| 摘要 |
The present invention features a multi-functional pump for pumping molten metal, which includes a base that is submerged in molten metal having at least two impeller chambers. The base includes one or more inlet openings and one or more outlet openings. Each outlet opening leads from one of the impeller chambers. The invention enables the impeller to be moved to a position to rotate in either impeller chamber or while straddling impeller chambers. This enables the pump to have the versatility to operate in a circulation mode; a transfer mode; two or more circulation modes; two or more transfer modes; and a combination of transfer and circulation modes. The impeller chambers can be stacked over each other and the impeller can be moved vertically in and between impeller chambers. Inventive vaned or barrel type impellers can be used to facilitate pumping while straddling impeller chambers, in view of an elongated bearing member on the impeller that maintains position relative to a bearing ring attached to the base or an inlet protector sleeve. The multifunctional pump of the invention enables infinite adjustment of the impeller using a programmable logic controller that results in positioning of the impeller at any of various locations in the base to achieve any desired output. The inventive pump is ideally suited for use in die casting and scrap submergence applications. Also featured is a method of operating the multifunctional pump of the present invention.
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