A WATER RESOURCES T E C H N I C A L P U B L I C A T I O N

ENGINEERING MONOGRAPH NO. 40

Selecting Large Pumping

Units
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT
OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

8.

Willlam Duncan, Jr. and Carlos G . Bates

PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
R E P O R T NO.

Engineering Monograph 40
I

9.

P E R F O R M I N G O R G A N I Z A T I O N N A M E A N D ADDRESS

Engineering and Research Center

Bureau of Reclamation
Denver, Colorado 80225
12.

10.

WORK U N I T NO.

11.

C O N T R A C T OR G R A N T NO.

13.

T Y P E OF REPORT AND PERIOD

COVERED

SPONSORING A G E N C Y NAME A N D ADDRESS

l same

---t

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115. S U P P L E M E N T A R Y N O T E S

16.

SPONSORING AGENCY CODE

ABSTRACT

This monograph provides guidelines for designers or estimators who plan or lay out
large-capacity pumping plants. Empirical charts and curves and analytical methods
are presented t o facilitate selection of the best type of pump and t o estimate pump
performance characteristics, submergence, dimensions, and mass. An example is
given starting with basic head and capacity requirements, and working through
selection of pump type and estimation of speed, specific speed, submergence,
dimensions, pump mass, and power requirements. Included are illustrations of
typical pumping plants.

17.
0.

b.
c.
18.

K E Y WORDS A N D D O C U M E N T A N A L Y S I S

DESCRIPTORS-/ *pumps/ impellers/ spiral cases/ mixed flow p u m p s l propeller

p u m p s l centrifugal pumps/ *pumping plants/ design criteria1 cavitation index

IDENTIFIERS-/ Dos Amigos Pumping Plant, C A I Flatiron Powerplant, C O / Oahe

Dam, S D l Senator Wash Dam, CA
COSATI Field/Group

13G

COWRR:

131 1
19.

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT

A v a i l a b l e from t h e N a t r o n o l T e c h n i c a l Information Servrce, Operations

D i v r s i o n , S p r i n g f i e l d , V i r g i n i a 2 2 1 5 1.

S E C U R I T Y C L A S S 21.
( T H I SREPORT!

UNCLASSIFIED
20.

SECURITY CLASS

22.

( T H I S PAGE)

IJNCLASSIFIED

NO. O F PAGE

33
PRICE

A WATER RESOURCES TECHNICAL PUBLICATION

Engineering Monograph No. 40

Selecting Large Pumping Units

BY
William Duncan, Jr.
Carlos G. Bates
Engineering and Research Center
Denver, Colorado 80225

United States Department of the Interior

Bureau of Reclamation

As the Nation's principal conservation

agency, the Department
of the
Interior has responsibility
for most of our nationally owned public
lands and natural resources. This includes fostering the wisest use of
our land and water resources, protecting
our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental
and cultural values of our national parks
and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through
outdoor recreation. The Department
assesses our energy and mineral
resources and works to assure that their development
is in the best
interests of all our people. The Department
also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation
communities
and for people
who live in Island Territories
under U.S. administration.

ENGINEERING
MONOGRAPHS
are published in limited editions for the
technical staff ofthe Bureau of Reclamation and interested technical circles
in Government
and private agencies. Their purpose is to record developments, innovations,
and progress in the engineering
and scientific techniques
and practices
that are employed
in the planning,
design,
construction,
and operation
of Reclamation
structures
and equipment.

December 1978

III

81 METRIC

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

DENVER
Washington,

For Sale by the Superintendent

of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office,
D.C. 20402, or the Bureau of Reclamation,
Attention 922 Engineering
and Research
P.O. Box 25007, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225.
Stock Number 024-003-00137-6

Center,

Preface
The objective of this monograph
is to provide guidelines for selecting the
type of pump to best meet large-capacity
pumping requirements
and for
estimating
the performance
characteristics,
required
submergence,
dimensions,
and mass of the pump. The guidelines and data presented are
based on both Bureau of Reclamation experience and basic theory and from
recommendations
in literature cited in the bibliography.
The results should
be sufficiently
accurate for initial plant layout and cost estimation.
This monograph
was prepared by William H. Duncan, Jr., mechanical
engineer,
and Carlos G. Bates, Head, Hydraulic
Machinery
Section,
Mechanical Branch, Division of Design, Engineering and Research Center,
Denver. Richard
N. Walters made a substantial
contribution
to the
technical presentation.

iii

Letter Symbols and Quantities

Quantity

Symbol
d(i)

D]
Da
f
g
h
H
Ha
Hs
HL
Hv
Ku
K3
n
n'

Spiral case diameter at (i)

Discharge diameter of impeller
Inlet diameter of impeller
Frequency
Gravitation
constant
(acceleration)
Pump best efficiency head
(design head)
Head produced by pump
Atmospheric
pressure (head)
Suction head
Head loss (suction side)
Vapor pressure head of water
Speed constant
Experimental
design constant
Rotational speed
Trial rotational speed
Pump specific speed

n's

Trial pump specific speed

Net positive

suction

Capacity

(discharge)

Suction

specific speed

V
p

Velocity
Power

Speed ratio factor

Cavitation
coefficient
(Thoma-sigma)
Pump design efficiency

(1

11

ft
ft
ft
Hz

m/s2

ftls2

m
m
m
m
m
m

ft
ft
ft
ft
ft
ft

r/min
r I min
mO.75

head

of water

U.S. customary

mm
mm
mm
Hz

(r/min)ym3/s

ns

NPSH

iv

Metric unit

(r/min)ym3/s
mO.75

m
m3/s

(r/min)ym3/s
mO.75

r/min
r/min
(r/min)ygallmin
(ft)o.75

(r/minh/gallmin
(ft)o.75

ft
fP/s or
gallmin
(r/min)ygallmin
(ft)o.75

m/s
watt

ftls
horsepower

percent

percent

unit

Contents
Page

Preface.

...................................................... ...

Letter Symbols
Introduction.
Capacity.

and Quantities.

iii

...................................

iv

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ...

.........................................................

Head

Pump Specific Speed.

.............................................
Net Positive
Suction
Head...
... ...
... ... ... .. .. . ..
""""
""'"
Suction
Specific Speed.
. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thoma Cavitation Coefficient. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Affinity Laws and Hydraulic Similarity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1
2
3
3
3
4
4

Unit Characteristics
Sample Design Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Trial Pump Specific Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capacity Requirements.
..........................................
Rotational
Speed and Pump Specific Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pump Submergence.
..............................................
Pump Dimensions.
...............................................
Impeller and Total Pump Masses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Pump Power Requirement.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Comments on Pump Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Bibliography.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Basic Equations.

7
7
7

8
8
9

11
11
11

12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Inside Back Cover

Conversion Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outside

Back

Cover

CONTENTS
FIGURES
Number

1
2

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Pump type selection

guide.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Loss in efficiency
and capacity
due to wear

between overhauls.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Expected pump efficiency versus specific speed. . . . . . . . . . ..
Net positive suction head
Pump specific speed versus design head
Recommended
minimum sigma at best efficiency point.. ..
Typical variation of critical sigma versus discharge.
. . . .,
Flatiron and Dos Amigos performance
curves. . . . . . . . . . ..
Oahe and Senator Wash performance
curves. . . . . . . . . . . . .,
Snake Creek performance
curves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Dos Amigos performance
curves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .,

O'Neill performance

VI

14

15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

curves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

24

Inlet and discharge diameter approximations.

. . . . . . . . . . .,
Approximate
spiral case dimensions.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Impeller and total pump mass - centrifugal

25
26

vertical spiral-case pumps.

