Method and apparatus for improving pump net positive suction head
AssigneeChicago Bridge & Iron Technical Services Company
InventorsGerald E. Engdahl, William S. Schoerner, Joseph P. Mavec
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Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving the available pump net positive suction head in a system for pumping liquid from a storage tank. When the liquid in the system is at or near its boiling point, a pump suction vessel is used to store and cool the liquid. The liquid in the pump suction vessel is kept at a temperature lower than its boiling point by surrounding the vessel with a jacketed space containing liquid from the storage tank. As the liquid in the jacketed space evaporates, the vapor is vented to the storage tank and more liquid is fed into the jacketed space.
Claims14
Apparatus for improving available pump net positive suction head, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) a storage tank having means for receiving a liquid;
- (b) a pump suction vessel having means for receiving and storing liquid from the storage tank;
- (c) a jacketed space at least partially surrounding the pump suction vessel, the jacketed space having means for receiving and storing liquid from the storage tank;
- (d) means for controlling the level of liquid in the jacketed space;
- and
- (e) a pump having means for receiving liquid from the pump suction vessel.
A method for improving available pump net positive suction head, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) storing liquid in a storage tank;
- (b) draining liquid from the storage tank to a pump suction vessel;
- (c) surrounding at least a portion of the pump suction vessel with liquid from the storage tank to maintain the temperature of liquid in the pump suction vessel below its boiling point;
- and
- (d) pumping liquid from the pump suction vessel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.