Pump Selection, AJAX 2000

TAFE SA Associate Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering
WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Lecture 8: Pump selection

Types of fluid machinery
Fluid machinery can also be classified according to whether it converts mechanical power to
fluid power or vice versa. Fluid machinery can be divided into two basic groups, depending on
the mode of operation.
Machines that convert mechanical power (energy) to fluid power

(energy)
These machines include pumps, compressors, fans and propellers. Because mechanical power is
converted to fluid power, the total head of the fluid is increased. That is, the total head of the
fluid leaving the machine is greater than that entering the machine.
Pumps
There are many types of pumps but the various types can be classed into one of two main
groups: positive and non-positive-displacement types.
Positive-displacement pumps These include piston pumps, gear pumps, gerotor pumps,
lobe pumps, vane pumps and screw pumps.
Rotodynamic or non-positive-displacement pumps These are axial-flow, radial-flow
(centrifugal) or mixed-flow types, depending on the direction of the fluid leaving the pump.
Machines that convert fluid power (energy) to mechanical power

(energy)
These machines include turbines, motors or actuators. Because fluid power is converted to
mechanical power, the total head of the fluid is less at the outlet than at the inlet.
Fluid motors and turbines
There is no essential difference between a fluid motor and a turbine except that the term motor
is usually used with positive-displacement types and the word turbine with the rotodynamic
types. Most fluid pumps will also operate as motors if the flow direction is reversed, so that
the fluid drives the motor or turbine in reverse. Other types e.g. the Pelton wheel (impulse)
turbine cannot. Turbines are also more efficient than pumps.
Pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders
The cylinder is fitted with close-fitting piston driven by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. A
rod attached to the piston transmits the force to a mechanism or machine. The piston may be
powered in both forward and return directions (two-way) or powered forward with a spring-
loaded return (one-way).
Lecture 8 Page 1 of 33
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(Revised: 18/09/17)
Bernoullis equation in general form

The general form of Bernoullis equation for a real fluid taking into account the effect of a pump
and/or turbine is;
p1 v12 p2 v22
h1 H P h2 H T H L
g 2 g g 2 g
Fluid energy Fluid energy extracted

added by a pump by a turbine
FMT p 174 Fig 10.1
Fig. 1: Machines for incompressible fluids
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Rotodynamic pumps
There are three main types of rotodynamic pump: axial, radial (centrifugal) or mixed flow. These
types are classified according to the flow direction of the fluid leaving the impeller, and are
illustrated in Figure 2.
FMAA p 124 Fig 5.19
Fig. 2: Types of rotodynamic pump
Although rotodynamic pumps are not able to generate such high pressures as can positive
displacement pumps, the advantages rotodynamic pumps have over positive displacement pumps
are;
1. Ability to handle large volumetric flow rates

2. Ability to handle slurries and contaminated liquids
3. Low care and maintenance requirements
4. Comparatively low cost
They rely on the hydrodynamics of fluid flow to produce volumetric flow and pressure head,
since they do not entrain the fluid.
Axial-flow or propeller pump The flow direction at the outlet is parallel to the impeller
axis. That is, the fluid enters the impeller axially and leaves axially.
Radial-flow or centrifugal pump The flow direction at the outlet is radial (or
perpendicular) to the impeller axis. That is, the fluid enters the impeller axially and leaves
radially.
Mixed-flow pump The flow direction is at some angle intermediate between parallel and
perpendicular to the impeller axis. That is, fluid enters the impeller axially and leaves at some
angle intermediate between 0o and 90o.
A list of some of the features of the three types of rotodynamic pumps is shown below;
Radial-flow (centrifugal) Mixed-flow Axial-flow

Most common Intermediate output Lowest output pressure
pressure and flow rate
Highest output pressure Highest flow rate
Lowest flow rate Guide vanes direct flow
Impellers may be open Easiest to stage
faced or shrouded
Impeller blades usually
inclined backwards
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Radial-flow (centrifugal) pumps

