Energies 13 00065 PDF

energies
Article
A Comparative Study on Centrifugal Pump Designs
and Two-Phase Flow Characteristic under Inlet Gas
Entrainment Conditions
Qiaorui Si 1 , Gérard Bois 2 , Minquan Liao 1 , Haoyang Zhang 1 , Qianglei Cui 1 and
Shouqi Yuan 1, *
1 National Research Center of Pumps, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China;
siqiaorui@ujs.edu.cn (Q.S.); Lmq750294@163.com (M.L.); 18852852526@163.com (H.Z.);
cuiqiangleiujs@163.com (Q.C.)
2 LMFL, FRE CNRS 3723, Arts et Métiers ParisTech, 59046 Lille, Nord, France; Gerard.BOIS@ENSAM.EU
* Correspondence: shouqiy@ujs.edu.cn; Tel.: +86-137-0528-9318

Received: 24 November 2019; Accepted: 20 December 2019; Published: 21 December 2019
Abstract: Capability for handling entrained gas is an important design consideration for centrifugal
pumps used in petroleum, chemistry, nuclear applications. An experimental evaluation on their two
phase performance is presented for two centrifugal pumps working under air-water mixture fluid
conditions. The geometries of the two pumps are designed for the same flow rate and shut off head
coefficient with the same impeller rotational speed. Overal pump performance and unsteady pressure
pulsation information are obtained at different rotational speeds combined with various inlet air void
fractions (α0 ) up to pump stop condition. As seen from the test results, pump 2 is able to deliver
up to 10% two-phase mixtures before pump shut-off, whereas pump 1 is limited to 8%. In order to
understand the physics of this flow phenomenon, a full three-dimensional unsteady Reynolds Average
Navier-Stokes (3D-URANS) calculation using the Euler–Euler inhomogeneous method are carried
out to study the two phase flow characteristics of the model pump after corresponding experimental
verification. The internal flow characteristics inside the impeller and volute are physically described
using the obtained air distribution, velocity streamline, vortex pattern and pressure pulsation results
under different flow rates and inlet void fractions. Pump performances would deteriorate during
pumping two-phase mixture fluid compared with single flow conditions due to the phase separating
effect. Some physical explanation about performance improvements on handing maximum acceptable
inlet two phase void fractions capability of centrifugal pumps are given.
Keywords: centrifugal pump; gas entrainment; two-phase flow model; flow characteristic;
handing capability
1. Introduction
Centrifugal pumps are important energy conversion devices, widely used in industrial petroleum,
nuclear power and chemical engineering processes [1]. The capability for handling gas-entrainment
is an important design consideration for centrifugal pumps used in these fields because gas-liquid
mixture flow can choke the flow passage and cause gas-pocket formation that would stop the pump
operation. A semi-empirical approach for pumping maximum attainable inlet air void fraction values
has been recently proposed based on the importance of both impeller rotational speed and inlet relative
velocity effects [2]. Due to the strong radial pressure gradients caused by centrifugal Coriolis forces,
two-phase mixed flows inside the impeller passage of centrifugal pumps are subject to phase separation
effects [3]. The presence of the volute with intense rotor stator interaction increases the complexity
Energies 2020, 13, 65; doi:10.3390/en13010065 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2020, 13, 65 2 of 25
of the flow pattern. The pump performance degrades as the α0 increase and generates undesired
pulsation problems, endangering the operation stability and reliability of the system [4,5]. Therefore, it
is especially important to thoroughly study and reveal the internal flow characteristic of centrifugal
pumps under gas entrainment conditions.
Several pioneering relevant studies on the basic theory, numerical simulation and experiment
of how gas-entrainment affects pump performance degradation have been done. Murakami and
Minemura [6,7] firstly conducted experimental works and developed a two-phase, one dimensional,
flow model. In their research hydraulic-head degradation and abrupt flow-pattern changes were
observed as more air entered the system. Furukawa et al. [8,9] designed a centrifugal pump using
an outlet impeller blade angle greater than 90◦ with a set of tandem blades. They obtained rather
good two-phase flow performances, but their design failed at low flow rates. It is also known that
open impellers have better capabilities than shrouded ones with respect to two phase flows due to the
stronger mixing created by tip blade leakage and induced vortex flows structures (Cappellino et al. [10],
Mansour et al. [11]). Flow patterns play an important role affecting hydraulic performance and energy
conversion, even in the single phase flow of centrifugal pumps [12]. Relevant research has also been
focused on the internal two-phase flow characteristics. Kosyna et al. [13] obtained the unsteady
pressure of the rotating impeller blade under cavitation and gas-liquid flow conditions based on
subminiature pressure transmitters with telemetric data transmission. Schäfer et al. [14] recently used
the Hire CT technique to detect the gas film and evaluate the gas-liquid distributions of centrifugal
pumps working in two phase flow regimes. Due to the complex geometries, the experimental
visualization to the internal flow behavior and bubble movement of centrifugal pumps is very difficult.
Si et al. [15,16] experimentally studied the overall performance and pressure pulsation characteristics of
a centrifugal pumps under inlet air-water two phase flow conditions. It was revealed that the dominant
frequency of the pressure pulsation located at the pump outlet is still the blade passing frequency,
even with air entrainment. Shao et al. [17] investigated the two-phase flow patterns’ effect on overall
centrifugal pump performance using a high-speed photography method. Unfortunately, the tests just
processed at low rotational speed. On the other hand, several predictive models for pump performance
under two-phase flow conditions have been developed [18–21]. In recent years, in order to provide
detailed two-phase flow information in terms of flow patterns, gas distribution and phase slippage,
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies have become more and more important to study the inner
flow of centrifugal pumps [22,23]. Some numerical studies based on the CFD approach of features
such as bubble size, drag force, and gas-liquid interphase momentum transfer have been performed in
order to obtain suitable two-phase flow models [24]. Müller et al. [25] used a mono-dispersed model in
ANSYS CFX to numerically determine the inner flow characteristics of radial pumps, indicating that
the accuracy of head prediction is good when the inlet gas void fraction is below 3%. Zhu et al. [26]
reviewed experimental and numerical studies of Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs) under gas-liquid
flow conditions, and explained the bubbly diameter variation is the main reason for the gas phase
distribution inside the impeller under different rotational speeds. Si et al. [27] performed comparisons
between a one-dimensional gas-liquid two-phase bubbly flow model and 3D-URANS calculations
using inhomogeneous multi-phase flow with a modified k-ε turbulence model. However, most of
the previous experimental and numerical studies are still limited to pump performance and flow
structures inside the impeller. Further analysis of the effect of flow structure on the gas entrainment
handing ability is still needed for centrifugal pump design. The physical mechanism of two-phase
flow behavior, especially inside the volute and around the rotor-stator interaction area, is not well
understood. This study will present additional flow features which have not been investigated before.
In the present work, an automatic controlled test rig is built to evaluate the overall pump
performance and pressure fluctuation of two centrifugal pumps, which are initially designed for the
same pumping flow rate and shutoff head coefficient for single phase conditions. Firstly a comparison
of pump performance for different α0 and rotational speeds between the two different centrifugal
pumps is presented, based on experimental results. In a second step, the Euler multiphase flow method
Energies2020,
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13,65
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26
and flow structure inside the whole pump flow passage are obtained to physically analyze the two-
is usedinner
phase to process 3D-URANS simulations
flow characteristics of the selected
after experimental model pump, the one that presented better
verification.
gas entrainment handing ability. Overall pump performance, pressure pulsation, and flow structure
inside thePump
2. Model wholeParameter,
pump flowExperimental
passage are obtained
Set-up andto Numerical
physically analyze
Methodthe two-phase inner flow
characteristics after experimental verification.
2.1. Pump Geometries
2. Model Pump Parameter, Experimental Set-up and Numerical Method
The study was performed using two horizontally-oriented centrifugal pumps. The design
parameters
2.1. and geometrical parameters of the pumps, given by the manufacturer, are listed in Table
Pump Geometries
1. Both pumps are single stage coupled systems with a spiral volute and shroud type impeller. Pump
The study was performed using two horizontally-oriented centrifugal pumps. The design
1 has been already investigated by our research team, and the results can be found in several
parameters and geometrical parameters of the pumps, given by the manufacturer, are listed in Table 1.
publications by Si et al. [15,16,27]. The meridional shapes of each pump impeller are given in Figure
Both pumps are single stage coupled systems with a spiral volute and shroud type impeller. Pump 1
1. Compared with pump 2, pump 1 has a bigger inlet section eye with a smaller outlet radius R2
has been already investigated by our research team, and the results can be found in several publications
combined with a larger outlet width b2. Both pumps are shrouded with an impeller and volute
by Si et al. [15,16,27]. The meridional shapes of each pump impeller are given in Figure 1. Compared
configuration. The pump 1 volute section is a circular one, whereas a rectangular volute section is set
with pump 2, pump 1 has a bigger inlet section eye with a smaller outlet radius R2 combined with
for pump 2. The volute radius of pump 2 is larger because of its larger impeller outlet radius. The
a larger outlet width b2 . Both pumps are shrouded with an impeller and volute configuration. The
inlet geometry of the blades of both pumps corresponds to a three-dimensional twisted shape. Note
pump 1 volute section is a circular one, whereas a rectangular volute section is set for pump 2. The
that the impeller outlet sections of both pumps are almost the same (less than 4% difference), which
volute radius of pump 2 is larger because of its larger impeller outlet radius. The inlet geometry of the
means that the mean radial velocity components will be similar for a given flow rate.
blades of both pumps corresponds to a three-dimensional twisted shape. Note that the impeller outlet
sections of both pumps are almost the same (less than 4% difference), which means that the mean
Table 1. Design parameters of the two pumps.
radial velocity components will be similar for a given flow rate.
Variable Symbol Unit Pump 1 Pump 2
Design parameters
Table 1.conditions
Flow rate at design Qd of them two
3/hpumps.
50.0 50.0
Head at design conditions
Variable Symbol Hd Unit m 20.2 1
Pump 34.0
Pump 2
Number of impeller blades Z - 6 6
Flow rate at design conditions Q m /h
3 50.0 50.0
Impeller blade inlet angleHd
Head at design conditions
β1 m
° 22
20.2
28 34.0
d
Number Impeller blade
of impeller outlet angleZ
blades β2 - ° 326 30 6
ImpellerDesign
blade inlet angle speed β1
rotational n ◦ r/min 2900
22 2900 28
Impeller blade
Impeller angle width β2
outletoutlet b2
◦
mm 32
15.5 12.0 30
Design rotational speed
Impeller outlet radius n R2 r/min mm 2900
70.0 87.02900
Impeller outlet width b2 mm 15.5 12.0
Impeller
Impeller inlet tip radius R
outlet radius R1t mmmm 39.5
70.0 37.0 87.0
2
Impeller
Impeller inlet width ratio R1t
tip radius b2/R2 mm - 0.225
39.5 0.13837.0
ImpellerImpeller radius ratio b2 /R2 R2/R1t - -
width ratio 1.74
0.225 2.350.138
Impeller radius
Impeller oulet R2 /R1t b2·R2
ratiocross section - mm2 1.74
1085 10442.35
Impeller oulet Specific
cross section b2 ·R2 2 1085
speed ns mm - 132.2 88.61044
Specific speed ns - 132.2 88.6
SuctionSuction pipe diameter Ds
pipe diameter Ds mmmm 65.0
65.0 65.0 65.0
Outlet
Outlet pipe pipe diameter Do
diameter Do mmmm 50.0
50.0 65.0 65.0
Basediameter
Base volute volute diameter D3 D3 mmmm 150.0
150.0 184.0184.0
Figure 1. Meridional shapes of pump 1 and pump 2 (all numbers with unit of mm).
Figure 1. Meridional shapes of pump 1 and pump 2 (all numbers with unit of mm).
Energies 2020, 13, 65 4 of 25
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2.2.
2.2. Experimental
Experimental Test
Test Rig
Rig
The
The pumps
pumps were
were measured
measured on on the
the open
open test
test rig
rig designed
designed for for air
air entrainment
entrainment shown
shownin inFigure
Figure2. 2.
In
In this open type loop, the injection system of draughty air is driven at a constant 0.5 bar pressure bybya
this open type loop, the injection system of draughty air is driven at a constant 0.5 bar pressure
acompressor
compressor combined
combined with
with a regulatory
a regulatory tank.
tank. The
The airair mass
mass flowrate
flowrate is measured
is measured and and
wellwell controlled
controlled by
by the Bürkert 8107 fluid control system (Bürkert Ltd, Huntersville, NC, USA)
the Bürkert 8107 fluid control system (Bürkert Ltd, Huntersville, NC, USA) which can supply constant which can supply
constant
volume gas volume gas values
flow rate flow rate
undervalues underconditions
standard standard (101,325
conditions Pa, (101,325
25◦ ). ThePa, 25°).airThe
initial initialflow
volume air
volume flow rate by
rate is calculated is calculated
measuringby themeasuring
pump inlet thepressure
pump inlet pressure
to further to further
calculate the calculate
α0 . Air-waterthe αmixed
0. Air-
water mixed fluid is sucked into the pump flow passage and finally arrives
fluid is sucked into the pump flow passage and finally arrives at the downstream tank after going at the downstream tank
after going
through thethrough the electricvalve.
electric regulating regulating valve. inside
Air bubbles Air bubbles
the mixedinside theexhaust
fluid mixed tofluid
the exhaust
atmosphere to thein
atmosphere in the open type downstream tank, and the remaining pure water
the open type downstream tank, and the remaining pure water is consecutively run back into the loop. is consecutively run
back into the loop. An
An electromagnetic electromagnetic
flowmeter set between flowmeter set between
the upstream tank andthe the
upstream
mixer istank
used and the mixerthe
to measure is
used to measure
volumetric the volumetric
flow rate of the pure flow
water.rate of the pure water.
Regulating valve
Air-water mix flow
Downstream
Pure water tank
Air
Connecting pipe
Air-water mix flow
Signal
Pressure sensor
Mixer Upstream
Electromagnetic
Pressure sensor flowmeter tank
Centrifugal pump
Ball vavle
Computer Compressor
No-return
valve Pressure sensor
Filter
Data acquisition and Mass flow controller

