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Version 2009

SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL AND BIOMEDICAL


ENGINEERING

(Division of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering)

Nanyang Technological
University

Year 2/ SEMESTER 2

N1.2-B4-16

CH2702

Experiment C2

Characteristics and Performance


of Centrifugal Pumps
Name: _____________________ ID: _____________ Group: __
Date of experiment: ______________ Date of submission: __________

Grade: _______
Background
Fluid machines (or turbomachineries) are usually characterised in two distinct classes:
rotodynamic or positive displacement. In the former, relative motion is required between the
rotating element of the machine (the 'rotor') and the fluid stream, whereas in the latter the
machine components mechanically displace a set volume of fluid. In a rotodynamic machine,
therefore, the changes in fluid velocity and pressure between inlet and outlet are of
considerably greater significance in determining performance than for a positive
displacement machine, where essentially machine speed is the key operating parameter.

The centrifugal pump (Figure 1) is a radial flow rotodynamic machine, wherein the fluid is
drawn into the centre of a rotating impeller and is thrown outwards by centrifugal action. As
a result of the high speed of rotation, the liquid acquires a high kinetic energy. However, as
the fluid leaves the impeller (at a larger radius), it’s velocity is reduced, and the kinetic energy
is converted into pressure energy. This gives rise to the pressure difference between the
suction and delivery sides of the pump. An understanding of pump behaviour and
performance requires measurement/calculation of these (and potential) energies.

Figure 1. A schematic diagram of basic elements of a centrifugal pump. (Munson, Young


and Okiishi, “Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics”, 4th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2002)

The operating characteristics of a pump are often conveniently shown by plotting head H,
power Pgr, and an efficiency Egr against discharge flow Qv for a series of constant speeds
N, as shown in Figure 2. It is important to note that the efficiency reaches a maximum and
then falls, whilst the head at first falls slowly with Qv but eventually falls off rapidly. The
optimum conditions for operation occur when the required 'duty point' or operating point of
head and flow coincides with a point of maximum efficiency.

In this experiment, you will use the Armfield FM21 demonstration unit (Figure 3) to
determine and understand the operating characteristics of a centrifugal pump using 'on-line'
data acquisition and analysis.

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Figure 2. Typical operating characteristics of a centrifugal pump.

Theory - Energy Transfer in a Pump


The general relationship between the various forms of energy, based on the 1st Law of
Thermodynamics applied to a unit mass of fluid flowing through a 'control volume' (such as
the pump itself ) can be expressed as:

⎛ v2 ⎞
− Ws = d ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ + g (dz ) + ∫ Vdp + F (1)
⎝ 2 ⎠
⎛ v2 ⎞
where − Ws is the mechanical shaft work performed on the fluid, d ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ is the change in
⎝ 2 ⎠
kinetic energy of the fluid, g (dz ) is the change in potential energy of the fluid, ∫ Vdp is the
change in pressure energy, where V is the volume per unit mass of the fluid, and F is the
frictional energy loss as heat to the surroundings or in heating the fluid itself as it travels
from inlet to outlet.

For an incompressible fluid of constant density ρ (assumed throughout in this experiment):

⎛1⎞ ( p2 − p1 )
∫ Vdp = ∫ ⎜⎝ ρ ⎟⎠
⎜ ⎟ dp =
ρ
where p is the pressure, and subscripts 1 and 2 refer to the pump inlet and outlet,
respectively.
The first three terms on the right hand side of equation (1) represent the useful work Wa i.e.:

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⎛ v22 − v12 ⎞ ⎛ p − p1 ⎞
Wa = ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ + g ( z2 − z1 ) + ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ (2)
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ ρ ⎠
The term Wa represents the actual work performed in changing the energy of a unit mass of
the fluid. This may alternatively be presented as the total dynamic head H of the pump, by
converting the units from work per unit mass to head expressed as a length:

Wa ⎛ v22 − v12 ⎞ ⎛ p − p1 ⎞
= H = ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ + ( z2 − z1 ) + ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ (3)
g ⎝ 2 g ⎠ ⎝ ρg ⎠

Equipment (including materials):

Config. Valves (7, 20, 21)


SPW1 Discharge Valve (18)

SPW3
SPW3

Pump2

Pump1
Inlet Valve
Figure 3. A schematic diagram of the experimental set-up.

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The equipment comprises two identical centrifugal water pumps (5, 23) driven by electric
motors (4, 25) which are mounted on a support plinth (9) together with a clear acrylic
reservoir (11) and associated interconnecting pipework for continuous circulation.
Configurations of either series, parallel or single pump operation can be set using the
appropriate valves (7, 8, 20, 21). Clean water is used as the operating fluid and a drain valve
(10) at the base of the reservoir allows the water to be drained after use.

The flow of water through the centrifugal pumps is regulated by a flow control valve (18)
installed in the discharge pipework of the unit. Adjustment of this valve allows the
head/flow produced by the pumps, either separately of combined, to be varied.

