Design and Optimization of a Vertical Turbine Pump

An example of the complete process used by PumpWorks 610, LLC in designing and optimizing a vertical turbine pump is presented, starting with the creation of an initial prototype using the design software CFturbo^®, and the subsequent virtual testing and analysis with the CFD tool PumpLinx^®. The results of the CFD analysis are used to identify the sources of loss of efficiency, with specific examples of how those losses are identified. The geometry of the pump is then modified to improve performance and re-tested in the virtual environment before any hardware is manufactured. Once built, the predicted performance of the optimized pump is verified by physical testing. Comparisons between the CFD predictions and the empirical data are presented. Once demonstrated to perform as intended, the final design is delivered to the customer.