Development of Virtual Laboratory for the Study of Centrifugal Pump Cavitation and Performance in a Pipeline Network

Oyewola, O. M.; Oloketuyi, S. I.; Badmus, I.; Ajide, O. O.; Adedotun, F. J.; Odebode, O. O.

The conventional method of conducting laboratory experiments in engineering becomes a serious challenge asa result of the COVID-19 pandemic;the development of a virtual laboratory is considered a suitable substitute to real laboratory. In this work, a virtual laboratory for a family of centrifugal pumps has been developed. Cavitation development within the centrifugal pumps and the pumps performances in pipeline networks were studied. Negative potential head and high fluid temperature increased early cavitation incidence, while low fluid temperature, as well as positive potential head reduced it. The choice of pipe diameter and its roughness factor played significant roles in the pumps' performance. The study shows that virtual laboratory represents a good training environment that enables precise pipeline and pump flow matching.