GB2600131A

GB2600131A - A pump system

Info

Publication number: GB2600131A
Application number: GB2016769.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ryan Peter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-22
Filing date: 2020-10-22
Publication date: 2022-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-22
Also published as: GB2600131B; GB202016769D0

Abstract

A pump system 1 having a rotary wheel 5 mounted on an axis 6 and having at least one fluid channel 7 with inlet 8 next to the circumference C and an outlet 9 for discharging liquid at an increased pressure; also at least one conduit 14 for liquid which is to be discharged against the rotary wheel so as to move it so the inlet receives alternate charges of liquid and air. The rotary wheel may be a waterwheel with paddles, collectors 13, buckets or the like and the mounted fluid channel, loop, or coil comprises a spiral pump having a rotary coupling 10. Preferably the pump system has a housing 3 which forms a sump in which a volume of water 4 is cycled, or circulated, by an auxiliary pump 15 through the conduit 14; the sump supplied by pipe 17 with level valve 18. The pump system can have cooling, heating, filtering, aerating, feed from rainwater collection, chlorination, UV treatment, ballcock cut-off of the outlet, and the spiral pump under back pressure acts as a pressure release which removes a need for electrical switching gear. There may be a detachable manual crank for turning the rotary wheel.

Description

A Pump System

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump system, in particular in relation to a pump system with a low power requirement. It is of particular interest to provide a pump system capable of pumping water to a distant or elevated position for example to an elevated position within a building.

Background to the Invention

[0002] Pumps are well known. Most buildings that have running water typically have a reservoir such as a tank located towards the top of the building that holds water. The water is stored until consumed in the usual way for washing, drinking, showering, bathing etc. [0003] One of the issues that face buildings, in particular those with high levels of water consumption, is that it is usually necessary to pump water to the reservoir to keep up with consumption. Additionally or alternatively a pump may be required because water mains supply pressure alone, for example a municipal supply, may not be sufficient to raise the water to the height needed to reach the reservoir or may not supply water quickly enough to keep the reservoir replenished. Pumps used for this purpose can require large amounts of power.

[0004] Furthermore such systems require some form of cut-off system so as to not overfill the reservoir and to turn off the pump to avoid over-pressurisation when water supply is no longer required. And of course the pump must again turn on when the water in the reservoir is depleted and needs to be replenished.

[0005] International Patent Publication w020119570e9 discloses a spiral pump (1), comprising: a floating support body (16); -at least one or more substantially rigid rotary parts (38, 50) that are rotatable relative to said support body, wherein said one or more rotary parts comprise at least one integrated spiral fluid channel (28) that has an inlet (30) for receiving fluid arranged at or near the outer radial wall (26) of said one or more rotary parts and an outlet (32) for discharging fluid at an increased pressure at or near its rotary axis (34); -wherein a fluid passage (104, 108), configured for passing fluid at the increased pressure from inside the one or more rigid rotary parts to outside the one or more rigid rotary parts, is arranged at or near the rotary axis; and -drive means (118) for rotatably driving the one or more rotary parts.

[0006] However such pumps are considered inefficient. For example a modern diaphragm pump is capable of moving much more water in one minute than such a spiral pump could. Also the diaphragm pump would be much smaller in size.

[0007] It is desirable to provide an alternative low power pump system which is low maintenance.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a pump system comprising: (a) a rotary wheel having a circumference, the wheel being mounted on a rotary axis and having at least one fluid channel that has an inlet for receiving liquid arranged proximate to the circumference and an outlet for discharging liquid at an increased pressure, (b) at least one conduit for intake of liquid and discharge of the liquid against the rotary wheel so as to impart a rotary motion to the rotary wheel so that as the rotary wheel rotates the inlet receives alternate charges of liquid and air.

[0009] The pump system of the invention is capable of moving a liquid or a mixture of liquid and gas using minimal power. For example the pump system of the invention is capable of moving water considerable distances horizontally for example 75 metres with a 1.5m lift using only 35 Watts of power.

