US3679326A - Pump control - Google Patents

Abstract

A pump control for use within a pump system and being connected to the discharge pipe therefor; there being a check valve between the pump control and the outlet pipe. Said control comprises a pipe having a plurality of openings which pipe connects said valve and a pressure switch in circuit controlling relationship with respect to the pump with a pressure accumulator disposed about said pipe and constituting a resilient sleeve having a thickness of about one-half inch and a durometer hardness within the range of 55 to 70.

Description

United States Patent 51 July 25, 1972 Weber s41 PUMP CONTROL 2,878,835 3/1959 Peterson ..138/30 1,943,765 l/l934 Jones ..138/30 [72] Imam" Amhmy 3,463,189 8/1969 Fitzpatrick... ..137/525.3 x [73] ASsignee: Weberlndustries,lnc., St. Louis, Mo. 3,354,903 11/1967 Caruso ..137/525.3X

[22] Filed: 1970 Primary ExaminerCarlton R. Croyle [21] APPLNOJ 81,802 Assistant ExaminerRichard.l. Sher Attorney-Ralph W. Kalish Related U.S. Application Data I [57] ABSTRACT [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 862,711, Oct. 1,

1969, Pat. No. 3,563,671.

U.S. Cl ..417/38, 138/30, 417/44 Int. Cl ..F04b 49/02, F041) 49/06, F04b 49/08 Field ofSearch ..417/38, 44; 138/30; 137/525.3

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1971 Weber ..417/38 A pump control for use within a pump system and being cunnected to the discharge pipe therefor; there being a check valve between the pump control and the outlet pipe. Said control comprises a pipe having a plurality of openings which pipe connects said valve and a pressure switch in circuit controlling relationship with respect to the pump with a pressure accumulator disposed about said pipe and constituting a resilient sleeve having a thickness of about one-half inch and a durometer hardness within the range of 55 to 70.

3 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJULZS m2 3.679.326

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FIG.3

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i INVENTOR ANTHONY V. WEBER BY 144 ATTORNEY PUMP CONTROL This invention relates in general to pump systems and more particularly to a pump control incorporating a pressure accumulator for utilization therewith. This application is a continuation-in-part of co pending application Ser. No. 862,711 filed Oct. 1, 1969 now US. Pat. No. 3,563,671 upon a Pump Control.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pump control which incorporates a pressure accumulator for assuring of rapid energization of the system pump upon opening of the discharge pipe for the purpose of substantially maintaining line pressure during the entire period of use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pump control of the character stated which is of marked sensitivity for conducing to relatively accelerated operation of the system pump thereby eliminating the heretofore accepted relatively lengthy intervals of reduced line pressure with attendant discomfort and inconvenience.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pump control of the type stated which is designed for automatic operation so that the intervention of operator activity is entirely eliminated and which comprises a marked simplicity of parts so as to render the control resistant to breakdown and thereby assure continuity of reliable usage.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pump control of the type stated which obviates the incorporation of liquid storage tanks adapted to provide a supply of liquid for bridging, as it were, the heretofore accepted intervals of reduced line pressure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pump control of the type stated which may be readily installed in existing pump systems without requiring costly, time-consuming modifications.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a pump control of the type stated which is economically manufactured bodily which incorporates novel means for maintaining an inherent by-pass passage in a clear, unblocked state; and which is exceedingly durable in operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of a pump constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention, illustrating same within a well casing.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged, vertical longitudinal sectional view of the valve-containing portion of the pump control.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the pump control in association with a submersible pump.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, A generally designates a pump control which is useful with any type of pump system, but for purposes of illustration herein the same is described for utilization within a submersi' ble pump system comprising the usual pump 2 (see FIG. 3) disposed within the lower end of a conventional well casing I. Said pump p is connected to an upwardly extending outlet pipe 2 which is engaged at its upper end to a pitless adaptor 3 for establishing communication with a discharge pipe 4 located outwardly of casing 1 controlled at its other or outlet end by the customary faucet or taps as indicated generally at 5 and located as within a dwelling. Also engaged to pitless adaptor 3 in axially aligned relationship to outlet pipe 2 is a relatively short riser 6 which is externally threaded at its upper end for securement to a collar 7 formed at the lower end of a valve body 8. Valve body 8 is relatively diametrically increased at its central zone as at 9 and provided with an inset upstanding flange 10 for securement within the lower end of a cylindrical casing 11 and thus effectively closing the same. Internally valve body 8 is provided with an axial bore 12 within which there is presented a transversely extending partition 13 presented spacedly above the upper end of riser 6. Partition Q 13 is provided with a multiplicity of perforations or openings as at 14 which are normally occludable by the flat disc portion 15 of a check valve indicated generally at 16, which latter comprehends a stem 17 projecting upwardly from the central portion of disc portion 15, through a central opening 18 in partition 13; said stem 17 being diametrically increased immediately above partition 13 for the development of a shoulder 19 in abutment against the upper surface of partition 13 so as to inhibit any vertical shifting of stem 17 within opening 18. Valve body 16 is fabricated preferably of moulded plastic, rubber, or the like so as to have an inherent resiliency and with disc portion 15 being relatively thin to allow of a sensitivity of valve control as will be described more fully hereinbelow.

