An Application of 3D-PIV to the Flow Measurements in Pump Sump

Flow condition in the pump sump is of most importance to the pump performance. A test rig was designed for the measurements of velocity distribution. The 3D-PIV was applied to the measurements of the flow fields under the bell mouth of the pump in the opening sump. The calibrations for 3D-measurements at different sections in the pump sump were made before the test. The flow fields under the bell mouth of test pump were obtained and a 3D view of velocity vectors map was given. The measurement results of the flow fields are compared with the existing results from the experiments and numerical calculations. Analysis of flow condition in the pump sump is conducted.