The shell shape optimization and fluid–structure interaction simulation of hose pump in water-fertilizer integrated fertilizer application

Abstract

As a new type of under-film drip irrigation, water-fertilizer integrated fertilizer application device in Northwest China, the hose pump has achieved excellent results in practical applications, but its pulsation has exhibited some adverse effects on the fertilization process. By analyzing the cause of pulsation and flow characteristics, we proposed a shell optimization method to reduce pulsation. We used a release time deformation curve as the shape curve of the outlet shell of the hose pump. Based on the fluid–structure interaction analysis, we developed a numerical model of an optimized three roller hose pump and a conventional three roller hose pump for dynamic simulations. The simulation results showed the optimized hose pump flow pressure variation range was reduced by 26.92%, the average fluid flow velocity increased by about 10%, and mass flow rate improved by 8.84% over the conventional hose pump. We tested the optimized hose pump prototype and the conventional hose pump on the test bench. The test results showed that the pulsating pressure variation range of the optimized pump decreased by about 20%, and flow output increased by about 8.63%. These results suggest that shell shape optimization assist in the decrease of flow pulsation and contribute to further hose pump popularization.

Investigation of Pressure Variations in Hose Pumps under Different Flow Regimes Using Bidirectional Fluid–Structure Interaction

“…Hose pumps, also known as peristaltic pumps, represent a distinct category within positive displacement pumps [1]. They find extensive applications across a wide range of engineering fields, including wastewater treatment, chemical industries, food production, brewing, sugar manufacturing, paper and ceramics industries, construction, and mining [2][3][4][5][6].…”

“…Wendong Wang analyzed non-steady pressure fluctuations in hose pumps, simulating pressure variations under turbulent conditions to provide theoretical insights for optimizing hose pump design [20]. Xiao Ma employed fluid-structure interaction methods to analyze the variation and flow characteristics of hose pumps, proposing a shell optimization method to reduce variations [1]. Fu wen Liu introduced a mechanism optimization method based on a Response Surface Method (RSM) model, effectively reducing flow pulsations during hose pump operation [21].…”