CN116806292A

CN116806292A - Main gasket for pump

Info

Publication number: CN116806292A
Application number: CN202180089042.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 兰迪·詹姆斯·科斯米基
Original assignee: Weir Slurry Group Inc
Current assignee: Weir Slurry Group Inc
Priority date: 2021-01-16
Filing date: 2021-01-16
Publication date: 2023-09-26
Also published as: CA3203412A1; WO2022150871A1

Abstract

A primary liner for a centrifugal slurry pump, the primary liner comprising: a main liner body having a circumferential portion with a center point defined relative to the circumferential portion, wherein an inner surface of the circumferential portion defines a pumping chamber; an inlet opening formed in the main liner body for introducing fluid into the pumping chamber; a discharge outlet extending from the main liner body defining a fluid path for discharging fluid from the pumping chamber, wherein a horizontal axis extending through the center point of the circumferential portion meets the inner surface of the circumferential portion at a tangent below the discharge outlet when the discharge outlet is in a vertical orientation, wherein an angle α is formed by the tangent and the horizontal axis.

Description

Main gasket for pump

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to centrifugal slurry pumps and components or parts for use in such pumps. Slurries are typically mixtures of liquids and particulate solids and are commonly found in the mineral processing, sand and/or dredging industries.

Background

Centrifugal slurry pumps generally comprise a pump housing comprising a main housing portion and one or more side portions. The pump further includes a housing encasing the pump housing. In this arrangement, the pump housing is configured as a pump liner, typically formed of a hard metal or elastomer. In an alternative arrangement, the pump assembly may be a 'linerless' pump assembly that does not include a pump liner, and alternatively, the pump housing is the outer housing of the pump. The impeller is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation within the housing. The main housing portion has an outer circumferential wall section with an inner surface, which may be in the form of a volute, a discharge outlet and an inlet at one side and coaxial with the impeller rotation axis. The impeller generally includes a hub to which the drive shaft is operatively connected and at least one shroud. The pumping vanes are disposed on one side of the shroud with discharge passages between adjacent pumping vanes. In one form of impeller, the two shrouds are provided with pumping vanes disposed therebetween. The pumping vane includes opposite major sides, one of which is a pumping or pressure side.

Due to the abrasive nature of the slurry, the pump components of the pump, such as the pump impeller and pump liner (or housing in the case of a linerless pump), are subject to extreme wear, which results in a significant reduction in the operational life of these components. In particular, the main liner wears due to turbulence in the pumping chamber, which causes a rough flow pattern as the slurry passes through the main liner.

Generally, the design of the pump assembly, including the impeller and pump liner, is limited by the design and internal shape of the centrifugal slurry pump, and in particular the internal shape of the outer housing of the lined centrifugal slurry pump. One way to deal with this problem is to redesign the outer casing when redesigning the impeller or pump liner. However, this approach involves significantly more capital expenditure and also often requires changing the operating footprint of the centrifugal slurry pump, which may not be available at existing industrial sites. In some cases, and in particular, in the case of some linerless pump assemblies, the redesign of the outer shape of the housing may be limited, for example, by connecting bolts positioned in close proximity to the housing in the manner required to secure the two halves of the housing together.

The present disclosure relates to a pump liner configuration that provides improved wear characteristics that are compatible with existing centrifugal pump housings.

The present disclosure also relates to a housing arrangement for a linerless centrifugal pump.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a primary liner for a centrifugal slurry pump, the primary liner comprising: a main liner body having a circumferential portion with a center point defined relative to the circumferential portion, wherein an inner surface of the circumferential portion defines a pumping chamber; an inlet opening formed in the main liner body for introducing fluid into the pumping chamber; a discharge outlet extending from the main liner body defining a fluid path for discharging fluid from the pumping chamber, wherein a horizontal axis extending through a center point of the circumferential portion meets an inner surface of the circumferential portion at a tangent below the discharge outlet when the discharge outlet is in a vertical orientation, wherein an angle α formed by the tangent and the horizontal axis is between about 97 ° and about 105 °.

In certain embodiments, the angle α is between about 100 ° and about 104 °. In one form, the angle α is between about 101 ° and about 103 °.

In certain embodiments, the primary liner includes a transition surface extending between an inner surface of the circumferential portion and an inner surface of the discharge outlet, the transition surface including a water division for separating an outflow of material in the discharge outlet from a recirculation flow in the primary pumping chamber, wherein a line leading from the discharge outlet along the inner surface and passing through a mid-point of the water division meets the horizontal axis at an angle β between about 79 ° and about 87 ° at a point below the discharge outlet.

In certain embodiments, the angle β is between about 81 ° and about 85 °. In one form, the angle β is between about 82 ° and about 84 °.

