Performance Analysis of Radial Flow Pump Using CFD

Centrifugal pumps are most commonly used devices in daily life. Centrifugal pumps are preferred because of their advantages like small in size, easier for maintenance, higher efficiency etc. Hydraulic pumps convert the mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to assess the performance of the pump. First of all, a geometry of centrifugal pump containing inlet pipe, impeller, and casing is prepared by using a 3D design software Ansys Bladegen and Ansys design modeller. Mesh is prepared in ICEM CFD. Numerical simulation is first done at a constant speed of 2900 rpm and varying discharge from 48 to 57 kg/s. Secondly the same is done at constant discharge of 52.2 kg/s and speed varying from 2700 to 3100 rpm at a regular interval of 100 rpm. Result file is analysed in CFD Post. The results are tabulated and plotted in graphical form. After the analysis it is found that the designed conditions, discharge of 52.2 kg/s and rotational speed 2900 rpm are the best operating conditions for the centrifugal pump.