MAPUA UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

EXPERIMENT NO. 3
SERIES AND PARALLEL PUMPS CONNECTION

1 Altea, Allison R. Date Performed: November 15, 2019

ME152L / E02 Date Submitted: December 13, 2019
Group No. 1

Engr. Teodulo A. Valle

Instructor GRADE
Table of Contents

Pages

A. Objectives 1
B. Theories and Principles 1
C. List of Apparatus 9
D. Procedure 10
E. Set-up of Apparatus 12
F. Final Data Sheet 15
G. Sample Computation 17
H. Test Data Analysis 18
I. Conclusion 19
J. References 20

Objectives:
  To familiarize with the pump configuration such as singly, series and parallel
 To understand the principle and operation
 To determine the performance data in flow rate as well as efficiency

Theories and Principles:

The main function of a hydraulic pumps is to convert mechanical energy into fluid energy.
Fluid energy is the pressure energy that helps in elevating liquid from the lower level to the higher
level. It also boosts the fluid flow in long pipelines. Pumps are widely used in chemical processing
plants, water supply ground water constructions, drainage systems, etc.

The three main types of hydraulic pumps are:

a. The reciprocating pump consisting of a piston moving cylinder and

presently used for small quantify of fluid and for high-pressure duties.

b. The rotary pump consisting of intermeshing gears and widely used for oil
lubrication works.

c. The rotodynamic pump consisting of an impeller that rotates to create the

pressure increase in fluid

The direction of the fluid flow varies as the liquid flows across the impeller blades from the
inlet to the outlet. It may be radial, mixed or axial.

The centrifugal pump is the most widely used rotodynamic hydraulic pump with fluid
flowing in radial direction. This consists of an impeller with a number of curved blades. The liquid
enters the center of the impeller which produces a centrifugal action that forces the liquid to
radially flow outward into the spirally-shaped volute casing wherein a large amount of velocity
energy is converted into pressure energy.

There are pumping processes that require installation of more than one pump or a multiple
pump operation. One arrangement is the: pumps in parallel operation, where the flow of fluid is
divided to flow to more than one pump but all pump discharges will meet at one point. This
arrangement doubles the amount of discharge while maintaining the pressure head. Another
arrangement is the pumps in series operation where the discharge from one pump is directed to
the inlet of the next pump. In this arrangement, the discharge rates of the connecting pumps are
the same but the total pressure head is estimated to be twice.

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 The following are the designed equations to be used in the experiment:

I. For pumps operated singly

i. Discharge Flow, Q

𝑄 = 0.31ℎ𝑜2.5 √2𝑔

ℎ𝑜 = ℎ𝑣 + 0.00085

Where: Q = Discharge flow, m3 / s

hv = v-notch head reading, m

ho = total v-notch head reading , m

g = 9.81 m / s2

ii. Manometric Head, HM

𝐻𝑀 = ( 𝐻𝑑 − 𝐻𝑠 ) + 1.17𝑥105 𝑄 2

Where: HM = total manometric head, m

Hd = discharge head, m

Hs = suction head, m

Q = discharge flow, m3 / s

iii. Power Input, Pin

2𝜋𝑁 𝑔
𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 𝑚𝑟 𝐿 ( )( )
60 𝑔𝑐

Where: Pin = power input, W

mr = torque mass, kg

N = tachometer reading, rpm

gc = 1 kg*m / N*s2

L = length of torque arm = 0.25 m

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 iv. Power Output, Poutput

𝑔
𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 𝜌 𝑄 𝐻𝑀 ( )
𝑔𝑐

Where: p = density of water, kg / L

Q = discharge flow, L / s

HM = total manometric head, m

v. Efficiency, N

𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡
𝑛= ( ) 𝑥 100
𝑃𝑖𝑛

II. Pumps in Series Operation

𝐻𝑀𝐴 + 𝐻𝑀𝐵
𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 = ( )
𝐻𝑀𝐴 𝐻
( 𝑛 ) + ( 𝑛𝑀𝐵 )
𝐴 𝐵

Where: HMA = total manometric head of pump A, m

HmB = total manometric head of pump B, m

nA = efficiency of pump A at a given rpm; taken from Data A

nB = efficiency of pump B at a gien rpm; taken from Data B

III. Pumps in Parallel Operation

𝑄𝑇
𝑛𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 = ( )
𝑄 𝑄
( 𝑛𝐴 ) + ( 𝑛 𝐵 )
𝐴 𝐵

𝑄𝑇 = 𝑄𝐴 + 𝑄𝐵 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑄𝐴 = 𝑄𝑏

Where: QT = total discharge flow, m3 / s

QA = discharge flow in pump A, m3 / s

QB = discharge flow in pump B, m3 / s

nA = efficiency of pump A at a given rpm, taken from Data A

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 nB = efficiency of pump B at a given rpm, taken from Data B