[0010] Moving and/or lifting a liquid requires power, however, if the liquid is mixed with a gas the resulting fluid is lighter and also creates its own gas-lift such as an air-lift effect, thereby reducing the energy required when raising the fluid. The present invention maximises this effect therefore reducing the overall power required.

[0011] The discharge of the liquid against the rotary wheel may include discharge into the inlet. In this way the rotary wheel will rotate and the inlet will receive liquid every time during a revolution that the inlet aligns with the discharge of the liquid.

[0012] Discharge may be pulsed, for example every time the inlet is aligned with the discharge.

[0013] Optionally the rotary wheel further comprising a series of paddles and/or collectors about its circumference and discharge of the liquid against the rotary wheel includes discharge against the paddles and/or collectors. This imparts a rotary motion to the rotary wheel.

[0014] The pump system of the invention optionally further comprises a sump for holding the liquid wherein the rotary wheel is arranged, so that, as it rotates, it intakes through the inlet, liquid from the sump and conveys it through the fluid channel to the outlet.

[0015] In such an arrangement the rotary wheel is arranged so that within every rotation it rotates the inlet through the liquid in the sump and then out of the liquid.

When the rotary wheel moves out of the liquid the liquid moves further along the fluid channel and then air is taken in through the inlet. When the next rotation starts the cycle is repeated and the inlet re-enters the liquid intaking liquid, then emerges from the liquid and intakes air.

[0016] In a pump system of the invention the conduit may arranged to intake liquid from the sump.

[0017] The pump system of the invention may further comprise a pump for pumping liquid through the conduit.

[0018] In this way the pump system of the invention intakes liquid, then air, then liquid then air in a repeated cycle so that the fluid channel has alternating charges of liquid and air. This creates an aerated fluid. This aerated fluid creates an air-lift effect.

[0019] For example with the present invention an air-lift effect was measured as 2033% of head height. This means that the head height is increased as compared to the head height created without the air-lift effect. (A pump will pump a column of liquid such as water to a certain height according to the pressure it creates. This pressure is directly related to its head height. Taking the example of a pump creating 1 bar pressure creates 10 metres of head height when pumping water. If this pump is utilised with air-lift effect (creating a 33% increase) the same pump at the same pressure of 1 bar will create a head height of 13.3m.) [0020] It will be appreciated that in the present invention the atmosphere in which the pump system operates will usually be ambient air. Accordingly as described herein it is a charge of air that is taken in between each charge of liquid. However it will be appreciated that a gas may be provided, for example above liquid in the sump, so that as the pump system of the invention operates the charge between charges of liquid is a charge of that gas. For example this may be achieved where the pump system of the invention is within a gas tight housing. In such an arrangement it may be desirable to provide gas supply means for replenishing gas pumped out of the housing with the pump system of the invention. Accordingly all discussion herein in relation to air, aeration and air-lift etc. applies equally to gases other than air.

[0021] In the present invention, it is desirable that the liquid that is discharged, for example against the paddles and/or collectors of the rotary wheel, so as to impart a rotary motion to the rotary wheel, returns to the sump once it has imparted the rotary motion. This may be achieved by simply placing the rotary wheel above the sump. [0022] In the present invention the rotary wheel acts like a water wheel being rotated by the force of water being discharged against it.

[0023] It is thought that the air-lift effect achieved with the present invention is relatively high. For example in a pump system of the invention additional aeration of the liquid is occurring as the liquid discharged against the rotary wheel is aerated by the process. Furthermore where this aerated liquid returns to the sump it may contribute to agitation of liquid in the sump increasing aeration. Of course also the rotation of the rotary wheel within the sump also agitates the liquid in the sump. So additional aeration may be occurring in one or more of these ways.

[0024] Conventional pumps are classified into many different types, according to their differing operational uses or techniques used to move fluids or gases. A centrifugal pump for example, is effective at moving high volumes of water at low head heights.

Airlift, spiral and coil pumps are effective at moving and mixing gases within a liquid.

Combining the attributes of these different pump types into one device, the present invention is able to move and/or raise a combination of fluid and gas using minimal power.

