Numerical investigationof clocking effect of impellerson a multistage pump

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the clocking effect of impellers and the superposition between pump stages caused by clocking effect in a five-stage centrifugal pump. Then the best clocking scheme in terms of vibration is tried to be provided as well.

Design/methodology/approach

All curves of pressure fluctuation in different impeller stages can be divided into two groups for the difference of 1/16 T in time domain. The difference is mostly in vibration frequency and amplitude, little in pump head and efficiency.

Findings

All curves of pressure fluctuation in different impeller stages can be divided into two groups for the difference of 1/16 T in time domain. The difference is mostly in vibration frequency and amplitude, little in pump head and efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

This research involves eight different impeller clocking schemes. The results show that the clocking effect has little influence in pump head and efficiency, but the influence in pressure fluctuation is larger.

Practical implications

The paper provides guidance for the design of multistage pump for better vibration performance.

Originality/value

This research involves eight different impeller clocking schemes, the results show that the clocking effect has little influence in pump head and efficiency, but the influence in pressure fluctuation is larger. Then the best clocking scheme In terms of vibration is tried to be provided through analysis.

Citation

Tan, M., Lian, Y., Wu, X. and Liu, H. (2019), "Numerical investigationof clocking effect of impellerson a multistage pump", Engineering Computations, Vol. 36 No. 5, pp. 1469-1482. https://doi.org/10.1108/EC-09-2018-0413