Optimization of the Pumping Capacity of Centrifugal Pumps Based on System Analysis

Motsi Ephrey Matlakala, Daramy Vandi von Kallon

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The pumping capacity is the maximum flow rate through a pump at its design capacity. In the process of pumping water and other fluids, pumping capacity is required to accurately size pumping systems, determine friction head losses, construct a system curve and select a pump and motor. Failure to choose the right pump size for pumping system, improper installation and pump operation results into higher consumption of energy. The insufficient pumping capacity affects the plant’s operations such as maintenance cost, downtime, loss of production and increase in operating cost. In this study variation of the impeller diameter is used to calculate the new pump curve to improve the pumping capacity. The pumping system is analysed to determine the pumping capacity of the pump. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations are carried out to determine the performance of the pump and analyses the pumping system to achieve the pumping capacity. Results show that enhanced pumping capacity is achieved at a given impeller design with a specific shift in the pump curve. It is recommended that the pumping capacity can be optimized through trimming of impeller. Trimming of the impeller improves pump efficiency and increases the performance of the pump. In addition, the pumping capacity can also be optimized through the system analysis by adjusting the diameter of the pipes and throttling of the valves. Optimization of the pumping capacity helps with running the pumping system efficiently.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication12th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, SACAM 2020
EditorsSebastian Skatulla
PublisherEDP Sciences
ISBN (Electronic)9781713840770
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Event12th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, SACAM 2020 - Cape Town, South Africa
Duration: 29 Nov 20211 Dec 2021

Publication series

Name12th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, SACAM 2020

Conference

Conference12th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, SACAM 2020
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityCape Town
Period29/11/211/12/21

Keywords

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Cost
  • Impeller
  • Pump Efficiency
  • Pumping Capacity
  • System Analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computational Mechanics
  • Mechanical Engineering

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