Numerical Investigation on Hydrodynamic Characteristics of a Centrifugal Pump with a Double Volute at Off-Design Conditions

Abstract

Severe radial thrust under off-design operating conditions can be harmful factor for centrifugal pumps. In the present work, effects of geometry of a double volute casing on the hydrodynamic performance of a centrifugal pump have been investigated focusing on off-design conditions. Three-dimensional steady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes analysis was carried out by using shear stress transport turbulence model. Numerical results for the hydrodynamic performance of the centrifugal pump were validated compared with experimental data. The hydraulic efficiency and radial thrust coefficient were used as performance parameters to evaluate the hydrodynamic characteristics of the centrifugal pump. The cross-sectional area ratio of the volute casing, the expansion coefficient of the rib structure, distance between the rib starting point and volute entrance, and radius of the volute entrance, were selected as geometric parameters. The results of parametric study show that performance parameters are significantly affected by both the geometric variables and operating conditions. Some configurations of the double volute casing showed outstanding performance in terms of the efficiency and radial thrust coefficient.