control card Regulator tank
Figure 2. Schematic diagram of the gas entrainment two-phase flow test system for centrifugal pumps.
Figure 2. Schematic diagram of the gas entrainment two-phase flow test system for centrifugal
A LabVIEW acquisition program combined with a NI USB-6343 acquisition card (National
pumps.
Instruments Ltd, Austin, TX, USA) were used to obtain the signals, including the pressure, liquid flow
rate, A
gasLabVIEW
flow rate, acquisition
rotational speedprogram combined
and torque values,with a NI USB-6343
collected acquisition
by the sensors. Pump head card and
(National
global
Instruments Ltd, Austin, TX, USA) were used to obtain the signals, including
efficiency is also obtained following ISO 9906: 2012 [28]. A dynamic pressure sensor is set located onthe pressure, liquid
flow rate, pipe
the outlet gas flow rate,
of the pump rotational
at twicespeed anddiameter
the pipe torque values,
heightcollected
distance. by the
The sensors.
biggest Pump headofand
uncertainties the
global efficiency is also obtained following ISO 9906: 2012 [28]. A dynamic pressure
measurement are a ±1.6% error of the pump head, ±3% error of the pump efficiency, ±1.7% error of the sensor is set
located on the ±1%
water flowrate, outletofpipe
the airof void
the pump
fractionatand
twice the pipe
±0.25% of thediameter
pressure height distance.
pulsation, The biggest
as calculated from
uncertainties
the respective of the measurement
instrument precision. are a ±1.6% error of the pump head, ±3% error of the pump
efficiency, ±1.7%
As shown inerror
Figureof3,the
thewater
DAQflowrate,
assistant ±1% of theby
provided airthe
void fractionsoftware
LabVIEW and ±0.25% of the
is used pressure
to configure
pulsation, as calculated from
the NI USB-6343-related the respective
channel, instrument
set the parameters of precision.
the sensors and related apparatus according
to theAsmeasurement
shown in Figure range 3, the DAQ
of the assistant provided
instruments, input the bycollected
the LabVIEW software
signals into theis used to configure
host computer in
the NI USB-6343-related channel, set the parameters of the sensors and related
real time, and finally output them for future data reduction. The various parameters such as head, apparatus according
to the measurement
efficiency range of the
and its dimensionless instruments,
coefficient input the
are defined collected
as follows signalsthe
to reflect into the host computer
performance changes in of
real time, and finally
the centrifugal pump: output them for future data reduction. The various parameters such as head,
efficiency and its dimensionless coefficient p2 − are v22 − v21as follows to reflect the performance changes
p1 defined
of the centrifugal pump: H = + + (z2 − z1 ) (1)
ρg 2g
v22 − v12l
p2 − p1 ρgHQ
H= η =+ + ( z2 − z1 ) (1)
(2)
ρg 2Pg
Qg
α = ρ gHQ (3)
η = Q g + Ql l (2)
P
Qg
α= (3)
Qg + Ql
Energies 2020, 13, 65 ρ = (1 − α ) ρ l + αρ g (4)

5 of 25
Ql
ρ =ϕ(1= −2πα)Rρlb+u αρ g
(5)
(4)
2 2 2
Ql
ϕ= gH (5)
ψ = 22b2 u2
2πR (6)
u2
gH
ψ= 2 (6)
u2
H
H th = (7)
Hth = η
H
(7)
η
gHthth 
gH ρl !
ψψ
thth==   (8)
(8)
uu2222 ρρg g××αα++ ρρll × )
×（(11−−αα）
Static pressure sensors Head
Electromagnetic flow meter Flow rate

Centrifugal pump
NI USB 6343
LabView
Output
Torque meter Torque
MEMS Efficiency
Barometer pressure sensors Inlet air void fraction
Dynamic pressure sensors Pressure fluctuation
Figure 3. The signal acquisition process.
2.3. Numerical Model

2.3. Numerical Model and
and Setups
Setups
2.3.1. The Euler–Euler Inhomogeneous Multi-phase Flow Model

2.3.1. The Euler–Euler Inhomogeneous Multi-phase Flow Model
With the development of CFD technology, it has become a very helpful tool to analyze and study
With the development of CFD technology, it has become a very helpful tool to analyze and study
flow descriptions for modern scientific research and engineering practice, which provides us with
flow descriptions for modern scientific research and engineering practice, which provides us with
more characteristics of the movement of the flow than experimental works.
more characteristics of the movement of the flow than experimental works.
Figure 4 shows the normal process for the gas-liquid two-phase flow calculation of centrifugal
Figure 4 shows the normal process for the gas-liquid two-phase flow calculation of centrifugal
pumps, including 3D domain modeling, meshing, choosing turbulence model, setting boundary
pumps, including 3D domain modeling, meshing, choosing turbulence model, setting boundary
conditions, setting of the multiphase flow model, steady calculation, unsteady calculation, CFD
conditions, setting of the multiphase flow model, steady calculation, unsteady calculation, CFD post,
post, etc.
etc.
The numerical calculation of the model pump flow field concerns the pump working under pure
and air-water mixed flow conditions at different flow rates. The Reynolds average method is generally
suitable for most flow dynamics problems in fluid machinery to solve the Navier-Stokes equation.
Multiphase flow models are needed to start the two phase flow simulation, which are subdivided into
homogeneous and inhomogeneous kinds. In the inhomogeneous model, both the velocity slip and
the interphase mass and momentum transfer terms between the two phases are solved, regardless
of the temperature field, for which the liquid phase is the continuous phase and the gas phase is a
discrete one. Because the homogeneous model does not consider any velocity slips of different phases,
this research adopts the inhomogeneous model to process the simulation. The selected particle model
assumes a bubbly flow pattern for the mixed gas–liquid two-phase flow. In the following discussions
gas–liquid here always refers to air-water. The continuity and the momentum equations are:
∂
( α ρ ) + ∇ · ( α k ρ k wk ) = 0 (9)
∂t k k
∂
(α ρ w ) + ∇ · (αk ρk wk ⊗ wk ) = −αk ∇pk + ∇ · (αk µk (∇wk + (∇wk )T )) + Mk + fk (10)
∂t k k k
Energies 2020, 13, 65 6 of 25
where k represents phase (l–liquid, g–gas), ρk represents density of the k phase (kg/m3 ), pk represents
pressure of k phase (Pa), αk represents void fraction of k phase, µk represents dynamic viscosity of
k phase (Pa·s), wk represents relative velocity of the k phase fluid (m/s), M k represents the phase
interaction force of the k phase (N), f k represents the added mass force related to the contribution
of the impeller rotation (N). For the two-phase flow approach used in this study, the liquid phase is
considered as the continuous phase using the RNG k-ε turbulence model. Meanwhile, the gas phase
is considered as the discrete phase using the zero-equation theoretical model, which means only the
so-called interfacial drag coefficients are considered between the liquid phase and gas phase [29]. It
follows the relationships:
3 ρl
Ml = −M g = cD α g w g − wl w g − wl (11)
4 dB
with:
24 0.687 )
(
cD = Re (1 + 0.15Re (Re ≤ 1000)
(12)
0.44 (Re > 1000)

w g − wl
and Re = ρl dB (13)
µl
Energies d
where B is 13,
2020, thex bubble REVIEW cD is the resistance coefficient.
diameter,
FOR PEER 6 of 26

