ENCLOSED DOUBLE SUCTION PUMP

Abstract

A dual intake centrifugal pump is provided. An impeller is mounted inside a pump housing, which is mounted within a pipe tee having an inlet, an outlet, and two ends closed with blind flanges. The pump housing has opposing inlet openings on opposite sides of the housing so that fluid is sucked into the housing from both sides and discharged by the impeller. The impeller is mounted on a driveshaft that extends through the dual inlet openings and openings in each of the blind flanges. An electric motor or dual hydraulic motors are mounted on each respective blind flange and cooperatively rotate the driveshaft. The inlet has a flange connection so that the entire assembly can be connected to a flanged outlet on a tank or to a flanged pipe for use as an inline booster pump.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/125,604, filed on Jan. 26, 2015, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A preferred embodiment of the invention refers to a pump and, more specifically, to a pump suitable for pumping viscous liquids, slurries, or solids.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Process tanks and pipelines are utilized in a variety of industrial settings to store many different types of liquids. Some liquids may contain a certain amount of solids, heavy oils, or similar heavy materials, which may result in the heavier materials accumulating in the bottom of a tank over a period of time. When the tank is eventually required to be pumped dry for cleaning, inspection, change of service, or other reasons, the material to be pumped out from the bottom of the tank may comprise a thick, viscous slurry or heavy sludge. Such materials may be difficult to remove from the tank because they may damage or clog many conventional types of pumps. Removing all of the material from the tank may require the tank to be vacuumed, which can be an expensive and time-consuming process. In some cases, workers may have to enter the tank, which may expose workers to chemicals and hazardous work conditions.

[0004] Accordingly, a need exists in the art for a pumping apparatus that can be used to pump any type of liquid or semi-solid material, including viscous slurries or sludge. In addition, a need exists in the art for a pumping apparatus that can be used to pump heavy liquids from a tank in a safe, fast, and cost effective manner.

SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a centrifugal pump apparatus that is capable of pumping heavy liquids, sludge, or fluidized solids and that is configured such that the apparatus can be attached to a process tank or to piping used for transferring such materials. The pump has a double suction configuration with dual annular inlet openings. The pump is installed within a sealed chamber having suction and discharge connections.

[0006] In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a pipe tee and a pump housing mounted within the pipe tee. The pipe tee has an inlet, an outlet, and two ends closed by blind flanges in order to provide the sealed chamber. The pump housing has a discharge outlet and opposing inlet openings on opposite sides of the pump housing. The pump housing discharge outlet is aligned with and extends to the pipe tee outlet so that the flowable material is discharged through the pump housing discharge outlet and out of the pipe tee outlet. The apparatus further comprises an impeller mounted on a driveshaft within and in spaced relationship with the pump housing. Neither the driveshaft nor the impeller come into contact with the pump housing. The impeller has outwardly extending blades for movement of the flowable material outward to the discharge outlet. The driveshaft is mounted within the pipe tee and extends through the opposing inlet openings of the pump housing. The driveshaft further extends through openings in each blind flange, and at least one end of the driveshaft is operatively connected to a motor. The motor is preferably a hydraulic or an electric motor. In a preferred embodiment, dual hydraulic motors are utilized, and each end of the driveshaft is operatively connected to a respective motor. The motors are configured for cooperatively rotating the driveshaft. The apparatus preferably comprises a shaft bearing installed on the exterior of each blind flange for supporting the driveshaft. The apparatus is free of internal bearings, mechanical seals, or wear plates.

[0007] Preferably, the pipe tee inlet has a flanged end so that the pipe tee can be attached to a flanged outlet on the sidewall of a tank or on the bottom of an elevated tank. In one embodiment, a valve is installed between the tank and pipe tee. To pump material out of the tank, the valve is opened and the fluid fills the pipe tee. The motors are then activated to begin pumping. Fluid enters the pump housing through both inlet openings so that the pressure on the impeller is approximately equal on both sides. The double-suction impeller acts as a strong fan that can pull a vacuum, self-prime, and begin pumping. The pump is capable of pumping a variety of heavy fluids including, but not limited to slurries, sludge, and fluidized abrasive solids such as oilfield drill cuttings, drilling cement, crude oil, and mud slurry. The pump is also capable of running wet or dry and pumping in forward or reverse.

[0008] In another embodiment, the pipe tee inlet and outlet both have flanged ends, which are connected in-line to a pipe having flanged connections to be used as an in-line booster pump.

