Pressure boosting system

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a pressure boosting system (2) comprising: two or more pumps (4) each having an inlet (6) connected to an inlet manifold (30) and an outlet (8) connected to an outlet manifold (28). The line that connects an inlet (6) and its corresponding connection at the inlet manifold (30) defines an inlet line (λ₁, λ₂, λ₃, λ₄) and the line that connects an outlet (8) and its corresponding connection at the outlet manifold (28) defines an outlet line (ω₁, ω₂, ω₃, ω₄). At least two of the inlet lines (λ₁, λ₂, λ₃, λ₄) are angled relative to each other and/or at least two of the outlet lines (ω₁, ω₂, ω₃, ω₄) are angled relative to each other. Hereby it is achieved that the pressure boosting system can be very compact.

Description

[0001] A pressure boosting system is a multi pump system that is used to pressurise fluids. Pressure boosting systems are used in various applications. Normally pressure boosting systems comprise a plurality of pumps (typically two, three or four pumps) that are connected to a common pipe system. In the prior art pressure boosting systems the inlet pipes of the pumps are connected to an inlet manifold having a flange that is configured to be directly connected to a main inlet pipe. In the same manner the outlet pipes of the pumps are connected to an outlet manifold having a flange that is configured to be directly connected to a main outlet pipe. The manifolds typically have a tubular elongated geometry and the pumps are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the manifolds.

[0002] In the prior pressure boosting system the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold extend parallel to one another and are individually spaced from one another. The weight of the manifolds is often exposed to the pump sleeves and accordingly, the pumps are often exposed to huge mechanical stress especially at the pump sleeve where the inlet pipes or outlet pipes are connected to the pump. Due to these mechanical stresses caused by the manifolds and valves during transportation or operation, the pipe connection of pump sleeve is often subject to damages. Leakages may result from these stresses. To overcome these mechanical stresses it is possible to support the manifolds by a mechanical support structure. This introduces more cost and mechanical restrictions regarding service of the pressure boosting system. Moreover, replacement and service of pumps requires that all pumps are disconnected. This procedure is time consuming and introduces risk of failure to the system.

[0003] In addition to that, the prior art pressure boosting systems require a rather huge area of clearance all around the system in order to carry out inspection and service of the booster system. The manifolds of a pressure boosting system constitute a manifold system and a manifold system is required in all pressure boosting systems.

[0004] In the prior art pressure boosting systems stagnant water is present at the blind end of the manifold even when fluid is pumped through the manifold. This stagnant water will give rise to bacteria growth. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pressure boosting system in which stagnant water can be avoided or minimised.

[0005] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a pressure boosting system that would make it possible to provide a pressure boosting system that exposes less mechanical stress to the pump sleeves.

[0006] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a pressure boosting system that makes it possible to provide a pressure boosting system that does not require that all pumps are disconnected during replacement and service of a pump.

[0007] Furthermore it, is an object of the present invention to provide a pressure boosting system that makes it possible to provide a pressure boosting system that requires a less area of clearance in order to carry out inspection and service of the pumps of the pressure boosting system. This object can be achieved by a pressure boosting system having the features defined in claim 1. Improved embodiments are disclosed in the sub claims, the following description and the drawings.

[0008] The pressure boosting system according to the invention comprises two or more pumps each having an inlet connected to an inlet manifold and an outlet connected to an outlet manifold, where the line that connects an inlet and its corresponding connection at the inlet manifold defines an inlet line and where the line that connects an outlet and its corresponding connection at the outlet manifold defines an outlet line. At least two of the inlet lines are angled relative to each other and/or that at least two of the outlet lines are angled relative to each other.

[0009] Hereby it is achieved that the pressure boosting system can be very compact. It is also achieved that less mechanical stress is exposed to the pump sleeve compared with the prior art pressure boosting systems.

[0010] Moreover this pressure boosting system allows that replacement and service of a pump can be done without disconnecting all pumps.

