Three-dimensional quasi-unsteady flow simulation in a centrifugal pump: Comparison with experimental results

Abstract

This work aims at assessing the velocity field, pressure, and radial thrust distribution inside a centrifugal pump (ENSIVAL-MORET MP 250.200.400 pump, diameter ¼ 408 mm, five blades, specific speed ¼ 32) at various flowrates. A three-dimensional flow simulation is first presented for the isolated impeller. A three-dimensional quasi-unsteady flow simulation of the impeller -volute assembly is then performed for several impeller blades and volute tongue relative positions. The computed pressure fields enable to evaluate the radial thrust on the pump shaft and to study its variations with the flowrates. The computed pressure fluctuations match the measures obtained from 10 unsteady pressure sensors placed on the impeller shroud and volute, so that the validity of the computed radial thrust is acknowledged. Downloaded from Impeller Inlet flange radius, R 0 (mm) 115 Mean impeller inlet radius, R 1 (mm) 75 Inlet impeller width, b 1 (mm) 85.9 Inlet blade angle, b 1 (8) 7 0 Blade LE inclination angle, u 1 (8) 3 7 Mean impeller outlet radius, R 2 (mm) 204.2 Outlet impeller width, b 2 (mm) 42 Outlet blade angle, b 2 (8) 6 3 Blade TE inclination angle, u 2 (8) 9 0 Blade number, Na 5 Blade thickness, e (mm) 8Volute Base volute radius, R 3 (mm) 218 Volute width, b 3 (mm) 50 Outlet flange diameter, f outlet (mm) 200

Numerical Study of Inlet and Impeller Flow Structures in Centrifugal Pump at Design and Off-design Points

“…Satisfactory and good agreements between the numerical and experimental results have been obtained. Asuaje et al [13] performed a quasi-unsteady flow simulation for a centrifugal pump by using the same software. The numerical and test results of the pressure fluctuation at impeller exit are globally satisfactory.…”

Flow in a dirty air fan with a semi-open centrifugal impeller and a squirrel volute

“…1. The research efforts on centrifugal pumps and compressors by Zhang and Lakshminarayana [16], Asuaje et al [17], and Kaewnai et al [18] all showed that the standard κ-ε model provided results with acceptable accuracy. 2.…”

“…The comparisons, between the numerical results and the experimental data, indicated that the standard κ-ε model, algebraic eddy viscosity model, and the algebraic Reynolds stress model showed the same level of agreement in the simulation of the pressure-driven secondary flows. Asuaje et al [17] experimentally and numerically studied the flow in a pump, which has a semi-open centrifugal impeller and a squirrel fluid collector. Predictions with various turbulence models were compared to the experimental data.…”