Synergistic Effects of Sediment Size and Concentration on Performance Degradation in Centrifugal Irrigation Pumps: A Southern Xinjiang Case Study

Rui Xu, Shunjun Hong (), Zihai Yang (), Xiaozhou Hu, Yang Jiang, Yuqi Han, Chungong Gao and Xingpeng Wang
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Rui Xu: College of Hydraulic and Architectural Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Shunjun Hong: College of Hydraulic and Architectural Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Zihai Yang: College of Hydraulic and Architectural Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Xiaozhou Hu: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Yang Jiang: College of Hydraulic and Architectural Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Yuqi Han: College of Hydraulic and Architectural Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Chungong Gao: College of Hydraulic and Architectural Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Xingpeng Wang: College of Hydraulic and Architectural Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-26

Abstract: Centrifugal irrigation pumps in Southern Xinjiang face severe performance degradation due to high fine-sediment loads in canal water. This study combines Eulerian multiphase simulations with experimental validation to investigate the coupled effects of sediment size (0.05~0.8 mm) and concentration (5~20%) on hydraulic performance. Numerical models incorporating Realizable k – ε turbulence closure and discrete phase tracking reveal two critical thresholds: (1) particle sizes ≥ 0.4 mm trigger a phase transition from localized disturbance to global flow disorder, expanding low-pressure zones by 37% at equivalent concentrations; (2) concentrations exceeding 13% accelerate nonlinear pressure decay through collective particle interactions. Velocity field analysis demonstrates size-dependent attenuation mechanisms: fine sediments (≤0.2 mm) cause gradual dissipation via micro-scale drag, while coarse sediments (≥0.6 mm) induce “cliff-like” velocity drops through inertial impact-blockade chains. Experimental wear tests confirm simulation accuracy in predicting erosion hotspots at impeller inlets/outlets. The identified synergistic thresholds provide critical guidelines for anti-wear design in sediment-laden irrigation systems.

Keywords: centrifugal irrigation pump; sediment concentration; particle size synergy; performance degradation; Southern Xinjiang (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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