U.S. patent application number 16/862123 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-13 for groundwater sampling pump.
The applicant listed for this patent is Q.E.D. Environmental Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Douglas D. COLBY, Thomas T. REESBECK.
Application Number | 20200256342 16/862123 |
Document ID | 20200256342 / US20200256342 |
Family ID | 1000004786744 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-13 |
Patent Application | download [pdf] |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200256342 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COLBY; Douglas D. ; et
al. |
August 13, 2020 |
GROUNDWATER SAMPLING PUMP
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a sampling pump configured for
use in a wellbore for pumping liquid collecting in the wellbore.
The sampling pump has a pump component including a motor and an
outer housing configured to be inserted into the well bore. The
outer housing has an inlet and an outlet. A fluid sensor detects
when the inlet of the outer housing is positioned in the liquid in
the wellbore. A flexible electrical cable assembly supplies power
to the motor and the fluid sensor, and also communicates with the
motor and the fluid sensor. A user control panel communicates with
the flexible electrical cable and enables a user to control on and
off operation of the DC motor from the control panel. The user
control panel also has a component which is responsive to signals
from the fluid sensor to indicate when the inlet is at least
partially submerged in the liquid within the wellbore, as the pump
is lowered into the wellbore.
Inventors: |
COLBY; Douglas D.;
(Clarkston, MI) ; REESBECK; Thomas T.; (Ann Arbor,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Q.E.D. Environmental Systems, Inc. |
Dexter |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004786744 |
Appl. No.: |
16/862123 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15100904 |
Jun 1, 2016 |
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PCT/US2014/068371 |
Dec 3, 2014 |
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16862123 |
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61911273 |
Dec 3, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 13/068 20130101;
F04D 13/10 20130101; F04D 5/008 20130101; F04D 15/0218 20130101;
F04D 5/002 20130101; F04D 13/0693 20130101; F04D 13/086 20130101;
E21B 49/084 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04D 13/08 20060101
F04D013/08; F04D 13/10 20060101 F04D013/10; F04D 15/02 20060101
F04D015/02; F04D 13/06 20060101 F04D013/06; E21B 49/08 20060101
E21B049/08; F04D 5/00 20060101 F04D005/00 |
Claims
1. A sampling pump configured for use in a wellbore for pumping
liquid collecting in the wellbore, the sampling pump comprising: a
pump component including: a motor; an outer housing configured to
be inserted into the well bore; the outer housing having an inlet
and an outlet; a fluid sensor configured to detect when the inlet
of the outer housing is positioned in the liquid in the wellbore; a
flexible electrical cable assembly for supplying power to the motor
and the fluid sensor, and also for communicating with the motor and
the fluid sensor; a user control panel in communication with the
flexible electrical cable and configured to enable a user to
control on and off operation of the DC motor from the control
panel; and the user control panel further including a component
responsive to signals from the fluid sensor to indicate when the
inlet is at least partially submerged in the liquid within the
wellbore, as the pump is lowered into the wellbore.
2. The sampling pump of claim 1, wherein the component provides: a
first indication when the inlet of the outer housing the pump
component is positioned in air; and a second indication when the
inlet of the outer housing of the pump component is submerged in
the liquid in the wellbore.
3. The sampling pump of claim 1, wherein the first and second
indications comprise visual indications.
4. The sampling pump of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
and second visual indications comprises a blinking visual
indication, and the other one of the first and second visual
indications comprises a continuous visual indication.
5. The sampling pump of claim 3, wherein the component comprises an
optical component, and wherein the optical component is configured
to flash intermittently before contacting fluid, and then to remain
in a continuously illuminated state while the inlet of the outer
housing of the pump component is submerged in the liquid.
6. The sampling pump of claim 4, wherein the component comprises an
LED.
7. The sampling pump of claim 1, further comprising a frame for
supporting the electrical cable assembly.
8. The sampling pump of claim 7, further comprising a reel mounted
for rotation on the frame, the reel enabling the electrical cable
assembly to be unwound therefrom as the pump component is lowered
down into the wellbore, and wound thereon as the pump component is
withdrawn from the wellbore.
9. The sampling pump of claim 1, wherein the control panel further
includes a connector for connecting an external DC power source to
the control panel to power the pump component and the fluid
sensor.
10. The sampling pump of claim 1, wherein the flexible electrical
cable assembly includes markings thereon to indicate a length unit
of measurement.
11. The sampling pump of claim 1, wherein the motor comprises a
brushless DC motor.
12. The sampling pump of claim 1, further comprising: a DC battery
carried on the frame and electrically coupled to the fluid sensor
for powering the fluid sensor; and a first switch associated with
the control panel for turning on and off DC power to the fluid
sensor.
13. The sampling pump of claim 1, further comprising a second
switch on the control panel for enabling a user to power on and off
the motor.
14. The sampling pump of claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises
an optical device that provides an optical signal to indicate to a
user when the fluid sensor has been submerged in fluid.
15. The sampling pump of claim 14, wherein the optical device
flashes intermittently before contacting fluid, and then remains in
a continuously illuminated state while submerged in fluid.
16. A sampling pump configured for use in a wellbore for pumping
liquid collecting in the wellbore, the sampling pump comprising: a
frame; a pump component including: a motor; an outer housing
configured to be inserted into the well bore; the outer housing
having an inlet and an outlet; a fluid sensor configured to detect
when the outer housing is positioned in fluid in the wellbore; a
flexible electrical cable assembly coupled at one end to the pump
component for supplying power to the motor and the fluid sensor of
the pump component, and also for communicating with the motor and
the fluid sensor, the flexible electrical cable and the pump
component; a reel supported from the frame for rotational movement;
the reel operable to support the flexible electrical cable assembly
thereon; a user control panel in communication with the flexible
electrical cable and configured to enable a user to control on and
off operation of the DC motor from the user control panel; and the
user control panel further including: a component responsive to
signals from the fluid sensor to indicate when the pump is at least
partially submerged in the liquid within the wellbore, as the pump
is lowered into the wellbore; and a speed control component for
controlling a speed of the motor, and thus a liquid flow rate
produced by the pump component.
