Flow Field Analysis and Feasibility Study of a Multistage Centrifugal Pump Designed for Low-Viscous Fluids

A multistage centrifugal pump is designed for pumping low-viscosity, highly volatile and flammable chemicals, including hydrocarbons, high head requirements. The five-stage consists of a double-suction impeller at the first stage followed by twin volute. impellers stages two through five are single-suction diffuser vanes return channel vanes. analytical performance calculated initially in design applying similarity laws to an existing scaled-down model low flow rate applications. proposed investigated using computational fluid dynamics tools study its off-design conditions water as base fluid. feasibility tested other fluids, such temperature pressure, diesel debutanized diesel. found be suitable variety fluids operating ranges. losses analyzed each best efficiency point. observed higher second than stages. detailed behavior studied identify root cause losses. Design modifications recommended diminish improve overall pump.