Improving the efficiency of the operating process of high specific speed torque-flow pumps by upgrading the flowing part design

Abstract

The article is devoted to the research of the torque-flow pump operating process. Its work is closely connected to the formation and stable functioning of the toroidal vortex. The theoretical bases of the formation of a toroidal vortex and the process of energy transfer in a torque-flow pump are considered in the research (vane and vortex components of the operating process). The fact of the presence of some additional hydraulic losses due to the mismatch of the location of the toroidal vortex center and the impeller blade edges has been established. The urgency of the paper is increasing the efficiency of torque-flow pump by improving its flowing part. The upgrade of the pump consists of the theoretical justification and practical implementation of the reduction of these additional hydraulic losses. In this aspect, the location of the impeller blade edge is aligned with the toroidal vortex center. The research was performed by conducting a numerical investigation. The calculations of a high specific speed torque-flow pump of three different design configurations of the impeller blades were performed. Practically confirmed increasing of the head (by 3.2 m) and efficiency (by 7-8%) of the pump with the second design of the impeller blades.