17. The sampling pump of claim 16, wherein the user control panel
is centrally mounted on the reel.
18. The sampling pump of claim 16, wherein the frame includes a
structure for receiving the pump component and storing the pump
component when the pump component is not in use.
19. A sampling pump configured for use in a wellbore for pumping
liquid collecting in the wellbore, the sampling pump comprising: a
frame; a pump component including: a motor; an outer housing
configured to be inserted into the well bore; the outer housing
having an inlet and an outlet; a fluid sensor configured to detect
when the outer housing is positioned in fluid in the wellbore; a
flexible electrical cable assembly coupled at one end to the pump
component for supplying power to the motor and the fluid sensor of
the pump component, and also for communicating with the motor and
the fluid sensor, the flexible electrical cable and the pump
component; a reel supported from the frame for rotational movement;
the reel operable to support the flexible electrical cable assembly
thereon; a user control panel in communication with the flexible
electrical cable and configured to enable a user to control on and
off operation of the DC motor from the user control panel, the user
control panel being centrally located within the reel; and the user
control panel further including: a component responsive to signals
from the fluid sensor to provide a first visual indication when the
lower end of the housing of the pump component is located in air
within the wellbore, and a second visual indication when the lower
end of the housing becomes at least partially submerged in the
liquid within the wellbore during lowering of the pump component
into the wellbore; a speed control component for controlling a
speed of the motor, and thus a liquid flow rate produced by the
pump component; and the user control panel controlling the motor
during operation of the sampling pump so that the motor is
automatically turned off when the fluid sensor detects that it is
no longer submerged in fluid.
20. The sampling pump of claim 19, wherein: the control panel
includes a microcontroller for controlling operation of the motor;
the control panel is configured to log a total run time that the
pump component is running and to display the total run time to a
user; and the control panel includes a short range wireless
transceiver for enabling the control panel to communicate
wirelessly with a remote personal electronic device of a user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] The present application is a continuation and claims
priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/100,904, filed Jun. 1,
2016; which is a U.S. national phase of PCT/US2014/068371, filed
Dec. 3, 2014 and published in English as WO2015/084957 on Jun. 11,
2015; which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/911,273, filed Dec. 3, 2013. The entire disclosure of each
of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to groundwater sampling pumps
and pump control systems therefor, used to collect water samples
from groundwater fed wells.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section provides background information related to the
present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0004] Groundwater sample pump systems are known which use DC
motors to pump effluent from a well upward to ground level where a
sample is drawn for off-site analysis. Known systems use a full
speed pump and a throttle device at a discharge location to reduce
discharge flow for collecting the sample. A disadvantage of known
systems is that the throttle device reduces volume flow rate, but
locally increases the flow velocity, making collection of a small
volume sample difficult. In addition, power consumption of known
groundwater sample pump systems can range from 20 up to 40 Amperes,
and commonly requires a high current AC power source with an AC/DC
converter to provide DC power for pump motor operation, which is
both heavy and expensive. An AC power source is often not available
at remote well sites, therefore the operator must bring a separate
source of AC power. Also, known sampling systems use a centrifugal
pump which at operating speed (12,000 to 15,000 rpm) results in
cavitation at the impeller when the flow rate is reduced downstream
by the sample throttle device.
SUMMARY
[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure,
and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of
its features.
[0006] In one aspect the present disclosure relates to a sampling
pump configured for use in a wellbore for pumping liquid collecting
in the wellbore. The sampling pump may comprise a pump component
including a motor and an outer housing configured to be inserted
into the well bore. The outer housing has an inlet and an outlet. A
fluid sensor is also configured to detect when the inlet of the
outer housing is positioned in the liquid in the wellbore. A
flexible electrical cable assembly is included for supplying power
to the motor and the fluid sensor, and also for communicating with
the motor and the fluid sensor. A user control panel is included
which is in communication with the flexible electrical cable and
configured to enable a user to control on and off operation of the
DC motor from the control panel. The user control panel further
includes a component responsive to signals from the fluid sensor to
indicate when the inlet is at least partially submerged in the
liquid within the wellbore, as the pump is lowered into the
wellbore.
[0007] In another aspect the present disclosure relates to a
sampling pump configured for use in a wellbore for pumping liquid
collecting in the wellbore. The sampling pump may comprise a frame
and a pump component. The pump component may include a motor and an
outer housing configured to be inserted into the well bore. The
outer housing may have an inlet and an outlet. A fluid sensor may
be included on the pump component which is configured to detect
when the outer housing is positioned in fluid in the wellbore. A
flexible electrical cable assembly is coupled at one end to the
pump component for supplying power to the motor and the fluid
sensor of the pump component, and also for communicating with the
motor and the fluid sensor, the flexible electrical cable and the
pump component. A reel is supported from the frame for rotational
movement and is operable to support the flexible electrical cable
assembly thereon. A user control panel is included which is in
communication with the flexible electrical cable and configured to
enable a user to control on and off operation of the DC motor from
the user control panel. The user control panel further may include
a component responsive to signals from the fluid sensor to indicate
when the pump is at least partially submerged in the liquid within
the wellbore, as the pump is lowered into the wellbore. The control
panel may also include a speed control component for controlling a
speed of the motor, and thus a liquid flow rate produced by the
pump component.
[0008] In still another aspect the present disclosure relates to a
sampling pump configured for use in a wellbore for pumping liquid
collecting in the wellbore. The sampling pump may comprise a frame
and a pump component. The pump component may include a motor and an
outer housing configured to be inserted into the well bore. The
outer housing may have an inlet and an outlet. A fluid sensor may
be included which is configured to detect when the outer housing is
positioned in fluid in the wellbore. A flexible electrical cable
assembly may also be included which is coupled at one end to the
pump component for supplying power to the motor and the fluid
sensor of the pump component, and also for communicating with the
motor and the fluid sensor, the flexible electrical cable and the
pump component. A reel is supported from the frame for rotational
movement and is operable to support the flexible electrical cable
assembly thereon. A user control panel may be included which is in
communication with the flexible electrical cable and configured to
enable a user to control on and off operation of the DC motor from
the user control panel. The user control panel may be centrally
located within the reel and may include a component responsive to
signals from the fluid sensor to provide a first visual indication
when the lower end of the housing of the pump component is located
in air within the wellbore, and a second visual indication when the
lower end of the housing becomes at least partially submerged in
the liquid within the wellbore during lowering of the pump
component into the wellbore. The control panel may further include
a speed control component for controlling a speed of the motor, and
thus a liquid flow rate produced by the pump component. The user
control panel controls the motor during operation of the sampling
pump so that the motor is automatically turned off when the fluid
sensor detects that it is no longer submerged in fluid.
