energies

Article
CFD Analysis on the Balancing Hole Design for
Magnetic Drive Centrifugal Pumps
Won-Sik Kim 1 and Jeong-Eui Yun 2, *
1 Department of Mechanical & Vehicle Engineering, Kangwon National University, 346, Jungang-ro,
Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do 25913, Korea; [email protected]
2 School of Mechanical System Engineering, Kangwon National University, 346, Jungang-ro, Samcheok-si,
Gangwon-do 25913, Korea
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +82-10-4705-8317




Received: 9 October 2020; Accepted: 9 November 2020; Published: 10 November 2020


Abstract: Balancing holes in single-suction centrifugal pumps are generally applied to attenuate the
axial thrust caused by a pressure difference between the front side of a shroud and the rear side of a
hub of an impeller. The magnetic drive pump, the subject of this study, has a leak-free airtight structure
and an integrated structure of the impeller and inner magnet. To prevent the performance degradation
of the magnetic drive caused by heat during operation, complex cooling flow paths connected to
balancing holes have been designed so that a sufficient amount of coolant would flow around the
magnetic drive. Due to this spatial characteristic, when balancing holes are applied to a magnetic drive
pump, the balancing hole flow path becomes very long compared to that of balancing holes applied to
conventional pumps. When the balancing hole flow path is long, the flow path loss increases, which in
turn increases the adverse effect of balancing holes on the pump performance. Therefore, the design
of highly efficient balancing holes to which a sufficient amount of coolant can be supplied is critical
in a magnetic drive pump. To this end, two types of balancing holes were investigated in this study.
First, balancing holes are drilled in the impeller that rotates during operation. Second, balancing holes
are drilled in the inner shaft installed to maintain the centre of rotation of the impeller during pump
operation. The results confirmed the flow characteristics of the two types of balancing holes and verified
the effect of each balancing hole on the pump performance. Finally, this study found that drilling
balancing holes in the shaft were appropriate for the magnetic drive pump, and this type can maintain
relatively high efficiency and supply a sufficient amount of coolant to maintain the efficiency of the
magnetic drive.

Keywords: centrifugal pump; magnetic drive pump; impeller; balancing hole; axial thrust

1. Introduction
The advancement of industries has led to the development of the uses of pumps. However,
the working fluids of pumps used in petrochemical, semiconductor, food, and wastewater treatment
industries are highly corrosive or toxic and can cause dangerous situations if leaked during operation
due to incomplete sealing. Therefore, the demand for magnetic drive pumps that have a leak-free
structure and can perfectly seal the working fluid is continuously increasing. The magnetic drive pump
requires a sealed structure that does not leak during operation. Moreover, unlike the conventional
centrifugal pumps, the magnetic drive pump has a complex internal structure, such as an inner
magnet for driving the impeller and a cooling flow path to remove heat generated from the magnet
during operation. Furthermore, axial thrust is generated in the magnetic drive pump by a pressure
difference between the front shroud side and rear hub side of the impeller, similar to the conventional
centrifugal pumps. In general, excessive axial thrust can be a direct cause of bearing damage and pump

Energies 2020, 13, 5865; doi:10.3390/en13225865 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2020, 13, 5865 2 of 16

performance loss; thus, various methods have been used to reduce the axial thrust. Representative
methods are balancing holes, back vane, and balance disk. Among these methods, balancing holes are
the most widely used in general centrifugal pumps. Not many studies related to the axial thrust of
magnetic drive pumps have been published so far, and there are even fewer studies related to balancing
holes. However, many studies on the reduction of the axial thrust of general centrifugal pumps have
been reported. Pehlivan et al. [1] examined the effects of physical properties, such as the back gap
of the impeller, wear ring, and balancing holes on the axial thrust. The results showed that the wear
ring and balancing holes influenced the axial thrust, but the back gap of the impeller did not have a
significant influence on the axial thrust. Lefor et al. [2] compared the casing ribs and J-grooves used to
lower the bearing weight of a centrifugal pump. They focused on the improvement of J-grooves and
found that the efficiency of J-grooves increased by 1.14%. Cao, Dai, and Hu [3] examined the effects of
the size of impeller reflux balancing holes for centrifugal pumps on the pressure distribution of the
front and rear shrouds and rear pump chamber and on the energy characteristics of the entire pump
and axial thrust. The results showed that the axial thrusts of pumps with reflux balancing holes of 5.2
and 5.9 mm diameters were significantly lower than that of a pump with a reflux balancing hole of
4.5 mm diameter. The axial thrust balance improved when the ratio of the area between the reflux
balancing hole and the sealing ring was higher than six. Babayigit et al. [4] investigated differences
in the performance of a two-stage centrifugal pump with and without balancing holes. As a result,
an efficiency difference of 12.9% occurred depending on the existence and absence of balancing holes
at a flow rate of 55 m3 /h and an efficiency difference of 13.4% at a flow rate of 80 m3 /h. Fanyu et al. [5]
suggested a design using a cooling system to offset the axial thrust and a calculation process of the
axial thrust using a formula. Hong and Kang [6] reported that when balancing holes were installed,
the pressure on the front and rear sides of the casing and the pump performance decreased, and the
axial thrust significantly decreased compared to the opposite case. Lee et al. [7] found that the larger
the diameter of balancing holes applied to the centrifugal pump, the higher the leaked flow rate.
This condition decreased the head and efficiency, but it could also effectively reduce the axial thrust.
Kim et al. [8] proposed a method of installing a vane in the pump casing in addition to the existing
axial thrust control design to control the pressure of the cavity at the back of the impeller. When the
axial thrust of the pump was measured by attaching three kinds of vanes to the rear of the impeller of a
high-speed centrifugal pump manufactured for liquid rocket engines, the shape of the vane did not
have a significant effect on the pump head. Furthermore, the larger the vane, the higher the axial thrust,
and the direction of the axial thrust was changed when there was no vane. Choi et al. [9] reported that
applying J-grooves for controlling the size of the axial thrust by making a number of radial grooves on
the wall of the casing could significantly reduce the working fluid rotation speed inside the casing.
Moreover, this method could significantly reduce the axial thrust by making the pressure distribution
in the gap behind the impeller almost flat.
The present study conducted computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis on two different types
of balancing holes that can be commercialized to investigate the phenomena of the flow of working
fluid in flow paths inside a pump, including the cooling flow path in the design of balancing holes.
These factors need to be considered in the development process of a magnetic drive pump. In this
process, the effects of different structures and diameters of balancing holes on the flow rate through the
complex cooling flow path and on the pump performance and axial thrust were examined through a
CFD analysis using the commercial program Ansys CFX.
Table 1 shows the operational specifications at the design points of a 15 HP magnetic drive pump,
which is the subject of this study [6,10,11].
Energies 2020, 13, 5865 3 of 16

Table 1. Operational specifications at the design points of the pump with balancing holes.