[0011] The pressure boosting system requires less area of clearance in order to carry out inspection and service of the pressure booster system compared with prior art pressure boosting systems.

[0012] By the term "angled relative to each other" is meant that the lines are non parallel. The angle between adjacent pumps may be fixed so that the pumps are uniformly distributed. However, it is also possible to arrange the pumps with different angles between different sets of adjacent pumps.

[0013] Advantageously all inlet lines are angled relative to each other and/or all outlet lines are angled relative to each other. In this way it would be possible to make a very compact pressure boosting system.

[0014] It may be beneficial that each pump has a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axes of the pumps are angled relative to each other. This makes it possible to arrange the pumps in a formation so that the pumps can be connected to centrally arranged manifolds. In this way a very compact pressure boosting system can be achieved.

[0015] It may be an advantage if the outlet of each pump is connected to an outlet pipe comprising a basically straight outlet pipe member and that the inlet of each pump is connected to an inlet pipe comprising a basically straight inlet pipe member.

[0016] Hereby a compact pressure boosting system can be achieved. Moreover, the distance between the outlets of the pumps and the main outlet as well as the distance between the inlets of the pumps and the main inlet can be minimised.

[0017] Advantageously the longitudinal axis of each pump extends basically parallel to the corresponding inlet line and/or to the corresponding outlet line of the pump. Such a construction may be an advantage because standard components may be used and because this embodiment may be very compact.

[0018] It may be beneficial if the inlet pipes of the pumps are directed basically towards a first common axis and the outlet pipes of the pumps are directed basically towards a second axis. In this manner it is possible to provide a very compact pressure boosting system and there is very good access to the pumps (e.g. for service of the pumps, for connection or disconnection of the pumps).

[0019] It would be possible to arrange the axes such that the first axis and the second axis are parallel or even coinciding.

[0020] It is possible that the pumps are arranged along an arced curve, preferable on a section of a circle. Hereby a very compact and robust pressure boosting system can be made.

[0021] It may be an advantage if all straight outlet pipe members are of one first length and all straight inlet pipe members are of a second length. In this embodiment the pumps may be arranged on the section of a circle. Hereby it is achieved that the pressure boosting system can be made very compact and that a great part of the pipe structures may be used for both, the inlet pipe members and the outlet pipe members.

[0022] When the inlet pipes of the pumps are directed basically towards a first common axis and the outlet pipes of the pumps are directed basically towards a second axis it may be an advantage if the longitudinal axes of the pumps extends basically perpendicular to the first axis and/or to the second axis. Hereby it may be possible to use 90 degrees connections between the outlet pipe members and a main outlet piping extending along the first and second axes. In the same way it may be possible to use 90 degrees connections between the inlet pipe members and a main inlet piping extending along the first and second axes.

[0023] Advantageously each straight outlet pipe member and/or each straight inlet pipe member extends basically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding pump. Hereby it is possible to provide a direct and short distance connection between the pumps and the main inlet and between the pumps and the main outlets. Accordingly, a very compact and robust pressure boosting system can be achieved.

[0024] It may be an advantage if at least some of the straight outlet pipe members and/or at least some of the straight inlet pipe members comprise a valve or are connected to a valve. This may be of great importance during pump replacement or service of the pumps.

[0025] It may be beneficial if all straight outlet pipe members and all straight inlet pipe members comprise or are connected to a valve. Hereby it is achieved that all pumps can easily be disconnected by using the valves.

[0026] Advantageously the inlet pipes are arranged in a first plane and the outlet pipes are arranged in a second plane extending basically parallel to the first plane.

[0027] Accordingly, this embodiment makes it possible to provide a very compact pressure boosting system. Moreover, this embodiment may be beneficially due to the fact that all pumps may be arranged at a common pump level, that all inlets may be arranged at a common inlet level, that all outlets may be arranged at a common outlet level, that all outlet pipe members and all inlet pipe members may be arranged parallel.

