Study on the impact of turbulent spatiotemporal propagation in the outlet passage on the performance of vertical axial flow pumps.

Abstract Pumping station engineering is crucial for our country’s national economy as a part of water conservancy infrastructure. The vertical axial flow pump commonly used in pumping station construction features a high flow rate and low discharge pressure. Understanding the impact of turbulence on the flow of water entering and leaving the pump unit is crucial for the efficient and reliable operation of a pumping station. This paper examines the internal flow and hydraulic characteristics of the device for vertical axial flow pump at a pumping station through numerical simulation technology and experimental validation. It is inferred that turbulent flow develops in the outlet flow passage while the pump device is currently functioning, impacting the impeller’s outlet bend and guide vane. This leads to the formation of vortices, backflow, and folding flow at the guide vane and outlet bend. As water flows out through the outlet passage, bias and backflow develop, causing erosion on both sides of the outlet pool and impacting the pump unit’s overall head and efficiency.