Suthep Kaewnai
The Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, vol. 23, no. 6, pp.1620-1627, 2009

Abstract : The main objective of this work is to use the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique in analyzing and predicting the performance of a radial flow-type impeller of centrifugal pump. The impeller analyzed is at the following design condition: flow rate of 528 m3/hr; speed of 1450 rpm; and head of 20 m or specific speed (Ns) of 3033 1/min in US-Units. The first stage involves the mesh generation and refinement on domain of the designed impeller. The second stage deals with the identification of initial and boundary conditions of the mesh-equipped module. In the final stage, various results are calculated and analyzed for factors affecting impeller performance. The results indicate that the total head rise of the impeller at the design point is approximately 19.8 m. The loss coefficient of the impeller is 0.015 when 0.6 < Q/Qdesign < 1.2. Maximum hydraulic efficiency of impeller is 0.98 at Q/Qdesign = 0.7. Based on the comparison of the theoretical head coefficient and static pressure rise coefficient between simulation results and experimental data, from previous work reported in the literature [Guelich, Kreiselpumpen, Springer, Berlin, 2004], it is possible to use this method to simulate the performance of a radial-flow type impeller of a centrifugal pump.

Keyword : Centrifugal pump; CFD; Impeller; Radial flow