Axial Flow Pumps, Viscosity Correction

[piffer]

Are there any technical papers that discuss prediciting axial flow pump performance is viscous applications?

 

[vanstoja]

I haven't found any papers or articles specifically addressing axial pump viscosity-related performance predictions but there are many on centrifugal pumps that might provide data applicable to axial flow pumps. Some of the more general centrifugal pump sources are:
Hole,Gunnar,1994, "Fluid Viscosity Effects on Centrifugal Pumps", Pumps and Systems Magazine, April, pp.14-19

Engin,T.& Gur,M.,2003,"Comparative Evaluations of Some Existing Correlations to Predict Head Degradation of Centrifugal Slurry Pumps", ASME J.Fluids Engineering, Vol.125, Jan. pp.149-157

Gandhi,B.K.etal,2001,"Performance Characteristics of Centrifugal Slurry Pumps", ASME J.Fluids Engineering, Vol.123, June, pp.271-280

The 1st article gives a curve fitted equation for Hydraulics Institute viscosity curves and an example of its use in viscous flow horsepower calculations.

 

[piffer]

Thanks vanstoja, I have seen plenty of available literature on the subject of "fluid viscosity effects on centrifugal pumps." The charts in HI are applicable to centrifugal pumps, but caution against applying them to axial flow pumps. There are a few papers I've come across on this subject (for axial flow pumps), but they were Phd level dissertations beyond my comprehension. This is a complex subject and I have gathered that a comprehensive rheological analysis of the actual fluid properties is essential for proper axial flow pump selection. I was hoping to find a "layman's" version or case studies written on the subject.