US Patent 7534098 Suction distribution and disconnection system for a submersible pump

A solids entrainment and quick disconnect system for a vertical or submersible pump is disclosed in which a pump distribution plate having guide members is provided for positioning near the floor of a well or sump to facilitate the entrainment of solids into the pump inlet. The quick disconnect system comprises an angled discharge adaptor that allows the pump to be vertically lowered onto the pump distribution plate in a manner to not only assure registration and sealing of the pump inlet to the pump distribution plate, but to provide comprehensive mating and sealing of the pump discharge outlet to the discharge piping of the sump or pit.