FLOW FIELD OF

AN IMPELLER
Module Code: NG3S239
Module Title: Computational Fluid Dynamics
Student Name: Kudzai Mutasa
Student Number: 11001259
Lecturer: Dr. Talal Maksoud

12/5/2013

1.0

ABSTRACT

Flow Field of an Impeller

Turbomachinery has a great many number of uses in modern engineering and various components have
different bearings on machinery performance. In this study a centrifugal pump impeller, commonly used to
mix slurries of chemicals or to pump water, was modelled in solidworks and analyzed as it rotated around a
centre in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package Phoenics. The impeller hub was modified from 30mm
length to 50mm length as well as the angular rotation speed at 600rpm, 1500rpm and 3000rpm. An inlet
velocity on 25m/s was used due to the impellers low speed application and it was discovered that an increase
in impeller hub length resulted in an overall decrease of the pressure domain as well as increase in velocity
between hub and impeller blades. Hub geometry modification also reduced overall efficiency of the impeller.

CONTENTS
1.0

Abstract........................................................................................................................................................................1

2.0

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................3

2.1

Turbomachinery ....................................................................................................................................................3

2.2

Centrifugal Pumps.................................................................................................................................................4

2.2.1

The Impeller.......................................................................................................................................................5

2.2.2

Slip Factor ..........................................................................................................................................................6

2.2.3 The effect of impeller blade shape on perfomance........................................................................................8

3.0

Case Study: improving centrifugal pump efficiency by impeller trimming......................................................9

3.1

Impeller trimming .................................................................................................................................................9

3.2

Experimental procedure ................................................................................................................................... 10

3.3

Results and Conclusion...................................................................................................................................... 10

3.0

Flow field investigation of impeller at changing hub design........................................................................... 12

3.1

Impeller selection and modification............................................................................................................... 12

3.2

Results and Discussion ...................................................................................................................................... 14

3.2.1

Dome shaped Impeller ................................................................................................................................. 14

3.2.2

Cone shaped Impeller ................................................................................................................................... 18

3.2.3

Graphical Pressure and velocity variation along domain length .......................................................... 22

3.2.4

Effect of rpm variations on impeller .......................................................................................................... 24

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3.2.5

Flow Field of an Impeller

Effect of shape on impeller performance ................................................................................................. 27

4.0

Conclusion and future improvements to the analysis...................................................................................... 27

5.0

References ................................................................................................................................................................ 28

6.0

Appendices ............................................................................................................................................................... 29

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2.0

INTRODUCTION

2.1

TURBOMACHINERY

Flow Field of an Impeller

A turbomachine can be defined as a device in which energy transfer occurs between a flowing fluid and a
rotating element due to dynamic action, and results in a change in pressure and momentum of the fluid, as
stated by Gorla and Khan (2003). Mechanical energy transfer can occur either inside or outside of the
turbomachine and usually in a steady flow process. The turbomachine extracts energy from or imparts energy
to a continuously moving stream of fluid except for in a positive displacement machine, where it is
intermittent. There are various types of turbomachines and Gorla and Khan (2003) classify them as follows.
1.

2.

Turbomachines in which
(i)
work is done by the fluid and
(ii)
work is done on the fluid
Turbomachines in which fluid moves through the rotating member in axial direction with no radial
movement of the streamlines.

Turbomachines can further be classified as follows

a)
b)
c)
d)

Turbines- machines that produce power by expansion of a continuously flowing fluid to a lower
pressure
Pumps- machines that increase the pressure or head of flowing fluid
Fans- these machines impart only a small pressure rise to a continuously flowing gas; usually with the
gas being considered incompressible
Compressors- machines that impart kinetic energy to a gas by compressing it and then allowing it to
rapidly expand.

