Analytical and CFD modeling of the fluid flow in an eccentric-tube centrifugal oil pump for hermetic compressors

A model is presented for calculating the volume flow rate in an eccentric-tube centrifugal oil pump for reciprocating compressors. The oil pump assembly consists of a pick-up tube with an inclined inlet that is mounted off-center with the crankshaft symmetry axis. The pick-up tube is connected to the shaft channel, a helical groove machined on the crankshaft that facilitates the supply of lubricant to the bearings. The analytical models for the pick-up tube and shaft channel were developed independently and were coupled via a numerical procedure to determine the steady-state volume flow rate in the assembly. The steady-state results were verified against a CFD model, which was also used to evaluate the fluid flow in the oil pump assembly during a start-up transient. A parametric analysis was conducted to quantify the influence of some oil pump geometric parameters, such as the pick-up tube diameter and the shaft eccentricity.

► Calculation of fluid flow in eccentric tube centrifugal oil pump via CFD and semi-analytical models. ► Flow rate increases with pick-up tube diameter, shaft eccentricity and shaft channel screw pitch. ► Agreement between the two methods in the prediction of the steady-state flow rate is within 15%.