Prediction of Centrifugal-Pump Performance

Abstract

Abstract The author states that the selection of impeller, diffuser, and volute shapes of centrifugal pump designs are largely empirical, because the theory, based mostly upon the classical centrifugal theory, has been incorrect or at least incomplete. In the prediction of performance of small multistage deep-well pumps, some time ago, the author found another course of analysis which gave promise of excellent results. Essentially, the centrifugal pump does not operate as such except at shutoff but does behave as a radial-flow turbine. Consequently, the performance can be more truly analyzed and the hydraulic losses can be treated as if the pump were a pipe with a shock loss at the pickup edge of the blades and a recirculation loss. This method of prediction is explained and illustrated in the course of the paper.