Study of the Flow Field and Performances of a Centrifugal Pump During Unstable Operating Conditions by CFD

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romain Prunières ◽  
Neo Imai ◽  
Yasuhiro Inoue ◽  
Takashi Okihara ◽  
Takahide Nagahara
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Performance Curve ◽  
Centrifugal Pumps ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd ◽  
Local Dent

Centrifugal pumps curve instability, characterized by a local dent and uprising head curve, often causes severe problems such as vibrations and noises. At low flow rates, stability of performance curve is necessary for reliable operation of the pump. Most of the studies regarding centrifugal pumps curves instability focus on flow rate around 60 % of the best efficiency flow rate. The purpose of present investigation is to analyse the causes of the occurrence of performance curve instability by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and to understand the mechanism of such instability at flow rates around 30 % of best efficiency flow rate. In order to understand the causes of the performance curve instability, two impellers with different outlet shape are analysed. During experimental tests, performance curve instability appeared around 30 % of the best efficiency flow rate on the first impeller while the second impeller remains stable. CFD analysis also shows unstable performance curve for the first impeller, and stable for the second one. Hence, a detailed analysis of the flow field of the two impellers and a quantitative comparison are performed in order to characterize the instability phenomenon.

scholarly journals Investigation of the Flow Field in the Vicinity of an Axial Flow Fan During Low Flow Rates

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francois G. Louw ◽  
Theodor W. von Backström ◽  
Sybrand J. van der Spuy
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Numerical Simulations ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Design Flow ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Axial Flow Fan ◽  
Free Vortex ◽  
Flow Rates

Large axial flow fans are used in forced draft air cooled heat exchangers (ACHEs). Previous studies have shown that adverse operating conditions cause certain sectors of the fan, or the fan as a whole to operate at very low flow rates, thereby reducing the cooling effectiveness of the ACHE. The present study is directed towards the experimental and numerical analyses of the flow in the vicinity of an axial flow fan during low flow rates. This is done to obtain the global flow structure up and downstream of the fan. A near-free-vortex fan, designed for specific application in ACHEs, is used for the investigation. Experimental fan testing was conducted in a British Standard 848, type A fan test facility, to obtain the fan characteristic. Both steady-state and time-dependent numerical simulations were performed, depending on the operating condition of the fan, using the Realizable k-ε turbulence model. Good agreement is found between the numerically and experimentally obtained fan characteristic data. Using data from the numerical simulations, the time and circumferentially averaged flow field is presented. At the design flow rate the downstream fan jet mainly moves in the axial and tangential direction, as expected for a free-vortex design criteria, with a small amount of radial flow that can be observed. As the flow rate through the fan is decreased, it is evident that the down-stream fan jet gradually shifts more diagonally outwards, and the region where reverse flow occur between the fan jet and the fan rotational axis increases. At very low flow rates the flow close to the tip reverses through the fan, producing a small recirculation zone as well as swirl at certain locations upstream of the fan.

Experimental Investigation of Pressure Fluctuations on Inner Wall of a Centrifugal Pump

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Qi Jia ◽  
Bao-Ling Cui ◽  
Zu-Chao Zhu ◽  
Yu-Liang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Pump ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Pressure Fluctuation ◽  
Pressure Fluctuations ◽  
High Flow ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Centrifugal Pumps ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Pressure Distributions ◽  
Blade Passing Frequency

Abstract Affected by rotor–stator interaction and unstable inner flow, asymmetric pressure distributions and pressure fluctuations cannot be avoided in centrifugal pumps. To study the pressure distributions on volute and front casing walls, dynamic pressure tests are carried out on a centrifugal pump. Frequency spectrum analysis of pressure fluctuation is presented based on Fast Fourier transform and steady pressure distribution is obtained based on time-average method. The results show that amplitudes of pressure fluctuation and blade-passing frequency are sensitive to the flow rate. At low flow rates, high-pressure region and large pressure gradients near the volute tongue are observed, and the main factors contributing to the pressure fluctuation are fluctuations in blade-passing frequency and high-frequency fluctuations. By contrast, at high flow rates, fluctuations of rotating-frequency and low frequencies are the main contributors to pressure fluctuation. Moreover, at low flow rates, pressure near volute tongue increases rapidly at first and thereafter increases slowly, whereas at high flow rates, pressure decreases sharply. Asymmetries are observed in the pressure distributions on both volute and front casing walls. With increasing of flow rate, both asymmetries in the pressure distributions and magnitude of the pressure decrease.

