Abstract
The flow field in the impeller passages in a centrifugal pump was measured using a two dimensional laser 2-focus velocimeter. Measurements were taken at three circumferential (azimuthal) locations at the design and off-design operating conditions for the pump. The velocity components, flow directions and turbulence kinetic energy were determined for the flow. At design operating condition the vectors representing absolute and relative velocities do not show any sign of distortion in the flow direction. However, the off-design flow direction is somewhat distorted at the impeller inlet near the front wall (z/H = 0. 18) of the blades. A leakage flow is evident from the impeller exit to the inlet. Static pressure measured across the front casing shows an asymmetry in the pressure distribution. Higher value of wall pressure and a high turbulence were observed at the volute tongue near the discharge side. The velocity profile in the pipe upstream of the inlet showed a basically uniform distribution with only a slight asymmetry while the velocity profile downstream of the pump discharge was distorted.
Rashid, Kazi M. (1993). Laser velocimetry study of the flow field in a centrifugal pump. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1993 -THESIS -R224.