Studying particle transport characteristics in centrifugal pumps under external vibration using CFD-DEM simulation

Centrifugal pumps play a crucial role in deep-sea mining systems. In the marine environment, external vibrations induced by ocean currents and waves can impact the particle transport characteristics of centrifugal pumps in mining systems. CFD-DEM coupling simulations were conducted to simulate operating conditions with external vibration frequencies of 5, 10, and 15 Hz. The study reveals that in the suction chamber, with increasing vibration frequency, the dynamic number of particles decreased, and the percentage of particles with greater velocities than the fluid velocity increased. In the impeller channel, with increasing vibration frequency, the number of collisions among particles and pressure surface of the impeller decreased, and the average energy loss per collision increased. Therefore, external vibrations provide additional kinetic energy for particles, reduce the deposition effects of particles, and improve the pass-ability of particles. This paper can provide theory and engineering support for operation of deep-sea mining centrifugal pumps.