In certain embodiments, the diverter has a leading edge, wherein a line drawn from the leading edge of the diverter to the center point meets the horizontal axis at an angle γ between about 32 ° and 42 °.

In certain embodiments, the angle γ is between about 34 ° and 40 °. In one form, the angle γ is between about 36 ° and 38 °.

In certain embodiments, the thickness L of the main pad body from the leading edge of the water distribution portion to the juncture of the outer surface of the circumferential portion and the outer surface of the discharge outlet is 2.0 to 3.5 times greater than the thickness of the main pad body at point D along a centerline passing through the center point.

In certain embodiments, the thickness L is 2.6 to 3.2 times greater than the thickness of the main pad body at point D. In one form, the thickness L is 2.8 to 3.0 times greater than the thickness of the main pad body at point D.

In certain embodiments, the thickness L of the main gasket body from the leading edge of the water distribution portion to the junction where the outer surface of the circumferential portion meets the outer surface of the discharge outlet is about 1.0 to about 1.2 times the thickness J, where J is a line meeting the thickness L at a right angle from the inner surface of the discharge outlet through the main gasket body, through the junction, and to the inner surface of the circumferential portion.

In certain embodiments, the water dividing portion comprises a rounded profile at the leading edge. In one form, the radius of the circular profile of the water splitting section is in the range of 0.09 to 0.2×br, where Br is the radius of the inlet opening.

According to another aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a primary liner for a centrifugal slurry pump, the primary liner comprising: a main liner body having a circumferential portion with a center point defined relative to the circumferential portion, wherein an inner surface of the circumferential portion defines a pumping chamber; an inlet opening formed in the main liner body for introducing fluid into the pumping chamber; a discharge outlet extending from the main gasket body defining a fluid path for discharging fluid from the pumping chamber, a transition surface extending between an inner surface of the circumferential portion and an inner surface of the discharge outlet, the transition surface including a water division for separating an outflow of material in the discharge outlet from a recirculation flow in the main pumping chamber, wherein the main gasket comprises, when the discharge outlet is in a vertical orientation: a volute collecting portion defined as a region of the main gasket from a point P on an inner surface of the circumferential portion at the water dividing portion counterclockwise to a point G on the circumferential portion; a transition portion defined as the area of the main pad from point G anticlockwise to a line extending from point P to point H, the line being parallel to a horizontal axis on the inner surface of the discharge portion; and a discharge portion M, which is a region extending from the transition portion to an outlet of the main packing, wherein an angle CA is defined as an angle formed between a radial line leading from the center point to the point P and a radial line leading from the center point to the point G, wherein CA is between about 40 ° and 60 °.

In one form, the angle CA is between about 45 and 55.

In certain embodiments, the primary backing is a one-piece backing composed of a metal or metal alloy.

According to another aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a pump housing for a linerless centrifugal slurry pump, the pump housing comprising: a pump housing body having a circumferential portion with a center point defined relative to the circumferential portion, wherein an inner surface of the circumferential portion defines a pumping chamber; an inlet opening formed in the pump housing body for introducing fluid into the pumping chamber; a discharge outlet extending from the pump housing body defining a fluid path for discharging fluid from the pumping chamber, wherein a horizontal axis extending through a center point of the circumferential portion meets an inner surface of the circumferential portion at a tangent below the discharge outlet when the discharge outlet is in a vertical orientation, wherein an angle α formed by the tangent and the horizontal axis is between about 97 ° and about 105 °.

According to another aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a pump housing for a centrifugal slurry pump, the pump housing comprising: a pump housing body having a circumferential portion with a center point defined relative to the circumferential portion, wherein an inner surface of the circumferential portion defines a pumping chamber; an inlet opening formed in the pump housing body for introducing fluid into the pumping chamber; a discharge outlet extending from the pump housing body defining a fluid path for discharging fluid from the pumping chamber; a transition surface extending between an inner surface of the circumferential portion and an inner surface of the discharge outlet, the transition surface comprising a water dividing portion for separating an outflow of material in the discharge outlet from a recirculation flow in the main pumping chamber, the water dividing portion comprising a leading edge, wherein when the discharge outlet is in a vertical orientation, the pump housing comprises: a volute collecting portion defined as a region of the pump housing from a point P on an inner surface of the circumferential portion at the water dividing portion counterclockwise to a point G on the circumferential portion; a transition portion defined as the area of the pump housing from point G counterclockwise to a line extending from point P to point H, the line being parallel to a horizontal axis on the inner surface of the discharge portion; and a discharge portion M, which is a region extending from the transition portion to an outlet of the pump housing, wherein the angle CA is defined as an angle formed between a radial line leading from the center point to the point P and a radial line leading from the center point to the point G, wherein CA is between about 40 ° and 60 °.