Figure 4. Calculation process.
where dB is the bubble diameter, cD is the resistance coefficient.
2.3.2.The
Three-Dimensional
numerical calculationModelling
of thefor Calculation
model pump flow Domain
field concerns the pump working under pure
2.3.2. Three-Dimensional Modelling for Calculation Domain
and The
air-water mixed of
flow domain flow
the conditions at different
pump was modeled in sixflow rates.
parts usingThe the Reynolds
commercial average
softwaremethod is
Creo 3.0,
generally The flow
suitable domain
for of
most the
flowpump was
dynamics modeled in
problems six parts
in using
fluid the
machinerycommercial
to
taking pump 2 for example, as shown in Figure 5. It mainly divided into the inlet, the pump chamber, software
solve the Creo 3.0,
Navier-Stokes
takingMultiphase
equation. pump 2 for example,
flowthe as shown
models in Figure 5.toIt mainly divided into the flow
inlet, the pump chamber,
the wear ring, the impeller, voluteareandneeded start the
the outlet parts. Thetwo
inletphase
part was simulation,
extended to tenwhich are
times the
the
subdividedwear ring,
into the impeller,
homogeneous the
andvolute and the
inhomogeneousoutlet parts.
kinds. The
In inlet
the part was extended
inhomogeneous to ten times
model, both the
pipe diameter, and the outlet part was extended by five times the pipe diameter, which avoids any
the pipe diameter, and the outlet part was extended by five times the pipe diameter, which avoids
velocity backflow
possible slip and the interphase
phenomena mass
at the pumpand inlet
momentum
and and transfer terms between the two phases are
outlet.
any possible backflow phenomena at the pump inlet outlet.
solved, regardless of the temperature field, for which the liquid phase is the continuous phase and
the gas phase is a discrete one. Because the homogeneous model does not consider any velocity slips
of different phases, this research adopts the inhomogeneous model to process the simulation. The
selected particle model assumes a bubbly flow pattern for the mixed gas–liquid two-phase flow. In
the following discussions gas–liquid here always refers to air-water. The continuity and the
momentum equations are:
∂
(α k ρk ) + ∇ ⋅ (α k ρk wk ) = 0 (9)
∂t
∂
(α k ρk wk ) + ∇ ⋅ (α k ρk wk ⊗ wk ) = −α k ∇ pk + ∇ ⋅ (α k μk (∇ wk + (∇ wk )T )) + M k + fk (10)
∂t Figure
Figure 5. Three-dimensionmodeling
5. Three-dimension modeling of
ofthe
themodel
model pump
pump2 domain.
2 domain.
where k represents phase (l–liquid, g–gas), ρk represents density of the k phase (kg/m3), pk represents
2.3.3. Meshing and Irrelevance Verification
pressure of k phase (Pa), αk represents void fraction of k phase, μk represents dynamic viscosity of k
The three-dimensional
phase (Pa·s), water body
wk represents relative is meshed
velocity of thebyk the ANSYS
phase fluidICEM16.1
(m/s), Msoftware. For better
k represents the phase
calculation convergence, hexahedral structured grid is adopted in the simulation process,
interaction force of the k phase (N), fk represents the added mass force related to the contributionthe of
boundary layer mesh is added to the wall, and meshes in areas such as the volute tongue and inlet
the impeller rotation (N). For the two-phase flow approach used in this study, the liquid phase is
Energies 2020, 13, 65 7 of 25
Figure 5. Three-dimension modeling of the model pump 2 domain.

The three-dimensional water body is meshed by the ANSYS ICEM16.1 software. For better
The three-dimensional water body is meshed by the ANSYS ICEM16.1 software. For better
calculation convergence, hexahedral structured grid is adopted in the simulation process, the
calculation convergence, hexahedral structured grid is adopted in the simulation process, the boundary
boundary layer mesh is added to the wall, and meshes in areas such as the volute tongue and inlet
layer mesh is added to the wall, and meshes in areas such as the volute tongue and inlet blade tip
blade tip are partially encrypted. By using the hexahedral grid, the mesh quality is easy to flexibly
are partially encrypted. By using the hexahedral grid, the mesh quality is easy to flexibly control
control with boundary layer mesh guaranteeing. For the efficiency and accuracy of the calculation,
with boundary layer mesh guaranteeing. For the efficiency and accuracy of the calculation, the model
the model pump is analyzed for grid independence at the design flow rate for both pumps. The
pump is analyzed for grid independence at the design flow rate for both pumps. The design flow rate
design flow rate coefficient ϕ is 0.095 for pump 1 and 0.08 for pump 2. When the number of grids
coefficient φ is 0.095 for pump 1 and 0.08 for pump 2. When the number of grids reaches about 2.78
reaches about 2.78 for pump 1 and 3.25 million for pump 2, the change of two pump head coefficients
for pump 1 and 3.25 million for pump 2, the change of two pump head coefficients basically remains
basically remains stable, as shown in Figure 6.
stable, as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Grid independence check for the two pump domains.

Figure 6. Grid independence check for the two pump domains.
Finally, the number of selected meshes is 2,775,915 and the number of mesh nodes is 2,945,000 for
Finally, the number of selected meshes is 2,775,915 and the number of mesh nodes is 2,945,000
pump 1, the number of selected meshes is 3,255,253 and the number of mesh nodes is 2,886,504 for
for pump 1, the number of selected meshes is 3,255,253 and the number of mesh nodes is 2,886,504
pump 2. The structured grid of the above calculation domain is shown in Figure 7. The dimensionless
for pump 2. The structured grid of the above calculation domain is shown in Figure 7. The
wall distance y + obtained by viscous grid spacing calculation is below 100 for all flow fields, which
dimensionless wall PEER
distance y + obtained by viscous grid spacing calculation is below 100 for all8 flow
means the meshes
Energies 2020, 13, x FORused in this paper could satisfy the selected RNG k-ε turbulence model.
REVIEW of 26
fields, which means the meshes used in this paper could satisfy the selected RNG k-ε turbulence
model.
(a) (b)
Figure 7. Structure meshes of the model pumps: (a) Pump 1; (b) Pump 2.
Figure 7. Structure meshes of the model pumps: (a) Pump 1; (b) Pump 2.
2.3.4. Boundary Conditions
2.3.4. Boundary Conditions
In this study, the Euler-Euler heterogeneous flow model regardless of the influence of the
In this field
temperature study, the Euler-Euler
is used. heterogeneous
The liquid phase flow
is defined as themodel regardless
continuous phase (ρof =the influence
997.074 kg/m3of) and
the
l
temperature
the field is used. turbulence
RNG k-ε homogeneous The liquid model
phase is
is adopted.
defined as the
The continuous
gas phase as
phase is defined (ρlthe
= 997.074
discretekg/m
phase)
3
and the RNG k-ε homogeneous turbulence model is adopted. The gas phase is defined as the discrete
phase (ρg = 1.185 kg/m3), using the zero-equation theory. The transfer way of the phase-to-phase uses
the particle model and the rotational speed is set to 2900 r/min. At the entrance of the calculation
domain, it is considered that the gas phase is uniformly distributed and we set that the two-phase
inflow velocity is the same and it is uniform bubble flow, the gas phase is a spherical bubble which
Energies 2020, 13, 65 8 of 25
(ρg = 1.185 kg/m3 ), using the zero-equation theory. The transfer way of the phase-to-phase uses the
particle model and the rotational speed is set to 2900 r/min. At the entrance of the calculation domain, it
is considered that the gas phase is uniformly distributed and we set that the two-phase inflow velocity
is the same and it is uniform bubble flow, the gas phase is a spherical bubble which diameter is derived
from the experimental one (0.2 mm), and the inlet gas volume fraction is respectively set to 1%, 3%, 5%,
7%, etc. The interface between impeller and volute is set to frozen rotor for steady calculation, and the
transient rotor stator for the unsteady calculation. The steady calculation result is used as the initial
condition for the unsteady calculation.
In general, the final accuracy of an unsteady simulation is a function of the time step. It would
significantly increase the calculation time if we set a small time step. Courant number defined by
Equation (14) is always used as criterion to judge if the time step satisfies the periodic numerical
simulation [30]:
∆t
Co = v < 100 (14)
L
where L is the smallest size of the grid, v is the main flow velocity and ∆t is the time step. The maximum
v is below 30 m/s, and L is more than 0.1 mm according to the pump geometry and grid information.
The simulation set the time step as 1.7248 × 10−4 s and the total time as 0.2069 s. Then, the calculated
maximum Co is 51.744, which satisfies the time step independence.
The boundary condition at inlet is set according to the actual measured pressure and selected
volume flowrate of air. The turbulence intensity is set to the medium turbulence density (5%). The
boundary condition at outlet is set as mass flow. For wall boundary conditions, the gas boundary
adopts a free-slip wall surface.
3. Experimental Analysis on Pump Handing Ability of Gas Entraining

Each performance test is carried out from a low water flow rate to large water flow rate maintaining
a constant α0 . Then, similar procedures are used to obtain the overall pump performance curves under
different α0 by increasing the volume of entrained air. In order to evaluate the pump handing ability of
gas entrainment regardless of rotational speed, all performance parameters are dimensionless.
3.1. Overall Pump Performance at Single Water Conditions