16
17
18
19
20
21

Page
13

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

27

Vertical column pump mass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .,

Typical 250-m (820-ft) head pumping plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Typical 60-m (200-ft) head pumping plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .,
Typical 30-m (100-ft) head wet-pit pumping plant. . . . . . . . ..
Typical 17-m (55-ft) head dry-pit pumping plant. . . . . . . . . .,
Prospective 3-m (10-ft) head pumping plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

28
29
30
31
32
33

Introduction
This monograph covers pumping unit capacities ranging from 3 to 280 m:J/s (100 to 10 000
ft3/s). Units smaller than 3 m:J/s usually can be
found in manufacturers'
catalogs
wherein
design and estimating
data are readily available. Presently,
the largest pumps the Bureau
operates are rated 62.3 mJ/s at 38 m (2200 ffJ/s
at 125 ft) oftotal head, and it is not foreseen that
USBR will require larger units. However, pumpturbines have been built for larger capacities;
the USBR is considering
pump-turbines
of 710
m.l/s (25 000 fP/s) capacity.
In selecting the number and size of units to
perform required duties, consideration
must be
given to reliability, flexibility, and cost.
Whereas it may be a wise decision to select
only one unit for a powerplant supplying power
to an interconnected
transmission
system, it
could be a very poor selection to have only one
unit if a water supply was entirely dependent on
uninterrupted
pumping capability. Thus, more
units would be expected in a pumping system
than in a power system. The time scheduled for
maintenance
and the effects of an unscheduled
outage of the largest unit should be considered.
Standard
designs
and identical
hydraulic
units are desirable from an engineering
and
maintenance
standpoint.
However, the units
should be selected to match variations in head
or capacity without causing excessive loss in
efficiency
and unusual
wear problems.
The
water to be pumped should be analyzed and
pump materials
selected accordingly
to resist
corrosion.
Priming
equipment
usually is avoided by setting the impeller inlet edge below
minimum
water
surface
elevation
and/or
providing
adequate positive suction head for
water to fill the pump case.
Pumps
are classified
by distinguishing
features such as:
Impeller characteristics
(axial flow, mixed
flow, radial flow, open, semiopen or enclosed, single suction or double suction,
etc.),
Pump casing design (spiral, single volute,
double volute or diffuser, turbine, circular, etc.),

.
.
.

Orientation
of pump shaft axis (vertical,
inclined or horizontal),
Intake design (wet pit, dry pit), and
Number of stages.
Figure 1 is a general guide for selecting the
type of pump best suited to meet various head
and capacity requirements. However, in selecting
the type pump best suited to a particular
situation,
economics
of plant construction,
efficiency
of the units, and operation
and
maintenance
costs should be considered.
Pump and motor dimensions and costs can be
minimized
by using high rotational
speeds.
However, in providing optimum performance at
high rotational speeds, a pump will require deep
submergence,
possibly leading to increased
plant
construction
costs. Likewise,
capital
expenditures
to increase
unit efficiency
by
using
a diffusion
casing,
enlarging
flow
passages, or other means should be compared
with the savings in power costs during the life of
the project.
To select a pump and prepare preliminary
designs,
operational
requirements
must be
analyzed
and estimates
made of rotational
speed, submergence
requirements,
pump dimensions,
pump mass, efficiency,
and power
requirements.
Capacity
A plant serving
a distribution
canal or
pipeline
obviously
requires
more regulating
capability
than a plant pumping
from one
reservoir to another or to a feeder canal. The
former may require a number of units or even
two or more sizes of units to meet demand. For
small plants,
using catalog-size
pumps,
a
common selection is;
. Two units at one-third plant capacity,

One unit

at one-sixth,

and

. Two units at one-twelfth plant capacity.

This combination provides flow increments of
one-twelfth plant capacity while only one-third
capacity is lost when the largest unit is out of
service. For large plants with specially designed
units, variable-pitch
pumps in axial and mixedflow designs may be economical. Such units can
deliver from 50 to 100 percent of maximum

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

capacity at either a variable or constant head

and operate with good efficiency. Thus, a plant
containing
four fixed-pitch
units and two
variable-pitch
units can deliver any capacity
from one-twelfth
to maximum
capacity with
good efficiency.
The cost of variable-pitch
pumps is about 30 percent higher than fixedpitch pumps. Offsetting this cost, a fixed-pitch
pump requires
a larger-consequently
more
expensive-motor
to accommodate
overcapacity in the pump design and variation in head.
Other methods for obtaining
flexibility in
discharge rate are: multispeed, variable speed,

Head range
meters
feet

throttling, and bypassing.

not proved
economical
irrigation pumping.

These methods have

for high capacity

Head
This monograph
discusses
best efficiency
heads ranging from 3 to 300 m (10 to 1000 ft). As
illustrated
in figure 1, the approximate
head
range of a single stage for three types of pumps
(classified by impeller design) is:

Pump
flow type

Customary

name

3-9

10-30

Axial

These are referred to as propeller pumps from the

design in the impeller and the lifting action of the
blades on the liquid.

9-18

30-60

Mixed

Francis-style
double-curvature
vanes usually are
used in the impeller design ofthese pumps commonly
called Francis pumps.

60-1000

Radial

Since centrifugal

18-300

forces define the principal

action

of these pumps, they often are referred to as centrifugal pumps.

Note that all three types of pumps considered
rotary action of the impellers.

are often classified

Mixed-flow, variable-pitch
pumps have been
used for heads up to 76 m (250 ft). Single-stage
pumps are desirable for reasons of lower cost
and simplicity.
However,
multistaging
is
applicable
to improve efficiency, to obtain a
steeper head-discharge
curve, or to reduce required net positive suction head. Single-stage
pump-turbines
are being built for 610 m (2000 ft)
of head or more. At the A. D. Edmonston
Pumping Plant on the California Aqueduct [1]1,
the pumps are four-stage, for a total design head
of600 m (1970 ft), resulting in an optimum pump
specific speed considering
efficiency and submergence requirements.
The head range that a pump must operate
within is an important
consideration.
For a
canal relift plant, the head may be nearly
'Numbers

in brackets

refer to items In the bibliography.

in the category

of centrifugal

pumps because

of the

constant when individual

discharge
lines are
used. The head will vary more if several pumps
are manifolded
to a single discharge line. The
San Luis Pumping/Generating
Plant, California [2], is notable as it has a head range from
30 to 100 m (98 to 330 ft) for filling a large
reservoir. Two speeds are used to satisfy the
head range. At Snake Creek Pumping Plant,
North Dakota, the requirement is to pump from
0 to 23 m (0 to 75 ft) of static
head.
Interchangeable
bowls and impellers fulfill the
specified performance.
Variation
in head requires
a deeper submergence, especially when the variation from
the design head is to lower heads. When a unit is
required to pump from a storage reservoir to a
canal, the head will vary; but the minimum
head will occur at maximum suction head (full
reservoir)-which
is helpful.

