Reduction of Radial Thrust by Using Triple-Volute Casing Centrifugal Pump

Abstract

Radial thrust in a single volute centrifugal pump, which is a result of pressure variation in the volute casing, is investigated in order to avoid failures caused by this thrust force. Two ideas are introduced to avoid or to minimize this thrust force, the first is a double volute, and the second is a triple volute. A complete centrifugal pump design was manufactured. The volute was designed such that partition vanes could be added to change the number of volutes. Experiments were performed on single, double, triple volutes centrifugal pump at 500, 800, and 900 rpm for each case. The performances of the three pumps as seen on a non-dimensional plot, are nearly the same in the three casing types (Single, double and triple volutes). However, the values of the efficiency reveal an improvement associated with the presence of the volute(s) On the other hand, the use of multiple volutes reduced the radial thrust force. These reductions were pronounced as the departure from the BEP was increased. At shut off for instance, the radial thrusts for the double volutes and triple volutes were reduced by 55% and 70%, respectively, below the thrust of a single volute pump.