CFD Simulation of Flow in a Centrifugal Pump

In a centrifugal pump, impeller is one of the most important components if not the most important one. Performance of the pump is vastly effected by the impeller specifications such as type (Open, Semi-open, Closed) and vane angle. Thus, performance of different types of impeller is of utmost importance in designing a centrifugal pump. This matter can be done through simulations or empirical means. In this paper the impact of impeller vane angle on a centrifugal pump performance and on fluid movement is studied by the means of simulation. Simulations can be done through various means, one of the most popular method is CFD-CFX which helps simulate the stream line of the fluid in a centrifugal pump. In this regard, ANSYS fluent is used and vortices, pressure contours for each type of impeller is presented as a good comparative tool and finally the effect of the mentioned vortices on pump performance is studied