Numerical simulations of the internal flow pattern of a vortex pump compared to the Hamel-Oseen vortex

Gerlach, Angela; Preuß, Enrico; Thamsen, Paul Uwe; Lykholt-Ustrup, Flemming

doi:10.1007/s12206-017-0319-6

Cited by 9 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 3 publications

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“…Moreover, Gerlach et al performed a numerical study of the internal flow field of a vortex pump, and made a comparison with the Hamel-Oseen vortex model. The study suggests that a vortex similar to the Hamel-Oseen vortex is only present at the strong part load operation [8]. Through a numerical simulation and experimental analysis, Jiang and Zhu studied the influence of different types of hems and blades on the performance of the vortex pump [9,10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Performance Test and Internal Flow Field Simulation of a Vortex Pump

et al. 2017

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Vortex pumps have good non-clogging performance and are widely used in the fluid transportation of food, sewage treatment, and mineral and coal slurry transportation. In order to design and manufacture a vortex pump with good performance and establish a method of optimum design, we must master the internal flow rules of the pump. Based on the self-design vortex pump (32WB8-12) experiment, the discharge-pump head (q v -H), discharge-pump shaft power (q v -P), discharge-pump efficiency (q v -η), and discharge-critical net positive suction head (q v -NPSH c ) curves are obtained, and the q v -NPSH c curve shows an opposite tendency compared with the centrifugal pump. With the mathematical model selected with respect to the optimal condition, the three-dimensional internal flow within the vortex pump has been numerically simulated by a renormalization group k-ε (RNG k-ε) turbulence model. The static pressure (p s ) and velocity distribution of the impeller and the middle section of the volute at 0 • , 90 • , 180 • , and 270 • are obtained, and the performance curves have been fitted using a CFX-calculated energy parameter. It was illustrated that the velocity field is relatively disordered and the flow in the impeller region is of a forced vortex character. The flow in the volute is similar to that of the combined vortex with backflow, which is a non-axisymmetric unsteady flow with quite high turbulence intensity. These factors are the main reasons for the relatively low efficiency of the vortex pump. The measurement of flow field in volute with a five-hole probe was conducted, and it is demonstrated that the numerical results are in good agreement with the flow field measurement data. An upward pressure gradient forms in the portal area of the impeller, and it is confirmed that the lowest pressure point is located in the upper position of the impeller hub. It is revealed that for the vortex pump to have advanced suction and anti-cavitation performance, the lowest pressure in the pump should be −4 × 10 4 Pa and it should be located at the center of the vortex chamber cavity.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%