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Research Papers: Flows in Complex Systems

# Reynolds Number Effects on the Performance Characteristic of a Small Regenerative Pump

[+] Author and Article Information
Shin-Hyoung Kang

Seoul National University, 599 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Koreakangsh@snu.kr

Su-Hyun Ryu

Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety, 34 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-338, Koreak653rsh@kins.re.kr

J. Fluids Eng 131(6), 061104 (May 15, 2009) (10 pages) doi:10.1115/1.3026629 History: Received March 05, 2007; Revised September 30, 2008; Published May 15, 2009

## Abstract

This paper studies the effect of the Reynolds number on the performance characteristics of a small regenerative pump. Since regenerative pumps have low specific speeds, they are usually applicable to small devices such as micropumps. As the operating Reynolds number decreases, nondimensional similarity parameters such as flow and head coefficients and efficiency become dependent on the Reynolds number. In this study, the Reynolds number based on the impeller diameter and rotating speed varied between $5.52×103$ and $1.33×106$. Complex three-dimensional flow structures of internal flow vary with the Reynolds numbers. The coefficients of the loss models are obtained by using the calculated through flows in the impeller. The estimated performances obtained by using one-dimensional modeling agreed reasonably well with the numerically calculated performances. The maximum values of flow and head coefficients depended on the Reynolds number when it is smaller than $2.65×105$. The critical value of the Reynolds number for loss coefficient and maximum efficiency variations with Reynolds number was $1.0×105$.

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## Figures

Figure 1

Regenerative pump assembly

Figure 2

Section view of a regenerative pump

Figure 3

Domain for numerical calculations

Figure 14

Variations in maximum flow and shut-off head coefficient with Reynolds number

Figure 15

Variations in circulatory flow coefficient with Reynolds number

Figure 16

Variations in theoretical head rise with Reynolds number

Figure 17

Variations in head loss coefficient with flow coefficient

Figure 18

Variations in loss coefficient with Reynolds number

Figure 19

Variation in hydraulic efficiency curves

Figure 20

Variations in maximum hydraulic efficiency and flow coefficient with Reynolds number

Figure 7

Flow distributions at the pressure side of the blade (Re=6.63×105): (a) streamlines, (b) tangential velocity, and (c) static pressure distributions

Figure 6

Flow distributions at the periodic boundary of the blades (Re=6.63×105): (a) streamlines, (b) tangential velocity, and (c) static pressure distributions

Figure 5

Flow distributions at the suction side of the blade (Re=6.63×105): (a) streamlines, (b) tangential velocity, and (c) static pressure distributions

Figure 4

Comparison between measured and calculated head versus flow coefficients

Figure 8

Flow distributions at the plane of mean radius (Re=6.63×105): (a) streamlines, (b) tangential velocity, and (c) static pressure distributions

Figure 9

Flow distributions at the suction side of the blade (Re=6.63×103): (a) streamlines, (b) tangential velocity, and (c) static pressure distributions

Figure 10

Flow distributions at the periodic boundary of the blades (Re=6.63×103): (a) streamlines, (b) tangential velocity, and (c) static pressure distributions

Figure 11

Flow distributions at the pressure side of the blade (Re=6.63×103): (a) streamlines, (b) tangential velocity, and (c) static pressure distributions

Figure 12

Flow distributions at the plane of mean radius (Re=6.63×103): (a) streamlines, (b) tangential velocity, and (c ) static pressure distributions

Figure 13

Variations in pressure coefficients with flow coefficients for various Reynolds numbers

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