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CSME 2020/10
Volume 41 No.5
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551-563
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Optimal Design of Investment Casting System for a Stuffing Box with Pedestal of Centrifugal Pump: Computer Simulations and Experimental Verification
Jenn-Kun Kuoa, Pei-Hsing Huangb, Yu-Ting Tsaic, Zhong Qid and Chuen-Shii Choud
aDepartment of Greenergy, National University of Tainan, Tainan, 70005, Taiwan
bDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan
cBachelor’s Program in Precision System Design, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan
dDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, National Pintung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
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Abstract:
The stuffing box with pedestal (SBP) is a major component in centrifugal pumps (CPs). It is responsible for the transfer of load generated in the CP to the baseplate of the pump and finally to the ground. SBPs are usually fabricated using investment casting; however, this process is prone to residual casting defects, which can reduce mechanical strength and increase the likelihood of crack formation following long-term usage. In this study, the AnyCasting numerical simulation software package was used to optimize the investment parameters for the casting of an SBP in SUS304 alloy. Optimization efforts targeted the shrinkage cavity (based on retained melt modulus) and porosity defects (based on Niyama criterion). The results of preliminary simulations and experiments informed the establishment of five casting schemes for subsequent simulation. We used virtual thermo-dynamic sensors to determine the rate and direction of solidification in the mold cavity, and also investigated variations in the velocity of the molten metal at the inlets of the gating system as a function of time. The optimal casting parameters derived in simulations were assessed by fabricating an SBP via investment casting in a domestic foundry. Nondestructive testing based on X-ray analysis revealed none of the detrimental defects commonly associated with this type of casting.
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Keywords: investment casting, centrifugal pump, stuffing box with pedestal, retained melt modulus, Niyama criterion.
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©
2020
CSME , ISSN 0257-9731
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