[0028] It is possible that the inlet pipes and outlet pipes are connected to a manifold system that comprises: a basically cylindrical inlet manifold having a longitudinal axis and being arranged adjacent to a basically cylindrical outlet manifold having a longitudinal axis; where the inlet manifold comprises a connection to the main inlet and a number of connections for the inlet pipes of the pumps and where the outlet manifold comprises a connection to the main outlet and a number of connections for the outlet pipes of the pumps.

[0029] This embodiment makes it possible to provide a very compact and service friendly connection of the pumps to the main inlet and to the main outlet.

[0030] It is possible that the longitudinal axis of the inlet manifold of the manifold system and the longitudinal axis of the outlet manifold of the manifold system are parallel and basically vertically directed.

[0031] Advantageously the pumps are arranged on a base plate. This embodiment makes it possible to preassemble the pressure boosting system and to ensure that the pressure boosting system is fixed firmly.

[0032] Hereby it is achieved that the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold of the manifold system can be arranged in a manner such that the manifold system is very compact. Moreover, it may be possible to use an inlet manifold having the same geometry as the outlet manifold and vice versa.

[0033] Even though both the outlet manifold and the inlet manifold have a basically cylindrical structure the shape and/or diameter of the outlet manifold and the inlet manifold may differ.

[0034] It is possible to provide a pressure boosting system having a manifold system comprising an outlet manifold and an inlet manifold with basically the same geometry.

[0035] Advantageously a valve is provided between the manifold system and each pump inlet and between the manifold system and each pump outlet.

[0036] It may be an advantage if the pumps are multistage pumps. Multistage pumps are widely used in pressure boosting systems and they are capable of generating the required pressure and flow. The multistage pumps may be arranged horizontally.

[0037] It may be beneficial if each manifold comprises a number of connection pipes provided at the cylindrical periphery of the manifold and the connection pipes extend radially preferably perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the manifolds.

[0038] Advantageously the inlet pipes of the pumps extend basically horizontally from the pumps to the inlet manifold and the outlet pipes of the pumps comprise a bend section connecting the outlets with the straight outlet pipe members. The straight outlet pipe members extend basically horizontally to the outlet manifold and the outlet manifold of the manifold system is arranged above and adjacent to the inlet manifold of the manifold system and that the outlet manifold of the manifold system and the inlet manifold of the manifold system are separated from each other.

[0039] Accordingly, it is possible to provide a very compact and robust pressure boosting system.

[0040] The pressure boosting system according to the invention may comprise a manifold system that comprises a manifold having:

• a manifold space configured to receive a fluid;
• a main connection pipe configured to connect the manifold space to a main pipe and
• a number of connection pipes each configured to connect the manifold space to a pump.

[0041] At least some connection pipes of the manifold are angled relative to each other.

[0042] In this way the manifold system can be arranged centrally relative to the pumps of the pressure boosting system and thus the pressure boosting system can be very compact. It is also achieved that less mechanical stress is exposed to the pump sleeve compared with the prior art pressure boosting systems.

[0043] Moreover the manifold system makes it possible to build a pressure boosting system that allows for replacement and service of a pump without disconnecting all pumps.

[0044] When the manifold system is used the pressure boosting system requires less area of clearance in order to carry out inspection and service of the pressure booster system compared with prior art pressure boosting systems.

[0045] All the connection pipes of the manifold may be angled relative to each other. This way of arranging the connection pipes makes it possible to simplify the way of producing the manifold system and makes it possible to build a very compact pressure boosting system.

[0046] The manifold may be cylindrical and the connection pipes may be arranged at the cylindrical periphery of the manifold. Hereby the manifold can be robust and can be produced easily.

[0047] It is possible to arrange the connection pipes so that they extend basically perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the manifold.

[0048] It is possible to have a pressure boosting system in which a diaphragm tank is arranged on the outlet manifold or that a diaphragm is build into the outlet manifold. Hereby a pressure can be maintained in the outlet manifold when the last pump in operation is switched off. Hereby pressure energy can be stored in the outlet manifold and a fluid can be pressurised even when there is no pump activity.