Items Spec.
Flow rate 50 m3 /h
Efficiency 60%
Head 45 m

Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW Rotational speed 3450 rpm 3 of 16

2. Numerical
Numerical Analysis
Analysis

Flow Path
2.1. Flow PathStructure
Structureinin
thethe
Magnetic Drive
Magnetic Pump
Drive and and
Pump Analysis Models
Analysis for thefor
Models Twothe
Types
TwoofTypes of
Balancing Holes
Balancing Holes
Figure 11 is
Figure is aa two-dimensional
two-dimensional (2D) (2D) cross-section showing the
cross-section showing the coolant
coolant flow
flow path
path and
and internal
internal
structure of the magnetic drive pump. In this figure, the water entering the
structure of the magnetic drive pump. In this figure, the water entering the inlet at the left inlet at the left of
of the
the
impeller must
impeller mustexitexitthrough
through thethe
outlet afterafter
outlet flowing through
flowing the blades
through and volute.
the blades and However, in actuality,
volute. However, in
not all the water entering the impeller exits through the outlet, and some of the water flows
actuality, not all the water entering the impeller exits through the outlet, and some of the water flows to the front
and
to rear
the flow
front andpaths, instead
rear flow of the
paths, volute,
instead ofresulting
the volute,in resulting
leakage. Furthermore, the magneticthe
in leakage. Furthermore, drive pump
magnetic
in Figure
drive pump1 isindesigned
Figure 1as is an integrated
designed as anstructure
integratedwith an innerwith
structure magnet in themagnet
an inner impeller. Theimpeller.
in the purpose
of this design is to completely seal the working fluid, which can be harmful, inside
The purpose of this design is to completely seal the working fluid, which can be harmful, inside the pump andthe
to
minimize
pump andflow path loss,flow
to minimize whichpathmay occur
loss, which during
may the operation
occur of the
during the impeller.
operation of the impeller.

Figure1.1.2D
Figure 2D cross
cross section
section of
ofthe
themagnetic
magneticdrive
drivepump.
pump.

mentioned above,
As mentioned above,thisthisstudy
studyselected
selectedtwotwotypes
typesofofbalancing
balancingholes
holeswith
withdifferent
different characteristics
characteristics
for the ideal design of the balancing holes applied to the magnetic drive
the ideal design of the balancing holes applied to the magnetic drive pump and examined pump and examined their effects
their
on the on
effects pumpthe performance
pump performance and coolantand flow rate.flow
coolant Figures
rate.2 Figures
and 3 show 2 andthe32D and the
show three-dimensional
2D and three-
(3D) images of
dimensional (3D)theimages
two types of balancing
of the two types holes. The first
of balancing typeThe
holes. of balancing
first type hole is conventional.
of balancing hole is
As shown in Figures
conventional. As shown 2a in
and 3a, the
Figures 2a balancing
and 3a, theholes are directly
balancing holes aredrilled through
directly drilledthe gap between
through the gap
the rotating
between theimpeller
rotating and innerand
impeller magnetinnerthat rotatethat
magnet together
rotatewith the impeller
together with the(hereinafter referred to
impeller (hereinafter
as ‘Type to
referred A’).asThis
‘Type method has method
A’). This easy processing
has easy because
processing there are holes
because therein are
the holes
impeller, which
in the have
impeller,
a relatively
which have large space.large
a relatively However,
space.asHowever,
the balancing
as theholes rotateholes
balancing withrotate
the impeller
with the during
impelleroperation,
during
the centrifugal
operation, force is generated
the centrifugal in the fluid
force is generated passing
in the throughthrough
fluid passing the balancing hole flow
the balancing hole path, thus
flow path,
increasing the flow path loss. The second type of balancing holes is drilled
thus increasing the flow path loss. The second type of balancing holes is drilled through the outer through the outer wall of
the inner
wall of theshaft,
innerwhich
shaft,iswhich
a fixed
is ashaft
fixedthat serves
shaft that to holdto
serves the centre
hold the of the rotating
centre impeller,
of the rotating as shown
impeller, as
in Figures
shown 2b and 3b
in Figures 2b (hereinafter referredreferred
and 3b (hereinafter to as ‘Type to asB’). ThisB’).
‘Type method is difficult
This method to process
is difficult to because
process
the holesthe
because mustholesbemust
drilled
be in the outer
drilled in thewall
outer the
wallinner
theshaft,
inner but thebut
shaft, loss
theofloss
theofbalancing hole flow
the balancing hole
flow path is not affected by the centrifugal force of the impeller because the balancing holes do not
rotate during operation.
Energies 2020, 13, 5865 4 of 16

path is not affected by the centrifugal force of the impeller because the balancing holes do not rotate
Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 16
during operation.

(a)

(b)
2D cross-section
Figure 2. 2D cross-section diagrams of the pump with two types of balancing holes: (a)
(a) Type
Type A pump
with balancing holes in the impeller; (b) Type B pump with balancing holes in the outer wall of the
inner shaft.

