Critical submergence in pumping systems can be determined using a number of calculations, all of which result from heterogeneous geometries based on water. The most widely spread critical submergence formula is that of the Hydraulic Institute. A study, carried out in Germany, looked at eight different formulations used to calculate critical submergence, comparing their results with those of a hydraulic model test. The conclusion is that the simplest models, overestimate the critical submergence. Similarly, a study of submergence in water intake structures concluded that predicted values were much higher than real values. A detailed analysis has been done to detect the origin of the off-set between the measured submergence and the calculated value. The main aspects selected from the analysis were the fluid properties involved in the surface deformation and the dynamic behavior outlet flow, so two a-dimensional numbers have been selected, Weber and Reynolds. To build an equation, to calculate the critical submergence, based on the mentioned a-dimensional numbers, a mixed technique (numerical and testing) has been used. The first step was driving a test in a hydraulic model to verify the critical submergence level. Then, a numerical model was built to simulate the same phenomenon and calibrate it, to be used in the future. After that, the second step is to simulate and calculate the critical submergence with other boundary condition (fluid, flow rate, pipe diameter). Once the critical submergence is calculated, a non-linear least squared approach has been developed to build the equation to calculate the critical submergence based on the Reynolds and Weber number. The numerical method used in this paper is a finite element model with a fluid volume scheme, used normally in the fluid simulation activities.
The physical problem under analysis is free fluid surface deformation, or to put it more clearly, the challenge is to explain how the separation surface of two immiscible fluids evolve under specific conditions. Narrowing it down even more, the actual issue is to do with the way in which tank drainage through a boundary nozzle deforms the surface of the liquid in the tank at atmospheric pressure.
Conceptually speaking, submergence refers to the level of liquid required above the suction section to avoid vortexing/swirls, hence preventing the entry of gas (air) that may affect pump operation in the form of cavitation, vibration and/or performance shortfalls.
Closer analysis of the problem reveals the role played by two additional processes: tank drainage and free fluid surface deformation. The first process, tank drainage, depends on fluid-related shear forces, nozzle size and outlet flow or velocity, with the Reynolds number (Equation (1)) and Froude number (Equation (2)) being the representative dimensionless numbers.
where:
“g” is the gravity acceleration.
“V” is fluid velocity at the outlet nozzle.
“L” is the representative dimension (outlet nozzle diameter in this case).
“µ” is dynamic fluid viscosity.
“r” is fluid density.
Free fluid surface deformation and vortexing is the other process, which is conditioned or determined by fluid surface tension. The dimensionless number for this process is the Weber number, considered very useful to analyze multiphase flows, curved surface flows, thin layer flows, as well as drop and bubble formation. It is re- presented as:
In this case, “V” is the velocity at which tank level decreases, “L” is the tank diameter and “σ” is the superficial stress.
It is possible to determine the critical submergence value using many formulas, some of which are included in
Author, Origin & Date | Formula |
---|---|
Hydraulic Institute (1998) [ | D・(1 + 2.3・Fr) |
Pumping System Manual | (V2/2g) + 0.5 |
Prosser (1977) [ | 1.5 * D |
Paterson & Noble (1982) | D・(1.5 + 2.5・Fr) |
Hecker (1987) [ | D・(1 + 2.3Fr) |
Knauss (1987) [ | D・(0.5 + 2・Fr) |
Flyght (2002) [ | 1.7・Fr |
Werth & Frizzell (2009) [ | D・(2.1 + 1.33・Fr0.67) |
The previous table indicates that under identical velocity and diameter values, critical submergence varies and can be quite sparse, with oscillations ranging between 1 to 3.5 meters depending on the conditions. Under the same conditions abovementioned, vortexing occurred at 0.5 meters during a hydraulic model test. So in light of this uncertainty, the question is: Would it be possible to calculate critical submergence more accurately?
