Flow-induced noise sources and reduction methods in centrifugal pumps: A literature review

Abstract

The present review paper describes the research work conducted by many researchers in the field of hydro acoustics of centrifugal pumps. This study aims to understand the flow induced noise mechanism, factors affecting it, and available methods to attenuate the same in centrifugal pumps. In general, the noise generated by a pump is interpreted in terms of pressure pulsations and can be represented in the frequency domain as a combination of discrete components and broadband components. In the discrete frequency noise component, the major emphasis is given on blade pass frequency noise and its relation to rotor-stator Interaction in pumps. The intensified rotor-stator Interaction results in high pressure pulsations thus strong flow induced noise. The effect of various geometrical parameters on rotor-stator Interaction and available methods to mitigate it to reduce noise are discussed in detail. Apart from rotor-stator Interaction, the importance of energy loss mechanisms such as flow recirculation, flow-separation, jet-wakes occurrence in pumps which affect the blade pass frequency component are also discussed. One of the other discrete noise components, the Rotating stall mechanism with its physical mechanism also explored in detail. Subsequently, two major phenomena of broadband noise components, turbulence and cavitation are explained. For cavitation, the phenomenon is elaborated in detail and the various methods explored by the researchers to predict existence of the cavitation phenomenon using acoustic spectrum. Conclusions are also drawn for each source by describing the major events. In the end, the possible future scope of work that can be explored is given.

Multi-objective optimization design in a centrifugal pump volute based on an RBF neural network and genetic algorithm

“…Therefore, the internal field noise of two types of sound sources is superimposed on the corresponding frequency, and the superposition result is expressed by the total sound pressure level L p , to improve the reliability of noise numerical calculation. The superposition formula is defined in equation (2).…”

“…The volute is one of the main flow passage components of the centrifugal pump, so its structural parameters are directly related to pump performance. 2 Therefore, it is essential to improve efficiency and reduce noise by optimizing the volute structure.…”

Investigation on the flow and induced-noise mechanism during the transient start-up process of a mixed-flow pump

“…Other researchers have found that quasi-steady-state analysis is insufficient to accurately evaluate transient flows inside the pump (Zhang et al, 2013a, b). Some scholars have employed the particle displacement velocimetry to measure velocity distributions and investigate the influence of non-uniform outflow on pressure fluctuations and noise in the pump (Gangipamula et al, 2022;Luo et al, 2016). Others have designed testing methods and systems to study the transient characteristics of the inlet flow field during the start-up process of mixed-flow pumps, and have obtained velocity distributions during the start-up process with PIV techniques (Li et al, 2020b).…”

“…, 2013a, b). Some scholars have employed the particle displacement velocimetry to measure velocity distributions and investigate the influence of non-uniform outflow on pressure fluctuations and noise in the pump (Gangipamula et al. , 2022; Luo et al.…”

Investigation of flow-induced sound source generation in a centrifugal pump

“…Noise generated by rotating machinery could adversely affect the environment and creatures' health [1]. Since the flow-induced sound plays a crucial role in the pump noise and the vortex structures are considered vital factors in the turbulent flow [2], it is meaningful to investigate the influence of the vortex on the sound source generation.…”