Fluid machines

Fluid machines are dynamic fluid machines that add (for pump) or extract (for turbines) flow
energy. The term pump is used when the working fluid is water or oil. The term compressor is
used when the working fluid is air/gas.
Classification of Fluid Machines
Fluid machines can be classified as:
Positive displacement machines Rotodynamic machines.
In positive displacement machines fluid is drawn into a finite space bounded by mechanical parts, then
sealed in it, and then forced out from space and the cycle is repeated. The flow is intermittent and
depends on the dimensions of the space (chamber), and speed or the pump. Gear pumps, vane pumps
are all positive displacement pumps.
In rotodynamic machines there is free passage between inlet and outlet of the machine
without intermittent sealing taking place. In these machines there is a rotor which is able to rotate
continuously and freely in the fluid. The transfer of energy is continuous which results in change of
pressure or momentum of the fluid. Centrifugal blower, centrifugal pumps and hydraulic turbines are
some examples of rotodynamic machines.
The two criteria, namely, the energy transfer and type of action, form the basis of
classification of hydraulic machines, as shown in Fig. 4.1. From the chart it can be seen that pumps and
compressors increase the energy of the fluid and may be positive displacement or rotodynamic. Fans are
always rotodynamic. Turbine does work and is rotodynamic.



Fluid machines
Further classification is based on flow and energy transfer. Fluid used as means of energy
transfer.
(a) Classification based on the geometry of flow path:
Radial flow; Axial flow; Mixed flow.
In radial flow the flow path is essentially radial with significant changes in radius. In axial flow
machines the flow path is nearly parallel to the machine centre line and the path does not change. In
mixed flow it is partly axial and partly radial.
(b) Fluid machines can use any of the following forms of energy
Heat energy (steam and gas turbines) Potential energy (hydraulic turbines) Kinetic energy (wind
mills)
In power producing machines work is done by the fluid flow and in power absorbing machines work is
done on the fluid to raise potential energy.
Centrifugal Pumps
A single-stage centrifugal pump is shown in Fig . The rotating element is called the impeller which is
contained within the pump housing or casing. The shaft transfers mechanical energy to impeller which
must penetrate the casing, a system of bearings. Seals are required against the leakage of the fluid. Fluid
enters the machine nearly in axial direction at inlet through the eye of the impeller and leaves the
impeller radially out. Flow leaving the impeller is collected in a scroll or volute, which gradually
increases in area as fluid moves out through exit. The impeller has vanes to convey the fluid.



Fluid machines

Reciprocating pump : A reciprocating pump essentially consists of a piston moving to and fro in a
cylinder. The piston is driven by a crank powered by some prime mover such an electric motor, I C
engine or steam engine.
Gear Pump : These are used more often for oil pumping. Gear pumps consist of two identical mating
gears in a casing as shown in figure . The gears rotate as indicated in the sketch. Oil is trapped in the
space between the gear teeth and the casing.The oil is then carried from the lower pressure or
atmospheric pressure and is delivered at the pressure side. The two sides are sealed by the meshing
teeth in the middle. The maximum pressure that can be developed depends on the clearance and
viscosity of the oil.

Lobe Pump : This type is also popularly used with oil. The diagramatic sketch of a lobe pump is
shown in fig. This is a three lobed pump. Two lobe pump is also possible. The gear teeth are replaced by
lobes. Two lobes are arranged in a casing. As the rotor rotates, oil is trapped in the space between the
lobe and the casing and is carried to the pressure side. Helical lobes along the axis are used for smooth

Fluid machines
operation. Oil has to be filled before starting the pump. Lobe type of compressors are also in use.
The constant contact between the lobes makes a leak tight joint preventing oil leakage from the
pressure side.
Vane Pump : This is another popular type not only for oil but also for gases. A rotor is eccentrically
placed in the casing as shown in figure. The rotor carries sliding vanes in slots along the length. Springs
control the movement of the vanes and keep them pressed on the casing. Oil is trapped between the
vanes and the casing. As the rotor rotates the trapped oil is carried to the pressure side. The maximum
operating pressure is controlled by the back leakage.
Classification of turbines
(i) Impulse turbine (ii) Reaction Turbine.
In the case of impulse turbine all the potential energy is converted to kinetic energy in the nozzles. The
impulse provided by the jets is used to turn the turbine wheel. The pressure inside the turbine is
atmospheric. This type is found suitable when the available potential energy is high and the flow
available is comparatively low. Some people call this type as tangential flow units.
In reaction turbines the available potential energy is progressively converted in the turbines rotors and
the reaction of the accelerating water causes the turning of the wheel.These are again divided into
radial flow, mixed flow and axial flow machines. Radial flow machines are found suitable for moderate
levels of potential energy and medium quantities of flow. The axial machines are suitable for low levels
of potential energy and large flow rates.
Pelton Wheel : Pelton wheel is an impulse turbine. It is driven by a single jet which lies in the plane
of runner. A high velocity jet prossesing kinetic energy strikes the bucket in succession. The water takes
nearly I 80 turn inside the buckets. The water falls into the tail race.



Francis Turbine : Francis turbine is a reaction turbine shown in Fig. Water enters
circumferentially through turbine casing. It enters from the outer periphery of guide vanes and flows

Fluid machines
into runner. It flows down the rotor radially and leaves axially. Water leaving the runner flows through a
diffuser known as draft tube before entering the tail race.
Kaplan Turbine : Kaplan turbine is a reaction turbine shown in Fig. The water from the spiral casing
enters guide blades similar to Francis. The Kaplan turbine consists of an axial flow runner with 4 to 6
blades of an airfoil section. In this turbine both guide vanes and moving blades are adjustable and
therefore high efficiency can be obtained.