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Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 1 turbomachinery

2.2

CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

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Flow Field of an Impeller

Gorla and Khan (2003) mention that there are three important parts to centrifugal pumps which are
1)
2)

The impeller,
The volute casing and

3)

The diffuser

2.2.1 THE IMPELLER

The centrifugal pump is used to raise liquids from a lower to a higher level by creating the required pressure
with the help of centrifugal action. Whirling motion will be imparted to the liquid by means of backward
curved blades mounted on a wheel known as an impeller. As the impeller rotates, fluid drawn into the blade
passages at the impeller inlet or eye and is accelerated as it is forced radially outwards. This enables the static
pressure at the outward radius to be much higher than at the eye inlet radius.

Figure 2

The high pressure fluid is then led to the pump casing at high velocity and in order to recover this kinetic
energy into pressure energy, diffuser blades are mounted on a diffuser ring. The stationary blade passages
have an increasing cross-sectional area and as the fluid moves through them, diffusion action takes place and
hence kinetic energy converted into pressure energy. The fluid then moves from the diffuser blades into the
volute casing, which collects water and conveys it to the pump outlet. Figure 2 shows a centrifugal pump
impeller with its velocity triangles at the inlet and outlet.

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Flow Field of an Impeller

For best pump efficiency, Gorla and Khan (2003) mention that it should be assumed that water enters the
pump radially at 1 =90 and1 = 0. Using Eulers pump equation, the work done per second on the water per

unit mass of fluid flowing is

= 2 2 1 1

Where =component of absolute velocity in the tangential direction, E =Euler head, representing the
theoretical head developed by the impeller only.
The flow rate is given as follows
= 21 1 1 = 22 2 2

Where = radial component of absolute velocity, perpendicular to the tangent at inlet and outlet. b= width of
the blade
Work done on the water by the pump consists of the following parts
1.
2.
3.

2
2
2 1

2212
2
22 12
2

the change in kinetic energy of the liquid

the effect of the centrifugal head or energy produced by the impeller
the change in static pressure of the liquid, if impeller losses are neglected

2.2.2 SLIP FACTOR

Gorla and Khan (2003) deduce from presented information how there is no assurance that the actual fluid will
follow the blade shape, leaving the impeller in a radial direction. Figure 3 illustrates velocity triangles at
impeller tip, with 2 being the angle at which the fluid leaves the impeller and 2 the actual blade angle. 2
and 2 are tangential components of absolute velocity corresponding to angles 2 and 2 respectively.
Therefore the difference is defined as the slip.

Figure 3: velocity triangle at impeller outlet with slip. Courtesy of Gorla and Khan (2003), section 2.4 fig 2.2

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Slip factor,

Flow Field of an Impeller

Gorla and Khan (2003) refer to Stodolas theory which states that
slip in centrifugal pumps and impellers is due to relative rotation of fluid in a direction opposite to that of
impeller with the same angular velocity as that of an impeller.

Figure 4: Pressure distribution on an impeller vane, LP=low pressure, HP= high pressure

Figure 4 shows the leading side of the blade where a high pressure region is present while a low pressure
region is present on the trailing side. Due to the lower pressure region on the trailing face, a higher velocity as
well as a velocity gradient will be present across the passage. The flow may separate from the suction surface
of the blade due to the fact that the pressure distribution is associated with the existence of circulation around
the blade. This will mean that low velocity on high pressure side and high velocity on the low pressure side as
well as velocity distribution will not be uniform along any radius, as Gorla and Khan (2003) state. This would
mean that 2 < 2 and the difference is defined as slip. The net result will be that fluid is discharged from
the impeller at an angle relative to the impeller, which is less than the vane angle.

Slip factor,

2
2

For purely radial blades, used in centrifugal compressors, 2 = 90 and the Stodola slip factor becomes as

follows

= 1

Where n=number of vanes. Stanitz slip factor is given as follows

=1

0.63

When a slip factor is applied, the Euler pump equation becomes

= 2 2 1 1

Typically, the slip factor lies in the region of 0.9 and slip occurs even when the fluid is ideal

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Flow Field of an Impeller

2.2.3 THE EFFECT OF IMPELLER BLADE SHAPE ON PERFOMANCE

Gorla and Khan (2003) classify blade shapes as follows

1.
2.
3.

