Abstract

MORENO, Carlos Luis; ASUAJE, Miguel; KENYERY, Frank  and  DE ANDRADE, Jesús. SIMULATION OF A MULTISTAGE RADIAL PUMP FOR BIPHASIC WATER-AIR FLOW. Rev. Fac. Ing. UCV [online]. 2010, vol.25, n.2, pp.93-97. ISSN 0798-4065.

The main aim of this study is the simulation of a multistage radial pump for biphasic water-air flow in two consecutive stages. Bladegen and AnsysWorkBench Modules were used for rotor, stator and block geometry generation. Firstly, grid validation was performed. The system was assembled, and nine runs were carried out, corresponding to 80% nominal discharge, nominal and 120% nominal discharge. Monophasic flow, biphasic flow with 1% and 2% of gas void fraction were considered. It was observed that for biphasic flow with 1% GVF, the second stage presents, compared to the first stage, an increase of 10% for pumping head, a similar increase in hydraulic efficiency, and a decrease of 1,65% for theoretical head. The larger the gas void fraction at the entrance of the pump, the more noticeable these tendencies were observed. It was concluded that the decrease in pumping heads is due to flow contraction, friction and choke in rotors, and deflection in stators. The flow is better directed in the rotor 2 entrance, and there is less deflection in stator 2. (Hydraulic Efficiency is more important than slip factor)

Keywords : Rotor; Stator; Stages; Biphasic; Head.