Partition 13 in one edge portion thereof immediately adjacent the inner face of bore 12 is provided with a port 20 which may be inclined downwardly and outwardly toward its lower end; said port 20 at its lower end is radially beyond the adjacent peripheral portion of disc body 15 so as to be non-occludable thereby. Port 20 is at all times open and thus serves as a by-pass for liquid flow therethrough for purposes to be discussed more fully hereinbelow. In its upper end portion valve body 8 is internally threaded as at 21 for engaging the lower outer externally threaded end of a pipe 22 being coaxial with riser 6 and projecting upwardly within casing 11 for snug reception withinan opening 23 formed centrally within an end or closure cap 24 for the upper end of casing 11, which cap 24 on its upper surface abuts against the top wall 25 of easing l; which latter is centrally apertured as at 26 for extension therethrough of a bushing 27 which externally is threadedly secured to the adjacent portion of pipe 22 and internally threaded to the lower or vertical end 28 of a T-fitting 29. Said T-fitting 29 upwardly of casing top wall 25 is suitably connected at one end to a pressure guage 30 and at its opposed end to a pressure switch 31 which may be of any suitable type such as of diaphragm character. Switch 31 is in circuit as by leads 32,32 with pump p for operational control thereof and is also connected by conductors 33,33 to a convenient source of power (not shown). Within casing 11, pipe 22, throughout the major portion of its length, is surrounded by a pressure accumulator 34 being a relatively thick, flexible tubular, sleeve-like member formed as of rubber or a suitable synthetic having a durometer hardness within the range of approximately 55-70 and being snugly secured against the exterior face of said pipe 22 by metal clamping bands 35,35 for establishing a leak-proof joint with pipe 22. Radially inwardly from each band 35,35 pipe 22 may be provided with spacedapart circumferential recesses or grooves 36 for accommodating conventional O rings or for receiving portions of pressure accumulator 34 forced thereinto by clamping bands 35,35 so as to enhance the security of the developed joint. The length of pressure accumulator 34 is preferably within the range of 3 to 5 inches and the wall thickness thereof is approximately one-half inch so that through such thickness as well as durometer hardness internal pressure for effecting a flexing or expansion must be relatively great. Due to the disposition of the clamping bands 35,35 the operative length of pressure accumulator 34 is markedly reduced so that the ratio between such effective length and its thickness is between approximately 4:1 and 8:1 The differential between the outside diameter of pressure accumulator 34 and the inside diameter of easing l l is in the order of five thirty-seconds to seven thirty-seconds inches so that the expansion of accumulator 34 is carefully controlled by the limitation of the normal annular volume surrounding pressure accumulator 34.

