Study of Pumps

CHAPTER-1
PUMPS
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Pump is a machine or mechanical equipment which is required to lift liquid from low
level to high level or to flow liquid from low pressure area to high pressure area or as a
booster in a piping network system.

Principally, pump converts mechanical energy of motor into fluid flow energy. Pump
also can be used in process operations that requires a high hydraulic pressure. This can be
seen in heavy duty equipment’s. Often heavy duty equipment’s requires a high discharge
pressure and a low suction pressure. Due to low pressure at suction side of pump, fluid will
lift from certain depth, whereas due to high pressure at discharge side of pump, it will push
fluid to lift until reach desired height

A Pump has been defined differently by different investigations :

 A device which raises or transfers liquid at the expense of power input

 A machine design to elevate ,deliver and move various liquids

 A unit that transfers the mechanical energy of a motor or an engine into potential and
kinetic energy of liquid

By their action, the pumps require that energy must be expended and as such they belong
to the category of power absorbing machines. Further, since the temperature gradients are
minimal, pumps are the non- thermal machines .The expended energy enables the pump to
overcome the hydraulic resistance and make the fluid rise through a geodetic elevation.

Man’s economic and technical progress through the ages might be measured in terms of
development from the primitive pumping devices operated either by man or an animal to the
positive displacement and dynamic pumps he fashions today .Typically progress in the
development of pumps is found in municipal water works power plants agriculture transport
and many other utility services and industries.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 1 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

Mechanical pumps serve in a wide range of applications such as pumping water from
wells, aquarium filtering, pond filtering and aeration, in the car industry or water-cooling
band fuel injection, in the energy industry for pumping oil and natural gas or for
operating cooling towers. In the medical industry, pumps are used for biochemical processes
in developing and manufacturing medicine and as artificial replacements for body parts, in
particular the artificial heart and penile prosthesis.

When a casing contains only one revolving impeller, it is called a single-stage pump.
When a casing contains two or more revolving impellers, it is called a double- or multi-stage
pump.

1.2. CLASSIFICATIONS OF PUMPS:

Fig. 1.1 Classification of Pumps

1.3 BASIC TYPES OF PUMPS

DYNAMIC TYPE AND POSITIVE TYPE

1.3.1 DYNAMIC TYPE PUMPS

A Dynamic pump is a kinetic machine in which energy is continuously imparted to the

pumped fluid by means of a rotating impeller, propeller, or rotor. The most common types of
roto-dynamic pumps are axial flow, mixed flow and centrifugal pumps (radial flow).

Department of Mechanical Engineering 2 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

Dynamic pumps in liquid systems have nozzle loads defined for specific applications.
Any load applied to a pump may be transmitted through an isolating valve first.

Fig 1.2 Dynamic type pump

1.3.2 POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT TYPE PUMP

A positive displacement pump makes a fluid move by trapping a fixed amount and
forcing (displacing) that trapped volume into the discharge pipe.

Some positive displacement pumps use an expanding cavity on the suction side and a
decreasing cavity on the discharge side. Liquid flows into the pump as the cavity on the
suction side expands and the liquid flows out of the discharge as the cavity collapses. The
volume is constant through each cycle of operation

Positive displacement pumps, unlike centrifugal or roto-dynamic pumps, theoretically

can produce the same flow at a given speed (RPM) no matter what the discharge pressure.
Thus, positive displacement pumps are constant flow machines. However, a slight increase in
internal leakage as the pressure increases prevents a truly constant flow rate.

A positive displacement pump must not operate against a closed valve on the
discharge side of the pump, because it has no shutoff head like centrifugal pumps. A positive
displacement pump operating against a closed discharge valve continues to produce flow and

Department of Mechanical Engineering 3 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

the pressure in the discharge line increases until the line bursts, the pump is severely
damaged, or both.

A relief or safety valve on the discharge side of the positive displacement pump is
therefore necessary. The relief valve can be internal or external. The pump manufacturer
normally has the option to supply internal relief or safety valves. The internal valve is usually
used only as a safety precaution. An external relief valve in the discharge line, with a return
line back to the suction line or supply tank provides increased safety.

Fig. 1.3 Positive displacement pump

Department of Mechanical Engineering 4 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

CHAPTER -2

DYNAMIC PUMPS
2.1 INTRODUCTION

A Dynamic pump (centrifugal pump) transfers input power to kinetic energy of the
fluid being pumped. This energy, through the specifics of the pump design, is converted to
pressure energy that causes the fluid to flow. The most common type of centrifugal pump is
termed the “volute pump”. In this type of pump, fluid enters the pump at the center of a
rotating impeller. The rotating impeller causes a rapid radial acceleration of the fluid from the
eye of the impeller to the pumps circumferential casing. This creates a vacuum at the center of
the impeller, resulting in continual entry of more process fluid. The fluid exits the pump
through a discharge port located at the outer perimeter of the casing.

Common uses include water, sewage, agriculture, petroleum and petrochemical

pumping. Centrifugal pumps are often chosen for their high flow rate capabilities, abrasive
solution compatibility, mixing potential, as well as their relatively simple engineering.
A centrifugal pump is commonly used to implement a vacuum cleaner. The reverse function
of the centrifugal pump is a water turbine converting potential energy of water pressure into
mechanical rotational energy.