Backward curved blades (2 < 90

Radial blades (2 = 90)

Forward-curved blades (2 > 90)

Figure 5

As the figure illustrates, for backward-curved vanes, the value of 2 is greatly reduced therefore such rotors
will have a low energy transfer for a given impeller tip speed, with forward-curved vanes having a high value
for energy transfer. This would imply that high values of 2 are favourable however these will also lead to a
very high value for2. High kinetic energy isnt usually required and its reduction to static pressure by diffusion
in a fixed casing is difficult to perform in a reasonable sized casing. Radial vanes have particular advantages for
very high speed compressors where the required pressure must be as high as possible.

Figure 6 characteristics for

varying outlet blade angle; courtesy of Gorla and Khan (2003)

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Flow Field of an Impeller

Radial vanes are relatively easy to manufacture and introduce no complex bending stresses as illustrated by
figure 6.

3.0
CASE STUDY: IMPROVING CENTRIFUGAL PUMP EFFICIENCY BY IMPELLER
TRIMMING

Savar, Kozmar and Sutlovic (2008) investigate a method on improving efficiency in centrifugal pumps of
impeller trimming which is said to be used by manufacturers worldwide. A centrifugal pump impeller of low
specific speed was trimmed and test results were successful having performed a number of experiments.

3.1

IMPELLER TRIMMING

Impeller trimming involves machining of the impeller to improve its diameter and is based on affinity laws
which state that pump impellers are considered to be similar if they satisfy geometric and kinematic similarity
conditions, which were investigated by Tsang (1992).
However after the impeller had been trimmed, it was noted that geometric and kinematic similarity conditions
were not completely preserved. This came in the form of not being able to obtain some characteristic
dimensions such as ratio between impeller width and outlet diameter or impeller inlet to outlet diameter ratio.
Kinematic similarity was not obtained because impeller blade angle varied with radius. On the other hand the
following similarity conditions were satisfied in many elements to mention a few:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Impeller shape
Impeller disposition
Number of impeller blades
Kinematic conditions at the inlet

5.

Ratio between impeller width and inlet diameter

Figure 7 impeller dimensions before initial trimming and after final trimming

~9~

Flow Field of an Impeller

For the purpose of this experiment, the impeller was trimmed seven times by successively reducing the outlet
diameter by a 10mm step on a low specific speed centrifugal pump of specific speed
{ }...

0 .750.5

{} ... {} 3/
{} 0.75

Where n=speed of rotation, Q=discharge and H=pump head

3.2

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Figure 8 experimental apparatus

The impeller investigated had seven single radius curved blades and was trimmed in 10mm steps from the
initial diameter D=190mm to the final D=130mm (figure 7) and the width was kept constant at 4mm. the pump
characteristics were recorded for each of the impeller outlet diameters.
Pump characteristics were determined by measuring the following quantities at various discharge rates which
was tuned using a control valve.

3.3

a)
b)
c)
d)

Pressure rise across the pump and flow meter

Shaft moment
Rotation speed
Water temperature

e)

Ambient pressure

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

~ 10 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

The results were plotted on a head versus discharge diagram (figure 9) and pump characteristics were
depicted in the form of non-dimensional diagrams using the following characteristic coefficients:
-head coefficient

-flow coefficient

2
2

Where H=pump head, D=impeller outlet diameter, u=peripheral velocity at the impeller outlet diameter,
g=9.80665 m/ 2 is the gravitational constant, b=impeller width, A=impeller outlet surface area A=Db.

Figure 9 Head vs. discharge diagram

~ 11 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 10

Savar, Kozmar and Sutlovic (2008) deduce the meaning of these coefficients being that each pair of
dimensional values of discharge Q and head H has its own non-dimensional counterparts and . Result were
displayed in the non-dimensional form in a diagram as well as trend lines for all diameters and affinity
law line and = ( ). This function was derived from the initial value of the diameter with its adherence to
the trend line being observed. It was noticed that as the impeller diameter decreased, impeller efficiency
decreased significantly.

