GB2493900A

GB2493900A - A multiple water pump system

Info

Publication number: GB2493900A
Application number: GB1021306.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Alan Lesley Musk; Andrew James Cooke; Stephen Andrew Wright
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-15
Filing date: 2010-12-15
Publication date: 2013-02-27
Also published as: GB2486959A; GB201021306D0; GB201121631D0

Abstract

A system for pumping water is disclosed. The system is primarily for use in fire suppression systems within buildings and comprises a plurality of water pumps (10). The output from each pump (10) is fed into a common outlet to give flow equivalent to a pump larger than each of the individual pumps. Each pump is mounted in a framework (16), which frameworks (16) can be stacked together or linked horizontally. Vibration reduction means (17), such as resilient rubber pads are included between neighbouring frameworks (16). The outlet from each pump (10) includes a one-way valve or other flow prevention means to prevent flow-back into that pump (10) in the event of pump failure. The above allows work to be carried out on an individual pump without disrupting water flow completely. Installation of individual frameworks enables a system to be installed more easily into a building and requires a smaller footprint compared with conventional systems.

Description

I

AN IMPROVED PUMP SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING WATER

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a system for the provision of pressurised water to, for example, a hose or a nozzle, especially for use in a fire-fighting situation. In particular a versatile pump system is disclosed to ease installation of the system and reduce the risk of failure of the pumped water supply. (4 r

Back2round to the Invention

CO

Large buildings, especially mdustnal units, are usually required to have an on-site C') water pumping system. Although this can obviously be for a wide variety of reasons, the present invention is particularly concerned with systems which need to be installed in accordance with fire regulations. Due to the potential for larger scale fires and loss or injury to a larger number of people, as well as the often greater hazards of the materials held within industrial buildings, industrial units need to have a pumping system which is robust and can rapidly deliver large volumes of water.

The most usual way of providing the increased pump capacity is simply to build a bigger pump capable of producing a higher pressure, directable flow of water, typically via a hose to a hand-held nozzle. There are however a number of drawbacks of this means of addressing the issues. Firstly, a bigger capacity pump requires a bigger footprint in the building in which it is being installed. This is obviously costly in terms of space taken up in the building and also in the costs of rates payable for that space. In addition to this, there is a not insubstantial problem in relation to the installation of the pump itself. This usually has to take place before the building is finished and particularly before the roof of the building has been finished as pumps of the capacity required are normally too big to pass through doorways. This can cause logistical problems during the construction of a new building and also great difficulties when a pump needs to be replaced.

In addition to this the operation and maintained running of a single pump is not without difficulties. In the event that the pump fails then there is no immediate backup facility available to replace the pump and the fire to which water needs to be pumped can therefore be very difficult to fight. For example, one component which is known to fail is a filter which removes unwanted solid material from the water supply, which material could damage the pump itself or block the nozzle.

However the filter can easily become blocked, either partially or completely, and its replacement requires time to be carried out. A further difficulty arising (\J 15 through the use of a single large pump is that start up of the pump results in a large spike in the electricity consumption of the building. As this places a heavy load on the electricity supply, many electricity companies charge a premium either where such a spike is possible or in the event of a spike actually occurring.

This obviously adds to the costs of maintaining a single large pump facility.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system of pumping water which addresses the above difficulties and provides a more robust and flexible system than is heretofore the case.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention in its broadest aspect there is provided a system of pumping water comprising: a plurality of pumps, each pump being mounted to a framework, said framework being securable to a neighbouring framework, vibration reduction means located between neighbouring frameworks to dampen vibration during pump operation and thereby prevent damaging resonance vibrations, pumps being so linked together to pump water through a common outlet.

The system of pumps provides a more flexible, robust means of providing water which additionally requires less floor space within a building.

Preferably, the direction of the outlet from each pump is adjustable to facilitate the joining together of the output of pumps within neighbouring frameworks, further preferably, the outlet is coupled to a filter, the outlet from said filter again being directable, to fhrther facilitate the provision of a common outlet.

Conveniently, the or each framework can be stacked on a ifirther framework, ci) stacked frameworks being securable together to form a unit. Further C conveniently, the vibration reduction means comprises resilient pads between Ct) frameworks, each framework including, yet ifirther conveniently platforms on which a pad can sit. Still yet further conveniently, the or each pad is set for the frequency of the motor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only, one embodiment of a pump system. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a top view of an individual pump within a framework; Figure 2 is side view of two neighbouring stacks of pumps, each stack having four pumps; Figure 3 is an end view of the stacks shown in Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a perspective view of two neighbouring stacks.