INTRODUCTION

USBR practice is to add a small percentage to

pump design capacity to allow for wear prior to
scheduled overhauls (fig. 2).
Pump Specific Speed
The specific

speed ns of a pump
n s-- -

is:

heads greater than 9 m (30 ft) per stage. The

radial-flow
type is the most efficient at high
heads and has been used for heads up to 610 m
(2000 ft) per stage. Figure 1 shows the usual
operating
regimes for the different types of
pumps. Figure 3 presents curves of expected
pump efficiency
versus
specific speed for
various pump capacities.

nVQ
ho.7;,

Net Positive Suction Head

where:

n = rotational
speed, r/min,
h = best efficiency head developed, m (ft),
and
Q = best efficiency discharge, m:J/s (gal/min).
Pump
specific
speed is defined
as the
rotational
speed at which a given pump or
geometrically
and hydraulically
similar pump
discharges
1 m:J/s of discharge
under 1 m of
head (1 gal/min at 1 ft of head) while operating
at the best (peak) efficiency point. The pump
specific speed characterizes
the type and shape
of the impeller and is used to predict other
important
pump characteristics,
dimensions,
and mass. To obtain an approximate
value of ns
in units of r/min, mIls, and m, multiply U.S.
customary
ns (r/min, gal/min,
and ft) times
0.01936.
For double suction pumps, it is USBR practice
to use one-half the capacity (QI2) ofthe pump to
calculate ns and S. Thus, an identical specific
speed versus head graph applies to both single
and double-suction pumps.
The range
categorized:

.
.

of pump

specific

speed

can

be

High specific speeds greater

than 155
(8000) usually indicate an axial-flow-type
impeller.
Low

specific

speeds

of

87 (4500)

NPSH (net positive suction head) is defined as

the total suction head above vapor pressure at
the highest point ofthe impeller inlet edge. The
NPSH available for the pump, at a given site, is
calculated from the equation:
NPSH

= Ha

+ Hs

Hu

- HL

where:
Ha = atmospheric
pressure head,
Hs = suction head,
Hu = water vapor pressure head, and
H L = suction side head losses.
Figure 4 illustrates NPSH. A particular pump
design requires a certain minimum NPSH head
(required) to prevent cavitation. The available
NPSH at the plant site must be equal to or
greater than the required NPSH. Operation
with less than the required NPSH will cause the
head and efficiency to drop, and destructive
cavitation
will occur on the impeller blades.
Figure 5 illustrates
the upper limit of pump
specific speed versus design head for various
conditions of Hs. The figure is based on data
from pumps and pump-turbines
which are
operational. A higher speed and a wide range in
head generally necessitate
a higher value of
available NPSH.

or less

indicate the radial-flow-type

impeller.
. Medium values of specific speed generally
indicate a mixed-flow-type
impeller.
There are no definite limits to define the
operating
regimes
for the three types of
impellers. However, experience has shown that
an axial-flow-type
impeller
cannot be used
efficiently for high heads and is seldom used for

Suction Specific Speed

Suction

specific speed S is defined

nVQ
= (NPSH)o.7.')
= ns

as:
0,7,')

h
(NPSH
)

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

where:
h = best efficiency

head developed,
n = rotational
speed,
Q = best efficiency discharge, and
NPSH = net positive suction head at the site or
absolute suction head less vapor p;essure head.
The parameter S is used for pumps to describe
the suction characteristics
of an impeller. An S
value within 153 to 155 (7900 to 8000) has been
found to produce the best performance.
If an
impeller is designed for a higher suction specific
speed to reduce the required NPSH, the blade
entrance-angle
must be flattened. This results
in lower efficiency and a larger impeller-eye
diameter for a given capacity [3]. Except for
very special cases, higher suction
specific
speeds should not be considered.
Thoma Cavitation

Coefficient

The parameter
used for defining the operating condition, with respect to cavitation,
is
commonly
known as the Thoma cavitation
coefficient and is represented by the Greek letter
sigma u. It is the ratio of NPSH to total pump
head or:
u

NPSH

For large pumping

units, USBR defines
critical sigma as the sigma value at which
cavitation
causes a I-percent
loss in head.
Critical sigma is determined by model tests for
each impeller design. With the critical sigma
values known, the required pump submergence
can be determined with respect to suction water
level for any environment.
Critical sigma and
required NPSH increase rapidly with discharge
above the best efficiency point. Bureau experience has shown that if a pump is operated at a
head considerably
below best efficiency head
(high discharge), no amount of available NPSH
will prevent cavitation.
Figure 6 shows the recommended sigma val ue
versus pump specific speed. Figure 7 illustrates
typical
variations
of critical sigma versus
discharge
for different pump specific speeds.
Note that the curves on figures 5 and 6 are based
on a constant
suction specific speed S of

approximately
154 (7950). A similar curve to
figure 5 in the Hydraulic Institute Standards [4]
e~hibits
a varying
suction
specific speed.
FIgure 5 generally
indicates
a lower pump
specific speed limit per given design head and
suction
head
up to a specific
speed of
approximately
70 (3700), and higher limits
above 70 than recommended
in the Hydraulic
Institute Standards.
Affinity Laws and Hydraulic

Similarity

For a given centrifugal

pump of constant
impeller discharge diameter D, the performance
variables of capacity Q, head H, power P, and
rotational
speed n, at points of equal efficiency
'1, vary according to the relations:
Capacity is directly proportional
to speed,

. Head is proportional
speed, and

to the square of the

Power is proportional
to the cube of the
speed.
For mixed-flow and radial-flow pumps, when
speed is held constant
and the impeller
discharge
diameter
is varied
slightly,
the
relations between points of equal efficiency can
be expressed as:
. Capacity is directly proportional to diameter,
Head is proportional
to the square of the
diameter, and
Power is proportional
to the cube of the
diameter.
If both nand
D are varied, both relations
apply simultaneously.
The affinity laws which follow from these
relations can be applied to calculate changes in
pump performance
due to varied rotational
speed or impeller discharge diameter of a given
pump.

For constant
Qa
Qb

diameter:
=

na

For constant
Qa
-

nb

z: =(~: r

Qb

Da
-

Db

z: =(~:r
P

~: =(::Y

speed:

~
Pb

:1

()

= --.!!:
Db

INTRODUCTION

where:
a and b denote the
same
pump
with
slightly different impeller diameters.

where:
a and b denote the
same pump run at
different speeds.

For geometrically
and hydraulically
similar
machines
(equal specific speeds) the performance data obtained from one unit can be used to
estimate the performance
of another unit (i.e.,
model test data used to estimate
prototype
performance)
using the following laws of pump
scaling [5]:

~:

z:

(::) (z:r

(::r(~:r

;: = (::r (z: r
and a modified
efficiency:

Moody equation

~ ~

::

to determine

f14

(z:

where:
a and b denote
hydraulically
similar

two geometrically
pumps.

and

Unit Characteristics
Sample

(Operating

Design Problem

There is a requirement
for three equal-size
canal relift pumping units discharging
into a
common line where the unit discharge centerline is at approximately
1000 m. The pumps are
to be submerged to avoid the need for vacuum
priming equipment.

. Minimum capacity at maximum

head (per unit) .. .. .. ., .. .. .. ., .14.2 m:J/s
. Static lift. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 m
Average water temperature.
. .. 35C

Figure 1 shows that consideration

should be
given to the radial-flow, vertical-shaft,
spiralcase-type pump.

.
.
.

Canal water surface may vary

from normal.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . :to.9m
Total suction side head loss per
unit (including trashrack
loss) . 0.3m
Discharge side head loss per unit
through the manifold.
.........
1.5 m

With three units in operation at full capacity,

the head loss in the discharge line (including
velocity head loss at the discharge structure) is
5.5 m. The hydraulic units are to be designed for
best efficiency with two units operating.
The
pumps' will be driven by synchronous
electric
motors.

X (d ISCh arge
full capacity
line loss at full capacity)
The minimum head will occur with one unit
operating

=60.1

m.

Minimum
head = 60.1 + 0.3 + 1.5 + 5.5 (1/3)2
62.5 m = 96 percent
of design head.