Figures 8 and 9 respectively show the overall pump performances for head coefficient (Figure 8a,b)
and global efficiency (Figure 9a,b) versus flow coefficient. The pump 2 head coefficient is slightly
higher than that of pump 1 with less influence of the rotational speed, probably due to higher Reynolds
number value based on a higher outlet impeller diameter. Pump 2 is more sensitive to cavitation
problems for high rotational speeds and flow rates. This is the reason why the performance curves
in Figure 8b drop when the flow coefficient is bigger than 0.1, so in terms of single and two-phase
flow performance comparisons, results obtained for rotational speeds lower than 1800 r/min and flow
coefficient below 0.1 can be used. A comparison between head and theoretical head coefficients are
given in Figure 10, respectively, for the same rotational speed values. Theoretical head coefficient
is defined as the ratio of the measured head divided by the measured efficiency. This is the reason
why its value tends to infinity when the flow coefficient close to zero as shown in Figure 10b using
measurement results. The straight line corresponds to the ideal curve obtained from the so-called Euler
equation assuming steady conditions without inlet flow swirl and constant mean relative outlet angle
at the impeller exit.
coefficient is defined as the ratio of the measured head divided by the measured efficiency. This is
coefficient
the reason is defined
why as the
its value ratio
tends toof the measured
infinity when thehead flowdivided by the
coefficient closemeasured
to zero asefficiency.
shown in This
Figureis
the reason why its value tends to infinity when the flow coefficient close to zero
10b using measurement results. The straight line corresponds to the ideal curve obtained from theas shown in Figure
10b using Euler
so-called measurement
equationresults. Thesteady
assuming straightconditions
line corresponds
withouttoinlet
the flow
ideal swirl
curveand
obtained from
constant the
mean
so-called Euler equation assuming
relative outlet angle at the impeller exit. steady conditions without inlet flow swirl and constant mean
Energies 2020, 13, 65 9 of 25
relative outlet angle at the impeller exit.
(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure 8. Pump head coefficients with pure water: (a) Pump 1; (b) Pump 2.
Figure
Figure 8. Pump
Pump head
head coefficients
coefficients with
with pure water: (a)
(a) Pump
Pump 1;
1; (b)
(b) Pump
Pump 2.
2.
(a) (b)
(a)
Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW (b) 10 of 26
Figure 9. Global efficiency of the pump with pure
pure water:
water: (a) Pump 1; (b) Pump 2.
Figure 9. Global efficiency of the pump with pure water: (a) Pump 1; (b) Pump 2.
(a) (b)
Figure 10. Comparison

Comparison with pure water: (a)
(a) Head
Head coefficient;
coefficient; (b) Theoretical head coefficient.
This curve starts from ψ ψth = 11 for

th = for a flow coefficient equal to zero. ItIt fits quite well with the
experimental
experimental one for flow coefficients higher
coefficients higher than 0.065, which value corresponds to 70% of the pump
corresponds
design conditions.
conditions.TheThetwo pumps
two havehave
pumps similar head coefficient
similar curves and
head coefficient theoretical
curves head coefficient
and theoretical head
curves at 1450
coefficient r/min.
curves at 1450 r/min.
3.2. Overall Pump Performance at Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow Conditions
3.2.1. Evolution of Water Flow Rate and Head Coefficient with Increased α0
Figure 11 show the performance maps for the pumps’ rated rotational speeds. Under non-
cavitation conditions, pump 2 is able to pump a high inlet void fraction for a wider range of flow
coefficients with better head coefficients. This can be easily seen for inlet void fractions up to 10% for
This curve starts from ψth = 1 for a flow coefficient equal to zero. It fits quite well with the
experimental one for flow coefficients higher than 0.065, which value corresponds to 70% of the pump
design conditions. The two pumps have similar head coefficient curves and theoretical head
Energies 2020,curves
coefficient 13, 65 at 1450 r/min. 10 of 25

3.2.1.
3.2.1. Evolution
Evolution of
of Water
Water Flow
Flow Rate
Rate and
and Head
Head Coefficient
Coefficient with Increased α
with Increased α0
0
Figure
Figure 11
11 show
show the the performance
performance maps maps for the pumps’
for the pumps’ rated
rated rotational
rotational speeds.
speeds. Under
Under non-non-
cavitation
cavitation conditions, pump 2 is able to pump a high inlet void fraction for a wider range of
conditions, pump 2 is able to pump a high inlet void fraction for a wider range of flow
flow
coefficients
coefficients with
with better
better head
head coefficients.
coefficients. This
This can
can be
be easily
easily seen
seen for
for inlet
inlet void
void fractions
fractions up
up to
to 10%
10% forfor
example. The corresponding theoretical head coefficient curves are presented in
example. The corresponding theoretical head coefficient curves are presented in Figure 12. For pumpFigure 12. For pump
2,
2, aa unique
unique curve
curve is
is obtained
obtained for
for all
all inlet
inlet void
void fraction
fraction values
values upup to
to 10%.
10%. This
This is
is not
not the
the case
case for
for pump
pump
1,
1, for which only a single curve is obtained in the inlet void fraction range from 0% to 8%. The ideal
for which only a single curve is obtained in the inlet void fraction range from 0% to 8%. The ideal
theoretical
theoretical head
head coefficient
coefficient curve,
curve, corresponding
corresponding to to the
the straight
straight line,
line, is
is exactly
exactly the
the same
same one
one for
for both
both
pumps.
pumps. This
This means
means that
that the
the both
both impellers
impellers deliver
deliver the
the same
same mean
mean relative
relative outlet
outlet flow
flow angle
angle for
for flow
flow
coefficients higher than 70% of the nominal one for a maximum
coefficients higher than 70% of the nominal one for a maximum α of 8%. α 0 of 8%.
0
(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 11.
11. Head
Headcoefficient
coefficient at
at different
different inlet air void fractions: (a)
(a) pump
pump 1;
1; (b)
(b) pump
pump 2.
2.
(a) (b)
Figure 12. Theoretical head coefficient at different

different inlet
inlet air
air void
void fractions:
fractions: (a) pump 1; (b) pump 2.
3.2.2. Evolutions of
3.2.2. Evolutions of Theoretical
Theoretical Pump
Pump Degradation
Degradation for
for Two
Two Different
DifferentFlow
FlowRates
Rates
Two-phase
Two-phase headhead coefficient ratio ψ*
coefficient ratio ψ*tptp is often used
is often used to
to characterize
characterize pump
pump degradation
degradation level,
level, as
as is
is
defined by Equation (15).
defined by Equation (15). ψtp ψ is the actual head coefficient under two-phase flow condition,
tp is the actual head coefficient under two-phase flow condition, ψ00 is the
ψ is the
head
head coefficient
coefficient obtained
obtained only
only for
for liquid.
liquid. TheThe corresponding
corresponding curves
curves are
are given
given in
in Figure
Figure 88 for
for the
the two
two
pumps
pumps at the rated rotational speed and three different flow coefficients. For the pump 2 case,can
at the rated rotational speed and three different flow coefficients. For the pump 2 case, it be
it can
observed
be observedthatthat
thethe
more
morethethe
flowflowcoefficient
coefficient decreases,
decreases,thethe
better thethe
better head
headcoefficient ratio
coefficient stays
ratio staysatat
a
high level before pump breakdown. Both pumps exhibit quite close two-phase
a high level before pump breakdown. Both pumps exhibit quite close two-phase performance curve performance curve
degradation levels for flow coefficient value φ = 0.065 (see Figure 13e,f); however, the performance of
pump 1 suddenly drops for α0 = 8–9%, whereas pump 2 is still working for α0 = 10%.
ψ tp
ψ tp* = (15)
ψ0
Two-phase head coefficient ratio ψ*tp is often used to characterize pump degradation level, as is
defined by Equation (15). ψtp is the actual head coefficient under two-phase flow condition, ψ0 is the
head coefficient obtained only for liquid. The corresponding curves are given in Figure 8 for the two
pumps at the rated rotational speed and three different flow coefficients. For the pump 2 case, it can
Energies 2020, 13,that
be observed 65 the more the flow coefficient decreases, the better the head coefficient ratio stays
11 of 25
at
a high level before pump breakdown. Both pumps exhibit quite close two-phase performance curve
degradation levels for flow coefficient value φ = 0.065 (see Figure 13e,f); however, the performance of
degradation levels for flow coefficient value ϕ = 0.065 (see Figure 13e,f); however, the performance of
ψ
ψ tp
ψ *
∗ tp = tp
ψtp = ψ (15)
(15)
ψ00

(a) (b)
(c) (d)
(e) (f)
Figure 13. Two-phase

Figure13. Two-phasehead
headcoefficient
coefficientratio
ratioatatdifferent
differentrotational
rotationalspeed:
speed:(a) Pump1 1ϕφ==0.04;
(a)Pump 0.04;(b)
(b) Pump
Pump
22ϕφ = 0.04; (c)
= 0.04; (c) Pump
Pump 1
1φϕ ==0.058;
0.058;(d) Pump22φϕ==0.058;
(d)Pump 0.058;(e) Pump11φϕ= =
(e)Pump 0.065;
0.065; (f)(f) Pump
Pump 2φ2ϕ = 0.065.
= 0.065.
When
When the
the flow
flow coefficient
coefficientdecreases,
decreases, pump
pump 22always
alwayshas
hasaabetter
betterperformance
performance ratio
ratiocompared
compared
with
with pump 1, for an equivalent rotational speed. This could be related to the differenceof
pump 1, for an equivalent rotational speed. This could be related to the difference of the
the impeller
impeller
radius ratio R2/R1 and the incidence angle variation of both pumps, which are different. Further
analysis should be conducted on these parameters.
Whatever pump is considered, a clear effect of the rotational speed exists for pump two-phase
flow performances as already shown by several authors. Since both pumps have different outlet
impeller radii, it is interesting to compare the performance ratio for the same rotational velocity at
Energies 2020, 13, 65 12 of 25
radius ratio R2 /R1 and the incidence angle variation of both pumps, which are different. Further
analysis should be conducted on these parameters.
Whatever pump is considered, a clear effect of the rotational speed exists for pump two-phase flow
performances as already shown by several authors. Since both pumps have different outlet impeller
radii, it is interesting to compare the performance ratio for the same rotational velocity at impeller
outlet u2 . To do so, a comparison between pump 1 for 1800 r/min and pump 2 for 1450 r/min for ϕ =
0.065 could be done. Both curves look the same up to α0 = 5%. Pump 1 still pumps two phase mixtures
up to 7% before breakdown, so one can conclude that the performance degradation is quite the same
when the impeller outlet rotational speed u2 is the same, but the bigger rotational speed allows one to
extend the pump’s ability to work for higher inlet void fractions. This is probably partly related to the
fact that inlet bubbles are more easily broken at the pump inlet when the rotational speed is bigger.
4. Flow Pattern Analysis Inside the Pump Passage
4.1. Numerical Pump Performance and the Experimental Verification