[0025] The pump system of the present invention operates in a manner similar to a combination of other pump types (spiral and coil) in one or several rotating discs. It takes in a liquid such as water and then air so that successive charges of fluid and air are taken.

[0026] As the cost and scarcity of water increases globally new measures to save, clean and recycle water are becoming more popular. In addition, low power consumption is seen as crucial in all devices and systems. In conventional arrangements the pumping equipment used is; (a) relatively large and power hungry; (b) must be planned and installed by professional engineers; (c) engineered to a high standard and fitted with appropriate electrical control and switchgear both internally and at the point of delivery; (d) maintained by professional engineers (e) engineered to fine tolerances, therefore relatively expensive (f) fitted with filters and seals which are expensive and need to be maintained and changed regularly by an engineer.

[0027] There is therefore the need for a device which greatly reduces the issues listed above. The radical innovation achieved with the present invention ensures that all of the above issues are overcome.

[0028] The present invention achieves this in three main ways: * Using a mixture of water and air, for example in a distribution system comprising distribution pipes, reduces the power required to raise liquids.

* Constructing the device with a minimal number of components makes it robust, reliable and also simple to install, maintain and operate.

* Allowing the rotary wheel to act like a release clutch by ceasing to rotate when pack pressure through the outlet exceeds a threshold level. As discussed herein this may be achieved by circulating fluid from the sump to drive the system. It negates the need for internal or external electrical switchgear to control the pump in particular the pump motor.

[0029] The pump system/device of the invention can raise liquids and gases to a high elevations using comparatively lower amounts of power than conventional equipment due to the aeration and mixing of the fluid and gases. The construction of the device obviates the need for internal or external electrical switchgear to disconnect the pump motor when a distribution flow for example a distribution flow pipe is restricted or shut off. The device greatly reduces the complexity of operation and requirement for professional maintenance due to the low number of moving parts. The sump, the rotary wheel, the conduit and the pump may all be located within a common housing. For example they may be provided as a modular unit. Indeed all parts way be within a common housing.

[0030] Desirably the outlet is proximate to the rotary axis. This may assist with achieving greater pressure. A rotary coupling can be used to connect the outlet to an outlet conduit such as an outlet pipe. The rotary coupling allows for the outlet to rotate with the rotary wheel but without turning/twisting the outlet conduit. Typically the rotary coupling will have two parts that can rotate relative to each other so that one part can rotate with the rotary wheel but the other part remains stationary relative to the rotating part. In this respect it is desirable that the rotary coupling has an axis of rotation that is coincident with the axis of rotation of the rotary wheel.

[0031] The fluid channel may be a loop channel for example a loop about the rotary axis. There may be more than one fluid channel (each with its own inlet and outlet). For example at least two fluid channels may be provided. A loop channel may have more than one convolution and/or have a spiral configuration. The fluid channel(s) could be formed as an integral part of the rotary wheel or alternatively or additionally may be formed by separate parts such as separate pipes including flexible conduits such as flexible pipes.

[0032] Upon rotation of the rotary wheel the fluid taken up is gradually forced though the fluid channel(s) for example one or more loops and/or spirals toward the outlet.

While the liquid flows from the inlet toward the outlet, for example from one convolution to the next, the charge of air in between the two charges of liquid will be compressed. The air compressed, for example within each convolution, has a tendency to expand and assists in driving forward a preceding charge of liquid, thus providing a pneumatic pumping action and causing a pressure build up termed an air-lift. Using this pressure, the air and liquid mixture can be moved and lifted in an efficient manner.

[0033] Desirably the rotary axis of the rotary wheel is mounted above the sump. This is very simple arrangement. For example a lower part (for example a part below the rotary axis) can be located within the sump and an upper part (for example a part above the rotary axis) can be above the sump. As discussed above this is a simple arrangement where the liquid can be pumped by the pump through the conduit to be discharged against the rotary wheel to impart a rotary motion. It can then fall or run (under gravity) back into the sump.

[0034] In this way the liquid in the sump is used for two functions. It is used to impart rotary motion to the rotary wheel and it is taken into the rotary wheel to be pumped through the outlet.

