Research on Three-Dimensional Unsteady Turbulent Flow in Multistage Centrifugal Pump and Performance Prediction Based on CFD

The three-dimensional flow physical model of any stage of the 20BZ4 multistage centrifugal pump is built which includes inlet region, impeller flow region, guide-vane flow region and exit region. The three-dimensional unsteady turbulent flow numerical model is created based on Navier-Stoke solver and standard k-epsilon turbulent equations. The method of multireference frame (MRF) and SIMPLE algorithm are used to simulate the flow in multistage centrifugal pump based on FLUENT software. The distributions of relative velocity, absolute velocity, static pressure, and total pressure in guide vanes and impellers under design condition are analyzed. The simulation results show that the flow in impeller is mostly uniform, without eddy, backflow, and separation flow, and jet-wake phenomenon appears only along individual blades. There is secondary flow at blade end and exit of guide vane. Due to the different blade numbers of guide vane and impeller, the total pressure distribution is asymmetric. This paper also simulates the flow under different working conditions to predict the hydraulic performances of centrifugal pump and external characteristics including flow-lift, flow-shaft power, and flow-efficiency are attained. The simulation results are compared with the experimental results, and because of the mechanical losses and volume loss ignored, there is a little difference between them.