Flow Field in the Vaned Diffuser of a Centrifugal Pump at Different Vane Setting Angles

Particle image velocimetry (2D-PIV) has been used for the investigation of the time averaged flow field inside the vaned diffuser of a centrifugal pump operating at best efficiency point. Pump performances and the diffuser flow field were analysed for three different vane setting angles. It was evidenced that flow coefficient at the best efficiency point decreases with the diffuser setting angle reduction. From 2D-PIV measurements in five different blade to blade planes, span-wise averaged flow angles and velocity distribution were computed. It was evidenced an influence of the diffuser setting angle on the span-wise distribution of the flow rate and of the absolute mass averaged flow angle at impeller discharge. An overturning, at the diffuser discharge was also evidenced for the two highest setting angles. 2D-PIV flow fields are presented in three different pseudo-secondary planes in order to enlighten the cross flows affecting the diffuser flow field.