The maximum
units

operating

head
and

will occur with

a static

three

lift of 61.0 + 0.9

61.9 m.
Maximum head =61.9 + 0.3 + 1.5 + 5.5 =69.2 m
106 percent of design head.

Trial Pump Specific Speed

It is assumed the pumps are to be submerged
1 m (Hs = 1 m). Using figure 5, (pump specific
speed versus design head at various suction
heads) the upper limit of pump specific speed
can be estimated
and used as the trial pump
specific speed n~ However, it is noted that figure
5 is based on sea level with a water temperature
of 29C, and does not include suction side head
losses He Therefore, prior to using figure 5 the
desired suction head Hs-at
plantsite
el~vation and plantsite water temperature-should
be corrected to sea level and a water temperature of 29C.
For better accuracy the trial pump specific
speed can be calculated
considering
that suction specific speed S should approximate
154
and using the equations:

Begin by calculating
the required total head
range. In this case, the best efficiency (design)
head is to occur with two units operating and a
static lift of 61.0 m.

,
S - ns

=Ha

+ Hs - Hv - HL

0.75

(NPSH )

or n~

7;)

'
(N;S

HY

From figure 6, at the plantsite elevation

1000 m and a water temperature
of 35C:

= 9.18 m atmospheric
0.57 m vapor pressure

Ha

Note that, for a number of units using a

common discharge
line-during
operation at
less than full capacity-the
discharge line head
loss is roughly equal to:

'

and a static lift of 61.0 - 0.9

NPSH

=61 + 0.3 + 1.5

2*

Head Range

Design head (100 percent head)

+ 5.5 (2/3F = 65.2 m.

capacitY)

'When the di"ha'ge

hne h,a"

pressure,

of

and Hv =

In" in "',.e;

"a
exponent of ~.85 for the pipe friction portion oft he 10"a" and
88'
2.0 for any fIttIng 1088 and velocity head 10~~N
{2002
.
.
.

--l
7

..

~'.""'---'-""""---

./ ,.;eciamation'x

'i_~;ervice

Center

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

Suction side losses HL were given as 0.3 m

and suction head Hs has been assumed to be
1.0 m.

hence:

Thus, the available NPSH for the pumping

plant with I-m suction head Hs is estimated to be:

Rotational Speed and Pump Specific Speed

NPSH

==

9.18 + 1.0 - 0.57 - 0.3

==

9.31 m

==

(14.9) 1.02

15.2 m3/s

==

Calculate the trial rotational

speed n' from
the trial pump specific speed n~;

and
where:
n's -

154
65.2 0.75
9.31

==

35.8
n'

Capacity Requirements
For estimating the capacity to be specified at
design
head h, reference
is made to the
performance
curves of existing units of similar
pump specific speeds. The curve on figure 8
shows a typical plant having a specific speed of
39. At 106 percent design head (maximum head
for the example), capacity should be about 95
percent of that at best efficiency (design) head
h. Therefore, to deliver 14.2 m:J/sin the example
plant (at maximum
head), the capacity
at
design
head (design
capacity)
should
be
increased to:
Q

==

14.2
0.95

n~ hO.75
== -- Q

Determine

Rotational

--

...L65.2

"14.9

n ==

120 (frequency)
number
of poles

7200
==

number

, at 60 Hz

of poles

--

60 (120)
34

Therefore,
the pump
given condition is:
nS

"Q

speed,

Using a multiple of two poles, the closest

60 Hz synchronous
speed to 210 r/min is:

thus:

_fh

==210 r/min

speed as follows:

14.9 m3/s

The drop in efficiency and capacity caused by

wear (between overhaul periods) also must be
considered.
Figure 2 presents percent loss in
efficiency versus .,!h;..J?l for different water
environments.
Generally, canals are subject to
contamination
from windblown sand and silt
equivalent to condition "B" (fig. 2);

15.2

However, since the pumps are to be driven by

synchronous
electric motors, the pump rotational speed should equal a synchronous
speed.
Consideration
should be given to the fact that
for extremely large motors a multiple of four
poles is preferred [6]; however, standard motors
are available in most multiples of two poles.

n
==

35.8 (65.2)0.75

nVQ
==

==

212 r/min

specific
212

==

hO.75

speed

Vi52

(65.2).75

==

for the

36.0

== 21.

Pump Submergence

From figure 2, a 2-percent loss in capacity can

be predicted between 3-year overhaul periods.
Therefore,
the design capacity
must be increased:

The submergence
of the units
can be
estimated using ns 36.0. From figure 6, at best
efficiency head, the recommended
minimum
==

sigma

C1is:

UNIT CHARACTERISTICS

0"

1212 (ns)I.:J:J

106

1212 (36.0)I.:J1

106

= 0.142

From the performance

curves on figure 8, at
minimum
head (96 percent
design
head),
capacity will be about 105 percent of design
capacity. Figure 7 (typical variation of critical
sigma versus discharge)
shows that at 105
percent capacity the expected critical sigma will
be approximately
110 percent of critical sigma
at best efficiency point. Therefore, at minimum
head, critical sigma should be approximately:

0"

= 0.142

(1.10)

= 0.156

The same procedure for maximum head (106

percent design head) results in a critical sigma
value of 0.132;
whereas:
NPSH , or NPSH
v -~

9.13 - 9.18 + 0.57 + 0.3

Pump Dimensions
After estimating
the rotational
speed and
pump specific speed with the given design head,
the curves and equations of figure 13 are used
to estimate the impeller inlet diameter D:J and
the impeller discharge diameter Dl.
For estimating
Db determine
the speed
constant Ku [7] from either the curve (fig. 13) or
the polynomial
approximation:
6.4 ns
Ku = 0.82 + 103
-

For a plant at an elevation of 1000 m and

average water temperature
of 35C, figure 6
shows:

. Atmospheric

.
.

pressure head, Ha.. ..9.18 m

head, Hv
. 0.57 m
Total suction side losses, HL . . . '". . . .0.3 m
Water vapor pressure

Dl is calculated

Dl

3.3 (nsF
106

from the equation:

84 600 Ku v'h
n

With the values from the example,

r/min, h = 65.2 m, and ns = 36,

n = 212

calculate:

K u. = 0 82 + 6.4 (36) 103

Therefore, the highest point of the inlet edge

of the impeller should be at least (fig. 4):
9.75 - 9.18 + 0.57 + 0.3

m below the inlet

canal
water surface
elevation
which produces maximum total
head.

Additional
submergence
may be considered
to provide a factor of safety against cavitation
and loss of efficiency.