Detailed Description of the Invention

As indicated above, there are a number of difficulties when using a conventional single pump solution to solve the problem of providing a jet of water which can be directed by a user to aid in the suppression of a fire. These difficulties relate to the installation of the pump (and its subsequent maintenance), to the fact that if the pump breaks down then the jet of water will no longer be maintainable, and also to additional charges which may accrue to the user because of the initial spike in water consumption on start-up of the pump.

In its broadest aspect the present invention provides a plurality of pumps linked together in parallel to form a unit, the output from each of the pumps passing through a single outlet. Provision is included for units to be linked together, again (\J in parallel so that the outputs from individual units again pass through a single outlet. By this means, water can be pumped without reliance needing to be placed oii a single pump and jihout a catastrophic lowering of the rate of water being supplied in the event of a single pump failure. In this case the lowering of the rate C') of water flowing is only a relatively small percentage of the rate at fill capacity.

In addition maintenance of individual pumps can be safely undertaken without the entire capacity to pump water being taken off-line. Further, where the units, or individual members of each unit are brought into use sequentially, the risk of a spike occurring, in the rate of the usage of water is much reduced.

In general the invention contemplates the provision of a plurality of water pumps linked together to pump water through a common outlet. The pumps are preferably each individually mounted to a frame which frames are advantageously linkable to each other to form a unit: either through being linkable horizontally, or more advantageously stackable atop each other.

Referring initially to Figure 1, this shows a a pump 10 housed within a framework. A number of elements of the pump 10 are of conventional construction and function and do not form part of the inventive concept. The

S

pump 10 includes a motor 11 of rating around 4kw. The power supply to drive the motor 11 is standard three phase 41 5V. In an alternative embodiment of the motor can be a DC motor. The motor 11 is of sufficient power to produce a water flow rate of around 15 litres per minute. The pump 10 receives water through an inlet 12. Water is pumped out through the outlet 13. The outlet 13 is mounted so as to be rotatable about its axis, which allows the output from the pump 10 to be diverted in the most appropriate direction to enable pumps from adjacent frameworks to be linked together. Directly attached to the outlet 13 and rotatable with the outlet 13 is a filter unit 14. The filter unit 14 is again of standard construction and includes a 75 micron steel mesh filter to remove unwanted solid material. The filter outlet 15 is itself also rotatably mounted, again to allow the water from the pump 10 to be directed in the required direction. (4

In order to facilitate grouping of a plurality of pumps 10 into a single operational C') ;it, each pump 10 is supported on its own individual framework 16. The 0 15 framework 16 in the illustrated embodiment is generally rectangular cuboidal in C') shape and formed of box steel antis. Typical dimensions for the framework 16 are a width of 700mm and a depth and height of 350mm. The dimensions can of course be chosen to suit the particular pump and use for which the system is intended. The framework 16 is sufficiently strong and rigid to both support a pump and also to allow other frameworks including pumps to be stacked onto each other. Overall the weight of the pump and the framework combined is around 50Kg.

The motor 11 is generally filled to the top and back of the framework 16 which allows maintenance work to be carried out on a pump 10 when required.

To the base of the framework 16 are mounted rubber support pads 17. The pads 17 act, when the pump 10 is in use to dampen down vibrations which may otherwise damage a pump 10. When frameworks are stacked or otherwise secured together the vibration from the pumps, acting together, can cause destructive resonance vibrations to build up. In order to allow the pads 17 to be used, the framework 16 has platforms 18 attached to the upper framework arms which are located such that the pads 17 rest thereon when stacked. It will be recognised that in an alternative arrangement, not illustrated, the pads 17 may be associated with the upper arms of a framework and the platforms then associated with the lower aims to provide the required vibration-dampening support. In addition, the pads or other means of reducing vibration can be set to deal effectively with the particular frequency of the motor.

By means of the above arrangement it is envisaged that pumps can be stacked together as shown in Figures 2 and 3, which show a stack comprising four pumps.

The number of pumps in a stack can be set to take into account the output of water and the volume of water it is envisaged will need to be supplied, although due to convenience it is unlikely that a stack having more than five pumps will be required. The output from each individual pump within a stack passes into a C'%J 15 common pipe leading to a single outlet. Where desired the output from stacks can be similarly led together. As a result of this, for example, the stack show in which each individual pump has an output of 15 litres per minute can produce 60 litres of water per minute. In the event of failure of one of the pumps, the remaining pumps can continue to function to maintain a flow of water, albeit at a lower flow rate. Water is prevented from flowing into the failed pump by a one-way valve.

