Pressure Fluctuation and Flow Characteristic in a Centrifugal Pump Under Variable Flow Rates

Abstract

Centrifugal pumps are utilized in a variety of fields, including clean energy, advanced power, and marine engineering. Pressure fluctuation has been identified as a critical factor that limits operational stability. In this study, pressure fluctuations in the volute of a centrifugal pump are investigated. The accuracy of the numerical calculation is initially validated through experimental methods. The frequency domain characteristics of pressure fluctuations at six measuring points on the inner wall of the volute under different flow rates are analyzed through numerical calculation of the transient flow field and Fourier transform analysis. Flow characteristics of jet-wake flow patterns and impingement backflow structures in the impeller and the volute are investigated. The findings indicate that variations in flow rate exert a multifaceted influence on the spatiotemporal flow characteristics and frequency characteristics of blade passing frequency (f_bpf). The measuring point near the tongue demonstrates the most substantial variation in flow rate. In the 0.6Q_d condition, the f_bpf amplitude attains its maximum value and subsequently experiences a 75.45% decrease under the 1.0Q_d condition. The maximum jet velocity of jet-wake flow patterns is directly proportional to the flow rate. The temporal characteristics of impingement backflow structures in the volute govern the magnitude of pressure fluctuations on the inner wall of the volute.

Keywords

Centrifugal pump / Flow pattern / Pressure fluctuation / Jet-wake / Impingement backflow

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Harbin Engineering University and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature