Experimental Prototype
A basic proof-of-concept hardware model was designed, fabricated and tested to verify that the new multiple segment, positive displacement type lobe pump is really a viable machine concept. The tests proved that it is and for a 'first of a kind' new pump, the test results were beyond expectation.
A few of the pump components are displayed below along with a video of the actual performance test.
The Prototype Assembly
For simplicity, the main housing for proof-of-concept prototype shown above, was fabricated from a 9.5" x 9.5 " x 7.0" solid block of aluminum. The visible aluminum end plate isolates the timing gears and the and bearings in a way similar to the model shown on the opening image.
Looking into the 4.6" x 3.1" opening on the visible side, the position of the rotors and separator plates can be seen.
A pair of identical, printed nylon transition housings provide gradual flow diffusion of the water on the inlet side and a gentle deceleration of the flow on the discharge side.
Both transitions are fitted to a 2" ABS piping system connected to two 350 gallon water tanks. Flow and performance details are shown near the end of the video demonstration. On a production version of the pump, these transitions would be an integral part of the main housing.
Assembling the Prototype
Assembly is relatively simple because the majority of the main rotating assembly is installed as a single unit. For assembly only, the individual separator plates have been fitted with temporary cylindrical bore plugs that precisely aligns the rotor shaft(s) so that the assembly slides into the main housing with little effort. The end plate, that contain the other set of bearings, is slid onto the protruding shaft ends and bolted to the main housing. The cylindrical bore plugs are then washed away.
The Four Sets of
Mirror Image Rotors
The modified cycloid shape of the rotor lobes is clearly visible in a position along a axis perpendicular to the centerline of the bore in the four lobes. The proprietary contour of the lobe provides a constant clearance between the lobe surface and the the mating pocket in the adjacent rotor.
The clearance is constant throughout the full rotation of each rotor.
In addition, the contour provides a fixed clearance between the rotor sweep diameter and the containment housing thereby creating a momentary fixed volume within the media transport chamber between adjacent lobes. At that precise moment, the captured fixed volume is totally isolated from both the inlet and discharge, which is by definition, positive displacement .
Prototype Demonstration Video
