Centrifugal pump casing relief system

Abstract

In a fluid flow network including a centrifugal pump, a system and kit for monitoring said centrifugal pump and relieving the pump of fluid when the pump is operating at no-flow conditions. The system comprises a fluid conduit connected to the pump, at least one sensor for indicating when the pump is operating at no-flow conditions. The sensor is selected from the group consisting of: temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and motor current sensors. The system has a fluid control means located in the fluid conduit. An electric snap-action valve is included that has an inlet connected to the fluid conduit and an outlet and a diaphragm. The diaphragm is movable between a first position and a second position. A power supply is included.

1 . In a fluid flow network including a centrifugal pump, a system for monitoring said centrifugal pump and relieving said pump of fluid when said pump is operating at no-flow conditions, said system comprising: 
 a fluid conduit connected to said pump;    at least one sensor for indicating when said pump is operating at said no-flow conditions, said sensor intersecting said fluid conduit, said sensor selected from the group consisting of: temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and motor current sensors;    a fluid control means located within said fluid conduit;    an electric snap-action valve having an inlet connected to said fluid conduit and an outlet and a diaphragm, said diaphragm having a first position and a second position; and    a power supply;    said power supply, said sensor and said electric snap-action valve forming an electrical circuit, said electrical circuit activating said snap-action valve to move said valve from said first position to said second position.    
   
   
       2 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said fluid control means comprises a gate valve.  
   
   
       3 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said fluid control means comprises a pipe union.  
   
   
       4 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said first position of said diaphragm allows fluid flow through said electric snap-action valve and said second position of said diaphragm prevents fluid flow through said snap-action valve.  
   
   
       5 . The system according to  claim 4  wherein said fluid control means comprises a gate valve.  
   
   
       6 . The system according to  claim 4  wherein said fluid control means comprises a pipe union.  
   
   
       7 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said first position of said diaphragm prevents fluid flow through said electric snap-action valve and said second position of said diaphragm allows fluid flow through said snap-action valve.  
   
   
       8 . The system according to  claim 7  wherein said fluid control means comprises a gate valve.  
   
   
       9 . The system according to  claim 7  wherein said fluid control means comprises a pipe union.  
   
   
       10 . A method for monitoring a centrifugal pump within a fluid flow network and relieving said pump of deleterious effects caused by an increased pressure and/or temperature in said pump, said pump communicating with a fluid release valve connected to a fluid conduit, said method comprising: 
 selecting a sensor to monitor a variable of said pump;    providing a fluid control device;    providing an electrical solenoid operated valve having an inlet connected to said fluid conduit and an outlet and a solenoid operated diaphragm, said diaphragm having a first position and a second position;    providing a power supply;    attaching said sensor to said fluid conduit or said network;    attaching said fluid control device and said solenoid operated valve to said fluid conduit;    forming an electrical circuit by attaching said sensor and the solenoid operated valve to said power supply; and    moving said diaphragm from said first position to said position second position by completing said electrical circuit to the solenoid of said solenoid operated valve.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said step of attaching said fluid control device and said solenoid operated valve further comprises attaching said fluid control device and said solenoid operated valve to said fluid conduit at a distance of four inches or less to one another.  
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 10  further comprising the steps of: 
 selecting a second sensor to monitor a second variable of said pump; and    attaching said second sensor to said fluid conduit or said network.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said step of moving said diaphragm results in allows fluid flow through said solenoid operated valve.  
   
   
       14 . A kit to be used for monitoring the deleterious effects of increased pressure and/or temperature within a centrifugal pump, said kit comprising: 
 at least one electronic sensor to monitor a variable of the centrifugal pump, said variable being selected from the group consisting of: temperature, pressure, and motor current;    a fluid control device;    an electronic snap-action valve;    a power supply; and    electrical connectors for connecting said sensor, said power supply, and said electronic snap-action valve.    
   
   
       15 . The kit according to  claim 14  wherein said fluid control device comprises a gate valve.  
   
   
       16 . The kit according to  claim 14  wherein said fluid control device is a pipe union.  
   
   
       17 . The kit according to  claim 14  further comprising installation instructions for said kit.  
   
   
       18 . The kit according to  claim 14  further comprising at least two of said sensors.  
   
   
       19 . The kit according to  claim 18  further comprising installation instructions for said kit.