Other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of the disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the disclosed invention.

Drawings

Although in any other form which may fall within the scope of the methods and apparatus set forth in the summary, specific embodiments of the methods and apparatus will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic partial cross-sectional side views of a typical centrifugal slurry pump assembly;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of one side of a primary pumping pad according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the other side of the primary pumping pad depicted in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of a prior art pumping pad, the cross-section passing through a midpoint between two opposite sides of the pumping pad and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pump;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of a pumping liner according to an embodiment, the cross-section passing through a midpoint between two opposite sides of the pumping liner and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pump;

FIG. 7 is a close-up detailed view of a cross-section of the water diversion portion of the main pumping pad depicted in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of a prior art pumping liner, the cross-section passing through a midpoint between two opposite sides of the pumping liner and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pump;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section of a pumping liner according to an embodiment, the cross-section passing through a midpoint between two opposite sides of the pumping liner and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pump;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a linerless centrifugal slurry pump; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of a typical linerless centrifugal slurry pump assembly.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is generally shown a slurry pump apparatus 100 comprising a pump 10 and a pump housing support in the form of a base or seat 112 (only partially shown) on which the pump 10 is mounted. The base is also known as a frame in the pump industry. The pump 10 generally includes an outer housing 22 formed from two side housing portions or sections 23, 24 (sometimes also referred to as frame plates and cover plates) that are joined together around the periphery of the two side housing sections 23, 24. The pump 10 is formed by side openings, one of which is an inlet aperture 28, here the other is a discharge outlet aperture 29. The arrangement is such that when used in a processing plant, the pump is connected to the inlet aperture 28 and the outlet aperture 29 by pipes to facilitate pumping of, for example, mineral slurry.

The pump 10 further comprises an inner pump liner 11 arranged within the outer casing 22, the inner pump liner comprising a main liner 12 and two side liners 14, 30. A side liner (or backing pad) 14 is located near the back side of the pump 10 (i.e., closest to the base or foundation 112), while another side liner (also known as a front liner or laryngeal cuff) 30 is located near the front side of the pump. The slurry pump apparatus 100 is referred to as a 'lined' centrifugal slurry pump apparatus. In the lined slurry pump apparatus 100, the main liner 12 and the two side liners are configured to fit within a cavity defined by the inner surface of the outer casing 22 provided by the two side casing sections 23, 24.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, when the pump assembly is in use, the two side housing parts 23, 24 of the outer housing 22 are joined together by bolts 27 located around the periphery of the housing parts 23, 24. In some embodiments, the main cushion 12 may also comprise two separate portions disposed within the side shell portions 23, 24 and gathered together to form a single main cushion, although in the example shown in fig. 1, the main cushion 12 is made in a single piece, shaped like an automobile tire. The gasket 11 may be made of a material such as rubber, elastomer, or metal.

When the pump is assembled, the side openings in the main liner 12 are filled with, or accommodate, the two side liners 14, 30 to form a continuous liner pumping chamber 42 disposed within the pump housing 22. A seal comprising a seal chamber housing 114 and a seal adapter 115 encloses the side liner (or backing pad) 14 and is arranged to seal a space or seal chamber 118 between the drive shaft 116 and the base or foundation 112 to prevent leakage from the back region of the outer housing 22. The seal chamber housing takes the form of a circular disc-shaped section and an annular section with a central aperture and is known in one arrangement as a stuffing box 117. A stuffing box 117 is disposed adjacent to the side liner 14 and extends between the base 112 and the shaft sleeve and stuffing material about the shaft 116.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the impeller 40 is positioned within the main liner 12 and is mounted or operatively connected to a drive shaft 116 that is adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation X-X. A motor drive (not shown) is typically attached by pulleys to the exposed end of the shaft 116, which is located in an area behind the base or pedestal 112. Rotation of the impeller 40 causes fluid (or solid-liquid mixture or slurry) being pumped to pass from a conduit connected to the inlet orifice through a pumping chamber 42 located within the main and side liners 12, 14, 30 and then out of the pump via the discharge outlet orifice.

As shown, the front pad 30 (or throat brush) includes a cylindrical intake section 32 through which slurry enters the pumping chamber 42 when the pump is in use. The intake section 32 has an intake passage 33 therein having a first outermost end 34 operatively connected to a feed tube (not shown) and a second innermost end 35 adjacent the chamber 42. The front liner 30 further comprises a side wall section 15 which in use cooperates with the main liner 12 to form and enclose a chamber 42, the side wall section 15 having an inner face. The backing pad 14 comprises a disc-shaped body having an outer edge and an inner face that mate with the primary pad.