[0009] In another embodiment, the double suction pump can be installed inside a sealed chamber made from a welded box or similar type of enclosure. The box has a flanged inlet and outlet for connection to a tank or pipe. The driveshaft extends through openings in opposing sides of the box, and at least one end of the driveshaft is operatively connected to a motor. Single or dual hydraulic or electric motors may be utilized.

[0010] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a pumping apparatus that can be used to pump any type of liquid or semi-solid material, including viscous slurries, sludge, or fluidized abrasive solids.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pumping apparatus that dual motors configured for cooperatively rotating a driveshaft.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pumping apparatus that is free of internal bearings, mechanical seals, or wear plates.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pumping apparatus that is self-priming.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pumping apparatus that can be used to pump heavy liquids from a tank in a safe, fast, and cost effective manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a pump in accordance with the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a side elevational view of a pump in accordance with the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a pump in accordance with the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows a side elevational view of a pump in accordance with the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a pump housing in accordance with the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 shows a side elevational view of an impeller in accordance with the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of an installed pump in accordance with the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of an installed pump in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a pump in accordance with the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a pump in accordance with the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 10 shows a side elevational view of a pump in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features, including method steps, of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

[0028] The term "comprises" and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article "comprising" components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components.

[0029] Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

[0030] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-2 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In one aspect, a pump apparatus comprises a pump housing 18 disposed within a pipe tee 10. The pump housing 18 is mounted inside the pipe tee 10 by bolting the housing 18 to a mounting bar 24 attached to the interior of the pipe tee 10. As best seen in FIG. 1, the pipe tee 10 has an inlet 12, an outlet 14, and two closed ends 16. In a preferred embodiment, the ends have flanges with blind flanges 16 installed thereon. The pump housing 18 is preferably equidistant from each blind flange 16 and aligned with the pipe tee inlet 12 and outlet 14. The blind flanges 16 are installed on the ends of the pipe tee 10 to provide a sealed chamber in which the pump housing 18 is mounted.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the pump housing 18 mounted within the pipe tee 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the pump housing 18 is a split housing comprising an upper housing 18a and a lower housing 18b that are bolted or otherwise fastened together to form the pump housing 18. The upper housing 18a has a discharge outlet 20. As best seen in FIG. 2, the discharge outlet 20 is aligned with and extends outward to the pipe tee outlet 14 so that flowable material is discharged through the pump housing discharge outlet 20 and out of the pipe tee outlet 14. The lower housing 18b has a drainage port 54 for draining the housing 18 for maintenance.

[0032] An impeller 40 is mounted on a driveshaft 26 within the pump housing 18 and in spaced relationship with the pump housing 18 such that neither the impeller 40 nor the driveshaft 26 comes into contact the pump housing 18. In a preferred embodiment, the impeller 40 has a clearance of about 3/16 to about 1/4 inch from the pump housing 18. The assembled pump housing 18 has opposing inlet openings 22 on each side of the housing 18, as shown in FIG. 5. The location of the inlet openings 22 in the complete pump apparatus can also be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4. The annular inlet openings 22 allow flowable material to be sucked into the pump housing 18 through the openings 22 and pumped out of the discharge outlet 20.

[0033] FIG. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of an impeller 40 utilized with the present invention. The impeller 40 has outwardly extending blades 42 for movement of flowable material outward to the discharge outlet 20. The blades 42 preferably diminish in thickness as they extend outward. The blades 42 are preferably straight but may alternatively be curved. In one embodiment, the impeller 40 is made from two halves, 50a and 50b, which may be welded together along line 48. In another embodiment, the two-piece impeller 40 may be bolted together for a compression fit to the drive shaft 26. The impeller 40 is provided with an opening or channel 46, which may be keyed for use with the driveshaft 26. Both sides of the impeller 40 have a sloped surface 44 and a flat portion 52, which is formed as a result of grinding or shearing so as to balance the impeller. The blades 42 are attached to the sloped surface 44. Preferably, the sloped surface 44 of the impeller 40 has a slope of about 30 to about 45 degrees. The sloped surfaces 44 on each side of the impeller 40 moves flowable material outward toward the blades 42 for discharge through the discharge outlet 20.

[0034] The driveshaft 26 is mounted within the pipe tee 10 and connected to a motor 28 configured for rotating the driveshaft 26. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the driveshaft 26 extends through both of the opposing inlet openings 22 of the pump housing 18 in a spaced, non-contacting relationship to the pump housing 18. In a preferred embodiment, each blind flange 16 has an opening therethrough and the driveshaft 26 further extends through each of the openings in the blind flanges 16 for connection to a motor 28 located outside the sealed chamber of the pipe tee 10.

