Enhanced Impeller Gas-Liquid Flow Using Ribs for High Performance of Centrifugal Pump

Transporting two-phase fluids presents a challenge due to their negative effects on centrifugal pump performance. The accumulation of gas bubbles in the pump impeller forms large gas pockets, reducing efficiency. This work aims to improve the performance of a two-phase flow centrifugal pump by modifying the pump impeller through the addition of ribs. These ribs are positioned near gas bubble accumulation. The modified impeller helps to disperse this accumulation, thereby enhancing pump performance. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ribs on the pump efficiency. The results showed a negative effect in low (GVF) and single-phase flows. However, at high GVF, the ribs significantly improved head up to 9%. Moreover, rib characteristics, such as diameter and radial position, were key parameters affecting the pump's efficiency. The ribs with a diameter of 1 mm and a radial position of 33 mm showed the best performance.