Experimental Tests With Centrifugal Pumps: Degradation of Performance, Instability and Dynamic Phenomena With Non-Newtonian Suspensions of Kaolin in Water

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Occari ◽  
Enrico Munari ◽  
Valentina Mazzanti ◽  
Michele Pinelli ◽  
Francesco Mollica ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Newtonian Fluids ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Time Varying ◽  
Centrifugal Pumps ◽  
Strong Reduction ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Specific Speed ◽  
Dynamic Phenomena ◽  
Newtonian Behavior

Abstract The performance of pumps when working with non-Newtonian fluids significantly change with respect to water. In several experimental tests with non-Newtonian fluids, significant deration of head and the presence of head instability were observed. The present work aims to better understand this phenomenon since the reasons that originate it are not clear. Two small size centrifugal pumps were experimentally tested with different mixtures of kaolin-in-water, which showed a verified non-Newtonian behavior. The rheology of the mixtures and the particle size distribution of kaolin powder were measured to characterize the fluids. Similar to previous tests, a strong reduction of head and the appearance of instability were observed at low flow rates and, in some cases, also at higher flow rates. This behavior was related to the presence of air trapped into the fluid that, within the pump, generated a phenomenon known as gas-locking, which in literature it has been studied in detail with water but not with non-Newtonian fluids. Moreover, in some working conditions, non-stable time-varying phenomena are observed and their consequence on performance commented. Comparing the two pumps, characterized by a similar specific speed but by a different geometry, the head drop manifested itself with different intensity.

scholarly journals Influence of mineralization and injection flow rate on flow patterns in three-dimensional porous media

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (27) ◽  
pp. 14605-14611 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Moosavi ◽  
A. Kumar ◽  
A. De Wit ◽  
M. Schröter
Keyword(s):  
Porous Media ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Flow Patterns ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Injection Flow Rate ◽  
Injection Flow

At low flow rates, the precipitate forming at the miscible interface between two reactive solutions guides the evolution of the flow field.

Compressible Simulation of Flow and Sound Around a Small Axial-Flow Fan With Flow Through Casing Slits

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Yokoyama ◽  
Katsutake Minowa ◽  
Kohei Orito ◽  
Masahito Nishikawara ◽  
Hideki Yanada
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Design Flow ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Design Flow Rate

Abstract Small axial fans are used for cooling electronic equipment and are often installed in a casing with various slits. Direct aeroacoustic simulations and experiments were performed with different casing opening ratios to clarify the effects of the flow through the casing slits on the flow field and acoustic radiation around a small axial fan. Both the predicted and measured results show that aerodynamic performance deteriorates at and near the design flow rate and is higher at low flow rates by completely closing the casing slits compared with the fan in the casing with slits. The predicted flow field shows that the vortical structures in the tip vortices are spread by the suppression of flow through the slits at the design flow rate, leading to the intensification of turbulence in the blade wake. Moreover, the pressure fluctuations on the blade surface are intensified, which increases the aerodynamic sound pressure level. The suppression of the outflow of pressurized air through the downstream part of the slits enhances the aerodynamic performance at low flow rates. Also, the predicted surface streamline at the design flow rate shows that air flows along the blade tip for the fan with slits, whereas the flow toward the blade tip appears for the fan without slits. As a result, the pressure distributions on the blade and the torque exerted on the fan blade are affected by the opening ratio of slits.

Clarification of Performance Curve Instability Mechanism Using Large Eddy Simulation of Internal Flow of a Mixed-Flow Pump

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isao Hagiya ◽  
Chisachi Kato ◽  
Yoshinobu Yamade ◽  
Takahide Nagahara ◽  
Masashi Fukaya
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Performance Curve ◽  
Instability Mechanism ◽  
Positive Slope ◽  
Mixed Flow ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Direction Opposite ◽  
Flow Pump