In summary, the above method of pump impeller trimming found good experimental confirmation despite
some theoretical constraints. Taking into account the relatively small measuring error it could be concluded
that the disregarded geometry similarity by impeller only trimming showed strict adherence to affinity law,
despite minor discrepancies.

3.0

FLOW FIELD INVESTIGATION OF IMPELLER AT CHANGING HUB DESIGN

3.1

IMPELLER SELECTION AND MODIFICATION

~ 12 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 11 centrifugal pump impeller

A centrifugal pump impeller was selected and the flow of various hub configurations was investigated with
constant thickness. The impeller was then modified do increase the hub length to 30mm and a dome shape
was selected and for such impellers, Stodola slip factor is low. The following parameters were then varied and
assessed
a)
b)
c)

Impeller hub length

Angular velocity of rotation
Impeller hub shape

Impeller characteristics were determined in the post-processing stage and were classified as follows
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)

Pressure range across the domain

Flow velocity vectors along the hub
Velocity decrease on hub approach with varying shape
Effect of hub shape on impeller performance
Effect of rpm variations on the impeller

~ 13 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

Perimeter

Size

Number of blades

Inlet velocity (m/s)

25

Hub length

30mm
50mm

Hub shape

Dome shaped
Cone shaped

Table 1

All stagnation points were represented with an S on the diagrams.

3.2

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.2.1 DOME SHAPED IMPELLER

A) HUB LENGTH: 30MM VERSUS 50MM AT 600RPM

i)

Pressure range variation

The results revealed a similar pressure field however the maximum pressure for the 30mm length
hub in the domain was greater than for the 50mm hub length impeller. The 50mm length
impeller showed greater negative values possibly due to more recirculation.

~ 14 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 12 30mm shaft length

Pressure gradient is greater at 30mm

possibly due to more sudden change in
impeller geometry across domain

Figure 13 50mm shaft length

ii)

Velocity field

Figure 14 and 15 below show the variation of the inlet approach velocity with hub length. The highlighted
areas indicate the presence of this phenomenon. Figure 14 displays only 2 different velocity fields whereas
figure 15 shows 3 different flow fields, possibly due to the difference in hub length.

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Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 14 30mm velocity field

Zone of recirculation of flow varies between

hub lengths also reducing stagnation points.

Figure 15 50mm velocity field

30mm

50mm

Pressure range(Pa)

3160-(-10067.5)

2215-(-12582)

Average pressure value

434.1

301.1

Velocity range

1.0-135.1

0.8-123.0

Average velocity value

25.9

24.6

Table 2

B) 30MM VERSUS 50MM AT 1500RPM

~ 16 ~

i)

Flow Field of an Impeller

Pressure range variation

The results display a distinct variation in the pressure field behind the impeller while the flow
field in front is almost identical. At 1500rpm the difference becomes distinct that is caused by the
variation in hub length.

Figure 16 30mm length pressure field

Possible impeller zone whose shape is

responsible for flow variation. There is a
clear distinction between the value for
pressure behind the impeller.

Figure 17 50mm length pressure field

ii)

Velocity field
The approach field representing velocity varies drastically at the two impeller lengths,

~ 17 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

5 different velocity fields

present. Flow is then
accelerated by blades.

Figure 18 30mm hub velocity field

Inlet flow is affected sooner

by hub, due to increased
length. Stagnation point
present.
Figure 19 50mm hub velocity field

Pressure range(Pa)

30mm

50mm

2055.0-(-2234)

1507.6-(-4156.6)

Average pressure value

Velocity range

342.2
1.9-74.9

1.8-77.1

Average velocity value

24.0

Table 3

3.2.2 CONE SHAPED IMPELLER

~ 18 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

A second shape was also put through the same design constraints and the fields were analysed so as to
validate the variation in flow phenomenon with impeller hub length.