= O"H

At maximum head, NPSH =0.132 (69.2) =9.13 m

At design head, NPSH
=0.142 (65.2)= 9.26m
At minimum head, NPSH =0.156 (62.5) = 9.75m

= 0.82

3.3 (36)2

106

= 1.05

= 1.44

m below the inlet

canal
water surface
elevation
which produces minimum total
head,
9.26 - 9.18 + 0.57 + 0.3 = 0.95 m below the inlet
canal
water surface
elevation
which produces
design
head,
and

and
Dl

84 600 (1.05) 65.2

212

D3 is determined

= 3383

by using figure 13:

Select the speed ratio factor a for the given ns

from either the curve or from the equation:

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

10

= 810

(1~~Or7()7

For the given design head, calculate

equation:
D:I

D;Jfrom the

= 550aVh
n

Assuming
V is constant and Q increases in
direct proportion to the angular distance from
the cut-water ("The wall dividing the initial
section and the discharge nozzle portion of the
casing * * * " [9]) or can be otherwise predicted,
the spiral case diameter d can be approximated
at various locations (i). From the equation of
continuity:

whereupon:
d(i)

= 810

n
10~0

11.7117

( )

= 550

(77.226)

= 1618

212

mm

It is noted that, with the approximate

impeller inlet diameter DI known, the suction
tube dimensions also can be estimated by using
USBR Report No. HM-2 [8].
U sing the estimated
impeller
discharge
diameter Dl and pump specific speed ns, figure
14 is used to estimate the following spiral case
dimensions:
Rl
R~
R;J
R4

A~J
E
F
G

= 0.180 = (3383) =

.155

.125
= .090
= .835
= 1.065
.980
.890

Q(j) 106
0.7854

= 77.226

and
D.,,

= (3383) =

= (3383)
= (3383)
= (3383)
= (~j383)
= (3383)
= (3383)

609 mm

524 mm

= 423
= 304
= 2825
= 3603
= 3315
= 3011

mm
mm
mm
mm
mm
mm

Spiral case dimensions

also can be approximated analytically
by using Stepanoffs
[7]
volute velocity equation:
V=K3V2gh

To find the radial length from the unit

centerline
to the outside of the spiral case
at any location (i), add one-half the impeller
discharge
diameter
D1, plus the spiral case
diameter
d(i), plus 0.1 times the impeller
discharge
diameter to allow for the diffuser
ring. Thence, at any location (i) around the case,
the radial length from the unit centerline to the
outside of the spiral case can be approximated
by:

Radial

v = velocity in the spiral case, and

K3 = an experimental design constant:

Q(i) 106
0.7854

In the example, dimension

14) is calculated,
where:

+ 0.6 Dl

F at location

2 (fig.

h = 65.2 m, Q = 15.2 m3/s, and ns = 36.0

K3 = (ns)-O.33 = 1.15 (36.0)-o.:J,3

Assuming
cutwater:
Q(2)

location

= 270

360

= 0.35

:0 0.35 V2 (9.82) 65.2 = 12.5 m/s

V = K3 V2gh

d(2)

where:

length

(2) is nearly

(Qd eSlgn
. )

= 0.75

(11.4) 106
0.7854 (12.5)

(15.2)

2700 from the

= 11.4

m3/s

= 1078 mm

Therefore, R(2) = 538 mm as compared

524 mm from experience curves, and

to R(2)

F = d(2) + 0.6 Dl = 1078 + 0.6 (3383) = 3108 mm

K3

whence

= 1.15

(ns)

K3 may be calculated.

.11.1;1

In this case, F (as calculated) is less than the

dimension F of 3315 mm previously predicted

11

UNIT CHARACTERISTICS

by the experience
curve of figure 14. This
method, though perhaps less reliable, has the
advantage
of being easily programmed
on a
hand calculator to quickly calculate estimates.
From figure 14:
Dimension
E
G
A

~J

Empirical
curves
millimeters

At design conditions:

Analytical
method
millimeters

3603
3011
2825

3274
2909
2652

In considering
a spiral-case pump, for a
particular design head h and impeller discharge
diameter Db figure 15 is used to estimate the
impeller mass and the total pump mass. The
curves are based on data from existing pump
designs and the equations shown (fig. 15) are
polynomial
approximations
of the curves. Note
that the total pump mass is expressed by two
separate
curves. One curve is used when the
design head is less than 30 m and the other
when the design head is greater than 45 m.
Intermediate
design heads require interpolation.
For the example, where the design head h was
greater than 45 m and the discharge diameter is
3383 mm, the total pump mass is about 94
metric tons. The impeller
mass is approximately
16 t. A similar computation
can be
made to estimate
the mass of a verticalcolumn pump with the experience curves shown
on figure 16.

Pump Power Requirement

When calculating
the pump power requirement P, for subsequent
motor sizing, performance curves for a pump of similar specific speed
should
be used to predict
the operating
conditions that will demand maximum power.
In the sample problem, from the shape of the
curves (fig. 8, Flatiron), the power requirement
is expected to be greatest at maximum capacity.

P in kilowatts
9.8 QH
'r/

= 9.8

(15.2) 65.2

0.91

= 10

670 kW

However, from figure 8, at maximum capacity

(105 percent design capacity)
the power requirement
will be 102 percent of the requirement at design capacity. Therefore, the maximum pump power requirement
is:

Impeller and Total Pump Masses

Pump power requirement

The pump efficiency 17, at design head and

capacity
(best efficiency), is estimated
from
figure 3. Using the design parameters
previously calculated, the pump best efficiency will
be approximately
91 percent.

is:

= 10

670 (102 percent)

= 10880

kW

A driver with a net output approximately

10
percent over the maximum pump requirement
usually would be required to allow for overcapacity which the pump manufacturer
may
provide to assure his guarantee is fulfilled, and
to provide for operation under conditions other
than those anticipated.
Comments

on Pump Selections

After determining
the principal dimensions
and mass of the pump, a layout can be made.
With the aid of electrical
and structural
engineers,
a cost estimate
can be prepared.
Consideration
should be given to alternatives
of
rotational
speed and submergence,
number of
stages,
and style of pump relative to construction
cost, operation
and maintenance
expense, and replacement
life.

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1] Jansen,
Robert B., "Edmonston
Pumping
Plant: Nation's Mightiest," Civ. Eng., vol.
42, No. 10, pp. 67-71, October 1972.
[2] Stroh, Raymond
G., Seitz, Bradley
G.,
Lloyd, L. W., "Rapid Reversal of San Luis
Pumping-Generating
Units," IEEE Trans.,
Power Appar Syst., vol. P AS-89, No.6, pp.
1106-1111, July/August
1970.
[3] Bates, Carlos G., "Pumping
Unit Studies
Final Evaluation
Report," Prepared for
Office of Saline Water, 39 p. Bureau of
Reclamation,
Denver, December 1965.
[4] Hydraulic
Institute,
"Standards
for Centrifugal,
Rotary,
and Reciprocating
Pumps," 13th ed., New York, 1975.

12

[5] Stelzer, R. S., Walters, R. N., "Estimating

Reversible Pump-Turbine Characteristics,"
Engineering
Monograph
No. 39, 46 p.,
Bureau of Reclamation,
Denver, 1977.
[6] Walters,
Richard
N., Bates, Carlos G.,
"Selecting Hydraulic Reaction Turbines,"
Engineering
Monograph
No. 20, rev. ed.,
55 p., Bureau of Reclamation,
Denver,
1976.
[7] Stepanoff,
Alexey J., "Centrifugal
and
Axial Flow Pumps," 2d ed., J. Wiley, New
York, 1957.
[8] Bureau of Reclamation,
"Proportions
of
Elbow-Type
Suction
Tubes for Large
Pumps," Report No. HM-2, 10 p., Denver,
June 1964.
[9] Karassik,
1. J., Krutzsch,
W. C., Fraser,
W. H., Messina, J. P., "Pump Handbook,"
McGraw-Hill, New York, 1976.

13

FIGURES

FEET

--~-

METERS
- f- 300

1000

f-250
i

-200

500
400

300

--

I
1

-150
I

I
R \rltJ

-100

I
VER- -'CD

-FlOW.

;PIR.

CASI

-80

200

- -60

-50
I

-40

-1-

50 1-

f-15

40 130 1-

- - - -

- -

--

-1-

,
W
(')
<t
f- 25 UJ _RADIAL-FLOW,
0:
-20
w
Q

100 ,- -30

VERTICAL

OR SPIRAL CASE

COLUMN

~w
I

MIXED-FLOW, VERTICAL COLUMN

MIXED-FLOW, VERTICAL SPIRAL CASE

f-IO

ff-8
f20 1- f-6
-5
-4
101-

AXIAL-FLOW

HORIZONTAl,VERTICAl

OR INCLINED

-3

-2.5
-2--

f---

-1.5

m3/s

ft 3/s

2
I

!
I

,
3
I

I
100

4
I I

5
I

6
I
I

DISCHARGE
10
8
15
I I II
I
I
I
I

200

FIGURE I.-Large

300

400

pump

- Q
20
I

500

type

30
40
I I I
I
1000

selection

guide.

