Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Investigation on characteristics of pressure fluctuation in a centrifugal pump with clearance flow

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Clearance flow has great impact on pressure fluctuation of centrifugal pumps. Numerical calculations are performed to study the pressure fluctuation characteristics of centrifugal pump with wear ring clearance, especially in the regions of interaction between main flow and clearance flow (IMC) and clearance. The accuracy of numerical calculations is illustrated by comparing the experiments of performance and pressure fluctuation. Results show that, in clearance region the pressure fluctuation is still governed by blade passing frequency (fBPF). Its amplitude of dominate frequency of pressure fluctuation becomes larger as the probe approaches the impeller exit. In IMC region, the pressure fluctuation at impeller outlet is dominated by fBPF. However, the dominate frequency at the entrance of impeller is less than fBPF. In addition, as the flow rate increased, the amplitude of dominate frequency of pressure fluctuation increases at impeller entrance, whereas an inverse trend is observed at wear ring clearance region.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

c P :

Pressure fluctuation coefficient (−)

b :

Wear ring clearance (mm)

D :

Impeller diameter (mm)

IMC :

Interaction between main flow and clearance flow

I :

Clearance length of wear ring (mm)

H :

Head (m)

η :

Pump efficiency (%)

n :

Rotation speed (r/min)

n s :

Specific speed (η)

p :

Static pressure (Pa)

Q :

Flow rate (m3/h)

u :

Impeller circumferential velocity (m/s)

Z :

Blade number (−)

1 :

Inlet of impeller

2 :

Outlet of impeller

d :

Design flow rate

− :

Time average

References

  1. J. F. G¼lich, Centrifugal Pumps, Berlin: Springer (2008).

    Google Scholar 

  2. X. P. Chen, Z. C. Zhu, H.-S. Dou and L. Yi, Large eddy simulation of energy gradient field in a centrifugal pump impeller, Proceedings of the Institution of MechanicaI Engineers, Part C: JournaI of MechanicaI Engineering Science, 233 (11) (2019) 4047–4057.

    Google Scholar 

  3. W. X. Ye, R. F. Huang, Z. W. Jiang, X. J. Li, Z. C. Zhu and X. W. Luo, Instability analysis under part-load conditions in centrifugal pump, Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, 33 (1) (2019) 269–278.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. X. J. Li, P. L. Gao, Z. C. Zhu and Y. Li, Effect of the blade loading distribution on hydrodynamic performance of a centrifugal pump with cylindrical blades, Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, 32 (3) (2018) 1161–1170.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. H. Y. Cheng, X. R. Bai, X. P. Long, B. Ji, X. X. Peng and M. Farhat, Large eddy simulation of the tip-leakage cavitating flow with an insight on how cavitation influences vorticity and turbulence, Applied Mathematical Modelling, 77 (2020) 788–809.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  6. L. W. Tan, W. D. Shi, D. S. Zhang, C. Wang, L. Zhou and E. Mahmoud, Numerical and experimental investigations on the hydrodynamic radial force of single-channel pumps, Journal of Mechanical Science & Technology, 32 (10) (2018) 4571–4581.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. L. Zhou, W. H. Wang, J. W. Hang, W. D. Shi, H. Yan and Y. Zhu, Numerical investigation of a high-speed electrical submersible pump with different end clearances, Water, 12 (4) (2020) 1116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. R. Spence and J. Amaral-Teixeira, A CFD parametric study of geometrical variations on the pressure pulsations and performance characteristics of a centrifugal pump, Computers & Fluids, 38 (6) (2009) 1243–1257.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. J. J. Feng, F.-K. Benra and H. J. Dohmen, Investigation of periodically unsteady flow in a radial pump by CFD simulations and LDV measurements, Journal of Turbomachinery, 133 (1) (2011) 011004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Z. F. Yao, F. J. Wang, L. X. Qu, R. F. Xiao, C. L. He and M. Wang, Experimental investigation of time-frequency characteristics of pressure fluctuations in a double-suction centrifugal pump, ASME Journal of Fluids Engineering, 133 (10) (2011) 101303.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. B. Gao, P. M. Guo, N. Zhang, Z. Li and M. G. Yang, Unsteady pressure pulsation measurements and analysis of a low specific speed centrifugal pump, ASME Journal of Fluids Engineering, 139 (7) (2017) 071101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. L. L. Zheng, H.-S. Dou, X. P. Chen, Z. C. Zhu and B. L. Cui, Pressure fluctuation generated by the interaction of blade and tongue, Journal of Thermal Science, 27 (1) (2018) 8–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. J. S. Zhang and L. Tan, Energy performance and pressure fluctuation of a multiphase pump with different gas volume fractions, Energies, 11 (5) (2018) 1216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. N. Zhang, M. G. Yang, B. Gao, L. Zhong and N. Dan, Experimental investigation on unsteady pressure pulsation in a centrifugal pump with special slope volute, ASME Journal of Fluids Engineering, 137 (6) (2015) 061103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. R. Spence and J. Amaral-Teixeira, Investigation into pressure pulsations in a centrifugal pump using numerical methods supported by industrial test, Computers & Fluids, 37 (6) (2008) 690–704.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. B. Gao, N. Zhang, Z. Li, D. Ni and M. G. Yang, Influence of the blade trailing edge profile on the performance and unsteady pressure pulsations in a low specific speed centrifugal pump, ASME Journal of Fluids Engineering, 138 (5) (2016) 051106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. N. Zhang, X. K. Liu, B. Gao, X. J. Wang and B. Xia, Effects of modifying the blade trailing edge profile on unsteady pressure pulsations and flow structures in a centrifugal pump, International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, 75 (2019) 227–238.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. H. L. Liu, K. K. Luo, X. F. Wu, H. L. Chen and K. Wand, Effect of inlet splitter on pressure fluctuations in a double-suction centrifugal pump, Journal of Vibroengineering, 19 (1) 2017 549–562.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. K. K. Luo, Y. Wang, H. L. Liu, J. Chen, Y. Li and J. Yan, Effect of suction chamber baffles on pressure fluctuations in a low specific speed centrifugal pump, Journal of Vibroengineering, 21 (5) (2019) 1441–1455.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Y. Tao, S. Q. Yuan, J. R. Liu, F. Zhang and J. P. Tao, The influence of the blade thickness on the pressure pulsations in a ceramic centrifugal slurry pump with annular volute, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy, 231 (5) (2017) 415–431.

