected to the suction-side part 7 of the bypass
conduit running out at the suction side of the pump, at the entry
4, into the main delivery conduit 3. One can make do without the
delivery pump 18 in systems having a relatively high pressure.
[0045] A branching 25, via which the fluid coming from the analysis
device 20, 21, and 22 can be lead to a collection container 26 in
the case that this fluid is not to be fed to the main delivery
conduit 3, is provided within this conduit 7, wherein this
collection container 26 for example also represents a discharge
conduit, a capture container or an archiving system, in which the
fluid coming from the analysis device 20, 21 and 22 can be captured
and/or archived. In a variant of the invention, no fluid in the
bypass conduit is branched off or not only fluid in the bypass
conduit but also the fluid in the main delivery conduit 3 which is
actually to be delivered. In the case of a bacteria alarm, the
control electronics can switch a switch-over valve in the main
delivery conduit (the switch-over valve is not represented in the
drawing) such that the fluid which is infected with bacteria can be
diverted into another conduit. This switch-over valve can be
autonomously incorporated in the main conduit, or be a part of the
centrifugal pump assembly, e.g. be installed in the pump
casing.
[0046] The device for detecting particles in fluid, as is
represented by way of FIG. 1, comprises a controllable pressure
reducer 17, a delivery pump 18, an analysis device 20-22 which is
integrated into the conduit 6, 7 via two shut-off valves 19 and 23,
and a UV treatment appliance 24 which is connected downstream. The
complete sequential control, evaluation, storage and further
transfer of data are effected in the control electronics 16. The
operation of the device, with the exception of the exchange of the
sample carrier located in the receiving device 21 is effected via
the operating surface 14, via which the operation of the pump
control is also effected. The display of the device is effected via
the display 13, via which the display of the pump control is also
effected. The control electronics 16 as well as the pump control 11
moreover use the same communication interfaces 15. The common use
of the digital components of the control electronics 16 and of the
pump control 11, specifically of the processor, the working memory
and ROM is not represented in detail in FIG. 1. The components
which are provided for the detection of particles in the fluid and
which are provided in the electronics casing 8 are characterized at
8a and those provided for the pump/motor control at 8b. Hereby, the
overlapping region concerning the display 13, the operating surface
14 and the communication interfaces 15, which are assigned to the
device as well as to the motor/pump control 10, 11 are clearly
visible here.
[0047] The fluid gets into the device for detecting particles in
fluid, via the bypass conduit 6, firstly into the pressure reducer
17 which can be controlled by way of the control electronics 16 and
which ensures that the fluid does not exceed a predefined pressure.
The fluid to be analyzed gets into the sample carrier located in
the receiving device 21, via the delivery pump 18 when the valves
19 and 23 are open. The valves 19 and 23 are subsequently closed,
whereupon the analysis of the fluid sample located in the analysis
device 20-22 takes place, the sequential control and evaluation of
this analysis being effected in the control electronics 16. The
fluid located in the analysis device can be led through the UV
treatment appliance 24 by way of opening the valves 19 and 23,
after the analysis has been effected, and the fluid sample which is
examined in the analysis device 20-22 is subjected to a UV
treatment as the case may be, in order to kill bacteria located
therein. The UV treatment is usefully only effected in the case of
an increased or particular bacteria contamination of the fluid
sample. The fluid which is purified inasmuch as this is concerned
can then be led via the part 7 of the bypass conduit again at the
entry side, to the delivery flow of the main delivery conduit 3, if
a leading of fluid in a closed circuit is desired. It is also
possible to attach the UV irradiation appliance 24 in the analysis
device 20-22 and to irradiate the fluid in a direct manner.
[0048] A sample carrier which is located in the receiving device
21, for the purpose of purification, can also be purified by way of
the valves 19 and 23 being opened and the pressure reducer 17 being
controlled in a functionless manner. The fluid then flows via the
bypass conduit 6, 7 at the delivery pressure of the pump 1 in the
return through the device, wherein the pump 18 is switched so that
there is no current and is subjected to throughflow. In the case
that it is not a centrifugal pump but a displacement pump which is
applied as a pump 18, then a bypass conduit which can be released
for the purpose of the flushing procedure is to be provided at this
location.
[0049] If for example an increased or certain bacterial
contamination is ascertained in the fluid, one then further
envisages the pump control 11 receiving a signal on account of the
control electronics 16, said signal initiating the pump control
into activating the speed of the electric motor 2 such that the
pump 1 cavitates in its suction region, which is to say produces
cavitation in a targeted manner and, by way of this, affects the
delivery fluid such that bacteria is killed. Thereby, not only the
sample fluid which is led back into the main delivery conduit 3,
but also the complete main delivery flow is treated by way of this
cavitation effect of the pump.
[0050] It is shown by way of example and by way of FIG. 2-5, as to
how the coupling of componentries and which is schematically
represented by way of FIG. 1 can be integrated into a pump
assembly, as is known for example with the CRE construction series
of the Applicant (controlled vertical multi-stage centrifugal
pumps). The constructional changes are comparatively small compared
to a standard pump assembly. Here, on the part of the pump, only
the conduits 6 and 7 for the bypass conduit need to be led out,
which does not require any large constructional modification since,
as FIG. 2-5 make clear, the suction-side part 7 is led out close to
the connection branch, and the delivery-side part 6 is led out of
the pump head. The electronics casing 8 with regard to its
constructional size is significantly enlarged, since it needs to
accommodate the device for detecting particles, which is to say the
componentries or subassemblies 17-24. The receiving device 21 for
the sample carrier exchangeable from the front can be clearly
recognized in the representations according to FIGS. 2-5, and this
receiving device is accessible from the front on the electronics
casing.
[0051] As to how an electronics casing 8 of a common circulation
pump can be configured, in order to also be able to accommodate the
subassemblies 17-24, is represented by way of example by way of
FIGS. 6-10. The conduits 6 and 7 with this single-stage pump
according to FIG. 6-10 are led outside the pump casing. The
conduits 6 and 7 however can also be formed within the pump casing
by way of channels which are led into the electronic casing via the
base of this.
[0052] It is to be noted that the reference numerals used for FIG.
4-10 concern components having the same function, despite their
construction design not corresponding to one another.
[0053] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown
and described in detail to illustrate the application of the
principles of the invention, it will be understood that the
invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such
principles.
* * * * *