TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

FUCULTY OF ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

FLUIDS MECHANICS (FLM207B)

FLUID MECHANICS PUMP CHARACTERISTICS

YEAR 2020

Experiment 1: H-Q characteristic curve of a centrifugal pump.

Experiment 2: H-Q characteristic curve of parallel-connected centrifugal pumps.

Experiment 3: H-Q characteristic curve of series-connected centrifugal pumps.

Initials and Surname: Student No.:

Mafitshe TD 218386105
Magongoa MK 219177810
Mashakeni TF 219069910

Lecturer: Mr. T Ramathe

 EXPERIMENT 1:

H-Q CHARACTERISTIC CURVE OF A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

AIM:

To draw the H-Q characteristic curve of a Centrifugal Pump using total pressure head and a second curve
using only Delivery Head.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective is to investigate the difference between the uses of the total head of a pump versus that of
the delivery head in drawing the H-Q characteristic curve.

THEORY:

The total head of a pump consists of the difference of Water Power as per unit between the delivery and
the suction:

P d V 2d P s V 2s (P¿¿ d−P¿ ¿ s) V 2d−V 2s

H=
( zd + +
⍴g 2g
-
)(
zs + +
⍴g 2g
= (z d –
)
z s ) +
⍴g
¿¿ +
2g

Where:

(zd – zs) = difference in height between delivery and suction sections in meters.

( Pd −Ps ) = difference between pressure values in Pascal.

2
(V d −V 2s) = difference between the squares of the velocities at delivery and suction expressed in m2/s2.

The term:

(P¿¿ d−P¿ ¿ s)
h= ¿ ¿ = the pump delivery head.
⍴g

APPARATUS:

Pelton wheel-Francis Turbine-Centrifugal Pump Modular Set.

PRECAUTIONS:
 1) Check to see that all valves are closed.
2) Check water level in the tank is well above suction pipes of pumps. (i.e., end of the draft tube)

PROCEDURE:

1. Arrange the plant such that only pump 1 is functioning.

2. Switch on pump 1.

3. With the delivery valve closed, note the following: (Make a note of the unit of measurement on all
the meters and gauges)

Flow meter reading [Qv (m3/h)]

Suction pressure of pump-1 (ps)

Delivery pressure on pump-1 (pd)

4. Open the delivery valve on the pipe delivering water to the tank so that the flow rate increases by
about 20% of the maximum flow rate of the pump. (The maximum flow rate of the pump is about
30 m3/h).

5. Repeat the steps in 3.

6. Repeat the steps 4 and 5 till the delivery valve if fully opened.

7. Close the delivery valve after all readings have been written down.

8. Stop the pump.

NOTE:

zd – zs = 660 mm.

The diameter of the suction pipe = 45 mm,

The diameter of the delivery pipe = 45 mm

CALCULATIONS:

Tabulate the following:

For each value of Qv note:

The value of zd – zs.

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s)
Delivery head h = 105 ¿ ¿ where h is in metres of water, pd and ps are in bars. (1 bar =
⍴g
105 Pa)
 4 Qv
Velocity of water in delivery: 𝒱d = : where 𝒱d is in m/s and Qv is in m3/s
πD 2d

4 Qv
Velocity of water in suction: 𝒱s = : where 𝒱s is in m/s and Qv is in m3/s
πD2 s

V 2d−V 2s
The kinetic head:
2g
Total head = sum of elevation head + delivery head + kinetic head in delivery.

READINGS: 1 PUMP

Trial Qv Ps (bar) Pd zd – zs H V 2d−V 2s H

(m3/h) (kg/cm2)
2g
1 0 0.10 1.05 0.66 9.684 0 10.344

2 1.0 0.10 0.80 0.66 7.136 0 7.796

3 2.0 0.10 0.60 0.66 5.097 0 5.757

4 3.4 0.10 0.40 0.66 3.058 0 3.718

5 4.3 0.10 0.30 0.66 2.039 0 2.699

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:

Delivery head

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) (1.05−0.1) x 105

5
h1 =10 = =9.684 m ¿¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) ( 0.8−0.1)x 105

5
h2 =10 = =7.136 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81
 ( P¿ ¿ d−P¿¿ s ) (0.6−0.1) x 105
5
h3 =10 = =5.097 m ¿¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

(P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) (0.4−0.1) x 105

5
h 4=10 = =3.058 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

( P¿ ¿ d−P¿¿ s ) (0.3−0.1) x 105

5
h5 =10 = =2.039 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

Kinetic head

1
4( )
4 Qv 3600 m
V d =V s = 2 = =0.137
πD d π (0.045) 2
s

V 2d −V 2s ( 0.137 )2−( 0.137 )2

The kinetic head = = =0
2g 2( 9.81)

Hence, the kinetic head is zero for all trials, since the diameter of suction and the diameter of delivery are

the same.

