摘要 |
A system and method for transporting high-viscosity, high-solids, dewatered materials essentially includes a progressing cavity pump system utilizing a twin-screw feeder with an extended tunnel section. The feeding of the material into an extended tunnel section of the twin screw feeder creates a positive pressure, which assists in feeding the product into the suction housing of the progressing cavity pump, and correspondingly, into the pumping elements. This increases volumetric (fill) efficiency of the progressing cavity pump, thereby allowing a smaller pump to be used. The suction housing of the progressing cavity pump includes an auger positioned therein that is directly coupled to, and preferably integral with, the progressing cavity rotor. The universal joint is moved from the position in front of the stator entrance to a point behind the auger and suction inlet opening to improve flow of material from the suction housing to the progressing cavity pump elements. The inlet conduit coupled to the transition housing is angled slightly towards the direction of flow to further improve the flow efficiency and increase the fill rate of the progressing cavity pump elements. |