Understanding Hydraulic Machines and Their Components

2. Description and Characteristics of Machines and Volumetric Turbomachinery

Hydraulic machines are those machines in which the fluid involved in the energy exchange density remains constant during the process. Volumetric Displacement Machines or Positive Displacement Machines: In these machines, the energy exchange occurs in the form of pressure energy due to the change in volume. Turbo Power Machines: Unlike the previous types, changes in flow direction and the absolute value of velocity are the main factors.

3. Brief Explanation of the Components of Pumps and Turbines:

Rotodynamic Pumps: These are rotary motor machines that use mechanical energy to transform it into pressure energy for the fluid. The major building blocks are:

• Impeller: The body energy exchanger attached to the shaft of the machine, comprising elements called blades that provide the fluid with kinetic energy from the mechanical energy triggered.
• Crown Guideline: Neatly transforms kinetic energy into pressure energy. It consists of vanes that direct the flow optimally and with minimal losses. This feature is essential for the operation of the machine.
• Safe Spiral: Collects the fluid and leads it to the pump output power with minimal losses. It transforms dynamic energy into pressure energy very efficiently.
• Tube Diffuser: This includes the last element responsible for the transformation of energy.

Hydraulic Turbines: These use the pressure of a liquid to generate electricity. The elements of a turbine are:

• Penstock: The tube that feeds the turbine drives the liquid to the turbomachine. Before reaching the turbine blades, there is a gate or valve usually operated by hydraulic positive displacement elements.
• Safe Spiral Casing or Shell (in Reaction Turbines): This component is essential as it transforms the fluid pressure into speed.
• Distributor (Reaction Turbines): Corresponds to the blades fixed to the pump; in this case, like the spiral case, pressure becomes speed.
• Impeller: In this case, the energy exchange organ attached to the shaft of the machine consists of several elements called blades powered by the liquid.
• Drain Item: Once used, the fluid pressure leads to another channel or to the output channel.