Impeller assembly for centrifugal pumps

Abstract

An impeller assembly for centrifugal pumps that enables self-priming in a relatively short time period includes an impeller and at least one winglet (e.g., six winglets with a trapezium cross-sectional shape). The impeller includes an impeller body with an eye opening therein. The eye opening is configured for the passage of a fluid (e.g., water) therethrough when the impeller assembly is in use. The impeller body also includes at least one vane, with a leading end, disposed about the eye opening. The at least one winglet is positioned to protrude into the eye opening of the impeller body and may, for example, be coupled to the leading end of the vane.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An impeller assembly for a centrifugal pump, the impeller assembly comprising: 
 an impeller, the impeller including: 
 an impeller body with an eye opening therein, the eye opening configured for the passage of a fluid therethrough when the impeller assembly is in use;  
 at least one vane disposed about the eye opening, the at least one vane having a leading end; and  
 at least one winglet positioned to protrude into the eye opening of the impeller body.  
   
     
     
         2 . The impeller assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a cross-section of the winglet is trapezoidal in shape.  
     
     
         3 . The impeller assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a cross-section of the winglet is triangular in shape.  
     
     
         4 . The impeller assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a cross-section of the winglet is oblong in shape.  
     
     
         5 . The impeller assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the impeller body and winglet are configured as a unitary whole.  
     
     
         6 . The impeller assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one winglet is coupled to the leading edge of the at least one vane.  
     
     
         7 . The impeller assembly of  claim 6 , wherein there are six vanes and six winglets and each of the six winglets is coupled to a leading edge of a different vane.  
     
     
         8 . The impeller assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the impeller assembly is configured for use in a self-priming centrifugal pump.  
     
     
         9 . An impeller assembly for a centrifugal pump, the impeller assembly comprising: 
 a rotatable impeller, the impeller including: 
 an impeller body with an eye opening therein, the eye opening configured for the passage of a fluid therethrough when the impeller assembly is in use;  
 at least one vane disposed about the eye opening, the at least one vane having a leading end; and  
 at least one winglet coupled to the leading edge of the at least one vane and positioned to protrude into the eye opening of the impeller.  
   
     
     
         10 . The impeller assembly of  claim 9 , wherein there are six vanes and six winglets.