2.2. Meshes and Boundary Conditions

Figure 4 shows the meshes created for the CFD analysis of the pump model with Type A balancing
holes. Figure 4a shows the front flow path mesh of the gap between the shroud and volume on the
front of the impeller (see Figure 1). Figure 4b shows the impeller mesh and the meshes of the balancing
hole flow paths applied to the impeller (see Figure 2). The meshes of the balancing hole flow paths
were included in the impeller mesh because both flow paths are rotators. Figure 4c shows the rear flow
path of the gap between the hub and volute on the back of the impeller (see Figure 1). Figure 4d shows
the volute mesh.
Energies 2020, 13, 5865 5 of 16
Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 16

(a) (b)

3D shapes
Figure 3. 3D shapes of
of the
the two
two types
types of
of balancing
balancing holes: (a)
(a) Type
Type A pump with balancing holes in the
impeller; (b) Type B pump with
with balancing
balancing holes
holes in
in the
the outer
outer wall
wall of
of the
the inner
inner shaft.
shaft.

Figure 5and
2.2. Meshes shows the meshes
Boundary created for the CFD analysis of the pump model with Type B balancing
Conditions
holes. Figure 5a shows the front flow path mesh of the gap between the shroud and volume on the
frontFigure 4 shows(see
of the impeller the Figure
meshes 1).created forshows
Figure 5b the CFD analysis mesh.
the impeller of theFigure
pump5cmodel showswith Type
the rear A
flow
balancing holes. Figure 4a shows the front flow path mesh of the gap between the shroud
path mesh of the gap between the hub and volute on the back of the impeller (see Figure 1). Figure 5d and volume
on the the
shows front of the of
meshes impeller (see Figure
the balancing 1). Figure
hole flow paths4b showstothe
applied theimpeller
shaft (seemesh
Figureand2).the meshes
Lastly, of the
Figure 5e
balancing
shows the hole
volute flow paths
mesh. applied to the impeller (see Figure 2). The meshes of the balancing hole
Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 16
flow paths were included in the impeller mesh because both flow paths are rotators. Figure 4c shows
the rear flow path of the gap between the hub and volute on the back of the impeller (see Figure 1).
Figure 4d shows the volute mesh.
Figure 5 shows the meshes created for the CFD analysis of the pump model with Type B
balancing holes. Figure 5a shows the front flow path mesh of the gap between the shroud and volume
on the front of the impeller (see Figure 1). Figure 5b shows the impeller mesh. Figure 5c shows the
rear flow path mesh of the gap between the hub and volute on the back of the impeller (see Figure 1).
Figure 5d shows the meshes of the balancing hole flow paths applied to the shaft (see Figure 2). Lastly,
Figure 5e shows the volute mesh.
The mesh
(a) size was determined (b)based on the grid-independence
(c) test, and all the (d)meshes of the
pump model were designed as tetra meshes considering the complexity of the shape except the wall.
Meshescreated
Figure 4. Meshes createdfor
forthe
thecomputational
computationalfluid
fluiddynamics
dynamics(CFD)
(CFD) analysis
analysis of of
thethe pump
pump model
model
For the wall, a prism mesh was used, which causes less computer calculation errors than a tetra mesh
with Type A balancing
balancingholes.
holes.
[11,12,13].
 (a) (b) (c) (d)

Figure
Energies 4. Meshes
2020, 13, 5865 created for the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the pump model6 of 16
with Type A balancing holes.

(a) (b) (c)

(d) (e)
Figure 5. Meshes
Figure 5. Meshes created
created for
for the
the CFD
CFD analysis
analysis of
of the
the pump
pumpmodel
modelwith
withType
TypeBB balancing holes.
balancing holes.

The mesh
The size was
boundary determined
conditions basedpump
for each on themodel
grid-independence test, and
are listed in Tables all the
2 and 3. meshes
For bothofboundary
the pump
model werethe
conditions, designed as tetra
inlet was set asmeshes considering
the condition the complexity
of inhaling water at aofconstant
the shape except the wall.
temperature of 25 For the
°C and
wall, a prism mesh was used, which causes less computer calculation errors than a
atmospheric pressure, whereas the outlet was set as the condition of discharging water at a constant tetra mesh [11–13].
flow The
rate boundary conditions
of 13.89 kg/s. for each
The impeller waspump model
set at are listed
a rotating in Tables
domain 2 and
of 3450 rpm, 3. whereas
For both the
boundary
volute
◦C
and front flow path, rear flow path, and balancing hole flow path were set as fixed domains.25The
conditions, the inlet was set as the condition of inhaling water at a constant temperature of
and atmospheric
stage interface methodpressure, whereastothe
was applied theoutlet
contactwas set asbetween
surface the condition of discharging
the rotating waterarea.
area and fixed at a
constant
The flow rate
turbulence of 13.89
model waskg/s. The
set as impeller
a shear wastransport
stress set at a rotating domain
(SST) model, of 3450
which rpm, whereas
is well-known tothe
be
volute and front flow path, rear
suitable for pump analyses [11,13,14]. flow path, and balancing hole flow path were set as fixed domains.
The stage interface method was applied to the contact surface between the rotating area and fixed
area. The turbulenceTable model was analysis
2. CFD set as a boundary
shear stress transport
conditions of (SST)
Type A model,
pump which
model. is well-known to be
suitable for pump analyses [11,13,14].
Items Conditions
Table 2. CFD analysis boundary conditions of Type
Fluid A pump model.
Water
Items ImpellerConditions 3,987,091
No. mesh node
Fluid Volute Water 4,058,343
Impeller 3,987,091
Volute 4,058,343
No. mesh node
Front flow path 1,284,602
Rear flow path 1,912,880
Impeller Rotator
Volute Stator
Domain
Front flow path Stator
Rear flow path Stator
Energies 2020, 13, 5865 7 of 16

Table 2. Cont.

Items Conditions
Interface Stage
Temperature = 25 ◦ C
Inlet boundary conditions
Pressure = 1 atm.
Outlet boundary conditions Mass flow = 13.89 kg/s
Turbulence model SST
Rotational speed 3450 rpm

Table 3. CFD analysis boundary conditions of Type B pump model.

