Pit pump

Abstract

The invention provides a pit pump having a submersible hydraulic drive motor, a pump, and a bearing block assembly. The pump has a body, a fluid inlet in the body, a fluid outlet in the body, and an impeller operatively positioned in the body, whereby fluid can be pumped between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The bearing block assembly operatively connects the hydraulic drive motor to the impeller of the pump, whereby the submersible hydraulic drive motor is spaced apart from the pump. The bearing block assembly preferably includes a housing and a drive shaft operatively positioned for rotational movement within the housing, whereby rotational movement can be transferred from the hydraulic drive motor to the impeller of the pump. The bearing block assembly preferably has at least one grease nipple and at least one bleeder nipple for maintaining grease lubrication within the bearing block assembly. Furthermore, the bearing block assembly is preferably lubricated with an extreme-pressure, water-resistant, and high-temperature grease.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A pit pump comprising: 
 a submersible hydraulic drive motor;    a pump further comprising a body, a fluid inlet in the body, a fluid outlet in the body, and an impeller operatively positioned in the body, whereby fluid can be pumped between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; and    a bearing block assembly operatively connecting the hydraulic drive motor to the impeller of the pump, whereby the submersible hydraulic drive motor is spaced apart from the pump.    
     
     
         2 . The pit pump according to  claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic drive motor is further provided with quick coupler fittings for connecting hydraulic fluid lines to the hydraulic drive motor.  
     
     
         3 . The pit pump according to  claim 1 , wherein the body of the pump further comprises a lid portion, whereby the interior of the pump can be accessible for assembly and maintenance.  
     
     
         4 . The pit pump according to  claim 1 , wherein the body of the pump further comprises at least one handle for grasping or carrying the pit pump.  
     
     
         5 . The pit pump according to  claim 1 , wherein the bearing block assembly is at least about 6 inches long, which helps provide an adequate length of isolation between the pump and the hydraulic drive motor.  
     
     
         6 . The pit pump according to  claim 1 , wherein the bearing block assembly further comprises a housing and a drive shaft operatively positioned for rotational movement within the housing, whereby rotational movement can be transferred from the hydraulic drive motor to the impeller of the pump.  
     
     
         7 . The pit pump according to  claim 1 , wherein the bearing block assembly further comprises a grease nipple and bleeder nipple for maintaining grease lubrication within the bearing block assembly. 
   8 . The pit pump according to  claim 1 , wherein the bearing block assembly is lubricated with an extreme-pressure, water-resistant, and high temperature grease.