A) HUB LENGTH: 30MM VERSUS 50MM AT 1500RPM

i)

Pressure field after impeller

The increased speed of rotation evidently displays a decrease in the pressure of the domain. The
flow reduces pressure immediately behind the impeller and is maximum at the tip of the cone.

Figure 20 30mm cone shaped impeller pressure field

Noticeable pressure drop,

not as high as with the dome
shaped impeller.

Figure 21 50mm cone shaped impeller pressure field

No stagnation points present [roving

reduction of impeller efficiency.

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Flow Field of an Impeller

iii)

Velocity field approaching impeller

The figure below displays the velocity flow field and stagnation points are visible. The speed of air is slowed
down by the impeller from the yellow zone to the green zone upon reaching the tip of the cone.

Variable flow separation. Flow becomes more

excited at due to the impeller hub geometry change,

Figure 22 30mm cone shaped impeller velocity field

Flow almost identical

upon approach,
however separation
still visible.

Figure 23 50mm cone shaped impeller velocity fields

The table below indicates how the velocity range is almost identical showing the domain shows little variation
with impeller length.

30mm

50mm

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Flow Field of an Impeller

Pressure range(Pa)

647.9-(-330.1)

723.3-(-373.5)

Velocity range

0.15-38.2

0.17-38.19

Table 4

B) 30MM VERSUS 50MM AT 1500RPM

I)

Pressure field
The results of the cone shaped impeller reveal varying results at each impeller hub length. At
30mm pressure is decreasing at the blades as shown and is approximately constant towards the
outlet. Pressure is higher beyond the impeller for the 50mm length impeller.

Figure 24 30mm hub pressure field

Pressure decrease is more

recognisable at 30mm. hub length
increases

Figure
25 50mm hub pressure field

~ 21 ~

i)

Velocity field

Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 26 30mm velocity field

There is a notable increase of velocity at

blades with similar observations as with
600rpm values.

Figure 27 50mm velocity field

30mm

50mm

Pressure range(Pa)

647.9-(-330.1)

723.3-(-373.5)

Velocity range

0.15-38.2

0.17-38.19

Table 5

3.2.3 GRAPHICAL PRESSURE AND VELOCITY VARIATION ALONG DOMAIN LENGTH

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Flow Field of an Impeller

A) PRESSURE
The figures below illustrate the variation of pressure with distance from the inlet. Despite the graphs being
similar to 600rpm the values indicate that pressure decreases as displayed by the maximum and minimum
values of the y-axis. The gradient also reduces from hub tip to blade tip with the increase in angular rotation.

Figure 28 Table 6 pressure vs distance for a) 30mm at 600rpm with pressure field insert(top left), b) 50mm at 600rpm(top right), c)
30mm at 1500rpm with pressure field insert (bottom left) and d) 50mm at 1500rpm (bottom right)

B) VELOCITY

The variation of velocity along the domain length is displayed with the stagnation zones displayed. Maximum
velocity values are observed to decrease with variation in impeller geometry of the hub and this could be
attributed to the shorter radius of curvature from hub tip to blade tip.

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Flow Field of an Impeller

Stagnation
zones

Figure 29 velocity vs. distance for a) 30mm at 600rpm(top left), b) 50mm at 600rpm(top right), c) 30mm at 1500rpm(bottom left) and
d) 50mm at 1500rpm (bottom right)

Similar results were obtained for the cone shaped impeller as well.

3.2.4 EFFECT OF RPM VARIATIONS ON IMPELLER

~ 24 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

The cone shaped impeller at 30mm hub length was analysed at three different angular rotation speeds in
order to study the effects of rpm variations on the impeller performance. The figures below display the results
of the impeller at 3000rpm and these were compared with 300rpm and 1500rpm results. The impeller selected
had backward curved which as earlier discussed produce low energy transfer for a given impeller tip speed.
Therefore the transfer of flow reduced in efficiency upon reaching 300rpm and 1500rpm revealed the best
performance values of the impeller.

