Optimization of Centrifugal Slurry Pumps through Computational Fluid Dynamics

Centrifugal slurry pumps are a very unique turbomachine that must be able to handle the flow of high concentrations of solid particles which greatly accelerate wear. With Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), it is possible to accurately simulate the flow through such pumps to predict performance. A centrifugal slurry pump was simulated using water and results were validated with physical test results which also used water. Validation yielded good correlation where the most efficient flow rate was predicted correctly. With the confirmed CFD model, design changes were made to the pump to incorporate splitter blades which are shorter versions of the main blades. Optimization using the Adaptive Response Surface Method algorithm with an Intelligent Space Exploration Strategy was performed to find the optimum splitter configuration to minimize wear in the pump impeller. The optimum splitter configuration yielded an almost 19% decrease in the wear with a slight increase in efficiency.