Numerical study of the self‐priming process of a prototype pump based on coupled calculations of circulatory system

• Published in: Energy science & engineering 2024-07, Vol.12 (7), p.3008-3023
• Main Authors: Zhang, Yu‐Liang, Li, Jin‐Fu, Zhao, Yan‐Juan, Zheng, Shao‐Han, Zhu, Zu‐Chao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acceleration; acceleration‐constant speed; Circulatory system; Closed loops; Exhaust gases; Exhaust pipes; Hydraulics; Inhalation; Liquid levels; Piping systems; Priming; Respiration; self‐priming height; self‐priming process; self‐priming pump; Vertical oscillations
• ISSN: 2050-0505; 2050-0505
• DOI: 10.1002/ese3.1801

To understand the self‐priming characteristics of a self‐priming pump, a closed‐loop piping system that includes the self‐priming pump, valve, tank, and piping system is established. The acceleration–constant speed operation processes of the impeller are controlled through a user‐defined function that ensures that the computational model and startup conditions are consistent with the real situation. Based on numerical calculations of the self‐priming process with two different self‐priming heights, the gas–liquid distributions during the self‐priming startup process are obtained. The results show that the self‐priming startup process can be divided into three stages: rapid inhalation, oscillating exhaust, and accelerated exhaust. Under the two self‐priming heights, the time required for the rapid inhalation and accelerated exhaust stages is basically the same. Thus, the difference in self‐priming time is mainly concentrated in the oscillating exhaust stage. The rate at which the liquid level rises in the vertical pipe is not proportional to the self‐priming height, and the difference in the self‐priming time is not proportional to the change in the self‐priming height. The initial state of gas–liquid distribution in the system.