Water Leaders Tour American River Pump Station in Auburn
AUBURN — Water industry leaders from across Northern California gathered Friday (June 12) in Auburn for a business meeting and tour of the Placer County Water Agency’s innovative American River Pump Station.
The occasion was a joint meeting of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), Region 3; and the Mountain Counties Water Resources Association (MCWRA). Co-hosted by PCWA and the Nevada Irrigation District (NID), the meeting attracted about 80 people to the The Ridge Golf Club and Event Center in Auburn.
Featured speakers were John Woodling, executive director of the Sacramento-based Regional Water Authority (RWA) and Victoria Whitney, chief of the Division of Water Rights of the California Water Resources Control Board.
Woodling’s presentation focused on the governor’s call for a statewide 20 percent reduction in urban water use by the year 2020. He said a “one size fits all” approach to water conservation will not work and that conservation can best be accomplished by local agencies. “Under our existing regional plan we will achieve a 20 percent reduction by 2025,” he said.
Whitney provided an overview of the state’s role in the often complicated world of water rights. She explained the many different kinds of water rights in California, including “area-of-origin” rights held by many of the mountain counties represented at the meeting.
Following the business meeting, guests traveled to the American River canyon for a guided tour of the PCWA American River Pump Station. The $76 million pump station and river restoration project is designed to supply American River water to Placer County while restoring the American River to its natural channel at the site where an Auburn Dam was once planned.
Completed in 2008, the project combines a whitewater channel that allows recreational use with an adjacent underground diversion structure built into the river bottom. The horizontal screen diversion reduces sedimentation while providing for the safe passage of both fish and recreational watercraft.
“This project returned three miles of river to the public, and PCWA regained access to a critical water supply,” said PCWA Deputy Director of Technical Services Brent Smith, who led the tour.
Based in the Placer County seat of Auburn, PCWA holds rights to 280,000 acre-feet of water and serves more than 250,000 people. The agency operates the Middle Fork American River Project which produces hydroelectric energy as well as water for home, business and agricultural uses.
A History of the Vacuum Pump
The vacuum pump is a genius invention that plays a role in many parts of our lives. Vacuum pumps are used in our air conditioning units, in our cars, in our airplanes, and even in some of the medical processes used today. Though it was a technology that took some time to develop, comparatively speaking, it is a technology that was well worth waiting for.
The initial vacuum pump was designed in the 1650’s by a man named Otto van Guericke. This pump created a vacuum by pulling gas molecules from a sealed space. Otto Guericke’s theory lay in the belief that if two pieces of a whole, say a sphere, were connected and the air was sucked out of the sphere, nothing would be able to cause the two halves to separate. His theory was proven correct and, initially the response was good, with more tests and demonstrations being performed throughout the 1650’s. Over time things trickled off, however. Vacuum pumps were still tested but not widely used because they did not produce enough suction.
In the late 1690’s a vacuum pump was patented in England. This pump was known as the Thomas Savery pump. Many modern pumps have been designed after this one pump.
Experimentation and testing with vacuum technology continued until 1855 when Heinrich Geissler created the mercury displacement pump, which was even better than the Guericke’s invention.
Fast forward a few hundred years to where vacuum pumps are a part of our everyday lives. As mentioned before, the technology took time to develop properly, nearly three hundred years, but it was well worth the wait. You’ll find vacuum pumps being used by firefighters in their rescue missions, by doctors administering radiotherapy, in freeze drying processes, and throughout sewage systems.
You’ll also find a bunch of different types of pumps, ranging from low and medium, to high pressure pumps. Low and medium pumps are more simply made. Medium pumps are used in aircraft as part of the heading and altitude systems while low pressure pumps are often part of the air conditioning units. High pressure pumps are usually those used in hydraulic systems. They are more complex than low and medium pressure and are usually made custom for each job they are required for.
Most of the history of the vacuum pump centers on testing and perfecting the science, building upon the discoveries of earlier inventors. Three hundred years is a long time to master the art of creating a vacuum pump, and the time has been put to good use. The pumps have been altered and perfected, and are now being put to good use.
Centrifugal pump designs
The overwhelming majority of contractor pumps use centrifugal force to move water. Centrifugal force is defined as the action that causes something, in this case water, to move away from its center of rotation.
All centrifugal pumps use an impeller and volute to create the partial vacuum and discharge pressure necessary to move water through the casing. The impeller and volute form the heart of the pump and help determine its flow, pressure and solid handling capability.
An impeller is a rotating disk with a set of vanes coupled to the engine/motor shaft that produces centrifugal force within the pump casing. A volute is the stationary housing (in which the impeller rotates) that collects, discharges and recirculates water entering the pump. A diffuser is used on high pressure pumps and is similar to a volute but more compact in design. Many types of material can be used in their manufactire but cast iron is most commonly used for construction applications.