We analyzed the internal flows of a test mixed-flow pump exhibiting performance curve instability at low flow rates by using LES to clarify the performance curve instability mechanism. The LES was conducted using the open source software FrontFlow/blue [1]. In particular, we investigated in detail the flows at the flow rates, where the head curve had a positive slope under low flow rate condition. We clarified that Euler’s head drop caused by a stall near the tip of the rotor-blades is a dominant factor at the instability of the test pump. At the bottom point of the positive slope of the head curve, stall regions covered all the rotor-blade passages on the tip side. The drop of the angular momentum in the impeller caused by the stall on the leading edge side exceeds the increment caused by the decrease in the flow rate on the trailing edge at the bottom point of the positive slope. At the middle point of the positive slope of the head curve we also found regions with low-velocities in some blade passages. Such regions, namely stall cells, rotated around the impeller for one revolution while the impeller rotated almost about 20 revolutions in the direction opposite to the impeller’s rotation. The region with low-velocity first appears at the trailing edge and expands toward the leading edge. The angle of attack of the neighbouring blade in the direction opposite to the rotation of the blade increases and that blade pitch begins to stall. When that blade pitch is fully stalled, it is no longer loaded and the positive pressure gradient in that blade pitch decreases. The blade pitch is most likely to accept the excess flow. It recovers from the stalled state.

Experimental Investigation of Spray Cooling Heat Transfer on Circular Grooved Surface

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azzam S. Salman ◽  
Jamil A. Khan
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Volumetric Flow Rate ◽  
Target Surface ◽  
Spray Cooling ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Inlet Temperature ◽  
Flow Rates

An experimental study was conducted in a closed loop spray cooling system working with deionized water as a cooling medium, to investigate the effects of surface modification on the spray cooling heat transfer enhancement in the single-phase region. Plain copper surface with diameter 1.5 cm and an enhanced surface with circular grooves were tested under different operating conditions. The volumetric flow rate of the coolant ranged from 115 mL/min to 177 mL/min., and the water inlet temperature was kept between 21–23 °C. Also, the distances between the nozzle and the target surface were varied at 8, 10, and 12 mm respectively. The results show that the distance between the nozzle and the target surface did not have a significant effect on the heat transfer performance for the low flow rates, while it has a slight effect on high flow rates for both surfaces. Also, increasing the liquid volumetric flow rate increases the amount of heat removed, and the heat transfer coefficient for both surfaces. Moreover, the maximum enhancement ratios achieved were 23.4% and 31% with volumetric flow rates of 153 mL/min, and 177 mL/min respectively.

Numerical Model for the Unsteady Flow Features of a Squirrel Cage Fan

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Ballesteros-Tajadura ◽  
Francisco Israel Guerras Colo´n ◽  
Sandra Velarde-Sua´rez ◽  
Jesu´s Manuel Ferna´ndez Oro ◽  
Katia Mari´a Argu¨elles Di´az ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Flow Distribution ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Centrifugal Fan ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Squirrel Cage ◽  
Flow Features ◽  
Separation Zones

This paper shows a numerical research on the unsteady flow field inside a squirrel cage fan. The studied features are both the instantaneous flow fields and the average fluid flow associated to the blade passage frequency. The squirrel cage fan studied is a small centrifugal fan with a twin impeller configuration, each with 23 forward curved blades. The blades chord is 0.013 m and each impeller has a diameter of 0.08 m and a width of 0.094 m. The impellers operate inside an external spiral casing with a rectangular exit, followed by the outlet duct. A first series of experimental tests were performed in order to characterize the unit. The performance curves (head, power and efficiency versus flow rate) were measured. These tests show a nominal flow rate at around 0.098 m3/s and a specific speed ωs = 1.9. From there on, three different flow rates were considered to study different flow behaviours in the impeller. In parallel with the mentioned experimental study, the unsteady 3D flow field inside the fan equipped with the same impeller was modelled for the referred flow rates, by means of the commercial CFD code FLUENT. To facilitate the modification of any geometrical feature, the mesh of the modelled fan was divided in several regions: inlet duct, impeller, volute and diffuser with outlet duct. The main goal of the paper is to show the numerical results obtained on the absolute and relative frames. Three main flow features will be analysed: the inlet flow distribution, the blade to blade field and the impeller exit flow. At the fan inlet, special care will be taken to detect possible recirculation or separation zones. On the other hand, and for each studied flow rate, the distribution of outlet flow field is also analysed. Conclusions on flow uniformity are drawn.