2.2 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

The working principle of a centrifugal compressor is when a certain mass of liquid is
made to rotate by an external force, it is thrown away from the central axis of rotation and
a centrifugal head is impressed which enables it to rise to a higher level. The centrifugal force
is created by the impeller spinning at high speed inside the pump casing.

When a certain mass of liquid is rotated by an external force a centrifugal head is

imparted to it to raise a higher level. During rotation, it is also observed that reduction of
pressure takes place at the centre of rotation as the liquid is thrown outwards .The low
pressure at the center of rotation causes suction of liquid. Therefore, a continuous supply of
liquid at center ensures a constant supply of liquid at higher level.

This principle can be explained with a simple example of coffee cup and spoon. The
spoon acts as an impeller when it is rotated. When the spoon is rotated, the liquid gets a

Department of Mechanical Engineering 5 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

familiar surface curvature .which is related to the least pressure in the centre and highest at the
curvature as shown in the figure 2.1 which is related to the least pressure in the centre and
highest at the upper cup surface

Fig: 2.1 Principle of operation

2.3 CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF A CENRTIFUGAL PUMP

Constructional details of centrifugal pump are as shown in the figure 2.2 and the
installation is shown in the figure 2.3

The main parts are :

1. Impeller
2. Casing
3. Suction pipe
4. Foot valve and strainer
5. Delivery pipe

Fig. 2.2 Construction Details

Department of Mechanical Engineering 6 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

1. Impeller:

The impeller and shaft are the rotating parts of the pump that converts driver
energy into kinetic energy. This inbuilt rotating impeller is the main rotating part
used for pumping liquids without any complications. It provides centrifugal
acceleration to the fluids.
The impeller can be classified according to its mechanical construction. You
can find closed, open, semi-open or vortex type in fig 2.3.1 Closed impellers have
a drawback and that is they come up with a lot of maintenance issues whereas the
open and semi-open types of impellers do not clog, but usually need manual
adjustment.
Another important rotating component is the shaft whose basic purpose is to
transmit the torque that is encountered during operation. It also has to support the
impeller and other rotating parts.

Fig: 2.3.1 Types of impellers

 Open impeller: Open impellers have the vanes free on both sides. Open impellers are
structurally weak. They are typically used in small-diameter, inexpensive pumps and
pumps handling suspended solids.
 Semi-open impeller: The vanes are free on one side and enclosed on the other. The
shroud adds mechanical strength. They also offer higher efficiencies than open
impellers. They can be used in medium-diameter pumps and with liquids containing
small amounts of suspended solids. Because of minimization of recirculation and other
losses, it is very important that a small clearance exists between the impeller vanes and
the casing.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 7 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

 Closed impeller: The vanes are located between the two discs, all in a single casting.
They are used in large pumps with high efficiencies and low required Net Positive
Suction Head. The centrifugal pumps with closed impeller are the most widely used
pumps handling clear liquids. They rely on close-clearance wear rings on the impeller
and on the pump casing. The closed impeller is a more complicated and expensive
design is not only because of the impeller, but the additional wear rings are needed.

2. Casing:

Casing is an air tight passage which houses the impeller. The fluid enters at the
centre of the casing and flows outward due to the action of the rotating impeller.
During this process fluid gains kinetic energy .The cross sectional area of the
casing is gradually increases towards the discharge side. This causes decrease in
kinetic energy and hence increase in pressure energy of the fluid.

There are basically 3 types of casings used in centrifugal pumps they are

 Volute casing

 Vortex casing

 Diffuser ring casing

Fig: 2.3.2 Types of casings in centrifugal pumps

 Volute casing: It is a curved funnel that increases in area as it approaches

the discharge port. The volute of a centrifugal pump is the casing that

Department of Mechanical Engineering 8 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

receives the fluid being pumped by the impeller, maintaining the velocity
of the fluid through to the diffuser.
 Vortex casing: When a circular chamber is introduced between the impeller
and casing, the casing is known as vortex casing.

 Diffuser casing: A diffuser is actually a series of vanes surrounding the

impeller which accepts the discharge of liquid from the impeller. It
efficiently reduces the velocity and, in the case of a multistage pump,
directs this lower velocity fluid into vanes return channels which guide the
liquid to the inlet or eye of the next stage impeller.

Fig: 2.3 Installation of a centrifugal pump

3. Suction pipe :

It is the pipe on the upstream side of the centrifugal pump and the pressure is
negative in this pipe. Sometimes, to reduce the axial thrust, the suction pipe is
branched into two parts. Then liquid is allowed to enter the impeller from both sides.
Such a pump is called double suction pump.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 9 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

 The quantity used to determine if the pressure of the liquid being pumped
is adequate to avoid Cavitation is the net positive suction head (NPSH).
The net positive suction head available (NPSHA) is the difference between
the pressure at the suction of the pump and the saturation pressure for the
liquid being pumped.