Items Conditions
Fluid Water
Impeller 3,530,281
Volute 4,058,343
No. mesh node Front flow path 1,284,602
Rear flow path 1,912,880
Holes flow path 556,483
Impeller Rotator
Volute Stator
Domain Front flow path Stator
Rear flow path Stator
Holes flow path Stator
Interface Stage
Temperature = 25 ◦ C
Inlet boundary conditions
Pressure = 1 atm.
Outlet boundary conditions Mass flow = 13.89 kg/s
Turbulence model SST
Rotational speed 3450 rpm

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Comparison of the CFD Analysis Results between the Pump Model without Balancing Holes and Type A
and B Pump Models
Figure 6 shows the comparison of the CFD analysis results between the pump model without
balancing holes and Type A and B pump models with balancing holes. The Type A pump model was
set with six balancing holes, 4 mm hole diameter, and hole position near the suction surface of the
impeller blade, by referring to the general specifications of the centrifugal pump (see Figures 2a and 3a).
The Type B pump model was also set with six balancing holes and 4 mm hole diameter, and the hole
position was set to the outer surface of the fixed shaft located at the same angle as the Type A pump
model based on the impeller’s rotation axis (see Figures 2b and 3b).
Figure 6a shows that the efficiency of the pump model without balancing holes is 71.6%. The efficiency
of the Type A pump model is 46.9%, lower by approximately 25% than that of the pump model without
balancing holes. However, the efficiency of the Type B pump model is 70.2%, only 1% lower than that of
the pump model without balancing holes. Thus, in terms of efficiency, Type B balancing holes are much
more advantageous than Type A balancing holes.
Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 16

Figure 6a shows that the efficiency of the pump model without balancing holes is 71.6%. The
efficiency of the Type A pump model is 46.9%, lower by approximately 25% than that of the pump
model without balancing holes. However, the efficiency of the Type B pump model is 70.2%, only 1%
Energies 2020, 13, 5865 8 of 16
lower than that of the pump model without balancing holes. Thus, in terms of efficiency, Type B
balancing holes are much more advantageous than Type A balancing holes.
Figure
Figure 6b 6b shows
shows thatthat the
the pump
pump modelmodel without
without balancing
balancing holes
holes has
has aa head
head ofof 50.5
50.5 m,
m, and
and the
the
head
headof ofthe
theType
TypeAApump pumpmodelmodelisis41.1
41.1m,m,lower
lowerby byapproximately
approximately99m mthan
thanthat
thatof
ofthe
thepump
pumpmodelmodel
without
withoutbalancing
balancingholes.
holes. However,
However,the thehead
headof ofthe
theType
TypeBBpump
pumpmodelmodelisis50.4
50.4m,m,which
whichisisnot
notmuch
much
different
differentfrom
fromthatthatofofthe
thepump
pump model
model without
without balancing
balancing holes. Therefore,
holes. Therefore,Type B balancing
Type holesholes
B balancing are
much more advantageous than Type A balancing holes in terms
are much more advantageous than Type A balancing holes in terms of the head size. of the head size.
Figure
Figure6c6cshowsshows thethe
calculation
calculationresults of theofaxial
results thethrust. First, theFirst,
axial thrust. pump themodel
pump without
modelbalancing
without
holes has an
balancing axial
holes thrust
has of approximately
an axial 1734.7 N.1734.7
thrust of approximately The pump
N. The with
pumpTypewithB balancing holes has
Type B balancing an
holes
axial
has anthrust
axialofthrust
1124.2ofN,1124.2
lowerN, bylower
35% than the pump
by 35% than thewithout
pumpbalancing holes due to
without balancing the due
holes balancing
to the
holes. However,
balancing holes.the axial thrust
However, of thethrust
the axial pumpofwith
the Type
pumpAwithbalancing
Type holes is −11071.0
A balancing holesN.isThis finding
−11071.0 N.
indicates
This findingthatindicates
due to the balancing
that due to the holes, an axial
balancing thrust
holes, of 1070.95
an axial thrustN ofacts in the
1070.95 opposite
N acts in thedirection
opposite
to that of the
direction pump
to that model
of the pumpwithout
modelbalancing holes. These
without balancing results
holes. Thesesuggest
resultsthat in the
suggest case
that of Type
in the case Aof
balancing holes, an holes,
Type A balancing axial thrust
an axialactsthrust
in theacts
opposite
in thedirection
opposite of the pump
direction of model
the pump without
model balancing
without
holes due to
balancing thedue
holes excessive reductionreduction
to the excessive of the axial thrust,
of the axialbut in the
thrust, butcase of case
in the TypeofB Type
balancing holes,
B balancing
the axial
holes, thethrust
axial is lowerisby
thrust onlyby
lower a small
only aamount.
small amount.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure6.6. Comparison
Figure Comparison of
of the
the performance
performance and
and axial
axial thrust
thrust of
ofthe
thepump
pumpwithout
withoutbalancing
balancingholes
holesand
and
pumpswith
pumps withsix
sixType
TypeAAand
andBBbalancing
balancingholes
holesofof44mm
mmdiameter.
diameter.