Centrifugal pumps use centrifugal force to cause the fluid to move radially outward through the
impeller. Due to the rotation of the impeller, the fluid is also moved forward relative to the
casing. The fluid gains velocity head as it leaves the impeller which is converted to pressure head
by reducing the velocity of the fluid in a gradually expanding section around the periphery of the
impeller, known as the volute. The absolute velocity of the fluid follows a spiral path comprised
of radial flow due to the centrifugal force and tangential flow due to the forward rotation of the
impeller. At the same time, head losses and flow losses occur as a result of secondary flow
patterns in the form of eddies and back-circulation around the machine parts.
FMAA p 126 Fig 5.21
Fig. 3: Centrifugal pump (single-suction, volute type)
This can also be seen from the graph of blade characteristics shown in Figure 4. The ideal head-
discharge curve for a centrifugal pump at constant speed is a straight line whose slope depends
upon the impeller exit blade angle.
AFM p 145 Fig 12.10
Fig. 4: Head-flow rate characteristics for various outlet blade angles
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Actual head vs discharge curves
In practice, the slope of theoretical line is changed from a straight line by two factors, namely;
1. Shock loss which occurs at the impeller entrance and exit. At the design point this loss is
zero because entrance and exit should be shock free.
2. Frictional loss due to surface roughness and turbulence which virtually stirs the fluid and
increases its internal energy, thereby reducing the available head. This loss increases as
the square of the discharge.
Pumps are designed to be most efficient at particular flow rates. Operating at greater or smaller
flow rates results in greater head losses. The effect of these losses on the head-discharge curve
for a backward-inclined impeller is shown in Figure 6.
Secondary flow pattern

Fig No 2 Addendum A-19
Fig. 5: Secondary flow patterns in and around a pump impeller
AFM p 146 Fig 12.11
Fig. 6: Actual head-discharge curve for a centrifugal pump with backward-inclined blades
(Revised: 18/09/17)
The shape of the head-discharge curve may thus fall continually or rise to a peak and then fall,
depending upon the blade inclination and the relative magnitude of the shock and friction losses.
Performance curves centrifugal pump

A complete set of performance curves for a centrifugal pump running at constant speed and
pumping water is shown in Figure 7. If a different fluid is being used, a viscosity correction
factor will need to be applied to the graphs.
AFM p 147 Fig 12.12
Fig. 7: Performance curves for a centrifugal pump, impeller diameter 336 mm,
speed 960 rpm, pumping fresh water
(Revised: 18/09/17)
The shape of these curves is typical for a backward-inclined impeller in that the head falls
continually with discharge, sometimes called a drooping curve.
The head developed by the pump is mainly pressure head hp since the change in velocity
head hv and elevation head he between inlet and outlet are negligible.
The power curve representing the input or shaft power in kW, rises continually with a
fluid power
slight s shape. The efficiency curve rises to a peak of 66%,
shaft power
corresponding to a flow of 11 L/s after which it falls again. Although efficiencies of up to
85% may sometimes be obtained, a peak efficiency in the range 60 75% is more typical
for commercial pumps.
The net positive suction head requirement (NPSHR) is based on a water temperature not
exceeding 30oC at sea level and rises continuously with discharge. It determines the
minimum head at the suction end to avoid cavitation and increases with increased
discharge. The relationship is non-linear since H L V 2 .
The speed refers to the shaft speed N in RPM. For synchronous (squirrel cage) electric
motors working at 50 Hz common speeds are 960 RPM, 1450 RPM and 2900 RPM.
Fluid power
The general formula for fluid power P m gH can be used in all situations; one only needs to
take note of the type of head, H that is being affected e.g. pressure, velocity or elevation. Also, if
H = Hsys, we can use the formula to calculate the power provided by the pump; whereas if H =
HL, power losses can be evaluated. In other words, we dont need to memorise the formula for
each specific situation but simply use the general formula as the starting point.
Pump efficiency
When power is transferred to or from a real fluid, losses occur. These losses are due to
mechanical friction in bearings and glands, fluid friction, a delivery volume less than the volume
displaced by the pump etc. As a result of these losses, the power transferred to the fluid (fluid
power) is always less than input shaft power. For a turbine (which converts fluid power to shaft
power) the shaft power (output) is always less than the fluid power (input).
The quoted efficiency of a pump (or turbine) is generally the overall efficiency ; that is, the ratio
of fluid power to shaft power and given by;
Pout fluid power m gH

