Numerical Modelization of the Flow in Centrifugal Pump: Volute Influence in Velocity and Pressure Fields

Abstract

A 3D-CFD simulation of the impeller and volute of a centrifugal pump has been performed using CFX codes. The pump has a specific speed of 32 (metric units) and an outside impeller diameter of 400 mm. First, a 3D flow simulation for the impeller with a structured grid is presented. A sensitivity analysis regarding grid quality and turbulence models were also performed. The final impeller model obtained was used for a 3D quasi-unsteady flow simulation of the impeller-volute stage. A procedure for designing the volute, the nonstructured grid generation in the volute, and the interface flow passage between the impeller and volute are discussed. This flow simulation was carried out for several impeller blades and volute tongue relative positions. As a result, velocity and pressure field were calculated for different flow rates, allowing to obtain the radial thrust on the pump shaft.