Abstract

The pumping system (10) comprises a pump (12), pump controller (20), and a supply of compressed gas (18). The pump (12) comprises a liquid level sensing system (28) which senses the level of liquid within the pump (12) and communicates with the pump controller (20). When the liquid level is sensed as being below an upper threshold level, the pump controller connects the pump (12) to a vent allowing liquid to flow into the pump (12). When the liquid level sensing system (28) senses liquid as reaching an upper threshold level within the pump (12), the pump controller connects the pump (12) to the supply of compressed gas. The compressed gas is injected into the pump (12) displacing the liquid forcing it to flow through risers (30) to a remote storage tank (34). The liquid level sensing system (28) comprises tuning fork sensors (48 and 52).

IPC Classes  ?

• F04F 1/06 - Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped the fluid medium acting on the surface of the liquid to be pumped
• F04F 1/08 - Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped the fluid medium acting on the surface of the liquid to be pumped specially adapted for raising liquids from great depths, e.g. in wells