Self-priming electronic metering pump and priming methodology

Abstract

An electronic metering pump system has a fluid flow detector for monitoring the output of the electronic metering pump to detect loss of prime. The fluid flow detector, upon detecting loss of fluid flow, initiates an electronic signal to a downstream solenoid valve which closes the output conduit of the electronic metering pump and facilitates the repriming of the pump and return of output fluid flow. The electronic signal may also be utilized to initiate an warning or alarm to an operator, either directly or by data network, that the system requires attention.

1 . A self-priming metering pump system comprising:
 an electronic metering pump;   a flow detector in fluid communication with said electronic metering pump which senses the absence of fluid flow output from said electronic metering pump during operation and initiates an electronic control signal;   an electronic controller in electronic communication with said flow detector which receives said electronic control signal;   a check valve in fluid communication with said flow detector and said electronic metering pump and in electronic communication with said electronic controller, said check valve being selectively operated by said electronic control signal from said electronic controller to facilitate return of fluid flow output from said electronic metering pump.   
   
   
       2 . A self-priming metering pump as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a fluid reservoir from which said electronic metering pump is supplied. 
   
   
       3 . A self-priming metering pump as described in  claim 2 , wherein output flow from said metering pump is directed to said fluid reservoir when said check valve is operated to facilitate return of fluid flow output from said electronic metering pump. 
   
   
       4 . A self-priming metering pump as described in  claim 1 , wherein said flow detector is also in electronic communication with said electronic metering pump and said electronic control signal is also directed to said electronic metering pump. 
   
   
       5 . A self-priming metering pump as described in  claim 4 , wherein said electronic metering pump is capable of operating within a range of speeds and detection of said electronic control signal by said electronic metering pump causes said electronic metering pump to operate at an increased speed. 
   
   
       6 . A self-priming metering pump as described in  claim 1 , further comprising an electronic controller in electronic communication with said flow detector, said electronic controller causing an alarm signal to be transmitted. 
   
   
       7 . A self-priming metering pump as described in  claim 6 , wherein said alarm signal is one of an audible alarm and an electronic signal transmitted to a communication device. 
   
   
       8 . A self-priming metering pump as described in  claim 1 , wherein said electronic metering pump is a diaphragm pump. 
   
   
       9 . A self-priming metering pump as described in  claim 1 , wherein said check valve is a solenoid valve. 
   
   
       10 . A method for self-priming an electronic metering pump system, said method comprising the steps of:
 affixing a flow detector to the output of said electronic metering pump which senses the absence of fluid flow output from said electronic metering pump during operation;   initiating an electronic control signal from said flow detector to an electronic controller upon detection of a reduction of fluid flow output from said electronic metering pump;   affixing a selectively operative electronic check valve to the output conduit of said electronic metering pump which receives said electronic control signal and operates to facilitate return of fluid flow output from said electronic metering pump.   
   
   
       11 . A method for self-priming an electronic metering pump system as described in  claim 10 , further comprising the step of transmitting said electronic control signal to said electronic metering pump upon detection of the absence of fluid flow output from said electronic metering pump. 
   
   
       12 . A method for self-priming an electronic metering pump system as described in  claim 11 , further comprising the step of increasing the speed of the operation of the electronic metering pump upon transmission of said electronic control signal from said flow detector to said electronic metering pump. 
   
   
       13 . A method for self-priming an electronic metering pump system as described in  claim 10 , further comprising the step of causing an alarm signal to be transmitted upon detection of the absence of fluid flow output from said electronic metering pump. 
   
   
       14 . A method for self-priming an electronic metering pump system as described in  claim 13 , wherein said alarm signal is one of an audible alarm and an electronic signal transmitted to a communication device.