[0035] It will be appreciated that the system may further comprise an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit may be orientated to convey the liquid to a distant location and/or an elevation higher than the liquid level in the sump.

[0036] It will be appreciated that as the pump system of the invention operates it will deplete the liquid in the sump. Accordingly it is desirable that the system further comprises a liquid supply system for replenishing liquid in the sump. For example it may be desirable to keep the amount of liquid within the sump at a sufficient level so that the rotary motion and the pumping of liquid from the sump can operate without interruption due to depletion of liquid in the sump. For example where the liquid is water the system of the present invention may receive water from a mains supply and a valve such as a simple water level valve can shut off the water supply once the liquid in the sump reaches a desired level.

[0037] It will be appreciated that the pump system of the invention can be made to a scale/capacity required for its end use application.

[0038] For example the volume of the sump, the diameter of the rotary wheel, the width of the rotary wheel, the geometry and or volume of the fluid channel etc. may all be independently varied. For example the ratio of volume of different parts of the system may be adjusted for a desired output. For example one or more additional fluid channels and/or additional loops of similar or varying diameter and circumference may be employed. Also one or more fluid channels may be a spiral of varying or constant diameter. Fluid channels may be linked together in a series or parallel format.

Additionally more than one rotary wheel may be provided.

[0039] It will also be appreciated that the more than one pump system of the invention may be employed, for example in series or in parallel.

[0040] Desirably the internal surface of the fluid channel may have a texture to increase the aeration capabilities of the system. A dimpled, ridged or textured surface on the internal surface of the fluid channel for example on one or more loops may increase this effect.

[0041] A pump system of the invention may be provided in a modular construction, allowing several systems to be easily connected together in varying formats for example in series and/or in parallel.

[0042] In the invention fluids/solids/gases may be directly injected into the fluid channel for example into a coil or loop system.

[0043] Optionally the rotary wheel can be manually operated using an external handle optionally a detachable handle. For example a manual crank may be incorporated into the pump system, for example into a housing. For example it is possible to attach a handle to the centre point of the rotary wheel and turn it by hand.

[0044] Desirably a pump system of the invention has a regulating system for regulating the volume and thus the level of the liquid, for example in the sump. Varying sump levels can be used as a simple way to vary the liquid/air ratio and/or storage capacity.

[0045] In addition, a circulating liquid drive system is also used, specifically to obviate the need for external on/off switchgear when the pump outlet pipe is closed.

[0046] The invention has many varied applications; water distribution, irrigation and rainwater recycling. Further a pump system of the invention may be utilised for oxygenation/aeration of liquids.

[0047] A pump system of the invention may further comprise means for aerating the liquid to be intaken by the inlet, for example by agitation of the liquid in a sump. Agitation/aeration may occur as described herein, due to agitation of the liquid by the rotary wheel and/or due to liquid falling from the wheel, for example liquid falling from the wheel back into a sump.

[0048] A pump system of the invention may further comprise a filter for filtering the liquid before it is discharged through the outlet.

[0049] A pump system of the invention may further comprise a heating system for heating the liquid before it is discharged through the outlet.

[0050] A pump system of the invention may further comprise a cooling system for cooling the liquid before it is discharged through the outlet.

[0051] A pump system of the invention may further comprise a rainwater collector for collecting rainwater, optionally for discharge through the outlet.

[0052] The outlet conduit may have a cut-off, such as a ballcock at a reservoir tank, which cuts off liquid supply, for example supply to a reservoir when a desired fill is reached.

[0053] It will be appreciated that the pump of the pump system of the invention can continue to operate even if there is back pressure from the outlet (for example due a liquid shut-off) as the net effect is that the rotary wheel stops turning. In this way the rotary wheel operates as a pressure release by ceasing to rotate for example when liquid supply to a reservoir is cut off.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054] Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0055] Figure 1 is schematic representation of a pump system of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0056] The pump system 1 of the invention is shown in a desirable self-contained form in the schematic cross-sectional view shown in Figure 1. The pump system 1 is in the desirable form of a unitary device 2 with all the components within a common housing 3. The device is portable. The device 2 is a modular form and can be picked up and placed in situ ready to go. All that is required is a connection to a liquid source for input of liquid and also to a liquid discharge/distribution for output of pumped liquid. A power connection such as an electrical cable and/or plug may be provided for powering the pump. This means that a pump system of the invention is easily fitted to an existing liquid supply arrangement for example to a pipework such as an existing plumbing system and easily connected/plugged in to a power source.

