EDF - Demonstrator

A horizontal booster pump of Sulzer Pumps France will be used as demonstrator for the benchmark. This pump is pictured in the figure on the right. It is composed of a diffuser and a volute, with axial suction and vertical delivery (body with volute called "snail"), mounted on a metallic frame. It has been designed forty years ago by Sulzer Pumps.

The principal characteristics of the pump are :

• The dimensions of the pump and support are approximately 2m x 1.5m x 1.5m.
• The mass of pump and support is approximately 2800 kg.
• The material of the pump is cast iron.
• The nominal rotational speed is 1500 rpm.
• The shaft is supported in radial direction by two plain bearings (unknown stiffness and damping linearised characteristics) and in axial direction by roller bearings.
• The impellor and shaft are connected by keys.

The one-stage booster pump is part of a pumping system containing two pumps and installed in a thermal power plant in France. When studied in laboratory conditions, it will be connected to a 7-stage feeding pump and pipes and fixed on a concrete foundation.