In this way the disadvantages of complete dropout of the water supply on pump failure is obviated. In addition the disabled pump can be repaired, again whilst the stack remains in operation. Additionally, due to the ergonomic design provided by the stackable system, the footprint of the pumps is considerably less than a single pump of the same water output.

Figure 4 illustrates further an embodiment having two stacks each of four pumps.

A water tank 40 which supplies water to the pumps is shown adjacent the stacks.

The outlets for each of the individual pumps within a stack are led into a stack manifold 41a, 41b. The flows of water within each stack manifold 41a, 41b are eventually brought together into a single flow pipe (not illustrated).

Moreover, aJthough not illustrated, frameworks can be located, and also secured, horizontally adjacent one another if required to allow pumps to be arranged in a manner to suit the shape of the building: again giving flexibility to the design of the pump system. Yet further, due to the small size of the pumps and the frameworks, the systems can be installed on site and the installation does not have to be carried out before the roof of the building has been added as the stacks or the individual pump-bearing framework is small enough to pass through a doorway.

It will be recognised that although the hereindisclosed invention is described with reference to a fire suppression system, the principles involved may be suitable for other uses.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific (\,J details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the cY) invention. C')

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS1. A system of pumping water comprising: a plurality of pumps, each pump being mounted to a framework, said framework being securable to a neighbouring framework, vibration reduction means located between neighbouring frameworks to dampen vibration during pump operation and thereby prevent damaging resonance vibrations, each pump having a water outlet, the water outlets of the pumps being so linked together to direct water through a common outlet. (4</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the direction of the outlet from C) each pump is adjustable to facilitate the joining together of the output of C pumps within neighbouring frameworks. r.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A system according to Claim 2, comprising a filter associated with each of one or more water outlets to remove solid contaminants from the pumped water.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A system according to Claim 3, wherein the outlet from said filter isdirectable.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A system according to any preceding Claim, wherein a framework can be stacked on a further framework, stacked frameworks being securable together to form a unit.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A system according to any preceding Claims, wherein the vibration reduction means comprises resilient pads between frameworks.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A system according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein each framework includes platforms on which a pad can sit.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A system according to Claim 7, wherein the or each pad is set for the frequency of the motor.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A system according to any preceding Claim, wherein the water outlet of a pump includes a one-way valve to prevent water flowing into the pump.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A system substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. (4 r C?)Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A method of installing a pressurised water supply apparatus in a fire suppression system including the steps of: providing a plurality of like pump modules, each module including at least a pump and a frame supporting the pump, the pump having an inlet and an outlet, the frames being stackable so that each module may bc arranged respectively above and below other ones of the modules to form a stack of modules; stacking the modules one above another and securing the frames together in situ to form at least one stack of modules; connecting each inlet to a water supply; and connecting all of the outlets to a common outlet pipe through which the modules supply the fire suppression system with prcssurised watcr. r2. A method according to claim I, wherein each pump includes a respective N-electric motor for driving the pump.3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the electric motors are started sequentially.4. A method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each pump has a power consumption of around 4kW and a water flow rate of around 15 litres/minute.5. A method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each pump has a ratio of power consumption in kW: water flow rate in litres/minute of around 4:15.6. A method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each pump produces a water flow rate of around 15 litres/minute.7. A method according to any of claims 2-6, wherein the respective pump and frame of each module have a combined weight of around 50kg.8. A method according to any of claims 1 -7, wherein each module is provided with vibration reduction means for preventing damaging resonance vibrations generated by the operation of the pumps in the respective stack.9. A method according to any of claims 2 7, wherein vibration reduction means are arranged between respective adjacent modules in the stack.10. A method according to claim 9, wherein each vibration reduction means comprises a plurality of resilient pads selected to absorb vibration at an operating frequency of the motors. rC\J 15 11. A method according to any of claims 1 -10, wherein in the event of failure of one of the pumps, water is prevented from flowing into the failed pump by a 1 one-way valve while the remaining pumps continue to function to maintain a flow of water.12. A method according to any of claims I -11, wherein each module is provided with a filter which filters solid contaminants from the water.1 3. A method according to any of claims 1 --12, wherein the outlet of each pump is rotated