Design study of a regenerative pump using one-dimensional and three-dimensional numerical techniques

Quail, Francis; Scanlon, Thomas; Baumgartner, A.

doi:10.1016/j.euromechflu.2011.06.003

Cited by 38 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…In a more recent study, Deglon and Meyer [9] dem onstrated that the MRF technique and the standard k-s turbulence model could be efficiently used in CFD simulations of stirred tanks. The MRF technique was also successfully applied in CFD simulations of regenerative and centrifugal pumps [10,11], The location of the interface between the two frames of reference is important in order to minimize numerical errors associated with approximations at the interface. This topic was addressed by Zadravec et al [12], who found that as the size of the rotating fluid domain increases, the influence of numerical errors due to interpolation inaccuracies is reduced, hence resulting in more accurate results.…”

Section: Governing Equations and Numerical Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integral Pumping Devices for Dual Mechanical Seals: Experiments and Numerical Simulations

Warda

Wahba

Selim

2014

Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power

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An experimental and numerical investigation is carried out to evaluate the performance o f alternative pumping ring designs fo r dual mechanical seals. Both radial-flow and axial-flow pumping rings are considered in the present study. An experimental setup is constructed, and appropriate instrumentation are employed to measure the pressure, tem perature, and flow rate o f the barrier fluid. A parametric study is carried out to investi gate the effect o f pump rotational speed, barrier fluid accumulator pressure, and barrier fluid inlet temperature on the performance o f the pumping rings. Experiments are also used to evaluate the effect o f different geometric parameters such as the radial clearance between the pumping ring and the surrounding gland, and the outlet port orientation. Moreover, a numerical study is conducted to simulate the flow field fo r the radial pump ing ring designs under different operating parameters. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model implements a multiple reference frame (MRF) technique, while turbulence is modeled using the standard k-epsilon model. Numerical simulations are also used to visualize the flow o f the barrier fluid within the dual seal cavity. Present results indicate that the pump rotational speed and the orientation o f the outlet port have a significant effect on the performance o f the pumping ring. On the other hand, the effects o f barrier fluid accumulator pressure and inlet temperature are minimal on the performance. The study also shows that reducing the radial clearance between the rotating ring and the sta tionary outer gland would significantly improve the performance o f axial pumping rings. Moreover, comparisons between the computational and experimental results show good agreement fo r pumping ring configurations with tangential outlet (TO) ports and at moderate rotational speeds. Keywords: dual mechanical seal, integral pumping device, radial pumping ring, axial pumping ring, computational fluid dynamics 1 In tro d u c tio nMechanical seals are commonly used in turbomachinery to pre vent leakage of fluids [1], The mechanical seal typically consists of two parts: a rotating seal and a stationary seal. The rotating seal is fixed to the shaft and rotates with it, whereas the stationary seal is mounted on the housing. The primary sealing occurs at the interface between both seal faces. O-rings are used as secondary seals to prevent leakage between the rotating shaft and the rotating seal, and also between the housing and the stationary seal. For proper functioning of the mechanical seal, a fluid film should be maintained between the faces. Present legislation and environmental issues surrounding the containment of pumped fluids dictate that the consequences of leakage can no longer be tolerated for many liquids. As a result, dual mechanical seals were introduced where a barrier fluid is used to fill the space in between the two sets of seal faces. The bander fluid also acts as a coolant to remove heat from the seal [2]. Providing an adequate barrier fl...

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Section: Governing Equations and Numerical Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integral Pumping Devices for Dual Mechanical Seals: Experiments and Numerical Simulations

Warda

Wahba

Selim

2014

Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power

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“…However like all methods, it has its weaknesses. Often the geometry to be modelled has to be simplified due to limitations in processing capabilities, such as applying a coarse mesh in regions of detail, which may lead to inaccuracies [6]. There are two main theoretical models for describing the flow in regenerative pumps, each relying on a set of basic assumptions.…”

Section: Historymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The increase in head is achieved through a momentum exchange between the impeller and the pumped fluid [3]. However, in contrast to the centrifugal pump, the pressure rise occurs in the peripheral rather than in the radial direction [5][6]. Perhaps what really distinguishes the RLR pump is its ability to develop high heads at relatively low flow rates in only one impeller stage [7][8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Regenerative liquid ring pumps review and advances on design and performance

Karlsen-Davies

Aggidis

2016

Applied Energy

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The regenerative liquid ring (RLR) pump is a type of rotodynamic machine which has the ability to develop high heads at relatively low flow rates in only one impeller stage. Although the exact principle of operation of this type of pump has been a phenomenon not fully understood, it has nevertheless been widely applied for over a century in areas of liquid pumping. Despite the low efficiency, RLR pumps have several advantages over other turbomachines with similar tip speed due to relatively low manufacturing costs, simplicity, high reliability, enhanced priming behaviour and can in many applications offer a more efficient alternative. Efficiency improvements are key to reducing energy consumption and ultimately combatting the global climate change. This paper offers an extensive review into the development, performance challenges and design improvements of RLR pumps in order to provide some useful insight on future research and next steps, with a particular focus on improving efficiency throughout the pump life cycle.

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“…Quil et al used a commercial code to investigate the fluid flow in a regenerative pump. They also carried out a new method of manufacturing to evaluate the influence of change in blade geometry on the efficiency of regenerative pump [11,12]. An experimental study was accomplished by Choi et al to investigate the effect of the impeller blade angle and its shape on regenerative pump performance.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%