Session: CIE-01-01: AMS General

Paper Number: 111589

111589 - Cfd Modelling of an Internal Gear Pump for High Viscosity Fluids 

The paper presents the CFD modelling of a positive displacement internal gear pump used for pumping high viscosity fluids. The aim of the study is to show the proper methodology for the evaluation of the delivered flow rate in conditions of incomplete filling. This condition can occur when the height of the pump with respect to the free surface of the tank is too high, especially the more viscous the fluid is. The model was developed in SimericsMP+ with the general gear template. It features the radial feeding of the variable chambers through slots on the outer rotor and the leakage passageways. The model was calibrated in terms of leakage flow rate in conditions of complete filling. For this purpose the micro-positioning of the rotors was decided in order to obtain a good agreement with the measured flow rate. Then the model was validated on the steady-state flow rate as a function of the suction pressure. A good agreement was found in the evaluation of the critical operating condition for which the incomplete filling begins. Based on the obtained results, it has been demonstrated that the simulation methodology can be used with a good degree of confidence for predicting the behavior of the pump. Hence, the model seems suitable for designing and optimizing such kinds of machines.

Presenting Author: Massimo Rundo Politecnico di Torino

Presenting Author Biography: Graduated in Mechanical Engineering at the Politecnico di Torino, Italy, in 1996.

After graduation he participated, as visiting researcher, at the Fluid Power Research Laboratory of the Politecnico di Torino, to extensive research projects on positive displacement pumps.

In 2005 he joined the Faculty as assistant professor. He is currently associate professor and lecturer of the courses of Fluid Power.

His research activity is mainly focused on modelling, simulation and testing of fluid power components.

Authors:

Paola Fresia Politecnico di Torino
Massimo Rundo Politecnico di Torino
Gianpaolo Brignolo Varisco Srl
Giulio Ferrarese Varisco Srl