A rather promising piece of information is that in 2012, the University of Stellenborg tested a hydraulic model with the aim of comparing actual test results to formulations, including those in
Another important topic is to physically determine submergence with the aim of standardizing the concept and performing subjectivity-free measurements and evaluations, especially in hydraulic model cases. Hence, submergence is related to a massive suction pump air entry affecting pump performance. If the possibility of cavitation is eliminated, air entering a suction line occurs due to vortexing, with the vortex vertex affecting pump suction and causing suction pressure and subsequently NPSH to be reduced. From this it is possible to conclude that submergence is related to vortexing, which results from free liquid surface deformation [
Vortices are described and categorized depending on their morphology in a document by the Hydraulic Institute [
In terms of operation and effectiveness, bubble-based phenomena will not be considered because bubble air, in small quantities, can be assimilated by the fluid and does result in significant performance losses. Besides, bubble behavior is very complicated to simulate using software packages and its analysis depends largely on observer subjectivity. Thus, type 5 vortex is discarded. As for superficial vortices, they have no impact on pump suction, which means type 1 and 2 vortices will not be considered. This all means that there are only three different types of vortices potentially impacting submergence: 3, 4 & 6. The first two do not imply air entry and so they are discarded because of their very morphological nature. Hence, submergence is conditioned by type 6 vortex. Critical submergence is determined when the type 6 vortex vertex reaches the upper part of the suction structure. In that moment, a massive entry of air occurs, as represented in
The methodology used in this survey is based mostly on the use of numerical methods (CFD) to simulate the critical submergence level or height [
Simulation conditions have taken into condition eleven suction scenarios, two fluids at different temperatures and six tank geometries. The cases can be seen in
Numerical method validation will be based on cases 9, 10 and 11, for which there is a physical model. The assumption will be made that if the result is adequate and in line with the observations, the remaining simulations will be equally valid.
Tag | Case # | Fluid | Φ Tank | Φ Pipe | Flow | Temperature |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
E1 | 1 | Water | 11m | 387.36mm | 315.4 l/s | Environment |
E2 | 2 | Water | 11 m | 146 mm | 37.8 l/s | Environment |
P6A Cold | 3 | Gas-oil | 7 m | 49.25 mm | 2.3 l/s | −5˚C |
P6A Hot | 4 | Gas-oil | 7 m | 49.25 mm | 2.3 l/s | 40˚C |
P6C Cold | 5 | Gas-oil | 6 m | 49.25 mm | 1.89 l/s | −5˚C |
P6C Hot | 6 | Gas-oil | 6m | 49.25 mm | 1.89 l/s | 40˚C |
E3 | 7 | Water | 17 m | 590.54 mm | 158.3 l/s | Environment |
E4 | 8 | Water | 13.6 m | 336.56 mm | 157.72 l/s | Environment |
Test 1 | 9 | Water | 2.991 m | 123.00 mm | 11.64 l/s | Environment |
Test 2 | 10 | Water | 2.991 m | 123.00 mm | 16.5 l/s | Environment |
Test 3 | 11 | Water | 2.991 m | 123.00 mm | 21.34 l/s | Environment |
Once critical submergence results are determined by means of numerical methods, the above-mentioned process for canals with flow will be used to compare the resulting value to the dimensionless numbers of Reynolds and Weber [
Historically (
It may appear that this approach to the problem is completely opposite to the historical perspective, but that is certainly not the case. In fact, this approach is aimed at including fluid and interface variables developed using the Froude number in the formulations. However, since that would result in excessively complex formulas, additional dimensionless numbers are used. Equation (4) shows the equivalence between the dimensionless numbers introduced:
Another historical aspect to be considered is that Weber, Reynolds and Froude numbers were calculated using the same parameters, meaning the outlet nozzle diameter was always taken as the characteristic length. This paper intends to differentiate two processes impacting critical submergence calculation: (1) the effect of suction on liquid motion and (2) the effect of tank drainage. Free fluid surface deformation is the process relating both of them. Hence, the number of Reynolds (question 2) is related to suction, which means “V” will refer to fluid velocity in the outlet nozzle and “L” to outlet nozzle diameter. As for the number of Weber (Equation (3)), and taking into consideration that this concept is affected by surface tension, the diameter will be that of the tank, whereas the velocity will refer to how quickly the tank is drained (outlet flow divided by tank section).
