Importance

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Abstract

A pump is disclosed for pumping a volatile fluid having a given vapor pressure. The pump of this invention comprises a pump housing comprising an inlet for introducing the liquid at a relatively low static pressure level into the pump housing and an outlet for discharging the liquid from the pump housing at a relatively high static pressure level. A fluid path extends from the inlet to the outlet. A booster stage impeller is rotatively mounted for drawing the fluid through the inlet and for pumping the fluid along the fluid path with an increased kinetic pressure. A diffuser is affixedly disposed within the pump housing to intercept the fluid directed along the fluid path by the booster stage impeller for converting the kinetic pressure imparted to the fluid into increased static pressure. A main stage impeller is rotatively driven by a pump motor at a relatively high speed to impart a relatively high static pressure to the fluid being introduced thereto and for discharging the fluid at a relatively high static pressure. A hydraulic coupler is disposed remotely from the fluid path for hydraulically coupling the main stage impeller and the booster stage impeller to rotate the booster stage impeller at a relatively low speed selected to maintain the low net positive suction pressure applied to the fluid at the inlet greater than the vapor pressure and to ensure that the low net positive suction head, as established by the main stage impeller upon the fluid introduced thereto, exceeds the vapor pressure.

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First Claim