GB1085418A - Centrifugal pumps - Google Patents

Abstract

1,085,418. Circumferential-flow pumps and fans. FORD MOTOR CO. Ltd. Aug. 17, 1966 [Oct.22, 1965], No.36739/66. Heading F1C. A circumferential-flow pump or fan, Fig.1, comprises a rotor 12 formed with a semi-toroidal chamber 34 co-operating with a semi-toroidal chamber 36 formed in a stator 14 to form jointly a toroidal chamber 38 through which air or liquid is pumped from an inlet port 46, Fig. 5, to an outlet port 48. The ports are separated by a seal 44 extending across the axial width of the chamber 36 to provide a flat sealing face 52 co-operating with the radial edges of the rotor blades 40. The trailing flank 58 of the seal 44 is shaped as shown to reduce the width of the face 52 over the outer region 56 and to provide a passage 60 which gradually increases in cross-sectional area towards the inlet port 46. The width of the outer region 56 is less than the circumferential spacing of the rotor blades 40 so that the high-pressure discharge fluid which would otherwise be trapped in the pockets between adjacent blades as the blades pass over the seal face 52 can escape into the diverging passage 60, where it flows past the inlet port 46 in a direction which imparts a whirl component of velocity to the fluid entering through the inlet port. The development of the whirl component is assisted by disposing the inlet port 46 obliquely in the trailing flank 58 and by providing a whirl-inducing blade 64. The whirling fluid flows in a helical path around the toroidal chamber 38 and is discharged through the outlet port 48 which is obliquely disposed near the outer periphery of the chamber so that it is substantially in line with the direction of flow at this point. The blade 64 may be pivotally adjustable. As shown, the ports 46, 48 may be elliptical in cross-section. If operation at low volume and high-pressure rather than high volume and lowpressure is desired, the inlet port may be located at 62 in the seal face 52. Both inlet ports 46, 62 may be provided, together with an automatic or manual means for changing from one to the other. The rotor 12 is journalled on the enlarged end 22 of a stationary spindle 24 which supports the stator 14. Excessive pressure developed by the pump is relieved by axial movement of the stator relative to the rotor against the action of a spring 30 having an adjustable abutment 32.