These considerations result in the dimensionless number values included in
Case # | Re | We | Fr |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 1037000 | 1.665 | 1.3729 |
2 | 333.000 | 0.024 | 1.8866 |
3 | 4.000 | 0.00073 | 1.737 |
4 | 18.900 | 0.000654 | 1.737 |
5 | 2.700 | 0.00079 | 1.4273 |
6 | 15.000 | 0.0007 | 1.4273 |
7 | 340.000 | 0.02122 | 0.2401 |
8 | 600.000 | 0.02633 | 0.9757 |
9 | 120.000 | 0.004670 | 0.8800 |
10 | 170.000 | 0.009370 | 1.2500 |
11 | 220.000 | 0.01569 | 1.6100 |
The numerical method selected is a finite element scheme (described in previous studies) considered reliable and validated by the industry [
In order to ensure accurate simulation, it is essential to know if the flow is turbulent, and if so, to estimate the level of turbulence so as to determine mesh size. Another key aspect to consider is the free surface. Considering that movement is mostly vertical, that is, since liquid level will potentially decrease causing suction areas and vortexing near the outlet nozzle, it will be necessary to use large cells of reduced thickness in areas far from the nozzle and small cells (size and thickness) in areas near the nozzle (
Although meshing depends on the specific geometry of each tank, there are common features to be considered. The model is comprised mostly (85%) of hexahedral cells, as well as a very small percentage of tetraedric cells located mostly in the overlap area between the tank and the outlet nozzle. Mesh quality has been improved by means of a methodology intended to:
Transform tetraedric cells into polyhedral cells so as to reduce the number of cells and enhance mesh quality (
Protect the suction area in a semi-cylinder to limit the region where the cells of lower quality are located (
The mesh was also improved by making it thinner in the outlet nozzle than in the rest of the tank (
Once the mesh is determined, it is possible to establish the following simulation characteristics:
・ Single phase suction flow. (simulation until air entry)
・ K-ε turbulence model
・ Turbulence model for “Enhanced Wall Treatment” (EWT)
The K-ε model is intended for turbulent flows and vortexing. As for the EWT model, it provides an estimate for the film boundary layer, favoring mesh optimization near the walls.
The validation and control parameter for the model developed will be Y+, which is the distance between the first cell and the viscous film boundary layer. The value of the K-ε and the EWT should range between 1 and 60 for the simulation to be considered accurate and reliable. An example of this can be seen in the suction pipe of case 2, represented in
After describing the domain model the numerical value is strictly analyzed, that is, the differential equation governing this process is approached. The method selected is the Volume of Fluid (VOF) scheme, with numeri-
cal discretization―modified HRIC. This model was selected to simulate tank drainage over a long period of time. In parallel and related to this, a resolution using an explicit model and numerical discretization―geo-re- construct, was also carried out. The calculation time in this method is much longer because the free surface is simulated more thoroughly.
Hence, the value of numerical discretizations of superior or second-order differential equations in the time domain is 0.1 seconds, with 30 iterations per time step. In this scheme the numeric error is below 10−4 for the velocity, continuity, and turbulence equations, and below 10−5 for the VOF equation. In the case of explicit free surface simulation, the time step is variable at about 0.0005 seconds with 20 iterations per time step.
As mentioned in previous paragraphs, the numerical model needs to be validated and calibrated using real values. With this in mind, the results of a hydraulic model for critical submergence determination developed for this specific purpose, were considered. The model included a tank, a suction line and a piping network. The entire installation was simulated using the above-mentioned numerical method.
