Fluid Mechanics (CLD 10603) Experiment 3: Series and Parallel Pump

Experiment 3 Series and Parallel Pump Objectives

To observe the differences between single, series and parallel pump operation. To determine the single, series and parallel pump characteristic curves.

Overview
A pump can serve to move liquid, as in a cross country pipeline, to lift liquid as from a well or to the top of a tall building; or to put fluid under pressure as in a hydraulic brake. In chemical plants and refineries pumps transfer or circulate oil and a great variety of fluids.

General Start - Up Procedures

Before conducting any experiment, it is necessary to do the following checking to avoid any misuse and malfunction of equipment. 1. Fill sump tank with tap water. Water level can be checked using the viewing window. Check whether the Emergency-Off switch is released. Switch on main power switch. Open flow adjustment valve. Switch on pump.

2. 3. 4. 5.

Fluid Mechanics (CLD 10603) Experiment 3: Series and Parallel Pump

Experimental Procedures Experiment 1 : Single Pump

Figure 1: Configuration of a Single Pump 1. Connect the stop-cocks as shown in Fig. 1 (handle parallel to the pipe valve open, handle perpendicular to the pipe valve closed). Switch on pump 1 (9) with the main switch on the switchbox (11); pump 2 must remain off! Set the desired volumetric flow V with the drain cock (8); ensure continuous water inflow into the reservoir. Record measured values, (Refer Table 1): P Suction - on the intake side of the pump (13) P Delivery - on the delivery side of the pump (14) V - Volumetric flow Note: To determine volumetric flow rate close the outlet valve. Use stopwatch to establish time required for raising the level in the volumetric tank in 1 minute. Repeat with five other different volumetric flows V. 2

2.

3.

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5.

Fluid Mechanics (CLD 10603) Experiment 3: Series and Parallel Pump

Experiment 2

: Series Configuration of Two Pumps

Figure 2: Series Configuration 1. 2. 3. Connect the stop-cocks as shown in Fig. 2. Switch on both pumps (9, 10) with the main switch on the switchbox (11). Set the desired volumetric flow V with the drain cock (8); ensure continuous water inflow into the reservoir. Record measured values, (Refer Table 2): PSuction1 - on the intake side of pump 1 (13) PDelivery1 - on the delivery side of pump 1(14) P Suction 2 - on the intake side of pump 2 (15) PDelivery2 - on the delivery side of pump 2 (16) V - Volumetric flow Repeat with five other different volumetric flows V.

4.

5.

Fluid Mechanics (CLD 10603) Experiment 3: Series and Parallel Pump

Experiment 3

: Parallel Configuration of Two Pumps

Figure 3: Parallel Configuration

1. 2. 3.

Connect the stop-cocks as shown in Fig. 3. Switch on both pumps (9, 10) with the main switch on the switchbox (11). Set the desired volumetric flow V with the drain cock (8); ensure continuous water inflow into the reservoir. Record measured values, (Refer Table 3): PSuction1 - on the intake side of pump 1 (13) PDelivery1 - on the delivery side of pump 1(14) P Suction 2 - on the intake side of pump 2 (15) PDelivery2 - on the delivery side of pump 2 (16) P Outflow - at the outflow (17) V - Volumetric flow Repeat with five other different volumetric flows V.

4.

5.

Fluid Mechanics (CLD 10603) Experiment 3: Series and Parallel Pump

Results
Volumetric Flow, V (L/min) P Suction (bar) P Delivery (bar)

Table 1: Single Pump

Volumetric Flow, V (L/min)

Pump 1 P Suction 1 (bar) P Delivery 1 (bar) P Suction 2 (bar)

Pump 2 P Delivery 2 (bar)

Table 2: Series Configuration of Two Pumps

Volumetric Flow, V (L/min)

Pump 1 P Suction 1 P Delivery 1 (bar) (bar)

Pump 2 P Suction 2 P Delivery 2 (bar) (bar)

P Outflow (bar)

Table 3: Parallel Configuration of Two Pumps

Fluid Mechanics (CLD 10603) Experiment 3: Series and Parallel Pump

Plot the pump characteristic curve for each configuration. (It is advisable to plot all three curves in one graph).

Where the vertical axis: Single Pump Series Configuration Parallel Configuration : P = P Delivery P Suction : P = P Delivery 2 P Suction 1 : P = P Outflow P Suction 1

While the horizontal axis is the respective volumetric flow rate

Fluid Mechanics (CLD 10603) Experiment 3: Series and Parallel Pump

Discussion
Discuss and compare the characteristic curves plotted.

Fluid Mechanics (CLD 10603) Experiment 3: Series and Parallel Pump

Tutorial

1.

Sketch pumps in series configuration.

2.

Sketch pumps in parallel configuration.

Fluid Mechanics (CLD 10603) Experiment 3: Series and Parallel Pump

Conclusion

References

1. White, F.M. Fluid Mechanics 4th Ed. McGraw Hill 2. McCabe, W.L., Smith, J.C and Harriot Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering 5th Ed. McGraw Hill 3. Anthony Esposito. Fluid Mechanics with Applications. Prentice Hall International Inc. 4. Debler, W.R. Fluid Mechanics Fundamentals. Prentice Hall International Inc.