Pump system for deep fryers using trans-fat-free cooking oil

Abstract

A pump for use in a filtration process for a deep fryer is disclosed. The pump includes a drive shaft linked to a motor or motor drive shaft. The drive shaft passes through a seal assembly before passing into the pump chamber. The seal includes an outer seal housing that accommodates a lip seal. The lip seal is fabricated from PTFE. A combination oil filtration and supply system for a deep fryer is also disclosed that includes a motor linked to the drive shaft. The drive shaft passes through a supply pump and a filter/return pump. The supply pump includes an inlet in communication with a fresh oil reservoir and an outlet in communication with the filter/return pump. The filter/return pump includes an inlet in each communication with an oil filtration system and an outlet in communication with the outlet of the supply pump and an inlet to an oil distribution network. The oil distribution network includes a plurality of outlets, each in communication with an inlet of a vat. Each vat each includes an outlet in communication with the oil filtration system. The supply pump further includes a bypass valve that closes the inlet to the supply pump when flow from the fresh oil reservoir is cut off by closing a fresh oil supply valve. The bypass valve permits continuous circulation of fresh oil in the supply pump chamber and around the seal to prolong the life of the seal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.