Figures
Figures 77 andand 88show
show the thevelocity
velocity contour
contour andand vector
vector on
on the
the X–Y
X–Y and
and X–Z X–Z planes
planes of of the
the pump
pump
model
model without
without balancing
balancing holes
holes and pump models with Type A and B balancing holes, respectively.
First,
First, in
in Figures
Figures 77 andand8a, 8a,for
forthethepump
pumpmodelmodelwithout
withoutbalancing
balancing holes,
holes, some
some of of the
thehigh-pressure
high-pressure
water that passed through the blades is recycled to the low-pressure
water that passed through the blades recycled to the low-pressure inlet through the front flow inlet through the front flow
pathpath
(see
(see Figure
Figure 1), but
1), but mostmostwaterwater
exitsexits through
through the outlet
the outlet via volute.
via the the volute. Furthermore,
Furthermore, in theingap
the of
gap theofrear
the rear
flow
flow
path path (see Figure
(see Figure 1), water
1), water from the from the high-pressure
high-pressure volute isvolute is supplied
supplied and remainsand remains (not recycled)
(not recycled) and only
and only the wall inside the rear
the wall inside the rear flow path rotates. flow path rotates.
Furthermore,
Furthermore,for forthe
thepump
pumpmodels modelswith withbalancing
balancing holes
holes in
in Figures
Figures77 and and 8b,c,
8b,c, the
the low-pressure
low-pressure
water
waterthat thatentered
entered through
through thetheimpeller
impellerinletinlet
mustmustexit through the outlet
exit through the via
outletthe via
volutetheasvolute
high-pressure
as high-
water
pressureafterwater
receiving
afterenergy
receivingthrough
energy thethrough
blades, the
but blades,
some ofbutthe some
high-pressure water passedwater
of the high-pressure through the
passed
blades
through flowthethrough
bladesthe front
flow and rear
through flow
the paths
front and instead of thepaths
rear flow volute, resulting
instead of in
theleakage.
volute,Inresulting
particular,in
unlike the model without balancing holes in Figures 7 and 8a, for the models
leakage. In particular, unlike the model without balancing holes in Figures 7 and 8a, for the models in Figures 7 and 8b,c,
as
in the high-pressure
Figures 7 and 8b,c,volute asandthelow-pressure
high-pressure inlet of theand
volute impeller are interconnected
low-pressure inlet of the through the rear
impeller are
flow path, a recycling
interconnected through flow
thepath
rear offlowwater
path,isaformed
recycling inside
flow the
pathimpeller.
of water This condition
is formed insidecauses rapid
the impeller.
changes in the pressure
This condition causes rapid distribution
changes around the impeller
in the pressure and thearound
distribution speed distribution
the impelleratand thetheimpeller
speed
inlet that is hit
distribution by water.
at the impeller Particularly,
inlet that isin hitFigures
by water.7 and 8b, for theinmodel
Particularly, Figures with balancing
7 and 8b, for holes
the modelinstalled
with
in the rotating impeller, the flow through the rear flow path rapidly increases and flow energy loss
occurs due to the effect of increasing flow velocity and the vortex flow caused by the complicated
Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 16
Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 16
Energies 2020, 13, 5865 9 of 16
balancing
balancing holes
holes installed
installed in
in the
the rotating
rotating impeller,
impeller, thethe flow
flow through
through thethe rear
rearflow
flowpath
pathrapidly
rapidly increases
increases
and
and flow energy loss occurs due to the effect of increasing flow velocity and the vortex flow caused by
flow energy loss occurs due to the effect of increasing flow velocity and the vortex flow caused by the
the
complicated
flow flow
flow path
path shape.
complicated path shape.
shape. Consequently,
Consequently, the pressure
Consequently, theofpressure
the water inof
pressure thewater
of backin
water ofthe
in theback
the of
of the
impeller
back the impeller
sharply sharply
decreases
impeller sharply
decreases
decreases compared
compared compared to
to those
to those shown inshown
those in
Figures
shown in7Figures 77 and
and 8a,c.
Figures The
and 8a,c.
same
8a,c. The
The same
result
same isresult
shown
result is shown
isin Figure
shown in
in6.Figure
Figure 6.
6.

(a)
(a) (b)
(b) (c)
(c)
Figure 7. Comparison of the X–Y plane velocity contour of the pump
pump without balancing
balancing holes and
Figure 7. Comparison of the X–Y plane velocity
Figure 7. velocity contour of the
the pump without
without balancing holes
holes and
and
pumps
pumps and Type A and B balancing holes of 4 mm diameter: (a) without balancing
holes;holes; (b) Type
with
pumps and
andType
TypeAAand
andB balancing
B balancingholes of 4ofmm
holes diameter:
4 mm (a) without
diameter: balancing
(a) without balancing (b) with
holes; (b) with
Type
A A balancing
balancing holes;holes; (c) Type
(c) with with Type B balancing
holes.holes.
Type A balancing holes; (c) with BType
balancing
B balancing holes.

