An Experimental Investigation of Radial Thrust in Centrifugal Pumps

An experimental investigation has been conducted to determine the magnitudes and directions of the unbalanced radial forces on centrifugal pump impellers. The work covers single volutes for a wide specific speed range, double volutes, concentric casings, and modifications of the concentric casing. The results are presented in graphical form and are discussed. A method, making use of strain gages, was devised for determining the magnitudes and directions of the resultant radial forces and is described.