摘要 |
An impeller for a centrifugal oil pump having improved head and flow output capabilities, which impeller can be machined into the end of a crankshaft. A plurality of radially extending tunnels are disposed horizontally in the crankshaft, with outlets in the perimeter of the crankshaft. An annular groove is provided in the crankshaft, with a groove opening in the bottom surface of the crankshaft and a subtending groove surface defining the depth of the groove. The subtending groove surface is normally narrower than the groove opening, and the groove intersects the tunnels, exposing a part of the tunnel walls to a flow of fluid from directly below. The exposed tunnels act as vanes to scoop oil from the groove and accelerate it to crankshaft speed. Entrained gases collect near the subtending groove surface, and a vent passage is provided to conduct the gases out of the impeller.
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