Herbert A Irish

US Patent:

62101056, Apr 3, 2001

Filed:

Nov 27, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/200702

Inventors:

Herbert Addison Irish - Mobile AL

Assignee:

Irish & Asssociates - Mobile AL

International Classification:

F04D 110

US Classification:

415143

Abstract:

A flow directing device, system and method for delivery and pumping medium to high consistency stock slurries eliminates bridging of stock, creates a non-vortexing improved flow into the pump suction of a pump, is independent from pump operation, minimizes "slip/stick", and does not mix air into the pulp fibers. The flow directing device is a low-speed, mechanical device including a two-stage turbine, a turbine shaft, a turbine mounting adapter, a gear reducer and an electric motor. The device is used with a dropleg to assist flow of medium to high consistency suspensions (pulp) to the pump, preferably a rotary pump. The flow directing device is operated independently from the pump. The flow directing device and pump work in concert with each other to form a stock pumping system capable of handling paper stock consistencies from 8-18% without the problems associated with other types of pumping systems. This is achieved by first liberating liquid from the stock slurry by providing a localized shear stress to the stock slurry using the first turbine and applying a shear stress to the liberated stock slurry in a sufficient amount to transition the stock slurry to a non-Neutonian, Bingham-plastic fluid using the second turbine.