Journal of the Korean Society of Visualization (한국가시화정보학회지)

The Korean Society of Visualization (한국가시화정보학회)
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Computational Flow Analysis with Geometric and Operating Conditions of Air Lift Pump

기포펌프의 형상 및 작동 조건에 따른 전산유동해석

  • Kang, Geonhan (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School, Sunchon National University) ;
  • Kim, Sungcho (School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sunchon National University) ;
  • Choi, Jongwook (School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sunchon National University)
  • Received : 2020.07.30
  • Accepted : 2020.08.21
  • Published : 2020.08.31
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Abstract

Air lift pump operated by buoyancy is mainly used for the continuous circulation and the purification of fluids. In this study, the computational flow analysis has been performed with the geometric and operating conditions of the air lift pump. The numerical data from the analysis have been verified by comparing with the previous experimental data. The following results are obtained which advance the efficiency of the air lift pump. As the submergence length of pipe increases and the pipe length over the water surface decreases, the non-dimensional mass flow ratio increases in both cases. When the position of the air injection hole is within the pipe, the circulation range of the surrounding fluid becomes widened with the distance between the air injection hole and the pipe inlet relatively becoming narrower. It is more efficient both when the air injection velocity is at 10 m/s and at 15 m/s, and when the diameter of the pipe with holes is doubled near the water surface. It is expected that these results can be provided as fundamental data for operating the air lift pump.

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References

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