[0035] At least one end of the driveshaft 26 is connected to a motor 28 configured for rotating the driveshaft 26. In preferred embodiment, the motor 28 is a hydraulic motor or an electric motor, though any motor suitable for rotating the driveshaft 26 may be utilized. In an alternative embodiment, the motor 28 may be powered by a direct drive shaft from an engine. FIGS. 1-2 show a preferred embodiment utilizing two hydraulic motors 28. The hydraulic motors 28 are attached to the exterior of the blind flanges 16 by a bracket 34. The driveshaft 26 is connected to each hydraulic motor 28 via a coupling 32. Hoses for hydraulic fluid (not shown) can be attached to fluid connection ports 30 for driving the motor 28. The two hydraulic motors 28 are configured for cooperatively rotating the driveshaft 26.

[0036] The driveshaft 26 has either spline shaft connections or keyed couplings, depending on the type of drive motor 28 utilized with the apparatus. For electric motors, a coupling or a male spline shaft can be inserted into a female spline that is built into the electric motor, which may eliminate the need for a coupling. For hydraulic drive motors, a keyed coupling 32 is installed between the hydraulic motor 28 and the driveshaft 26. The hydraulic motors may be powered by a hydraulic power unit (HPU).

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the pump apparatus further comprises shaft bearings 36 for supporting the driveshaft 26 and maintaining proper alignment of the driveshaft 26 and impeller 40. A shaft bearing 36 is attached to each respective blind flange 16. In a preferred embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 1, each shaft bearing 36 has a flange mount and is installed on the exterior of each respective blind flange 16 such that no shaft bearings are located inside the pipe tee chamber. Lubricators can be installed to lubricate the external shaft bearings 36 to further enhance the low-maintenance aspect of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the use of dual hydraulic motors 28 eliminates the need for shaft bearings 36, though shaft bearings are preferred on the exterior of the pipe tee in order to provide added support for the driveshaft 26. Driveshaft penetrations through the openings in the blind flanges 16 have rotary shaft pressure seals installed between the driveshaft 26 and each blind flange 16 in order to form a sealed chamber and maintain pressure inside the pipe tee 10 during operation of the pump. The internal pumping chamber formed inside the tee 10 is free of bearings, mechanical seals, and wear plates.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the pipe tee inlet 12 and the outlet 14 each preferably has a flange. All flanges are preferably in compliance with ASME flange standards. The flanged inlet 12 provides a simple mechanism for quickly and easily installing the pump apparatus to a process tank 56 by bolting the inlet flange 12 to a flanged outlet on the tank 56, as shown in FIG. 7A. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, a valve 58 is positioned between the pipe tee 10 and the outlet of the tank 56. The valve 58 allows an operator to isolate the pipe tee 10 from the tank 56 by closing the valve 58. FIGS. 7A and 7B show the pump apparatus attached to the side wall of a tank 56, though the apparatus may also be attached to the bottom of an elevated tank. To pump material out of the tank 56, the valve 58 is opened and the fluid fills the sealed cavity in the pipe tee 10 where the pump housing 18 is mounted. The motors 28 are then activated to begin pumping. Fluid fills the pipe tee 10 and is sucked into the pump housing 18 through both inlet openings 22 so that the pressure on the impeller 40 is approximately equal on both sides of the impeller 40. The impeller 40 discharges the fluid from the pipe tee outlet 14. A hose 60 is preferably attached to the flanged outlet 14 for transferring the fluid, though hard piping may also be connected to the flanged outlet 14. In an alternative embodiment, the pipe tee inlet 12 and outlet 14 may have welded connections so that the inlet and outlet can be welded to existing piping.

[0039] FIGS. 3-4 show an alternative embodiment of the pump apparatus utilizing an electric motor for rotating the driveshaft 26. This embodiment preferably utilizes only one motor 28. This embodiment further comprises two shaft bearings 36, as discussed in the previous embodiment. The end of the driveshaft 26 opposite the motor 28 has a flange-mounted shaft bearing 36 attached to the exterior of a blind flange 16 to support the distal end of the driveshaft 26. A second shaft bearing 36 is attached to the exterior of the blind flange 16 adjacent to the motor 28. This embodiment is typically utilized in permanent installations of the pump apparatus. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 is preferred for mobile applications in which the pump apparatus is transported between multiple locations and attached to existing tanks or other piping.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the pump apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 can be connected to a process pipe to be used as a booster pump. In this embodiment, a flanged pipe 62 used for conveying fluid is connected to both the inlet flange 12 and the outlet flange 14 of the pipe tee 10 to form an in-line booster pump for increasing the pressure and flow rate of the fluid.

