Performance Enhancement of Centrifugal Pump through Cavitation Reduction using Optimization Techniques

Authors: Adnan Aslam Noon, Muhammad Arif, Javed Ahmed Khan Tipu, Absaar Ul Jabbar, Muftooh Ur Rehman Siddiqi, Aamer Sharif

Volume 8, Issue 4, Paper No. 080404

Abstract

  Cavitation damage in centrifugal pump transporting slurry in a process industry has been investigated, quantified, and optimized for enhanced performance. The design of the experiment (DOE) method is used to generate 31 distinct impeller geometries to construct a mathematical relationship. Two objective functions, a net positive suction head (NPSHr) and pump efficiency (η), are employed to minimize and maximize the results through a quadratic regression model, respectively. The optimization technique is incorporated through a non-sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). Rayleigh-Plesset cavitation model is utilized to compute the cavitation along with the SST turbulence model. Cavitation model validation is achieved through ALE-15 hydrofoil geometry. The simulation results agree well with the experimental data. A significant reduction of 12.6 % in NPSHr and an increase of 3.18% efficiency are achieved compared with the base design. A suction head (1.15 m) and a vapor pressure head (1.05 m) are identified as the threshold values for cavitation rate and efficiency. The current study will be beneficial for pump designers to adjust the geometric parameters at the preliminary stage to avoid substantial economic losses during the operational phase.

Keywords: Turbine; Empirical model; Mass flow rate; Isentropic Efficiency; Mean value model.

Tags: Cavitation;