Modeling pressure pulsation and backflow in progressing cavity pumps with deformable stator

Abstract

This contribution studies the impact of the rotor-stator interaction in a single-stage progressing cavity pump on the flow rate and pressure. Specifically, we investigate the effect of the rotor movement on the sealings formed with deformable stators for various speeds and pressures. Sealings are reconstructed with the help of a geometric 3D model. We analyze the tangential and radial deviation of the rotor from its reference path and show that the radial deviation affects the flow rate, whereas the tangential deviation affects the pressure dynamics. The conjectures are confirmed with a laboratory test setup.