Appropriate sensors are incorporated on the unit and linked to the PC (via an IFD Interface
Console) to facilitate on-line data acquisition and analysis of the pump performance.

The following sensors are used to monitor the performance of the pumps:

Differential pressure sensor SPW1: comprises of a pressure sensitive device (12) and used
to measure pressure developed across the orifice plate (15) installed in the discharge
pipework of the pump(s). The volume flow rate of water for either series, parallel or single pump
operation can be calculated using this measurement.

Differential pressure sensor SPW3: comprises of a pressure sensitive piezoresistive device


(19, 22) and is used to measure the difference in pressure between the inlet and outlet of each
centrifugal pump. The head developed by the pumps can be calculated from this measurement.

Rotational speed sensor SSO1: comprises of a reflective infra-red opto switch (1 and 2) on
a remote lead (3, 24). They are used to measure the rotational speed of each motor/impeller.

Temperature sensor STS1: comprises of a temperature sensitive semiconductor device on


a remote lead (6) and is used to measure the temperature of the water entering the first
centrifugal pump.

Integrating Wattmeter SWA1: connected to the power line of each pump (between the
mains lead from each pump and the power supply). This facilitates the measurement of the
electrical power supplied to each motor.

Please Note:

You will be asked some questions before the start of the experiment and this forms part
of your CA. Please prepare before coming to the laboratory! Revise your lectures on
pump!!

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Part I: Pump Inherent Characteristics
Objective:
To obtain the Head-Flow curve (Characteristic or Perfomance Curves) for a centrifugal
pump.

Theoretical Background:
The best way to describe the operating characteristics of a centrifugal pump is using the
characteristic curves (Figure 4). This figure shows the interrelation of discharge pressure or
head H, capacity Qv, efficiency Egr, and power input Pgr, for a given pump at inherent
speed (motor speed changes with load).

The H - Qv curve shows the relation between total head and capacity. The pressure increase
created by a centrifugal pump is commonly expressed in terms of the head of the fluid. This
discharge head H is independent of the density of the fluid. In Figure 4, the head increases
continuously as the capacity is decreased; this type of curve is referred to as a rising
characteristic curve. A stable head-capacity characteristic curve is one in which only one
capacity can be obtained at any one head. Pump selection should be made such that stable
operating characteristics are available.

Figure 4. Characteristic curves for a centrifugal pump.

The Pgr - Qv curve shows the relation between power input and pump capacity. The Egr -
Qv curve relates pump efficiency to capacity. For a pump having the characteristics of
Figure 4, maximum efficiency would occur at a volume flow rate of 0.7 dm³/sec, and a
pump total head of 1.2m.

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Experimental Procedures:
1. Select program FM21.

2. Proceed to answering the Questions online (as Pre-laboaratory Questions in this manual).

3. Next, view the diagram screen in order that the measured variables are displayed on-line
in the appropriate boxes of the pump schematic diagram.

4. Select single pump mode from the ARMFIELD windows group.

5. Check the position of the valves on the demonstration unit with those on the screen.
Ensure that the configuration valves (20, 21) are closed and (7) is open. Also, check that
the differential pressure sensor SPW3 (19) is connected between the inlet ansd outlet of
pump1 (5).

6. Switch off pump 2 (23).

7. Select maximum pump speed N (~50 Hz) by adjusting the power controller (SWA1) to
100%.

8. Open inlet valve (8) fully. Close discharge valve (18), then start pump 1 (5) (pump motor
started under minimum load). Open discharge valve fully and allow the water to circulate
until all air bubbles have dispersed. Note the value of the volume flow indicated on the screen.
Decide on suitable increments in flow to give adequate sample points (15 points between
zero and maximum flow).

9. Close discharge valve to correspond to the condition of no flow i.e. Qv = 0. When the
measured readings as indicated in the boxes on the schematic diagram are sufficiently
steady, select ‘GO’ to take a sample. This represents the first point on the characteristic
curve. DO NOT leave the pump in this condition of a closed discharge valve as the
water will heat up and so change in viscosity as to invalidate the results! Go on to the
next point as soon as possible.

10. Open discharge valve slightly to give the first increment in volume flow. When readings
are steady enough, select ‘GO’ to take a sample.

11. Repeat step (10) above for a gradually increasing set of discharge valve openings, i.e.
increasing values of flow Qv. The final sample point will correspond to the discharge
valve being fully open.

12. Save your data (in Excel file format).

13. Now, repeat steps (7) to (11) by running pump 1 at a lower speed (i.e. 40 Hz). Ensure
that the pump speed is the same for all head-flow readings using the power controller

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setting. Examine the acquired data (either in tabular or graphical form) using the online
software.

14. Save your data (in Excel file format).

15. Repeat your experiment if necessary and if time permits! Export your data into Excel
speadsheet (or other softwares) for analysis.

16. Switch off the pump. Tidy up your work bench and get ready for the next experiment.

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Part II: Parallel Pump Operation
Objective:
To demonstrate the operating characteristics of two pumps running in a parallel pumping
installation.

