High-Speed Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements of Turbulent Pipe Flows for Verification of a Fluid-Dynamic Cavitation Model

• Published in: Chemical engineering & technology Vol. 35; no. 11; pp. 2035 - 2044
• Main Authors: Opitz, K. M., Engel, S. R., Koegler, A. F., Leipertz, A., Schlücker, E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01-11-2012; WILEY‐VCH Verlag; Wiley-VCH
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cavitation; Chemical engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid dynamics; Hydrodynamics of contact apparatus; Multiphase flows; Particle image velocimetry; Pumps; Design; Chemical industry; Pipe flow; High speed; Manufacturer; Hydrodynamics; Particle image velocimetry; Cavitation; Modeling; Pump
• ISSN: 0930-7516; 1521-4125
• DOI: 10.1002/ceat.201200209

The design of reciprocating pumps for the chemical industry requires a detailed knowledge of the apparent phenomena such as undesirable pipe pulsation and harmful cavitation. Since the detailed understanding of the entire mechanism is rather limited, emphasis will be put on the verification of a fluid‐dynamic cavitation model for reciprocating positive displacement pumps. This model was established by means of particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements carried out at a repetition rate of 2 kHz. The PIV results indicate that the fluid‐dynamic cavitation model corresponds with the physical reality. While common practice dictates that cavitation should be prevented at all times, the proposed model offers a great opportunity for manufacturers to predict a limit for the extent of occurring cavitation.
A fluid‐dynamic cavitation model for reciprocating positive displacement pumps could be verified and established by means of high‐speed particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. The PIV results demonstrate that the proposed model corresponds with the physical reality. It offers an excellent possibility for manufacturers to predict a limit for the extent of occurring cavitation in fluid handling.