(pumping system)
Pin shaft power P
Pout shaft power P

(turbine system)
Pin fluid power m gH
Hence, for a pumping system, Pout (fluid power) Pin
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Example 1
Determine the input power to a pump that transfers 20 L/s of water from a reservoir at elevation
3 m to another at elevation 11 m if the overall efficiency of the system is 60%.
Solution
The change in potential head;
h = 11 3 m = 8 m
and 20 L s 1 kg L 20 L s
m
P m gH
20 9.81 8 W
1.57 kW
For a pump,
Pout fluid power

Pin shaft power
Pout
Pin

fluid power

1.57
kW
0.6
2.62 kW
Example 2
Using the performance curves in Figure 7, determine the head, input power, efficiency and
NPSHR when the pump discharge is 10 L/s. Determine the fluid power and verify the efficiency
at this discharge.
Solution
Projecting from the horizontal axis at the 10 L/s mark to intersect each respective curve and then
projecting across to the vertical axis, we obtain;
Head = 16 m
Power = 2.5 kW (shaft power)
Efficiency = 63%
NPSHR = 1 m
Since the pump is pumping fresh water, the mass flow rate at a discharge of 10 L/s is 10 kg/s.
Fluid power = 10 x 9.81 x 16 (W) = 1.57 kW

Input power = 2.5 kW
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Pout
Efficiency
Pin
fluid power

input power
1.57

2.5
62 .8% (which agrees with the value of 63% from the chart)
Performance curves varying impeller diameters at given RPM

Pump manufacturers normally have a range of impeller diameters available for a given pump
type. The set of performance curves for each pump type is normally presented on one sheet, as
shown in Figure 8. Manufacturers then provide a set of these curves for each standard motor
speed. It will be noted that the efficiency of the pump is now represented by a series of iso-
efficiency lines (that is, lines of equal efficiency) and that, typically, the largest impeller gives the
highest efficiency.
Examining the set of curves, we can also see that the maximum efficiency for each impeller size
occurs at a different flow rate. The input power and NPSHR can be read from separate inset
scales.
AFM p 148 Fig 12.13
Fig. 8: Performance curves for a centrifugal pump with various impeller diameters,
at a speed of 1450 rpm, pumping fresh water
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Example 3
Using the performance curves in Figure 8;

a) Determine the maximum (peak) efficiency for each impeller
b) Determine head, volumetric flow rate, input power and NPSHR at peak efficiency
Solution
IMPELLER
248 mm 298 mm 336 mm
Peak efficiency () 48% 56.5% 61.5%
Head (m) 17 28.5 36.5
Flow rate (L/s) 9.3 12 14.1
NPSHR (m) 1.5 2 2.8
Power (kW) 2.9 5.5 8
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Placement of the pump

