Centrifugal Pump Impeller Hub Vane Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional centrifugal pumps used in submersible pumping systems for oil field operations face inefficiencies in fluid movement due to limitations in impeller design, particularly in the configuration of vanes, which affect the bladed area and fluid lift efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The centrifugal pump design incorporates a hub vane configuration for the impeller, where the trailing end of the vane has a first surface adjoining the outer edge of the top plate and a second surface that is substantially flush with the axially outward surface of the bottom plate, increasing the bladed area and improving fluid lift efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional extended vane configuration is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but lift efficiency is reduced (6% lower)
Solution Approach 1:
The vane configuration applies different surface geometries to different regions of the vane. The trailing end features a first surface adjoining the top plate outer edge and a second surface flush with the bottom plate axially outward surface, creating localized optimized zones for fluid interaction while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through standard machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the geometric parameters of the vane trailing end by defining specific surface orientations and positions. The first surface adjoins the top plate at its outer edge while the second surface is flush with the bottom plate's axially outward surface, changing the vane's geometric parameters to improve lift efficiency by 6% while keeping machining straightforward.
2Productivity
If hub vane configuration with extended surfaces is used, then lift efficiency improves by 6%, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vane trailing end is segmented into distinct surfaces: a first surface adjoining the top plate outer edge and a second surface flush with the bottom plate axially outward surface. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized independently for fluid interaction while maintaining a structured geometry that remains manufacturable through conventional processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The vane design extends into the axial dimension by creating surfaces that interact with both the top plate (radially inward) and bottom plate (axially outward). This multi-dimensional surface configuration increases the bladed area and improves lift efficiency while the systematic arrangement keeps the geometry manageable for manufacturing.
3Productivity
If traditional vane design is used, then impeller strength is sufficient, but bladed area is reduced lowering pump efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The vane design merges the trailing end surfaces with the top and bottom plates to create an integrated hub vane configuration. The first surface adjoins the top plate outer edge while the second surface is flush with the bottom plate axially outward surface, combining multiple surface areas into a unified vane structure that maximizes bladed area and improves pump efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The vane surfaces are designed with curved and angled configurations to optimize fluid flow. The first surface adjoins the top plate at its outer edge and the second surface is flush with the bottom plate's axially outward surface, creating smooth transitions and optimized flow paths that increase bladed area effectiveness and pump efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The hub vane configuration demonstrates a 6% improvement in lift efficiency compared to extended vane configurations without sacrificing pump efficiency, and also simplifies machining and enhances impeller strength.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable shaft; and at least one impeller attached to the rotatable shaft, wherein the at least one impeller includes a top plate, and a bottom plate, and a plurality of vanes enclosed between the top plate and the bottom plate
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal pump includes a rotatable shaft; and at lest one impeller attached to the rotatable shaft, wherein the at least one impeller includes a top plate, and a bottom plate, and a plurality of vanes enclosed between the top plate and the bottom plate, wherein at least one of the plurality of vanes has a trailing end that comprises a first surface that adjoins the top plate substantially at an outer edge of the top plate and a second surface that is substantially flush with an axially outward surface of the bottom plate.