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Experimental study on the parameters affecting the performance of spiral tube pump
Million Meseret1, Dawit Wami2, Ramesh Babu Nallamothu3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Assosa University, Assosa, Ethiopia. millionmesi1@gmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|September 28, 2024
Summary
This study optimizes the ancient Spiral Tube Pump for irrigation. Key factors like wheel speed and submergence ratio significantly boost water discharge, while tube turns and diameter enhance head for efficient water transport.
Area of Science:
- Engineering
- Fluid Mechanics
- Sustainable Technology
Background:
- The Spiral Tube Pump, an ancient technology dating back to 1746, offers a simple, emission-free irrigation method.
- It utilizes river kinetic energy via a spirally wound flexible tube on a waterwheel, operating on manometer principles.
- This pump is a cost-effective solution for irrigation, especially in regions with locally available materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate critical parameters influencing Spiral Tube Pump performance.
- To identify optimal configurations for enhancing discharge and head for irrigation applications.
- To provide insights for adapting the design to specific site conditions, such as elevated fields.
Main Methods:
- A prototype Spiral Tube Pump was constructed with a 4m transparent flexible tube on a 1.5m waterwheel.
- Experiments systematically varied submergence ratio, rotational speed, outer diameter, and number of spiral turns.
- Discharge and head were measured to quantify the impact of each parameter.
Main Results:
- Increased wheel speed and submergence ratio significantly boosted pump discharge (up to 500% and 275% respectively).
- The number of spiral turns primarily influenced the pump's head (up to 33% increase per 100% increase in turns).
- Outer diameter affected both discharge and head, with an 87% increase leading to ~80% discharge and ~163% head increase.
Conclusions:
- Rotational speed and submergence ratio are key for maximizing Spiral Tube Pump discharge.
- Spiral tube turns and outer diameter are crucial for achieving desired head, enabling efficient water transport to elevated areas.
- The study confirms the Spiral Tube Pump's adaptability and potential for optimized, sustainable irrigation.
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