Effect Mechanism of Splitter Blade Length on the Energy Performance of Centrifugal Pump

Abstract

This study integrates numerical simulation and experimental validation to thoroughly examine the effects of splitter blades and their lengths on the energy performance of centrifugal pumps. The results demonstrate that numerical simulations closely align with experimental data in terms of head and efficiency, with an error margin of less than 5%, underscoring the accuracy and reliability of the simulations. Further analysis reveals that centrifugal pumps equipped with splitter blades display distinct performance characteristics compared to conventional impellers, particularly under low-flow conditions. The head curve of pumps with splitter blades exhibits a pronounced extremum and a positive slope in the low-flow region. Splitter blades play a crucial role in enhancing the head performance of centrifugal pumps, effectively expanding their high-head operating range. However, this improvement is accompanied by some efficiency loss, primarily due to fluid kinetic energy losses within the impeller and volute, as well as the structural design of the splitter blades. This research offers valuable theoretical insights and data to support the hydraulic design optimization of centrifugal pumps.