Flow Characteristic Analysis of the Impeller Inlet Diameter in a Double-Suction Pump

Hyunjun Jang and Junho Suh ()
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Hyunjun Jang: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 43241, Republic of Korea
Junho Suh: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 43241, Republic of Korea

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-18

Abstract: Pumps are considered crucial mechanical devices in any industry. Especially, double-suction pumps, due to their high-flow design and high head, are utilized in diverse industrial sectors. However, despite these advantages, double-suction pumps are vulnerable to issues like losses, vibrations, and cavitation. Pump vibration is mainly caused by suction recirculation occurring at the impeller inlet. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of the impeller inlet design on enhancing the stability of double-suction pumps while expanding the operating flow range. Through a validated CFD study, the influence of the impeller inlet passage size on the head and efficiency was analyzed. Furthermore, research was conducted on the phenomenon of suction recirculation occurring at the impeller inlet, proposing design guidelines to minimize it, especially for operation at low flow rates. The results demonstrate that the ratio of the hub diameter to the shroud diameter at the impeller inlet significantly impacts the avoidance of recirculation at low flow rates. These findings are expected to contribute to improving the stability and efficiency of high-flow pumps.

Keywords: double-suction pump; suction recirculation; impeller eye diameter; pump; CFD (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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