Pump system with vacuum source

A separator for use with a pump assembly that has a vacuum pump and a main pump, the separator comprising:

• a main reservoir;
• a main intake port into the main reservoir;
• a main output port from the main reservoir, the main output port in fluid communication with a main intake port of the main pump;
• an inner tank disposed within the main reservoir, the inner tank being fluidly isolated from the main reservoir, the inner tank including:
• an inlet port in fluid communication with an exhaust port of the vacuum pump;
• a first outlet port in fluid communication with atmosphere, the first outlet port positioned above an expected waterline in the inner tank;
• and
• a second outlet port in fluid communication with a liquid inlet port of the vacuum pump, the second outlet port positioned below the expected waterline in the inner tank.

A pump assembly comprising:

• a main pump, the main pump pumping fluid to a pump output, the fluid at the pump output being under pressure;
• a liquid ring vacuum pump, the liquid ring vacuum pump having a vacuum input port, an exhaust output port and a liquid inlet port, the liquid inlet port for receiving a liquid;
• a vacuum pump supply tank for supplying liquid to the liquid inlet of the liquid ring vacuum pump;
• and
• a valve for selectively providing fluid to the vacuum pump supply tank.

A separator for use in a pump assembly, the separator comprising:

• a reservoir;
• a float system including a float that extends into the reservoir and a one-way valve controlled by the float;
• and
• the one-way valve allowing fluids and/or air to enter the reservoir, but not allowing fluids and/or air to exit the reservoir.

A separator for use with a pump assembly that has a vacuum pump and a main pump, the separator comprising:

• a main reservoir for storing pump fluid for the main pump;
• a main intake port into the main reservoir;
• a main output port from the main reservoir in fluid communication with a main intake port of the main pump;
• a vacuum port positioned above an expected waterline in the reservoir, the vacuum port in fluid communication with an inlet port of the vacuum pump;
• and
• deflector means positioned adjacent to, but spaced from, the vacuum port, the deflector means for deflecting pump fluid that is directed at the vacuum port.