Pumps can be classified by their method of displacement into positive displacement

pumps, impulse pumps, velocity pumps, gravity pumps, steam pumps and valveless pumps.
There are two basic types of pumps: positive displacement and centrifugal. Although axial-flow
pumps are frequently classified as a separate type, they have essentially the same operating
principles as centrifugal pumps.
Pumps in Series and Parallel
When the head or flow rate of a single pump is not sufficient for a application, pumps are
combined in series or in parallel to meet the desired requirements. Pumps are combined in series
to obtain an increase in head or in parallel for an increase in flow rate. The combined pumps need
not be of the same design.
The effect of the shape of rotor on specific speed is also similar to that for turbines. That
is, radial flow (centrifugal) impellers have the lower values of compared to those of axial-flow
designs. The impeller, however, is not the entire pump and, in particular, the shape of volute may
appreciably affect the specific speed. Nevertheless, in general, centrifugal pumps are best suited
for providing high heads at moderate rates of flow as compared to axial flow pumps which are
suitable for large rates of flow at low heads. Similar to turbines, the higher is the specific speed,
the more compact is the machine for given requirements. For multistage pumps, the specific
speed refers to a single stage.

Pumping
Transport of water from low sources to elevated tanks or from low sources to directly
consumers is accomplished by the help of pumps.
In the design of pumping stations stand-by units must be provided (therefore, water supply
is not affected in case of breakdown or during repair.
The number of units in operation will depend on the particular situation and operational
conditions. For example, if Q_max_hourly need is 200,000 m3/d, it is not logical to place a pump
having capacity of 200,000 m3 /d. Q_min, Qave, Q_max_daily should be considered for pump
selection. Thus, selection of pumps having different flowrates is logical.
The pump house should be as close to the intake point as possible so that the length of
suction pipe is short.
In pumping works, various types of fittings like gate valves, check valves, water meters,
and electrical control equipment are used.

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Pump Selection
The type of pump selected for a particular installation should be determined on the basis of the
following fundamental considerations.

1. Yield of the well or water source.

2. Daily needs and instantaneous demand of the users.
3. The “usable water” in the pressure or storage tank.
4. Size and alignment of the well casing.
5. Total operating head pressure of the pump at normal delivery rates, including lift and all
friction losses.
6. Difference in elevation between ground level and water level in the well during pumping.
7. Availability of power.
8. Ease of maintenance and availability of replacement parts.
9. First cost and economy of operation.
10. Reliability of pumping equipment.

Pumps in Series Connection

Putting pumps in series, or connected along a single line, will let you add the head from
each together and meet your high head, low flow system requirements. This is because the fluid
pressure increases as the continuous flow passes through each pump, much like how a multi-
stage pump works. For example, if two of the same pumps are in series, the combined
performance curve will have double the head of a single pump for a given flow rate. For two
different pumps, the head will still be added together on the combined pump curve, but the curve
will most likely have a piecewise discontinuity.

Figure 1: Two Different sized pumps connected in series

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 Figure 2: Two equal sized pumps connected in series

When two (or more) pumps are arranged in serial their resulting pump performance
curve is obtained by adding their heads at the same flow rate

Centrifugal pumps in series are used to overcome larger system head loss than one pump can
handle alone.

Figure 3: Centrifugal Pump Diagram

 for two identical pumps in series the head will be twice the head of a single pump at the
same flow rate - as indicated in point 2.
With a constant flow rate the combined head moves from 1 to 2.

Note! In practice the combined head and flow rate moves along the system curve to point 3.

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  point 3 is where the system operates with both pumps running
 point 1 is where the system operates with one pump running
Operation of single stage pumps in series is seldom encountered - more often multistage
centrifugal pumps are used.

Pumps in Parallel Connection

Putting your pumps in parallel, or connected to any number of line branches so that each
handles a division of the flow, will help you reach a low head, high flow operating point that a
single pump cannot supply. Additionally, this system configuration gives you flexibility by
permitting the switching of parallel pumps on or off in order to adjust to variable flow conditions.
Going back to our pump curves, the combined curve for parallel pumps is created from
the addition of the flow capacities of each pump. Two of the same pumps will result in double the
flow while two different pumps will result in the addition of the flows.

