Pump test rig

The flow conditions in pump impellers are still not fully understood. The creation of flow geometries is not automatic since the requirements regarding head, efficiency and cavitation lead to vastly different solutions. Due to these facts, a closed-loop pump test set-up was installed, in the scope of a research project, which can also be used for experimental analyses by external companies. 

The currently installed impellers have a specific speed of 36 and a mechanical power of around 100kW (300 mm diameter). The inlet pressure can be lowered to 0.1 bar (absolute). The following research topics are being worked on: 

  • Measurement of characteristics (H/Q and cavitation) 
  • Cavitation at the blades and nose 
  • Pressure and flow conditions at the spiral casing nose 
  • Flow conditions in the spiral casing, at the hub and shroud
  • Measurement of axial and radial force 

The pump test rig can be adjusted on request to accommodate customer specific pump impellers. The test rig has the following technical specifications: 

  • Pressure-side pressure: 16 bar(a)
  • Rotational speed: 2600 rpm
  • Power: 160 kW 
  • Torque:  ± 500 Nm 

Cavitation channel

A plexiglas channel (10 ×10 cm) can be installed in the inlet section of the pump test rig. This allows the investigation of the flow around various profiles. Due to the ability to operate at low pressures, cavitation can be investigated, for example on wing profiles.