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 . 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.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  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. 
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1  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.   
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of moving said diaphragm results in allows fluid flow through said solenoid operated valve.