Impeller 40 includes a hub 41 from which a plurality of circumferentially spaced pumping blades 43 extend. The eye portion 47 extends forwardly from the hub 41 toward the channel 33 in the front pad 30. The impeller 40 further includes front and rear shrouds 50, 51 and an impeller inlet 48, with blades disposed and extending therebetween. A hub 41 extends from the backing pad 14. In fig. 2, the shield is arranged in a plane substantially at right angles to the axis of rotation. In fig. 1, the front shroud is tilted with respect to the axis.

The front and rear shrouds include inner, outer and peripheral edge portions. The front shroud includes an inlet and vanes 43 extending between the inner surfaces of the shroud. The shield is generally circular or disc-shaped when viewed from the front, i.e. in the direction of the axis of rotation X-X (fig. 1).

As shown in fig. 2, each shroud has a plurality of auxiliary or discharge vanes on its outer face, a first set of auxiliary vanes 60 on the outer face of the front shroud, and a second set of auxiliary vanes 61 on the outer face of the rear shroud. In the embodiment of fig. 1, only the auxiliary vanes are present on the front shroud.

Fig. 10 and 11 show a linerless centrifugal slurry pump 100. As can be seen in fig. 11, the pump assembly 100 has a similar construction to the lined centrifugal slurry pump assembly described with respect to fig. 1 and 2, with the key difference being that the linerless slurry pump assembly 100 of fig. 11 does not include a primary liner 12. Instead, the outer housing 22 of the pump assembly provides the inner surface of the pumping chamber and provides a similar function as the main liner of a lined centrifugal slurry pump. As shown in fig. 10 and 11, the same features have been provided with the same reference numerals as used in fig. 1 and 2.

Referring to fig. 3, 4, 6 and 7, there is shown a main slurry pump liner 120 comprising a main liner body 122 including a pumping chamber 124 having opposite sides 137, 138 (fig. 3 and 4) with openings 139, 140 (fig. 3 and 4) therein, respectively. The main pad body 122 further includes a circumferential portion 141 that includes a center point Q defined relative to the circumference of the circumferential portion 141 of the main pad body 122. The circumferential portion may be in the form of a volute. The center point Q may or may not be coaxial with the rotational axis X-X of the impeller and drive shaft of the centrifugal slurry pump. In fig. 6, the center point Q of the main pad body 122 is aligned with the rotation axis X-X of the impeller and drive shaft.

The circumferential portion 141 has an inner surface 144 that contains the pumping chamber 124. The main liner body 122 further includes a drain outlet 150 having a drain passage 151 with an inner surface 152 in fluid communication with the pumping chamber 124. The drain channel 151 extends generally from the pumping chamber 124 and terminates at a drain outlet port 154.

Fig. 6 is a cross-section of the pumping liner 120, wherein the cross-section passes through a midpoint between two opposite sides 137, 138 of the pumping liner 120 and is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the centrifugal slurry pump in use. In this figure, the main liner body 122 depicts a drain outlet 150 extending from the main liner body 122 in a vertical orientation. In other words, the discharge outlet is in an orientation in which the discharge outlet 150 extends upwardly and away from the surface on which the slurry pump is positioned in use. In this vertical orientation, a horizontal axis Y-Y extending through the center point Q of the peripheral portion 141 meets the inner surface 144 of the peripheral portion 141 at an angle α of between about 97 ° and about 105 ° on the peripheral portion and at a tangent below the discharge outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α may be between about 100 ° and about 104 °. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle α may be between about 101 ° and about 103 °. In yet another preferred embodiment, the angle α may be about 102 °.

The primary liner 120 may further include a transition surface 180 extending between the inner surface of the circumferential portion 144 and the inner surface 152 of the discharge outlet 150, the transition surface 180 including a water division 185 for separating the outflow of material in the discharge outlet 150 from the recirculation flow in the primary pumping chamber 124. As depicted in fig. 6, a line A-A leading from the discharge outlet 150 along the inner surface 152 of the discharge outlet and passing through the midpoint of the water division 185 meets the horizontal axis Y-Y at a point below the discharge outlet 150, may be at an angle β between about 79 ° and about 87 °. In a preferred embodiment, the angle β may be between about 81 ° and about 85 °. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle β may be between about 82 ° and about 84 °. In yet another preferred embodiment, the angle β may be about 83 °.

The water division 185 of the main liner 122 may have a leading edge 190 at the point of the water division 185 that diverts and separates the effluent flow of material and the recirculation flow of material in the main liner 120 during operation.