Considering the previously described methodology as well as the geometry of the tanks, fluids and suction pipes, critical submergence for each specific case was determined. The critical submergence value above the height or level of the last suction section was calculated. With the aim of ensuring analysis coherence and homogeneity between the different case scenarios, the zero determination applicable to the submergence measurement is as follows: In a straight outlet nozzle, submergence is measured at the upper nozzle generatrix whereas in a suction nozzle with an elbow or curved pipe, the zero value is considered to be in the elbow's upper generatrix of the suction point (
Under these considerations, two submergence values were determined: one for critical submergence (Sc) and the other for efficient submergence (Se) defined at the level where free liquid surface deformation equals 10%. The relevant values can be seen in
The selected adjustment process is a multivariate regression model including two inlet values corresponding to the dimensionless numbers (Re, We) and an outlet value for critical submergence. The process will be extended to the values of both effective submergence and critical submergence.
To determine critical submergence, which is the first value to be calculated, a second degree polynomial is used. The coefficients are determined by means of the regression process. Thus, the adjustment equation is that represented by Equation (6).
Flow m3/s | Real1 submergence mm | Calculated submergence (VOF) mm | % | mm | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Case 9 | 0.01164 | 305.865 | 313.4 | 2.46 | 7.72 |
Case 10 | 0.01649 | 315.605 | 320 | 1.39 | 4.46 |
Case 11 | 0.02134 | 319.268 | 326.2 | 2.17 | 7.08 |
1The reference for this calculation is taken at the bottom of the tank.
Case # | Sc | Se |
---|---|---|
1 | 160.00 | 250.00 |
2 | 120.00 | 190.00 |
3 | 42.00 | 62.00 |
4 | 45.00 | 57.00 |
5 | 22.60 | 27.70 |
6 | 22.80 | 27.30 |
7 | 106.00 | 166.00 |
8 | 222.00 | 355.00 |
9 | 28.85 | 33.85 |
10 | 35.45 | 43.45 |
11 | 41.65 | 47.95 |
Using the data in
The adjustment coefficient values in
Parameter | Value |
---|---|
a | 0.0037 ´ 104 |
b | 0.0217 ´ 104 |
c | −0.8329 ´ 104 |
d | 4.2392 ´ 104 |
e | −0.1058 ´ 104 |
f | −2.1027 ´ 104 |
have an excellent accuracy index at 0.99498. It also reveals that this equation overestimates in 0.77 mm the number obtained using the VOF method, which means this type of estimation is always conservative in terms of safety.
Similarly, the effective submergence value was also adjusted. Data relating to the adjusting polynomial coefficients are those included in
This paper presents a method to estimate critical and effective submergence values using the numbers of Reynolds and Weber. The method allows for the introduction of fluid variables (surface tension, density, viscosity) in the calculation, which means effects relating to temperature and the type of fluid can be considered.
A specific equation for tanks with no fluid flow has been provided, and that is important because most formulations under analysis (
The Hydraulic Institute formulation significantly overestimates the value of critical submergence for tanks in which the fluid is confined. This was clearly illustrated in the tests carried out in cases 9, 10 and 11 (
It is worth mentioning that the results obtained are also coherent with the outcome of the analysis published by the University of Stellenborg [
Parameter | Value |
---|---|
a | 0.0051 ´ 104 |
b | 0.0411 ´ 104 |
c | −1.6106 ´ 104 |
d | 8.0767 ´ 104 |
e | −0.2130 ´ 104 |
f | −3.9886 ´ 104 |
Practically speaking, a conservative approach is taken to select the critical submergence value; having said that, the need for conservatism would have been more significant if the values of the Hydraulic Institute had been selected. Taking this critical submergence value without compromising generality or safety at any moment, results in a number of benefits, including an increase in the inventory of available fluid. This means that during the design phase, volume size can be reduced for a specific level of available volume.
As a result of all this, it is possible to conclude that the equation for estimating submergence, both critical and effective, based on the numbers of Reynolds and Weber, provides highly reliable, accurate numbers which are also in line with the finite element method simulation results. Thus, using the numbers of Weber and Reynolds as part of the proposed methodology, is a simple, highly efficient option to determine critical and effective submergence values.