Erosion in centrifugal pumps, particularly those operating under HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) conditions, poses significant challenges to the efficiency and longevity of these systems. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of erosion in centrifugal pumps through both experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approaches. The primary objectives are to experimentally observe erosion patterns and rates under simulated HVAC conditions and to develop and validate CFD models that predict these patterns accurately. In the experimental phase, a test rig was constructed to simulate HVAC conditions, and a series of erosion tests were conducted using a centrifugal pump. Key parameters such as flow rates, particle concentrations, and material properties were varied to assess their impact on erosion. The experimental data were then used to validate the CFD models. These models incorporated advanced erosion prediction algorithms and turbulence models to simulate the fluid dynamics and erosion processes within the pump. The key findings reveal a strong correlation between the CFD predictions and the experimental observations, indicating that the CFD models are effective in predicting erosion patterns. It was observed that areas of high fluid velocity and turbulence within the pump were particularly susceptible to erosion. The study also highlights the influence of particle size and concentration on erosion rates, providing insights into potential mitigation strategies. In conclusion, this research demonstrates the viability of using CFD as a predictive tool for erosion in centrifugal pumps operating under HVAC conditions. The validated models can aid in the design and optimization of pumps to minimize erosion, thereby enhancing their efficiency and lifespan. Future work will focus on refining these models and exploring additional parameters to further improve their accuracy.
Erosion, Centrifugal Pumps, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), HVAC Conditions, Fluid Dynamics
IRE Journals:
Hafiz Muneeb Ahmad
"Experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis of Erosion in Centrifugal Pumps Operating Under HVAC Conditions" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 5 Issue 9 2022 Page 629-638
IEEE:
Hafiz Muneeb Ahmad
"Experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis of Erosion in Centrifugal Pumps Operating Under HVAC Conditions" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 5(9)