Numerical simulation and experimental study on postpositive bulb tubular pump

Research on three-dimensional flow field in a postpositive tubular pumping system using numerical simulation based on the Reynolds time-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and the RNG k-ɛ turbulent model. By using this method, the performances of pumping system such as head, shaft power and efficiency are predicted based on the calculation of different operating conditions. The simulations were carried out over a wide range of operating points, from 65% of the reference mass flow rate at the best efficiency point (BEP) to the 120% of the BEP flow rate at the same rotating speed. For verifying the accuracy and reliability of the calculation results, a model test was conducted. The comparison of simulation results and the experiment data showed that the calculation performances close agreement with the experiment results in the high efficiency area. But in the condition of large discharge and low discharge, deviations were existed between the two results. Combining with the numerical simulation and experimental results, which can provide more evidences for the hydraulic performance prediction and optimization design of pumping system.