www.sterlingfluidsystems.

com
Sterling Fluid Systems (Europe)
www.sterlingfluidsystems.com/europe
Sterling Fluid Systems (Americas)
www.sterlingfluidsystems.com/americas
Sterling Fluid Systems (Asia)
www.sterlingfluidsystems.com/asia
18
Sterling Fluid Systems (Austria)
Wien
Telephone: +43 (0)1 680 00 50
Fax: +43 (0)1 680 0521
E-Mail: sales_austria@sterlingsihi.de
Sterling Fluid Systems (France)
Trappes
Telephone: +33 (0)1 34 82 39 00
Fax: +33 (0)1 34 82 39 61
E-Mail: sterlingsihi@easynet.fr
Sterling Fluid Systems (Greece)
Athens
Telephone: +30 (0) 210 957 07 83
Fax: +30 (0) 210 956 81 21
E-Mail: sales_greece@sterlingsihi.de
Sterling Fluid Systems (Netherlands)
Beverwijk
Telephone: +31 (0)251 263 232
Fax: +31 (0)251 226 309
E-Mail: info@sihi.nl
Sterling Fluid Systems (Schweiz)
Schaffhausen
Telephone: +41 (0)52 6440606
Fax: +41 (0)52 6440616
E-Mail: info@sterlingfluid.ch
Sterling Fluid Systems (Belgium)
Groot-Bijgaarden
Telephone: +32 (0)2 481 7711
Fax: +32 (0)2 481 7737
E-Mail: sales@sterlingfluidsystems.be
Sterling SIHI (Germany)
Itzehoe
Telephone: +49 (0)4821 77101
Fax: +49 (0)4821 771274
E-Mail: sales@sterlingsihi.de
Sterling Fluid Systems (Hungary)
Veszprm
Telephone: +36 (0)88 40 66 33
Fax: +36 (0)88 40 66 35
E-Mail: sales_hungary@sterlingsihi.de
Sterling Fluid Systems (Polska)
Warzawa
Telephone: +48 (0) 22 849 7097
Fax: +48 (0) 22 849 6726
E-Mail: sterling@sterling.pl
Sterling Fluid Systems (Spain)
Madrid
Telephone: +34 91 709 1310
Fax: +34 91 715 9700
E-Mail: mibsa@stnet.es
Sterling SAT
Dgeling, Germany
Telephone: +49 (0)4821 9000-0
Fax: +49 (0)4821 9000-501
E-Mail: sat@sterlingsat.com
Sterling Fluid Systems (Czech Republic)
Olomouc
Telephone: +420 (0) 68 551 6651
Fax: +420 (0) 68 551 6653
E-Mail: sterling@sterling.cz
Sterling SIHI (Germany)
Ludwigshafen
Telephone: +49 (0)621 56 12 0
Fax: +49 (0)621 56 12 209
E-Mail: sales@sterlingsihi.de
Sterling Fluid Systems (Italy)
Monza, Millan
Telephone.:+39 (0) 39 28 241
Fax: +39 (0) 39 2824 220
E-Mail: sterlingitaly@sidro.it
Sterling Fluid Systems (Romania)
Bucuresti
Telephone: +40 (0) 21 610 7188
Fax: +40 (0) 21 210 8287
E-Mail: sales_romania@sterlingsihi.de
Sterling Fluid Systems (UK)
Altrincham/Cheshire
Telephone: +44 (0)161 9286371
Fax: +44 (0)161 9252129
E-Mail: uksales@sterlingfluid.com
Sterling Fluid Systems (USA)
Grand Island
Telephone: (1) 716 773 6450
Fax: (1) 716 773 2330
E-Mail:mail@sihi.com
Sterling Fluid Systems (Canada)
Guelph
Telephone: (1) 519 824 4600
Fax: (1) 519 824 7250
E-Mail: mail@sihi.com
Sterling PCU
Dayton
Telephone: (1) 937 299 5594
Fax: (1) 937 299 3843
E-Mail: pcu@sterlingpcu.com
Sterling Fluid Systems (Asia)
Singapore
Telephone: (65) 6863 0828
Fax: (65) 6863 0868
E-Mail: asia.marketing@sterlingasia.com
Sterling Fluid Systems (Malaysia)
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Telephone: (60) 3 8070 0198
Fax: (60) 3 8070 0204
E-Mail:sfsmsia@tm.net.my
SIHI (Australia)
Bayswater
Telephone: (61) 3 9720 1500
Fax: (61) 3 9720 4076
E-Mail: sfsaus@ozemail.com.au
Sterling Fluid Systems (Philippines)
Muntinlupa City
Telephone: (63) 2 809 4908
Fax: (63) 2 807 2013
E-Mail: philippines@pacific.net.ph
Sterling Fluid Systems (China)
Shanghai
Telephone: (8621) 6336 3488
Fax: (8621) 63268487
E-Mail: info.china@sterlingasia.com
Sterling Fluid Systems (Thailand)
Bangkok
Telephone: (66-2) 319 2567
Fax: (66-2) 319 2573/4
E-Mail:sfsthai@sterlingthai.co.th
Basic Principles for the Design of
Centrifugal Pump Installations
B
a
s
i
c

