Complete Analysis And Simulation Of Reciprocating Pumps Including System Piping

Lecturepg. 55A computer model is presented for the analysis and simulation of a complete reciprocating pump installation. The model takes into account cylinder thermodynamics, valve dynamics, and acoustic pulsations in the suction and discharge piping. The simulation is done in an integrated manner to account for all the dynamic interactions between the various system components. The model can predict cylinder pressure traces, valve motion, pump capacity and NPSHR, system resonance frequencies and pressure pulsations at any specified point in the suction or discharge piping. Applications of the computer model include use in the rapid evaluation of new pump component designs, understanding pump behavior, designing new pump installations, troubleshooting pulsation problems at current installations and evaluating recommended system modifications. The focus herein is primarily on the applications of the computer model. A brief outline of the underlying theoretical analysis is also presented. Several comparisons between model predictions and experimental data are presented and shown to be in good agreement. Finally, various aspects of pump operation are discussed in the light of experience gained by applying the computer model to various field problems