Vertical Pump Systems Research Articles

Research on parameter selection criteria and design method for leachate pumping using vertical shafts

High leachate levels in landfills not only threaten the environment but also seriously affect the stability of piles. Therefore, it is crucial to pump leachate from piles, and vertical pumping wells have demonstrated their effectiveness in practical engineering. This paper establishes a model of vertical pumping wells, taking into account the non-homogeneous distribution of geotechnical parameters of the pile. The accuracy of this model is then validated through existing test results and numerical models. The main findings of the study are as follows: the radius of influence R is primarily influenced by the pumping time T, pumping pressure P, and anisotropy coefficient A. On the other hand, the depth of influence h is mainly determined by the burial depth h1 of the pumping section. The optimal pumping time Tb coincides with the time at which the well reaches its maximum radius of influence Rm. Similarly, the optimal pumping pressure Pb corresponds to the inflection point in the relationship between the radius of influence R and the pumping pressure P. The optimal pumping section burial depth is h1b = 20 m, and the optimal setback distance db is equal to the maximum setback distance dm. Additionally, this paper provides the criteria for parameter selection under each working condition at the optimal burial depth of the pumping section, as well as the design process for the vertical pumping system. The parameter design diagram and design method presented in this paper serve as valuable references for the design of real guide drainage projects.

Optimizing vertical pump reliability: Investigating main shaft challenges through integrated design and testing strategies

ABSTRACT Vertical pump systems are vital in industries like water treatment, power generation, and oil and gas production. Their efficiency depends on well-designed components, especially the main shaft connecting the motor to the pump impeller. Changes in shaft length greatly impact vibration, structure, and overall performance. Therefore, thorough evaluation of shaft length modifications is crucial for ensuring equipment suitability and long-term reliability. This study examines how changing shaft length in a vertical pump system, from 70 cm to 170 cm due to construction constraints, affects its performance. Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the study evaluates both shaft designs’ natural frequencies, critical speeds, and maximum stresses. Results reveal that the 170 cm shaft design is unsuitable, leading to increased stresses and a higher risk of vibration-induced failures compared to the original design. These findings stress the importance of controlling design parameters and conducting thorough analyses before implementing modifications to ensure reliability and operational stability. Unplanned design changes like shaft length modifications can severely impact pumping equipment performance, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and analysis prior to implementation. This research emphasizes the importance of considering shaft length in the design of vertical pump systems to ensure reliability. The findings offer valuable insights for engineers and designers to maintain long-term operational stability and performance. Ultimately, this improves safety and efficiency in industrial and municipal processes reliant on these pump systems.

Performance prediction of pump and pumping system based on combination of numerical simulation and non-full passage model test

The design scheme of open intake will often increase the shaft length and the height of wet-pit pump house when the range of intake water level varies relatively large. And if the pump house is far away from the discharge bay, a longer discharge pipe may be inevitable, and the arrangement of full passage model pumping system may exceed the allowed size of a specific test bench. Aiming at a long-shaft vertical pumping system with open intake design, larger water level variation and longer discharge pipe, a methodology of performance prediction for the pump and pumping system was proposed by combining numerical simulation and non-full passage model test because of less experiment funds, shorter research periods and restricted test bench. Through numerical simulation, the hydraulic losses and drag coefficients of sump and discharge pipe were calculated and followed by the experiment design and model test of non-full passage pumping system. Based on the calibration accuracy of measurement instruments and test results, the experimental uncertainties were analyzed. Through combination of numerical simulation and non-full passage model test, the prediction of model pump and pumping system performance was realized. The performance of prototype pump and pumping system was obtained by applying the similarity law of pump. When operated under the designed head of 13.59 m, the flow rate and efficiency of the prototype pumping system reached 11.86 m3/s and 86.56%, respectively, exceeding the requirements stipulated in the bidding documents and showing that it possessed greater pumping capacity and higher efficiency. The methodology proposed in this paper can be referenced and applied to the engineering design of similar pump stations.

Physical Model Investigation of a Compact Waste Water Pumping Station

To provide required flow rates of cooling or circulating water properly, approach flow conditions of vertical pump systems should be in compliance with state of the art acceptance criteria. The direct inflow should be vortex free, with low pre-rotation and symmetric velocity distribution. Physical model investigations are common practice and the best tool of prediction to evaluate, to optimize and to document flow conditions inside intake structures for vertical pumping systems. Optimization steps should be accomplished with respect to installation costs and complexity on site. The report shows evaluation of various approach flow conditions inside a compact waste water pumping station. The focus is on the occurrence of free surface vortices and the evaluation of air entrainment for various water level and flow rates. The presentation of the results includes the description of the investigated intake structure, occurring flow problems and final recommendations.

3D Numerical Simulation and Performance Predication of Vertical Axial Flow Pumping Station by RNG Turbulent Model

Vertical axial flow pumping stations have advantages of large capacity and low head. This type of pumping station has been widely used for water transportation or irrigation and drainage. Most of the pumping stations presently under construction for the East Routine of South-to-North Water Transfer Project adopt this type. The flow pattern and hydraulic performance of vertical pumping station with bell inlet and worm outlet are studied. The incompressible N-S equations are solved by using the finite volume method. Based on the RNG k-e model with wall-function law, SIMPLEC algorithm is applied for the solution of the discretization governing equation. By using multiple reference frames, the flow detail of whole vertical pumping system is attained. The relation between the axial flow distributing law of inlet bellmouth with rotating impeller and installation height of pumping station is analyzed. The reference nominal height of pump is put forward. The numerical hydraulic performance is predicted. A good agreement is achieved between the predicted data and experimental data under designed operating condition. 3D numerical computation and model test show that this type of pumping station can be applied in the East Route of South-to-North Water Transfer Project.