Figure 14 shows the comparison of pump head coefficient curves and pump efficiency curves
at different α0 between the experiment and the simulation for the two model pumps under a design
rotational speed of 2900 r/min.
(a) (b)
(c) (d)
Comparisonbetween
Figure 14. Comparison betweenexperimental
experimentaland and simulated
simulated results:
results: (a) (a) Pump1
Pump1 head
head coefficient;
coefficient; (b)
(b) Pump1
Pump1 efficiency;
efficiency; (c) Pump2
(c) Pump2 head
head coefficient;
coefficient; (d) (d) Pump2
Pump2 efficiency.
efficiency.
For pump 2, cavitation occurs at high flow rates. However, CFD results are not performed for
For pump 2, cavitation occurs at high flow rates. However, CFD results are not performed for
these conditions, so only results without cavitation flow are shown for pump 2 in order to avoid the
these conditions, so only results without cavitation flow are shown for pump 2 in order to avoid the
interference of cavitation bubbles. As seen from the figures, the test results and the simulation results
maintain a good consistent trend for both head coefficients and efficiency for all selected α0 values.
For pure water conditions, the differences between the experiments and simulation for both
pumps are slightly bigger under larger flowrate than that under a low flowrate. The maximum
Energies 2020, 13, 65 13 of 25
interference of cavitation bubbles. As seen from the figures, the test results and the simulation results
maintain a good consistent trend for both head coefficients and efficiency for all selected α0 values.
For pure water conditions, the differences between the experiments and simulation for both
pumps are slightly bigger under larger flowrate than that under a low flowrate. The maximum residual
of the head is 5.9% and of the efficiency is 1.8% for pump 1, the maximum residual of the head is 4.3%
and of the efficiency is 2.0% for pump 2, which are within the allowable deviation range and can meet
the requirements of subsequent analysis. For two phase flow conditions, the simulation value is in
good agreement with the experimental value, except at a low flowrate for pump 1, which is more
sensitive to bubbly motion. The simulation value of small flow rate and large flow rate of pump 2 is in
poor agreement with the experimental value after α0 reaches 7%, but the trend is the same with the flow
rate. The zone with high efficiency of pump 2 is narrower than that of pump 1. The calculation results
are still reliable up to α0 equal to 3% and rather qualitatively acceptable when α0 reaches 7%, indicating
that the selected Euler-Euler inhomogeneous two-phase flow model is suitable for the simulation of
internal flow of such centrifugal pumps up to α0 equal to 7%.
4.2. Flow Inside the Impeller and Volute Section

Figure 15 shows the air phase distribution inside the impeller passage of different α0 values under
the design
Energies 2020,conditions for REVIEW
13, x FOR PEER two pumps. The relative location of the volute tongue in Figures 15–1814isofthe 26
same. When α0 increases, the local air content inside the impeller passage gradually increases. The air
The
is air is mainly
mainly distributed
distributed on thesuction
on the blade blade suction
side and side
theand thepart
outlet outlet
ofpart of the impeller
the impeller flow passage.
flow passage. Then,
Then,
air air gradually
gradually moves the
moves toward toward
outletthe
of outlet of the flow
the impeller impeller flowalong
passage passage alongsuction
the blade the blade
side.suction
It can
side.be
also It observed
can also be observed
from fromthat
the figures thewhen
figuresα0 that when
reaches 5%,α0the
reaches 5%, separation
air-water the air-water separation
phenomenon
phenomenon
begins to occur begins
at theto occurofatthe
outlet theimpeller
outlet offlow
the passage.
impeller flow passage.when
In particular α0 is 7%,when
In particular α0 is 7%,
the air-water
the air-water
separation separation phenomenon
phenomenon is more obvious, is more obvious,
but the butcoexistence
air-water the air-water
is coexistence
dominant. is dominant.
Air void Air void Air void
(a) (b) ` (c)
(d) (e) (f)
Figure 15. Gas phase distribution

Figure 15. distribution in
in impeller
impeller at differentαα00:: (a) pump1,
at different pump1, αα00=1%;
= 1%;(b) pump1,αα
(b)pump1, 0 = 5%;
0=5%; (c)
(c) pump1,
pump1, α0 = (d)
α0=7%; 7%;pump2,
(d) pump2, α0 (e)
α0=1%; = 1%;
pump2, α0=5%;α(f)
(e) pump2, 0 =α5%;
0=7%. (f) α0 = 7%.
The flow field

The flow field distributions
distributionsofofpump
pump1 and
1 and pump
pump 2 are
2 are similar,
similar, andand
somesome results
results of pump
of pump 1 have1
have been reported before [15,16]. Moreover, pump 2 already shows better handing ability
been reported before [15,16]. Moreover, pump 2 already shows better handing ability for air for air
entrainment, so the follow-up analysis is mainly based on the flow field information of pump 2 then.
Turbulent kinetic energy is a physical quantity (k) commonly used in fluid mechanics to express the
degree of turbulent pulsation. The turbulent intensity is often used to estimate the turbulent kinetic
energy. The general Equation (16) is used to calculate the turbulent kinetic energy. It is a physical
quantity commonly used to describe the loss of the viscosity of the fluid and the extent of the
Energies 2020, 13, 65 14 of 25
entrainment, so the follow-up analysis is mainly based on the flow field information of pump 2 then.
Turbulent kinetic energy is a physical quantity (k) commonly used in fluid mechanics to express
the degree of turbulent pulsation. The turbulent intensity is often used to estimate the turbulent
kinetic energy. The general Equation (16) is used to calculate the turbulent kinetic energy. It is a
physical quantity commonly used to describe the loss of the viscosity of the fluid and the extent of the
pulsation diffusion:
3
TKE = (ul)2 (16)
2
where u represents the average velocity (m/s), l represents the turbulence intensity.
Figure 16 shows the turbulent kinetic energy distribution in the impeller passage for four different
α0 values under design conditions. It can be observed from the figures that as the α0 increases, the
turbulent kinetic energy in the impeller increases gradually, and the distribution in the flow-path of
the impeller is uniform. When the inflow α0 is 7%, the turbulent kinetic energy increases significantly
at the impeller
Energies
Energies 2020,
2020, 13,
outlet
13, xx FOR
andREVIEW
FOR PEER
dissipation is more serious.
PEER REVIEW 15
15 of
of 26
26
(a)
(a) (b)
(b) (c)
(c) (d)
(d)
Figure 16.
16. Turbulent
Figure 16.
Figure kinetic
Turbulent kinetic
Turbulent energy
kinetic energy distribution
energy distribution in
distribution in impeller
impeller of
in impeller of pump
of pump 222 at
pump at differentα
different
at different αα000::: (a)
(a) 1%;
1%; (b)
(b) 3%;
3%;
(c) 5%;
(c) 5%; (d)
(d)7%.
7%.
Figure 17
Figure 17 shows
shows the turbulent kinetic
the turbulent kinetic energy
energydistribution
distributionwhen whenthe theααα000 is 3% under
is 3% under different
different
different four
four
flowrates.
flowrates. As
flowrates. Asseen
As seenfrom
seen from
fromthe the
thefigures,
figures,
figures, when
when
whenthetheα0 isαα3%,
the 00 is the
3%,turbulent
is 3%, the kinetic
the turbulent
turbulent energyenergy
kinetic
kinetic is distributed
energy is evenly
is distributed
distributed
in each impeller
evenly
evenly in each flow-path,
in each impeller and it is theand
impeller flow-path,
flow-path, smallest
and is under
itit is the the design
the smallest
smallest under
underflowthe
conditions.
the design
design flow The turbulent
flow conditions.
conditions. kinetic
The
The
energy
turbulent is larger
kineticunder
energy the issmall
larger flow
undercondition
the smallthan the
flow large flow
condition condition.
than
turbulent kinetic energy is larger under the small flow condition than the large flow condition. The the largeThe high
flow asymmetrical
condition. The
intensity
high in Figure 17a
high asymmetrical
asymmetrical means
intensity
intensity inthe
in distribution
Figure
Figure 17a
17a means
means of the
turbulent kineticof
the distribution
distribution ofenergy
turbulent
turbulent under two energy
kinetic
kinetic phase
energyflow underis
under
also
two related
two phase
phase flowto the
flow is flow
is also rate, which
also related
related to thecorresponds
to the flow
flow rate, to thecorresponds
rate, which
which change on the
corresponds to slope
to the
the changecurveon
change ofthe
on theslope
the theoretical
slope curve
curve
head
of thecoefficient.
of the theoreticalThe
theoretical headsmaller
head coefficient.
coefficient.the flow Therate,
The smaller
smallerthe the
higher
the flowthe
flow kinetic
rate,
rate, the energy,the
the higher
higher theand the more
kinetic
kinetic uneven
energy,
energy, and the
and the
more
more uneven
unevenItthe
distribution. distribution.
rotates
the relative to
distribution. It
It rotates relative
the impeller
rotates relative to
to the
becausetheof impeller because
because of
the rotor-stator
impeller of the
the rotor-stator
interaction, whichinteraction,
rotor-stator is similarly
interaction,
which
which is
referred similarly
isin referred
the literature
similarly referred [15].in
in the
the literature
literature [15].
[15].
(a)
(a) (b)
(b) (c)
(c) (d)
(d)
Figure
Figure 17. 17. Turbulent
Turbulent kinetic
Turbulentkinetic energy
kineticenergy distribution
distributioninin
energydistribution impeller
inimpeller ofof
impeller pump
pump
of 2 at
pump α0αα=
22 at
at 00=3%:
3%: (a)
=3%: 0.6Qddd;; (b)
(a) 0.6Q (b) 0.8Q
0.8Qddd;;
Qddd;; (d)
(c) Q
(c) (d) 1.2Q
1.2Qddd..
Comparing with
Comparing with the
the distribution
distributionof of the
the air
air phase
phase in Figure 15,
in Figure 15, itit can
can be
be seen
seen that
that the
the distribution
distribution
of the turbulent
of the turbulent kinetic
turbulent kinetic energy
kinetic energy is
energy is closely
is closely related
closely related to
related to the
to thedistribution
the distribution of
distribution of the
of theair
the airinside
air inside the
inside theimpeller, that
the impeller,
impeller, is,
that
that
is,
is, the
the more
more thethe air
air void
void fraction,
fraction, the
the greater
greater the
the turbulent
turbulent kinetic
kinetic energy
energy in in this
this region,
region, indicating
indicating
that
that the air accumulation causes the increase of the turbulence level in the flow passage and the
the air accumulation causes the increase of the turbulence level in the flow passage and the loss
loss
of
of the
the fluid
fluid viscous
viscous dissipation,
dissipation, which
which affects
affects the
the exchange
exchange andand transfer
transfer of of fluid
fluid energy
energy inside
inside the
the
impeller
impeller channel,
channel, resulting
resulting in
in the
the falling
falling of
of the
the model
model pump
pump performance.
performance.
Figure
Figure 18 18 shows
shows the
the distribution
distribution of of the
the air
air phase
phase on on the
the iso-surface
iso-surface when when the the air
air content
content is
is 20%
20%
Energies 2020, 13, 65 15 of 25
the more the air void fraction, the greater the turbulent kinetic energy in this region, indicating that the
air accumulation causes the increase of the turbulence level in the flow passage and the loss of the
fluid viscous dissipation, which affects the exchange and transfer of fluid energy inside the impeller
channel, resulting in the falling of the model pump performance.
Figure 18 shows the distribution of the air phase on the iso-surface when the air content is 20% in
the impeller under the rated flow rate. It can be seen that under the same α0 , the lower the air phase
iso-surface, the more the air, and the simulation results show that the iso-surface is almost non-existent
when the air phase is 100%, indicating that the air and the liquid are not completely separated in the
flow path but exist in an air-water mixed state when the inflow air content is within 7%. When the α0
reaches 7%, the bubbles occupy about 40% of the impeller flow-path. Compared with the centrifugal
pump previously studied by the same research group, this centrifugal pump has a stronger ability to
transport air and liquid. Therefore, it is possible to deliver the liquid with higher α0 . The air enters the
volute flow-path from the impeller flow-path and finally flows to the outlet pipe. The bubbles with
high air content gradually move toward the impeller outlet along the blade suction side.
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Figure 18. Contour

