The inner workings of a centrifugal pumping system are easier to grasp thanks to a new see-through unit specifically developed for educators and researchers.
The PumpLab from Turbine Technologies Ltd., Chetek, Wis. (www.turbinetechnologies.com), has a completely see-through flow circuit, an advanced vector drive powering a 3-hp motor, three interchangeable impeller profiles, and a see-through flow rotameter. Strobe lighting highlights boundary layer activity in the pump impeller, actually stopping cavitation bubbles and related flow phenomenon for firsthand viewing. The system can help to study pump performance curves, head/discharge curves, cavitation, flow rate/torque correlations, and impeller boundary layer conditions. It also permits testing customer-designed impeller performance.