    Google Scholar 

  21. M. Liu, L. Tan and S. L. Cao, Influence of geometry of inlet guide vanes on pressure fluctuations of a centrifugal pump, Journal of Fluids Engineering, 140 (9) (2018) 091204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Y. B. Liu, L. Tan, M. Liu, Y. Hao and Y. Xu, Influence of prewhirl angle and axial distance on energy performance and pressure fluctuation for a centrifugal pump with inlet guide vanes, Energies, 10 (5) (2017) 695.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. B. C. Will, F. K. Benra and H. J. Dohmen, Investigation of the flow in the impeller side clearances of a centrifugal pump with volute casing, Journal of Thermal Science, 21 (3) (2012) 197–208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. X. Q. Jia, B. L. Cui, Y. L. Zhang and Z. C. Zhu, Study on internal flow and external performance of a semi-open impeller centrifugal pump with different tip clearances, International Journal of Turbo & Jet-Engines, 32 (1) (2015) 1–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. L. Cao, Y. Y. Zhang, Z. W. Wang, Y. X. Xiao and R. X. Liu, Effect of axial clearance on the efficiency of a shrouded centrifugal pump, ASME Journal of Fluids Engineering, 137 (7) (2015) 071101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. J. R. Yan, Z. T. Zuo, W. B. Guo, H. C. Hou, X. Zhou and H. S. Chen, Influences of wear-ring clearance leakage on performance of a small-scale pump-turbine, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy, 234 (4) (2019) 454–469.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Y. B. Liu and L. Tan, Spatial-temporal evolution of tip leakage vortex in a mixed-flow pump with tip clearance, ASME Journal of Fluids Engineering, 141 (8) (2019) 081302.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. J. J. Feng, X. Q. Luo, P. C. Guo and G. K. Wu, Influence of tip clearance on pressure fluctuations in an axial flow pump, Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, 30 (4) (2016) 1603–1610.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. W. Z. Zhang, Z. Y. Yu and B. S. Zhu, Influence of tip clearance on pressure fluctuation in low specific speed mixed-flow pump passage, Energies, 10 (2) (2017) 148.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. L. L. Zheng, X. P. Chen, H.-S. Dou, W. Zhang, Z. C. Zhu and X. L. Cheng, Effects of clearance flow on the characteristics of centrifugal pump under low flow rate, Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, 34 (1) 2020 189–200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. H. L. Liu, J. Ding, H. W. Dai and M. G. Tan, Investigation into transient flow in a centrifugal pump with wear ring clearance variation, Advances in Mechanical Engineering, 6 (2014) 693097.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. L. Cao, Y. X. Xiao, Z. W. Wang, Y. Y. Luo and X. R. Zhao, Pressure fluctuation characteristics in the sidewall gaps of a centrifugal dredging pump, Engineering Computations, 34 (4) (2017) 1054–1069.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. S. Zhang, H. X. Li and D. K. Xi, Investigation of the integrated model of side chamber, wear-rings clearance and balancing holes for centrifugal pumps, Journal of Fluids Engineering, 141 (10) (2019) 101101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. K. A. J. Bruurs, B. P. M. van Esch and M. S. van der Schoot, Exit loss model for plain axial seals in multi-stage centrifugal pumps, ASME 2017 Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting, Hawaii (2017) V01AT05A015.

  35. K. A. J. Bruurs, B. P. M. van Esch, M. S. van der Schoot and E. J. J. van der Zijden, Axial thrust prediction for a multi-stage centrifugal pump, ASME 2017 Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting, Hawaii (2017) V01AT05A017.

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work is performed with the support and under the auspices of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51536008 and 51976198), the Public Projects of Zhejiang Province (LGG19E060006), the Key Research and Promotion Special Funding Project of Henan Province (192102210222, 202102210286), and Research Foundation for Talented Scholars of Henan Institute of Technology (KQ1861).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Henan Institute of Technology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China

    Lulu Zheng, Jinglei Qu, Mengmeng Wang, Xiaojie Ma & Xueli Cheng

  2. National-Provincial Joint Engineering Laboratory for Fluid Transmission System Technology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China

    Xiaoping Chen, Wei Zhang & Zuchao Zhu

Authors
  1. Lulu Zheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xiaoping Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Wei Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Zuchao Zhu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jinglei Qu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Mengmeng Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Xiaojie Ma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Xueli Cheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xiaoping Chen.

Additional information

Lulu Zheng is currently a lecturer at Henan Institute of Technology, China. He received his Ph.D. degree from Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in 2018. His main areas of interest are turbomachinery, clearance flow and computational fluid dynamics.

Xiaoping Chen is currently an Associate Professor at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University. He received his Ph.D. degree from University of Chinese Academy of Science in 2013. His main areas of interest are turbomachinery, turbulent flow and computational fluid dynamics.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zheng, L., Chen, X., Zhang, W. et al. Investigation on characteristics of pressure fluctuation in a centrifugal pump with clearance flow. J Mech Sci Technol 34, 3657–3666 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-020-0818-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-020-0818-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation