COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS TO OPTIMIZE THE DESIGN PARAMETERS FOR BEST EFFICIENCY IN NON-CAVITATING LIMITS

Abstract

Computer aided design of centrifugal pumps for quick solutions requires an awareness of basic design para-meters and judicious application of design approaches. Preliminary computer programme, with an example given in Appendix A, is based on the parameters as detailed in Chapter-IV. The example shows the approach of computer aided design for quick results and easy manipulation of design parameters for optimum values. Volute casing design example in Appendix B and design methods for volute recupe-rators in Chapter III are shown with a logical relation of the flow and volute shape to stress the importance of impeller and volute matching for best efficiency. An approach is suggested in Chapter II to study the blade geometry for some relative velocity curves. In Chapter V s the effects of cavitation and its importance in' pump design are discussed by comparing various parameters viz., Thoma's Sigma, Suction Specific Speed and Suction Number. Suction specific speed has been ` found to have advantages over other parameters. A computer programs is given in Appendix C for obtaining pump perfor-mance characteristic curves.