Special Engineering: High-Density Slurry Hydraulics & Extreme Environments

Custom Hydraulic Engineering for Complex Maritime Challenges

Rodelta specializes in the design and hydraulic engineering of customized pumping systems for transporting heavy, abrasive mixtures (slurries) from great depths.

Our in-house R&D department develops and optimizes impellers and pump casings specifically engineered to meet the challenges of demanding maritime applications. Particular attention is given to minimizing mechanical wear caused by erosion and cavitation, as well as determining the maximum allowable solids concentration in the pumped mixture.

Using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, we simulate complex multiphase flows and optimize hydraulic geometries for varying material densities, particle concentrations, and operating conditions. Our objective is to achieve an optimal balance between hydraulic efficiency, operational reliability, and extended pump service life.

Hydro-Abrasive Wear Analysis and Lifespan Optimization

When transporting mixtures with a high solids concentration vertically, internal flow velocity is a critical factor. A velocity that is too low leads to sedimentation and clogging in the riser pipe, whereas a velocity that is too high causes exponential mechanical wear.

Rodelta optimizes hydraulic geometry through advanced Particle Flow simulations. Through this process, we balance the critical transport velocity with the wear resistance of the impeller and volute channels. By minimizing secondary vortices and localized velocity concentrations, we extend the operating life of critical components in extreme maritime conditions.

Metallurgy and Structural Integrity Under Extreme Pressure Differentials

Operating in deep maritime environments requires pumping systems that are resistant to internal wear. Our mechanical engineering team also calculates the influence of abrasive solids on overall pump performance. Depending on the chemical and mechanical operating profile, we select high-grade materials ranging from high-chromium white cast iron (Ni-Hard/Hi-Chrome) for maximum abrasion resistance, to (Super) Duplex stainless steel for applications where erosion-corrosion and saltwater environments play a major role.

Hydraulic Stability Under Varying Mixture Densities

Slurry transport over vast vertical distances introduces dynamic challenges, such as fluctuating bulk densities and variations in solids concentration. This has a direct impact on the system curve and the required shaft power.

Rodelta’s custom hydraulic design methodology focuses specifically on maintaining a stable and flat pump performance characteristic (H-Q curve) across a wide operating range. This prevents surging and instability within the vertical transport line, ensuring reliable operation even when inflow conditions and particle sizes vary.

CFD Validation and Advanced Testing Methodologies

Every custom hydraulic design undergoes a rigorous validation process. Utilizing in-house Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), we simulate the exact behavior of multiphase flows and solids distribution within the pump beforehand.

To verify numerical models and mitigate operational risks, Rodelta is equipped with facilities to perform scale model testing and performance audits. This allows us to predict hydraulic efficiency, NPSH characteristics, and vibration behavior with precision before the final system enters production.