Guide structure for submersible pump system

Abstract

Structure for guiding a submersible pump along an upright path of travel includes a wire-like connector coupled to the pump unit, and the connector is shaped to slidably engage two outwardly extending portions of an upright guide rail which is I-shaped in transverse configuration. The wire-like connector cleans debris from the rail during vertical movement of the pump and also enables the unit to be tilted as necessary. When the pump unit is shifted to approach a lowermost position for pumping fluids, a directing means comprising outwardly extending plates with inclined surfaces thereon engages horizontal arms connected to a pump outlet flange so that the pump is precisely guided both vertically and horizontally to a position wherein the pump outlet flange is in flat, parallel, face-to-face relationship with an inlet flange of a stationary discharge pipe. A curved peg which extends outwardly from the discharge pipe flange is received within a recess of the pump unit flange as the pump is lowered, and the peg functions to retain the pump flange in spaced disposition relative to piping inlet flange so that seizing of the two flanges is substantially precluded. The guide structure and directing means provide minimal contact areas between moving components so that entrapment of debris and particles, which would otherwise cause frictional resistance to free movement of the pump, is minimized, and the possibility of seizing is virtually eliminated.