Simulation Model of a Helical Gear Pump for the Evaluation of the Filling Capability

In this paper, a computational fluid dynamics model of a helical gear pump developed in SimericsMP+ is presented. The aim of the study is the analysis of the phenomena occurring in the suction side in conditions of incomplete filling at high velocity. The model was validated by measuring the delivered flow rate as function of the inlet pressure for different angular speeds. The experimental tests have demonstrated the capability of the model to detect with a good accuracy the operating conditions for which the delivered flow rate starts to decrease due to the partial filling of the inter-teeth chambers. Based on this study, the model seems accurate enough to be used as design tool for optimizing the pump in order to improve the filling capability.