[0049] It is furthermore possible to configure the manifold system so that the longitudinal axes of the connection pipes span a first plane that is basically perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the manifold and that the main connection pipe extends basically parallel to the first plane. This configuration will take up less space than prior art manifold systems and make it possible to easily connect pumps of similar type to the manifold system.

[0050] The manifold system may comprise an inlet manifold having a longitudinal axis and being arranged adjacent to an outlet manifold having a longitudinal axis and furthermore the axes of the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold are basically parallel to each other. It may be an advantage to use a manifold system according to this configuration because both the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold make it possible to achieve a very compact pressure boosting system.

[0051] It is possible to arrange the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold in several configurations. By way of example the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold may be individually spaced from each other. However, it is also possible to weld the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold or connect the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold together by mechanic means. The inlet manifold and the outlet manifold may for instance be arranged on the top of each other or by a side by side configuration.

[0052] It is possible that the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold are arranged adjacent to each other and that the longitudinal axes of the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold are basically parallel to each other. Hereby a compact manifold system can be achieved.

[0053] It is possible that the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold are build together into one unit. Still the two manifolds may be produced separately. Building the manifolds into the same unit may be achieved in several ways. By way of example two manifolds may be welded together or fixed together by mechanical means. It would be possible to produce the manifold by one or more moulding processes by way of example.

[0054] The connection pipes of the inlet manifold may be evenly distributed so that the angle between the longitudinal axes of all adjacent connection pipes are basically the same and/or the connection pipes of the outlet manifold may be evenly distributed so that the angle between the longitudinal axes of all adjacent connection pipes is basically the same. In this way it would be possible to distribute the pumps evenly around the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold and to provide a very compact pressure boosting system.

[0055] It is possible to provide a pressure boosting system comprising a manifold system according to any of the described manifold systems.

[0056] The inlet manifold and the outlet manifold may have the same diameter. Accordingly, it is possible to produce the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold in the same way by using the same production tools.

[0057] The connection pipes of the inlet manifold may be arranged in a manner so that the longitudinal axes of the connection pipes of the inlet manifold span a second plane that is basically perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the inlet manifold and the main connection pipe may extend basically parallel to the first plane and the connection pipes of the outlet manifold may be arranged in a manner so the longitudinal axes of the connection pipes of the outlet manifold span a third plane that is basically perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the outlet manifold and that the main connection pipe extend basically parallel to the second plane and the second plane and the third plane are basically parallel to each other.

[0058] Hereby a very compact and robust pressure boosting system can be made. Moreover, this embodiment may be beneficial due to the fact that the all pumps may be arranged at a common pump level, that all inlets may be arranged at a common inlet level, that all outlets may be arranged at a common outlet level, that all outlet pipe members and all inlet pipe members may be arranged parallel.

[0059] The inlet pipes of the pumps may extend basically horizontally from the pumps to the inlet manifold and the outlet pipes of the pumps may comprise a bend section connecting the outlets with the straight outlet pipe members. The straight outlet pipe members may extend basically horizontally from the pumps to the outlet manifold and the outlet manifold may be arranged above and adjacent to the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold and the inlet manifold may be hermetically separated from each other.

[0060] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

Fig. 1

shows a top view of one pressure boosting system accord-ing to the invention;

Fig. 2

shows a bottom view of one pressure boosting system shown in Fig. 1 without base plate,

Fig. 3

shows a perspective side view of a pressure boosting sys-tem according to the invention;

Fig. 4

shows a front view of a one manifold system according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5

shows a perspective view of the manifold system shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

shows a top view of the manifold system shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5;

Fig. 7

shows a cross sectional view of a manifold system accord-ing to another embodiment of the invention, and

Fig. 8

shows different embodiments of the manifold systems ac-cording to the invention.

