A Stratified-Flow Model for Centrifugal Pump Performance Under Two-Phase Flow Conditions

Abstract

A stratified-flow model has been developed to describe the steady-state operation of a certifugal pump under forward rotation, forward two-phase flow conditions. The model assumes that under these conditions, the two-phase mixture becomes stratified, with the liquid flowing along the impeller blade pressure surfaces and along the outer periphery of the volute. Model predictions of the head are compared with new data obtained in air-water flow in a transparent test pump. Theory agrees favourably with experiment. The experimental observations also support the basic assumption of flow stratification in the pump.