P
r
i
n
c
i
p
l
e
s

f
o
r

t
h
e

D
e
s
i
g
n

o
f

C
e
n
t
r
i
f
u
g
a
l

P
u
m
p

I
n
s
t
a
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
s
STERLING FLUID SYSTEMS GROUP
www.sterlingfluidsystems.com
2315_STR_Silver Book cover 5/23/03 12:45 PM Page 1
BASIC PRINCIPLES
FOR THE DESIGN
OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMP
INSTALLATIONS
Contents List Page 7
Index Page 376
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
2
Published by:
Sterling SIHI
A Member of the Sterling Fluid Systems Group
We do not make any claim to the completeness of this book. All information is given
based on our many years experience and unless ascribed to a particular reference, the
work is correct to the best of our knowledge and given without any guarantee.
In this book no mention is made of any existing patents, patterns or trademarks. The
omission of any such indication does not infer that any such trade names or
trademarks may be used.
The reproduction of any part of this book in any form is not permitted. All rights are
reserved. Translation, copying and distribution including copying to electronic
storage such as CD-ROM, video disc etc. and input in to electronic media such as
VDU and Internet etc. is not permitted without the written permission of Sterling
Fluid Systems b.v. and could lead to legal proceedings.
7
th
enlarged and revised edition 2003.
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
70 / US $70
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
3
Foreword
This is the 7th edition of this Pump Book, and since it was first written it has
become an established and respected reference book . It has been completely
reworked and enlarged to include the very latest international and European
standards. In many cases reference is also made to old standards as well as
the new.
This comprehensive edition covers all aspects concerned with the pumping of
liquids and is a dependable reference work in the design and operation of pumps
and pump systems.
In addition it offers both designers and operators a wealth of detail when
considering the whole life costs of a pump installation.
It has been compiled by Sterling SIHIs most experienced and knowledgeable
engineers, ensuring its content should be invaluable to any engineer who is
involved with the pumping of liquids.
Our thanks to all those who assisted in its compilation.
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
4
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
5
Centrifugal Pumps
Vacuum Technology
Engineered Systems
Service Support
Manufacturing Programme
Liquid Centrifugal Pumps
Volute Casing Pumps
Chemical Pumps
Side Channel Pumps
Multistage Ring Section
Pitot Tube Pumps
Sealless Pumps
Heat Transfer Pumps
Self Priming Pumps
Sludge Mixers
Vertical Turbine Pumps
Vacuum Technology
Liquid Ring Vacuum Pumps
Liquid Ring Compressors
Dry Running Vacuum Pumps
Gas Ejectors
Engineered Systems
Engineered Vacuum Systems
Engineered Compressor Systems
Vacuum Based Membrane Systems
Filling Systems
Service Support
Field Service
In-house Report/Service
Total Pump Management
Energy Consultancy
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
6
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
7
Contents
Formulae, Notation and Units 10
1 Selection data for centrifugal pumps and installations
1.1 Flowrate 14
1.2 Mass flow rate 15
1.3 Total head 15
1.4 Suction capacity 27
1.5 NPSH for centrifugal pumps 28
1.6 Specific energy 37
1.7 Power, efficiency 38
1.8 Speed and direction of rotation 41
1.9 Specific speed and characteristic type number 42
1.10 Pump selection 45
1.11 Design of the installation and life cycle costs 45
2 Operational performance of centrifugal pumps
2.1 Characteristic curves 49
2.2 Adaptation to varying operating conditions 54
2.3 Effect on the characteristic by the installation of an orifice plate 69
2.4 Operation of centrifugal pumps in branched pipelines 71
2.5 Start up and run down of centrifugal pumps 77
2.6 Minimum and maximum flowrates 82
3 Acceptance tests for centrifugal pumps
