An Airwell Pump uses the ‘direct air displacement’ method of pumping fluids, which is not to be confused with the air lifting method. The Airwell system operates using a similar principle to that of an aerosol can or fire extinguisher, where compressed air acts on the surface of a liquid to expel it from a sealed container. For the displacement principle to function as a pumping process, we employ an electronic controller at the head of the bore to cycle pressure to and from the pump vessel in line with the full and empty signals received from the pump. The process is continuous until external influences stop it.
Pump Operation
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10 |
With the pump submerged, water enters through the inlet screen. |
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9 |
The urethane ball inlet valve raises when the pump fills, allowing water into the pump, and seals on a stainless steel seat when the pump is pressurised to empty the pumps' contents. The raised position of the seat adds reliability in applications where suspended material can drop out of suspension. |
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8 |
The bottom stainless steel probe detects when the pump is 'empty', turning the supply of compressed air off. |
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7 |
The guide tube holds the bottom stainless steel probe in position. |
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6 |
Similar to the spear in a beer keg, when the pump is pressurised water is forced up the pickup tube and out of water riser. |
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5 |
The top probe provides the 'full' signal to initialise the flow of air into the pump, dispelling its contents |
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4 |
When pumping (displacing), compressed air from the controller enters through this hose connection. When the 'empty' signal is received, the flow of compressed air is turned off, and air in the pump chamber is released through the same air connection, as the pump refills with water. |
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3 |
The control cable connects the conductivity probes to the control box via the indexed probe socket, ensuring correct attachment. |
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2 |
Similar to 10, this urethane ball seals on a stainless steel seat. When the pump fills, the top check valve prevents water in the riser from flowing back into the pump, whilst when emptying, the water is pushed past the ball, and out of the bore. |
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1 |
The castle bush has turrets machined into its underside, allowing water to pass the ball whilst preventing the ball from sealing over the end of the water riser pipe. This castle bush has an internal BSP thread connection.
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