[0057] The housing 3 in this embodiment is an enclosure which is water tight. The lower volume 4 within the housing 3 forms a sump 4 for holding a liquid. In the present embodiment the liquid is water but other liquids may also be used.

[0058] A rotary wheel 5 is provided in the form of a waterwheel. The rotary wheel 5 has a circumference C. [0059] The rotary wheel 5 is mounted on a rotary axis at the position indicated by arrow 6 (and which in Figure 1 is perpendicular to the plane of the rotary wheel 5). A fluid channel in the form of a coil or loop 7 is shown by a dashed line and extends about the circumference C of the rotary wheel 5. The loop 7 has an inlet 8 receiving liquid arranged proximate to the circumference C. It continues around the circumference to a leg portion 11 that connects the loop 7 to an outlet 9 for discharging liquid at an increased pressure. In the embodiment the outlet 9 is attached to a rotary coupling 10 that couples the outlet 9 to an outlet or distribution pipe 12. In the embodiment the distribution pipe 12 is arranged vertically but it will be appreciated that it can be arranged to deliver liquid such as water at any desired position. Liquid such as water enters the inlet 8 and runs through the fluid channel formed by loop 7 until it exits thorough outlet 9 via rotary coupling 10 into distribution pipe 12.

[0060] The rotary wheel 5 further comprised a series of collectors in the form of buckets 13 about its circumference. When the buckets 13 collect liquid they impart a turning force to the rotary wheel 5. It will be appreciated that while buckets are utilised any means for imparting a turning force such as paddles (including fins) may be employed. Also additionally or alternatively liquid can be supplied directly to the inlet, for example in a pulsed delivery. In this way liquid can be injected directly into the inlet. [0061] The pump system 1 also includes a conduit 14 for intake of liquid from the sump 4 and discharge of the liquid against collectors 13 of the rotary wheel 5 so as to impart a rotary motion to the rotary wheel 5. In particular a pump 15 is provided within the sump 4 and it pumps liquid from the sump 4 into the conduit 14. The pump 15 pumps the liquid through the conduit 14 and the liquid exits the conduit 14 at an open end 16. From there it falls (under gravity) onto the rotary wheel 5 and in particular into a bucket 13. In this way there is discharge of the liquid against the buckets 13 of the rotary wheel so as to impart a rotary motion to the rotary wheel 5.

[0062] The rotary wheel 5 is arranged, so that, as it rotates, it intakes through the inlet 8, liquid from the sump 4 and conveys it through the fluid channel or loop 7 to the outlet 9. From there it will be appreciated that the liquid can be taken off via rotary coupling 10 through distribution pipe 12 as discussed above.

[0063] It will be appreciated that the rotary axis 6 of the rotary wheel 5 is mounted above the sump 4. This is very simple arrangement that allows part of the rotary wheel 5 to be submerged within liquid within the sump 4. A lower part of the rotary wheel that is below the rotary axis 6 is located within the sump 4 and an upper part above the rotary axis 6 can be above the sump. As discussed above this is a simple arrangement where the liquid can be pumped by the pump 15 through the conduit 14 to be discharged against the rotary wheel 5 to impart a rotary motion by filling water into successive buckets 13. Any excess liquid can fall or run (under gravity) back into the sump 4. Furthermore as the rotary wheel 5 turns successive buckets 13 will then fill and empty so that all liquid used to rotate the rotary wheel 5 returns to the sump 4.

[0064] It will be appreciated that as the pump system 1 of the invention operates it will deplete the liquid in the sump 4. Accordingly it is desirable that the system further comprises a liquid supply system for replenishing liquid in the sump 4. It is desirable to keep the amount of liquid within the sump 4 at a sufficient level so that the rotary motion and the pumping of liquid from the sump 4 can operate without interruption due to depletion of liquid in the sump 4.