[0009] In another aspect the present disclosure relates to a
sampling pump assembly including a pump outer housing having an
inlet end cap with multiple water inlet ports. The inlet end cap is
connected to the pump outer housing using bayonet pins extending
through L-shaped slots in a first housing connector. An outlet end
cap is connected to the pump outer housing using bayonet pins and
has a tubing connector for releasably connecting an effluent tube
thereto. A pump is included which has a regenerative impeller
connected to a brushless DC motor. The brushless DC motor is
positioned within the pump outer housing and the regenerative
impeller is positioned within the inlet end cap. The brushless DC
motor may operate at approximately 8,000 rpm providing a lift of at
least up to about 150 feet, and possibly higher. A sensor extends
beyond the outlet end cap and provides a sensing signal when the
pump assembly becomes submerged below a water surface in a wellbore
in which the pump outer housing is positioned. A reel assembly is
included which has a rotatable support reel for supporting a
flexible cable assembly for supplying DC power to the brushless DC
motor. The flexible cable assembly is able to be wound onto the
rotatable support reel. At least one internal battery is carried by
the reel assembly which provides electrical power for the sensor.
An LED is provided with the reel assembly and is configured to
flash continuously as the sampling pump assembly is lowered into a
wellbore and prior to the sensor contacting water. The LED changes
to a continuously illuminated condition when the pump assembly
extends below a water level surface in the wellbore. Multiple
distance marks are created on the flexible cable assembly to enable
a user to determine a depth that the pump outer housing is
positioned within the wellbore.
[0010] According to several additional aspects, a sampling pump
assembly includes a pump outer housing having a housing inlet end
releasably connected thereto. The housing inlet end includes
multiple water inlet ports and is connected to the pump outer
housing using one or more bayonet pins radially extending through
one or more L-shaped slots created in a first housing connector. At
an opposite end of the pump outer housing from the housing inlet
end is an inlet end cap which is similarly connected using one or
more bayonet pins received in an L-shaped slot of a second housing
connector. The inlet end cap receives a tubing connector for
releasably connecting an effluent tube. A sensor extends beyond the
inlet end cap and provides a sensing function for the period when
sampling pump assembly is operated and submerged below a water
volume surface.
[0011] In various other aspects of the present disclosure the
sampling pump assembly is readied to be lowered into a well, a
first switch, located on a control panel of the reel, is switched
from an "off" to an "on" position. An internal battery provided
within the reel provides sufficient electrical power for operation
of the sensor as the sampling pump assembly is lowered. An LED also
present on the control panel flashes continuously as the sampling
pump assembly is lowered into the well and prior to sensor
contacting a water volume within the well. As the sampling pump
assembly enters the water volume and extends below a water level
surface, water contacts the sensor, which creates an electrical
signal indicating that the entire sampling pump assembly is
positioned below the water level surface. At this time, the LED
changes from a continuous flashing condition to a continuous
energized "on" condition. The "on" condition of the LED visually
indicates to the operator that the sampling pump assembly is fully
submerged within the water volume.
[0012] After the LED changes to the continuous "on" condition, the
sampling pump assembly is drawn upward until the LED changes back
to the continuous flashing operation, at which time a plurality of
distance marks provide a depth indicated in 1 foot incremental
positions along the outer casing of a cable assembly identifying
depth in feet of the position of the sampling pump assembly within
the well. The sampling pump assembly is lowered back into the well
until the LED changes again to the continuous "on" condition. An
external source of 12 VDC electrical power is then connected to the
reel and the operator switches a second switch from an "off" to an
"on" position, which starts operation of the DC motor.
[0013] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0014] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a groundwater sampling
pump of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the pump of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional side elevational view taken at
section 3 of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 a front elevational view of an impeller housing
assembly of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional front elevational view taken at
section 5 of FIG. 4;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the impeller housing of FIG.
4;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of an impeller retention member
of the housing assembly of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 8 a front perspective view of a groundwater sampling
pump and reel assembly of the present disclosure including the
groundwater sampling pump of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional front elevational view
of the groundwater sampling system mounted to a well pipe;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a control panel
provided on a reel of the groundwater sampling system;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a graph of flow rate versus well depth for the
groundwater sampling system of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of a control system for the
groundwater sampling pump of FIG. 8;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram of a pump control system
portion for the groundwater sampling pump of FIG. 8;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a
groundwater sampling pump in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a view of a portion of the pump assembly of FIG.
14;
[0030] FIG. 15a is an enlarged view of the circled portion in FIG.
15;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional side view of the bayonet pins
engaged within their respective slots and compressing a gasket to
achieve a watertight seal within the pump housing;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional side view of an annular,
replaceable motor shaft seal that is used in the pump assembly of
FIG. 14;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a plan view of a first surface of an impeller
retainer used in the pump assembly of FIG. 14;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a side view of the impeller retainer of FIG.
18;
[0035] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a second surface (i.e., opposing
surface) of the impeller retainer of FIG. 18;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a first surface of an impeller
housing used in the pump assembly of FIG. 14;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a side view of the impeller housing shown in FIG.
21; and
[0038] FIG. 23 is a plan view of a second surface (i.e., opposing
surface) of the impeller housing of FIG. 21.
