Laboratory investigations and theoretical analysis of axial thrust problem in high rotational speed pumps

Theoretical analysis of the influence of the increase of the rotational speed of the rotodynamic pump on axial thrust is made in the paper. The algorithm of the designing of the axial thrust relieving system by means of the relieving holes and relieving blades is presented. The calculation examples for pump working at low and high rotational speed are included. The conclusions concerning with both axial thrust relieving systems for high rotational speed are presented. The laboratory tests of rotodynamic pump working at rotational speed 6000 rpm are presented. The purpose of the tests was to determine the pump operation characteristics and pressure distribution around the impeller.