(a)
(a) (b)
(b) (c)
(c)
Comparison of the X–Z plane velocity vector and contour of the pump without balancing
Figure 8. Comparison
Figure 8. Comparison of the X–Z plane velocity vector and contour of the pump without balancing
holes and
and pumps
pumpswith
withsix
sixType AA
Type and B balancing
and holes
B balancing of 4 of
holes mm diameter:
4 mm (a) without
diameter: balancing
(a) without holes;
balancing
holes and pumps with six Type A and B balancing holes of 4 mm diameter: (a) without balancing
(b) with Type A balancing holes; (c) with Type B balancing holes.
holes; (b) with Type A balancing holes; (c) with Type B balancing holes.
holes; (b) with Type A balancing holes; (c) with Type B balancing holes.
Figures 99 and
Figures and 10show
show thecomparison
comparison of the distribution of entropy production on the X–Y
Figures 9 and 10 10 show thethe comparison of of the
the distribution
distribution of of entropy
entropy production
production on on the
the X–Y
X–Y and
and
and X–Z
X–Z planes of the pump model without balancing holes and pumpmodels
modelswithwithTypes
TypesA A and B B
X–Z planes of the pump model without balancing holes and pump models with Types A and
planes of the pump model without balancing holes and pump and B
balancing
balancing holes. Entropy production means the loss of viscous and turbulence dissipation by flow,
balancing holes.
holes. Entropy
Entropy production
production means
means thethe loss
loss of
of viscous
viscous and
and turbulence
turbulence dissipation
dissipation by by flow,
flow,
and the
and the flow
flow loss
lossdistribution
distribution cancan
be easily
be predicted
easily by the
predicted bydistribution
the of entropy
distribution of production
entropy [15,16].
production
and the flow loss distribution can be easily predicted by the distribution of entropy production
The distribution of entropy production in Figure 9 shows that, first, at the impeller inlet, the entropy
[15,16].
[15,16].
production
The has a large value due to the surface shear force by the rotation of the blade leading edge.
The distribution
distribution of of entropy
entropy production
production in in Figure
Figure 99 shows
shows that,
that, first,
first, at
at the
the impeller
impeller inlet,
inlet, the
the
At the
entropy impeller outlet, the closer to the outlet, the faster the flow velocity becomes due to the rotation
entropy production
production hashas aa large
large value
value due
due to
to the
the surface
surface shear
shear force
force by
by the
the rotation
rotation ofof the
the blade
blade leading
leading
of the At
edge. impeller, and the largerthe the loss due to flow instability resulting from the increasing flow path
edge. At thethe impeller
impeller outlet,
outlet, the closer
closer to
to the
the outlet,
outlet, the
the faster
faster the
the flow
flow velocity
velocity becomes
becomes due due toto the
the
rotation
rotation ofof the
the impeller,
impeller, and
and the
the larger
larger the
the loss
loss due
due toto flow
flow instability
instability resulting
resulting from
from the
the increasing
increasing
Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 16
Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 16
Energies 2020, 13, 5865 10 of 16
flow path area. In particular, Figure 9b,c for models with balancing holes show that the entropy
flow path area. In particular, Figure 9b,c for models with balancing holes show that the entropy
production is large in the flow path area where recycling occurs due to the holes.
production is large in the flow path area where recycling occurs due to the holes.
area.The distribution
In particular, of entropy
Figure 9b,c forproduction
models with on balancing
the X–Z plane
holesinshow
Figurethat10the
shows more
entropy clearly that
production is
The distribution of entropy production on the X–Z plane in Figure 10 shows more clearly that
the entropy
large production
in the flow path areais large
whereinrecycling
the area occurs
where due
recycling
to theincreases
holes. due to the holes. In particular,
the entropy production is large in the area where recycling increases due to the holes. In particular,
for the
Themodel with balancing
distribution of entropy holes installedon
production inthe
theX–Z
rotating
planeimpeller,
in FigureFigure 9b shows
10 shows an increase
more clearly in
that the
for the model with balancing holes installed in the rotating impeller, Figure 9b shows an increase in
the entropy
entropy production
production (loss
is large of flow
in the area energy) due to the
where recycling vortexdue
increases flowto near the back
the holes. of the impeller
In particular, for the
the entropy production (loss of flow energy) due to the vortex flow near the back of the impeller
constituting the rear holes
model with balancing flow installed
path. It can berotating
in the inferred that theFigure
impeller, result9binshows
Figurean 6increase
was caused by this
in the entropy
constituting the rear flow path. It can be inferred that the result in Figure 6 was caused by this
condition.
production (loss of flow energy) due to the vortex flow near the back of the impeller constituting the
condition.
rear flow path. It can be inferred that the result in Figure 6 was caused by this condition.

(a) (b) (c)

(a) (b) (c)
Figure 9. Comparison of the entropy production on the X–Y plane of the pump without balancing
Figure 9. Comparison of the entropy production on the X–Y plane of the pump without balancing
holes and the pumps with six Type A and B balancing holes of 4 mm diameter: (a) without balancing
holes and the pumps with six Type A and B balancing holes of 4 mm diameter: (a) without balancing
holes; (b) with Type A balancing holes; (c) with Type B balancing holes.
Figure 9. Comparison
holes; (b) of the entropy
with Type A balancing holes;production on Bthe
(c) with Type X–Y plane
balancing of the pump without balancing
holes.
holes and the pumps with six Type A and B balancing holes of 4 mm diameter: (a) without balancing
holes; (b) with Type A balancing holes; (c) with Type B balancing holes.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 10. Comparison

Comparison of the entropy production on the X–Z plane of the pump without balancing
holes and the pumps(a)with six Type A and B balancing(b) (c) balancing
holes of 4 mm diameter: (a) without
holes; (b) with Type
Type A
A balancing
balancing holes;
holes; (c) with Type B
B balancing
balancing holes.
holes.
Figure 10. Comparison of the entropy production on the X–Z plane of the pump without balancing
holes and the pumps with six Type A and B balancing holes of 4 mm diameter: (a) without balancing
Figures 11
Figures 11 and
and 12
12 show
show the
the pressure
pressure contours
contours on
on the
the X–Y
X–Y and
and X–Z
X–Z planes
planes of
of the
the pump
pump model
model
holes; (b) with Type A balancing holes; (c) with Type B balancing holes.
without
without balancing
balancing holesholes and
and the
the pump
pump models
models with
with Type
TypeA Aand
andBBbalancing
balancingholes.
holes.
The
The pressure
pressure contour
contour in Figure
in Figure11 shows
11 that
shows the
that pressure
the gradually
pressure increases
gradually as the low-pressure
increases as themodel
low-
Figures 11 and 12 show the pressure contours on the X–Y and X–Z planes of the pump
water,
pressure which
water,waswhich
supplied
was from everyfrom
supplied pump through
every pump atmospheric
through pressure, and
atmospheric moves and
pressure, toward the
moves
without balancing holes and the pump models with Type A and B balancing holes.
outlet
toward by receiving energy from the rotating impeller. For the pump model with balancing holes installed
Thethe outlet bycontour
pressure receivingin energy
Figure from the rotating
11 shows that the impeller.
pressureForgradually
the pump increases
model with asbalancing
the low-
in the installed
holes impeller, inFigure
the 11b shows
impeller, that the
Figure 11bpressure
shows at the
that theoutlet is theatlowest
pressure the compared
outlet is the to thosecompared
lowest shown in
pressure water, which was supplied from every pump through atmospheric pressure, and moves
Figure
to those11a,c
shown (seeinFigure
Figure6b). The(see
11a,c reason for thisThe
Figure is that, as shown
for this in the above figures, the largest flow
toward the outlet by receiving energy from6b). reason
the rotating impeller. is that,
For theas shown
pump in the
model above
with figures,
balancing
the largest
holes flowin
installed loss
theoccurs in theFigure
impeller, flow path
11b where
shows thethatwater is recycled
the pressure at after passing
the outlet through
is the lowestthe rear flow
compared
path and the balancing holes, as shown in Figure 11b.
 duringimpeller,
rotating operation. However,
there in Figure
is a pressure 12b, foreffect
reduction the pump
due tomodel with balancing
the increase holes installed
in flow velocity in the
as the flow
rotating impeller, there is a pressure reduction effect due to the increase in
through the rear flow path rapidly increases. Furthermore, the pressure of water at the rear of the flow velocity as the flow
through
impeller the rear reduced
is rapidly flow path duerapidly
to the increases.
loss of flow Furthermore,
energy fromthe thepressure of water
vortex flow, whichat is
the rear ofbythe
caused
the complicated flow path shape. Consequently, as shown in Figure 6c, a large axial thrustcaused
impeller is rapidly reduced due to the loss of flow energy from the vortex flow, which is occursby
the
Energies
toward complicated
the back
2020, 13,of flow
the
5865 path opposite
impeller shape. Consequently,
to the direction as shown 12a,c.
in Figure in Figure 6c, a large axial thrust occurs
11 of 16
toward the back of the impeller opposite to the direction in Figure 12a,c.
The above results show that the axial thrust in the pump impeller during operation can be
removed The withabove results
minimal show that
efficiency the axial
reduction andthrust in the
head loss pump
if the impeller
balancing during
holes operation sizes
of appropriate can be
loss occurs in the flow path where the water is recycled after passing through the rear flow path and the
areremoved
installedwith minimal
at proper efficiency
positions in thereduction
impeller.and head loss if the balancing holes of appropriate sizes
balancing holes, as shown in Figure 11b.
are installed at proper positions in the impeller.

