Parametric modeling of flow characteristics in reciprocating pump-pipe interaction system

Abstract

The flow characteristics in reciprocating pump-pipe system are inevitably subject to the interaction effects between pump and pipeline. In this paper, a parametric interaction model of flow characteristics in reciprocating pump-pipe system is presented by considering the coupling effect and leakage characteristics. The analytical solutions of the proposed interaction equations are deduced with the aid of the harmonic balance method. A testing platform of a simplex plunger reciprocating pump-pipe system is employed for validating the proposed model. The experimental tests under different operating conditions are used to compare the pressure pulsations and discharge flow rates from analytical solutions. It is observed that the analytical solutions are in good agreement with the test data and numerical results, and the prediction error is within 13%, thus validating the presented interaction model and analytical solutions. The interaction effects as well as the flow characteristics in reciprocating pump-pipe system are analyzed and discussed using the proposed model. It is found that the opening of flow control valve has remarkable influence on the relationship between flow rate and operating speed of reciprocating pump. The pressure pulsation within a pipe is closely related to and significantly affected by the plunger-to-cylinder clearance and the plunger stroke.