Simulation-based Vibration Sensor Placement for Centrifugal Pump Impeller Fault Detection

In this paper, a simulation-based method is proposed for optimal placement of vibration sensors for the purpose of fault detection in a centrifugal pump. The centrifugal pump is modeled to investigate the effect of vane tip fault on fluid flow patterns numerically. Pressure pulsations are investigated at different locations at the inner surface of the pump before and after the presence of the fault to determine the best location for installing vibration sensors on the pump casing. Experiments are also conducted by mounting accelerometers at various locations on the pump casing. Simulation and experimental results are then compared and a direct correlation between changes in PSD amplitudes of pressure and acceleration signals was observed. The optimum location for placement of an accelerometer is determined to be near the volute tongue on the casing where the highest level of pressure pulsations in the simulation is also calculated in the presence of vane tip fault.