 Distance of the liquid source above or below the pump inlet, measured in
feet: can be positive OR negative. Positive suction head occurs when the
top of the water source is above the suction Inlet of the pump. Negative
elevation refers to suction lift (like from a pond, tank lower than the pump.
These both are shown in the fig 2.3.3

Fig. 2.3.3 Net positive and negative suction head

4. Strainer and foot valve:

A foot valve is found at the end of a pipe line in a suction lift application. They
function as a check valve, but they also have a strainer affixed to their open end.
The check valve is spring assisted .This would result in the valve being stuck in
the open position, and all the fluid draining from the pump column.
5. Delivery pipe :
It is a pipe with one end is connected to the outlet of the pump and the other
end delivers the fluid at a required height.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 10 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

Fig. 2.3.3 Foot valve and strainer

2.4 CLASSIFICATION OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

1. Based On Flow of Fluid

Pumps help different types in which the fluid flow happens differently. The types of
Fluid flow in the pumps are as follows :

1. Radial flow 2. Axial flow 3. Mixed flow

Radial Flow Pumps

Pumps in which the fluid enters at the centre of impeller and the impeller blades
directs the flow at right angles outwards to the pump shaft are called radial flow type pumps.
This type of pumps provides high head and high efficiency.

Axial Flow Pump

Axial flow pump provides low head but large quantity of water. In this type of pump
the impeller pushes the fluid parallel to the shaft. Axial flow pump also called propeller pump
because of its operation is analogous to the propeller of boat so it is axial flow pump.
Mixed Plow Pumps

These types’ pumps has qualities of both radial and axial flow pumps. When the fluid
travels through the impeller the Blades of impeller will push the fluid outwards from the
pump shaft to the pump suction angle greater than 90 degree. Mixed flow pumps mainly used
for irrigation.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 11 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

2. Type of Casing
There are two type of casing
Volute Casing

In the volute casing the area of casing will be increased from impeller to outlet. This
will cause the decrease in the velocity of the fluid. The decreased velocity will finally increase
the head.
Vortex Casing

In this casing a circular chamber is introduced between the impeller. This circular
chamber is called vortex and casing is called vortex casing.

3. Number of Impellers Used Per Shaft

In the centrifugal pump one or more than one impeller shaft can be used. Based on this
pumps can be classified in following categories

Single Stage Centrifugal Pump

In the single stage centrifugal pump one impeller is used in the pump shaft. The type
of pump is used where low head is required.

Two Stage Centrifugal Pump

To get a medium head as a result of pump output, the two impeller are used in series in
a single shaft

Multistage Centrifugal Pump

When high head and high discharge output is required multiple number of impeller
can be used in a single shaft.

4. Based On Working Head

The potential of water or water head is the desired output of a pump so we can classify
according to the head Obtained from the pump.

Low Lift Centrifugal Pump

The pumps which can provide head up to 15 M are called low lift centrifugal pump.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 12 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

Medium Lift Centrifugal Pump

The pumps which can provide head more than 15 M and less than 40 M are termed as
medium lift centrifugal pump.

High Lift Centrifugal Pumps

The pumps which are able to produce head more than 40 M are referred as high lift
centrifugal pumps
.
5. Type of Liquid to Be Pumped

Pumping Of Pure Liquid

When pure liquid pumping is required, the closed impeller pump is used because they
have higher efficiency

Pumping Of Little Impure Liquid

In this case the semi open impeller is used if the liquid contains some impurities.

Pumping Of Liquid Contains Solid Matter

If the liquid contains solid matter to pump then the open impeller is used.

6. Based On Shaft Orientation

Horizontal Shaft:
If the shaft is placed horizontal it will provide ease of orientation and maintenance.
Vertical Shaft:
If the space is less than the shaft is placed vertically.

2.5 DEFINATIONS AND IMPORTANT TERMS

The key performance parameters of centrifugal pumps are capacity, head, BHP (Brake
horse power), BEP (Best efficiency point) and specific speed. The pump curves provide the
operating window within which these parameters can be varied for satisfactory pump
operation. The following parameters or terms are discussed in detail in this section.

Capacity

Head

 Significance of using Head instead of Pressure

 Pressure to Head Conversion formula
 Static Suction Head, (hs)
 Static Discharge Head,( hd)
 Friction Head, (hf)

Department of Mechanical Engineering 13 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

 Vapor pressure Head, hvp)

 Pressure Head,( hp )
 Velocity Head,( hv )
 Total Suction Head (Tsh)
 Total Discharge Head (Tdh)
 Total Differential Head(TDH )

NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD

 Net Positive Suction Head Required NPSHr

 Net Positive Suction Head Available NPSHa

Power (Brake Horse Power, B.H.P) and Efficiency (Best Efficiency Point, B.E.P)
Specific Speed (Ns) Affinity Laws

Capacity:

Capacity means the flow rate with which liquid is moved or pushed by the pump to the
desired point in the process. It is commonly measured in either gallons per minute (gpm)
or cubic meters per hour (m3 /hr). The capacity usually changes with the changes in
operation of the process. For example, a boiler feed pump is an application that needs a
constant pressure with varying capacities to meet a changing steam demand. The
capacity depends on a number of factors like: Process liquid characteristics i.e. density,
viscosity Size of the pump and its inlet and outlet sections Impeller size Impeller
rotational speed RPM Size and shape of cavities between the vanes Pump suction and
discharge temperature and pressure conditions For a pump with a particular impeller
running at a certain speed in a liquid, the only items on the list above that can change the
amount flowing through the pump are the pressures at the pump inlet and outlet. The
effect on the flow through a pump by changing the outlet pressures is graphed on a pump
curve. As liquids are essentially incompressible, the capacity is directly related with the
velocity of flow in the suction pipe. This relationship is as follows

