Centrifugal pumps

Centrifugal pumps are used to transport fluids by the conversion of rotational kinetic energy
to the hydrodynamic energy of the fluid flow. The rotational energy typically comes from an
engine or electric motor. The fluid enters the pump impeller along or near to the rotating
axis and is accelerated by the impeller, flowing radially outward into a diffuser or volute
chamber (casing), from where it exits. The reverse function of the centrifugal pump is a
water turbine converting potential energy of water pressure into mechanical rotational
energy.

working

General working principle: Like most pumps, a centrifugal pump converts rotational energy,
often from a motor, to energy in a moving fluid. A portion of the energy goes into kinetic
energy of the fluid. Fluid enters axially through eye of the casing, is caught up in the
impeller blades, and is whirled tangentially and radially outward until it leaves through all
circumferential parts of the impeller into the diffuser part of the casing. The fluid gains both
velocity and pressure while passing through the impeller. The doughnut-shaped diffuser, or
scroll, section of the casing decelerates the flow and further increases the pressure.

Reciprocating pumps (piston, plunger)

Reciprocating pumps work on the principle of pushing of liquid by a piston that executes a
reciprocating motion in a cylinder of closed fitting. Working of reciprocating motion is done
by the electric motor or engine. Power source i.e (electric motor or engine) gives rotatory
motion to crank , with the help of connecting rod we translate reciprocating motion to
piston in the cylinder . When crank moves from inner dead centre to outer dead centre
vacuum creates in the cylinder. When piston moves outer dead centre to inner dead centre
and piston forces the water at delivery value or outlet .
Screw pumps (rotory)

They are positive-displacement pumps that use two screw shaped intermeshing rotors to
move gas along the screw’s axis. They are frequently used in industrial vacuum applications,
often in combination with roots blowers and as oil-free roughing pumps in high and
ultrahigh vacuum systems

Screw pumps operate using two counter-rotating screw rotors which are engineered so
that they rotate “towards each other”. This traps the gas in the space between the
“screws” of their rotors. As the screws rotate, this trapped volume decreases which not
only compresses the gas but moves it towards the exhaust.

 Centrifugal compressors

Air is drawn into the center of a rotating impeller with radial blades and is pushed toward
the center by centrifugal force. This radial movement of air results in a pressure rise and
the generation of kinetic energy. Before the air is led into the center of the impeller, the
kinetic energy is also converted into pressure by passing through a diffuser and volute.

Each stage takes up a part of the overall pressure rise of the compressor unit.
Depending on the pressure required for the application, a number of stages can be
arranged in a series to achieve a higher pressure. This type of multi-stage application is
often used in the oil and gas and process industries. Alternately, in wastewater
treatment plants, low pressure, single-stage applications are used to achieve the
desired pressure ratio.

Reciprocating compressors

Reciprocating compressors (also known as piston compressors) are generally used to move

gas at increased pressure. The main elements of the compressor are one or more cylinders,
and pistons which move within them, rather like in an internal combustion engine.
Gas is drawn into the cylinder through the intake valve (or valves) when the piston draws
back, and the gas is then expelled at pressure through the exhaust valve when the piston
returns. The pistons are moved by a crankshaft which can be powered by an electric motor,
a petrol engine, or any other suitable rotary power source. Cylinders are often paired on
opposite sides of the crankshaft so that the movements of the pistons oppose each other.

Reciprocating compressors have many uses in industry, including natural gas processing
and delivery, chemical plants, and oil refineries

Types of loads in induction motor

Certain load types are characteristic in the industrial world. Knowing the load profile (speed
range, torque and power) is essential when selecting a suitable motor and frequency
converter for the application.

Constant torque

A constant torque load type is typical when fixed volumes are being handled.
For example positive displacement pumps, feeders and conveyors are typical
constant torque applications.

Torque is constant and the power is linearly proportional to the speed.

Quadratic torque

Quadratic torque is the most common load type. Typical applications

are centrifugal pumps and fans. The torque is quadratically, and the power
is cubically proportional to the speed.
constant power

A constant power load is normal when material is being rolled and the diameter
changes during rolling. The power is constant and the torque is inversely
proportional to the speed

Constant torque/ power

This load type is common in the paper industry. It is a combination of constant

power and constant torque load types. This load type is often a consequence of
dimensioning the system according to the need for certain power at high speed.
Starting torque demand

In some applications high torque at low speed is needed. This has to be

considered in dimensioning. Typical applications for this load type are for
example extruders and screw pumps.

Torque speed curve for centrifugal pumps

The torque-speed curve is similar for all centrifugal pumps due to simple math:
the pump torque varies as the square of its speed. However, when the pump is
at rest—0% full load speed—the full load torque is never also 0%. Starting a
rotating pump requires the motor to overcome the pump inertia and static
friction.

To overcome pump inertia and static friction, approximately 20% of full load
torque is required. As the pump’s speed increases, the required torque
gradually declines. For example, at about 15% full load speed the required
torque typically is around 5% or 10% full load torque. As shown below, the
pump torque-speed curve follows the square law:
When the two curves intersect is the point at which the motor’s torque is
insufficient to drive the pump any faster. In other words, this is the point
of maximum pump speed while powered by this motor.
 Positive displacement pumps

To configure the drive train for a pump 

1. Required rated torque on the shaft of the pump

2. Rated rotational speed of the pump's shaft
o variable speed drive allows changing speed the pump
operates at, however, a pump is designed for some definite rated speed
usually given for any pump in the respective brochure or catalogue
3. Load curve of the pump
4. Starting torque of the pump

Comparison of two performance curves in compressors

In the compressed air industry, variable torque loads are found on
centrifugal air compressors and linear torque curves are found on
positive displacement rotary screw air compressors.

the rotary screw compressors have a flat torque curve along the full
RPM range, which is much different than the torque curve of the
centrifugal compressors. If a drive designed for a variable torque
application is used in a linear torque application, the drive will not be
able to provide sufficient torque in the lower RPM range. Misapplying a
drive for any given application will shorten the life of the motor and drive
in the compressor

centrifugal compressors and motor – torque and speed diagram