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Volume 117
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The effect of rotational speed on particle motion characteristics in a helical-bladed multiphase pump
Wenjuan Lv a b, Guangtai Shi a b *, Haigang Wen a b, Zongliu Huang a b, Xi Yang a
a Key Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery, Ministry of Education, Xihua University, Chengdu, 610039, China
b Key Laboratory of Fluid Machinery and Engineering, Xihua University, Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610039, China
10.1016/j.partic.2026.08.010
Volume 117, October 2026, Pages 502-515
Received 18 July 2026, Revised 3 August 2026, Accepted 11 August 2026, Available online 14 August 2026, Version of Record 22 August 2026.
E-mail: sgtmailxhu@163.com
Highlights

• Particle enrichment zones are identified in a helical-bladed multiphase pump.

• Rotational speed shifts particle velocity distribution toward high-velocity regimes.

• Impeller-region collisions account for over 80% of total particle-wall impacts.

• Particle-wall contact force increases nonlinearly with rotational speed.

• CFD–DEM coupled with high-speed photography validates particle dynamics predictions.


Abstract

Rotational speed is a critical parameter governing particle dynamics in helical-bladed multiphase pumps; however, its quantitative characterization and evolutionary mechanisms under variable speeds remain unclear. This study investigates a self-developed three-stage helical-bladed multiphase pump using numerical simulations complemented by high-speed photography experiments, systematically analyzing particle dynamic behaviors at 1500, 3000, and 4500 r/min. Results reveal non-uniform particle distributions, primarily on the pressure sides of impeller/guide vane blades and within the impeller mid-passage. Increasing speed enlarges the recirculation zone at the first-stage impeller inlet and intensifies particle clustering. As speed rises from 1500 to 4500 r/min, the peak circumferential velocity in impeller passages increases from 5.2 to 24.0 m/s (≈362% rise), while the peak axial velocity rises from 2.5 to 6.4 m/s; in guide vane passages, circumferential velocity attenuates markedly, whereas axial velocity compensatorily increases. Particle absolute velocity increases axially along each impeller stage and decreases along each guide vane stage; elevated rotational speed progressively shifts the particle velocity distribution toward mid-to-high ranges, accompanied by a marked rise in the proportion of high-velocity particles. Regarding collision characteristics, impeller-region collisions account for over 80% at medium and high speeds, with wall collisions predominantly occurring at the blade shroud (≈80%). The total particle–wall contact force exhibits a nonlinear increase with speed (0.211 N → 0.918 N → 1.220 N), and impeller wall contact forces exceed those on guide vane walls. These findings serve as critical references for optimizing pump performance and matching operating conditions.

Graphical abstract
Keywords
Particle motion characteristics; CFD-DEM; Rotational speed; Solid-liquid two-phase flow; Helical-bladed multiphase pump
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