Experimental system for measuring the force load of a single blade pump

Abstract

Precise evaluation and anticipation of the radial and axial force loads acting on the impeller of a spiral casing pump are essential to ensure that the pump operates efficiently and dependably. This study presents an experimental system for measuring the force load of a single blade pump and explores the fluid mechanics involved in its operation. The experimental system consists of a strain gauge and a data acquisition system, which measures the force load on the blade as the pump rotates. In addition, our investigation delves into various approaches for measuring radial force loads, which include the evaluation of reaction forces on bearings. For the case of experimental measurement of the radial and axial force in the pump bearings, it is necessary to make some design modifications on the pump body. The measurement methodology is based on the principle of a “relaxed” shaft that performs a so-called spherical motion around the rotation axis during pump operation.

Keywords

• radial force
• experimental circuit
• centrifugal pump
• strain gauge