Interphase forces analysis in the whole flow passage of a multiphase rotodynamic pump

To understand the internal flow and interphase forces characteristics in the multiphase rotodynamic pump, simulations were performed using ANSYS-CFX for the whole flow passage with medium combination of air-water. The reliability of simulation was verified by comparing with the experimental data of external characteristics. The results showed that the drag is dominant for the interphase forces in the impeller and guide vane passages, followed by the lift and added mass forces, then the turbulent dispersion force, and it can be neglected relative to drag. With the increased IGVF (inlet gas void fraction), all interphase forces in the impeller and guide vane passages will increase, also, the variation range of interphase forces in the impeller was greater than that in the guide vane.