Department of Mechanical Engineering 14 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

Head:

The pressure at any point in a liquid can be thought of as being caused by a vertical
column of the liquid due to its weight. The height of this column is called the static head and
is expressed in terms of feet of liquid. The same head term is used to measure the kinetic
energy created by the pump. In other words, head is a measurement of the height of a liquid
column that the pump could create from the kinetic energy imparted to the liquid. Imagine a
pipe shooting a jet of water straight up into the air, the height the water goes up would be the
head. The head is not equivalent to pressure. Head is a term that has units of a length or feet
and pressure has units of force per unit area or pound per square inch. The main reason for
using head instead of pressure to measure a centrifugal pump's energy is that the pressure
from a pump will change if the specific gravity (weight) of the liquid changes, but the head
will not change. Since any given centrifugal pump can move a lot of different fluids, with
different specific gravities, it is simpler to discuss the pump's head and forget about the
pressure. So a centrifugal pump’s performance on any Newtonian fluid, whether it's heavy
(sulfuric acid) or light (gasoline) is described by using the term ‘head’. The pump
performance curves are mostly described in terms of head.

Pressure to Head Conversion formula

The static head corresponding to any specific pressure is dependent upon the weight of
the liquid according to the following formula:f

𝑑𝑑
𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑 (𝑓𝑡)
𝑑𝑑

Newtonian liquids have specific gravities typically ranging from 0.5 (light, like light
Hydro carbons) to 1.8 (heavy, like concentrated sulfuric acid). Water is a benchmark having a
specific gravity of 10..

This formula helps in converting pump gauge pressures jo head for reading the pump
curves.

The various head terms are discussed below

Department of Mechanical Engineering 15 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

 Static Suction Head, hS

 Static Discharge Head, hd
 Friction Head, hf
 Vapor pressure Head, hvp
 Pressure Head, hp
 Velocity Head, hv
 Total Suction Head HS
 Total Discharge Head Hd
 Total Differential Head HT
 Net Positive Suction Head Required NPSHr
 Net Positive Suction Head Available NPSHa

Static Suction Head (hS) : Head resulting from elevation of the liquid relative to the pump
center line. If the liquid level is above pump centerline, hS is positive. If the liquid level is
below pump centerline, hS is negative. Negative hS condition is commonly denoted as a
“suction lift” condition

Static Discharge Head (hd) : It is the vertical distance in feet between the pump centerline
and the point of free discharge or the surface of the liquid in the discharge tank.

Friction Head (hf) : The head required to overcome the resistance to flow in the pipe and
fittings. It is dependent upon the size, condition and type of pipe, number and type of pipe
fittings, flow rate, and nature of the liquid.

Vapor Pressure Head (hvp) : Vapor pressure is the pressure at which a liquid and its vapor
co-exist in equilibrium at a given temperature. The vapor pressure of liquid can be obtained
from vapor pressure tables. When the vapor pressure is converted to head, it is referred to as
vapor pressure head, hvp. The value of hvp of a liquid increases with the rising temperature
and in effect, opposes the pressure on the liquid surface, the positive force that tends to cause
liquid flow into the pump suction i.e. it reduces the suction pressure head.

Pressure Head (hp) : Pressure Head must be considered when a pumping system either
begins or terminates in a tank which is under some pressure other than atmospheric. The
pressure in such a tank must first be converted to feet of liquid. Denoted as hp, pressure head
refers to absolute pressure on the surface of the liquid reservoir supplying the pump suction,
converted to feet of head. If the system is open, hp equals atmospheric pressure head.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 16 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

Velocity Head (hv) : Refers to the energy of a liquid as a result of its motion at some velocity
‘v’. It is the equivalent head in feet through which the water would have to fall to acquire the
same velocity, or in other words, the head necessary to accelerate the water. The velocity head
is usually insignificant and can be ignored in most high head systems. However, it can be a
large factor and must be considered in low head systems.

Total Suction Head (HS): The suction reservoir pressure head (hpS) plus the static
suction head (hS) plus the velocity head at the pump suction flange (hVS) minus the friction
head in the suction line (hfS).

HS = hpS + hS + hvS – hfS

The total suction head is the reading of the gauge on the suction flange, converted to
feet of liquid.

Total Discharge Head (Hd): The discharge reservoir pressure head (hpd) plus static
discharge head (hd) plus the velocity head at the pump discharge flange (hvd) plus the total
friction head in the discharge line (hfd).
Hd= hpd + hd + hvd + hfd
The total discharge head is the reading of a gauge at the discharge flange, converted to
feet of liquid.

Total Differential Head (HT): It is the total discharge head minus the total suction head or

HT = Hd + HS (with a suction lift)

HT = Hd - HS (with a suction head)

2.6: POWER AND EFFICIENCY

Brake Horse Power (BHP)

The work performed by a pump is a function of the total head and the weight of the
liquid pumped in a given time period.
Pump input or brake horsepower (BHP) is the actual horsepower delivered to the
pump shaft.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 17 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

𝐷𝐷
𝐵𝐻𝑃 =
𝐷𝐷

Pump output or hydraulic or water horsepower (WHP) is the liquid horsepower

delivered by the pump. These two terms are defined by the following formulas

1. Mechanical efficiency of a centrifugal pump (ηm):

Mechanical efficiency of a centrifugal pump (ηm) is the ratio of theoretical power that
must be supplied to operate the pump to the actual power delivered to the pump .Mechanical
efficiency can be used to determine the power loss in bearings and other moving parts of a
centrifugal pump. It determines the actual power that must be supplied to a centrifugal pump
for desired result.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 18 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

2. Hydraulic efficiency of a centrifugal pump (ηH):

Hydraulic efficiency of a centrifugal pump (ηH) is defined as the ratio of the useful
hydro dynamic energy in fluid to Mechanical energy supplied to rotor.