[0061] Other objects and further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, an indication of preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will be become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0062] Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, elements of a pressure boosting system comprising a manifold system 26 according to the present invention are illustrated in Fig. 1. The pressure boosting system 2 comprises four pumps 4 arranged along a section of a circle C. The pumps 4 have longitudinal axes X₁, X₂, X₃ X₄ which are rotational axes of the rotor and which are angled relative to each other. The angle α1 between the pump having a longitudinal axis X₁ and the pump having a longitudinal axis X₂ is similar to the angle α₂ between the pump having the longitudinal axis X₂ and the pump having the longitudinal axis X₃. In fact the angle α₃ between the pump having the longitudinal axis X₃ and the pump having the longitudinal axis X₄ is similar to both, the angle α₁ and the angle α₂.

[0063] It would, however, be possible to arrange the pumps 4 differently and still remain the pumps 4 arranged along a section of a circle. This may be done by choosing the angle α₁ different from the angle α₂ and α₃.

[0064] The pumps 4 are connected to a manifold system (26) comprising an outlet manifold 28 and an inlet manifold 30 (shown in Fig. 3). The outlet manifold 28 is connected to a main outlet pipe 10. The outlet manifold 28 is connected to the outlets 8 of the pumps 4 via a pipe system 22. Since Fig. 1 shows a top view of the pumps 4 only the pump outlet 8 can be seen. The input manifold 30 (as can be seen in Fig. 2 and 3) comprises a main connection pipe 48 that is provided with a flange 44. This flange 44 is bearing against flange 44' of the main outlet pipe 12. The flanges 44 and 44' may preferable be mechanically attached to another with a sealing in between. The output manifold 28 comprises a main connection pipe 46 that has a flange 42 bearing against a flange 42' of a main outlet pipe 10.

[0065] For each pump 4 the outlet line ω₁, ω₂, ω₃ and ω₄ connecting the pump outlets 8 to the corresponding connection at the outlet manifold 28 is indicated. The angles β₁, β₂ and β₃ between the outlet lines ω₁ and ω₂, ω₂ and ω₃ and ω₃ and ω₄ respectively, are indicated. It can be seen that even though all outlet lines ω₁, ω₂, ω₃ and ω₄ are angled relative to each other, the angles β₁, β₂ and β₃ between the outlet lines are equal.

[0066] Fig. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the pressure boosting system 2 basically similar to the one shown in Fig. 1. The four pumps 4 are shown from the bottom side and thus the inlet pipes 20 can be seen. The inlet lines λ₁, λ₂, λ₃, λ₄ connecting the pumps inlet 6 and their corresponding connection at the inlet manifold 30 are indicated. The angles α₁, α₂ and α₃ between the inlet lines λ₁ and λ₂, λ₂ and λ₃ and λ₃ and λ₄ respectively, are shown. All inlet lines λ₁, λ₂, λ₃ and λ₄ are angled relative to each other, however all the angles α₁, α₂ and α₃ between the inlet lines are equal.

[0067] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the pressure boosting system 2 basically similar to the one shown in Fig. 1. The four pumps 4 of the pressure boosting system 2 comprise inlet pipes 20 connecting the inlet manifold 30 of the manifold system 26 and outlet pipes 18 connecting the outlet manifold 28 of the manifold system 26. The outlet manifold 28 of the manifold system 26 is connected to a main outlet pipe 10 and the inlet manifold 30 of the manifold system 26 is connected to a main inlet pipe 12. The inlet pipes 20 of all pumps 4 comprise a straight inlet pipe member 16 and the outlet pipes 18 of all pumps comprise a straight outlet pipe member 14. A non-return valve 62 is provided between each pump outlet 8 and the outlet manifold 28. During operation of the pressure boosting system 2 one or more pumps 4 can be turned on. The non-return valves make sure that no fluid can enter the pump outlet 8 of a pump that has been switched off.

