Realistic Design Specifications Increase Pump Reliability
Abstract
Many design specifications are incomplete relative to pumping system operation and can inadvertently place unrealistic restrictions on the pump designer. Meaningful cooperation between pump suppliers, architect/engineers (A. E.), and users can result in specifications being written to meet the customer's requirement and also provide design parameters to the manufacturer which will allow production of a machine with optimum reliability and operating life. Pressure pulsation levels and vibration amplitudes are usually lowest when centrifugal pumps operate at capacities near the best efficiency point. On the other hand, pulsation and vibration are generally higher as the pump operates at "off peak" capacities. These conditions are due to hydraulic instability resulting from secondary flows and separation, with resultant stall in the hydraulic passages. This paper, which will study hydraulic instability and the phenomenon of low flow recirculation, is based on actual field case studies. Field experience can provide a basis for establishing realistic design requirements toward obtaining optimum pump performance and system reliability. In addition, this paper will review the corrective action required to minimize these problems through optimum design specification.
Description
PaperPg. 101-109.
Subject
TurbomachinesCollections
Citation
Morton, Thomas R.; Olin, Gary L. (1981). Realistic Design Specifications Increase Pump Reliability. Texas A&M University. Turbomachinery Laboratories. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /163719.