Theoretical Background:
Should the head or flow rate of a single pump not be sufficient for an application, pumps
can be combined in series to obtain an increase in head, or in parallel for an increase in flow
rate. When two pumps operate in series the combined pump head-capacity curve is found by
adding the heads of the single pump curves at the same capacity. Similarly, for parallel
pumps the head-capacity curve is found by adding the capacities of the single pump curves
at the same head (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Head-Capacity curves for single and parallel pumps.

Equipment Set-Up and Procedures:


1. Select parallel pump mode from the ARMFIELD windows group.

2. View the mimic diagram to display the measured variables in the appropriate boxes on
the pump schematic diagram.

3. Check the position of the valves on the demonstration unit with those on the screen. In
the parallel pump system, the differential pressure sensor SPW3 (19) should be
connected between the inlet of pump1 (5) and the tapping on the discharge pipework
(17). The differential pressure sensor SPW3 (22) should be connected between the inlet

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of pump 2 (23) and the discharge pipework tapping (17). Ensure that the configuration
valves (7, 20) are open and (21) is closed.

4. Select maximum pump speed N (~50 Hz) by adjusting the power controller to 100% on
both pumps.

5. Open inlet valves to both pumps (7, 8) fully. Close discharge valve (18) then start the
pumps (pump motors started under minimum load). Open discharge valve fully and
allow the water to circulate until all air bubbles have dispersed.

6. Close discharge valve to correspond to the condition of no flow i.e. Qv = 0. When the
measured readings as indicated in the boxes on the schematic diagram are sufficiently
steady, start a new set of results, and click ‘GO’ to take a sample. This represents the first
point on the characteristic curve. Again, do not leave the pump in this condition of a
closed outlet valve. Go on to the next point as soon as possible.

7. Open discharge valve slightly to give the first increment in volume flow at the bottom of
the screen. When readings are steady enough, click ‘GO’ to take another sample. Repeat
this step as before for a gradually increasing set of discharge valve openings (15 samples).
The final sample point will correspond to the discharge valve being fully open.

8. Examine the acquired data (either in tabular or graphical form) using the online software.

9. Save your data (in Excel file format). Repeat your experiment if necessary!

10. Now, repeat steps (5) to (8) by running both pumps at a lower speed (i.e. 40 Hz). Ensure
that the pump speed is the same for all head-flow readings using the power controller
setting.

11. Save your data (in Excel file format).

12. Export your data into Excel spreadsheet (or other softwares) for analysis.

13. Switch off the pumps. Tidy up your work bench before you leave the laboratory!

References:
“Instruction Manual FM21”, Armfield Ltd. UK., 2005.

Robert W. Fox, Alan T. McDonald and Philip J. Pritchard, “Introduction to Fluid Mechanics”, 6th
Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2004.

James O. Wilkes, “Fluid Mechanics for Chemical Engineers”, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, 2006.

Bruce R. Munson, Donald F. Young and Theodore H. Okiishi, “Fundamentals of Fluid


Mechanics”, 4th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2002.
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Questions to be answered in both Logsheet/Short Report (except the parts
highlighted in italics) and Formal Report. (to be submitted with Cover Page)

1. Using your data obtained in Part I (single pump operation), plot in either a single figure
or three separate figures the Head-Capacity, Input Power-Capacity, Efficiency-Capacity
curves at both speeds. (Your figure(s) must be clearly labeled). Comment on the trends
of the curves obtained, and compare the pump performance at the two speeds.

2. What are the Best Efficiency Points (BEP), the corresponding Head and Flowrates at
these points? Comment on the efficiency of the pump used in the experiment.

The overall efficiency of the pump can be defined as the ratio of “useful” power
absorbed by the fluid to input power to the pump. Suggest three losses which could have
contributed to the reduced overall efficiency of the pump in your experiment.

Develop an equation to determine the overall efficiency of the pump.

3. With reference to the Head-Capacity curves obtained, what is name of the point
corresponding to zero flow rate?

Obtain a mathematical expression or equation for the pump performance curve, stating clearly the
constants. (Hint: You may use curve-fitting; and plot your fitted curve against the measured data;
Example 10.4, Fox et al., 2004)

4. Using your data obtained in Part II for the parallel pump operation, plot the Head-
Capacity curves at both pump speeds against those obtained in Part I for the single pump
operation. (Your figure must be clearly labeled). Comment on the curves (parallel pump
operation vs single pump operation). Based on the single pump curve, theoretically, how
could you obtain the Head-Capacity curve for a parallel pump system? Sketch the
theoretical curve on the figure you plot in (5). Comment on the differences (theoretical
vs experimental), if any.

As in (3), obtain a mathematical expression and fitted curve for the parallel pump operation.

5. State four components in the flow system which could contribute to the system head.

Formal Report (Only for students submitting the Formal report)

The Formal Report should consist of (with the Title Page):

a) Aim
b) Principles (keep to about one page).
c) Experimental Procedures (including equipment and materials used)
d) Results and Discussion (answer ALL Questions)
e) Conclusions

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