Numerical Analysis on the Effect of Flow Rate Variation in Double-Suction Centrifugal Pump

A numerical simulation is carried out to investigate the effect of flow rate variation and performance characteristics of double-suction centrifugal pump. Two types of pump which have different impeller inlet breadth and curvature of the shroud line consist of six blades impeller and shroud ring. Finite-volume method with structured mesh and $k-\omega$ Shear Stress Transport turbulence model was used to guaranty more accurate prediction of turbulent flow in the pump impeller. Total head, power and overall efficiency were calculated to obtain performance characteristics of two types of pump according to the variation of flow rate. From the results, impeller having smooth curve along the shroud line obtained good performance. The lower flow rate, the more circulation region, flow unsteadiness and complicate flow pattern are observed. Complicated internal flow phenomena through impellers such as flow separation, pressure loss, flow unsteadiness and performance are investigated and discussed.

양흡입 원심펌프에 있어서 유량변화의 영향에 관한 수치해석적 연구