[0068] The fluid that is pressurised by the pressure boosting system 2 enters the inlet manifold 30 through the main connection pipe 48 via the main inlet pipe 12 and the inlet manifold 30 distributes the fluid to the pumps 4 via the inlet pipes 20. The fluid enters a pump 4 through the inlet 6 and leaves the pump 4 through the outlet 8 from where it is pumped through the outlet pipe 18 and enters the outlet manifold 28 of the manifold system 26 that is connected to a main outlet pipe 10.

[0069] Each pump 4 has an inlet 6 and an outlet 8. The inlets 6 are provided at the axial extremity of the pumps 4 facing the manifold system 26. Each inlet 6 is connected to an inlet pipe 20 that is further connected to a connection pipe 36 of the inlet manifold 30 of the manifold system 26. The outlets 8 of the pumps 4 are provided at the radial surface of the pump sleeve and a bend section 34 is connected to each outlet 8. The bend section 34 is further connected to an outlet pipe 18 that is connected to a connection pipe 38 of the outlet manifold 28 of the manifold system 26 through the main pipe connection 46.

[0070] A valve 24 is arranged in each straight inlet pipe member 16 and straight outlet pipe member 14. When a pump is removed, installed or exposed to service the valve 24 may be closed so that there is no access of a fluid to the pump. The valves may of any suitable type.

[0071] Both the straight outlet pipe member 14 and the straight inlet pipe member 16 of each pump 4 extend parallel to the rotational axis of the pump X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄. Both the inlet manifold 30 and the outlet manifold 28 of the manifold system 26 have a cylindrical geometry and the longitudinal (cylinder) axis B of the inlet manifold 30 as well as the longitudinal (cylinder) axis A of the outlet manifold 28 of the manifold system 26 extend basically perpendicularly to the straight outlet pipe members 14, the straight inlet pipe members 16, the axes of the pump X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, the inlet lines λ₁, λ₂, λ₃, λ₄ and the outlet lines ω₁, ω₂, ω₃ and ω₄. In fact, the longitudinal axis B of the inlet manifold 30 and the longitudinal axis A of the outlet manifold 28 of the manifold system 26 are basically parallel to one another.

[0072] The pressure boosting system 2 is fastened to a base plate 32 by a number of screws. The base plate 32 is configured to be arranged in a 90 degree corner; however it may be possible to arrange the pressure boosting system 2 on a base plate 32 having another shape or geometry. By way of example it is possible to arrange five to eight pumps on a 180 degree section of a circle.

[0073] The manifold system 26 has an inlet manifold 30 and an outlet manifold 28 and the bottom part 28' of the outlet manifold 28 is mechanically and hermetically separated from the top part 30' of the inlet manifold 30. The outlet manifold 28 is arranged on the top of the inlet manifold 30 and the two manifolds 28, 30 are separated from each other by a flexible thin intermediate plate 40. It would, however; be possible to attach the outlet manifold 28 and the inlet manifold 30 together by welding or any other suitable kind of attachment. The outlet manifold 28 and the inlet manifold 30 may also be individually separated and displaced from one another.

[0074] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the manifold system 26 according to the invention. The manifold system 26 consists of an outlet manifold 28 arranged on the top of an inlet manifold 30. Booth manifolds 28, 30 are cylindrical and connection pipes 36, 38 are arranged on the cylindrical periphery. The outlet manifold 28 comprises a main connection pipe 46 having a flange 42 that is configured to be connected to a main outlet pipe. The connection pipes 46, 48 are provided with sensor inlets 60 that are configured to receive a sensor. A pressure sensor (not shown in the figures) may be inserted into the sensor inlet by way of example. In the same manner the inlet manifold 30 comprises a main connection pipe 48 having a flange 44 that is configured to be connected to a main inlet pipe (this is indicated in Fig. 5).

[0075] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the manifold system 26 shown in Fig. 4.

