Analysis of Submersible Pump Performance in a Waterlogged Environment

Abstract

This study investigates the performance of a submersible pump in a waterlogged environment, focusing on the relationship between pressure, flow rate and angular velocity. The system, consisting of a centrifugal pump, hydraulic pipeline, and local resistances, was simulated using MATLAB/Simulink for a duration of 44 seconds. Pressure measurements was conducted using a hydraulic pressure sensor connected to both the pump and pipeline to capture data at varying angular velocities ranging from 100 rad/s to 550 rad/s. The results showed a linear increase in both pump and pipeline flow rates with increasing angular velocity. The pump pressure ranged from 6.4209e+04 Pa to 1.9228e+06 Pa, while the pipeline pressure varied from 6.4159e+04 Pa to 1.9078e+06 Pa over the same range. Flow rate measurements was also conducted using a hydraulic flow rate sensor connected to both the pump and pipeline to capture data at varying angular velocities ranging from 100 rad/s to 550 rad/s as well. The results showed a linear increase in both pump and pipeline flow rates with increasing angular velocity. The pump flow rate ranged from 0.0021 m³/s to 0.0115 m³/s, while the pipeline flow rate varied from 0.0007 m³/s to 0.0042 m³/s over the same range. The difference in both the pressure and flow rates was attributed to frictional losses and minor flow restrictions within the pipeline. These findings provide insights into the operational efficiency of submersible pumps in waterlogged environments and offer a basis for optimizing pump performance in similar hydraulic systems.