Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A method of pumping high-consistency fiber suspension using a centrifugal pump, comprising the steps of forming a feeding zone for removing fiber suspension from a source, feeding the fiber suspension directly from the feeding zone to a fluidizing zone, fluidizing the fiber suspension within the fluidizing zone and feeding the fluidized fiber suspension directly into a pumping zone containing the centrifugal pump, withdrawing a portion of the fiber suspension flowing from the feeding zone to the fluidizing zone and returning the withdrawn portion for recirculation to the feeding zone and throttling the fluid suspension flow from the feeding zone to the fluidizing zone for establishing the feed pressure of the fiber suspension to the pumping zone.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
116 words
A method of pumping high-consistency fiber suspension using a centrifugal pump, comprising the steps of forming a feeding zone for removing fiber suspension from a source, feeding the fiber suspension directly from the feeding zone to a fluidizing zone, fluidizing the fiber suspension within the fluidizing zone and feeding the fluidized fiber suspension directly into a pumping zone containing the centrifugal pump, withdrawing a portion of the fiber suspension flowing from the feeding zone to the fluidizing zone and returning the withdrawn portion for recirculation to the feeding zone and throttling the fluid suspension flow from the feeding zone to the fluidizing zone for establishing the feed pressure of the fiber suspension to the pumping zone.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, including variably throttling the fluid suspension in withdrawing the portion of the fluid suspension flowing to the fluidizing zone.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein throttling the fiber suspension being withdrawn by locating control members in the path of the fiber suspension flowing from the feeding zone to the fluidizing zone.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
104 words
An apparatus for pumping high-consistency fiber suspension comprising a centrifugal pump located within a housing having an inlet and an outlet, an impeller rotatably mounted within said housing, a fluidizing rotor located upstream from said impeller within said inlet, feed means for feeding fiber suspension to said rotor in said inlet, said inlet having an entrance for receiving the fiber suspension from said feed means, means located in the flow path of the fiber suspension from said feed means to the entrance of said inlet for withdrawing the fiber suspension, and returning at least a portion of the fiber suspension to said feed means.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
104 words
An apparatus for pumping high-consistency fiber suspension comprising a centrifugal pump located within a housing having an inlet and an outlet, an impeller rotatably mounted within said housing, a fluidizing rotor located upstream from said impeller within said inlet, feed means for feeding fiber suspension to said rotor in said inlet, said inlet having an entrance for receiving the fiber suspension from said feed means, means located in the flow path of the fiber suspension from said feed means to the entrance of said inlet for withdrawing the fiber suspension, and returning at least a portion of the fiber suspension to said feed means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said means for withdrawing fiber suspension includes a tubular throttle device for controlling the withdrawal of the fiber suspension.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said means for withdrawing fiber suspension includes a plate-like throttle device for controlling the withdrawal of the fiber suspension.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said means for withdrawing fiber suspension comprises a throttle device, said throttle device comprises a housing cylinder located adjacent the entrance of said inlet for providing an opening having a cross-sectional area for the withdrawal of fiber suspension.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said means for withdrwing fiber suspension comprises a throttle device having at least one control member arranged in the path of the withdrawn fiber suspension adjacent the entrance to said inlet.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
20 words
An apparatus, as set forth in one of claims 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein said throttle device is adjustable.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said means for withdrawing fiber suspension comprises a throttle device, said throttlel devices comprises a housing cylinder laterally enclosing a screw feeder forming said feed means, said screw feeder has an axial direction and said housing cylinder being displaceable in the axial direction of said feeder.