3. Volumetric efficiency of a centrifugal pump (ηv):

Volumetric efficiency of a centrifugal pump (ηv) is defined as the ratio of the actual
flow rate delivered by the pump to the theoretical discharge flow rate (flow rate without any
leakage) that must be produced by the pump. Volumetric efficiency can be used to determine
the amount of loss of liquid due to leakage in a pump during the flow.

4. Overall efficiency of a centrifugal pump (ηo):

Overall efficiency of a centrifugal pump (ηo) is the ratio of the actual power output of
a pump to the actual power input to the pump. It is the efficiency that determines the overall
energy loss in a centrifugal pump.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 19 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

2.7: ADVNTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

ADVANTAGES:

1 Steady delivery [uniform flow]

2 Can handles all types of fluids.
3 Can be mounted horizontally or vertically.

DISADVANTAGES:

1 Reduces performance when handling viscous fluids.

2 Can only handle small amounts of gases in liquids.
3 Not effective for high velocities, but multi-stage configuration are expensive
4 Primary often needed before start up.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 20 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

CHAPTER-3

POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT PUMPS

3.1 INTRODUCTION
Reciprocating pumps move the fluid using one or more oscillating pistons, plungers,
or Membranes (diaphragms), while valves restrict fluid motion to the desired direction. In
order for suction to take place, the pump must first pull the plunger in an outward motion to
decrease pressure in the chamber. Once the plunger pushes back, it will increase the pressure
chamber and the inward pressure of the plunger will then open the discharge valve and release
the fluid into the delivery pipe at a high velocity.

Pumps in this category range from simplex, with one cylinder, to in some
cases quad (four) cylinders, or more. Many reciprocating-type pumps are duplex (two)
or triplex(three) cylinder. They can be either single-acting with suction during one direction
of piston motion and discharge on the other, or double-acting with suction and discharge in
both directions. The pumps can be powered manually, by air or steam, or by a belt driven by
an engine. This type of pump was used extensively in the 19th century—in the early days of
steam propulsion—as boiler feed water pumps. Now reciprocating pumps typically pump
highly viscous fluids like concrete and heavy oil sand serve in special applications that
demand low flow rates against high resistance Reciprocating hand pumps were widely used to
pump water from wells. Common bicycle pumps and foot pumps for inflation use
reciprocating action. These positive displacement pumps have an expanding cavity on the
suction side and a decreasing cavity on the discharge side. Liquid flows into the pumps as the
cavity on the suction side expands and the liquid flows out of the discharge as the cavity
collapses. The volume is constant given each cycle of operation and the pump’s volumetric
efficiency can be achieved through routine maintenance and inspection of its valves.

Fig 3.1 Reciprocating Pump

Department of Mechanical Engineering 21 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

3.2. PRINCIPLE OF RECIPROCATING PUMP

The working of reciprocating pump is as follows:

o When the power source is connected to crank, the crank will start rotating and connecting
rod also displaced along with crank.

o The piston connected to the connecting rod will move in linear direction. If crank moves
outwards then the piston moves towards its right and create vacuum in the cylinder.

o This vacuum causes suction valve to open and liquid from the source is forcibly sucked
by the suction pipe into the cylinder.

o When the crank moves inwards or towards the cylinder, the piston will move towards its
left and compresses the liquid in the cylinder.

o Now, the pressure makes the delivery valve to open and liquid will discharge through
delivery pipe.

o When piston reaches its extreme left position whole liquid present in the cylinder is
delivered through delivery valve.

o Then again the crank rotate outwards and piston moves right to create suction and the
whole process is repeated.
o Generally the above process can be observed in a single acting reciprocating pump where
there is only one delivery stroke per one revolution of crank. But when it comes to double
acting reciprocating pump, there will be two delivery strokes per one revolution of crank

o A reciprocating pump is a class of positive-displacement pumps which includes

The piston pump, plunger pump and diaphragm pump. When well maintained,
reciprocating pumps will last for years or even decades; however, left untouched, they can
undergo rigorous wear and tear. It is often used where a relatively small quantity of liquid is
to be handled and where delivery pressure is quite large.

Reciprocating pump is a positive displacement pump where certain volume of liquid is

collected in enclosed volume and is discharged using pressure to the required application.
Reciprocating pumps are more suitable for low volumes of flow at high pressures.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 22 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

Fig 3.2 Working principle of positive displacement pump

3.3. TYPES OF RECIPROCATING PUMPS

According to the action of water on the piston

 Single acting pump

 Double acting pump

According to the number of cylinder

 Single cylinder pump

 Double cylinder pump
 Triple cylinder pump

According to the presence of air vessel

 Pump without vessel

 Pump with vessel

3.4. Construction and Working of A Single Acting Reciprocating Pump

In single acting reciprocating pump, liquid enters on the side of the piston only. The
piston reciprocates inside the cylinder as the crank rotates. The to and fro motion of the piston
creates suction and compression inside the cylinder.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 23 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

SUCTION STROKE:

When the crank turns in clockwise direction from A to B. The piston moves from left
to right creating vacuum (pressure below the atmospheric of the level) in the left space of the
cylinder .This vacuum causes suction of the liquid from the sump, opening the inlet valve the
suction stroke is completed ,when the crank reaches B.