In order for a centrifugal pump, or self priming, pump to attain its initial prime the casing must first be manually primed or filled with water. Afterwards, unless it is run dry or drained, a sufficient amount of water should remain in the pump to ensure quick priming the next time it is needed.
As the impeller churns the water (see figure above), it purges air from the casing creating an area of low pressure, or partial vacuum, at the eye (center) of the impeller. The weight of the atmosphere on the external body of water pushes water rapidly through the hose and pump casing toward the eye of the impeller.
Centrifugal force created by the rotating impeller pushes water away from the eye, where pressure is lowest, to the vane tips where the pressure is highest. The velocity of the rotating vanes pressurizes the water forced through the volute and discharges it from the pump.
Water passing through the pump brings with it solids and other abrasive material that will gradually wear down the impeller or volute. This wear can increase the distance between the impeller and the volute resulting in decreased flows, decreased heads and longer priming times. Periodic inspection and maintenance is necessary to keep pumps running like new.
Another key component of the pump is its mechanical seal. This spring loaded component consists of two faces, one stationary and another rotating, and is located on the engine shaft between the impeller and the rear casing (see figure below). It is designed to prevent water from seeping into and damaging the engine. Pumps designed for work in harsh environments require a seal that is more abrasion resistant than pumps designed for regular household use.
Typically seals are cooled by water as it passes through the pump. If the pump is dry or has insufficient water for priming it could damage the mechanical seal. Oil-lubricated an occasionally grease-lubricated seals are available on some pumps that provide positive lubrication in the event that the pump is run without water. The seal is a common wear part that should be periodically inspected.
Regardless of whether the application calls for a standard, high pressure, or trash every centrifugal pump lifts and discharges water in the same way. The following section will point out design differences between these pumps.
Standard Centrifugal Pumps
Standard centrifugal pumps provide an economical choice for general purpose dewatering. A number of different sizes are available but the most common model offerings are in the 2 to 4 inch range with flows from 142 to 500 gallons per minute (GPM) and heads in the range of 90 to 115 feet.
these pumps should only be used in clear water applications (agricultural, industrial, residential) as they have a limited solid handling capability of only 10% by volume.
The impellers typically use a three-vane design (see figure below) and the volute is compact, preventing the passage of large solids. The rule of thumb is the pump will only pass spherical solids 1/4 the diameter of the suction inlet.
One advantage these pumps have over comparably sized trash models is their low initial cost. There are several reasons for this difference. Lower horsepower engines are utilized that are smaller in size and more fuel efficient. The mechanical seals, since they are not subjected to harsh working conditions, can be made of less costly material. Additionally, the casings are smaller and have fewer machined parts that when combined with the smaller engines make the pumps much lighter in weight.
High Pressure Centrifugal Pumps
High pressure centrifugal pumps are designed for use in applications requireing high discharge pressures and flows. Contractors may use them to wash down equipment on the job site as well as install them on water trailers. Other uses include irrigation and as emergency standby pumps in areas where there is a high risk of fire.
Typically these pumps will discharge around 100 GPM and produce heads in excess of 240 feet. The pump may have a 2 inch suction port and up to three discharge ports of varying size for added versatility. The impellers used on these pumps are a closed design (see figure below) and not open like those used on other types of centrifugal pumps. Similarly the diffuser is more compact than a regular volute in order to generate the high discharge pressures.
These pumps by design are not capable of handling any types of solids or even sandy water, Silt, sand or debris would almost immediately clog the pump if allowed to enter into the casing. Additionally, the impeller and diffuser may be made of aluminum rather than weather resistant cast iron since they are not subject to abrasive materials. It is recommended that a mesh net always be placed over the suction strainer if the pump is being used in dirty water.
Trash Centrifugal Pumps
Trash centrifugal pumps get their name from their ability to handle large amounts of debris and are the preferred choice of contractors and the rental industry. The most common sizes are in the 2 to 6 inch range producing flows from 200 to 1,600 GPM and heads up to 150 feet.
The rule of thumb is that a trash pump will generally handle spherical solids up to 1/2 the diameter of the suction inlet. Solids (sticks, stones and debris) flow through without cloggin making themideal for the water conditions typically found on job sites. Trash pumps handle up to 25% suspended solids by volume.
Trash pumps offer another benefit in that they can be quickly and easily disassembled for service or inspection. While standard pumps require special tools that are not always available the inside of a trash pump gousing can usually be accessed with common tools.
Customers occasionally ask why a trash pump costs more than standard centrifugal pumps. One big reason is that higher horsepower engines are neeed for trash pumps. The impeller is typically a cast iron two-vane design (see figure below) and a large volute is required to handle the higher volume of water and debris. The mechanical seal - like the impeller and volute - is selected for its abrasion resistance and more parts are machined for the casing. While there is a higher initial cost it must be noted that is is recovered through the reduced maintenance over the life of an often used pump.