[0039] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a sampling pump assembly 10 includes a
pump outer housing 12 having a housing inlet end 14 releasably
connected thereto. The housing inlet end 14 includes multiple water
inlet ports 16. The housing inlet end 14 is connected to the pump
outer housing 12 using one or more bayonet pins 18 radially
extending through an L-shaped slot 20 created in a first housing
connector 22. The housing inlet end 14 is oriented such that the
bayonet pin 18 is received in the L-shaped slot, and the housing
inlet end 14 is axially rotated to releasably lock the housing
inlet end 14 in position. At an opposite end of the pump outer
housing 12 from the housing inlet end 14 is an outlet end cap 24
which is similarly connected using one or more bayonet pins 26
received in an L-shaped slot 28 of a second housing connector 30.
The outlet end cap 24 receives a tubing connector 32 for releasably
connecting an effluent tube shown and described in greater detail
in reference to FIG. 9. A sensor 34 extends beyond the outlet end
cap 24 and provides a sensing function for the period when sampling
pump assembly 10 is operated and submerged below a water volume
surface, as described in greater detail in reference to FIG. 9.
According to several aspects, the sampling pump assembly components
such as the pump outer housing 12, the housing inlet end 14, and
the outlet end cap 24 can be constructed of a metal material, such
as stainless steel. Other materials can also be used.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 2 and again to FIG. 1, the tubing
connector 32 communicates with a discharge chamber 36 where water
pumped by the sampling pump assembly 10 is received for discharge.
A conduit connector 38 is also provided which provides the ability
to both receive and seal conduits providing electric power as well
as control signals to the operating components of sampling pump
assembly 10.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3 and again to FIGS. 1-2, a conduit 39 is
shown in an exemplary position retained by the conduit connector
38. The conduit 39 provides electrical power, as previously noted,
for operating the components of sampling pump assembly 10. The
housing inlet end 14 provides an inlet chamber 40 proximate to a
housing inlet end wall 14a. A filter 42, such as a metal or plastic
screen, is releasably connected to an inlet end wall 44 which
defines a boundary wall for the inlet chamber 40 opposite to the
housing inlet end wall 14a. Water flowing into the inlet chamber
40, via the water inlet ports 16, passes through the filter 42 and
enters an impeller chamber 46. The inlet end wall 44 defines a
portion of housing inlet end 14 which is sealed against an inner
perimeter wall of pump outer housing 12 at the time the bayonet
pins 18 are engaged, using one or more seal members 48 such as
O-rings. A pump element in the form of a "regenerative" impeller
50, positioned within impeller chamber 46, is held in rotational
position using an impeller retainer 52. A connecting member 54
extends partially through and positively rotatably engages impeller
50. The connecting member 54 extends through a motor shaft seal 55
to allow for fluid sealed rotation of impeller 50. Impeller 50 is
connected to and rotated by operation of a brushless DC motor 56
having a motor shaft 57 extending into and connected with the
connecting member 54. The motor shaft seal 55 prevents water within
impeller chamber 46 from entering a sealed enclosure having DC
motor 56 contained therein. A circuit board 58, as well as DC motor
56, are positioned within a watertight cavity 60 provided by a pump
inner housing 62 which is slidably received within the pump outer
housing 12. The components of the circuit board 58 may be potted to
hermetically seal them. Additionally, a plurality of electrically
conductive metal pins 61 may project from the circuit board 58 into
the space between the motor 56 and the edge of the circuit board 58
to detect if water is present in this space. The metal pins 61
sense the presence of water by detecting when a conductive path
between them has been formed.
[0044] The brushless DC motor 56 using regenerative impeller 50 can
operate at lower speed (approximately 8,000 rpm) than known pump
systems. This provides the necessary lift while minimizing pump
cavitation.
[0045] A flow passage 64 is circumferentially created between a
tubular shaped outer perimeter wall of the pump inner housing 62
and an inner wall of the tubular shaped pump outer housing 12.
Fluid discharged by operation of the impeller 50 passes through the
flow passage 64 in a flow direction "A" to be subsequently
discharged from the sampling pump assembly 10. As the impeller 50
is rotated by operation of DC motor 56, fluid drawn through the
impeller 50 from the impeller chamber 46 is radially outwardly
discharged into an impeller outlet region 66 which communicates
with the flow passage 64.
[0046] After the water flows from the impeller outlet region 66 and
through the flow passage 64, the water flow enters one or more
collecting ports 68 and further flows through a discharge port 70
created in a pump top end member 72. The pump top end member 72 is
received within the outlet end cap 24 and is provided with a
plurality of end member seals 74, such as O-rings, to provide a
fluid seal between pump top end member 72 and an inner wall of the
pump inner housing 62. The end member seals 74 therefore prevent
water within either the collecting ports 68 or discharge port 70
from entering the watertight cavity 60. After flowing through the
discharge port 70, the pumped water enters the discharge chamber
36. The tubing connector 32 is releasably coupled to the pump top
end member 72 using connector threads 76 such that a discharge bore
78 of the tubing connector 32 is coaxially aligned with discharge
chamber 36. All of the water pumped by rotation of impeller 50
therefore discharges from discharge chamber 36 via discharge bore
78. Similar to the tubing connector 32, the conduit connector 38 is
threadably connected to the pump top end member 72 using conduit
connector threads 80. According to several aspects, there are two
diametrically opposed ones of the bayonet pins 18 provided as
bayonet pins 18, 18' and two diametrically opposed ones of the
bayonet pins 26 provided as bayonet pins 26, 26'. The quantity of
bayonet pins can vary at the discretion of the manufacturer.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 4 and again to FIG. 3, an impeller
assembly 82 includes the impeller retainer 52 partially extending
from an impeller housing 84. The impeller housing 84 can be fixed
about its circumference to the pump outer housing 12, for example
by welding.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 5 and again to FIG. 4, the impeller
assembly 82 provides the impeller housing 84, which includes a
housing flange 86 extending radially outward from the impeller
housing 84 to provide a location for fixing the impeller housing 84
to the pump outer housing 12. A housing cylinder wall 88 is
cylindrical in shape and includes both a first counterbore 90 and a
second counterbore 92 created therein. The impeller 50 is rotatably
positioned within the first counterbore 90, and the impeller
retainer 52 is non-rotatably received in the second counterbore 92.