Figure 30 30mm hub at 3000rom

Velocity gradient is high as

compared to lower
rotational speeds.

Figure 31 50mm hub at 3000rpm

The pressure drop behind the impeller is not as noticeable

in this case. The high speed of rotation results in a lower
efficiency of the blades hence most of the air is
unaffected. Figure 32 displays ideally the path air should
follow upon approach of the hub and blades.

~ 25 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 32 ideal flow of air at 1500rpm

Figure 33 surface contours for 30mm impeller at 3000rpm

600rpm

1500rpm

3000rpm

Pressure range(Pa)

3160-(-10067.5)

647.9-(-330.1)

4023.8-(-8053.5)

Average pressure value

434.1

Velocity range

1.0-135.1

Average velocity value

25.9

497.43
0.15-38.2

3.1-132.1
34.0

Table 6

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Flow Field of an Impeller

3.2.5 EFFECT OF SHAPE ON IMPELLER PERFORMANCE

Figure 34 30mm cone shaped hub versus dome shaped hub at 600rpm pressure contours

Figure 33 above displays the difference in pressure distribution on the hub of the impeller. The dome shaped
impeller experiences higher pressure up to the leading edge of the blades as the flow of air is more evenly
distributed. The cone shaped impeller however displays a number of pressure fields developing from the
impeller tip to the blades with a greater pressure gradient. Therefore a dome-shaped impeller produces more
evenly distributed flow.

4.0

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ANALYSIS

The following phenomena were achieved in Computational Fluid Analysis of the impeller with varying hub
length and shape.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Hub length increase causes a decrease in overall pressure

Hub length increase results in increase in velocity between hub and impeller blades
Hub length increase results in a decrease in stagnation zones
Impeller blades cause an increase in velocity and pressure being the impeller.
Pressure behind the impeller was low as compared to In front of the impeller

f)

An increase in rotational speed of the impeller resulted in lower impeller efficiency.

It was however noted that this basic approach to CFD may not have been sufficient enough to fully analyse the
performance of the impeller, despite its low efficiency. In future the following parameters may be
implemented
i)
ii)
iii)

Solution verification and validation equations may be implemented

Modification of the inlet velocity and domain may be performed in order to observe any changes.
A greater number of angular velocities may be analysed e.g. 400rpm, 500rpm. 600rpm, etc.

iv)

Parsol and finite grid volume modelling for each of the impeller shapes

~ 27 ~

5.0

REFERENCES

Flow Field of an Impeller

R. S. R. Gorla, A. A. Khan, 2003, Turbomachinery design and theory, Marcel Dekker, New York, U.S.A.
M. Savar, H. Kozmar, I. Sutlovic, 2009, Improving centrifugal pump efficiency by impeller trimming,
Desalination 249, p.654-659, [online], available at
http://www.sciencedirect.com.ergo.glam.ac.uk/science/article/pii/S0011916409008388 (04-12-2013)

~ 28 ~

6.0

APPENDICES

Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 35 dome shaped 30mm hub at 600rpm surface pressure contours

Figure 36 dome shaped 50mm hub at 600rpm surface pressure contours

~ 29 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 37 dome shaped 30mm hub at 1500rpm surface velocity contours

Figure 38 dome shaped 30mm hub at 1500rpm surface pressure contours

~ 30 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 39 dome shaped 50mm hub at 1500rpm velocity streamlines

Figure 40 dome shaped 50mm hub at 1500rpm surface velocity contours

~ 31 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 41 dome shaped 50mm hub at 1500rpm surface pressure contours

Figure 42 cone shaped 30mm hub at 600rpm pressure streamlines

~ 32 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 43 cone shaped 30mm hub at 600rpm velocity streamlines

Figure 44 cone shaped 30mm hub at 1500rpm pressure streamlines

~ 33 ~

Flow Field of an Impeller

Figure 45 cone shaped 30mm hub at 1500rpm velocity streamlines

Figure 46 impeller dome shape

~ 34 ~