[0076] In Fig. 6 a top view of a manifold system 26 according to one embodiment of the invention is shown. It can be seen that the connection pipes 36, 38 of the inlet manifold 30 and from the outlet manifold 28 are arranged in the same side of the respective manifold system 26. It can also be seen that the main connection pipes 46, 48 are angled 90 degrees relative to each other. It is possible to arrange the main connection pipes 46, 48 in another way. The main connection pipes 46, 48 may be arranged parallel to one another by way of example.

[0077] Fig. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of an outlet manifold 28 according to the invention. A diaphragm tank 50 is build into the outlet manifold 28 so that a pressure may be maintained in the outlet manifold 28 even when the pumps are not active. In the top of the diaphragm tank 50 an air screw 56 is arranged. Through this screw 56 pressurised air 52 can be filled into the diaphragm tank 50. The diaphragm tank 50 will change its geometry according to the pressure conditions on both sides of it and it is adapted to transfer pressure forces between the air side of the diaphragm 54 and the fluid side of the diaphragm 54. The outlet manifold 28 comprises a main connection pipe 46 with a flange 42 and four connection pipes 36 as well as a sensor inlet 60.

[0078] The diaphragm tank 50 is also known as an expansion tank or an expansion vessel that typically is used in domestic hot water systems and closed water heating systems. The diaphragm tank 50 may be divided in two by a rubber diaphragm 54 or a diaphragm of another suitable material. As the fluid pressure increases the diaphragm moves compressing the air on its fluid free side.

[0079] Fig. 8 illustrates four different embodiments of the manifold systems 26 according to the invention. It can be seen that the manifold connections 46, 48 can be oriented in different ways. Fig. 8 a) shows an embodiment where the manifold connection 46 of the outlet manifold 28 extends vertically while the manifold connection 48 of the inlet manifold 30 extends horizontally. In Fig. 8 b) both the manifold connection 46 of the outlet manifold 28 and the manifold connection 48 of the inlet manifold 30 extend vertically. In Fig. 8 c) the manifold connection 46 of the outlet manifold 28 extends horizontally while the manifold connection 48 of the inlet manifold 30 extends vertically. In Fig. 8 d) a diaphragm tank is integrated in the outlet manifold 28 and both the manifold connection 46 of the outlet manifold 28 and the manifold connection 48 of the inlet manifold 30 extend horizontally.

List of reference numerals

[0080] 

2 -

Pressure boosting system

4 -

Pump

6 -

Inlet

8 -

Outlet

10 -

Main outlet pipe

12 -

Main inlet pipe

14 -

Straight outlet pipe member

16 -

Straight inlet pipe member

18 -

Outlet pipe

20 -

Inlet pipe

22 -

Pipe system

24 -

Valve

26 -

Manifold system

28 -

Outlet manifold

28' -

Bottom part of the outlet manifold

30 -

Inlet manifold

30' -

Top part of the inlet manifold

32 -

Base plate

34 -

Bend section

A -

Axis

B -

Axis

X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄, -

Axes of the pumps

36, 38 -

Connection pipes

40 -

Intermediate plate

ω₁, ω₂, ω₃, ω₄ -

Outlet lines

λ₁, λ₂, λ₃, λ₄ -

Inlet lines

42, 44, 42', 44' -

Flanges

46, 48 -

Main connection pipes

50 -

Diaphragm tank

52 -

Pressurised air

54 -

Flexible diaphragm

56 -

Air screw

58 -

Manifold space

60 -

Sensor inlet

C -

Section of a circle

62 -

Non-return valves

Claims

1. A pressure boosting system (2) comprising:

- two or more pumps (4) each having:

- an inlet (6) connected to an inlet manifold (30) and

- an outlet (8) connected to an outlet manifold (28);

- where the line that connects an inlet (6) and its corresponding connection at the inlet manifold (30) defines an inlet line (λ₁, λ₂, λ₃, λ₄) and

- where the line that connects an outlet (8) and its corresponding connection at the outlet manifold (28) defines an outlet line (ω₁, ω₂, ω₃, ω₄)

characterised in that
at least two of the inlet lines (λ₁, λ₂, λ₃, λ₄) are angled relative to each other and/or that at least two of the outlet lines (ω₁, ω₂, ω₃, ω₄) are angled relative to each other.