Drilled or otherwise formed within pipe 22 and the region thereof encircled by pressure accumulator 34 is a plurality of vertically and circumferentially spaced openings 37 whereby fluid may flow therethrough for exerting pressure against pressure accumulator 34 to cause an expansion or bulging" of the latter for developing a relatively small liquid-receiving pressure chamber indicated in phantom lines at 38 in FIG. 1.

In view of the foregoing it will be seen that the physical characteristics of pressure accumulator 34 are so designed with respect to casing 11 as to permit the development of pressure chamber 38 only through the subjection of pressure accumulator 34 to relatively substantial liquid pressure as in the order of 50 to 70 psi. Due to the further restriction of expansion by means of abutment of accumulator 34 against casing 11, pressure chamber 38 will be of relatively small volume so that the amount of liquid therein will not, in effect, enhance the liquid being discharged. Thus, pressure accumulator 34 does not serve as a pressure tank or liquid storage.

Pump control A bodily incorporates a novel device indicated generally at C for facilitating maintenance of port 20 in a clean, unblocked state; said device is mounted within an extension 39 formed in valve body 8 downwardly of partition 13 and having a bore 40 axially aligned with port 20. Bore 40 is counterbored at 41 for developing a compartment 42 which is tapped for engaging the external threads of a guide bushing 43 having an enlarged base as at 44 which abuts against the adjacent outer face portion of valve body 8. Said bushing 43 accommodates a plunger 45 embodying a relatively enlarged head 46 extending through bushing base 44 and a stem 47 projecting through counterbore 41 and into bore 40. At its end remote from head 46, stem 47 is provided with a co-axial finger 48 having an outside diameter substantially the same as the inside diameter of port 20 for reception therein for portcleaning purposes; the length of finger 48 being commensurate with the extent of port 20 so as to assure of effective operation therein. Surrounding stem 47 is a coil compression spring 49, one end of which bears against a collar 50 abutting against the inner face of bushing base 44 and fixed to head 46, the other end of said spring 49 bears against a shoulder 51 formed within a counterbore 52. Thus, under normal bias the spring 49, plunger head 46 will be in outwardly extended state (as illustrated in FIG. 2) with finger 48 being presented spacedly from port 20 so as not to interfere with normal fluid flow therethrough into, or from, riser 6. Upon the application of inwardly directed pressure against head 46, the bias of spring 49 which will thereupon be stressed, finger 48 will be pushed into port 20 for causing the dislodgment of any foreign or other matter which may have inadvertently become stuck therein with attendant impeding of flow. Thus, device C may be used from time to time as necessary and by means of its unusual mounting constitutes a tool which will not become lost or misplaced.

Accordingly, clearance of port 20 at all times is assured by appropriate utilization of device C.

1n the operation of pump control A, pressure switch 31 will be preset to open, that is, for de-energizing pump 2 at a pressure approximately pounds below the maximum discharge pressure developed by pump p. Thus, for example, if maximum discharge pressure of pimp p is 65 psi then pressure switch 31 would be set to open at ab out 60 psi. Also switch 31 may suitably adjusted so as to effect circuit closure at, for example, psi. With the aforesaid pressures it will be seen that pressure chamber 38 will be substantially developed when pressure switch 31 is subjected to its circuit-opening pressure of 60 psi. It will of course be recognized that these stated values are relative and are hence set forth for purposes of illustration.