Contour map of 20%20% air
air equivalent
equivalent surface in the impeller and volute of pump 2 at different
different
α00: (a)
(a) 1%;
1%; (b)
(b) 3%;
3%; (c)
(c) 5%;
5%; (d)
(d) 7%.
7%.
Inside
Inside the
thevolute
volutechannel,
channel, thethe
air air
withwith
highhigh
air content is mainly
air content distributed
is mainly far fromfar
distributed thefrom
impeller.
the
Around
impeller.the tonguethe
Around area, the air
tongue withthe
area, high
air air
withcontent
high airis mainly
contentdistributed away from the
is mainly distributed away tongue
fromandthe
finally
tongueflows to the outlet
and finally flows pipe,
to thewhich
outletispipe,
consistent
whichwith the flow pattern
is consistent with the distribution
flow patternobserved in the
distribution
literature
observed [5].
in the literature [5].
Figure 19 shows the location
location of of eight
eight volute
volute sections.
sections. Figures 20 and 21 present the air phase
distribution and the velocity streamline of air air phase
phase inside
inside the
the volute
volute passage
passage for differentαα00.. As
for different
observed from the figures, the air void on the front shroud side of each section of the volute flow
passage
passage isis more
more than
than that
that on
on the
the hub
hub side,
side, and as αα00 increases,
and as increases, the local air void in the volute increases
gradually,
gradually, which
which causes
causes the
the velocity
velocity streamline
streamlineto to change
change andand makes
makes itit easy
easy to
to generate
generate vortices.
vortices. The
generation of vortices further aggravates the air stagnation region in this part, resulting in a large air
accumulation.
accumulation. Moreover,
Moreover,this thiswill increase
will increasethethe
vortex intensity
vortex and and
intensity the loss,
the which resultsresults
loss, which in the falling
in the
of the pump
falling of theperformance.
pump performance.It shows It that
showsthethat
air accumulation in the volute
the air accumulation in the flow-path is closely
volute flow-path is related
closely
to the generation
related of vortices
to the generation and deteriorate
of vortices pump performance,
and deteriorate which also
pump performance, affect
which theaffect
also pumpthe handing
pump
ability
handing to ability
sustaintotwo phasetwo
sustain flow.
phase flow.
Figure 19. Location of eight volute sections for pump 2.

gradually,which
gradually, whichcauses
causesthe
thevelocity
velocitystreamline
streamlineto tochange
changeandandmakes
makesititeasy
easytotogenerate
generatevortices.
vortices.TheThe
generation of vortices further aggravates the air stagnation region in this part, resulting
generation of vortices further aggravates the air stagnation region in this part, resulting in a large airin a large air
accumulation. Moreover,
accumulation. Moreover, this
this will
will increase
increase the
the vortex
vortex intensity
intensity and
and the
the loss,
loss, which
which results
results inin the
the
falling of the pump performance. It shows that the air accumulation in the volute flow-path
falling of the pump performance. It shows that the air accumulation in the volute flow-path is closely is closely
related to
related to the generation
generation ofof vortices
vortices and
and deteriorate
deteriorate pump
pump performance,
performance, which
which also
also affect
affect the
the pump
pump
Energies 2020,the
13, 65 16 of 25
handing ability
handing ability to
to sustain
sustain two
two phase
phase flow.
flow.
Figure19.
Figure 19. Location of eight volute sectionsfor
forpump
pump2.2.
Location of eight volute sections

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
(c) (d)
Figure20.
Figure 20.Air
Airphase
phasedistribution
distributionat
atdifferent
differentvolute
volutesections
sectionsof
ofpump differentαα0 0: : (a)
pump22atatdifferent (a) 1%;
1%; (b)
(b) 3%;
3%;
(c)5%;
(c) 5%;(d)
(d)7%.
7%.
(a) (b)
(c) (d)
Figure
Energies 20.65
2020, 13, Air phase distribution at different volute sections of pump 2 at different α0: (a) 1%; (b) 3%;
17 of 25
(c) 5%; (d) 7%.
(a) (b)
(c) (d)
Figure 21.
Figure 21. Air-phase
Air-phase velocity
velocitystreamline
streamlineatatdifferent
differentsections
sectionsofofvolute
voluteofof
pump 2 with
pump different
2 with α0: α(a)
different 0:
1%;1%;
(a) (b)(b)
3%;3%;
(c) (c)
5%;5%;
(d)(d)
7%.7%.
4.3.
4.3. Numerical
Numerical Unsteady
Unsteady Pressure
Pressure Results
Results
4.3.1. Monitoring Point Position
4.3.1. Monitoring Point Position
In order to obtain the pressure pulsation characteristic of each section inside the volute, twelve
In order to obtain the pressure pulsation characteristic of each section inside the volute, twelve
monitoring points are set as follows: the monitoring point P1 is set at the intersection of Section 1 and
monitoring points are set as follows: the monitoring point P1 is set at the intersection of section I and
the middle streamline of the volute flow passage; the monitoring point P3 is set at the intersection of
the middle streamline of the volute flow passage; the monitoring point P3 is set at the intersection of
Section 3 and the middle streamline of the volute flow passage, and so on. By the way, P5b, P5 and
P5d are the points on the V section of the volute, located at the back, middle and bottom of the volute
respectively. Pgs1–4 locate near the tongue on the IX section of the volute. Po is set at the outlet part of
the pump with the same location with the experimental dynamic pressure sensor. The locations of the
monitoring points are shown in Figure 22.
section III and the middle streamline of the volute flow passage, and so on. By the way, P5b, P5 and
P5d are the points on the V section of the volute, located at the back, middle and bottom of the volute
respectively. Pgs1–4 locate near the tongue on the IX section of the volute. Po is set at the outlet part
of the pump
Energies 2020, 13,with
65 the same location with the experimental dynamic pressure sensor. The locations
18 of of
25
the monitoring points are shown in Figure 22.
Figure 22. Location of the monitoring points for pump 2.
4.3.2. Experimental Unsteady

