An Analytical and Experimental Study of a Vortex Pump

Abstract

A pump which operates by setting up a vortex in a chamber in front of the impeller is often called a vortex pump. Vortex pumps by virtue of this design have a large free and open flow passage which permits the pumping of solid materials without danger of obstruction. They are thus in common use as materials handling pumps. A one-dimensional analytical model of such a pump is created, handling a Newtonian single-phase fluid. Calculated performance parameters are compared with those measured on a laboratory model. Overall pump characteristics are also computed and compared to those of a number of test pumps of various geometries. Finally, an examination is made of the similitude parameters governing this style of pump.