[0041] FIGS. 9-10 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a box 70 forms a sealed chamber in which the pump housing 18 is mounted. The box 70 has a top, a bottom, and four sides, which may be welded together, bolted together, or otherwise attached by any method suitable for providing a sealed, pressurized chamber. The box 70 has an inlet 12 and an outlet 14. The inlet 12 and the outlet 14 are both configured for attaching to a means for conveying or storing fluid, such as a pipe or a tank. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 each preferably has a flange such that both the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 can be connected to a flanged outlet on a tank or to a flanged end of a pipe. As shown in FIG. 10, the pump housing 18 is mounted inside the box 70 in the same manner as in the pipe tee 10 embodiment. The driveshaft 26 extends through the opposing inlet openings of the pump housing 18 in a spaced, non-contacting relationship to the pump housing 18. The driveshaft 26 further extends through openings in opposing sides of the box 70, and at least one end of the driveshaft 26 is operatively connected to a motor. This embodiment preferably utilizes a single electric motor, though single or dual hydraulic or electric motors may alternatively be utilized. The end of the driveshaft 26 opposite the motor has a flange-mounted shaft bearing 36 attached to the exterior of a blind flange 16 to support the distal end of the driveshaft 26. A second external shaft bearing 36 is located on the side of the box 70 adjacent to the motor.

[0042] The pump apparatus of the present invention provides a number of advantages over other pump designs. The double-suction impeller 40 design of the pump apparatus functions as a strong fan that can pull a vacuum, self-prime, and begin pumping. The pump can run wet or dry and pump in forward or reverse without damaging the pump. Unlike other centrifugal pumps, the pump can run dry for an extended period of time without causing damage to the pump. The pump is capable of pumping a variety of heavy fluids including, but not limited to slurries, sludge, and fluidized abrasive solids such as oilfield drill cuttings, drilling cement, and mud slurry. The double-sided impeller 40 does not have tight tolerances, which allows passage of abrasive solids with a minimal amount of erosional wear, which makes the pump of the present invention particularly effective in abrasive applications such as drill cuttings. The pump can also be quickly and easily attached to a process tank or to piping used for transferring such materials.

[0043] The double-suction impeller 40 design also eliminates thrust loading of the impeller by eliminating the differential pressure across the impeller. The pressure is equal on both sides of the impeller because the impeller is pulling flow from both sides. The equalized pressure eliminates the need for mechanical seals and wear plates, and consequently this centrifugal pump has no internal friction. Unlike other centrifugal pumps, the shaft bearings are not subjected to the usual wear that occurs during the pumping process since the shaft bearings are located outside the sealed pumping chamber. Because the pump of the present invention does not have internal bearings, seals, or wear plates, the pump is ideally suited for use in the food processing industry. There are no parts of the pump apparatus located inside the sealed pumping chamber that require lubrication or internal maintenance. The impeller 40, pump housing 18, and driveshaft 26, along with the internal walls of the sealed chamber can be sterilized and would not require frequent maintenance thereafter. The pump can be used for pumping food products such as milk, mayonnaise, ketchup, or drinks without affecting the quality of the food. Because the internal parts inside the sealed pumping chamber do not require lubrication, the risk of contamination of the food from lubricating mechanical seals and wear plates is virtually eliminated. In addition, the lack of internal mechanical seals, bearings, and wear plates virtually eliminates the risk of metal contamination entering the food process stream.

[0044] The pipe tee 10 materials of construction may include casted ductile iron, welded steel, composite plastic, fiberglass molded, or any other suitable material known in the art.

