Centrifugal Pump Vane Passages for Secondary Flow Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centrifugal pumps experience hydraulic losses due to secondary flow patterns, particularly in electric submergible pumps used in well environments, where Coriolis forces and vane curvature create low-energy flow regions that reduce pumping efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Forming passages through the vanes of pump components to redirect low-energy secondary flow to higher-energy regions, reducing hydraulic losses and improving efficiency, while allowing for cost-effective manufacturing through sand casting techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If passages are formed through vanes to reduce secondary flow effects, then pumping efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump component is segmented by introducing passages through the vanes, dividing the flow path into distinct regions (secondary flow region and main flow region) to address hydraulic losses locally without redesigning the entire pump system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passages are strategically positioned to affect only the secondary flow region, allowing fluid redistribution locally at the vane level without changing the overall pump architecture or operating parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If passages are formed through vanes to reduce hydraulic losses, then pumping efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic lossesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into two stages: casting the base pump component and then forming passages through the vanes using methods such as drilling, machining, or additive manufacturing, allowing flexibility in production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing approach is changed from traditional single-step casting to multi-step processes that include post-casting passage formation, enabling cost-effective production while achieving the desired flow redistribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively reduces hydraulic losses and enhances pumping efficiency by redirecting secondary flow, resulting in improved performance and reduced manufacturing costs for centrifugal pumps.

Implementation Method 1

Each passage enables the flow of a small amount of fluid from the low energy region to an opposite side of the vane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS7857577B2System and method of pumping while reducing secondary flow effects

Publication Date: 2010.12.28 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A technique improves the pumping performance of a centrifugal pump in a cost-effective manner. The centrifugal pump comprises a pumping component having one or more vanes defining fluid flow paths. A passage is formed through at least one vane such that an end of the passage is exposed to a low energy flow, i.e. secondary flow, region. Each passage enables the flow of a small amount of fluid from the low energy region to an opposite side of the vane to reduce the secondary flow effects and improve pumping efficiency.