Predictive Analysis of the Damage to Axial-Flow Pump's Impeller in Sandy Water

With the use of RNG k-epsilon turbulence model, SIMPLEC algorithm and CFD software, the turbulent flow in an axial flow impeller was numerically simulated in the clear water (single-phase) and the sandy water (solid-liquid two-phase) conditions. The distributions of solid concentration, velocity and pressure on the impeller of an axial flow pump were analyzed at the same particle diameter but different volume concentrations in sandy water. And these distributions were comparatively analyzed under the clear water and the sandy water conditions. According to the simulation results, the axial pump impeller will be damaged more easily and quickly in sandy water than in clear water. And the area more prone to damage on the axial flow impeller is predicated. The predicted vulnerable parts in an axial flow impeller are consistent with that in actual projects. This study shows that the numerical simulation results are the same as the actual situation, and it has guiding significance for the wear design of the axial flow pump.