Experimental analysis of the influence of polymer solutions on performances and cavitation of small size pumps for professional appliances

Abstract

<jats:p> Pumps used in professional appliances process a solution of water, soils residues and detergents. These affect vapor tension, viscosity and rheology of the solution, mainly due to the presence of surfactants and polymers. Only a few studies have been found on how these substances can influence pump performances. Therefore, an experimental analysis has been carried out with aqueous solutions of a detergent component, the Polyox WSR 301, in the concentration range of 100–7000 ppm, to evaluate their influence on pump performances and cavitation. Some properties of the solutions have been preliminary characterized with a rheometer. Then, each solution has been tested in a dedicated test rig, to compare the performance curves of a centrifugal pump used in professional warewashing machines with those obtained with pure water. A non-intrusive method, based on the investigation of high frequency vibrations and noise signals, has been developed to detect cavitation at its early stage of inception. It was observed that polymer mitigates cavitating pump vibrations, with a reduction of the acceleration to less than one g. The analysis has provided the data necessary for the successive development of a control strategy for pump operation in professional appliances. </jats:p>

Gaseous cavitation characteristics of high-speed hydraulic electric motor-pump based on centrifugal pressurization: A numerical study

“…Furthermore, as for rotating machinery, it is difficult to accurately capture the cavitation degree and location inside the equipment through experimental methods in real time. [15][16][17] In this case, the gaseous cavitation characteristics of CSIGP and HyEMP were mainly analyzed by the means of numerical method in the present study.…”