Pumps may be arrange either in:

- Series ( one after another )

- Parallel ( one beside the other )
 There may be many reasons to use parallel or
series pumps instead of a single, larger
pump. these may include:
1. Lower initial cost
2. Lower installation cost
3. increased redundancy
4. Easier maintenance
5. Low operating cost
6. Significant energy servings
 Ideal when increase in pressure is needed.
 In series arrangement, each pump handles same
flow rate, but the total head( Pressure ) produced
by the combination of pumps will be additive.

 Since each pump generates a head “H”

corresponding to a flow “Q”, when connected in
series the total head developed is Htotal = H1 + H2,
where H1 and H2 are the heads developed by the
pump in series at the common flow rate “Q”.
 Both pumps must have the same width
impeller or the difference in capacities(GPM
or cubic meters/hour) could cause a
cavitation problem if the first pump cannot
supply enough liquid to the second pump.
 Both pumps must run at the same
speed(same reason).
 Be sure the casing of the second pump is
strong enough to resist the higher pressure.
Higher strength material, ribbing, or extra
bolting maybe required.
 The stuffing box of the second pump will see
the discharge pressure of the first pump. You
may need a high-pressure mechanical seal.
 Be sure both pumps are filled with liquid
during start up and operation.
 Start the second pump after the first pump is
running.
 Series connected pumps generally require
less horse power than one large pump
meeting the same condiotion point.
 In most cases, a highe refieciency point is
achieved.
 Pumps are smaller, easier to maintain and
more manageable, versus a larger pump.
 With pumps in parallel, the flow rate are additive
with a common head.

 The flow rate Qtotal is split between the inlet into Q1

and Q2. Each pump develops the same head H at
the corresponding capacity.

 Thus the first pump at capacity Q1 develops the

same head as H as the second pump at capacity Q2
 Both pumps must produce the same head this
usually means they must be running at the
same speed, with the same diameter impeller.
 Two pumps in parallel will deliver less than
twice the flow rate of a single pump in the
system because og increase in friction in the
piping.
 Reduces the motor size required for a
standalone pump, making this redundancy
cost effective.
 You’ll need for pumps, motors, motor
starters, circuit breakers and drives.
 All that additional equipment is going to take
up more equipment. All that additional
equipment is going to take up more floor
space as well.