The first counterbore 90 has a smaller diameter than a diameter of
the second counterbore 92 such that the impeller retainer 52
overlaps the impeller 50. A clearance "B" is provided between an
outer perimeter wall of the impeller 50 and the inner wall defined
by the first counterbore 90. Clearance "B" allows for a water film
to be continuously provided between the impeller 50 and the housing
cylinder wall 88, thereby minimizing friction as the impeller 50
rotates. A connecting member slot 94 is centrally created through
the impeller 50 which receives and engages the connecting member 54
extending from the motor shaft 57, thereby providing positive
engagement for rotation of impeller 50. A seal ring slot 96 is
provided proximate to the connecting member slot 94 to provide for
a seal between the connecting member 54 and the impeller housing
84.
[0049] The impeller housing 84 is provided with a discharge opening
98 through which the water displaced by rotation of impeller 50 is
received. The discharge opening 98 is in communication with a
semicircular shaped discharge channel 100 which is created as a
recess on a housing inner face 101 of impeller housing 84. The
discharge channel 100 is in fluid communication with multiple
impeller flow passages 102 extending through impeller 50. The
housing inner face 101 is spaced from an impeller discharge side
104 of impeller 50 also by a fluid layer, minimizing friction as
the impeller 50 rotates. On an opposite side of impeller 50 from
the impeller discharge side 104 is an impeller supply side 106. A
semicircular shaped supply channel 107 is created as a recess in a
retainer face 108 of the impeller retainer 52. Multiple impeller
vanes 109, positioned within the impeller flow passages 102, direct
water which is provided through semicircular supply channel 107
into the semicircular discharge channel 100. The semicircular
supply channel 107 is created in a retainer first portion 110 which
as previously noted is received within the second counterbore 92 of
housing cylinder wall 88. A threaded bore 112 is created in a
retainer second portion 114 which can have a smaller diameter than
the retainer first portion 110. The threaded bore 112 allows for a
threaded tool (not shown) to be used to remove the impeller
retainer 52 and thereby to remove the impeller 50 for service.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 6 and again to FIG. 5, the semicircular
discharge channel 100 extends from a tapered minimum area channel
end 116, in a semicircular path, to a maximum area channel end 118,
positioned proximate to the discharge opening 98. All of the water
entering semicircular discharge channel 100 is thereby discharged
out through discharge opening 98.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 7 and again to FIG. 5, the semicircular
supply channel 107, created in the retainer face 108 of impeller
retainer 52, begins at a tapered minimum area channel end 120 and
extends in a semicircular path to a maximum area channel end 122
positioned proximate to an inlet bore 124 extending axially through
the retainer first portion 110 of impeller retainer 52. All water
entering inlet bore 124 therefore passes through the semicircular
supply channel 107 to be drawn through the impeller vanes 109 of
impeller 50 and discharged into the semicircular discharge channel
100.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 8 and again to FIGS. 1-3, the sampling
pump assembly 10 forms a portion of a groundwater sampling pump
system 126. The groundwater sampling pump system 126 further
includes a reel assembly 125 having an A-shaped frame 128 that can
be made, for example, from metal tubing. The A-shaped frame 128
includes each of a first arm 130 and an oppositely positioned
second arm 132 supported therebetween by a handle portion 134. The
handle portion 134 is provided to allow manual carrying of the
groundwater sample pump system 126. A first leg 136 extends at a
substantially transverse orientation with respect to a distal end
of first arm 130. A second leg 138 similarly extends from the
second arm 132. The first and second legs 136, 138 allow the
groundwater sampling pump system 126 to be either supported from a
ground surface or from a well pipe which will be better described
in reference to FIG. 9. A bracket 140 is fixed between each of the
first and second arms 130, 132 and rotatably supports a reel 142 on
the A-shaped frame 128. An electrical cable assembly 144 is wound
onto reel 142 and is electrically connected to the sampling pump
assembly 10. A control panel 146 supported at a central portion of
the reel 142 provides local operator control and operation of
groundwater sampling pump system 126, as will be better described
in reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. A hollow tube 148 is fixed to each
of the first and second arms 130, 132 proximate to a juncture with
the first and second legs 136, 138. The hollow tube 148 also acts
as a storage tube where the sampling pump assembly 10 can be
internally stored when not in use. The sampling pump assembly 10 is
retained within the storage or hollow tube 148 using a releasable
pin 150 installed or withdrawn using a pin loop 152 connected to
the releasable pin 150.
[0053] A U-shaped brace 154 is connected to a post 156 which is
fixed to the storage or hollow tube 148. The U-shaped brace 154
assists with mounting the groundwater sampling pump system 126 to a
well pipe, which is shown and better described in reference to FIG.
9. In addition to the cable assembly 144 connected to the sampling
pump assembly 10, a rigid support rod 158, having an eyelet 160,
can be releasably fixed to the pump top end member 72 of sampling
pump assembly 10. A lift cable 162, such as a braided steel wire,
can be connected to the eyelet 160 and extended into the well along
with sampling pump assembly 10 if it is desired to use additional
lift capability for removal of sampling pump assembly 10 from the
well.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 9 and again to FIGS. 3 and 8, the
groundwater sampling pump system 126 can be temporarily attached to
a well 164 normally configured as a well pipe partially extending
above a ground level 166 and predominantly extending below the
ground level 166. The sampling pump assembly 10 is inserted
downwardly into an interior bore 168 of the well 164 to draw water
samples from the well 164 by unreeling the cable assembly from reel
142. The U-shaped brace 154 is positioned within the interior bore
168 of well 164 and makes direct contact with a well inner wall
surface 170, while the second leg 138 is positioned in direct
contact with a well upper surface 172, and the first leg 136 is
positioned in direct contact with a well outer wall surface 174 of
well 164. This configuration of groundwater sample pump system 126
positions the post 156 proximate to an opening of well 164. In
addition to supporting the U-shaped brace 154, the post 156
provides a bearing surface for sliding motion of cable assembly 144
as the sampling pump assembly 10 is inserted and/or withdrawn into
or out of the well 164. Prior to insertion of the sampling pump
assembly 10, an effluent tube 176, such as a clear plastic tube, is
connected to the tubing connector 32 of sampling pump assembly 10.
