behar
Petroleum
- Jan 24, 2006
- 7
What is the maximum amount one can trim off an impeller to give a particular head?
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There is increased turbulence at the vane tips as the impeller is trimmed because the shroud to casing clearance is increasing. This is sometimes referred to as "slip"
The liquid exit angle is changed as the impeller is cut back, so the head/capacity curve becomes steeper.
The greater the impeller reduction and the higher the specific speed of the impeller, the more the pump efficiency will decrease with impeller trimming.
Impeller diameter reductions greater than 5% to 10% of the maximum will increase the NPSHR (net positive suction head required).
Excessive shroud to casing clearance and the resultant recirculation to the low pressure side of the pump will produce "eddy flows" around the impeller, causing low frequency axial vibrations that can translate to mechanical seal problems.