Fig. 3.3 Working principle of single acting reciprocating pump

DISCHARGE STROKE:
When the crank further turns from B to A, the piston move towards left, increasing the
pressure inside the cylinder .The high pressure inside the cylinder causes the suction valves to
close and the delivery valve to open. Therefore, the high pressure liquid flows out of the
cylinder into the delivery pipe .The discharge stroke will be completed when the crank
reaches the position A.
In the single acting reciprocating pump, the suction and delivery strokes are alternately
carried out and pulsating output is obtained.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 24 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

3.4.1 Components of a Single Acting Reciprocating Pump

 Cylinder
 Piston and piston rod
 Connecting rod and crank mechanism
 Suction pipe with suction valve
 Delivery pipe with delivery valve

3.5. Construction And Working Of A Double Acting Reciprocating Pump

In the double acting reciprocating pump the liquid acts on both sides of the piston
.Hence for a double acting pump two suction pipes and two delivery pipes are required. In this
pump, suction and delivery strokes occur simultaneously when the piston moves towards
right. Vacuum is created on the left side and a high pressure builts upon the right side.

Fig 3.4 Double acting reciprocating pump

Therefore, the liquid enters the left portion of the cylinder opening suction valve S 1,
and there is a discharge of liquid from right side opening the discharge valve D2. Similarly
when the piston moves towards left, there is a suction through the valve S2 and delivery
through the valve D1. Therefore the discharge from the double acting pump is more than
uniform than the single acting pump.
3.5.1 Components of A Double Acting Reciprocating Pump

 Cylinder
 Piston and piston rod
 Connecting rod and crank mechanism
 Two Suction pipes with two suction valves
 Two delivery pipes with two delivery valves

Department of Mechanical Engineering 25 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

3.6. COMPONENTS OF RECIPROCATING PUMPS

The main components of reciprocating pump are as follows:
 Suction Pipe
 Suction Valve
 Delivery Pipe
 Delivery Valve
 Cylinder
 Piston and Piston Rod
 Crank and Connecting Rod
 Strainer
 Air vessel

3.6.1 Suction pipe:

Suction pipe connects the source of liquid to the cylinder of the reciprocating pump.
The liquid is suck by this pipe from the source to the cylinder.
3.6.2 Suction Valve:
Suction valve is non-return valve which means only one directional flow is possible in
this type of valve. This is placed between suction pipe inlet and cylinder. During suction of
liquid it is opened and during discharge it is closed.
3.6.3 Delivery Pipe:
Delivery pipe connects cylinder of pump to the outlet source. The liquid is delivered to
desired outlet location through this pipe

3.6.4. Delivery Valve:

Delivery valve also non-return valve placed between cylinder and delivery pipe outlet.
It is in closed position during suction and in opened position during discharging of liquid.

3.6.5 Cylinder:
A hollow cylinder made of steel alloy or cast iron. Arrangement of piston and piston
rod is inside this cylinder. Suction and release of liquid is takes place in this so, both suction
and delivery pipes along with valves are connected to this cylinder.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 26 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

3.6.6. Piston and Piston Rod:

Piston is a solid type cylinder part which moves backward and forward inside the
hollow cylinder to perform suction and deliverance of liquid. Piston rod helps the piston to its
linear motion.

3.6.7 Crank and Connecting Rod:

Crank is a solid circular disc which is connected to power source like motor, engine
etc. for its rotation. Connecting rod connects the crank to the piston as a result the rotational
motion of crank gets converted into linear motion of the piston.
3.6.8 Strainer:
Strainer is provided at the end of suction pipe to prevent the entrance of solids from

water source into the cylinder.

3.6.9. Air vessel:
Air vessels are connected to both jsuction and delivery pipes to eliminate the frictional
head and to give uniform discharge rate.

3.5 Reciprocating Pump With Air Vessels

Department of Mechanical Engineering 27 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

3.7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Reciprocating Pump

Advantages of reciprocating pump

 High efficiency
 No priming needed
 Can deliver water at high pressure
 Can work in wide pressure range
 Continuous rate of discharge

Disadvantages of reciprocating pump

 More parts mean high initial cost

 High maintenance cost
 No uniform torque
 Low discharging capacity
 Pulsating flow

3.8 Reciprocating Pump Performance

The following data will outline the main terms involved in determining the
performance of a reciprocating pump.

MAIN TERMS:

a) Brake Horsepower (BHP): Brake horsepower is the actual power required at the pump
input shaft in order to achieve the desired pressure and flow.
It is defined as the following formula:
BHP = (Q * Pd) / (1714 * Em) 102
Pumps Reference Guide where:
BHP = brake horsepower
Q = delivered capacity (gpm US)
Pd = developed pressure (psi)
Em = mechanical efficiency (% as a decimal)

b) Capacity (Q): The capacity is the total volume of liquid delivered per unit of time. This
liquid includes entrained gases and solids at specified conditions.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 28 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

Fig3.6 Capacity curve

c) Pressure (Pd): The pressure used to determine brake horsepower is the differential
developed pressure. Because the suction pressure is usually small relative to the discharge
pressure, discharge pressure is used in lieu of differential

Fig 3.7 Pressure Vs flow rate

d) Mechanical Efficiency (Em): The mechanical efficiency of a power pump at full load
pressure and speed is 90 to 95% depending on the size, speed, and construction.

