Anti-vortex Device for Double-Suction Vertical Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double suction vertical pumps are prone to air entrained vortices due to their design, which limits their ability to operate at low water levels and increases the depth of the suction pit, thereby increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A vortex prevention device is installed above the upper suction opening, featuring various configurations such as plate members, umbrella-shaped plate members, net members, and slope plates that create a gap or obstruction to disrupt the formation of air entrained vortices, including cylindrical members and vertical plates to surround the rotary shaft and discharge pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double suction vertical pump is used with one upward-facing suction opening, then suction performance is improved and cavitation is reduced, but air entrained vortices are likely to form and the suction pit depth increases
Solution Approach 1:
A vortex prevention device is introduced as an intermediary component between the water surface and the upward suction opening. This device disrupts the formation of air entrained vortices without interfering with the pump's suction performance, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of maintaining low NPSH and preventing vortex formation
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful vortex formation process is extracted and prevented by the vortex prevention device, which specifically targets and eliminates the air entrained vortex mechanism while preserving the beneficial dual-suction flow pattern and low cavitation characteristics
2Ease of operation
If a double suction vertical pump is used with one upward-facing suction opening, then the pump can operate at lower water levels, but the suction pit depth increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex prevention device serves as a mediator that enables the pump to operate at lower water levels by preventing vortex formation, thereby allowing reduction of the suction pit depth without compromising operational reliability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a vortex prevention device is added to the double suction vertical pump, then air entrained vortices are prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex prevention device utilizes a simple plate or screen structure that is easy to manufacture and install, avoiding complex mechanical components while effectively preventing vortex formation through its geometric configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex prevention device is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently installed and removed, allowing the pump system to maintain its simplicity while adding vortex prevention functionality through a discrete element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a vortex prevention device capable of preventing creation of air entrained vortex and also provides a double suction vertical pump having such a vortex prevention device. The vortex prevention device is used in combination with the double suction vertical pump which is installed in an open channel (1) and has an upper suction opening (10a) and a lower suction opening (10b). The vortex prevention device includes a plate member (20) as a vortex prevention structure arranged above the upper suction opening. The plate member (20) is arranged away from the upper suction opening (10a) such that a passage is formed between the plate member (20) and the upper suction opening (10a).