Figure 4: Two pumps connected in parallel with similar performance curves

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 Figure 5: Two pumps connected in parallel with unequal performance curves

When two or more pumps are arranged in parallel their resulting performance curve is
obtained by adding the pumps flow rates at the same head

Figure 6: Diagram / Graph

Centrifugal pumps in parallel are used to overcome larger volume flows than one pump can
handle alone.

 for two identical pumps in parallel, and the head is kept constant, the flow rate doubles as
indicated with point 2 compared to a single pump
Note! In practice the combined head and volume flow moves along the system curve as
indicated from 1 to 3.

 point 3 is where the system operates with both pumps running

 point 1 is where the system operates with one pump running

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List of Apparatus:

Figure 7: Series/Parallel Pump Test Bed

Figure 8: Set of counterweights

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PROCEDURE

A. Simple Pump Connection

1. For Pump A: Open the valve for pump A, close the valve on Pump B. Make
sure it is a single pump configuration with only the valve on Pump A open.
2. Set the Vernier hook gauge and set it to zero mm reading.
3. Turn on the motor and manipulate the rotating speed at 1600 rpm, by rotating
the knob on the tachometer.
4. Apply weights to the arm of the swinging dynamo until it is balanced.
5. Let the pump operate until the water level at the caliper stabilize.
6. Re-adjust the Vernier hook gauge to the final height of water level at the caliper.
Record the reading in the data sheet.
7. Record the suction and discharge gauges.
8. Turn off the motor and unload the set of weights used. Add the value of set of
weights and record it in the data sheet.
9. For Pump B: Open the valve for pump B, close the valve on Pump A. Make
sure it is a single pump configuration with only the valve on Pump B open.
10. Repeat step 2-8, to obtain the required data.

B. Series Pump Connection

1. Manipulate the valves to make a series pump connection. Set the Vernier hook
caliper to zero.
2. Switch on the motor and adjust the speed to 1600 rpm.
3. Apply weights to the arm of the swinging dynamo until it is balanced.
4. Let the pump operate until the water level at the caliper stabilize.
5. Adjust the Vernier hook gauge to the final height of water level at the caliper.
Record the reading in the data sheet.
6. Record the suction and discharge gauges under.
7. Turn off the motor and unload the set of weights used.
8. Calculate the necessary data and record it in the data sheet.

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C. Parallel Pump Connection
1. Manipulate the valves to make a parallel pump connection. Set the Vernier hook
caliper to zero.
2. Switch on the motor and adjust the speed to 1600 rpm.
3. Apply weights to the arm of the swinging dynamo until it is balanced.
4. Let the pump operate until the water level at the caliper stabilize.
5. Adjust the Vernier hook gauge to the final height of water level at the caliper.
Record the reading in the data sheet.
6. Turn off the motor and unload the set of weights used.
7. Calculate the total discharge of the pumps at parallel connection using the
value of ℎ𝑣 and compare it to the value of sum of discharge of pumps A and
B.

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 SET-UP

Pressure Gauges

Valve/s

Electric Motor
Pump B
Pump A

Swinging Tachometer
Dynamometer

Set of Weights
Vernier Hook
Caliper

Figure 9. Series/Parallel Test Rig

In order to set it to a specific pump configuration, the valves are manipulated in such a way that
it will form the desired pump connection: Series, Parallel, or Single Pump operation.

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Figure 10. Manipulating the valve to form the desired configuration.

Figure 11. Setting the Speed to 1600 rpm.

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Figure 12. Balancing the arm of the swinging dynamome

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VI. FINAL DATA SHEET

PUMP A
N hv 𝑄 𝐻𝑆(1) 𝐻𝐷(1) 𝐻𝑀(1) 𝑀𝑇 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑛𝐴
(rpm) (m) (kg)
(𝑚3/𝑠) (m) (m) (m) (W) (W) (%)

1600 0.075 0.0022 -2 1 3.566 1.023 420.37 76.96 18.31

PUMP B
N hv 𝑄𝐵 (𝑚3/𝑠) 𝐻𝑆(2) 𝐻𝐷(2) 𝐻𝑀(2) 𝑀𝑇 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑛𝐵
(rpm) (m) (kg)
(m) (m) (m) (W) (W) (%)

1600 0.07 0.0018 -3 0.5 3.878 1.1 452.01 68.5 15.15

SERIES CONFIGURATION
N
𝑄𝐴 𝐻𝑆𝐴 𝐻𝐷𝐴 𝐻𝑀𝐴 𝐻𝑆𝐵 𝐻𝐷𝐵 𝐻𝑀𝐵 𝑛𝐴 𝑛𝐵 𝑛𝑆
(rpm)
(𝑚3/𝑠) (m) (m) (m) (m) (m) (m) (%) (%) (%)

1600 0.0022 -2.5 0 3.066 -2 0.75 3.316 18.31 15.15 16.52

PARALLEL CONFIGURATION

N hv 𝑄𝑇 (𝑚3/𝑠) 𝑄1 𝑄2 𝑛p𝐴 𝑛p𝐵 𝑛𝑃

(rpm) (m) (𝑚3/𝑠) (𝑚3/𝑠) (%) (%) (%)

1600 0.073 0.002035 0.0022 0.0018 18.31 15.15 8.52

I. SAMPLE COMPUTATION

Pump A:
ℎ𝑜 = ℎ𝑣 + 0.00085 = 0.075 + 0.00085
𝒉𝒐 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟖𝟑𝟓 𝒎