50 60
80 100
I I I I I I
I
I
2000

lO6-D-380.

3000

150
I

200
I

300
I
I

10000

14

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

no sand (0.0625-2 mm) or silt (0.004- 0.0625 mm) i but may contain cloy
0.004 mm) with a mean concentration of less than 100 mg/l and organic material.
B Contains cloy
0.004 mm) and silt (0.004 -0.0625 mm) with a mean concentration
of less than 500 mg/l, and for short periods, fine sand (0.0625-0.125 mm),
C Contains cloy 0.004
mm) and silt (0.004-0.0625
mm), and sand (0.0625-2mm)
with a mean concentration of less than 2000 mg/l which can occur as fine sand
(0.0625-0125
mm) in small amount most of the year and coarse sand (0.125-2 mm)
A

Contains

during flood periods.

Contains cloy 0.004
mm) and silt (0.004-0.0625
mm), and some fine sand
(0.0625 - 0.125 mm) Or frequently contains coarse sand (0.125- 2 mm) and occasional
grovel (2 -8 mm) with a mean concentration
of greater than 1000 mgfl.

30.0

,I

20.0

//

./

1--U

I-~
I-U

-~

./

-->U

4.0

-Z

-u...
u...
_w

1/

1/1/

-c.n

},

gs

1.0

~-I

-f-z
-W

1/

/
/

,
.04

I
.05

II

0/

),

V
Overhaul

I/'

interval

> 3 m3/s- 3 Years

3 m3/s- 5 Years

Q<

/
/
/
/
./

.1

/11
0.2

1./

l/
/

1/

0.1

1/

1/

1/

./

11'

a..

0.5

0.2

V
I/'

/
1/

c..,/
7'

1/

./

-a:!
_w

0.4

1/

./

,I

II

<;)/

3.0 -~ U
2.0

/
1./

8.0 I-<{

5.0

.I

[/11

10.0 1->f-

II'

,I

0.3

.I

0.3

0.8 1.0

0.4 0.5

I
0.1

FIGURE 2.~Loss

I
0.2

I
0.3

in efficiency

2.0
I
0.5

and capacity

HEAD. h

CAPACITY. Q

I11II11111

3.0

I
1.0

4.0 5.0

I
20

m
20

10
I
3.0

due to wear between

I
5.0

overhauls.

30

40

50~

I
10.0

106-D-381.

(AIls)

15

FIGURES

fZ

W
U
a::
w 95
a...
I
0
90
I

."~" -

', 'f" ,/

S?
(f)

.J

85

/'

w
0

-- - --(ft3/:s)
- -..--..... ' :::.... ~m%
I
~57 2000
- - """"""'~"" .....'..... ~5.7
200
- - -......... ......' ..... ~0.85 30
"""'
--~............
~0.28 I0

,,

-...........::

,.---

80

.........."'"

>U

i'o..
.......

75

""

U
I.J..

0.11

~~....... ~0.06
0.03

70

4
2
I

a...
::!:
::::>
a...
0

f-

U
W
a...
x
w

15

10

I
700

20
I
1000

30
I
1500

40
I
2000

50

60
I
3000

80
100
I
I
4000 5000

150

PUMP SPEC I FIC SPEEDFIGURE 3.-Expected

pump

efficiency

200
I
10000

300
I
15000

400
I
20000

ns

versus specific

speed. I06-D-882.

(r/min)(m%f5
mO.75
(r/min)(gal/min)0.5
(ft)0.75

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

16

~Lr
Ho
Minimum inlet
water surface

NPSH=Ho + Hs - Hv -Hl

Hs

Highest point of
inlet edge

)!(\ It

~
Atmospheric
~

Inlet
~

water

'"'"

'""',

Vapor

pressure

pressure

reI

Ho

surface

NPSH=

'V

Ho +Hs -Hv

-Hl

~~
Highest poi nt of
impeller inlet edge

Hs

Hl =
Ho =
Hv =

Suction side head losses

Atmospheric
pressure head

Water vapor pressure

Suction head
NPSH = Net positive
suction

head

Hs =

FIGURE 4.-Net

positive

suction

head. lO6-D-383.

head

17

FIGURES

(rim

i n)( gal Imin)0.5

ho.75

(r/mi n)(m3/S ).5

ho.75
50 000

1000

40 000
30 000

en
c:
1
0
w
w
Cl..
(/)

500
20 000

400
300

10000

u
l.L.
U
w
Cl..
(/)

200

Cl..
::E
::>
Cl..
l.L.
a

150

5000

100

4000

80

3000

60

f::E
-.J
a::
w
Cl..
Cl..
::>

50
2000

40

1500

30

1000

20

Clear water at 29 e(85 OF) at sea leve I

suction specific speed, 5=154 (7950)
Single-suction
overhung Impeller

15

HEAD(

600

FIRST

STAGE)-

10
300
I
900

200

150
I
500

100
I
400

FIGURE 5.-Pump

I
300

80

60
I
200

specific

50

40

30
I
100

20

speed versus design

15
I
50

10
I
40

I
30

head. 106-D-384.

6
I

20

4
I

15

ft

'

SELECTING

18

LARGE

PUMPING

3.0

2.0

--~

..L

~-- <D
(f)
I

f-

1.0 -0.9 ~-0.8 -0.7 --

,/

c;::

~/

r----

-- 8
0.5 -- 6
0.6

0.3

tj

1/

--;5

I
)

0.2

5=154(7950)

,V
/

~u~PI StfCIFIC ISPErD-lns

0.1
20
I
1000

( - 6.3(nS)'-33)
101
I I
I
IT
speciI.f'IC spee .
S~ucIon
t

--:;:

1212(ns)l.3:J
106

--

-tj

Ii

f-

0.4 --~

UNITS

30

40
I
2000

50 60

ATMOSPHERIC
ALTITUDE
METERS FEET

II

80

I I

100
1
5000

150

HEAD- He
METERS FEET

0
1640

10.351
9.751

33.959

1000
1500

3280
4921

2000
2500
3000

FIGURE

(rim in )(m3/s ).5

200
I
10000

300

400
I
20000

PRESSURE

0
500

3500
4000

WATER

31.992

50

9.180
8.637

30.118
28.337

15
20

59
68

6562
8202

8.120
7.628
7.160
6.716
6.295

25
30
35

77

9843
11483
/3123

26.640
25.026
23A91
22.034
20.653

40
45

minimum

sigma

(ft)

05

0.75

VAPOR PRESSURE -Hv

of

5
10

6.-Recommended

m 0.75

PROPERTIES

TEMPERATURE
"C

(r/mln)(gal/mln)'

41

86
95
104
113

at best efficiency

METERS

FEET

0.089
.125
.174
.239

0.292
All
.571
.783

.324
.434
.577

1.062
1.425

.752
.977

point.

1.892
2.467
3.206

lO6-D-385.

19

FIGURES

T
~I

200

'~1

c:

,~

"

....

'""'
I

'::"1

180

"'7

<[
:::i;
<.!:>

(f)

160

u>z
w
u

II

i:i:
-~
I(f)

140

Ii

-gs
z

w
'-ua::
w
a...

n. =170(8800),

'/I

II,
!JV V

-I-

7/
I

u..