Fig 3.8 Performance and efficiency Curve

Department of Mechanical Engineering 29 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

e) Displacement (D): Displacement (gpm) is the calculated capacity of the pump with no slip
losses. For single acting plunger or piston pumps, it is defined as the following:

Where:

D = displacement, (gpm US)

A = cross-sectional area of plunger or piston, (in2)
M = number of plungers or pistons
n = speed of pump, (rpm)

s = stroke of pump, (in.) (half the linear distance the plunger or piston
moves linearly in one revolution)

Fig 3.9 displacement curve

f) Slip(s): Slip is the capacity loss as a fraction or percentage of the suction capacity. It
consists of stuffing box loss BL plus valve loss VL. However, stuffing box loss is usually
considered.

3.9: POSTIVE DISPLACEMENT ROTARY PUMP

The rotary positive displacement pumps consist essentially of a stationary housing in

which a power driven unit carrying one or more pumping element is made to rotate. With
rotation, suction and delivery ports open and close mechanically and at appropriate times. The
requisite pressure is built up either by pure rotation or by combined rotation and oscillating of
the pumping elements. Through the pumping elements is rotating, yet its action is non
dynamic and it merely serves to displace the liquid. Such units have the advantages of both
centrifugal and reciprocating viz.

 Uniform discharge of a centrifugal pump, and

 High pressure and positive displacement of a reciprocating pump

Department of Mechanical Engineering 30 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

These pumps are primarily used as power source in hydraulic control system and to
supply pressurized oil for lubrication of motors turbines and machine tools

3.9.1 CLASSIFICATION OF ROTARY PUMPS

 External gear pump

 Internal gear pump
 Lobe pumps
 Vane pumps

EXTERNAL GEAR PUMPS :

The unit consists of two identical intermeshing spur gear with in volute teeth. One of
the gears is keyed to the driving shaft to the motor and the other gear revolves idly. These
gears rotate in opposite directions in a closely fitting stationary housing. The oil coming in at
the suction port fills the space between the teeth, is carried around the periphery of revolving
gears and is finally pushed out to the discharge port. The teeth of the gears have a perfect
meshing and that serves both to transmit the drive and to maintain a seal between the suction
and discharge side. Carries taken to ensure that the oil trapped between the successive lines of
contact does not build up pressure. A change in the flow direction can be affected by
reversing the direction of the gear assembles. But the spur gear pump delivers hydraulic fluid
always at right angle to the axis of rotation

Fig 3.10 External gear pump

Department of Mechanical Engineering 31 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

INTERNAL GEAR PUMP :

Liquid enters the suction port between the rotor (large exterior gear) and idler (small
interior gear) teeth. The arrows indicate the direction of the pump and liquid. Liquid travels
through the pump between the teeth of the "gear-within-a-gear" principle. The crescent shape
divides the liquid and acts as a seal between the suction and discharge ports.

The pump head is now nearly flooded, just prior to forcing the liquid out of the
discharge port. Intermeshing gears of the idler and rotor form locked pockets for the liquid
which assures volume control. Rotor and idler teeth mesh completely to form a seal
equidistant from the discharge and suction ports. This seal forces the liquid out of the
discharge port.

Fig 3.11 Internal gear pump

LOBE PUMPS :
Lobe pumps are similar to external gear pumps in operation in that fluid flows around
the interior of the casing. Unlike external gear pumps, however, the lobes do not make
contact. Lobe contact is prevented by external timing gears located in the gearbox. Pump shaft
support bearings are located in the gearbox, and since the bearings are out of the pumped
liquid, pressure is limited by bearing location and shaft deflection which reduces the noise
levels of this pump

1. As the lobes come out of mesh, they create an expanding volume on the inlet side of the
pump. Material to be pumped flows into this cavity. Rotation of the lobes past the inlet port
creates enclosed volumes of material between the rotors and the pump casing.

2. The material travels around the interior of the casing in these enclosed volumes between
the rotor's lobes and the casing it does not pass between the lobes.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 32 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

3. Finally, the meshing of the lobes on the discharge side of the pump prevents the pumped
material from returning to the inlet side.. If the discharge port is restricted - such as
discharging a large volume of air into an engine's intake manifold - then pressure is created in
the discharge space. A lobe pump itself does not compress the material it pumps.

Fig 3.12 Lobe pump

VANE PUMPS :

The simplest vane pump has a circular rotor rotating inside a larger circular cavity.
The centers of these two circles are offset, causing eccentricity. Vanes are allowed to slide
into and out of the rotor and seal on all edges, creating vane chambers that do the pumping
work. On the intake side of the pump, the vane chambers are increasing in volume. These
increasing-volume vane chambers are filled with fluid forced in by the inlet pressure. Inlet
pressure is actually the pressure from the system being pumped, often just the atmosphere. On
the discharge side of the pump, the vane chambers are decreasing in volume, forcing fluid out
of the pump. The action of the vane drives out the same volume of fluid with each rotation.
Multistage rotary-vane vacuum pumps can attain pressures as low as 10−6 mbar (0.0001 Pa).

