Experimental Investigation of the Full Flow Field in a Molten Salt Pump by Particle Image Velocimetry

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology was used to study steady and unsteady internal flow fields in a molten salt pump under both internal and external synchronization modes. The velocity fields in the suction chamber, impeller passage and volute were analyzed at different flow rates. The velocity distribution uniformity, velocity weighted average divergent flow angle, and circumferential component of absolute velocity were calculated on the basis of the obtained flow fields. The research is meaningful to the development of molten salt pumps, and the experimental method serves as a reference to similar rotating fluid machinery.