During insertion of the sampling pump assembly 10, both the cable
assembly 144 and the effluent tube 176 are lowered at approximately
the same rate to prevent bends from forming in either of these
items within the well. If the lift cable 162 is also used, the lift
cable 162, the cable assembly 144 and the effluent tube 176 are all
lowered at approximately the same rate to prevent bends from
forming in any of these items within the well.
[0055] As the sampling pump assembly 10 is readied to be lowered
into the well, a first switch 178c, located on the control panel
146 is switched from an "off" to an "on" position. An internal
battery provided (component 210 discussed in connection with FIG.
13) on the reel 142 provides sufficient electrical power for
operation of the sensor 34 as the sampling pump assembly 10 is
lowered. An LED 180, also present on the control panel 146, flashes
continuously as the sampling pump assembly 10 is lowered into the
well and prior to sensor 34 contacting a water volume 182 within
the well. The water volume 182 is normally located above a well
lower end 184 in a normal condition of well 164 such that the water
inlet ports 16 are positioned above the well bottom. As the
sampling pump assembly 10 enters the water volume 182 and extends
below a water level surface 186, water contacts the sensor 34,
which creates an electrical signal indicating that the entire
sampling pump assembly 10 is positioned below the water level
surface 186. At this time, the LED 180 changes from a continuous
flashing condition to a continuous energized "on" condition. The
"on" condition of LED 180 visually indicates to the operator that
the sampling pump assembly 10 is fully submerged within the water
volume 182.
[0056] After the LED 180 changes to the continuous "on" condition,
the operator can manually withdraw the sampling pump assembly 10
upward until the LED 180 changes back to the continuous flashing
operation, at which time the operator can visually use a plurality
of distance marks 188 which provide a depth indicated in 1 foot
incremental positions along the outer casing of the electrical
cable assembly 144 upward from zero at the sampling pump assembly
10. The distance marks 188 provide a measurable depth in feet of
the position of sampling pump assembly 10 within well 164 for
recordation and pump operational purposes. The operator then
re-lowers the sampling pump assembly 10 back into the well 164
until the LED 180 changes again to the continuous "on" condition.
At this time, the operator changes the position of first switch 178
back to the "off" position and connects an external source of 12
VDC electrical power to the reel 142. After the external source of
electrical power is connected, the operator switches a second
switch 190 from an "off" to an "on" position, which starts
operation of the DC motor 56 provided within sampling pump assembly
10. After the DC motor 56 continues in operation for a period of
time, a water flow exits from the effluent tube 176. Stagnant water
is then pumped out from the well for some period of time until
fresh water is drawn into the well 164. After an additional period
of time to purge the remaining stagnant water from the effluent
tube 176, a fresh water sample is then collected in a sample
container 192.
[0057] After the first switch 178 is returned to its "off"
position, the operator connects external power to the reel 142 by
manually making a plug-in connection between a power coupling 194
and an electrical connector 196 provided on control panel 146.
Power coupling 194 is connected via a power cable 198 to a 12 VDC
power source 200, such as a 12-volt DC battery of an automotive
vehicle. Hand operated clamps (not shown), such as commonly
provided with automotive jumper cable sets, may also be connected
at ends of the power cable 198 to facilitate releasable connection
of the groundwater sample pump system 126 to the power source 200.
During pump operation the sensor is powered by the 12-volt DC
battery. The sensor 34 provides an additional on-off feature such
that the DC motor 56 is automatically de-energized when the sensor
34 detects that the sampling pump assembly 10 is above the water
level surface 186 of the well water volume 182.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 10 and again to FIG. 9, the components
provided on control panel 146 include: (1) the first switch 178,
which can be a toggle "on/off" switch or any type of single pole
switch; (2) the second switch 190, which can also be a toggle
"on/off" switch or any type of single pole switch; (3) the LED 180,
which according to several aspects can provide a green-colored
indication light; and (4) the connector 196, to which the operator
connects the power coupling 194. Also provided with the control
panel 146 is a pump speed selector 202 which according to several
aspects is an axially rotatable potentiometer which is rotated by
the operator to control an operating speed of the DC motor 56
between a zero operating speed and a maximum operating speed. A
maximum speed, and therefore maximum pumping rate, of DC motor 56
is dependent on the depth that the sampling pump assembly 10 is
positioned within well 164 and therefore is based on a height "C"
(shown in reference to FIG. 9) that the total column or height of
lift is required of the DC motor 56. During operation of
groundwater sample pump system 126, the operator can rotate the
pump speed selector 202 to its maximum rotated "on" position,
allowing maximum flow rate to discharge from effluent tube 176 for
a period of time determined by the operator. After this period of
operation, the operator can then rotate the pump speed selector 202
counterclockwise to select a slow rate of discharge flow from
effluent tube 176 which suits a desired fill rate of the sample
container 192.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 11 and again to FIGS. 3, 9 and 10, a
standard 12 VDC battery such as the battery of an automotive
vehicle can provide operative electrical power for operation of
brushless DC motor 56. Power consumption for DC motor 56 ranges
between approximately 50 to 150 watts, at a current of 1 to 8
Amperes. In comparison, as noted herein the power consumption of
known centrifugal pump groundwater sampling pump systems can range
from 20 up to 40 Amperes, and commonly require a high current AC
power source with conversion to DC power, therefore power
consumption of the groundwater sample pump system 126 is reduced by
up to approximately 80% compared to known systems. Based on use of
a 12 VDC power source 200, graph 1 of FIG. 11 identifies a range of
flow rates for groundwater sample pump system 126 of approximately
1.25 gpm at the well surface or ground level 166 reducing to a flow
rate of zero at approximately 145 to 150 feet maximum well depth
"C".