Referring to fig. 6, line B-B drawn from the leading edge 190 of the water deflector 185 to the center point Q meets the horizontal axis Y-Y at an angle γ between about 32 ° and 42 °. In a preferred embodiment, the angle γ may be between about 34 ° and about 40 °. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle γ may be between about 36 ° and about 38 °. In yet another preferred embodiment, the angle γ may be about 37 °.

The primary liner 120 according to the present disclosure has an increased thickness at the cutwater 185 due to the orientation of the discharge outlet 150 relative to the pumping chamber 124 of the primary liner 120, as described herein. Specifically, the thickness L of the main pad body from the leading edge of the water distribution portion 190 to the junction 195 where the outer surface of the circumferential portion 141 meets the outer surface of the discharge outlet 150 may be 2.0 to 3.5 times greater than the thickness T of the main pad body at point D along a center line passing through the center point Q. In a preferred form, the thickness rise may be 2.6 to 3.2 times greater than the thickness T of the main pad body at point D. In a further preferred form, the thickness L may be 2.8 to 3.0 times greater than the thickness T of the main pad body at point D. In yet another preferred form thereof, the thickness T of the main pad body at point D may be about 2.9 times greater than the thickness T of the main pad body at point D.

Fig. 7 depicts a close-up view of a cross-section of the cutwater 185 shown in fig. 6. The thickness L from the leading edge of the water dividing portion 190 to the junction 195 where the outer surface of the circumferential portion 141 meets the outer surface of the discharge outlet 150 meets the thickness J at right angles, which is a line passing through the body of the main liner from the inner surface 152 of the discharge outlet 150 to the inner surface 144 of the circumferential portion 141. The thickness L may be about 1.0 to about 1.2 times the thickness J. Additionally, the wall of the discharge outlet adjacent junction 195 may have a thickness of about 1.7 to about 2.8 times the thickness of the wall of the discharge outlet on the other side of the discharge outlet.

Fig. 5 provides a cross-section of a prior art pumping pad, wherein the cross-section passes through a midpoint between two opposite sides of the pumping pad and is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pump. The view of the existing primary pumping pad shown in fig. 5 is an equivalent cross-section of the view of the primary pad shown in fig. 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The existing primary pump liner of fig. 5 is designed to fit within the cavity formed by the outer housing 22 of the pump device 100 depicted in fig. 1 and 2. The prior art pumping pad of fig. 5 has a circumferential portion 141 having an outer surface 225 with the same dimensions as the outer surface 225 of the circumferential portion of the pumping pad 120 shown in fig. 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 5, the existing pump liner has a horizontal axis Y-Y extending through the center point Q of the circumferential portion 141, which meets the inner surface 144 of the circumferential portion 141 at an angle α equal to 94 ° at a tangent below the discharge outlet. The prior art pump liner of fig. 5 also includes a line A-A leading from the discharge outlet 150 along the inner surface 152 of the discharge outlet and passing through the midpoint of the water division 185, the line meeting the horizontal axis Y-Y at an angle β of 90 ° at a point below the discharge outlet 150. The prior art pump liner of fig. 5 further includes a line B-B drawn from the leading edge 190 of the water deflector 185 to the center point Q, meeting the horizontal axis Y-Y at an angle γ of 44 °. These dimensions specify: the prior art pump liner shown in fig. 5 includes a thickness L of the main liner body at the water division from the leading edge of the water division to the junction where the outer surface of the circumferential portion 141 meets the outer surface of the discharge outlet 150 that is 1.7 times greater than the thickness T of the main liner body at point D along a centerline passing through the center point Q.

An additional embodiment of a primary pumping pad according to the present disclosure is depicted in fig. 9, wherein the primary pad 120 comprises: a volute collecting portion P-G defined as a region of the main gasket 120 that moves counterclockwise around the center point Q from the point P on the inner surface of the circumferential portion 141 at the water dividing portion 185 to the point G on the circumferential portion 141; a transition portion G-PH defined as an area of the main pad 120 moving counterclockwise from the point G to an area defined by a line extending from the point P on the circumferential portion 141 to the point H on the inner surface of the discharge portion; and a discharge portion M, which is a region extending from the transition portion to the discharge outlet port 154 of the main packing 120, wherein the angle CA is defined as an angle formed between a radial line leading from the center point Q to the point P and a radial line leading from the center point to the point G. In this embodiment, the angle CA is between about 40 and 60. In a preferred form, the angle CA is between about 45 and 55.