The cycling operation of pump control A may be readily described by assuming that the various household outlets, such as the taps and faucets 5, are closed and with switch 31 being subjected to a maximum pressure for opening; with pipe 22 completely filled with water and pressure chamber 38- developed through expansion of pressure accumulator 34 under the stated pressure, and with pump p being non-operating. With said control A in this condition, 5 user upon opening any of the household faucets or taps 5 will cause an immediate pressure drop in the system since without pump 2 operating the liquid within the lines will be discharged. Thus, liquid within pipe 22 will flow through port 20 and openings 14, riser 6 and into discharge pipe 4. Such flow will effect an immediate reduction in the pressure applied against switch 31 with the same falling to a value such as 20 psi, at which point switch 31 will close and effect energization of pump p whereupon the desired line pressure will be established and maintained during household usage. For effective operation it is critical that the interval between the first opening of the dwelling taps or spigots and the energization of pump p be as short as possible so that there not be any measurable interval during which the attendant pressure drop will occasion undesired diminution of flow. The brevity of this interval is brought about by the uniqueness of pressure accumulator 34 which, upon the opening of the particular faucet or tap with the stated pressure drop will be immediately freed for releasing movement so that it will, snap" as it were, into normal, unexpanded state against pipe 22. This forceful contractive movement provides a strong motive pressure against the liquid within pipe 22 so as to drive same through port 20 and also provide requisite pressure for deflection of disc 15 of check valve 16 whereby liquid may flow through openings 18 of partition 13, thereby accelerating the pressure drop within pipe 22 so as to cause switch 31 to rapidly reach the pressure at which it will effect circuit closure with resultant energization of pump 2.

Thus, in actual practice pump control A has demonstrated the unique capability of bringing about a substantially continuous line pressure so that the period between tap opening and pump operation is indeed fundamentally imperceptible.

Thus, when the pressure has sufficiently built within pipe 22 and pressure chamber 28, pressure switch 31 will be restored to circuit opened condition and the operation of pump p discontinued.

Accordingly, it will be seen that pressure accumulator 34 does not function as a tank or storage for liquid but serves to maintain a relatively constant line pressure through the inherent force thereof for conducing to a rapid pressure drop for closure of switch 31. Thus, the actual amount of liquid expelled from pressure chamber 38 upon contraction of accumulator 34 is inappreciable.

It will be noted that check valve 16 will be maintained in a closed state by reason of the pressure within riser 6 as compared to that of the liquid above partition 13 when the household taps and faucets are closed. However, upon opening of the latter with the relative pressure drop in riser 6 the pressure of the liquid above partition 13 as added by the contraction of pressure accumulator 34 is relatively greater so that opening of check valve 16 is occasioned.

Having thus described my invention, what 1 claim and desire to obtain Letters Patent for is:

1. For use in a liquid pumping system having a pump and a discharge pipe connected to said pump; a pump control comprising a valve body; conduit-forming means connecting said valve body to said discharge pipe; valve means provided in said valve body for subjection to liquid pressure within said discharge pipe; means defining a tubular member connected to said valve body and extending therefrom opposite said discharge pipe and being co-axially aligned therewith; means adjacent said valve means for establishing continuous connection between said discharge pipe and said tubular member; said tubular member having a plurality of spaced-apart openings for liquid flow therethrough; means defining a pressure accumulator of sleeve-form disposed surroundingly of the portion of said tubular member having openings; said pressure accumulator having a thickness of approximately one half inch and a durometer hardness within the range of 55-70, said pressure accumulator being resilient for expansion under pressure within the range of approximately 50-70 psi so as to develop relative force upon contraction; means for securing said pressure accumulator in its end portions in leak-proof relationship on said tubular member so that the intervening portion may be expanded under predetermined pressure of liquid passing through said tubular member openings to develop a relatively volumetrically small pressure chamber; said pressure accumulator having a ratio of its thickness to its length between said securing means being within the range of approximately 4:1 to 8:1, rigid case-forming means disposed surroundingly of said pressure accumulator, the normal spacing between said pressure accumulator and said rigid caseforming means being within the range of five thirty-seconds to seven thirty-seconds inches; a switch operable responsive to said liquid pressure within said tubular member; means connecting said pressure switch and said tubular member at the end of the latter remote from said valve body; and means operatively connecting said pressure switch and said pump.