3.1 Preliminary remarks 86
3.2 Acceptance tests to DIN EN ISO 9906 86
3.3 Acceptance tests for side channel pumps 95
4 Special information for designing centrifugal pump installations
4.1 Pumping viscous fluids 96
4.2 Design of the pump according to the installation 107
4.3 Design of suction and inlet pipes 110
4.4 Design of the suction chambers for vertical pumps 112
4.5 Priming centrifugal pumps prior to start up 116
4.6 Pumping liquid / gas mixtures 120
4.7 Pressure surges (water hammer) in piping systems 124
4.8 Forces and moments on flanges 128
4.9 Pumping suspended matter 130
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
8
4.10 Shaft sealing 135
4.11 Leak-free pumps 146
4.12 Pumping liquefied gases 156
4.13 Pumping hot liquids 162
5 Vibration and noise
5.1 Vibration and smooth running 171
5.2 Noise 172
5.3 Noise protection measures 175
5.4 Noise and sound pressure level 187
6 Head losses in pipework and fittings
6.1 Head losses in straight pipework 178
6.2 Head losses in fittings and valves 186
7 Flanges
7.1 Flanges to European and German Standards 193
7.2 Flanges to American standards - ANSI 194
7.3 Flanges to international standards ISO 195
7.4 Test pressure 196
8 Instrumentation for monitoring centrifugal pump installations
8.1 Pressure measurement 197
8.2 Flow measurement 198
8.3 Power requirement measurement 200
8.4 Speed measurement 201
8.5 Temperature measurement 202
8.6 Vibration measurement 203
8.7 Level measurement 203
9 Fundamentals of electrical drives
9.1 Electrical supply 204
9.2 Electric motors 206
9.3 Construction of Electric motors 212
9.4 Installation and operation of Electric motors 216
9.5 Explosion protection 228
9.6 Speed control of electrical drives 234
9.7 Selection tables for 3 phase AC induction motors 238
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
9
10 Water
10.1 Natural water, drinking water and process water 245
10.2 Important parameters for assessing water condition 245
10.3 Analysis of water 251
10.4 Other naturally occuring waters 255
10.5 Wastewater 255
10.6 Treated water in heating systems and steam power plant 256
10.7 Material selection for different types of water 259
10.8 Properties of different types of water 263
11 Materials and material selection
11.1 Materials 264
11.2 Overview of materials 266
11.3 US materials to AISI standards 276
11.4 US materials to ASTM standards 277
11.5 Materials with trade names 278
11.6 Organic materials overview 279
11.7 Fibre reinforced materials 283
11.8 Ceramic materials 284
11.9 Material selection for handling various liquids 285
12 Units
12.1 General 305
12.2 Units and conversion factors 307
13 Tables 329
Subject index 376
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
10
Formulae, Notation and Units
The following is an overview of the most important terms and units which are used in
relation to centrifugal pumps and pump installations.
Notation Terminology Unit Other common
units
A Area, cross sectional area m
2
mm
2
, cm
2
, dm
2
D Diameter
e.g. impellers
pipelines
m mm
d Diameter
e.g. shafts, shaft sleeves
orifices
m mm
E Energy J kJ
F Power N kN
f Frequency Hz
G Gravitational force (local) N kN
g Acceleration due to gravity (local) m/s
2
H Total head of pump m
J Moment of inertia kg m
2
K Unit of speed s
1
k Roughness coefficient of pipes m mm
l Length m mm, cm, dm
M Torque N m
n Speed s
1
min
1
NPSH Nett positive suction head m
P Power W kW, MW
p Pressure Pa hPa, bar
Q Flowrate m
3
/s m
3
/h, L/s
q Massflow kg/s kg/h, t/h
Re Reynolds number dimensionless
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
11
Formulae, Notation and Units (continuation)
S Suction capacity m
3
/s m
3
/h
T Thermodynamic temperature K
t 1. Temperature Celsius
2. Time
C
s min, h, d
U Mean flow velocity m/s
u Tip speed m/s
V Volume m
3
dm
3
, L
v Speed m/s km/h
y Specific energy J/kg m
2
/s
2
z Altitude
Height above datum
m
Loss Coefficient dimensionless
Efficiency %
Coefficient of friction dimensionless
Dynamic viscosity Pa s mPa s, N s/m
v Kinematic viscosity m
2
/s mm
2
/s
Density kg/m
3
kg/dm
3
kg/L

