Improving the Performance of an Innovative Centrifugal Pump through the Independent Rotation of an Inducer and Centrifugal Impeller Speeds

Abstract

This article introduces an innovative design for a centrifugal pump featuring an inducer that enables the independent rotation of both the inducer and the centrifugal impeller. Unlike conventional designs, this configuration allows for differential speeds and customizable rotation directions, including co-rotation and counter-rotation modes. These new capabilities offer numerous operational advantages. This study investigates the impact of the speed ratio between the inducer and the impeller on the pump’s performance in both the co-rotation and counter-rotation modes. The results demonstrate that the independent rotation of the inducer expands the pump’s operating range, while counter-rotation significantly enhances the generation of pressure and the pump’s efficiency compared to co-rotation. These findings pave the way for the development of pumps that offer benefits such as a reduced size, reduced vibration, minimized energy consumption, and improved cavitation performance.