Centrifugal pump performance calculation for homogeneous suspensions

Centrifugal pumps are widely used for transporting suspensions, but their head performance is derated when non-Newtonian fluids and/or coarse solids are present. Some head deration methods are available for high viscosity Newtonian fluids, Bingham plasti fluids and for coarse solids in water. This paper presents a modification of the Hydraulic Institute head deration method that is suitable for any homogeneous non-Newtonian rheology. A modification of the Walker and Goulas method is also considered. Possible anomalous behaviour of kaolin slurries in centrifugal pumps is discussed.