Numerical simulation of the flow field in pump intakes by means of Lattice Boltzmann methods

Abstract

Lattice Boltzmann Methods are nowadays popular schemes for solving fluid flow problems of engineering interest. This popularity is due to the advantages of these schemes: For example, the meshing of the fluid domain can be performed fully automatically which results in great simplicity in handling complex geometries. In this paper a numerical scheme for the flow simulation in pump intakes based on a Lattice Boltzmann large eddy approach is presented. The ability of this scheme to capture the flow phenomena of the intake flow at different operating conditions is analysed. For the operational reliability and efficiency of pumps and pump systems, the incoming flow conditions are crucial. Since the efficiency and reliability requirements of pumps are rising and must be guaranteed, the flow conditions in pump intakes have to be evaluated during plant planning. Recent trends show that pump intakes are built more and more compact, which makes the flow in the intake even more complex. Numerical methods are a promising technique for conduction flow analysis in pump intakes, because they can be realised rapidly and cheaply. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.