MODAL ANALYSIS OF VERTICAL TURBINE PUMP

Abstract: This paper discuses modal analysis of vertical turbine pump. Vertical Turbine Pumps are the centrifugal pumps which are mounted vertically. Generally, turbine pumps have constant head and fluid flows uniformly at high pressure. Natural frequencies of a vertical turbine pump are calculated by performing a modal analysis using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Common name for this type of analysis is Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Accuracy of these numeric methods depends on numbers of elements. The primary reason for conducting an FEA is to obtain an acceptable separation margin between the unit operating speed and the individual structural natural frequencies. Total six modes of vibration are found for this analysis. Experimental analysis is defined as the study of dynamic characteristics of a mechanical structure. Experimental analysis is done by using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analyzer. During this analysis, exciter mechanism is done by using an instrumental hammer, as this mechanism requires a minimum amount of hardware and provides shorter measurement times. At last, by comparing natural frequency with operational frequency of vertical turbine pump ensures the safe working of the pump.

Keywords: Vertical Turbine Pump (VTP), Modal Analysis, FEA, EMA.