Influence of axial rotor offset on residual axial thrust characteristics of a centrifugal pump at low flow rates

In this study, experimental/numerical investigations on the effect of axial offset of rotor offset in a final stage model of a three-stage centrifugal pump are carried out. The axial offset is intentionally given to the shaft system to both of discharge/suction side. As a result, the axial thrust is significantly affected by the axial offset in the flow rate range below 50% of the design flow rate. From the flow field computed in CFD analysis, the flow mechanism induced by the axial offset leading to the change in the axial thrust is elucidated; the interaction between the back flow form the diffuser and the impeller exiting flow is affected by the axial offset, which are responsible for the change in the angular momentum brought into side gaps and therefore in the pressure distribution inside the side gaps.