Particle Distribution and Motion in Six-Stage Centrifugal Pump by Means of Slurry Experiment and CFD-DEM Simulation

Six-stage centrifugal pumps are used in deep-sea mining lifting systems and required to convey slurry containing coarse particles. A six-stage pump suitable for operation a natural system was manufactured. High-flow full-scaled conveying experiments at 5% 9% volume concentration of particles carried out large modified test site with artificial nodules. CFD-DEM simulations were obtain transport characteristic curves, particle distribution characteristics, where the simulation method validated by experiment data. clarified two-stage can be instead multi-stage simplified calculations acceptable accuracy. Local agglomeration caused backflow found outlet diffuser, such decreased increasing flow rates. It that transported non-uniformly, diffusers strands. Particles pulse-like mode within pump, latter stage showing similar characteristics those previous stage.