(a) (b) (c)

(a) (b) (c)
Figure 11. Comparison of the pressure contour distribution on the X–Y plane of the pump without
Comparison of
Figure 11. Comparison of the
the pressure contour
contour distribution on
on the
the X–Y plane of the pump without
balancing holes and the pumps with six Type A anddistribution
B balancing holes of 4 mm diameter: (a) without
balancing holes A and B balancing holes of 4 mm diameter: (a) without
balancing holes; (b)and theType
with pumps with six Type
A balancing holes; (c) with Type B balancing holes.
balancing holes; (b) with Type
Type AA balancing
balancing holes;
holes; (c) with Type
Type BB balancing
balancing holes.
holes.

(a) (b) (c)

(a) (b) (c)
Figure 12. Comparison of the pressure contour distribution on the X–Z plane of the pump without
balancing holes and the pumps with six Type A and B balancing holes of 4 mm diameter: (a) without
balancing holes; (b) with Type A balancing holes; (c) with Type B balancing holes.

Figure 12 clearly shows the distribution of pressures in the recycling flow path created by the front
flow path, balancing holes, and rear flow path. In the front flow path interconnecting the high-pressure
volute and impeller inlet, a high-pressure flow is generated regardless of the balancing holes. However,
the pressure distribution in the rear flow path is influenced by the existence or absence of balancing
holes and the position of the shape. In Figure 12a, there is no recycling flow through the rear flow
path because there are no balancing holes, but a high pressure occurs in the large space behind the
rear flow path because it is connected to the volute through which high-pressure water flows. As a
result, the pump without balancing holes receives a large axial thrust toward the front of the impeller
during operation. However, in Figure 12b, for the pump model with balancing holes installed in the
rotating impeller, there is a pressure reduction effect due to the increase in flow velocity as the flow
through the rear flow path rapidly increases. Furthermore, the pressure of water at the rear of the
impeller is rapidly reduced due to the loss of flow energy from the vortex flow, which is caused by the
Energies 2020, 13, 5865 12 of 16

complicated flow path shape. Consequently, as shown in Figure 6c, a large axial thrust occurs toward
the back of the impeller opposite to the direction in Figure 12a,c.
The above results show that the axial thrust in the pump impeller during operation can be removed
with minimal efficiency reduction and head loss if the balancing holes of appropriate sizes are installed
at proper positions in the impeller.

3.2. Pump Performance and Axial Thrust with Different Positions of Balancing Holes
Figure 13 shows the calculation results of the axial thrust and performance according to the
diameter of balancing holes and the cooling water flow rate through the balancing hole flow path for
Type A and B pump models.
The left graph in Figure 13a, comparing the axial thrust of each model when there are no balancing
holes in the pump with Type A balancing holes, shows that an axial thrust of 1734.7 N is generated,
but when there are balancing holes of 2 mm diameter, the axial thrust decreases to 395 N. Then, the axial
thrust rapidly decreases with an increasing diameter, and the axial thrust becomes zero when the
diameter is 2.9 mm (flow rate 0.4 kg/s). When the diameter increases to 7 mm, the axial thrust decreases
further, showing a reverse axial thrust of −1868 N before gradually becoming constant. The right graph
in Figure 13a shows the calculation results with the flow rate through the balancing holes instead
of the diameter of the balancing holes. While the diameter of balancing holes changes from 2 to 12
mm, the flow rate through the balancing holes increases from 0.146 to 3.819 kg/s in proportion to the
diameter of the balancing holes. This finding indicates that the axial thrust rapidly decreases due to
the pressure relief at the back of the pump, according to the increase in the flow rate.
By contrast, when the diameter of the balancing holes was 2 mm, the pump with Type B balancing
holes generated a forward axial thrust of 1238 N, which is larger than that of the pump with Type A
balancing holes. Furthermore, as the diameter increased to 8.3 mm, the change in flow rate through
the balancing holes was very small. Then, the flow rate sharply increased for a very small diameter
change of 0.2 mm, which also rapidly decreased the axial thrust, showing a discontinuous trend of
the flow rate. Due to the pump with Type B balancing holes, the flowing fluid does not receive the
kinetic energy by motor rotation, unlike the pump with Type A balancing holes because the balancing
holes are located on the outer wall of the inner shaft. As a result, a transient flow phenomenon occurs
in the discontinuous section where the fluid flowing through the balancing hole flow path located
on the fixed axis moves to the rotating impeller. Figure 14a shows the changes of the total pressure
distribution at section A-A including the kinetic energy of the fluid according to the changes in the
diameter of balancing holes for the pump with Type B balancing holes. Figure 14b shows the static
pressure distribution at section A-A. In this figure, when the diameter of balancing holes is 8.3 mm
or less, the flow rate is low because the energy is insufficient for the fluid to move to the front of the
impeller by overcoming the resistance of the flow path only by the pressure of the fluid at the back of
the impeller. Consequently, there is no significant change in the total pressure of the fluid flowing
to the rotating impeller from the fixed balancing hole. However, when the hole diameter becomes
larger than 8.5 mm, the high-pressure fluid at the back of the impeller can sufficiently overcome the
resistance of the fixed flow path. Thus, the flow rate suddenly increases, and the total pressure inside
the balancing holes increases. This phenomenon can be seen more clearly in Figure 14c. As shown in
this figure, when the diameter of balancing holes is 8.3 mm or less, the fluid flowing through the fixed
balancing hole flow path has insufficient energy to break through the main flow around the rotating
impeller, but when it becomes larger than 8.5 mm, the fluid breaks through the main flow around
the rotating impeller. Furthermore, as the flow path gradually expands, the surrounding pressure
distribution becomes stabilized. Then, the axial thrust also decreases with an increasing diameter of
the pump with Type B balancing holes, and the axial thrust becomes zero when the diameter becomes
10.5 mm (flow rate: 4 kg/s), as shown in Figure 13a.
structural characteristic, Type B balancing holes can be more appropriate for the design of balancing
holes for magnetic drive centrifugal pumps, which can achieve a coolant with 10 times higher flow rate
even if there is a small loss (efficiency 3.1%, head 1.2 m) in terms of efficiency and head. In particular, Type
B balancing holes also have an advantage as the margin of the coolant flow design is relatively large because
it has a smaller change in efficiency and head according to the change of the flow rate around the balanced
Energies 2020, 13, 5865 13 of 16
position compared to Type A balancing holes, as shown in Figure 13.