[0045] It is understood that versions of the invention may come in different forms and embodiments. Additionally, it is understood that one of skill in the art would appreciate these various forms and embodiments as falling within the scope of the invention as disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A pump apparatus, comprising: a. a sealed chamber having an inlet and an outlet; b. a pump housing having a discharge outlet and opposing inlet openings on opposite sides of the pump housing, wherein the pump housing is mounted within the sealed chamber; and c. an impeller mounted on a driveshaft within and in spaced relationship with the pump housing, wherein the impeller has outwardly extending blades for movement of flowable material outward to the discharge outlet, and wherein the driveshaft is mounted within the sealed chamber and connected to a motor configured for rotating the driveshaft.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the driveshaft extends through the opposing inlet openings of the pump housing.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sealed chamber comprises a pipe tee having an inlet, an outlet, and two ends, wherein each end is closed by a respective blind flange.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each blind flange has an opening therethrough, wherein the driveshaft extends through the opening in each blind flange.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus further comprises a rotary shaft seal installed in each respective opening for sealing each opening around the driveshaft.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a shaft bearing attached to each respective blind flange and configured for supporting the driveshaft.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each shaft bearing has a flange mount and is installed on the exterior of each respective blind flange.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus comprises two motors, wherein each end of the driveshaft is connected to a respective motor, and wherein the two motors are configured for cooperatively rotating the driveshaft.

9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus comprises two motors, wherein each end of the driveshaft is connected to a respective motor, and wherein the two motors are configured for cooperatively rotating the driveshaft.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor is a hydraulic motor.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, comprising two hydraulic motors, wherein each motor is connected to a respective end of the driveshaft and the two motors are configured for cooperatively rotating the driveshaft.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor is an electric motor.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is free of internal bearings, mechanical seals, and wear plates.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inlet and the outlet are configured for attaching both the inlet and the outlet to a means for conveying or storing fluid.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the inlet of the sealed chamber has a flange.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the inlet flange is attached to an outlet of a tank.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a valve configured such that the sealed chamber can be isolated from the tank by closing the valve.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the outlet of the sealed chamber has a flange.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein both the inlet and the outlet have a flange, wherein the inlet and the outlet are each connected to a flanged end of a pipe.

20. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pipe tee inlet has a flange.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the inlet flange is attached to an outlet of a tank.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a valve configured such that the pipe tee can be isolated from the tank by closing the valve.

23. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pipe tee outlet has a flange.

24. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein both the inlet and the outlet have a flange, wherein the inlet and the outlet are each connected to a flanged end of a pipe.

25. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the motor is a hydraulic motor.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, comprising two hydraulic motors, wherein each motor is connected to a respective end of the driveshaft and the two motors are configured for cooperatively rotating the driveshaft.

27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impeller has a slope on both sides of about 30 to about 45 degrees.

28. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein there is approximately equal pressure on both sides of the impeller.

29. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pump apparatus is self-priming.

30. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pump housing is a split housing.

31. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the driveshaft extends through the opposing inlet openings in a spaced, non-contacting relationship to the pump housing.

32. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impeller comprises two halves that are bolted together such that the two halves are compressed against the driveshaft.

33. A pump apparatus, comprising: a. a sealed chamber having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet and the outlet each comprises a flange; b. a pump housing having a discharge outlet and opposing inlet openings on opposite sides of the pump housing, wherein the pump housing is mounted within the sealed chamber; c. an impeller mounted on a driveshaft within and in spaced relationship with the pump housing, wherein the impeller has outwardly extending blades for movement of flowable material outward to the discharge outlet, wherein the driveshaft is mounted within the sealed chamber and extends through the opposing inlet openings of the pump housing, and wherein the ends of the driveshaft extend through openings in opposing sides of the sealed chamber; and d. at least one motor located on the exterior of the sealed chamber, wherein the at least one motor is connected to one end of the driveshaft and configured for rotating the driveshaft, and wherein the apparatus is free of internal bearings, mechanical seals, and wear plates.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, comprising two hydraulic motors, wherein each motor is connected to a respective end of the driveshaft and the two motors are configured for cooperatively rotating the driveshaft.

35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the at least one motor is an electric motor.

36. A pump apparatus, comprising: a. a pipe tee having an inlet, an outlet, and two ends, wherein each end is closed by a respective blind flange; b. a pump housing having a discharge outlet and opposing inlet openings on opposite sides of the pump housing, wherein the pump housing is mounted within the pipe tee; and c. an impeller mounted on a driveshaft within and in spaced relationship with the pump housing, wherein the impeller has outwardly extending blades for movement of flowable material outward to the discharge outlet, and wherein the driveshaft is mounted within the pipe tee and connected to a motor configured for rotating the driveshaft.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the driveshaft extends through the opposing inlet openings of the pump housing.

38. The apparatus of claim 36, comprising two hydraulic motors, wherein each motor is connected to a respective end of the driveshaft and the two motors are configured for cooperatively rotating the driveshaft.

39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the motor is an electric motor.

40. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the apparatus is free of internal bearings, mechanical seals, and wear plates.

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