Fig 3.13 Vane pump

Department of Mechanical Engineering 33 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

CHAPTER – 4
PRIMING AND CAVITATION

4.1. CENTRIFUGAL PUMP VERSUS RECIPOCATING PUMP

CRITERION RECIPROCATING PUMP CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

Operation It is intermittent in operation and It is continuous in operation

hence its delivery id fluctuating. and its delivery is continuous
and smooth.
Discharge and head It is suitable for low discharge and It is suitable for large
high head. discharge and low head.
Speed It is a low speed machine speed is It is high speed machine and
limited due to cavitations. can be delivery coupled to
electric motor.
Balancing of parts This pump has reciprocating parts and This pump consists of purely
balancing of reciprocating parts is rotational parts and hence is
difficult. accurately balanced at all
speeds.
Maintenance Maintenance cost is high due to large Maintenance cost is low due
no. of parts. to few accessories.
Space occupied Space required for installing Less floor area is required
reciprocating pump is 6 to 8 times and it is compact.
larger than that of a centrifugal pump.
Initial cost Initial cost is high and approximately Initial cost is low.
4 times that of a centrifugal pump.
Torque Torque on the crankshaft is non- Torque on the crankshaft is
uniform. uniform.
Fluids lifted These pumps can handle only low These pumps can handle
viscous liquids free impurities highly viscous fluids like
otherwise valves give frequent sugar molasses, paper pulp,
troubles. muddy water etc.
Priming Priming is not required Priming is essential.
Efficiency Efficiency of low head reciprocating Efficiency of low head
pumps is low centrifugal pumps is high.

4.2. PRIMING
When the centrifugal pump is not working, the liquid present in the casing and suction
line may flows back and these spaces will be filled with air. The pressure developed by the
centrifugal pump is directly proportional to the density of fluid in which the impeller rotates.
As the impeller rotates in air, it develops negligible pressure or air head. This pressure is not
sufficient to suck the water from the sump. To avoid this pump should be primed.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 34 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

Priming is the operation of filling the casing, suction pipe and a part of delivery pipe
up to delivery valve with the liquid to be pumped.

The pump is started after priming keeping the delivery valve closed. When the
sufficient pressure built up, the delivery valve is gradually opened.

4.2.1 METHODS OF PRIMING

The following methods may be adopted for the priming of a centrifugal pump.

(a) Manual priming :

This method is adopted for small pumps. For priming a funnel and an air vent is
provided on the pump. Air vent is opened during priming to exit the air. Water is
poured through the funnel into the pump till the excess water comes out through the
vent hole. Excess flow of water indicates that the suction pipe and casing is
completely filled with water and priming is over. After priming the vent hole should
be closed.

(b) Vacuum priming :

Priming in larger pumps is done by the casing and suction pipe with vacuum pumps or
steam ejectors. Due to vacuum the water enters the suction pipe and casing.

(c) Self priming :

The construction of these pumps is made such that the water is always available to
suction pipe which facilitates the automatic priming.

4.3 CAVITATION
Cavitation is the phenomenon of formation growth travel and collapse of vapour
bubbles. When the pressure at any point in the flow region fall below the vapour pressure of
the liquid, there will be local boiling and vapour bubbles will form. These vapour bubbles
may travel towards the zone of high pressure and collapse. The sudden collapse of vapour
bubbles will create very high pressure of about 100 atmospheres. This causes local
mechanical failure of solid surface.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 35 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

Fig 4.1 Cavitation of pump

The harmful effects of cavitation are:

 Pitting and erosion of metal surface due to the impact of collapsing bubbles.
 Sudden drop in the performance of hydraulic machinery such as pumps and turbines.
 Vibration and noise due to collapse of vapour bubbles.

Cavitation can also occur, if the liquid contains dissolved gases. When the local pressure
decreases, jthese dissolved gases will be released in the same way vapour bubbles with the
same harmful effects.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 36 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

CHAPTER-5

CONCLUSION
 Centrifugal pumps transports fluids, relatively with high speed.
 Centrifugal pumps mostly used for commercial purpose.
 Centrifugal pump have simple shape so ultimately it is cost efftective.
 Less power consumption.
 Working mechanism is simple.
 Not used for volatile or viscous fluids.
 Can be used to pump suspended or toxic fluids.
 Postive displacement pumps physically entrap a quantity of liquid at the suctuion of
the pump, and push that quantity out the discharge of the pump.
 A definate volume of liqid is delivered at each cycle of pump operation.
 Positive displacement pumps can be griuped into 3 basic categeories based in their
design and operation.The 3 groups are reciprocating pumps,rotary pumps,and
diaphragm pumps.
 Positive displacement opumps will always be more efficient than centrifugal pumps.

Department of Mechanical Engineering 37 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College

 Study of Pumps

REFERENCES

 Fluid mechanics and hydraulic machines by GOYAL and MANISH KUMAR

 Design of hydraulic pump by ASHOK C.METI

 Metallurgy by OP KHANNA

 Engineering fluid mechanics by prof.KL.KUMAR

Department of Mechanical Engineering 38 Sri Venkateswara Engineering College