Abstract
This work seeks to apply the computational fluid dynamics–population balance model (CFD–PBM) to investigate the gas distribution and flow mechanism in the gas–liquid two-phase flow of a centrifugal pump. The findings show that the numerical simulation accurately captures the bubble distribution characteristics in the process of coalescence and breakage evolution. In addition, comparing the CFD–PBM with the Double Euler, the hydraulic head of the pump are similar, but the efficiency using the Double Euler is much higher—even close to single-phase. This is in contrast to previous experimental research. Then, the unsteady flow usually led to the formation of bubbles with larger diameters especially where vortices existed. In addition, the rotor–stator interaction was a main reason for bubble formation. Generally, it was observed that the coalescence rate was greater than the breakage rate; thus, the coalescence rate decreased until it equaled the breakage rate. Thereafter, the average diameter of the bubble in each part tended to be stable during the process of bubble evolution. Finally, the average diameter of bubbles seemed to increase from inlet to outlet. The results of this study may not only enhance the gas–liquid two-phase internal flow theory of centrifugal pumps, but also can serve as a benchmark for optimizations of reliable operation of hydraulic pumps under gas–liquid two-phase flow conditions.
Highlights
The centrifugal pump is one of the main types of vane pumps widely used in many fields of industry and agriculture because of its excellent ability to transport fluid continuously and stably [1].Many scholars have researched the inner flow characteristic in centrifugal pumps [2,3,4]
Researching into the flow characteristics under gas–liquid two-phase patterns has become a hotspot of the current study on the unsteady flows of centrifugal pumps
The results showed that the population balance model (PBM) could better predict the operation performance of the multi-phase flow in the centrifugal pump in a solid-liquid mixed flow without extending to gas–liquid condition
Summary
Many scholars have researched the inner flow characteristic in centrifugal pumps [2,3,4]. In the process of industrial production and transportation, there is often a demand for gas–liquid mixed transport. In this case, the flow structure inside the pump is very complex and the turbulence intensity is very strong. The evolution and development of gas-phase bubbles will block the passage and cause a sharp decrease in hydraulic performance. These become problematic and undesirably influence the operational reliabilities of centrifugal pumps. Researching into the flow characteristics under gas–liquid two-phase patterns has become a hotspot of the current study on the unsteady flows of centrifugal pumps
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
