Multistage lean amine liquid pump in an industrial refining catalytic reforming unit often exist cavitation phenomenon, which causes the damage of impeller and the long-term safe operation of unit. The formation of impeller cavitation erosion is 3D simulated by using Zwart-Gerber-Belamri model in accord with the actual phenomenon under industrial operating condition. The effect of different volume flow rate (400m3/s to 800m3/s) and operating pressure (0.4MPa to 2.0MPa) on the cavitation position and range are investigated to guide design and safe operation and maintenance of pump. The results indicate that the impeller cavitation often starts from the forward-curved groove of the blade, and then gradually expands along the direction of the blade flow path and the two side walls of the forward bend. When the mass flow rate exceeds the critical value of cavitation, the impeller cavitation range gradually enlarges and expends along the direction of the blade flow with the increase of volume flow rate. With the cavitation pressure increasing, the cavitation range of the impeller gradually decreases and even disappears, such as the inlet pressure of 2.0MPa. A suitable volume flow rate and operating pressure (such as 600 m3/s and 2.0MPa) will be conducive to reduce the cavitation erosion.

CFD Simulation of Cavitation Erosion Behavior in an Impeller of Industrial Lean Amine Liquid Pump

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/PVP/PVP2021/volume/85314

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