In a pumping system, the location of the pump in the system is of utmost importance. There are a
number of ways in which a pump can be installed; for example, the pump may be sucking the
fluid from a reservoir, or it may be pushing it towards another reservoir located at a higher
level. If possible, the pump should be located below the liquid surface level as this avoids any
possibility of cavitation and the necessity of priming. However, in most cases this is not feasible
and the pump must be located above liquid level.
Where the pump must be placed above the liquid level, it is necessary to consider how the pump
is to be initially primed and how the prime will be maintained when the pump is turned off e.g.
by using a check valve to prevent liquid draining out of the pump. When the pressure of the
liquid drops sufficiently at the suction side of the pump, two effects can occur;
Dissolved gases in the liquid break free as bubbles of gas escape from the liquid surface.
The liquid vaporises, that is changes phase from a liquid to a gas. With further reduction
in pressure, a point can be reached where the vaporisation is rapid; in fact the liquid
boils. The pressure at which this occurs is known as the saturation vapour pressure.
At the high pressure region of the pump, the vapour pockets implode (suddenly collapse) creating
high stresses on the pump material that can quickly erode the working parts. The rapid formation
and collapse of vapour pockets in a liquid is known as cavitation. When this occurs near a solid
surface such as a pump impeller or casing, erosion and mechanical damage can occur. A
cavitating pump makes a distinctive grinding noise due to vibration, and there is a marked drop
in efficiency and flow rate due to vapour block.
Cavitation graphic
Fig. 9: Effects of cavitation on an impeller of a centrifugal pump
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Saturation vapour pressure

When a liquid vaporises, it generates pressure and if the confining pressure is exactly equal to
this, a situation of equilibrium will exist whereby the pressure generating by the escaping vapour
particles exactly balances the confining pressure. This equilibrium pressure for a particular liquid
temperature is termed the saturation vapour pressure. If the confining pressure is further
reduced, the liquid tends to more rapidly boil off and the equilibrium situation is no longer
maintained. For example, when we say that the boiling point of fresh water is 100oC, what we are
really saying is that at atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa (absolute), there will be equilibrium
between the pressure developed by the water particles vaporising and the confining pressure on
the water surface. The situation would be no different to heating the water into a pressure vessel
and maintaining the chamber pressure at 101.3 kPa (absolute).
101.3 kPa 101.3 kPa 2.3 kPa

100oC 100oC 20oC
(a) (b)
Fig. 10: Illustration of saturation vapour pressure for different temperatures
If the confining pressure is reduced, such as in the case of a location at a high altitude, water will
tend to boil off at a lower temperature. At a high altitude where atmospheric pressure may be as
low as 70 kPa, water will tend to boil at 90oC, so it is very difficult to cook a meal. The
function of pressure cookers and boilers is to allow water to reach a temperature above 100oC
before it boils. Examining the data in the Appendix, we can see that the vapour pressure for
water at 20oC is only about 2.3 kPa, which means that if the pressure on the suction side of a
pump reduces to 2.3 kPa (absolute), the water will tend to vaporise.
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Suction lift and delivery head

When the pump is located above the suction reservoir as shown in Figure 11, the total head that
the pump must provide equals the sum of the suction lift, the delivery head and the flow losses.
FMT Fig 10.7 p180
Fig. 11: Head requirement for a pump located above the suction reservoir
For the situation shown in Figure 11, the energy equation relating and is;
p1 v2 p v2
1 h1 H SYS 2 2 h2 H L
g 2g g 2g
p1 = p2 = atmospheric pressure
v1 v2 0 since the rate of rise and fall of the surfaces will be relatively low
H SYS h2 h1 H L
hs hd H L
suction lift delivery head
The energy equation relating and is;
p1 p v2
0 h1 3 3 h3 H L
g g 2g
hs h3 h1
p3 p1 v32
hs HL
g g 2g
Since p1 = atmospheric pressure, p3 will be below atmospheric pressure and may drop to a value
where cavitation will occur (e.g. water at 20oC will boil if the pressure drops to 2.3 kPa).
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Net positive suction head available (NPSHA)

