PUMP CONTROL SYSTEM

• US 20110200461A1
• Filed: 02/17/2011
• Published: 08/18/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Akron Brass Company (Comfidex Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Akron Brass Company (Comfidex Corp.)
• Inventors: Christensen, Jerry, Durstine, David, Benson, Jeff
• Granted Patent: US 8,662,856 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 417/300
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 17/05 driven by internal-combustion engines
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 49/065 and making use of computers
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 49/103 Responsive to speed
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 49/106 Responsive to pumped volume
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7761 Electrically actuated valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86019 Direct response valve

Abstract

A pump control system includes a source of pressurized fluid an output valve adjustably controls the flow of pressurized fluid from the source. An output valve control is coupled to the output valve and monitors the actual state of the output valve. The control selectably adjusts the output valve in response to a first control signal. A controller is coupled to the output valve control, the controller receiving information from the output valve control corresponding to the actual state of the output valve and providing to the output valve control the first control signal, the first control signal being applied to the output valve to achieve and maintain a desired state.

Claims

1. A pump control system, comprising:

a source of pressurized fluid;

an output valve to adjustably control the flow of pressurized fluid from the source;

an output valve control coupled to the output valve, the output valve control monitoring the actual state of the output valve and selectably adjusting the output valve in response to a first control signal; and

a controller coupled to the output valve control, the controller receiving information from the output valve control corresponding to the actual state of the output valve and providing to the output valve control the first control signal, the first control signal being applied to the output valve to achieve and maintain a desired state.

2. The pump control system of claim 1, further comprising a pump to pressurize the fluid.

3. The pump control system of claim 2, further comprising a power source coupled to the pump, the pump being driven by the power source.

4. The pump control system of claim 3 wherein the controller is further coupled to the power source, and wherein the controller controls the operation of the power source in a predetermined manner corresponding to the actual state and the desired state of the output valve.

5. The pump control system of claim 4 wherein:

the power source is a prime mover; and

the controller further includes an engine speed governor to control the speed of the prime mover.

6. The pump control system of claim 5 wherein the controller monitors the flow of fluid through the output valve and adjusts the speed of the prime mover to maintain a determinable flow level.

7. The pump control system of claim 1 wherein the controller further includes a data handler to process and communicate information between the controller and the output valve control.

8. The pump control system of claim 7, further including electronic communication means extending between the data handler and the output valve control.

9. The pump control system of claim 5 wherein the wherein the controller further includes a data handler to communicate information between the controller and the output valve control, and between the controller and the prime mover.

10. The pump control system of claim 9, further including electronic communication means extending between the data handler, the prime mover and the output valve control.

11. The pump control system of claim 1, further including:

a recirculation valve to adjustably divert pressurized fluid from the recirculation valve to the fluid source; and

a recirculation valve control coupled to the recirculation valve, the recirculation valve control monitoring the status of the recirculation valve and selectably adjusting the recirculation valve in response to a second control signal,

the controller being coupled to the recirculation valve control, the controller receiving information from the recirculation valve control corresponding to the temperature of the fluid and providing to the recirculation valve control the second control signal, the second control signal being applied to the recirculation valve to achieve and maintain a desired state corresponding to the temperature of the fluid.

12. The pump control system of claim 1, wherein the adjustment of the output valve is gradual.

13. The pump control system of claim 1, further including a plurality of output valves.

14. The pump control system of claim 1, wherein the controller monitors the flow of fluid through the output valve and adjusts the valve to maintain a determinable flow level.

15. The pump control system of claim 1, wherein the controller monitors the flow of fluid through the output valve and sounds an alarm if an abnormal condition is detected.

16. The pump control system of claim 15, wherein the controller provides a control signal to the output valve control if an abnormal condition is detected, the output valve control adjusting the output valve to a predetermined setting corresponding to the abnormal condition.

17. The pump control system of claim 16, wherein the controller provides a control signal to the output valve control if the abnormal condition is removed, the output valve control adjusting the output valve to a predetermined setting corresponding to a normal operating condition.

18. The pump control system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the output valve control and the controller further include an operator-set control configured to establish a setpoint for the amount of fluid flowing through the output valve.