Abstract: The investigation of the three-dimensional fluid flow inside a tubular pumping station on dual-directional operation is described, based on the Reynolds time-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and the Realizable k-ε turbulent flow model, applying the law-of-the-wall and sliding mesh technique. The pump model with “S” shape impeller vanes and bend guide-vanes behind the impeller was used. The main phenomena existent in pressure contours, velocity contours, velocity vectors and flow lines was showed. The influence of one another on pump with channel was discussed in the condition of installation in fact. The performance of the pumping station was estimated, and was compared with test data. The results of the simulation indicate the disturbance of flow at pump outlet to be a great influence on the flow of the discharge channel, the flow in diffuser channel to be a greater sensitivity on inlet flow, this flow inside straight outlet channel of no guide-vanes to be composed of axial-whirling flow, circulation-vortex flow and axial-flow. There is more loss of head in discharge diffuser of the channel, comparing with that of the suction reducer. It is possible to predict correctly tubular pumping station performance by numerical simulation.

Key words: Dual-directional operation, Numerical investigation, Performance prediction, Tubular pumping station