Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Vortex Pump with Various Axial Clearances

Abstract

Axial clearance is a critical parameter affecting the performance of vortex pumps. In this study, numerical simulation and experimental validation methods are employed to establish four different clearance schemes. The analysis focuses on multiple aspects, including the internal flow field, clearance flow field, leakage flow, and recirculation flow, to investigate the impact of axial clearance on the internal flow field and the external characteristics of the vortex pump. The results indicate that under the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet, the main flow leaks from the high-pressure region at the outlet to the clearance flow channel, and the clearance flow returns to the main flow channel at the low-pressure region of the inlet. As the axial clearance increases, the intensity of the vortices inside the pump gradually decreases. This leads to a reduction in intensity of the momentum exchange between the fluid inside and outside the impeller, causing a decline in the pump performance curve. Simultaneously, the increase in clearance reduces the flow resistance in the clearance region, and the clearance flow gradually stabilizes. The interaction between the clearance flow and the main flow intensifies, causing the leakage flow and recirculation flow to increase rapidly, which results in significant energy loss.