Simulation and optimization of centrifugal propellers for Pacific white shrimp harvesting

Abstract

Importance of the work: Traditional shrimp harvesting methods can be improved, with one option being to investigate optimizing centrifugal pump-based white shrimp harvesting (20–29 shrimps/kg) through experimental investigations.
Objectives: To identify efficient white shrimp harvesting using a centrifugal pump technique, to evaluate five propeller designs and to analyze their forces, flow rate and pressure at varying speeds.
Materials & Methods: Five propeller designs were assessed for harvesting of white shrimp in the 20–29 shrimps/kg size range using the centrifugal pump technique. Force, flow rate and pressure were analyzed at different propeller speeds (240, 255, 270, 285 and
300 revolutions per minute, RPM) within the pump housing, considering nine positions to gauge their impact.
Results: The IM1 impeller performed well, delivering adequate flow rates. At 240 RPM, the flow rate was 138 m³/hr, reaching 886 m³
/hr at 300 RPM. The pump pressure peaked at 161,637 Pa at 300 RPM, with nine pressure peaks on the white shrimp body, reaching
162,664 Pa at position 7. The IM1 impeller demonstrated optimal performance at 270 RPM, reaching 157,864 Pa pressure and a flow rate of 657 m³/hr.
Main finding: Comparing the various propeller types, the IM1 impeller outperformed the other propeller types from multiple aspects, making it a potential candidate for further research and the development of a prototype for mechanized shrimp harvesting.