[0060] According to further aspects, a voltage booster (shown and
described in reference to FIG. 12) can be provided, which boosts
the 12 VDC voltage up to 18 VDC. Using the voltage booster, the
range of flow rates for groundwater sample pump system 126 shown as
graph 2 of FIG. 11 can be increased from approximately 1.6 gpm at
the well surface or ground level 166 and reducing to a flow rate of
approximately 0.7 gpm at 150 feet well depth "C". It is anticipated
that using the voltage booster can provide a maximum pump operating
depth of approximately 180 feet while still using the same 12 VDC
power source 200.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 12, a circuit diagram provides components
and data input and output ports for operation of groundwater sample
pump system 126. Electronic Speed Control (ESC) for the DC pump is
provided at ESC 202 which is connected to a first microcontroller
204. An output of the sensor 34 is also connected to first
microcontroller 204, which is also provided with a programming port
206 to enter system operating variables and control set points. A
power input and regulator section 208 is provided to control power
to operate the brushless DC motor 56, which can include a voltage
booster increasing the voltage output from 12 VDC to approximately
18 VDC for increasing an operating depth of the sampling pump
assembly 10. The microcontroller 204 can also be used to form an
hour meter to track the total time that the DC motor 56 operates.
The total time may be displayed to the user by controlling a
blinking action (i.e., on/off action) of the LED 180. For example,
the LED 180 may be blinked once when the assembly 10 is first
powered on if the total run time is between 0-100 hours. The LED
180 may be blinked twice if the total run time is between 100-200
hours, three times if the total run time is between 200-300 hours,
etc. The blinking action may be repeated, for example three times,
with a short off interval between each on/off sequence. After that
the LED 180 may be used in connection with its water sensing
operation to indicate when the pump outer housing 12 is submerged
in water.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 13 and again to FIG. 9, remote operation
and collection of data for groundwater sample pump system 126 can
also be provided. A small capacity second battery 210, such as a
9-volt battery, is located on the reel 142 and provides operating
power for LED 180 and sensor 34 during initial installation of the
sampling pump assembly 10 into the well 164, as well as powering
microcontroller 204 and a second microcontroller 212 when the main
12 VDC power source is not connected. Second battery 210 provides
sufficient power to test operation of brushless DC motor 56 prior
to insertion into the well. Second battery 210 is connected to the
second microcontroller 212, which in turn is in communication with
and regulates operation of both the LED 180 and the pump speed
selector 202. A wireless frequency transceiver, for example a
Bluetooth.RTM. protocol wireless transceiver 214, can also be
optionally used which communicates with the second microcontroller
212 via a communication path 216. The Bluetooth.RTM. protocol
transceiver 214 provides for remote wireless communication between
the groundwater sampling pump system 126 and a portable electronic
device 218, such as a smart phone, via a wireless signal path 220.
The portable electronic device 218 can also communicate data
between the sampling pump system 126 and one or more cloud-based
subsystems 222 using a wireless transmission path 224.
[0063] In addition to the small second battery 210 that provides
temporary power for operation of the LED 180 and sensor 34, an
additional larger capacity rechargeable battery 226 can also be
provided with reel 142. Battery 226 is sized to provide limited
operating time for DC motor 56 to provide sample flow from well 164
when the power source 200 is not available. Battery 226 may be
releasably mounted via any suitable mounting bracket or fixture
(not shown) to the A-shaped frame 128 for convenience.
[0064] The groundwater sampling pump system 126 can be controlled,
operated and have data uploaded or downloaded using the portable
electronic device 218, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or
virtually any other form of personal electronic device. This allows
motor speed control, water level status indication, time of
operation of the motor 56, battery state, troubleshooting,
historical data such as past motor operating run times and speed
settings and other data to be collected and remotely accessed for
individual wells. The operator can therefore access other well site
data in addition to previous data from well 164 to determine
potential settings for operation of groundwater sample pump system
126 at the specific well such as well 164.
[0065] The groundwater sampling pump system 126 offers several
advantages. These include: (1) the provision of a pump system
having a 12-volt brushless DC motor with circuitry provided in the
pump assembly housing and with communication lines for control of
the system grouped together with power cables extending from the
circuitry of the pump assembly housing to a reel positioned at a
ground level position, such that the DC motor operating speed and
current are reduced from known sample pump systems thereby
improving operating efficiency; (2) the use of a regenerative
impeller with the 12-volt brushless DC motor permits the operating
speed of the DC motor to be reduced from approximately 12,000 to
15,000 rpm of known sample pump systems having centrifugal
impellers down to approximately 8,000 rpm, which significantly
reduces cavitation at the impeller, improving pump assembly and
impeller life and reducing impact on water samples withdrawn from
the well; (3) the reel used to retain the pump assembly power and
control cabling includes a built-in controller providing local
control of the pump assembly; (4) a water sensor is provided with
the pump assembly that is remotely connected to an LED on a panel
of the reel providing visual indication when the pump is submerged
in the well water volume; (5) a local battery, such as a 9-volt
battery, is also provided with the reel that provides power for the
sensor prior to connection of a main 12-volt power system to the
pump assembly 10; (6) a signal from the sensor provides an
additional on-off feature such that the pump is automatically
de-energized when the sensor indicates the pump assembly is above
the surface of the well water volume; (7) bayonet pins engaged in
L-shaped slots of the pump assembly housing provide a releasable
assembly; (8) a separate battery in addition to the 9-volt battery
provided for LED operation can also be provided in the reel to
provide limited operation of the DC motor; and (9) the groundwater
sampling pump system 126 can be controlled, operated and have data
uploaded or downloaded using remote devices such as a portable
phone or tablet allowing motor speed control, water level status
indication, time of operation of the motor, battery state,
troubleshooting, historical data such as past motor operating run
times and speed settings and other data to be collected and
remotely accessed for individual wells.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 14, a sampling pump assembly 300 can be
seen in accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure. The pump assembly 300 is substantially identical in
construction and operation to the sampling pump assembly 10
discussed above, with the exceptions noted below. The sampling pump
assembly 300 includes a housing 302 having a curving J-shaped 306
slot at a first end 304, and a similar curving J-shaped slot 310 in
a housing connector 308 associated with a housing inlet end
component 312. FIG. 15A illustrates the J-shaped slot 310 in
greater detail. Since the construction of the J-shaped slots 306
and 310 are identical in this example, only the detailed
construction of J-shaped slot 310 will be provided. Also, it will
be appreciated that a pair of J-shaped slots 306 spaced about 180
degrees apart from one another are included on the housing 302, and
likewise a pair of the J-shaped slots 310 are included on housing
connector 308 and spaced apart about 180 degrees from one another,
although only one of each of the J-shaped slots 306 and 310 is
visible in FIG. 14.
