Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of a Centrifugal Pump Based on Solid-Liquid Two-Phase Turbulence

Area of Science:

• Fluid Mechanics
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Two-Phase Flow

Background:

• Centrifugal pumps are vital in transporting solid-liquid mixtures.
• Understanding flow dynamics within impellers is crucial for optimizing pump performance.
• Solid-liquid two-phase flow presents unique challenges due to particle-flow interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically simulate and analyze the internal flow field of centrifugal pumps handling solid-liquid two-phase flow.
• To compare the performance of two different impeller designs under these conditions.
• To validate the chosen numerical model against experimental data.

Main Methods:

• Utilized FLUENT software for numerical simulation of solid-liquid two-phase flow.
• Employed the Re-Normalization Group (RNG) turbulence model.
• Compared velocity and pressure fields, and predicted pump performance for two impeller designs.

Main Results:

• Numerical simulations closely matched experimental data, validating the model.
• Composite-blade impellers showed higher head than five-blade impellers, especially with larger particle sizes.
• Pump efficiency varied significantly with particle size; composite-blade pumps showed slower efficiency decline with increasing particle size.

Conclusions:

• The RNG turbulence model is feasible and valid for simulating solid-liquid two-phase flow in centrifugal pumps.
• Impeller design is critical for maintaining pump head and efficiency in solid-liquid applications.
• Optimizing centrifugal pump design and operation based on specific slurry properties is essential.