(a)

(b)

(c)

Figure 13. Changes in the axial thrust and performance according to the diameter of balancing holes
Figure
and the 13.
flowChanges
changesinthrough
the axial
thethrust and performance
balancing according
holes of pump to the
models with diameter
Type A and of balancingholes.
B balancing holes
and the flow changes through the balancing holes of pump models with Type A and B balancing
Figure
holes. 13b,c show the calculation results of the changes in efficiency and head according to the
diameter of the balancing holes and flow rate through the balancing holes for pumps with Type A
and B balancing holes. In the balanced flow rate (Type A: 0.4 kg/s, Type B: 4 kg/s) or balanced hole
diameter size (Type A: 2.9 mm, Type B: 10.5 mm), the efficiency of the Type A pump model is 55.1%
and that of the Type B pump model is 52%. Thus, the efficiency of Type A is approximately 3.1% higher
than that of Type B. Furthermore, the heads of the Type A and B pump models are 45.6 and 44.4 m,
respectively. Thus, the head of Type A is higher by approximately 1.2 m. For this reason, Type A is
often adopted for the balancing holes of general pumps. However, the magnetic drive centrifugal
pump requires a sufficient amount of coolant unlike the general pump to prevent low efficiency (low
torque transmission power) of the magnetic drive due to high heat around the magnetic drive during
operation. Considering this structural characteristic, Type B balancing holes can be more appropriate
for the design of balancing holes for magnetic drive centrifugal pumps, which can achieve a coolant
 Energies 2020, 13, 5865 14 of 16

with 10 times higher flow rate even if there is a small loss (efficiency 3.1%, head 1.2 m) in terms of
efficiency and head. In particular, Type B balancing holes also have an advantage as the margin of the
coolant flow design is relatively large because it has a smaller change in efficiency and head according
to the change of the flow rate around the balanced position compared to Type A balancing holes,
Energies 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 16
as shown in Figure 13.

Figure 14. (a) Total pressure contours, (b) pressure contours, and (c) velocity vector distribution in box
Figure
B at14. (a) Total
section A-A pressure contours,
according (b) in
the change pressure contours,
the diameter and (c) velocity
of balancing vector
holes in distribution
the pump in B
with Type
boxbalancing
B at section A-A
holes. according the change in the diameter of balancing holes in the pump with Type
B balancing holes.
4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
To achieve an ideal design of balancing holes applied to a magnetic drive pump, the flow characteristics
ofTo achieve
two types ofanbalancing
ideal design
holesofwith
balancing holes
different characteristics a magnetic
applied towithin drive pump,
the available design the flow
range were
characteristics
examined inofthistwo types
study. Theoffollowing
balancing holes with
conclusions different
were derivedcharacteristics within the available
from the analysis:
design range were examined in this study. The following conclusions were derived from the analysis:
1. The axial thrust behaviour, pump performance, and flow rate through the internal cooling circuit
of the magnetic drive pump show completely different patterns according to the shape of
balancing holes.
2. Type A balancing holes, which are directly drilled through the gap between the rotating impeller
Energies 2020, 13, 5865 15 of 16

1. The axial thrust behaviour, pump performance, and flow rate through the internal cooling
circuit of the magnetic drive pump show completely different patterns according to the shape of
balancing holes.
2. Type A balancing holes, which are directly drilled through the gap between the rotating impeller
and inner magnet that is integrated and rotates with the impeller, can resolve the axial thrust
with relatively small reductions of efficiency and head size than Type B balancing holes, which
are drilled on the outer wall of the inner shaft, a fixed axis that holds the centre of the impeller.
3. In terms of securing the flow rate of the internal coolant to release heat generated during the
magnet drive operation, the pump with Type B balancing holes can be more advantageous.
Because it can achieve 10 times higher flow rate of the internal coolant at the balanced position
and can remove the axial thrust without much loss in efficiency and head compared to Type A
balancing holes.

Author Contributions: W.-S.K. conducted CFD, checked and organized the result data, and wrote this paper.
J.-E.Y. checked the results and discussion and generally reviewed this paper. All authors have read and agreed to
the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP)
and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea, grant number 20172010106090.
Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and
Planning (KETEP) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of the Republic of Korea (No.
20172010106090).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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