Mechanical Design and Performance Evaluation of High-Efficiency Centrifugal Pump for Wastewater Recirculation

Authors

  • Marguerite Adriaanse Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa Author
  • Alba Grifoni Center for Vaccine Innovation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA Author
  • Alessandro Sette Center for Vaccine Innovation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA Author
  • Roanne S. Keeton Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa Author

Keywords:

Centrifugal Pump Design, Wastewater Recirculation, Hydraulic Performance, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Pump Efficiency, Mechanical Evaluation

Abstract

Efficient wastewater recirculation systems are essential for maintaining stable hydraulic performance, energy efficiency, and operational reliability in municipal and industrial water treatment facilities. This study presents the mechanical design and performance evaluation of a high-efficiency centrifugal pump developed for wastewater recirculation applications under varying operating conditions. The proposed pump design integrates optimized impeller geometry, hydraulic flow configuration, and structural stability analysis to improve pumping efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and enhance operational durability in abrasive and contaminated wastewater environments. A comprehensive analytical and numerical investigation was conducted to evaluate the influence of impeller blade design, rotational speed, flow rate, suction conditions, and material selection on hydraulic performance and mechanical behavior. Computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis techniques were employed to analyze fluid flow distribution, pressure characteristics, cavitation behavior, stress concentration, and vibration response within the pump system. Performance evaluation demonstrated significant improvements in flow efficiency, head generation, and energy utilization compared to conventional wastewater recirculation pumps. The optimized pump configuration also exhibited reduced hydraulic losses, minimized cavitation tendency, and enhanced resistance to wear and corrosion during continuous operation. Comparative analysis revealed improved operational stability, lower maintenance requirements, and extended service life under high-load wastewater treatment conditions. Furthermore, the integration of advanced mechanical design strategies contributed to reduced operational costs and improved system reliability in recirculation processes.

Published

2024-11-28