GB651619A - Improvements in and relating to vertical spindle sump pumps and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

651,619. Centrifugal pumps. RIGGS, T. C. Oct. 4, 1948, No. 25788. [Class 110(i)] In a centrifugal pump for emptying sumps, wells &c. of the type wherein the driving motor is supported above the highest water level with its casing non-rotatably connected to the pump casing, the vertical driving spindle is supported at its lower end but above the pump impeller by a bearing which is subjected to the impeller suction so that sump water taken from above the sediment layer is drawn through the bearing to lubricate it. The driving motor (not shown) is controlled by a floatactuated switch and is supported by a column 3 which is secured to the pump casing 4. The lower bearing 17 of the driving spindle 14 is lubricated by water which is drawn through holes 31 and after passing through the bearing, enters the eye of the impeller 22 by way of holes 30 in the impeller boss 27. A gauge strainer 33 may be provided. The bearing is preferably of natural or synthetic rubber bonded to a metal sleeve 18, with helical or annular grooves 21 to assist the flow of water. The metal sleeve may be omitted. A shroud 29 surrounds the boss 27 with small clearance, so as to seal off the bearing from the pressure side of the pump. In a modification, the rubber bearing or, where provided, its metal sleeve, depends below the under surface of the casing cover 11 in sealing relation with an annular shroud carried by the impeller. In an alternative construction, the lubricating water is drawn through the bearing by auxiliary vanes mounted on the upper surface of the impeller. These vanes also act as the sealing means for the bearing.