Flow Characteristic Analysis of the Self-Priming Pump Based on the Population Balance Model

Self-priming pumps, as important two-phase fluid machinery, are widely used in disaster relief and emergency fields. The flow characteristics of the air–liquid play an essential role self-priming pump performance. However, traditional simulation employed single-diameter bubbles for analysis, which cannot reflect internal field characteristics. Therefore, this article, Population Balance Model (PBM) is employed, divides bubble into different diameter groups, collision coalescence between considered calculation to investigate influence air voids conditions on performance centrifugal pumps. result shows that frequency at shroud higher, conducive formation large-sized bubbles. Meanwhile, increment has a significant effect reducing pressure pulsation gas–liquid flow, while improvement not only destroys instability asymmetry but also aggravates amplitude pulsation, increasing surface loading blade radial force. article can provide certain theoretical reference study