Assessment of the Use of Humidified Nasal Cannulas for Oxygen Therapy in Patients with Epistaxis

ORL ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Jingjing Liu ◽  
Tengfang Chen ◽  
Zhenggang Lv ◽  
Dezhong Wu
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Oxygen Therapy ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Nasal Cannula ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Antiplatelet Drugs ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
The Past ◽  
Oxygen Inhalation ◽  
Significant Difference

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> In China, nasal cannula oxygen therapy is typically humidified. However, it is difficult to decide whether to suspend nasal cannula oxygen inhalation after the nosebleed has temporarily stopped. Therefore, we conducted a preliminary investigation on whether the use of humidified nasal cannulas in our hospital increases the incidence of epistaxis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We conducted a survey of 176,058 inpatients in our hospital and other city branches of our hospital over the past 3 years and obtained information concerning their use of humidified nasal cannulas for oxygen inhalation, nonhumidified nasal cannulas, anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, and oxygen inhalation flow rates. This information was compared with the data collected at consultation for epistaxis during these 3 years. <b><i>Results:</i></b> No significant difference was found between inpatients with humidified nasal cannulas and those without nasal cannula oxygen therapy in the incidence of consultations due to epistaxis (χ<sup>2</sup> = 1.007, <i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). The same trend was observed among hospitalized patients using anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs (χ<sup>2</sup> = 2.082, <i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). Among the patients with an inhaled oxygen flow rate ≥5 L/min, the incidence of ear-nose-throat (ENT) consultations due to epistaxis was 0. No statistically significant difference was found between inpatients with a humidified oxygen inhalation flow rate &#x3c;5 L/min and those without nasal cannula oxygen therapy in the incidence of ENT consultations due to epistaxis (χ<sup>2</sup> = 0.838, <i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of ENT consultations due to epistaxis between the low-flow nonhumidified nasal cannula and nonnasal cannula oxygen inhalation groups (χ<sup>2</sup> = 18.428, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The same trend was observed between the 2 groups of low-flow humidified and low-flow nonhumidified nasal cannula oxygen inhalation (χ<sup>2</sup> = 26.194, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Neither high-flow humidified nasal cannula oxygen inhalation nor low-flow humidified nasal cannula oxygen inhalation will increase the incidence of recurrent or serious epistaxis complications; the same trend was observed for patients who use anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. Humidification during low-flow nasal cannula oxygen inhalation can prevent severe and repeated epistaxis to a certain extent.

Experimental Investigation of Fuel Staging Effect on Modal Dynamics of Thermoacoustic Azimuthal Instabilities in a Multi-Nozzle Can Combustor

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Kim ◽  
W. Gillman ◽  
T. John ◽  
S. Adhikari ◽  
D. Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Standing Wave ◽  
Phase Difference ◽  
Mass Flow ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Oscillatory Behavior ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Azimuthal Mode ◽  
Fuel Staging ◽  
Modal Dynamics

Abstract This paper analyzes the dynamics of unstable azimuthal thermoacoustic modes in a lean premixed combustor. Azimuthal modes can be decomposed into two counter rotating waves where they can either compete and potentially suppress one of them (spinning) or coexist (standing), depending on the operating conditions. This paper describes experimental results of the dynamical behaviors of these two waves. The experimental data were taken at different mass flow rates as well as different azimuthal fuel staging in a multi-nozzle can combustor. It is shown that at a low flow rate with uniform fuel distribution, the two waves have similar amplitudes, giving rise to a standing wave. However, the two amplitudes are slowly oscillating out of phase to each other, and the phase difference between the two waves also shows oscillatory behavior. For an intermediate flow rate, the dynamics show intermittency between standing and spinning waves, indicating that the system is bistable. In addition, the phase difference dramatically shifts when the mode switches between standing and spinning waves. For a high flow rate, the system stabilizes at a spinning wave most of the time. These experimental observations demonstrate that not only the amplitudes of two waves but also the phase difference plays an important role in the dynamics of azimuthal mode. For non-uniform azimuthal fuel staging, the modal dynamics exhibit only an oscillatory standing wave behavior regardless of the mass flow rate. Compared to the uniform fuel staging, however, the pressure magnitude is considerably reduced, which provides a potential strategy to mitigate and/or suppress the instabilities.

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