EFFECT OF NANOFLUID ON EFFICIENCY OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

N. K. Chavda, G. V. Patel, M. R. Bhadauria, M. N. Makwana

Abstract: Various nano sized particles are mixed in a base fluid to prepare nanofluid. Typical nanoparticles used are of metals, oxides or carbides which are mixed in base fluids like water, ethylene glycol or oil depending upon the application. Generally, nanofluids are used to enhance heat transfer rate. Because of application of nanofluid, resistance to fluid flow increases which increases the friction factor and reduces the flow rate. This phenomenon also affects the performance of centrifugal pump. In the present paper, an experimental investigation is carried out to determine the effect of various concentration of Al2O3 nano-dispersion and CuO nanoparticles mixed in water as base fluid on efficiency of centrifugal pump. The Al2O3 and CuO nanofluid prepared in volume concentrations of 0.001 %, 0.002 %, 0.003 % and 0.004 % by using two step method. The results show that the efficiency of centrifugal pump decreases with increase in volume concentration of Al2O3 nano-dispersion and CuO nanoparticles compared to water

Keywords: Nanofluid, Efficiency, Centrifugal Pump, Al2O3 Nano-dispersion, CuO Nanofluid

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2015.0404121