120

'"
""
"

c"'

~'/

.........

100
~~n.=97(5000)

n. =47(2400)"""'"

~n.=77(4000)

80

60 -

ns -

(r/minHm3/s)O.5- ((r/minHgal/min)O.5)
mO.75
(ft )0.75

40

PERCENT ,
70

80

FIGURE 7.-Typical

90

variation

OF

BEST

EFFICIENCY

100

of critical sigma

110

DISCHARGE
120

versus discharge.

130

106-D-386.

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

20

a:: 160
w
~

FLATIRON

a:
0
z
<t

POWER a PUMPING

HEAD

140

PLANT,

COLORADO
ns

=39(2000)

120

>U 100
Z
W
~ 80
l.L..
l.L..
W
60
0<t
W
I40
fZ

t:!
a::

20

w
a..

20

30

40

50

60

PERCENT

a::
w
~ 140
a
a..

t;

90

100

110

120

130

CAPACITY

DOS AMIGOS PUMPING PLANT, CALIFORNIA

ns = 57( 3000)

HEAD

0'20
Z
<t

80

70

c..:>
(/)

100

J
<t
U
400 ;::
a::
u
300
fZ
200 w
u
a::
w
100 a..

80
u'='
l.L..
t:J 60
0
<t
w
I

~w

u
a::
w
a..

<t
:::!i'

40

SIGMA

20

10

20

30

40

50

60

PERCENT

FIGURE

S.-Flatiron

70

80

90

100

110

120

130

CAPACITY

and Dos Amigos

performance

curves.

106-D-387.

21

FIGURES

160

c::
w
:!=
0
a..

140

~<t

120

G
Z

100

80

60

OAHE PUMPING PLANT, SOUTH DAKOTA

n. = 77 (4000)

<t
~
<9
(f)
-.J
<t
500 u
f-

4005

I..L.
I..L.

fz
300 W
U
a::
200 ~

<t
W 40
::r::
f-

~
u

100

20

c::
w
a..

10

20

30

40

50

60

PERCENT

c::
w
:!=
0
a..
0
Z
<t
>U
Z
W
u
I..L.

80

90

100

110

120

130

CAPACITY

140
120
100
80

60

0
<t
W
::r::

40

fZ
W
U
a::

70

SENATOR
WASH
PUMPING -GENERATING PLANT,
CALIFORNIA
n. =87(4500)

20

20

a..

30

40

50

60

PERCENT

FIGURE

9.-Dahe and Senator

70

80

90

100

110

120

CAPACITY

Wash performance

curves.

106-D-388.

130

22

SELECTING

LARGE

PUMPING

UNITS

180

a:

~0

160

140

<1

>u
Z

120

(f)

'=!
U
LL

100

CL

<1

b
a
<1
w
:c
Iz
W
u
a:
w
CL

~<.D

POWER

500

80

400

60

300

40

200

20

30

40

50

60

70

PERCENT
210

>u
Z
W
U
LL
LL
W

a<1
w
:c

200
180
160

"

w
CL

80

90

100

110

I I 111

I I

<1

,Oo~

140
120

~~-qO

~<.D

" ~-......--.
""""
.............

100

80

./

~~./V

(f)

-......
~/

600

~--'-..

,,

60
40

J?
/

130

NORTH DAKOTA
~ns=/64(8500)

'"

20

120

CAPACITY

~SNAKECREEK PUMPING PLANT,

IZ

~a::

IZ
W
U
a:
w
CL

100

10

a:
w
~
0
CL
a
z
<1

..J
<1
U
Ia::
u

xS~\s;:
S\G~

20

30

40

50

60

PERCENT

FIGURE

lO.-Snake

70

80

90

100

110

~'"ll'
V '"
120

CAPACITY

Creek performance

curves.

400

~J

V
/0

500

106-D-389.

130

300

200

100

..J
<1
U
Ia:
u
IZ
W
U
a:
w
CL

23

FIGURES

160
140
120
0

;5
I

100

80

w
u
ffi
a..

60
40
20
0
10

20

30

40

50

60

70

PERCENT

80

90

100

110

120

130

140

CAPACITY

<t
~

~
(/)

200

DOS AMIGOS PUMPING PLANT, CALIFORNIA

ns = 60 (3100) Variable-pitch

-.J

<t
U
Ia::
U
IZ
W
U
a::
w
a..

25 PITCH
20

100

0
10

20

30

40

50

60

70

PERCENT
FIGURE 11.-Dos

Amigos

80

90

100

110

CAPACITY

performance

curves.

106-D-390.

120

130

140

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

24

200

"'~
180
160
140
0

~
:I:

120

\z
lLJ

100

U
8:;
~

ONEILL

~"
l\ ~'"'" ""-..
." ~"
'" ~~"-~/
"
" ,,

~ns=89(4600)Variable-pitch

........... IGb.%'",IRffi. 85%

80
60

{~~

40

~:/

~~~~I
l
~~I'~
~I
"

20
0

1"50

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

PERCENT

.><

NCY........

---

....--

112

15

~;
17.5
%

~",

-::: ::::s

"-.:

.............

rTCHI~

,/<
~~./
><.%

""""'"

F"ffICIF"

70%'

~~q5%

- -"""" ............... ....

7...;;...", 100%
"""

2$.%'

-J--1---+---f--

PUMPING PLANT,
CALIFORNIA

~~-2~

~~~....70%

'",80

90

100

110

120

130

140

150

CAPACITY

~
~

~
(j)

200

.J
~
U

a:
u

100

12

,7.ko PI)CH

24

./

~
Z
lLJ
U

5~

0
10

20

30

40

50

60

70

PERCENT

FIGURE 12.-0'Neill

80

90

100

110

120

CAPACITY

performance

curves.

lO6-D-391.

130

140

150

25

FIGURES

~l}D3rJ

I mpeller

Inlet Diameter

5500<:.!h

D3 =

a<:.;h

(D =

DI

0<:

t-'"
&

300

250 rO::

0<:

0
fU
~r~

200

=810

(I~~O)

0::
0

100
90

w
w
a..
(j)
~II

80

'IS

~./

,,/

./

/'

/'

spee d

to spouting velocity
h = Design head, m (ft)

n = Rotational speed, r/min

Impeller Dischdrge Diameter,D,= 8460~ KuJh,mm

153 KuJh

(D In'
=

~1
fZ
<I
f(j)
0

./

u
0
w
w
a..
(j)

1.0
20

ft)

,/

1.5

= Factor of ~3
ratio, peripheral

4)3= Speed

60

2.0

0(

fI'

70

2.5

~,/

~./

0.707)

=50 (1660)

f<I

ft
./

o. ~07

0
150

n'

I I _I

400

,mm

~.....
....
1,...00
""
25

30

40

50

./"

KtI =

u. 0 82 +

60

1.2 ns _1.2(ns)~

( u.

""",, '"

K =082

100

150

200

6.4 ns 3.3(ns)2
- ~1Q6

250

300

Ip4,

109

400 (r/min)(m3/s)0.5
mO.75

I
1000

I
1500

I
2000

I
3000

I
I
I
4000 5000 6000

PUMP SPECIFIC
FIGURE I3.-Inlet

and discharge

diameter

I
10000

I
15000

(r/ min )(9al /min)0.5

(ft)0.75

SPEED-ns
approximations.

106.D.892.

