Simulation Study on the Influence of Food Viscosity on Single-Screw Pump Performance

Single-screw pumps are extensively employed in food processing due to their continuous and stable conveyance process, minimal shear action, and strong adaptability to high-viscosity media. However, the significant variations in viscosity among different food materials and their systematic influence on single-screw pump performance remain to be thoroughly investigated. This study focuses on food-grade single-screw pumps, examining the impact of food material viscosity changes on pump performance parameters. An internal flow field computational model for the single-screw pump was established. Comparative analyses were conducted on pressure distribution, torque analysis, and theoretical versus actual displacement under various food medium viscosities to investigate the influence of food viscosity variations on the pump's overall conveying performance. The findings indicate that as the viscosity of the food medium changes, the flow state and performance parameters within the pump exhibit distinct differences. Appropriately matching food viscosity with pump structural parameters can enhance conveying stability and efficiency.