[0065] In this respect a liquid supply pipe 17 is provided which is regulated by a liquid level valve 18. Where the liquid is water the system of the present invention may receive water from a mains supply though supply pipe 17 and a valve such as a simple water level valve 18 can shut off the water supply once the liquid in the sump reaches a desired level. In this way there is always sufficient liquid in the sump 4 to allow continuous operation of the pump system 1 of the invention.

[0066] So to use a pump system of the invention 1 it is transported to its desired location. The outlet 9, is connected to a reservoir that is to be filled by liquid by distribution pipe 12. The pump system 1 is also connected to a liquid supply by connecting supply pipe 17 to a desired source such as a water supply. The pump 15 is provided with power such as being connected to an electricity supply. It will be appreciated that having the system of the present invention in a common enclosure such as housing 3 makes it easily transportable as a unitary product.

[0067] In operation the rotary wheel 5 is arranged so that within every rotation it rotates the inlet 8 of the fluid channel or loop 7 through the liquid in the sump and then out of the liquid. Wien the inlet 8 of the fluid channel or loop 7 moves out of the liquid the liquid moves further along the fluid channel and then air is taken in through the inlet 8. When the next rotation starts the cycle is repeated and the inlet 8 re-enters the liquid intaking more liquid, then emerges from the liquid and intakes air. So the pump system 1 of the invention intakes liquid, then air, then liquid then air in a repeated cycle so that the fluid channel has alternating charges of liquid and air. As discussed above this creates an increased pressure.

[0068] This aerated fluid/liquid and compressed air combination creates an air-lift effect and the liquid is distributed out of the pump system of the invention through distribution pipe 12. The liquid level is continuously or intermittently replenished by liquid supply pipe 17 regulated by liquid level valve 18.

[0069] At some stage it may be desirable to shut off the supply of liquid from the pump system 1 of the invention. For example when a shut-off is operated, for example when a reservoir such as a tank is filled an automatic shut off may operate. In conventional systems this would require the pump to be shut off to avoid over-pressurisation within the system.

[0070] However in the present invention things operate differently. The rotary wheel can operate as a pressure release or clutch type system by ceasing to rotate when liquid supply to the reservoir is cut off.

[0071] For example when back pressure through the outlet 9 exceeds a threshold force (for example due to a shut-off being operated) the water wheel 5 may no longer be able to rotate because it does not have sufficient force to overcome the force created by the back pressure. It is also possible, for example if pumping horizontally and a shutoff is closed, that the rotary wheel continues to rotate but water trying to enter inlet cannot do so and is lifted to the top of the rotation and then pours/discharges from the rotary wheel. Furthermore, for example if pumping vertically, it is possible that when a shutoff is activated that the rotary wheel ma reverse and rotate in the opposite direction. Whether the rotary wheel continues to rotate, stops, or reverses direction, it acts as a clutch to relieve pressure.

[0072] However the pump 15 can still operate. The pump 15 can continue to pump water through conduit 14 onto the rotary wheel 5. The water will still continue to be pumped onto the wheel and one or more buckets 13 may overfill but the pressure never exceeds the force applied to the rotary wheel 5 by the water as if the pump still continues to operate water will still be pumped onto the rotary wheel 5 but the wheel sill simply stop moving. Instead of causing an excessive build-up of pressure the water will simply flow off the rotary wheel 5 back into the sump 4. This dissipates energy from the pump. As above the rotary wheel may continue to rotate, stop, or reverse direction but in all cases the pressure is relieved.

[0073] In this way the pump system/device of the invention obviates the need for internal or external electrical switchgear to disconnect the pump motor when a distribution flow for example a distribution flow pipe is restricted or shut off. The device greatly reduces the complexity of operation and requirement for professional maintenance due to the low number of moving parts.

[0074] Furthermore, for example when a shut-off is deactivated, the back pressure will reduce and the rotary wheel 5 will turn again and the pump system of the invention then again supplies liquid.

