Evaluation of centrifugal pump performance in nuclear power plants

Abstract A systematic approach is developed for prediction of performance of single, as well as double-entry, centrifugal pumps in a specific speed range of 600 to 2500 engineering units. Complete pump characteristics can be mapped, from shut-off conditions to 130% of the design flowrate. Given the dimensions of a centrifugal pump, as well as the impeller rotational speed, the method can be employed in prediction of head vs flowrate ( H - Q ), shaft power vs flowrate (BHP- Q ) and efficiency vs flowrate ( E - Q ) curves. Pump characteristics can then be used to model pump performance in state-space. This allows for development of optimal control strategies, for design of controllers. and for examination of the sensitivity of operation to changes in design and performance parameters. Hence, optimization of process design and operation becomes attainable. Application of the method to a nuclear-grade coolant pump demonstrated the viability of the model as a tool in simulation of pump response to various inputs. State-space representation is shown to be invaluable in simulation of performance at normal and abnormal operation conditions, synthesis of surveillance schemes and in detection of abnormalities caused by degradation of the components.