4.3.2. Experimental Unsteady Pressure
Pressure Validation
Validation
During
During this measurement, the sampling frequency
this measurement, the sampling frequency is is set
set to
to 5000
5000 Hz,
Hz, and
and thethe sampling
sampling timetime is set
is set
to 30 s.
to 30 s. After
Afterthe thepump
pumpisisrunning
runningstably
stablyatat a constant
a constant α0 αof0 flowrate
of flowrate fromfromzerozero to pump
to pump break break up,
up, the
the data acquisition system collects the unsteady pressure automatically
data acquisition system collects the unsteady pressure automatically when it starts the acquisition when it starts the acquisition
program.
program. In In this
this test,
test,eacheachworking
workingcondition
conditionisismeasured
measured1010times, times,andandthe theRMSRMS averaging
averaging mode
mode is
is
applied to the 10th measured raw data, and the Hanning window function is used to reduce the
applied to the 10th measured raw data, and the Hanning window function is used to reduce the
measurement
measurement inaccuracy
inaccuracy causedcaused by by the
the leakage.
leakage. Since
Since the outlet part
the outlet part of
of the
the pump
pump has has more
more influence
influence
on
on system
system reliability
reliability for for bigger
bigger absolute pressure than
absolute pressure than thatthat atat the
the inlet
inlet part,
part, the
the pressure
pressure fluctuation
fluctuation
information at the monitoring point Po is used to verify the
information at the monitoring point Po is used to verify the simulation results in this simulation results in this study.
study. In In order
order
to present it in a normalized form, a non-dimensional pressure coefficient
to present it in a normalized form, a non-dimensional pressure coefficient CP expressed as follows is C P expressed as follows
is introduced:
introduced: (p − p)
CP = (17)
C =
(
0.5ρu )
p − p2 2
(17)
where p represents the static pressure (Pa), pP represents 0.5 ρ u2 2 the average of the static pressure (Pa), ρ
represents the density of the air-water mixed fluid (kg/m3 ), u2 represents the circumferential velocity
where
at bladep outlet
represents(m/s).the Thestatic pressure
pressure (Pa), ⎯p
pulsation represents
is further the average
analyzed by using of the
the fast
static pressure
Fourier (Pa), ρ
transform
represents the density of the air-water mixed
(FFT) method under Qd at different α0 values from 0 to 7%. fluid (kg/m 3), u2 represents the circumferential velocity
at blade
Figureoutlet (m/s). The
23 shows pressure pulsation
the spectrum results of Po is further analyzedflow
under different by using the fast
conditions forFourier transform
both experiment
(FFT) method under * Q d at different α0 values from 0 to 7%.
and simulation. CP presents the amplitude at each frequency. f n is the impeller passing frequency.
It canFigure 23 shows
be observed fromthe the
spectrum
figuresresults
that theof Po
mainunder different
frequency offlow conditions
the pressure for both is
pulsation experiment
the blade
and simulation. C P presents the amplitude at each frequency. fn is the impeller passing frequency. It
*
frequency under pure water conditions and even under working conditions where α0 is below 5%
can be
from bothobserved from theand
the experiment figures that the
simulation mainThe
results. frequency
amplitude of the
valuepressure pulsation
at the blade is frequency
passing the blade
frequencyatunder
decreases α0 equal pure water
to 1%, conditions
which indicates andthateven
a smallunderamountworkingof airconditions
entrainment where α0 is below
is actually 5%
beneficial
from both the experiment and simulation results. The amplitude value at
to the flow stability. The appearance of the peak at low frequency increases gradually with the increase the blade passing frequency
decreases
of α0 . Threeat times
α0 equal the to 1%,passing
axial which frequency
indicates that a small amount
is dominant when the of αairisentrainment
5%. The results is actually
of the
0
beneficial to the flow stability. The appearance of the peak at low frequency increases gradually with
numerical simulation present the same trend as those of the experiment, except for a few low frequency
the increase of α0. Three times the axial passing frequency is dominant when the α0 is 5%. The results
characteristics when α0 increases. Physically, the mixture with air will gradually block some of the
flow passage of the impeller when the centrifugal pump delivers an air-water mixture flow, resulting
in a reduction of the water flowrate through the blade channel, which will reduce the local pressure in
the flow path. This will exacerbate the accumulation of air. As a result, the instability of the pressure
pulsation increases, and the fluctuation of pressure pulsation will be more obvious. At the design
some of the flow passage of the impeller when the centrifugal pump delivers an air-water mixture
flow, resulting in a reduction of the water flowrate through the blade channel, which will reduce the
local pressure in the flow path. This will exacerbate the accumulation of air. As a result, the instability
of the pressure pulsation increases, and the fluctuation of pressure pulsation will be more obvious.
At the 2020,
Energies design
13, 65flow point, the initial development of internal cavitation caused by the test system 19 of 25
causes the pressure pulsation to fluctuate greatly under pure water conditions and has a large
amplitude. When the inflow content is 5%, it is found that the main frequency of pressure pulsation
flow
is at point,
1/2 thethe initial
blade development
frequency, and of internal
more cavitation
broadband caused
signal by the
bands aretest system causes
generated nearby.the pressure
Combined
pulsation to fluctuate greatly under pure water conditions and has a large amplitude.
with the changes in the pump performance curve from experiments at this condition, it is explained When the inflow
content is 5%, it has
that cavitation is found that the main
an important frequency
influence of pressure
on external pulsation is
performance at 1/2 the blade
characteristic andfrequency,
dynamic
and more broadband signal bands
characteristics of the centrifugal pump. are generated nearby. Combined with the changes in the pump
performance curve from experiments at this condition, it is explained that cavitation
Figure 24 shows the root-mean-square (RMS) value of the pressure pulsation obtained by has an important
influence
performing onrelated
externalprocessing
performance characteristic
for both experimentandand
dynamic characteristics
simulation results at of
Po.the centrifugal pump.
(a) (b)
Figure 23.
Figure 23. Frequency
Frequency domain
domain diagram
diagram ofof the
the pressure pulsation at
pressure pulsation the outlet
at the outlet section
section of
of pump
pump 22 for
for
different α0
different α 0 under Q d: (a) Experiment; (b) Simulation.
d : (a) Experiment; (b) Simulation.
Figure
As seen24 fromshows the root-mean-square
the figures, (RMS) value
the RMS value gradually of the
decreases as pressure pulsation
the flow rate increases,obtained by
reflecting
the change of
performing the pressure
related processingpulsation
for bothamplitude
experimentduring
and the measured
simulation time at
results period,
Po. indicating that the
pressure
As seenfluctuation
from theisfigures,
greaterthe
under
RMSsmall
valueflow conditions,
gradually which
decreases asisthe
due to the
flow rateunstable
increases, flow under
reflecting
these
the conditions.
change of the Therefore, the internal
pressure pulsation flow conditions
amplitude during thecanmeasured
be reflected byperiod,
time the RMS, which provides
indicating that the
a theoretical
pressure basis for
fluctuation is the monitoring
greater and flow
under small diagnosis of the which
conditions, pump.isUnderdue tothe
thesame
unstableflowflow
condition,
under
with the
these increase Therefore,
conditions. of the α0, the
theRMS increases
internal first and then
flow conditions decreases.
can be reflectedAt bythe
thesame
RMS,αwhich
0, the RMS of the
provides a
design flowbasis
theoretical pointfor
is the
minimal. The greater
monitoring the deviation
and diagnosis of thefrom
pump.theUnder
designthecondition point,
same flow the morewith
condition, the
value.
the This isofdue
increase α0the
the to , theinstability of the first
RMS increases flowand
under thedecreases.
then small flow, Atthis easyαto
theissame 0 , produce
the RMS reflux,
of the
resulting
design in point
flow a largeisfluctuation
minimal. The of pressure
greater thepulsation
deviationat this
fromtime.
the design condition point, the more the
value. This is due to the instability of the flow under the small flow, this is easy to produce reflux,
resulting in a large fluctuation of pressure pulsation at this time.
(a) (b)
Figure 24.
Figure 24. RMS
RMS ofof pressure
pressurepulsation
pulsationatatthe
theoutlet
outletsection
sectionofofpump
pump2 for different
2 for α0 αunder
different Qd:Q(a)
0 under d:
Experiment;
(a) (b)(b)
Experiment; Simulation.
Simulation.
4.3.3. Numerical Pressure Pulsation Analysis Inside the Volute Passage of Pump 2
Figure 25 show the time domain diagram of the pressure for some selected monitoring points
under Qd when air is entrained. As seen from it, the pressure of the impeller will have six “peak-
valley” regular fluctuations in one rotation cycle, which is consistent with the number of model pump
blades in this study. The periodicity of the pressure fluctuation with α0 is 3% became worse than the
case when α0 is 1%. The pressure fluctuation of the monitoring points near the tongue is more intense
(a) (b)
Figure 24. RMS of pressure pulsation at the outlet section of pump 2 for different α0 under Qd: (a)
Energies 2020, 13, 65 20 of 25
Experiment; (b) Simulation.
4.3.3. Numerical
4.3.3. Numerical Pressure
Pressure Pulsation
Pulsation Analysis
Analysis Inside
Inside the
the Volute
VolutePassage
Passageof
ofPump
Pump22
Figure 25
Figure 25 show
show the the time
time domain
domain diagram
diagram of of the
the pressure
pressure for for some
some selected
selected monitoring
monitoring points
points
underQQddwhen
under whenair airisisentrained.
entrained. AsAs seen
seen fromfrom it, the
it, the pressure
pressure of theofimpeller
the impeller willsix
will have have six “peak-
“peak-valley”
valley” regular fluctuations in one rotation cycle, which is consistent with
regular fluctuations in one rotation cycle, which is consistent with the number of model pump blades the number of model pump
in this study. The periodicity of the pressure fluctuation with α0 is 3% became worse than the case
blades in this study. The periodicity of the pressure fluctuation with α0 is 3% became worse than the
when α0 is 1%.
case when α0 is The
1%. pressure
The pressure fluctuation
fluctuation of theofmonitoring
the monitoringpoints points neartongue
near the the tongue is more
is more intense
intense than
than the monitoring points away from the tongue, indicating that the flow
the monitoring points away from the tongue, indicating that the flow instability in the vicinity of the instability in the vicinity
of the tongue
tongue is strong.is As
strong.
can beAs seencanbybetheseen by the comparison
comparison between Figure between
25c,d,Figure 25c,d, fluctuation
the pressure the pressure of
fluctuation of
monitoring monitoring
point Pgs1 is less point Pgs1 than
intense is lessatintense
Pgs2, that thanis,atthe
Pgs2, that is,
pressure the pressure
fluctuation fluctuation
on the on
side of the
the sidenear
tongue of the
thetongue
impeller near the impeller
is smaller than theis smaller
side of thethan the side
tongue of the
in the tongue
volute, in the
which mayvolute, which
be related to
mayaccumulation
the be related to of theairaccumulation
in this position.of air in this position.

