In-line jet pumps and methods of use

Abstract

A jet pump comprising (A) a housing which defines at least a suction chamber, a suction inlet and a suction outlet; (B) a nozzle assembly disposed within the housing which nozzle assembly is sized and configured to receive at least a pressurized fluid and eject the pressurized fluid as a fluid flow into a portion of the suction chamber; and (C) a discharge conduit extending from the suction outlet away from the suction chamber, the discharge conduit being configured for fluid communication with the suction chamber and being disposed to receive the fluid flow from the nozzle assembly, wherein the discharge conduit defines at least a first inner diameter along a portion of its length and a second inner diameter along another portion of its length, the first inner diameter being less than the second inner diameter. The housing is configured so that the suction inlet provides a flow of suctioned material into the suction chamber which has a predominant direction of flow of suctioned material which is substantially parallel to a predominant direction of flow of the fluid flow from the nozzle assembly when the jet pump is in use.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to hydraulic nonmechanical pumping devices for transferring material, and specifically, to jet pumps for moving solid, semi-solid, slurried and / or liquid materials, as well as related methods.BACKGROUND[0002]When materials such as silts, sand and / or mud located at the bottoms of water bodies need to be removed, the equipment for accomplishing the removal is typically massive, heavy and difficult to maneuver. Therefore, a need exists for an apparatus of relatively small dimensions and lighter weight which can be manipulated in areas which present logistical problems for larger equipment such as drag lines, large excavators, and the like.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present inventions meet this need, amongst others by providing an in-line jet pump for suctioning material, which can be attached to an arm of a piece of equipment such as a backhoe and which can be manipulated so that the suction inlet is in very close prox...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]The present inventions meet this need, amongst others by providing an in-line jet pump for suctioning material, which can be attached to an arm of a piece of equipment such as a backhoe and which can be manipulated so that the suction inlet is in very close proximity to the material to be suctioned. The novel configuration of the in-line jet pump of this invention enables close-in work in such locations as, for example, marinas, boat slips and small sediment ponds.

[0006]Another embodiment of the invention provides a nozzle assembly which is sized and configured to receive the pressurized fluid and an gas and to eject the pressurized fluid as a fluid flow into the suction chamber while feeding the gas into proximity with the periphery of the fluid flow. Pursuant to another embodiment of the invention, the gas is air. In another embodiment of the invention the gas is an inert gas. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the fluid flow (or liquid jet) created by passage of pressurized fluid through the nozzle assembly has minimal deflection of direction of flow as it exits the nozzle assembly because of an a gas bearing surrounding the liquid jet. Consequently, the in-line jet pump has improved efficiency and load capacity.

[0018]The phrase, close-fitting relationship, is understood to mean that selected components of the suction system such as, the discharge conduit, the pressurized fluid supply conduit and the gas supply conduit are attached to each other and / or attached to or integral with a device or structure serving as the control means. In this way, the selected components are moved about or manipulated as a unit. Maintaining a close-fitting relationship among the selected components together with the jet pump, permits unimpeded movement of the suction inlet. This avoids problems of poor positioning when, for example, the pressurized fluid supply conduit may become bound-up or impinged during use of the suction system.

Problems solved by technology

When materials such as silts, sand and / or mud located at the bottoms of water bodies need to be removed, the equipment for accomplishing the removal is typically massive, heavy and difficult to maneuver.

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