In contrast, a prior art gasket is shown in fig. 8, wherein a volute collecting portion P-G, a transition portion G-PH, and a discharge portion M are identified. As can be seen, the transition portion G-PH of the liner according to the present disclosure depicted in fig. 9 encompasses the same angular span (angular span) as the prior art liner depicted in fig. 8. However, point G of the gasket depicted in fig. 9 is no longer parallel to the outlet P-H or horizontal axis, while the transition region is contoured to maintain a smooth transition to the discharge section and to maintain a radius Br from the main gasket opening and a primarily tangential orientation of the discharge outlet port 154. This provides that the position of the transition G-PH in the pad of fig. 9 has been shifted, enabling enlargement of the water division. The offset between the collecting portion P-G and the transition portion G-PH is defined by a change in the orientation of the circumferential portion 141 in the collecting portion P-G that increases in the transition portion G-PH from the point G. In the prior art pad shown in fig. 8, this occurs at a later point (when point G is in line with the horizontal axis).

According to another embodiment, and referring to fig. 9, the radius of the cutwater 185 at the leading edge 190 may be in the range of 0.09 to 0.2 x Br, where Br is the radius of the openings 139, 140 in the sides of the primary pad 120. Typically, the radius of the opening is slightly larger than the radius of the impeller fitted in the main liner during use. It was found preferable that the radius of the water dividing portion at the leading edge is within this range. While it appears feasible to extend the cutwater 185 further into the transition region G-PH to reach a steeper point, the point of the cutwater so disposed will shear open very quickly during use, and particularly when pumping the abrasive slurry. The preferred radius enables the water dividing portion to extend while providing the desired effect of extending the wear life of this area of the pump liner.

As shown with reference to the primary liner according to embodiments described herein and with reference to fig. 6, 7, and 9, it is recognized that when the orientation of the discharge outlet 150 is changed relative to the pumping chamber 124 of the primary liner 120, and particularly when the values of the angles α, β, and/or γ as defined herein are adjusted as described herein, the thickness of the water division increases significantly while maintaining the outer surface 225 of the circumferential portion the same size as existing pump liners. It has also been found that the pump liner so adjusted includes substantially the same internal volume and substantially the same pumping efficiency as existing pump liners.

The increased thickness of the water division advantageously provides increased wear protection at the water division for the primary pumping pad as described herein, and thus has a longer operational life than existing pumping pads having the same dimensions as the outer surface of the circumferential portion.

It has also been identified that when the orientation of the discharge outlet is changed relative to the pumping chamber of the pump housing for a linerless centrifugal pump assembly, and particularly when the values of angles α, β and/or γ as defined herein are adjusted as described herein, the thickness of the water dividing portion of the pump housing increases significantly while maintaining substantially the same internal volume and pumping efficiency as before.

In the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "top" and "bottom", "front" and "rear", "inner" and "outer", "above", "below", "vertical", "upper" and "lower", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from a prior publication) or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

In this specification, the word "comprising" is to be understood as having its "open" meaning, i.e. "having" meaning, and thus is not to be limited to the "closed" meaning, i.e. "comprising only" meaning. Corresponding terms "comprising," including, "and" having, "if any, are also to be construed as having the property of corresponding terms" comprising, "" including, "and" having.

Furthermore, the foregoing describes only some embodiments that may be altered, modified, augmented and/or varied without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation.

Furthermore, the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to implement the other embodiments. Furthermore, each individual feature or component of any given assembly may constitute additional embodiments.

Parts meter

Pump device 100

Pump 10

Base 112

Housing 22

Side housing sections 23, 24

Inlet aperture 28

Discharge outlet hole 29

Inner liner 11

Main pad 12, 120

Side liners (front and back) 14, 30

Bolt 27

Pumping chamber 42

Seal chamber housing 114

Cover plate 115

Seal adapter 116

Packing box 117

Impeller 40

Delivery segment 32

Channel 33

Outer end 34

Inner end 35

Sidewall segment 15

Inner face 16

Lip 38

Hub 41

Pumping vane 43

Eye portion 47

Axis of rotation X-X

Auxiliary blade 60

Auxiliary blade 61

Main pad body 122

Pumping chamber 124

Opposite sides 137, 138

Openings 139, 140

Circumferential portion 141

Center point Q

Inner surface 144

Discharge outlet 150

Discharge channel 151

Discharge passage inner surface 152

Discharge outlet port 154

Horizontal axis Y-Y

Intersection point 210

Transition surface 180

Water diversion section 185

Line (inner discharge surface) A-A

Leading edge 190

Line (leading edge to center) B-B

Thickness L of water dividing part

Junction (outer surface) 195

Thickness T of the housing at D

Outer surface 225 of the circumferential portion

Thickness (discharge to pumping chamber) J

Volute collecting part P-G

Transition portion G-PH

Discharge portion M

Angle CA of transition part

Radius Br of impeller/gasket opening

Radius CR of water dividing part

Claims

1. A primary liner for a centrifugal slurry pump, the primary liner comprising:

a main liner body having a circumferential portion with a center point defined relative to the circumferential portion, wherein an inner surface of the circumferential portion defines a pumping chamber;

