Estimation of the Reliability of Automatic Axial-balancing Devices for Multistage Centrifugal Pumps

Abstract

The permanent increase of operating parameters of modern multistage centrifugal pumps requires more precise modelling for estimation their dynamic reliability and needs to develop new approach and methodology for the related calculations. It is necessary to change the approach assuming empirical coefficients to another one based on the probabilistic design for analysis of reliability for pumps and their nodes. In this case, the probabilistic parameters of the design features and fluid flow are significant for the calculation (e. g. geometry of gap seals, boundary conditions, material properties) and should be considered. The automatic axial-balancing device of the rotor is one of the most important nodes of multi-stage centrifugal pumps. It operates as the balancing disc for the axial force up to 1 MN. This paper presents the methodology for the numerical calculation of the balancing disc and its influence on the reliability of multistage centrifugal pumps. The proposed approach is based on the criterion of the permissible amplitudes of axial oscillations of the rotor with the automatic axial-balancing device considering probabilistic origin of main geometrical, hydromechanical and operating parameters.