Method and apparatus for process control of vertical movement of slurried particulates

摘要

A process control system for use in movement of slurry material from a first lower level through a vertical flow way to an upper or surface level. In particular, this system is utilized for moving slurried particulate from a subterranean mine level upward through a vertical flow way such as an earth borehole to a surface pumping station or the like. The vertical pump system includes series-connected pumps having variable speed capabilities at the lower level, and the pumps then direct the slurried material through the vertical flow way to an upper level receiving station. The process control monitors the upper level volume, the slurry line pressure in the pipeline underground, and the flow rate in the pipeline underground thereby to select a controller output signal. The output signal is then utilized to control a hydraulic servo mechanism which adjusts the variable speed drive to one or more of the series-pumps thereby to maintain a proper flow rate and pressure through the vertical flow way.