Experiment # 05:

To draw the characteristics curve of two centrifugal pump acting in series.

Apparatus:
Demonstration unit of centrifugal pump acting in series.

Fig: 5.1 (centrifugal pumps acting in series)

Theory:
Introduction:
Centrifugal pumps are often used together to enhance either the flow rate or the delivery pressure
beyond that available from the single pump. For some piping system designs, it may be desirable
to consider a multiple pump system to meet the design requirements. Two typical options include
parallel and series configurations of pumps which require a specific performance criteria.
The system may be configured to drive flow using single, series or parallel pumps. The system
valves are as shown: Valves should be set to configure the system as follows. The software
should also be set to the corresponding flow path to ensure that the correct calculations are
performed.

Pumps in series:
A single pump may be insufficient to produce the performance required. Combining two pumps
increases the pumping capacity of the system. Two pumps may be connected in series, so that
water passes first through one pump and then through the second. When two pumps operate in
series, the flow rate is the same as for a single pump but the total head is increased. The
combined pump head-capacity curve is found by adding the heads of the single pump curves at
the same capacity.

Fig 5.2 (centrifugal pumps acting in series)

Pump curve for two pumps in series:

Fig: 5.3 (curve for two pumps in series)

Procedure:
 1. Both pumps must be used at the same setting in this experiment to ensure identical
performance. As the speed of pump 2 is fixed at its design operational point, pump 1
should be set to match - select 80% for a 50Hz electrical supply, or 100% for 60 Hz.
2. Allow water to circulate until all air has been flushed from the system.

3. If results are already available for a single pump across its full flow range, load those
results into the software now and jump to the section of this exercise using two
pumps.

4. Create a new results sheet using the (New) icon. Rename this new results sheet to
'Series'. In the software, on the mimic diagram, set the 'Mode' to 'Series' by selecting
the appropriate radio button.
5. Open pump 2 outlet valve, close pump 1 outlet valve and wait for any air to circulate
out of the system.
6. Select the (Go) icon to record the sensor readings and pump settings on the results
table of the software.
7. Close the gate valve to reduce the flow by a small increment. Select the (Go) icon
again.
8. Continue to close the gate valve to give incremental changes in flow rate, recording
the sensor data each time.
9. After taking the final set of data, fully open the gate valve again.
10. Pumps in parallel exercise may be performed immediately after this experiment
without closing the software; otherwise, save the results and ensure they are available
for exercise B when required. (It may also be advisable to save the results from this
exercise before starting exercise B even if continuing straight on, to ensure that the
data is not lost in the event of a computer failure. The results sheet may be overwritten
with the combined results once exercise B has been completed).

Observations:
Pump speed Volume flow Hydraulic Electrical Efficient Pump head
(rpm) (LPM) power P power Pel (percent) H (m)
fluid (W)
(W)

1854 75.60 140.37 621 22.60 11.42

1846 80.30 141.05 643 21.94 10.70

Calculation:

Precautions:
i. Stay conscious during experiment.
ii. Note all the readings accurately.
iii. If any mishap occurs immediately inform to lab
incharge.

Learning Outcomes:
Does the total head gain for the two pumps in series match the theoretical prediction of twice
the head gain for a single pump (assuming the two pumps used gave identical performance)?

Questions & Answers

Q.1 Can I put two pumps in series?
Ans. If you need more flexibility you can install another pump and operate it in either
series or parallel with the first pump. Centrifugal pumps are connected in series if the discharge of
one pump is connected to the suction side of a second pump. Both pumps must run at the same
speed (same reason)
Q.2 What is Series pump?
Ans. Series operation means that pumps are connected and started one after another, i. e. in series.
After changing a pump system from single-pump to series operation, not only the head but also the
flow rate in each of the pumps connected in series is enlarged.
Q.3 What is pump system curve?
Ans. A system curve, as shown in Figure 2, is a graphical representation of the pump head that is
required to move fluid through a piping system at various flow rates. The system curve helps
quantify the resistance in a system due to friction and elevation change over the range of flows.