Enhancing Self-priming Efficiency in Vortex Pumps Through Optimization of the Gas-liquid Separation Chamber

Document Type : Regular Article

Authors

1 Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Multiflow and Fluid Machinery, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China

2 LEO Group Pump Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310018, China

10.47176/jafm.18.11.3475

Abstract

This study investigates the low self-priming efficiency of vortex self-priming pumps through numerical simulation and optimization of the self-priming process, employing the Eulerian-coupled volume of fluid (VOF) method. The analysis focuses on gas-liquid separation characteristics within the pump, with particular attention to the impact of the relative positioning between the separation plate and the resistance plate in the gas-liquid separation chamber (GLSC). To enhance self-priming performance, the study explores how changes in this relative positioning affect the separation efficiency. Furthermore, energy losses within the pump chamber are examined using entropy production theory. The results indicate that the relative positioning of the separation and resistance plates plays a critical role in both gas-liquid separation and self-priming efficiency. Modifying the angle between the two plates significantly alters vortex dynamics and liquid recirculation within the GLSC. Improper positioning of these plates can generate vortices that drastically impair exhaust performance. Optimal gas-liquid separation is achieved when the angle between the plates is set to 25°, which doubles the self-priming efficiency compared to the original design. Entropy production analysis further reveals that the primary sources of energy loss are located in the flow passage, below the resistance plate, and in the area beneath the baffle and the separation plate. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the self-priming performance and structural design of vortex self-priming pumps.

Keywords

Main Subjects


Cao, W., Yang, X., Wang, H., & Leng, X. (2024). Numerical simulation of gas-liquid two-phase flow in emergency rescue drainage pump based on musig model. Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics, 17(8), 1730-1745. https://doi.org/10.47176/jafm.17.8.2401
Caridad, J., Asuaje, M., Kenyery, F., Tremante, A., & Aguillón, O. (2008). Characterization of a centrifugal pump impeller under two-phase flow conditions. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 63, 18–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2008.06.005
Ghiji, M., Goldsworthy, L., Brandner, P. A., Garaniya, V., & Hield, P. (2016). Numerical and experimental investigation of early stage diesel sprays. Fuel, 175, 274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2016.02.040
Guo, G., Zhang, R., & Yu, H. (2020). Evaluation of different turbulence models on simulation of gas-liquid transient flow in a liquid-ring vacuum pump. Vacuum 180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vacuum.2020.109586
Laskminarayana, B. (1996). Dynamics and heat transfer of turbomachinery. Wiley/ Interscience: New York.
Li, T., Hemida, H., Zhang, J., Rashidi, M., & Flynn, D. (2018). Comparisons of shear stress transport and detached eddy simulations of the flow around trains. Journal of Fluids Engineering 140. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4040672
Li, W. G. (2024). Effects of interface model on performance of a vortex pump in CFD simulations. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0196213, 1, 013901.
Li, W., Ji, L., Li, E., Shi, W., Agarwal, R., & Zhou, L. (2021). Numerical investigation of energy loss mechanism of mixed-flow pump under stall condition. Renewable Energy, 167, 740–760. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.11.146
Li, Y., Zhu, Z. C., He, W. Q., Wang, Y. P., & Cui, B. L. (2010). Numerical simulation and experiment analyses for the gas-liquid two-phase vortex pump. Journal of Thermal Science, 19(1), 47-50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11630-010-0047-z
Li, Z., Wang, Z., Wei, X., & Qin, D. (2016). Flow similarity in the rotor–stator interaction affected region in prototype and model francis pump-turbines in generating mode. Journal of Fluids Engineering, 138 (6), 016201. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4032298
Menter, F., Kuntz, M., & Langtry, R. (2003). Ten years of industrial experience with the SST turbulence model Turbulence. Heat and Mass Transfer, 4(1), 625-632.
Pei, J., Wang, W. J., Yuan, S. Q., & Yin, T. Y. (2016). Cavitation optimization for a centrifugal pump impeller by using orthogonal design of experiment. Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 29(5), 992–1002. https://doi.org/10.3901/CJME.2016.1024.125
Shah, M., Baloni, B., & Channiwala, S. (2022). Optimization of centrifugal pump based on impeller-volute interactions. Advances in Technology Innovation, 7(3), 216–227. https://doi.org/10.46604/aiti.2022.8509
Shi, P., & Rzehak, R. (2018). Bubbly flow in stirred tanks: Euler-Euler/RANS modeling. Chemical Engineering Science 190, 419–435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2018.06.001
Su, X. B., Xu, Q., Yang, C. Y., Dai, X. Y., & Guo, L. J. (2024). Numerical study of gas pocket distribution and pressurization deterioration mechanism in a centrifugal pump. Progress in Nuclear Energy, 177, 17, Article 105443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2024.105443
Suh, J. W., Kim, J. W., Choi, Y. S., Kim, J. H., Joo, W. G., & Lee, K. Y. (2018). Development of numerical Eulerian-Eulerian models for simulating multiphase pumps. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering 162, 588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2017.10.073
Yang, J., Feng, X., Liu, X., Peng, T., Chen, Z., & Wang, Z. (2023). The suppression of hump instability inside a pump turbine in pump mode using water injection control. Processes, 11 (6). 1647. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11061647
Yang, H., Ying, J. H., Lu, T. Y., Li, L. M., Li, X. J., Wei, Y. K., & Zhu, Z. C. (2024a). Study on characteristics of gas-liquid two-phase flow in pump as turbine using multiple-size group model. Aip Advances, 14(4), 14, Article 045141. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0206680
Yang, S., Ren, B., Yang, L., Chen, C., Lu, Q., & Wei, Z. (2024b). Investigation of the impact of near-wall mesh size on the transition from microscopic wall boiling mechanism to macroscopic multiphase-CFD models. Applied Thermal Engineering 244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.122678
Zhang, J., Xiao, Y., Jin, S., Cai, H., & Song, H. (2021). Effect of guide vane openings and different flow rates on characteristics in pump mode of pump-turbine with splitter blades. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1081(1), 012016. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/1081/1/012016