Low-profile impeller bolt

Abstract

An impeller for a self-primer pump is structured for attachment to the terminal end of a drive shaft by means of a bolt that is configured to provide a low profile such that the eye of the impeller is rendered capable of processing larger solids that are entrained in fluid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 707,088 filed Aug. 10, 2005.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to self-priming centrifugal pumps which are used to process fluids containing solids. Specifically, this invention relates to providing an impeller bolt that has a low profile to thereby accommodate processing of fluids with larger solids entrained in the fluid. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Self-priming centrifugal pumps are well-known and frequently used in industries where processing fluids with entrained solids is required. Self-primer pumps, also known as trash pumps, are characterized as having a casing which houses a suction chamber and a separation chamber divided by a wall or plenum. An impeller positioned in a volute section of the pump receives fluid from the suction chamber and deliv...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, the impeller of a self-primer pump is structured for attachment to the terminal end of a drive shaft by means of a bolt that is configured to provide a low profile such that the eye of the impeller is rendered capable of processing larger solids that are entrained in fluid. The bolt is also configured to eliminate the additional washer / spacer of prior art impellers, thereby reducing the cost of the pump and its repair or maintenance.

[0011] The present invention comprises a bolt for attaching the impeller to the terminal end of the drive shaft which is configured with a low-profile; that is, the bolt does not extend appreciably above the surface of the impeller and into the eye of the impeller. As a result, the impeller arrangement of the present invention allows the pump to process large-sized solids (e.g., three inches in diameter or larger) without having the solids become lodged between the impeller bolt and the wear plate.

[0012] The low-profile impeller bolt is generally formed with a unitarily formed shaft and head that eliminates the separate washer or spacer of prior art bolts. The head of the bolt of the present invention is substantially flattened in profile, thereby limiting the distance that the bolt extends into the eye of the impeller. As a result, larger solids that may be processed by the pump do not become lodged between the impeller and the wear plate of the pump.

Problems solved by technology

However, it has been shown that the size or diameter of solids that are reported to be processable by a pump are actually not able to be processed.

As a result, larger sized solids can become trapped or lodged between the head of the screw and the wear plate that is positioned adjacent the impeller on the suction side of the pump.

Solids lodged between the impeller and wear plate can cause the impeller to slow or stop in its rotation and / or can impede the flow of fluid through the pump, thereby leading to reduced pumping efficiency, or even pump failure.

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