CFD Analysis of Impeller Trimming

Impeller trimming is a key impeller modification. It allows the best efficiency point (BEP) to be moved towards the region of lower flowrate and height, thus optimizing pump performance for specific piping systems. The paper deals with prediction of trimming results using CFD methods. Experience shows that modification of the BEP position depends on the trimming method as well as on the pump type and its specific speed. The analysed pump is of diagonal type with a specific speed of nb = 0.168. Its impeller is of a 4-blade design and a spiral casing is used as a volute. Seven cases of trimming are presented (including a non-trimmed original version). The paper compares CFD obtained data and data measured on an experimental stand. Additionally, the approach to CFD analysis, as well as the use of a turbulence model and characteristics of internal pump volume meshing are described

CFD Analysis of Impeller Trimming

Impeller trimming is a key impeller modification. It allows the best efficiency point (BEP) to be moved towards the region of lower flowrate and height, thus optimizing pump performance for specific piping systems. The paper deals with prediction of trimming results using CFD methods. Experience shows that modification of the BEP position depends on the trimming method as well as on the pump type and its specific speed. The analysed pump is of diagonal type with a specific speed of nb = 0.168. Its impeller is of a 4-blade design and a spiral casing is used as a volute. Seven cases of trimming are presented (including a non-trimmed original version). The paper compares CFD obtained data and data measured on an experimental stand. Additionally, the approach to CFD analysis, as well as the use of a turbulence model and characteristics of internal pump volume meshing are described

Effect of Impeller Size on the Performance of a Single Blade Pump

Changing the impeller diameter is a frequently used method for adjusting pump performance parameters. In the case of conventional multi-blade impellers, this is done by reducing the diameter on the machine tool to the prescribed shape. The other dimensions of the pump (diffuser, inlet) remain unchanged. This method is called trimming. The article deals with the diameter reduction and subsequent modification of the performance parameters of a single blade pump. These pumps are characterized by certain specific features. First of all, it is an unsymmetrical impeller that must be both statically and dynamically balanced. This plays an essential role in the whole modification process. Research results obtained on a pump with an impeller diameter of 138 mm are presented. The change in diameter was monitored on a total of 3 impellers. Experiments were carried out in the laboratory of hydraulic machinery. The results were verified by CFD calculations. Research background: The article concerns the modification of impellers of single blade pumps. The effects of diameter modifications on multi-blade pumps are currently known. However, these have symmetrical impellers and can therefore be changed without restriction. For asymmetric (single blade) impellers, the problem is more complex as additional mass must be added to provide static and dynamic balance. Purpose of the article: The aim is to determine the nature of the change in performance parameters when the output diameter is changed. The results of the research can be applied in the prediction of the change in the operating point and the creation of tombstone charts. Methods: Two kinds of methods were used in the research: experiment and CFD calculation. A total of 4 impeller sizes were investigated. Findings & Value added: The results of the paper can be divided into two areas. In the experimental area, a device was designed to measure the characteristics of single blade pumps. Four impellers were manufactured and tested. In the area of CFD calculations, simulations of the hydraulic parameters around the best efficiency point (BEP) were performed. The calculation results were verified by experiment. The nature of the change of the BEP when the diameter of the impeller changes up to 87.9 % was found