2. For use in a liquid pumping system having a pump and a discharge pipe connected to said pump; a pump control comprising a valve body; conduit-forming means connecting said valve body to said discharge pipe; valve means provided in said valve body for subjection to liquid pressure within said discharge pipe; means defining a tubular member connected to said valve body and extending therefrom opposite said discharge pipe and being co-axially aligned therewith; means defining a port adjacent said valve means for establishing continuous connection between said discharge pipe and said tubular member; means mounted in said valve body proximate said port for facilitating clearance of matter accidentally lodged therein; said tubular member having a plurality of spacedapart openings for liquid flow therethrough; means defining a pressure accumulator of sleeve-form disposed surroundingly of the portion of said tubular member having openings; said pressure accumulator being resilient and relatively thick so as to develop relative force upon contraction; means for securing said pressure accumulator in its end portions in leak-proof relationship on said tubular member so that the intervening portion may be expanded under predetermined pressure of liquid passing through said tubular member openings to develop a relatively volumetrically small pressure chamber; a switch operable responsive to said liquid pressure within said tubular member; means connecting said pressure switch and said tubular member at the end of the latter remote from said valve body; and means operatively connecting said pressure switch and said pump.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 and further characterized by said means mounted in said valve body said valve body having a chamber, a plunger disposed in said chamber and being axially aligned with said port, resilient means provided within said chamber and urging said plunger away from said port, said plunger having an end portion dimensioned for reception within said port upon stressing of said resilient means.

Claims (3)

1. For use in a liquid pumping system having a pump and a discharge pipe connected to said pump; a pump control comprising a valve body; conduit-forming means connecting said valve body to said discharge pipe; valve means provided in said valve body for subjection to liquid pressure within said discharge pipe; means defining a tubular member connected to said valve body and extending therefrom opposite said discharge pipe and being coaxially aligned therewith; means adjacent said valve means for establishing continuous connection between said discharge pipe and said tubular member; said tubular member having a plurality of spaced-apart openings for liquid flow therethrough; means defining a pressure accumulator of sleeve-form disposed surroundingly of the portion of said tubular member having openings; said pressure accumulator having a thickness of approximately one half inch and a durometer hardness within the range of 55-70, said pressure accumulator being resilient for expansion under pressure within the range of approximately 50-70 psi so as to develop relative force upon contraction; means for securing said pressure accumulator in its end portions in leakproof relationship on said tubular member so that the intervening portion may be expanded under predetermined pressure of liquid passing through said tubular member openings to develop a relatively volumetrically small pressure chamber; said pressure accumulator having a ratio of its thickness to its length between said securing means being within the range of approximately 4:1 to 8:1, rigid case-forming means disposed surroundingly of said pressure accumulator, the normal spacing between said pressure accumulator and said rigid case-forming means being within the range of five thirty-seconds to seven thirty-seconds inches; a switch operable responsive to said liquid pressure within said tubular member; means connecting said pressure switch and said tubular member at the end of the latter remote from said valve body; and means operatively connecting said pressure switch and said pump.

2. For use in a liquid pumping system having a pump and a discharge pipe connected to said pump; a pump control comprising a valve body; conduit-forming means connecting said valve body to said discharge pipe; valve means provided in said valve body for subjection to liquid pressure within said discharge pipe; means defining a tubular member connected to said valve body and extending therefrom opposite said discharge pipe and being co-axially aligned therewith; means defining a port adjacent said valve means for establishing continuous connection between said discharge pipe and said tubular member; means mounted in said valve body proximate said port for facilitating clearance of matter accidentally lodged therein; said tubular member having a plurality of spaced-apart openings for liquid flow therethrough; means defining a pressure accumulator of sleeve-form disposed surroundingly of the portion of said tubular member having openings; said pressure accumulator being resilient and relatively thick so as to develop relative force upon contraction; means for securing said pressure accumulator in its end portions in leak-proof relationship on said tubular member so that the intervening portion may be expanded under predetermined pressure of liquid passing thRough said tubular member openings to develop a relatively volumetrically small pressure chamber; a switch operable responsive to said liquid pressure within said tubular member; means connecting said pressure switch and said tubular member at the end of the latter remote from said valve body; and means operatively connecting said pressure switch and said pump.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 and further characterized by said means mounted in said valve body said valve body having a chamber, a plunger disposed in said chamber and being axially aligned with said port, resilient means provided within said chamber and urging said plunger away from said port, said plunger having an end portion dimensioned for reception within said port upon stressing of said resilient means.

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