𝑄 = 0.31(ℎ𝑜 )2.5 √2𝑔 = 0.31(0.835)2.5 √2(9.81)

𝒎𝟑
𝑸 =. 𝟎𝟎𝟐𝟐
𝒔
ℎ𝑚 = (ℎ𝐷 − ℎ𝑆 ) + (1.17 × 105 )(𝑄 2 )
ℎ𝑚 = (1 − (−2)) + (1.17 × 105 )(0.0022)2
𝒉𝒎 = 𝟑. 𝟓𝟔𝟔 𝒎
𝑚
2𝜋𝑁 𝑔 (1.023 𝑘𝑔)(0.25 𝑚)(2𝜋)(1600) 9.81 𝑠2
𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 𝑀𝑇 𝐿 ( )( ) = ( )
60 𝑔𝑐 60𝑠 𝑘𝑔 − 𝑚
1
𝑁 − 𝑠2
𝑷𝒊𝒏 = 𝟒𝟐𝟎. 𝟑𝟕 𝑾
𝑚
𝑔 𝑘𝑔 𝑚3 9.81 2
𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 𝜌𝑄ℎ𝑚 ( ) = (1000 3 ) (. 0022 ) (3.566𝑚) ( 𝑠 )
𝑔𝑐 𝑚 𝑠 𝑘𝑔 − 𝑚
1
𝑁 − 𝑠2
𝑷𝒐𝒖𝒕 = 𝟕𝟔. 𝟖𝟔 𝑾
𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 76.96
𝑛= × 100% = × 100%
𝑃𝑖𝑛 420.37
𝒏 = 𝟏𝟖. 𝟑𝟏%

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Test Data Analysis

The experiment involves familiarization with series and parallel pump configurations. The
pump setup used for the experiment involved two pumps that can be configured to either in series
or in parallel. In series, the pump 1 passes through pump 2 before it goes to the discharge tank.
It can be said that the flowrate Q for a series pump configuration are equal, and the head H is
equal to the sum of the heads of the pumps. Meanwhile in parallel connection, the water flowing
through the two pumps meet at a common point or junction and combines then travels to the
discharge tank. In here, the flowrate Q is additive while the heads H are equal.

For the experiment, the individual characteristics of each pump (pump A and pump B) are
first determined by operating the pumps separately. From here we could get the flowrate Q of the
pumps, the suction and discharge heads and the efficiencies of each pump. It could be observed
from the data and results that the efficiency of pump number 2 is quite higher than that of pump
number 1. There’s also a difference in their discharge flow. This is quite unusual because the two
pumps are almost identical and both are powered by the same motor. The slight variation in the
data could be caused by the position of the suction pipes of the pumps. I have observed that the
suction of pump 1 is located near the discharge division of the water container below the
assembly. The suction of pump 2 on the other hand is on the wide side of the water container.
This means that the second pump could suck in more water than the first pump, therefore
increasing its efficiency.

In the third and fourth part of the experiment, the series and parallel pump connections
were used. It could be observed from the data that the efficiencies at both tables have quite the
same value. This shows that the connection efficiency of the pumps at whatever configuration
didn’t change.

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Conclusion

After we have done the experiment we were able to familiarize ourselves with the different
pump connections such as single, series and parallel connection. We were also able to determine
the efficiencies of each pump and their connection’s efficiency as well. We have done it through
first calculating for the flow rate of each pump and their dynamic heads both at single operation
and at parallel and series connections.

It was then known by the students that pumps operate by some mechanism and
consume energy to perform mechanical work by moving the fluid. Pumps operate via many
energy sources, including manual operation, electricity, engines, or wind power, come in many
sizes, from microscopic use in medical applications to large industrial 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 for water-cooling and 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.

Also, we were able to compute and calculate the efficiencies of the pump whether in single
operation, series connection or in parallel connection. We were able to compare the different
efficiencies by changing the motor speed in rpm. From the results gathered, it showed that a
faster motor speed yields to a higher pump efficiency, except in the pumps in parallel operation.

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References

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pump
 http://www.industrialcontrolsonline.com/training/online/why-you-should-use-
circulating-pumps-parallel-series-centrifugal-pumping
 http://blog.craneengineering.net/operating-centrifugal-pumps-in-series-or-parallel
 http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pumps-parallel-serial-d_636.html
 http://www.mobilehydraulictips.com/7-ways-avoid-
cavitation/http://nptel.ac.in/courses/112104117/chapter_8/8_10.html
 http://blog.craneengineering.net/what-is-pump-cavitation
 http://www.industrialcontrolsonline.com/training/online/why-you-should-use-
circulating-pumps-parallel-series-centrifugal-pumping
 http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/cavitation-d_407.html

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