2. A pressure boosting system (2) according to claim 1 characterised in that all inlet lines (λ₁, λ₂, λ₃, λ₄) are angled relative to each other and/or that all outlet lines (ω₁, ω₂, ω₃, ω₄) are angled relative to each other.

3. A pressure boosting system (2) according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that each pump (4) has a longitudinal axis (X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄) and that the longitudinal axes (X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄) of the pumps (4) are angled relative to each other.

4. A pressure boosting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that:

- the outlet (8) of each pump (4) is connected to an outlet pipe (18) comprising a basically straight outlet pipe member (14) and

- that the inlet (6) of each pump (4) is connected to an inlet pipe (20) comprising a basically straight inlet pipe member (16).

5. A pressure boosting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the longitudinal axis (X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄) of each pump (4) extend basically parallel to the corresponding inlet line (λ₁, λ₂, λ₃, λ₄) and/or to the corresponding outlet line (ω₁, ω₂, ω₃, ω₄) of the pump (4).

6. A pressure boosting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the inlet pipes (20) of the pumps (4) are directed basically towards a first common axis and that the outlet pipes (18) of the pumps (4) are directed basically towards a second axis.

7. A pressure boosting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the pumps (4) are arranged along an arced curve, preferable on a section of a circle.

8. A pressure boosting system (2) according to claim 6 characterised in that the longitudinal axes (X1, X2, X3, X4) of the pumps (4) extend basically perpendicular to the first axis and/or to the second axis.

9. A pressure boosting system (2) according to one of the claims 4-8 characterised in that each straight outlet pipe member (14) and/or each straight inlet pipe member (16) extend basically parallel to the longitudinal axis (X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄) of the corresponding pump (4).

10. A pressure boosting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the inlet pipes (20) are arranged in a first plane and that the outlet pipes (18) are arranged in a second plane extending basically parallel to the first plane.

11. A pressure boosting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the inlet pipes (20) and outlet pipes (18) are connected to a manifold system (26) that comprises:

- a basically cylindrical inlet manifold (30) having a longitudinal axis (B) and being arranged adjacent to;

- a basically cylindrical outlet manifold (28) having a longitudinal axis (A);

where the inlet manifold (30) comprises a connection to the main inlet (12) and a number of connections (36) for the inlet pipes (20) of the pumps (4) and where the outlet manifold (28) comprises a connection to the main outlet (10) and a number of connections (38) for the outlet pipes (18) of the pumps (4).

12. A pressure boosting system (2) according to claim 11, characterised in that the longitudinal axis (B) of the inlet manifold (30) of the manifold system (26) and the longitudinal axis (A) of the outlet manifold (28) of the manifold system (26) are parallel and basically vertically directed.

13. A pressure boosting system (2) according to one of the claims 11-12 characterised in that each manifold comprises a number of connection pipes (36, 38) provided at the cylindrical periphery of the manifold and that the connections pipes extend radially preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the manifolds (A, B).

14. A pressure boosting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims 4-13 characterised in that

- the inlet pipes (20) of the pumps (4) extend basically horizontally from the pumps (4) to the inlet manifold (30) ;

- that outlet pipes (18) of the pumps (4) comprise a bend section (34) connecting the outlets (8) with the straight outlet pipe members (14);

- the straight outlet pipe members (14) extend basically horizontally to the outlet manifold (28);

- that the outlet manifold (28) of the manifold system (26) is arranged above and adjacent to the inlet manifold (30) of the manifold system (26) and

- that the outlet manifold (28) of the manifold system (26) and the inlet manifold (30) of the manifold system (26) are separated from each other.

15. A pressure boosting system (2) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that a diaphragm tank is arranged on the outlet manifold or that a diaphragm is build into the outlet manifold.

Drawing