Where the pump suction is under a negative head or when volatile liquids or liquids at elevated
temperatures are being pumped, it is necessary to check that the net positive suction head
available (NPSHA) is greater than the net positive head required (NPSHR) in order to avoid
cavitation. The NPSHA of a pump is defined as the difference between the total head at the inlet
to the pump and the vapour pressure head of the liquid being pumped.(Both values of pressure
head being their absolute value.) Referring to Figure 12 point is at the location of the pump
inlet and;
p3 p v
NPSHA
g
e
p1 pa vs i
hs
(p1 + pa)abs
hi
v1
h1
Fig. 12: NPSHA General case with suction reservoir within a pressure vessel
For the situation shown in Figure 12, the energy equation relating and i ;
The absolute pressure at = p1 + pa but if the pressure vessel was open to the atmosphere, p1 =
0 and pressure at = pa (absolute).
p1 pa v2 p v2
1 h1 i s hi H L
g 2g g 2g
HL = head losses in the suction line
vs = fluid velocity in the suction line
v1 0
p1 p a p v2
h1 i s hi H L
g g 2g
p1 p a v s2
hi h1 H L
pi

g g 2g
p1 p a v s2
hs H L
g 2g
The margin ABOVE the vapour pressure at that particular temperature is the NPSHA.
pi p v p pa pv v2
NPSHA 1 s hs H L
g g 2g
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Net positive suction head required (NPSHR)

Cavitation can be avoided if the suction head at the pump inlet is above the value at which
cavitation will occur. The value of the suction head is called the net positive suction head
required (NPSHR) which is defined as: the minimum value of the net positive head at the pump
inlet in order to avoid cavitation. Because there is an entry drop from the inlet i to the entrance
to the impeller e , we may define the NPSHR as;
pi pe
NPSHR
g
The most reliable way of ascertaining the NPSHR for a certain pump is to test the pump using a
standardised procedure. Sometimes pump manufacturers specify NPSHR by applying design
rules based on past experience. Most manufacturers usually include a margin of safety when
specifying the NPSHR for their pumps.
Hence we require the location of the pump to be such that NPSHA > NPSHR. Examining the
p p p
diagram in the Appendix, this means pe > pv. Hence e i NPSHR v .
g g g
Design for maximum NPSHA

To keep NPSHA high and avoid cavitation, due attention must be given to the design of the
suction side of the system;
1. Maintaining the sump or reservoir pressure p1 as high as possible. (If is vented to

atmosphere it will at atmospheric pressure pa).
2. Keeping the liquid temperature as low as practical to reduce the saturation vapour
pressure.
3. Maintaining the fluid velocity in the suction line vs as low as possible. This may be
achieved by using as large a diameter suction line as is feasible. Also, if a pump is tending
to cavitate, this tendency may be reduced by placing a valve in the delivery line to reduce
the pump discharge, thereby reducing the flow rate.
4. Keeping the suction lift hs as low as possible by placing the pump as close as possible to
the liquid level in the sump. If at all possible, the suction lift should be negative i.e. the
pump located below the liquid level. (This has the added benefit of avoiding the need for
priming.)
5. Keeping head losses HL in the suction line as low as possible. This can be achieved by
careful attention to the design of the suction line such as;
a) Short pipe length
b) Large pipe diameter
c) Smooth pipe
d) Minimum fittings (particularly valves)
e) Never throttle the flow in the suction line, use a valve in the delivery line
f) Long sweep elbows
g) Regular cleaning of filters and lines to reduce clogging and sedimentation
(Revised: 18/09/17)
System head
Pump selection involves matching the head delivered by the pump and the system head
requirements. The system head is the total head in a system for any given flow rate. The total
head has two components namely the static head and the dynamic head.
Static head
The static head of the system is that part of the system head which does not change with flow rate
V . It comprises;
a) Potential (elevation) head change as a result of increase in fluid level, h h2 h1

p p1
b) Pressure head change as a result of increase in fluid pressure, h p 2
g
Dynamic head
The dynamic head of the system is that part of the system head which changes with flow rate V
and reduces to zero when there is no flow rate. It comprises;
v22 v12
a) Velocity head change as a result of change in fluid velocity, hv . Apart from
2g
fluid leaving a system through a nozzle, the change in velocity head is negligible.
b) Head loss as a result of friction and turbulence through pipes and fittings,
l v
2
HL f K
d 2g
Usually flow is turbulent, in which case the dynamic head increases approximately as the square
of the velocity (parabolic). It is usual to represent the system head by a curve, which is a plot of
the system head on the vertical, y axis against the volumetric flow rate on the horizontal, x axis.
(Revised: 18/09/17)
A typical system head curve is shown in the figure below;
head (m)
hdyn HL
hp Hsys
hstat
h
flow rate (m3/s)
The system head, Hsys may be thought of as the head required to deliver fluid through the system
at a particular flow rate, V .
p2 p1 v22 v12
H sys h2 h1 HL
g 2g
pressure head elevation head velocity head head loss
static head dynamic head
Examining the equation for the system head, we can see that it has the form of a constant and a
variable that depends on the square of the velocity and therefore the square of the flow rate;
v22 v12 l v
2
H sys h p h f K
2g d 2g
A CV 2
If the pipe diameter remains the same, from points to , the change is due only to head loss.
Hsys
HL4
HL3
HL1 HL2
(Revised: 18/09/17)
In theory, the friction factor f should be computed for each value of V since the Reynolds
number Re will vary with the velocity v. In practice f can be based on a mean flow rate V with
sufficient accuracy. For fully developed turbulent flow, the curves in the Moody diagram are
approximately horizontal meaning that the friction factor f may be assumed constant.
Balance between head provided by pump and system

requirements
We have seen that pump performance may be represented by curves drawn with discharge or
flow rate on the horizontal axis. In particular, the head developed by a rotodynamic pump varies
continually with discharge. In the case of a centrifugal pump with backward inclined blades, the
head decreases with increased flow rate. We have also seen that the system head varies with
discharge and because losses increase as the square of the flow rate and velocity (for turbulent
flow), the system head increases with increased flow rate.
L v
2
HL f K
d 2g
The interrelationship between the capabilities of the pump and the requirements of the system is
a fundamental issue. The essence of the relationship is simply that the pump must supply what
the system requires. In a steady-state situation, there must be equilibrium between the pump
head-flow rate performance and the system head-flow rate characteristic. This equilibrium point
is termed the duty point. The balance point or duty point can be located by superimposing the
system head curve on the pump performance curve.
The duty point is not necessarily the point of maximum efficiency and will shift as the system
requirements change e.g. by changing the flow rate or changing a fitting. Once the duty point has
been found, the flow rate, pumping head, efficiency, power and NPSHR can be found from the
pump performance curves. The duty point can either be found graphically or algebraically. Since
the system requirements can be expressed by;
H = A + Bv2
or H A CV 2
static component h + hp dynamic component hv + hL
(Revised: 18/09/17)
If we also know the equation representing the pump characteristic curve, the duty point can be
found algebraically by equating the H value for the two.
FMAA Fig 6.3 p158

FMAA Fig P6.23 p183
Fig. 13: Duty point and system requirements
Calculating system head and determining the duty

point
Example 4
AFM Example 13.1 p 157
(Revised: 18/09/17)
For this worked example from the text Applied Fluid Mechanics, we find that;
v2 v2
H L 18 .975 27 .7
2g 2g
2.38 v 2
The total system head requirements for the given flow rates are shown in the table below;
AFM Example 13.1 Table p 159
Fig. 14: Total system head
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Determine the duty point for each impeller size for the system whose head requirements are
shown in the table above. Hence determine the power, efficiency and NPSHR in each case.
Solution
Superimpose the system resistance curve on the pump head curves shown below;
AFM Fig 12.13 p148
Fig. 15: Performance curves for a centrifugal pump with various impeller diameters,
at a speed of 1450 rpm, pumping fresh water
(Revised: 18/09/17)
By superimposing the system resistance curve on the pump head curves we verify the following;
AFM Example 13.2 Table p162
Fig. 16: Total system head superimposed on performance curves
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Example 5
The 125 x 80 pump whose performance curves are shown below is used in the system whose
requirements are plotted on the pump performance curves. From this we can determine the duty
point and for the respective duty point; the flow rate, head, power, efficiency and NPSHR for
each impeller size. These are summarised in the table below.
FMAA Example 6.2 Table p 158
FMAA Fig 6.4 p 159
Fig. 17: Performance curves for a centrifugal pump with various impeller diameters
Note 1. NPSHR and power requirements increase with flow rate

2. The maximum efficiency marked on the graph for each impeller by a is greater than the
efficiency at the duty point.
For each impeller, check the tabulated value of the efficiency by calculating;
Pout
Pout = Pfluid = m gH and
Pin
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Effect of closing a control valve

Usually when a rotodynamic pump is used to pump fluid through a system, control of the flow
rate is achieved by means of a valve (typically a globe valve). When the valve is wide open there
is maximum flow through the system. If the valve is partly closed the head loss across the valve
increases, that is, the K factor for the valve increases and the flow decreases. Consider the system
head equation written in the form;
H = A + Bv2
If there is no significant velocity head change between the inlet and outlet to the system (which is
usually the case) factor B is given by;
L 1
B f K
d 2g
An increase in the K factor of any fitting in the system increases the value of B. As B increases,
the system head curve rises more steeply (since B is the coefficient for the quadratic), so the duty
point shifts to the left and occurs at a lower velocity and flow rate. This is shown in the Figure
below;
FMAA Fig. 6.6 p163
Fig. 18: Effect of closing a valve in a system
It should be borne in mind that the system curve may change with changes in operating
conditions or the passage of time. Generally pipe and fittings tend to scale and become rougher
with age thereby increasing the friction factor and the total system head. Also, pipes and fittings
(particularly strainers) tend to accumulate scale and sedimentation which has the same effect as
valve closure to increase the head loss across the fitting and therefore the total system head.
The use of a valve is a common and effective way of achieving flow control. Usually a larger
pump or impeller larger than required is specified and the flow adjusted by closing (throttling) a
control valve. This method provides maximum versatility and gives a safeguard against reduction
in future flow due to filter clogging, sedimentation, corrosion etc. However, there is also an
increase in energy costs because energy is dissipated in friction and turbulence when the valve is
closed.
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Figure 19 represents the change in the system resistance curve as a result of partly closing a globe
valve in order to achieve the desired flow rate of 11.9 L/s. At the original duty point, the
efficiency = 76.5% whereas at the new duty point = 75.6%. These values can be found by
projecting across to the inset scale from the intersection of the efficiency curve and the vertical
line representing the two flow rates. The reduction in efficiency is due to the fact that the original
duty point is slightly to the left of the peak efficiency. Hence, it is best to choose a pump whose
duty point falls to the right of its peak efficiency rather than to the left, so that there is a margin
for increase in system head (with ageing) without reduction in efficiency.
FMAA Fig. S6.2 p 200
Fig. 19: Effect of partly closing a valve on the efficiency
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Examining Figure 20, we see that the duty points for the 230 and 260 impellers are initially to
the right of the peak efficiency so that closing the control valve or with ageing, we get an
improvement in efficiency for the new duty point. So, when the designer has a choice of impeller
sizes to achieve the desired H , V combination, they should choose an impeller whose initial
duty point is to the right of peak efficiency, to maintain efficiency by adjustment of a control
valve and even after the effects of ageing.
FMAA Fig. 6.4 p 159
Fig. 20: Duty points for a range of impellers
Selecting the type of pump to be used in a system