an inlet opening formed in the main liner body for introducing fluid into the pumping chamber;

a discharge outlet extending from the main liner body defining a fluid path for discharging fluid from the pumping chamber,

wherein when the discharge outlet is in a vertical orientation, a horizontal axis extending through the center point of the circumferential portion meets the inner surface of the circumferential portion at a tangent below the discharge outlet, wherein an angle α formed by the tangent and the horizontal axis is between about 97 ° and about 105 °.

2. The primary pad of claim 1, wherein the angle a is between about 100 ° and about 104 °.

3. The primary pad of claim 1, wherein the angle a is between about 101 ° and about 103 °.

4. The primary gasket of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary gasket comprises a transition surface extending between the inner surface of the circumferential portion and an inner surface of the discharge outlet, the transition surface comprising a water division for separating an outflow of material in the discharge outlet from a recirculation flow in the primary pumping chamber, wherein a line leading from the discharge outlet along the inner surface and passing through a mid-point of the water division meets the horizontal axis at an angle β between about 79 ° and about 87 ° at a point below the discharge outlet.

5. The primary cushion of claim 4, wherein the angle β is between about 81 ° and about 85 °.

6. The primary cushion of claim 4, wherein the angle β is between about 82 ° and about 84 °.

7. The primary pad of any of the preceding claims, wherein the water distribution portion has a leading edge, wherein a line drawn from the leading edge of the water distribution portion to the center point meets the horizontal axis at an angle γ of between about 32 ° and 42 °.

8. The primary cushion of claim 7, wherein the angle γ is between about 34 ° and about 40 °.

9. The primary cushion of claim 7, wherein the angle γ is between about 36 ° and about 38 °.

10. The primary gasket of any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein a thickness L of the primary gasket body from the leading edge of the water distribution portion to a junction where an outer surface of the circumferential portion meets the outer surface of the discharge outlet is 2.0 to 3.5 times greater than a thickness of the primary gasket body at a point D along a center line passing through the center point.

11. The primary pad of claim 10, wherein the thickness L is 2.6 to 3.2 times greater than the thickness of the primary pad body at point D.

12. The primary pad of claim 10, wherein the thickness L is 2.8 to 3.0 times greater than the thickness of the primary pad body at point D.

13. The primary pad of any of claims 4-12, wherein the thickness L of the primary pad body from the leading edge of the water distribution portion to a junction where an outer surface of the circumferential portion meets the outer surface of the discharge outlet is about 1.0 to about 1.2 times a thickness J, where J is a line meeting the thickness L at a right angle through the body of the primary pad from the inner surface of the discharge outlet, through the junction, and to the inner surface of the circumferential portion.

14. The primary pad of any of claims 4-13, wherein the water distribution portion includes a rounded profile at the leading edge.

15. The primary gasket of claim 14, wherein the radius of the circular profile of the water splitting section is in the range of 0.09 to 0.2 x Br, where Br is the radius of the inlet opening.

16. A primary liner for a centrifugal slurry pump, the primary liner comprising:

a transition surface extending between the inner surface of the circumferential portion and the inner surface of the discharge outlet, the transition surface comprising a water dividing portion for separating an outflow of material in the discharge outlet from a recirculation flow in the main pumping chamber, the water dividing portion comprising a leading edge,

wherein when the discharge outlet is in a vertical orientation, the primary liner comprises:

a volute collecting portion defined as a region of the main gasket from a point P on the inner surface of the circumferential portion at the water dividing portion counterclockwise to a point G on the circumferential portion;

a transition portion defined as the area of the main pad from the point G counterclockwise to a line extending from the point P to a point H, the line being parallel to a horizontal axis on the inner surface of the discharge portion; and a discharge portion M, which is a region extending from the transition portion to the outlet of the main packing,

wherein the angle CA is defined as the angle formed between a radial line leading from said center point to point P and a radial line leading from said center point to point G, wherein CA is between about 40 ° and 60 °.

17. The primary cushion of claim 16, wherein the angle CA is between about 45 ° and about 55 °.

18. The primary backing of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein a thickness L of the primary backing body from the leading edge of the water distribution portion to a junction where an outer surface of the circumferential portion meets the outer surface of the discharge outlet is 2.0 to 3.5 times greater than a thickness of the primary backing body at point D along a centerline passing through the center point.