(a) (b)
(c) (d)
Figure 25. Time

Figure 25. Time domain diagram of
domain diagram of the
the pressure
pressure for
for pump
pump 22 at
at different
differentαα00:: (a)
(a) P1~P8,
P1~P8, 1%;
1%; (b)
(b) P1~P8,
P1~P8,
3% (c) Pgs1~Pgs4, 1%; (d) gs1~Pgs4, 3%.
3% (c) Pgs1~Pgs4, 1%; (d) gs1~Pgs4, 3%.
Frequency spectrum diagrams

diagrams ofof pressure
pressure the pulsation
pulsation atat four
four different α values for different
monitoring points are presented in Figures 26–28. As As seen
seen from the figures, the amplitude of each
monitoring point isismainly
monitoring point mainlyconcentrated
concentratedininthe
theblade
bladefrequency
frequency and
and itsits double
double frequency.
frequency. When
When α0
thethe
α values are 1% and 3%, the main frequency of the pressure pulsation
values are 1% and 3%, the main frequency of the pressure pulsation is
0 is the blade passing frequency.
passing frequency.
The generation and range of broadband pulsation will gradually increase in the low frequency region
when the αα00 increases.
increases. However,
However, when
when the
the α00 reaches
reaches 5%,
5%, the
the amplitude
amplitude of the pressure pulsation
shaft frequency occupies the main part, which is almost consistent with the results of the pressure
paper.
pulsation test in this paper.
monitoring point is mainly concentrated in the blade frequency and its double frequency. When the
α0 values are 1% and 3%, the main frequency of the pressure pulsation is the blade passing frequency.
The generation and range of broadband pulsation will gradually increase in the low frequency region
when the α0 increases. However, when the α0 reaches 5%, the amplitude of the pressure pulsation
shaft frequency occupies the main part, which is almost consistent with the results of the pressure
Energies 2020, 13, 65 21 of 25
pulsation test in this paper.
(a) (b)
(c) (d)
FigureFigure 26. Frequency

26. Frequency domain
domain diagram
diagram of pressure
of pressure for pump
for pump 2 at 2different α0 along
at different α0 along volute
volute flowflow
passage:
passage:
Energies 2020, (a)
13, x 1%;
FOR (b)
PEER3%; (c)
REVIEW
(a) 1%; (b) 3%; (c) 5%; (d) 7%. 5%; (d) 7%. 22 of 26
(a) (b)
(c) (d)
Figure
Figure 27. Frequency
27. Frequency domain
domain diagram
diagram of of pressure
pressure forforpump differentαα00 near
pump2 2atatdifferent near volute
volute tongue:
tongue:(a)
(a) 1%;
1%; (b) 3%; (c)
(b) 3%; (c) 5%; (d) 7%.5%; (d) 7%.
Figure 28 is the pressure pulsation dominant frequency of the V section of the volute. The
amplitude of the pressure pulsation main frequency is greatly affected by the α0. The basic law is
similar to other monitoring points, but because this position is the farthest from the volute tongue
area and the rotor-stator interaction influence is weakest, leading to the amplitude of the pressure
pulsation main frequency of is the smallest. However, probably because the air is easy to gather here
seen form pre-analysis, the characteristics of low-frequency pulsation in this area are the most
(c) (d)
Figure 27. Frequency domain diagram of pressure for pump 2 at different α0 near volute tongue: (a)
1%;
Energies (b)13,
2020, 3%;65(c) 5%; (d) 7%. 22 of 25
Figure 28 is the pressure pulsation dominant frequency of the V section of the volute. The
Figure
amplitude of28 is
thethepressure
pressurepulsation
pulsation main
dominant frequency
frequency of the Vaffected
is greatly section ofbythe
thevolute.
α0. TheThe amplitude
basic law is
of the pressure pulsation main frequency is greatly affected by the
similar to other monitoring points, but because this position is the farthest α 0 . The basic law is
from the volute similar to
tongue
other monitoring
area and points, interaction
the rotor-stator but becauseinfluence
this position is the farthest
is weakest, leading from
to thethe volute tongue
amplitude of the area and
pressure
the rotor-stator interaction influence is weakest, leading to the amplitude of the pressure
pulsation main frequency of is the smallest. However, probably because the air is easy to gather here pulsation
main
seen frequency of is the smallest.
form pre-analysis, However, probably
the characteristics because the
of low-frequency air is easy
pulsation intothis
gather
areahere
are seen
the form
most
pre-analysis,
obvious. the characteristics of low-frequency pulsation in this area are the most obvious.

(a) (b)
(c) (d)
Figure 28.
Figure 28. Frequency domain diagram
diagram of
of pressure
pressure for pump
pump 2 at different α
α00 near
near section
section V:
V: (a) 1%;
(b) 3%; (c) 5%; (d) 7%.
5. Conclusions
5. Conclusions
Based
Based on
on experimental
experimental investigations,
investigations, overall
overall performance comparisons between
performance comparisons between twotwo different
different
centrifugal
centrifugal pump
pumpdesigns
designshave
havebeen
beenpresented
presentedunder two-phase
under flow
two-phase conditions
flow for different
conditions inlet void
for different inlet
fractions and rotational speeds. A full 3D-URANS simulation using the Euler–Euler
void fractions and rotational speeds. A full 3D-URANS simulation using the Euler–Euler inhomogeneous
two-phase flow model
inhomogeneous was flow
two-phase carried out to
model wasdetermine theto
carried out flow characteristics.
determine the flowThe following main
characteristics. The
conclusions
following mainare conclusions
obtained through analyzing
are obtained the experimental
through analyzing theand numerical results
experimental of the selected
and numerical results
model pumps: model pumps:
of the selected
(1) Pump
Pump 22 isis less
less sensitive
sensitive to
to gas-liquid
gas-liquid two-phase flow than pump 1. For For the
the rated
rated rotational
rotational speed
of 2900
of 2900 r/min,
r/min, pump
pump 22 still
still able
able to
to deliver
deliver two-phase
two-phase mixtures
mixtures upup toto 10%
10% before
before pump
pump shut-off,
shut-off,
whereas pump 1 is limited to 8%. The
whereas The performance
performance degradation of both pumps is quite the same
for equivalent
for equivalent impeller
impelleroutlet
outletrotational speed,
rotational butbut
speed, a greater rotational
a greater speedspeed
rotational allowsallows
one to extend
one to
the pump’s
extend the ability
pump’sto ability
work for tohigher
work inlet air voidinlet
for higher fractions. For afractions.
air void given angular
For arotational speed,
given angular
a greater impeller
rotational outlet radius
speed, a greater impellerallows one
outlet to extend
radius allows the pump’s
one ability
to extend to work ability
the pump’s at higher inlet
to work
void
at fractions.
higher inlet void fractions.
(2) The pump performance obtained by simulation under inlet air void fractions below 7% are
consistent with the experimental ones, indicating that the selected Euler-Euler heterogeneous
flow model can satisfy the calculation needs under low inlet air void fraction conditions. The
degradation slope of the simulation curves increases more when the inlet void fraction increases,
with a negative signof the decreasing head and efficiency.
(3) The generation of vortices intensifies the accumulation of air, and then affects the energy
Energies 2020, 13, 65 23 of 25
(2) The pump performance obtained by simulation under inlet air void fractions below 7% are
consistent with the experimental ones, indicating that the selected Euler-Euler heterogeneous
flow model can satisfy the calculation needs under low inlet air void fraction conditions. The
degradation slope of the simulation curves increases more when the inlet void fraction increases,
with a negative signof the decreasing head and efficiency.
(3) The generation of vortices intensifies the accumulation of air, and then affects the energy exchange
and transfer of the rotating impeller, resulting in the degradation of pump performance. Bubbles
always gather on the suction side of the blade surface at first, and gradually gather in the entire
flow passage with the increase of inlet air void fraction. Some bubbles flow exiting from the
impeller outlet move to the volute, gather along the wall surface and finally are forced to the
outlet pipe. The phenomenon of air-water separation begins when the inlet air content is 5%.
(4) Pressure pulsation is mainly caused by rotor-stator interaction between impeller and volutes and
vortices in the whole flow passage. The addition of air fraction in the flow-path leads to intensify
the degree of vortices. The time domain diagram of pressure for the monitoring points under
different α0 presents six “peak-valley” periodic variation rules consistent with the number of
blades, and the pulsation pressure fluctuation near the volute tongue is greater than that far away
from the tongue. The pressure pulsation amplitude at low frequency area gradually increases
with the increase of α0 and produces broadband pulsation. Its range gradually widens with
the increase of α0 . When α0 reaches to 5%, the pressure pulsation amplitude at shaft passing
frequency account for the main part, which is consistent with the test results.
Author Contributions: Investigation—writing—review and editing, Q.S. and G.B.; data curation, Q.C. and M.L.;
methodology—funding acquisition, S.Y.; validation, H.Z.; formal analysis, G.B. All authors have read and agreed
to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFC0810500), National Natural
Foundation of China (51976079, 51779107), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2019M661745) and Senior
Talent Foundation of Jiangsu University (15JDG048).
Acknowledgments: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support by National Key Research and
Development Program of China, National Natural Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation
and Senior Talent Foundation of Jiangsu University.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Nomenclature
b impeller blade width
Cp pressure coefficient
CD resistance coefficient
D diameter
f frequency
f0 shaft passing frequency
H pump head
k phase
n rotational speed
Q0.5
ns specific speed ns = 3.65n ·
( gH )0.75
N grid numbers
P shaft power
p static pressure
Q volume flow rate
R radius
t tip between impeller and casing
TKE turbulent kinetic energy
Energies 2020, 13, 65 24 of 25
u circular velocity
Z impeller blade number
z height
Greek symbols
α inlet air void fraction
β blade angle
η global efficiency of the pump
v water cinematic viscosity
ϕ flow coefficient
ρ density of fluid mixture
ω angular velocity
ψ head coefficient
Subscripts
B bubble
d design condition
g gas
i relative to inlet condition
imp relative to impeller
l liquid
s suction
tp related to two-phase condition
th theoretical
o outlet
0 related to α equal zero
1 impeller pump inlet
2 impeller pump outlet
* non dimensional value
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energies

Energies 2020, 13, 65; doi:10.3390/en13010065 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Data acquisition and Mass flow controller

Energies 2020, 13, 65 ρ = (1 − α ) ρ l + αρ g (4)

Static pressure sensors Head

Electromagnetic flow meter Flow rate

Barometer pressure sensors Inlet air void fraction

Dynamic pressure sensors Pressure fluctuation

Figure 3. The signal acquisition process.

2.3. Numerical Model

2.3.1. The Euler–Euler Inhomogeneous Multi-phase Flow Model

Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 26

2.3.3. Meshing and Irrelevance Verification

Figure 6. Grid independence check for the two pump domains.

3. Experimental Analysis on Pump Handing Ability of Gas Entraining

3.1. Overall Pump Performance at Single Water Conditions

Figure 10. Comparison

This curve starts from ψ ψth = 11 for

3.2. Overall Pump Performance at Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow Conditions

3.2. Overall Pump Performance at Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow Conditions

Figure 12. Theoretical head coefficient at different

Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 26

Figure 13. Two-phase

4. Flow Pattern Analysis Inside the Pump Passage

4.1. Numerical Pump Performance and the Experimental Verification

4.2. Flow Inside the Impeller and Volute Section

Air void Air void Air void

(a) (b) ` (c)

(d) (e) (f)

Figure 15. Gas phase distribution

The flow field

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Figure 18. Contour

Figure 19. Location of eight volute sections for pump 2.

Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 17 of 26

Figure 22. Location of the monitoring points for pump 2.

4.3.2. Experimental Unsteady

Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 21 of 26

Figure 25. Time

Frequency spectrum diagrams

FigureFigure 26. Frequency

Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 23 of 26

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