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

26

(r/min)(gal/min )0.5

(ft)0.75

7000

(rim in)( m3/s)0. 5

mO.75

120

110

II)

5000

100 -I

c:
0

w
9 o-~

4000

80

60

-~

50
2000

4
30

1000

/
/

/ /

-- I.J...
uw

(f)

7o-~ (f)
3000

J f

6000

A-J-

R,~ R R I
'2
I

,"

130

I /
/

/ I/

1/ / IJ
I / / /

Ji

/'
~I, '/

'I

/ /

~J

/ I IJ /

III
II

// / /

VI / '/

J /11

PE,RCEN,T I MfELLER
10

20

30

40

50

60

70

DI?CHA~GE
80

90

9IAM~TER~
100

110

D,
120

130

140

150

Curves are derived from both USSR

dimensional data and theoretical

dimensionsbased.on constants Ku
and K3 from Stepanoff [7].
2

Size expander for

economic discharge
pipe and valve sizes.

FIGURE 14.-Approximate

spiral case dimensions.

106-D-393.

160

27

FIGURES

POUNDS METRIC
X 1000
TONS
90

40

80

70
30
(f)
(f)

Mass in metric tons

60

<t

.
= 242
-

~50
CI::
W
W

103

+ 3.1401- 0.190
106

109

20

....J
....J

4.450,

40

a..
~30

20

Equations shown are

poly nom ial approxi motions

'a

of the empirical curves.

OJ in

10

millimeters.

700
300

~
<t

~
a..
~
:=I
a..
J
<t

to
t-

Mass in metric tons

600

8_18.401+17.501- 0.40,
= 9 . 103
106
109

500
200

Design head

400

300
200

Design head
=-45m (148 ft)

100

Mass in metric tons

2

100

0.60,
=-110+2.90,+6.201
.
+
103
106
109
a
I

1000
I
I

2000
I

IMPELLER
FIGURE I5.-Impeller

and total pump

3000

OISCHARGE

mass-centrifugal

mm
I

10

II

12

OIAMETER-

13

14

15

16

17

01

vertical spiral-case

pump.

106.D.394.

ft

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

28

POUNDS METRIC
X 1000 TONS
:r:

01We>
OZ
OW
<{-I
:r:z
u:=i:
<{=>
w-I0

5
10

Curves

on fabricated

for single stage or

a::u
Ou...

by

1.4

shown are

power fit approximations of the

empirical curves. 01 in millimeters.

(/)1-

design.

for a two-

1.2

stage pump. Equations

u...o
(/)

are based

For cast design, multiply result

<{u...
::;:;;;1'<)
-II'<)
<{-

Za::
Qw
1-1-

-w

::E
<{

Closed

Closed impeller-single stage

200
c5
IOc5

80

..tN
II -

~u

e>
~150
Ze>
Wz
-I W

"
Zz-I
0::;:;;;
O=>Z
W-I::E
(/)o=>
<{u-l
CD

a::

Closed impeller-two stages

Moss in metric tons=17C~Y5

7'0

60

50

8 '00

(/)Wa::

Open impeller
(low head)
Mass in metric

40

~jw

::;:;;;w-I
a..-I
a..::Ew
::E-a..
=>0::;:;;;
a..w -I(/)Z 50
<{OW
I--Ia..
OUO
I-

30

ton s = 5Cci80)
20

Closed impeller-single stage

10

0,

in metric tons =9 (1000 )

MASS
0

2.6

500

IMPELLER
FIGURE

DISCHARGE

16.- Vertical column pump

DIAMETER
mass.

0,

106-D-395.

mm

2500

2000

1500

1000

2.5

ft

29

FIGURES

~i'

.0'

Cl'
PLAN

.
MOJ(- W. s.

MIn.

---'-----

::"-

W5.:-=",,-

EXPLANATION

Concrete

r.>~;:;J

Concrete

first

stage

- second

stage

TRANSVERSE

SECTION

TYPICAL
250 m (820ft)
PUMPING
PLANT
FIGURE 17.-Typical

250-m (820-ft)

head pumping

plant.

I06-D-396.

HEAD

30

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

PLAN

PUMP

FLOOR

Mo-:_~S.
Min W.S.

--

XPLANA

TION

Concret,

- first

Concrete

- second

stag.

TRANSVRS

SCTION

TYPICAL
60 m (200ft)
HEAD
PUMPING
PLANT

slage

FIGURE IS.-Typical

60-m (200-ft) head pumping

plant.

lO6-D-397.

FIGURES

31

<
S;,
Veloclty=06m3/s

~II

~:
"II

~
~

___z'5()MIn_-J
Nearest

obstruction

or change In flow pattern

PLAN

Suction bell velocify will vary

between manufacturers;
however,
the following graph can be used
for estimating purposes.
2.0
.:::
E

,:
t::
C) 1.5
Q

-J

~
-J
-J
..'"

1.0

~0.5
Q
C)
-=

"'"
D := Suction
Design
0
=
V
Suction
=

TRANSVERSE

FIGURE

19.-Typical

10

20
30
40
FIRST
STAGE
HEAD,
diameter:=
2(O/TTV)O.5,m

50

60

bell entrance
capacify,
m 3/s
bell velocity,
mls

SECnON

TYPICAL
30 m (100 ft) HEAD
PUMPING
PLAN T
30-m (lOO-ft) head wet-pit pumping plant 106-D-398.

TO

SELECTING LARGE PUMPING UNITS

32

Q"

-'

II

II

: il'i,1
0

III
PLAN

,
~1

Max WS-~~

"~,~
'~

~~,

''''"
"~-

EXPLANATION

CJ
M>/~

Concrete

- first

stage

Concrete - second stage

0

TRANSVERSE
FIGURE 20.-Typical17-m

TYPICAL
17 m (55ft)
PUMPING
PLANT

SECTION

(55-ft) head dry-pit pumping

plant.

lO6-D-399.

HEAD

33

FIGURES

--

-I

n--I

---

-~-----

1111

",J'1
J~__~dllt_r1
I -J--{~]-=-""
l.J
LJ~':-III~
-,
1111
--

"
-,1L1L---~~
PLAN

Normol

Mln w.S
~

W.S.~
~

TRANSVERSE

SECTION

PROSPECTIVE

3m

PUMPING
FIGURE 21.-Prospectiue

3-m (lOft) head pumping

plant.

106-D-400.

(10

ft)

PLANT

HEAD

BASIC E Q U A T I O N S
Using S I units

Ku = 0.82

+ 6.4 (n,)

NPSH = H a + H,

Using U.S. customary units

3.3 (n,)2 lo-"

K , = 0.82 + 1.2 (n,)

1.2 (nJ2

H, - H,

Power input, kilowatts =

9.8 Q h
--'I

[ l k W = 101.971 (m.kg)/s]

Power input, horsepower = Qh , Q fti3/s

8.82v
[ l h p = 550 (ft*lb)/s]

Synchronous speed = 120 (frequency)

number of poles
Velocity in spiral case, V = K3

a=

NPSH
-

Min. recommended a = 1.2 (n,)'.":' lo-"

Min. recommended a = 6.3 (n,)l..j:j 1 0 - 6

CONVERSlON FACTORS
To convert from
foot (International)
cubic foot per second
gallons per minute
gallons per minute
horsepower, electric
horsepower, metric
pound

(ft)
(ft3/s)
(gal/min)
(gal/min)
(hp)
(hp)
(Ib)

To
meter
cubic meter per second
cubic meter per second
cubic feet per second
watt
watt
kilogram

To convert from
customary specific speed

*Indicates exact conversion. E-05 represents l r 5 .

To the index

Multiply by
(m)
(m3/s)
(m3/s)
(ft"/s)

(w)
(w)

(kg)
Multiply by