[0075] As mentioned above the pump system 1 can be set with varying sump levels for example by adjusting the liquid level valve 18. Adjusting the sump levels varies the liquid/gas ratio and/or storage capacity.

[0076] Additional features of the device include devices such as filters, chlorinators, heating/cooling elements, dosing, mixing or ultra-violet equipment located internally for example within the sump at a position where they are submerged in the sump liquid. [0077] The present invention can be considered to relate to a device used to raise liquids and gases to a high level. Its operation is based on the aeration and circulation of liquids using a rotating waterwheel which contains an internal or attached loop, loops or spirals which collect liquid and gas on each rotation. The waterwheel is driven around by an internal circulating pump supplying a head of water. As the wheel rotates, the sump liquid is agitated and aerated. It then enters the loop system where the liquid/gas mixture may be further compressed. The aerated mixture then exits through a rotary coupling into a distribution pipe.

[0078] The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. [0079] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims

Claims 1. A pump system comprising: (a) a rotary wheel having a circumference, the wheel being mounted on a rotary axis and having at least one fluid channel that has an inlet for receiving liquid arranged proximate to the circumference and an outlet for discharging liquid at an increased pressure, (b) at least one conduit for intake of liquid and discharge of the liquid against the rotary wheel so as to impart a rotary motion to the rotary wheel so that as the rotary wheel rotates the inlet receives alternate charges of liquid and air.
2. The pump system according to Claim 1 wherein the discharge of the liquid against the rotary wheel includes discharge into the inlet.
3. The pump system according to any preceding claim wherein the rotary wheel further comprising a series of paddles and/or collectors about its circumference and discharge of the liquid against the rotary wheel includes discharge against the paddles and/or collectors and which imparts a rotary motion to the rotary wheel.
4. The pump system according to any preceding further comprising a sump for holding the liquid wherein the rotary wheel is arranged, so that, as it rotates, it intakes through the inlet, liquid from the sump and conveys it through the fluid channel to the outlet.
5. The pump system according to Claim 4 wherein the conduit is arranged to intake liquid from the sump.
6. The pump system according to any preceding claim further comprising a pump for pumping liquid through the conduit.
7. The pump system according to Claim 6 wherein the sump, the rotary wheel, the conduit and the pump are all located within a common housing.
8. The pump system according to any preceding claim wherein the outlet is proximate to the rotary axis.
9. The pump system according to any preceding claim wherein the fluid channel is a spiral fluid channel.
The pump system according to any of Claims 4 to 9 which comprises a sump and wherein the rotary axis of the rotary wheel is mounted above the sump.
11 The pump system according to any preceding claim further comprising an outlet conduit wherein the outlet conduit is orientated to convey the liquid to a distant location or an elevation higher than the liquid level in the sump.
12 The pump system according to any preceding claim further comprising a liquid supply system.
13 The pump system according to Claim 12 which comprises a sump and the liquid supply system is for replenishing liquid in the sump.
14 The pump system according to any preceding claim comprising means for aerating the liquid to be intaken by the inlet, for example by agitation of the liquid in a sump.
The pump system according to any preceding claim further comprising a filter for filtering the liquid before it is discharged through the outlet.
16 The pump system according to any preceding claim further comprising a liquid treating means such a chlorinator and/or an ultra-violet light source for treating the liquid before it is discharged through the outlet.
17 The pump system according to any preceding claim further comprising a heating system for heating the liquid before it is discharged through the outlet.
18 The pump system according to any preceding claim further comprising a cooling system for cooling the liquid before it is discharged through the outlet.
19 The pump system according to any preceding claim further comprising a rainwater collector for collecting rainwater, optionally for discharge through the outlet.
The pump water system according to any preceding claim wherein the outlet conduit has a cut-off, such as a ballcock at a reservoir tank, which cuts off liquid supply, for example at the reservoir when a desired fill is reached.
21 The pump water system according to any preceding claim wherein the rotary wheel operates as a pressure release when back pressure through the outlet exceeds a threshold level, for example when liquid supply, for example liquid supply from the pump system to a reservoir, is cut off.TOMKINS & CO