Pump controller for controlling pumps connected in tandem
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for automatically controlling a pumping unit used in fire suppression, comprising:
- a pumping unit comprising a pump having a suction inlet configured to receive water from an upstream pumping unit and an engine to run the pump;
a water flow sensor for sensing water flow into the suction inlet of the pumping unit; and
a pump controller for receiving a water flow sensor signal from the water flow sensor, the pump controller controlling an on/off state of the engine based on the water flow sensor signal.
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Abstract
A system for automatically controlling a pumping unit used in fire suppression comprises a pumping unit, a water flow sensor and a pump controller. The pumping unit has a pump with a suction inlet configured to receive water from an upstream pumping unit and an engine to run the pump. The water flow sensor senses water flow into the suction inlet of the pumping unit. The pump controller receives a water flow sensor signal from the water flow sensor and controls an on/off state of the engine based on the water flow sensor signal.
11 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for automatically controlling a pumping unit used in fire suppression, comprising:
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a pumping unit comprising a pump having a suction inlet configured to receive water from an upstream pumping unit and an engine to run the pump;
a water flow sensor for sensing water flow into the suction inlet of the pumping unit; and
a pump controller for receiving a water flow sensor signal from the water flow sensor, the pump controller controlling an on/off state of the engine based on the water flow sensor signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for controlling a pumping unit used in fire suppression, comprising:
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means for supplying water to a suction inlet of a pumping unit;
a water flow sensor for detecting the water in the suction inlet of the pumping unit; and
a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the pumping unit based on at least a signal from the water flow sensor indicating whether water is available at the suction inlet, the microprocessor outputting a start signal to start the pumping unit when the water flow sensor indicates water is available, the microprocessor inhibiting the pumping unit from running when the water flow sensor indicates water is not available. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for automatically controlling a pumping unit used in fire suppression, comprising:
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connecting a discharge outlet of an upstream pumping unit with a suction inlet of a pumping unit;
monitoring a water flow sensor signal to determine if water is available at the suction inlet of the pumping unit; and
outputting a start signal to start an engine which runs the pumping unit when the water flow sensor indicates that water is available at the suction inlet. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification