Lab 10: Centrifugal Pump Test

Purpose
The purpose of this experiment is to study the performance characteristics of a
centrifugal water pump at an assigned speed (RPM). The items to be determined are

volume flow rate Q, head added by pump ha, power W shaft , and efficiency η. Results
will be plotted against Q. The pump similitude relations will be used to predict Q, head,
power, and efficiency curves at a different pump speed. These are to be compared with
values actually obtained at that speed by a test performed by a different laboratory
section. The similarity relations are commonly used by pump manufacturers and
applications engineers to make such predictions. This avoids the expense of running
many additional tests.

Background
The pump to be tested is a centrifugal pump with an impeller similar to that
shown on page 789, Fig. 12.7(b) of the text. As the fluid flows through the rotating
impeller, work is done on it by directly increasing the pressure by centrifugal force and
increasing the velocity as the fluid leaves the impeller. Much of this kinetic energy is
converted to additional pressure rise by the diffusing action in the pump casing or volute
housing (Fig. 12.6). Not all of the mechanical work input is converted to pressure,
kinetic, or elevation energy. The fraction not converted is dissipated through friction and
increases the internal energy of the fluid. The mechanical power imparted to the fluid
divided by the pump shaft input power is called the pump efficiency η.
Article 12.4.2 of the text gives the basic definitions and relations that will be used
for this experiment. The actual head rise ha gained by the fluid flowing through the pump
is:
p − p1 V 2 − V12
ha = hshaft − hloss = 2 + z 2 − z1 + 2 ( Eq 12.19)
γ 2g
The mechanical power imparted to the fluid is:
Pf = ρgQha = γQha (Eq 12.21)
The pump efficiency is defined as:
η= Pf / W  (Eq 12.23)
shaft

Article 12.5 of the text discusses the dimensionless parameters and similarity laws for
pumps. The principal dependent pump parameters are the actual head rise ha, the shaft

power W shaft , and the efficiency η. These are assumed to be functions of rotor diameter
D, flow rate Q, rotational speed ω, fluid density ρ, viscosity µ, surface roughness ε, and
geometry variable li. A dimensional analysis yields the set of unnumbered equations in
the middle of page 803 of the text which lists independent π terms li/D, ε/D, Q/(ωD3),
and ρωD2/µ. From experience it has been found that the Reynolds number and relative
roughness are not significant for centrifugal pumps moving less viscous fluids. For
geometrically similar pumps then the only remaining independent π term is the capacity
coefficient Q/(ωD3). Thus, the head, power, and efficiency π terms depend only on the
capacity coefficient. In this case then:

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 gha ⎛ Q ⎞
= φ1 ⎜ 3 ⎟
(Eq. 12.29)
ω D
2 2
⎝ ωD ⎠
Wshaft ⎛ Q ⎞
= φ2 ⎜ 3 ⎟
(Eq. 12.30)
ρω D3 5
⎝ ωD ⎠
⎛ Q ⎞
η = φ3 ⎜ 3 ⎟
(Eq. 12.31)
⎝ ωD ⎠

If any one of a family of geometrically similar pumps operates so that the value of the
capacity π term is the same as another pump (or the same pump) at its operating point,
then the two machines are said to be at similar operating points and consequently all of
the dependent π terms must be the same also. This simple but profound law allows
performance data for pumps of a given geometrically-similar family, while operating at
different speeds, varying rotor diameters, and handling different fluids, to be determined
for a single member of the family operating at a fixed RPM. The performance can then
be converted to other speeds, rotor diameters, and different low-viscosity fluids. (Be
careful of Reynolds number effect for more viscous fluids.)

Description of Pump Test

You will perform a test on the Jacuzzi model S7D-MF2-S2 pump. The
experimental apparatus is shown in Fig. 1. Your laboratory section is assigned speed the
value of _______ RPM. The flow rate Q can be varied from zero to maximum value by
adjusting the flow-control valve near the outlet of the pump. (See Fig. 1.) You are to

take and record appropriate data to determine Q (ft3/sec and gal/min), ha (ft), W shaft (HP),
Pf (HP), and η(%).

Instrumentation and Computer-aided Data Acquisition

Pressure Measurement Instrumentation for pressure measurement is shown in Fig. 1. A
current-sensitive pressure transducer measures either the venturi ∆p or the pump ∆p, as
selected by manual operation of the High or Low Valves shown in the diagram. Figure 2
shows the arrangement of instruments of the computer-aided data acquisition system for
the pump test. The current measurement required for pressure evaluation is
accomplished by the Keathley 196 multimeter (address 8) in Fig. 2.
Torque Measurement. The torque delivered by the motor to the pump-input shaft is
measured by the voltage sensitive torque meter described in Fig. 3. The voltage output of
the torque meter is sent to a second Keithley 196 multimeter (address 7) shown in Fig. 2.
Pump Speed Pump speed will be measured by means of a Strobotac
Software for Data Acquisition The VI K196APump.vi has been written to operate the
data acquisition system shown in Fig. 2. Separate strings are required to configure the
multimeters for pressure readings (current) and for torque readings (voltage). See the last
page of Section 4 for the Keithley 196 multimeter software configuration commands. The
VI displays the readings as they are taken and delivers the average value and the standard
deviation for a specified number of readings. (Note: for simplicity, the calibration
equations for the pressure transducer and the torque meter have not been programmed
into the VI. These equations are provided for in the Excel worksheet described below.)

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Fig. 1 Pump system showing instrumentation for measuring pressures.

Fig. 2 Data acquisition system for pump tests.

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 Fig. 3 Torque-measuring system. (View looking from pump toward motor.)

Procedure: The following is the detailed step-by-step procedure to be followed:

1. Access the Excel worksheet entitled PumpDataLogB.xls and rename it to reflect the
identification of your lab group and save it immediately. Load and examine the
pump data acquisition VI, K196APump.vi
2. Turn on and adjust the torque strain-gage bridge according to instructions from your
TA.
3. Note that the pump drive motor is “trunion mounted” (the motor is suspended by anti-
friction bearings on the motor shaft). The motor is restrained from turning by the
torque-measuring arm. This allows the measurement of the driving torque by the
force-measuring cantilever beam and strain gage bridge noted in Fig. 3.
4. Calibrate the torque meter according to instruction provided by your TA. To measure
the torque meter output voltage, activate K196APump.vi, make the appropriate
software entries on the panel to configure the multimeter (address 7) to measure the
torque-meter voltage output. Enter all torque-meter calibration data taken on a new
sheet of your pump data logging program, obtain the calibration equation for torque,
Tq, in the form
Tq, inch lbf, = C1*(E, volts) + C2
and enter the calibration constants C1 and C2 on the data logging worksheet in the
place provided.
5. Make appropriate software entries on the VI panel to configure the multimeter
(address 8) to measure the current in the pressure transducer circuit. Turn on the
power to the variable-speed motor and slowly increase the pump speed until your
assigned speed (as monitored by the Strobotac) is attained. Then open the pump
control valve fully to obtain the maximum Q. Monitor the speed frequently.

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6. Use K196APump.vi to make pressure and torque measurements. For the pressure
measurements, manual operation of the High Valve and Low Valve, Fig. 1, is
required to switch between the venturi ∆p and the pump ∆p measurement. Record
computer-measured data as well as the speed in the cells provided on your worksheet.
Note that the venturi ∆p and Q in gal/min (gpm) units are immediately calculated for
you when the first value for transducer current for the pressure differential of the
venturi is entered.
7. Take additional runs at nominal flow rates of 90, 80,70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, and 0% of
Qmax. Monitor the speed frequently and adjust it as necessary.
8. Your TA will close the system down when you are finished.

Calculations and Report


A. In addition to the Q already calculated, calculate ha (ft), W shaft (HP), Pfluid (HP) =
γQha, and efficiency (%) for each of the data points taken. Note: Do not neglect the
kinetic head terms in Eq. (12.19). The pump inlet and exit pipe diameters are given
on the worksheet.

B. Plot ha, W shaft , and η versus Q (gal/min), each on a separate graph, for your test
speed.

C. From your results, predict ha, W shaft , and η versus Q (gal/min) at another speed,
which will be given to you by your TA. Plot these predictions on the graphs for part
B. above.
D. Plot test results obtained by another section at the speed you were given in C. above,
on the plots in B. above. Check with your lab instructor on how to obtain this
information.
E. Submit a “short form” report including the tabular and graphical results specified.
Discuss the results and in particular the use of similitude in predicting the pump
performance at the other assigned speed.

L10pumptestF01.doc

RO= K196APump.vi, PumpDataLogB.xls

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