during assembly of the modules so as to enable the pumps in the respective stack to be linked together.14. A method according to any of claims 1 -13, wherein a water tank is provided, and the water supply is drawn from the water tank. :ii15. A method according to any of claims 1 -14, wherein at least three modules are stacked one above another to form the stack.16. A method according to any of claims 1 -14, wherein at least four modules are stacked one above another to form the stack.17. A method according to any of claims 1-16, wherein the modules are arranged in at least two stacks, and the outlets of all of the pumps in each respective stack arc conncctcd to a respective stack manifold, and the stack manifolds of the respective stacks are connected to the common outlet pipe.1 8. A modular pressurised water supply apparatus in a fire suppression system; the apparatus including a plurality of like pump modules, each module r including at least a pump and a frame supporting the pump; the frames being stackable so that each module may be arranged respectively above and below other ones of the modules to form a stack of modules; the pump having an inlet and an outlet; each respective inlet being connected to a water supply, each respective outlet heing connected to a common outlet pipe through which the modules supply the fire suppression system with prcssurised water; the modules being assembled one above another and the frames secured togcthcr to form at least one stack of modules.19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein each pump includes a respective electric motor for driving the pump.20. An apparatus according to claim I 9, wherein the electric motors are started sequentially.21. An apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein each pump has a power consumption of around 4kW and a water flow rate of around 15 litres/minute.22. An apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein each pump has a ratio of power consumption in kW watcr flow rate in litres/minute of around 4:15.23. An apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein each pump produces a water flow rate of around 15 litres/minute.24. An apparatus according to any of claims 19-23, wherein the respective pump and frame of each module have a combined weight of around 50kg.25. An apparatus according to any of claims 18 24, wherein each module includes vibration reduction means for preventing damaging resonance vibrations gcncrated by the operation of the pumps in the respective stack.26. An apparatus according to any of claims 19 -24, wherein vibration reduction means arc arranged between respective adjacent modules in the stack.27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein each vibration reduction means comprises a plurality of resilient pads selected to absorb vibration at an operating frequency of the motors.28. An apparatus according to any of claims 18 ---27, wherein a one-way valve is provided, the one-way valve being arranged to prevent water from flowing into a failed one of the pumps while the remaining pumps continue to function to maintain a flow of water.29. An apparatus according to any of claims 18-28, wherein each module includes a filter for filtering solid contaminants from the water.30. An apparatus according to any of claims 18-29, wherein the outlet of eachpump is rotatable.31. An apparatus according to any of claims 18 30, wherein the apparatus includes a water tank, and the water supply is drawn from the water tank.32. An apparatus according to any of claims 18 -3 1, wherein at least three modules are arranged one above another in a stack.C'\J 33. An apparatus according to any of claims 18 31, wherein at least four r modules are arranged one above another in a stack.34. An apparatus according to any of claims 18-33, wherein the modules are 1-arranged in at least two stacks, and the outlets of all of the pumps in each respective stack are connected to a respective stack manifold, and the stack manifolds of the respective stacks are connected to the common outlet pipe.35. A modular pressurised water supply apparatus in a fire suppression system; the apparatus including an assembly of like pump modules, each module including at least a pump and a frame supporting the pump; each pump having an inlet, an outlet, and a filter; the pumps being connected together in parallel, wherein each respective inlet is connected to a water supply, each respective outlet is connected to a common outlet pipe through which the modules supply the fire suppression system with pressuriscd water, and each filter is arranged to filter solid contaminants from the water.36. An apparatus according to claim 35. wherein each pump includes a respective electric motor for driving the pump.37. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the electric motors are started sequentially.38. An apparatus according to claim 36 or claim 37, wherein each pump has a power consumption of around 4kW and a water flow rate of around 15 litres/minute.39. An apparatus according to claim 36 or claim 37, wherein each pump has a ratio of power consumption in kW water flow rate in litres/minute of around C\1 4:15. r40. An apparatus according to claim 36 or claim 37, wherein each pump produces a water flow rate of around 15 litres/minute. r41. An apparatus according to any of claims 36 40, wherein the respective pump and frame of each module have a combined weight of around 5 0kg.42. An apparatus according to any of claims 36 41, wherein the frames are secured together.43. An apparatus according to claim 42, wherein vibration reduction means are arranged between adjacent frames.44. An apparatus according to any of claims 36 -43, wherein a one-way valve is provided, the one-way valve being arranged to prevent water from flowing into a failed one of the pumps while the remaining pumps continue to function to maintain a flow of water.45. An apparatus according to any of claims 36-44, wherein the outlet of eachpump is rotatable.46. An apparatus according to any of claims 36 45, wherein the apparatus includes a water tank, and the water supply is drawn from the water tank.47. A modular pressurised water supply apparatus in a fire suppression system substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings. c\J r c'J rN r</claim-text>