How to choose the Right Pump
Choosing the correct pump for an application should not be difficult if a few basic preliminary steps are followed.
• Volume and pressure requirements of the system
• Type of material being pumped – oil, fertilizer, insecticides, chemicals, and at what temperature
• How the pump will be driven and at what speed – PTO, engine, electric motor or hydraulic motor
• Check HP requirements of power unit for system pressure and volume
Diaphragm Pumps
A diaphragm pump is a positive displacement which means flow stays constant with speed. Flow is also variable with change of speed. This type of pump is reliable and compact compared to other pumps that have similar flow and pressure ratings. These pumps are excellent for agriculture, industrial, lawn care and nursery requirements because of their adaptability to spraying conditions.
ADVANTAGES
• Wide range of flow and pressure specifications
• Low maintenance and almost wear-free operation
• Self-priming
• Handles wide range of materials that would damage other pumps such as corrosive chemicals, wettable powders and other abrasive solutions.
Roller Pumps
A roller pump is similar to a vane pump except it utilizes multiple rollers in place of sliding vanes. Its unique design adapts to a variety of spraying applications, especially for the lower PTO speed requirements of agricultural spraying systems.
ADVANTAGES
• Low initial and maintenance costs
• Operates efficiently at PTO speeds
• Good priming characteristics
• Compact size in relation to capacity
• Easily mounts
Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps are very popular because of their versatility. They provide high capacities and handle abrasive and wettable powders. Centrifugal pumps require higher operating speeds which make them ideal for small engine applications of liquid transfer.
ADVANTAGES
• Handles suspensions well
• High capacity
• Low maintenance
• Low pressure characteristics, pressure only needs to be controlled by by-pass valve
• Some designs can handle solids,
Piston Pumps
A piston pump is a positive displacement pump which means it delivers variable output in proportion to its driven speed. It also develops the higher pressure needed for washing equipment, injecting chemicals, and other agricultural and industrial needs that require long life and dependability.
ADVANTAGES
• Wear resistant
• Positive displacement
• High pressure capability
• Good priming characteristics
• Handles various chemicals, wettable powder suspensions, and other abrasive liquids
Pump
Creates flow in the system
Nozzle
Sized to the pumps output flow to obtain desired output pressure. Using nozzles, with different orifice sizes, with a fixed flow rate, can change output pressures.
Unloader Valve
Pressure actuated plunger bypasses flow under low pressure to the intake side of pump when the trigger gun is closed. This relives engine load. Opening trigger gun allows unloader to redirect water to the gun.
Pressure Reducing Valve
Lowers inlet water pressure to allow upstream chemical injection to operate.
Pulsation Dampener
Reduces water hammer and smoothes output flow reducing wear on components,
Bypass Hose
Directs water from unloaded to inlet side of pump.
Strainer
Prevents foreign matter from entering system.
Pressure Washer with Downstream Injection
Chemical Injection
Chemical injectors provide a mechanical means of introducing chemical into the water stream. The addition of chemical provides better cleaning results while saving time and water consumption. This chemical can be introduced into the water stream by either upstream (before the pump) or downstream injection.
Methods of Chemical Injection
Upstream
1. Three way selector valve to select between chemical tank and rinse water.
2. Chemical injector on inlet.
3. Pump mounted injector.
Downstream
1. Chemical injector on outlet side of pump.
Operation
Upstream
Upstream chemical injection allows user to inject the chemical at high pressure. Chemical is metered or controlled by a valve mounted at the injector. Operator must return to pressure washer to operator injector.
Downstream
Downstream injection allows operator to control injection at the gun. Chemical is introduced into the water stream at a reduced pressure (normally less that 250 PSI) by increasing nozzle opening size. At reduced pressure, water passes through a venturi drawing chemical with it to the gun. At high pressure water still passes through the venturi but it closes a check valve preventing chemical flow.
Pump It - Black Eyed Peas
The same working day by day, the same life with no changes, workers who were chained to a life of dull routine need energy life. Pump it songs by Black Eyed Peas, good song,

“pump it
ha ha ha
pump it
ha ha ha
and pump it (louder) [4x]
turn up the radio
blast your stereo
right Read more…
Orange Power Pump - Charge your Phone with the foot


The Orange Power Pump is a compact mobile phone charger for outdoor using. It’s a basically compact generator that features a turbine driven by a standard air bed foot pump. The turbine can generate enough power to make 5 minutes of call time in the time it takes to inflate a pillow.
“A compact camping accessory which fits all handsets, the Orange Power Pump measures 154mm by 129mm with a height of 47mm making it no bigger than a packet of Wet Wipes, is lightweight and easy to fit into your rucksack. Encased in sleek black housing, the turbine can generate enough energy to power 5 minutes of call time in the time it takes to inflate a pillow. “

