Effects of flow rate and silt particle on vibration of a double-suction centrifugal pump

Abstract

For large flow rates, double-suction centrifugal pumps are widely used in agricultural irrigation. The effects of the flow rate and silt content on the vibration characteristics of these pumps have not been extensively investigated. This study conducted an experiment to obtain the vibration signals on a pump bearing housing. The flow rates ranged from 0% to 150% of the design flow rate (Qd), and the silt concentration ranged from 0 kg/m3 to10 kg/m3. The vibrations in the axial direction were higher than those in the horizontal and vertical directions at each flow rate. At zero flow rate, the axial vibration increased by 190% compared with that at Q d . Compared with those of the pure water condition, the axial vibrations were lower at the low and design flow rates owing to the presence of silt, and then increased with the silt concentration, and this may be the combined contribution of silt restricting turbulence and uneven silt distribution in the impeller. The results can be useful as a reference in the design and operation of double-suction centrifugal pumps used in silt-laden water.