[0067] J-shaped slot 310 includes a gradually curving section 314
and a slightly enlarged end portion 316. End portion 316 helps to
define a point 318 which provides a positive retention feature when
bayonet pin 320 (FIG. 15) is urged into the gradually curving
section 314 of the J-shaped slot 310 and then urged over point
318.
[0068] With further reference to FIGS. 15, 15A and 16, During
travel into and through the curving portion 314, at least one
interior gasket 322 (FIG. 16) will begin to be compressed by a
distal edge 324 of impeller chamber 326 as the bayonet pin 320
reaches, and moves past, point 318. Point 318 helps to effect a
positive "snapping" or "clicking" action/feel as the bayonet pin
320 is urged over the point 318 into full engagement within
enlarged end portion 316. Creation of the snapping/clicking action
is assisted by the slight compressibility of the internal gasket
mentioned above. A positive retention of the bayonet pin 320 and
locking action within the enlarged end portion 316 occurs because
the enlarged end portion 316 defines a distance D1 which slightly
less than a Distance D2. As the bayonet pin 320 is urged over the
point 318 and fully engages in the end portion 316, the user feels
a definite snapping or clicking action (i.e., tactile feedback),
which indicates the bayonet pin is fully seated in the enlarged end
portion 316. At this stage, point 318 helps to prevent the bayonet
pin 320 from being urged back into the curving portion 314 without
some definite counter rotational force applied by the user. This
retention, and an excellent fluid tight seal between components 302
and 312 is thus accomplished without the need for any separate
sleeves or locking rings, as otherwise required with some
previously developed bayonet locking designs.
[0069] FIG. 17 illustrates an easily accessible and replaceable
annular motor shaft seal 350 integrated into the pump assembly 300.
In this example the motor shaft 57 can be seen engaged with the
connecting member 54. Surrounding the connecting member 54 is an
annular seal 350. The seal 350 may be preferably be a PTFE
FlexiSeal.RTM. sealing element commercially available from the
Parker Hannifin Corporation, or any suitable equivalent form of
seal. Surrounding the seal 350 may be a sealing retainer 352 having
a body portion 354 and a pair of O-rings 356 and 358 seated in
upper and lower annular recesses 360 and 362 respectively. Both the
seal 350 and the sealing retainer 352 rest on a precision
dimensioned spacer 364, which in turn rests on an end face 366 of
the motor shaft 57. It will be noted that that outer diameter of
the spacer 364 is just slightly greater, for example by about 0.015
inch, than the outer diameter of the body portion 354, but
preferably about 0.005 inch smaller than the internal diameter of a
recess 363 of a removable bearing retainer component 368. This
tight tolerance allows the seal 350 to sit centered to the
connecting member 54 throughout the entire assembly shown in FIG.
17 without being moved off center.
[0070] The removable bearing retainer component 368 has a pair of
bores 370 which receive a pair of threaded fasteners 372. Threaded
fasteners 372 engage within threaded blind holes in the end face
366 of the motor shaft 57. Threaded fasteners 372 enable the
bearing retainer component 368 to be quickly and easily removed in
the field by an individual using only a conventional hand tool such
as an Allen wrench, screwdriver, etc. Disassembly and reassembly
can be performed in the field without complex procedures. When
disassembled, the PTFE FlexiSeal.RTM. sealing element 350 and/or
the sealing retainer 352 can thus be easily replaced without the
need for special tools. The concentric arrangement of the sealing
retainer 352 with the PTFE FlexiSeal.RTM. sealing element 350
further enables the sealing retainer 352 to be essentially
perfectly concentrically aligned with sealing element 350 and the
motor shaft 57, which further helps to ensure a watertight seal
between the bearing retainer component 368 and the motor shaft 57.
Referring to FIGS. 18-20, various views of an impeller retainer 380
in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure may
be seen. FIGS. 21-24 illustrate various views of another embodiment
of an impeller housing 382 that may be used with the impeller
retainer 380. Impeller retainer 380 forms a pump inlet with a
ramped surface 384 (FIG. 20) that helps even more efficiently
direct incoming flow into a volute portion 386 (FIG. 18). In FIGS.
18 and 20, volute portions 384a and 386a communicate with each
other. Similarly, in FIGS. 21-23, the impeller housing 382 includes
a ramped portion 388 that even more efficiently helps to direct the
flow out from volute portion 390. In FIGS. 21 and 23, the flow
enters the volute portion 390 at point 390a and leaves at portion
390b of the volute portion 390. As the flow leaves portion 390b it
enters the ramped portion 388 in FIG. 21. Accordingly, the ramped
portions 384 and 388 enable even more efficiently directing flow
into and out from the volute formed by volute portions 386 and
390.
[0071] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are
skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as
examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details
need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in
many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit
the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments,
well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known
technologies are not described in detail.
[0072] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and
therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The
method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to
be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the
particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically
identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood
that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0073] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on,"
"engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or
layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the
other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be
present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or
"directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no
intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to
describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in
a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between,"
"adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the
term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of
the associated listed items.
[0074] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used
herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers
and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or
sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be
only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or
section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as
"first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do
not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the
context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section
discussed below could be termed a second element, component,
region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of
the example embodiments.
[0075] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer,"
"beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be
used herein for ease of description to describe one element or
feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as
illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be
intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use
or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the
figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over,
elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or
features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or
features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an
orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise
oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the
spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0076] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual
elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not
limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *