Optimization of Centrifugal Pump by Fluid Mechanics

This research proposal focuses on the optimization of centrifugal pump performance by reducing energy loss. The study will investigate the effect of impeller parameters on the pump output and efficiency using CFD and DoE. The proposed approach will help industries like chemical, mining, power generation, hydraulics, and irrigation.

Research Proposal: Design
Optimization of Centrifugal Pump by
Fluid Mechanics
1. Problem statement
Centrifugal pump is of great importance in the pipeline transportation industry for various
technological processes. Selection of pumps is very crucial task and depends upon the
previous experiments. A lot of study is going on to optimize the performance of the pump by
reducing the pressure drop i.e. energy loss. It is the objective of present work to investigate
the characteristics of a centrifugal pump. The governing parameters considered in the present
study to evaluate the centrifugal pump characteristics are vane exit angle, impeller diameter
and blade width. Working condition like flow resistance, impeller design, casing design outlet
condition are considered as they affect discharge at the outlet and the consumption of power
which affect the pump output and efficiency. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), design of
experiment (DoE) will be performed to study the above mention parameter. Response surface
method (RSM) will be included in the present work as it helps in the optimal design of the
pump. Result of CFD and DoE will also be compared to obtain a better understanding of the
numerical approach included in the work.
Governing parameter considered in the present are vane exit angle, impeller eye diameter,
width of the blade at the exit, speed and current. Five different set of values for vane exit
angle, impeller eye diameter and width of the blade at the exit are taken for comparative
study of each variable, these values are 25-29 mm, 32-54º and 3.5 to 5.5 mm respectively.
While the range of speed and current are varied from 2784-2901 and 4.98-5.62 respectively.
1. Literature review
Exploratory and numerical examinations on the adjustments of the geometry of the volute and
impeller in centrifugal pumps have been conducted by a few researchers and also the
examination of blade outlet angle and width of section on the performance of centrifugal
pump. Execution tests and numerical reproductions were also conducted on pumps.
Simulations were utilized to sense about ultra-low speed and to investigate their hydraulic
properties. Utilizing suitable CFD code to numerically reproduce time dependent flow, the

estimation of the aggregate radial loads for the impeller of the centrifugal pumps, under
various conditions. Essentially, a numerical way of solving a problem helps in the displaying
of the qualities of blade number impact and turbulence (Rezaienia et al, 2017).
A writing review and mechanical experience gave proposals of basic parameters during the
time spent and whose probability of affecting the release discharge, head, and variety of
energy in the pump is high. A parametric report is noteworthy in decreasing the quantity of
examinations required at each rate of flow under scrutiny by utilization of a DoE. CFD and
the DoE offers a rule for the outcomes post-examination and gives space for variety of
execution pair with the design factors (Zhu et al, 2015).
The main target of this exploration is to cultivate the development and improvement of pump
design that will increase best effectiveness or a huge execution misfortune. Subsequently, this
paper applies the investigations to offer a parametric investigation of a more extensive degree
that considers different geometrical highlights and analyzes their impact on the centrifugal
pump (Schoot and Visser, 2015). Utilization of liquid mechanics and the divergent pumps in
various fields is an imperative field. The use of the fluid mechanics in the streamlined
features is completely examined in this article (Marques, 2014). As centrifugal pumps have
been connected in the mining business and how their execution can be upgraded to guarantee
that the items are expanded. Fluid mechanics have been utilized to break down the execution
of the radiating pumps (Rosenblatt, 2011). CFD examination and multi target enhancement of
the outward pump to break down the hydrodynamic attributes of liquid coursing through
impeller is contemplated (Sagban, 2016).
2. Scope of the proposed work
Present work will involve the DoE of the centrifugal pump by utilizing CFD analysis. As
CFD is widely acceptable and advanced tool for computation analysis, this approach will also
saves the cost of the real experiment, labour work and time (Najafi et al, 2017). The DoE
with the help of RSM helps to come up with ways through which the performance of the
centrifugal pump can be enhanced (Kim et al, 2015). Present work will focus on enhancing
the centrifugal pump performance. To achieve this parameter of the impeller will be varied
and their effect will be studied. Impeller’s diameter, blade height, outlet angle and number of
blades at the outlet will be increased to enhance the centrifugal pump performance. While
Width of the impeller at the outlet will be decreased to enhance the centrifugal pump
performance. Present work will help in increasing the centrifugal pump output, as we know

that efficiency of a system depends on the output given by system, obtained increased output
by the pump will increase the overall efficiency of the centrifugal pump. Approach utilized in
the present work will help to the industries which uses centrifugal pump as one of their main
component. Industry like chemical, mining, power generation, hydraulics and irrigation can
be benefitted by present work.
Research questions
 To study the effect of different impeller parameters on the centrifugal pump output and its
efficiency.
 To study the important parameters related to centrifugal pump like vane exit angle, eye
diameter of impeller and blade width.
 Values of the parameters stated above have been varied from 32-54º, 25-29 mm and 3.5 to
5.5 mm respectively. While the range of speed and current are varied from 2784-2901 and
4.98-5.62 respectively.
 To practice the CFD and its advantage over the experiments.
 To utilize the modern software like Fluent to solve the engineering problem related to
centrifugal pump.
 To contribute in the research field of centrifugal pump for its better utilization in the
different industries.
3. Motivation behind the work
As the present work is related to conservation field and I possess great zeal towards the
environment safety and conservation, this project gives me an opportunity to use my skills
and knowledge which I have obtained through my study and daily experience. I have all the
resources and information to conduct the present research. As present research can also help
in solving the problems which are danger to humankind, I am very excited towards the
problem and finding a solution for it.
4. Proposed approach
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) will be applied in the present work to predict the
performance of pump under different conditions. CFD is a field which is utilizing in the
various industries for solving the real problems related to engineering, medicine etc. Tools of
CFD are based on the finite element method (FEM) and finite volume method (FVM). In the
present work Fluent CFD will be utilized to solve the problem. Fluent is module of the

ANSYS software which works on FVM. It is a widely utilized tool in the industry. CFD
solves the Navier-stokes equation with mass and energy conservation equation to obtain the
flow and temperature characteristics inside the centrifugal pump (Cellek and Engin, 2016).
Grid independence test will be performed to confirm the minimisation of error in the results.
Fluent will be utilized to conduct the post processing of the results. Governing parameter
considered in the present are vane exit angle, impeller eye diameter, width of the blade at the
exit, speed and current. Five different set of values for vane exit angle, impeller eye diameter
and width of the blade at the exit are taken for comparative study of each variable, these
values are 25-29 mm, 32-54º and 3.5 to 5.5 mm respectively. While the range of speed and
current are varied from 2784-2901 and 4.98-5.62 respectively. Flow chart given below shows
the steps and approach of the work to be conducted.
Figure 1: Flow chart of the approach of present work (Cellek and Engin, 2016)
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