Liquid–solid two-phase flow and wear characteristics in a two-stage mixed-transport pump

Abstract

Particle distribution, wear failure, and particle passage performance in a two-stage mixed-transported pump are investigated by coupling computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM). Results exhibit good agreement with the experimental data. The velocity and trajectory of a 10 mm particle are examined under three different concentrations. Consequently, the relationship between particle motion and the wear on the impeller and volute is revealed. The results indicate that low-speed particles lead to particle packing at the inlet of the first stage. The force variation of particles is closely related to the number of collisions with the wall. The wear on the suction side of the second-stage impeller and the second-volute wall are significantly less than that on the first-stage. Finally, the particle passage coefficient P is defined, demonstrating that the particle passage performance of the second-stage pump is better than that of the first-stage.