Angular velocity
rad/s
Indices
Parameters or measured values are referenced to a specific point or condition by use
of indices.
Index Meaning Example
A Referred to pump installation H
A
Total head of installation
abs Absolute p
abs
Absolute pressure
all Allowable n
max all
Maximum allowable
speed
amb Ambient p
amb
Ambient pressure
B Balancing Q
B
Balancing flow
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
12
Index Meaning Example
D Difference, datum level
z
D
Height of NPSH datum
dyn Dynamic H
dyn
Dynamic component of
total head
G Guarantee Q
G
Guaranteed flowrate
g Slip v
g
Slip speed
geo Static H
geo
Static head
gr
Referred to pump unit
gr
Efficiency of pump unit
int Internal
int
Internal efficiency
J Loss H
J
Head loss
L Leakage Q
L
Leakage flowrate
M 1. Pressure gauge, manometer
2. Referred to the fluid in manometer
measurement line
p
1M
Pressure reading at pump
inlet

M
Density of fluid in
manometer measurement line
m Referred to mechanical efficiency h
m
Mechanical efficiency
max Maximum n
max
Maximum speed
min Minimum n
min
Minimum speed
mot Referred to the motor P
mot
Absorbed power of pump
drive
N Nominal P
N mot
Nominal motor power
op Operating Q
op
Operating flowrate
opt Optimum Q
opt
Flowrate at optimum
efficiency
r Rated Q
r
Rated flowrate
s 1. Specific
2. Suction
n
s
Specific speed
H
s geo
Static datum suction head
sch Peak H
sch
Total head at peak flowrate
on a characteristic
sp Specific n
sp
Specific speed
ss Suction specific n
ss
Specific suction number
Indices (continued)
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V
13
Indices (continued)
Index Meaning Example
stable Stable Q
min stable
Minimum continuous
stable flowrate
stat Static H
stat
Static head
T Transmitted M
T
Transmitted torque
t Total H
Jt
Total head loss of
installation
thermal Thermal Q
min thermal
Minimum thermal
flowrate
u Useful P
u
Hydraulic performance
v Vapour p
v
Vapour pressure
w Operating p
w
Operating pressure
x
1. Referred to any chosen point in the
installation
2. Referred to any chosen value
H
x
Head at point x
D
x
Required impeller for a
particular operating point
z Suction (Positive) H
z geo
Static suction head (pos.)
0 At flowrate Q = 0 H
0
Zero flow head
1 Suction side p
1
Pressure in pump suction
1 Suction side measurement point p
1
Pressure at suction side
measurement point
2 Discharge side p
2
Pressure in pump discharge
2 Discharge side measurement point p
2
Pressure at discharge side
measurement point
3, 4 .... Intermediate point p
3
Pressure at intermediate
point
3, 4 .... Intermediate measurement point p
3
Pressure at intermediate
measurement point
Note: A hyphen (-) between 2 indices indicates a difference in value at the given
point but does not indicate which is the larger.
Example: z
12
= Difference between z
1
and z
2
.
Either z
1
z
2
or z
2
z
1
Sterling Fluid Systems B.V