Vibration in a Multistage Centrifugal Pump under Varied Conditions

Abstract

Multistage pumps are intended to improve designs with low‐vibration and ‐noise features as the industry applications increase the technical requirements. In this frame, it becomes really important to fully understand the vibration patterns of these kinds of complex machines. In this study, a vibration test bench was established to examine the vibration and stability of a cantilever multistage centrifugal pump under different flow rates. The vibration spectrum diagrams for the inlet and outlet sections and the pump body were evaluated under varied flow conditions. Results showed the effects of operational conditions on the vibration of the cantilever multistage centrifugal pump. Vibration velocity was primarily caused by mass unbalance at the shut‐off flow rate point. Under different flow conditions, the blade passing frequency (BPF) and two times the blade passing frequency (2BPF) were the main excitation frequencies. The vibration frequency of the final pump body remained at the BPF under different flow conditions due to the contact with the outlet section. The major type of vibration frequency for the inlet and outlet was high frequency.