Internal Flow Analysis of Seawater Cooling Pump using CFD

This research focuses on simulation and visualization of flow field characteristics inside a centrifugal pump. The 3D numerical analysis was carried out by using a numerical CFD tool, addressing a Reynolds Average Navier-Stock code with a standard k-Ɛ two-equation turbulence model. The simulation accounts for friction head loss due to rough walls at suction, impeller, discharge areas and volumetric head loss at impeller wear ring. A comparison of performance curves between simulation and experimentation is included, and it reveals a same trend of those results with a small difference of maximum 5 %. At best efficiency point, velocity vectors are smooth but it changes significantly under off-design point, a strong recirculation appears at the outlet of impeller passages near tongue area. A relatively uniform preassure distribution was observed around the impeller in despite of the tongue. Within the volute, because of its geometry, spiral vortexes formed, proving that the flow field in this region was relatively turbulent and unsteady.