19. The primary backing of claim 18, wherein the thickness L is 2.6 to 3.2 times greater than the thickness of the primary backing body at point D.

20. The primary backing of claim 18, wherein the thickness L is 2.8 to 3.0 times greater than the thickness of the primary backing body at point D.

21. The primary pad of any of claims 16-20, wherein a thickness L of the primary pad body from the leading edge of the water distribution portion to a junction where an outer surface of the circumferential portion meets the outer surface of the discharge outlet is about 1.0 to about 1.2 times a thickness J, where J is a line meeting the thickness L at a right angle through the body of the primary pad from the inner surface of the discharge outlet, through the junction, and to the inner surface of the circumferential portion.

22. The primary pad of any of claims 16-21, wherein the water distribution portion includes a rounded profile at the leading edge.

23. The primary gasket of claim 22, wherein the radius of the circular profile of the water splitting section is in the range of 0.09 to 0.2 x Br, where Br is the radius of the inlet opening of the primary gasket.

24. The primary backing of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary backing is a one-piece backing composed of a metal or metal alloy.

25. A pump housing for a linerless centrifugal slurry pump, the pump housing comprising:

a pump housing body having a circumferential portion with a center point defined relative to the circumferential portion, wherein an inner surface of the circumferential portion defines a pumping chamber;

an inlet opening formed in the pump housing body for introducing fluid into the pumping chamber;

a discharge outlet extending from the pump housing body defining a fluid path for discharging fluid from the pumping chamber,

26. The pump housing of claim 25, wherein the pump housing comprises a transition surface extending between the inner surface of the circumferential portion and an inner surface of the discharge outlet, the transition surface comprising a water division for separating an outflow of material in the discharge outlet from a recirculation flow in the main pumping chamber, wherein a line leading from the discharge outlet along the inner surface and passing through a mid-point of the water division meets a horizontal axis at an angle β of between about 79 ° and about 87 ° at a point below the discharge outlet.

27. The pump housing of claim 25 or 26, wherein the water diversion portion has a leading edge, wherein a line drawn from the leading edge of the water diversion portion to the center point meets the horizontal axis at an angle γ of between about 32 ° and 42 °.

28. The pump housing of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein a thickness L of the pump housing body from the leading edge of the water dividing portion to a junction where an outer surface of the circumferential portion meets the outer surface of the discharge outlet is 2.0 to 3.5 times greater than a thickness of the pump housing body at point D along a centerline passing through the center point.

29. The pump housing of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the thickness L of the pump housing body from the leading edge of the water dividing portion to a junction where an outer surface of the circumferential portion meets the outer surface of the discharge outlet is about 1.0 to about 1.2 times a thickness J, where J is a line meeting the thickness L at a right angle through the body of the pump housing from the inner surface of the discharge outlet, through the junction and to the inner surface of the circumferential portion.

30. The pump housing of claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the water dividing portion comprises a rounded profile at the leading edge.

31. The pump housing of claim 30, wherein a radius of the circular profile of the water splitting section is in a range of 0.09 to 0.2 x Br, where Br is a radius of an inlet opening.

32. A pump housing for a centrifugal slurry pump, the pump housing comprising:

wherein when the discharge outlet is in a vertical orientation, the pump housing comprises:

a volute collecting portion defined as a region of the pump housing from a point P on the inner surface of the circumferential portion at the water dividing portion counterclockwise to a point G on the circumferential portion;

a transition portion defined as the area of the pump housing from the point G counterclockwise to a line extending from the point P to a point H, the line being parallel to a horizontal axis on the inner surface of the discharge portion; and a discharge portion M, which is a region extending from the transition portion to the outlet of the pump housing,

33. The pump housing of claim 32, wherein a thickness L of the pump housing body from the leading edge of the water distribution portion to a junction where an outer surface of the circumferential portion meets the outer surface of the discharge outlet is 2.0 to 3.5 times greater than a thickness of the main liner body at point D along a centerline passing through the center point.

34. The pump housing of claim 32 or 33, wherein a thickness L of the main liner body from the leading edge of the water distribution portion to a junction where an outer surface of the circumferential portion meets the outer surface of the discharge outlet is about 1.0 to about 1.2 times a thickness J, where J is a line meeting the thickness L at a right angle from the inner surface of the discharge outlet through the body of the main liner, through the junction, and to the inner surface of the circumferential portion.

35. The pump housing of any of claims 32 to 34, wherein the water diversion portion comprises a rounded profile at the leading edge.

36. The pump housing of claim 35, wherein a radius of the circular profile of the water splitting section is in the range of 0.09 to 0.2 x Br, where Br is a radius of an inlet opening of the pump housing.