It is best to choose a stock item i.e. one that is commercially available rather than one customised
for a particular system. It is usually uneconomical to design and build a pump specifically for a
given system unless large quantities are to be produced. As a general rule, a pump operating
within the appropriate specific speed range will give better efficiency than a pump operating
outside this range. It would also appear logical to conclude that the impeller that has the highest
operating efficiency will also have the lowest energy cost, but this is not necessarily the case.
The reason is that, the higher the flow rate at the duty point, the higher the flow loss. As a general
rule it can be stated that lowest energy cost occurs with the smallest pump or impeller that will
give the required minimum performance (to match the system requirement).
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Range charts
To select a stock pump, it is necessary to refer to manufacturers catalogues. These outline the
dimensions and materials used in the range of pumps they produce. Rotodynamic pumps are
often denoted by their inlet and outlet diameters and nominal impeller diameter. For example a
100 x 80 160 pump would have a 100 mm inlet diameter, an 80 mm outlet diameter and a
nominal impeller diameter of 160 mm. Gradual expansion or contractions can be then fitted to
the pump to suit the system requirements. Initial selection of the appropriate pump is often
assisted by use of a range chart which shows the operating range of various sizes and pumps
available. When using a range chart it is necessary to decide on the approximate flow rate and
head in the system.
For example if the system required a flow rate of 20 L/s with a head of 14 m, it can be seen from
Figure 20 that a 125 x 80 250 centrifugal pump running at four-pole speed is suitable for this
application. Unfortunately this range chart will only provide the pump model or series because
each pump is manufactured with three standard impeller diameters: 260, 230 and 204 mm. It is
necessary to select which of these impellers is best, aiming to obtain a duty point to the right of
peak efficiency.
FMAA Appendix 14 p 222
Fig. 21: Range charts for centrifugal pumps
(Revised: 18/09/17)
Appendix

Pump Selection, AJAX 2000

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TAFE SA Associate Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering

Lecture 8: Pump selection

Machines that convert mechanical power (energy) to fluid power

Machines that convert fluid power (energy) to mechanical power

Fluid motors and turbines

Pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders

Bernoullis equation in general form

Fluid energy Fluid energy extracted

FMT p 174 Fig 10.1

Fig. 1: Machines for incompressible fluids

FMAA p 124 Fig 5.19

Fig. 2: Types of rotodynamic pump

1. Ability to handle large volumetric flow rates

Radial-flow (centrifugal) Mixed-flow Axial-flow

Radial-flow (centrifugal) pumps

FMAA p 126 Fig 5.21

Fig. 3: Centrifugal pump (single-suction, volute type)

AFM p 145 Fig 12.10

Fig. 4: Head-flow rate characteristics for various outlet blade angles

Secondary flow pattern

Fig. 5: Secondary flow patterns in and around a pump impeller

AFM p 146 Fig 12.11

Performance curves centrifugal pump

AFM p 147 Fig 12.12

Pout fluid power m gH

Pout shaft power P

Hence, for a pumping system, Pout (fluid power) Pin

The change in potential head;

Pout fluid power

Fluid power = 10 x 9.81 x 16 (W) = 1.57 kW

Performance curves varying impeller diameters at given RPM

AFM p 148 Fig 12.13

Using the performance curves in Figure 8;

Placement of the pump

Fig. 9: Effects of cavitation on an impeller of a centrifugal pump

Saturation vapour pressure

101.3 kPa 101.3 kPa 2.3 kPa

Fig. 10: Illustration of saturation vapour pressure for different temperatures

Suction lift and delivery head

FMT Fig 10.7 p180

suction lift delivery head

The energy equation relating and is;

Net positive suction head available (NPSHA)

Net positive suction head required (NPSHR)

Design for maximum NPSHA

1. Maintaining the sump or reservoir pressure p1 as high as possible. (If is vented to

a) Potential (elevation) head change as a result of increase in fluid level, h h2 h1

flow rate (m3/s)

pressure head elevation head velocity head head loss

static head dynamic head

Balance between head provided by pump and system

static component h + hp dynamic component hv + hL

FMAA Fig 6.3 p158

Fig. 13: Duty point and system requirements

Calculating system head and determining the duty

AFM Example 13.1 p 157

AFM Example 13.1 Table p 159

Fig. 14: Total system head

AFM Fig 12.13 p148

AFM Example 13.2 Table p162

Fig. 16: Total system head superimposed on performance curves

FMAA Example 6.2 Table p 158

FMAA Fig 6.4 p 159

Note 1. NPSHR and power requirements increase with flow rate