Integral sensor and control for dry run and flow fault protection of a pump

Abstract

A pump providing fault protection based on a controller receiving sensed pressure values from a pressure sensor included in a cavity of the pump, so as to be integral with the pump.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] Reference is made to and priority claimed from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 701,607 filed Jul. 21, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a pump, and more particularly to a controller or device built into a pump for providing protection for the pump against dry run and flow fault conditions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Existing pump control devices for providing protection for a smaller-sized water pump against dry run and flow fault conditions typically include a pressure-activated electrical switch that turns off power to the pump when the monitored pressure is too low (or is a vacuum). The pressure-activated switch is installed externally to the pump, in such a way as to monitor the inlet and / or outlet pressure. The control is reflexive, in that a drop in pressure below the threshold of the pressure-activated switch will cause the switch to operate. The pressure-activated switch is typic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a pump with a controller that uses pressure sensors to monitor and protect against dry run conditions and flow faults. The controller is programmable and can set and change parameters based on the pump's performance. The controller uses the pressure sensors and other control parameters to interpret and dynamically respond to changes in the system. The invention avoids the need for external components and does not require intrusions into the plumbing lines, making it more efficient and safe. The logic of the controller allows for optimal behavior based on the application's needs. The invention can be used in a beverage syrup dispensing system to prevent flow faults and ensure continued pump operation.

Problems solved by technology

This creates a risk of leaks in the plumbing, increases the work required for installation, and adds to the physical component count.

In addition, such pump control devices typically lack input and decision-making flexibility in that they are designed to respond to a single-variable input stimulus (pressure), and they typically lack variable output functionality since they can only switch the pump to an ON or OFF state.

This can be problematic if conditions on the sensed side of the pump are within acceptable operating limits, but conditions on the other side are not.

For example, if a pump control device is configured only to respond to vacuum conditions appearing on the supply side of a pump, then no protection is afforded against uncontrolled flows resulting from catastrophic failure of, or damage to, the plumbing system charged by the pump.

As is known, unusually large fluid flows in a plumbing system may result from failure or damage to the plumbing system.

Such “flow faults” (analogous to excessively large electrical current flow in an “electrical fault”) can cause the pressure of the fluid in the system served by the pump to fall to a low value.

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