Fluid dynamic analysis of a cryogenic piston pump

Abstract Cryogenic piston pumps are commonly found in cryogenic systems to pressurize low-temperature liquefied fuels, such as liquified natural gas (LNG) or hydrogen, which then gasified and stored high-pressure vessels. The main challenges be tackled the design of these machines concern low operating temperatures, high discharge pressures, especially need avoid liquid evaporation, this can lead a reduction volumetric efficiency even shutdown pump. Two effects cause formation vapor bubbles: cavitation, i.e., when static pressure falls below saturation value during suction phase, evaporation due temperature increase liquid. In study, numerical analysis single-piston pump is carried out. first part activity, phase studied through three-dimensional, steady-state CFD simulations. performance terms losses evaluated possible improvements geometry identified. Then, two-phase Eulerian-Eulerian simulations performed. Rayleigh-Plesset model used order evaluate onset cavitation. minimum inlet conditions that cavitation identified for two different geometries underlining positive effect introduced modifications. Results show methodology applied work design, reducing hence limiting risk