Total head

Total head = sum of elevation head + delivery head + kinetic head in delivery.

Total head=0.66+0+ 9.684=10.344 m

Total head=0.66+0+ 7.136=7.796 m

Total head=0.66+0+ 5.097=5.757 m

Total head=0.66+0+ 3.058=3.718 m

Total head=0.66+0+ 2.039=2.699 m

RESULTS:

Total head and delivery head versus flow rate

12

10
Total head/ delivery head

0
0 1 2 3.4 4.3
Flow rate (Q)

Total head Delivery head

CONCLUSION:

This experiment reports the observation to the operational characteristics of a single centrifugal pump
connection and how the characteristic curve is affected when factors such as flow rate or head are
changed. When referring to the graph of total head and delivery head versus flow rate, it can be seen that
the pump head decreases when flowrate increases when rotational speed is kept constant. The kinetic
head is at zero throughout, hence equal suction and delivery diameters of the pipe. The elevation head is
assumed to be 0.66 m always. This will induce equal incremental summation about the total head. The
general procedure and instrumentation used in this experiment should yield accurate results, although
through some human errors, the results may not be 100 percent reliable. The pump test bench used for
the experiment should be serviced, to avoid continued leak of water. The pump test bench should be
configured to read zero when there is no flow.

EXPERIMENT 2

H-Q CHARACTERISTIC CURVE OF PARALLEL-CONNECTED CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

AIM:

To draw the H-Q characteristic curve of TWO IDENTICAL, PARALLEL-CONNECTED Centrifugal pumps.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective is to investigate the difference between the uses of the total head of the pump versus that
of the delivery head in drawing the H-Q characteristic curve. Also, to study the influence of two identical
pumps that are connected in parallel.

THEORY:

The total head of a pump consists of the difference of Water Power as per weight unit between the
delivery and the suction and it will be the sum of the total delivery heads of the individual pumps:

Pd V 2d P V2 (P¿¿ d−P¿ ¿ s) V 2 −V 2s
H=
( zd + +
⍴g 2g )( ⍴g 2 g )
− z s+ s + s = (zd – zs) +
⍴g
¿¿ + d
2g

Where:

(zd – zs) = difference in height between delivery and suction sections in meters.
(pd – ps) = difference between pressure values in Pascal.

2
(V d −V 2s) = differences between the squares of the velocities at delivery suction expressed in m2/s2.

The term:

(P¿¿ d−P¿ ¿ s)
h= ¿ ¿ ; is the pump delivery head where pressure is in Pascal (Pa).
⍴g
APPARATUS:

Pelton Wheel-Francis Turbine –Centrifugal Pump Modular Set.

PRECAUTIONS:

1) Check to see that all valves are closed.

2) Check water level in the tank is well above suction pipes of pumps. (i.e. end of the draft tube)

PROCEDURE:

1) Arrange the plant so that pumps 1 and 2 are functioning in PARALLEL mode.
2) Switch pump 1 on, wait for the ammeter to become steady and then switch pump 2 on.
3) With the delivery valve closed, note the following: (Make a note of the unit of measurement on all
the meters and gauges)
a. Flow meter reading [Qv (m3/h)].
b. Suction pressure on pump 1(p s). (reading necessary for one pump only as suction is at
the same height for both).
c. Delivery pressure for pump 1 and delivery pressure for both pumps.
4) Open the delivery valve on the pump delivering water to the tank so that the flow rate increases.
5) Repeat steps 3a to 3c.
6) Repeat steps 4 and 5 till you have enough readings to draw the graphs.
7) Close the delivery valve after all readings have been noted.
8) Stop the pumps.

CALCULATIONS:

Tabulate the following:

For each value of Qv calculate and note (Remember to convert all units to SI units):

5 ( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s)
1) Delivery head h = 10 ¿¿
⍴g
READINGS: 2 PUMPS PARALLEL

Trial Qv (m3/h) ps (kg/cm2) pd pd (bar) h1 h1

(bar)
(comb.) (single) (comb.)
(single)

1 0 0.5 1 0.8 5.097 3.058

2 2.9 -0.9 0.5 0.35 14.271 12.742

3 3.5 -0.8 0.4 0.3 12.232 11.213

4 5.5 -0.8 0.4 0.25 12.232 10.703

5 6.3 -0.7 0.4 0.25 11.213 9.684

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:

Delivery head (single)

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) (1−0.5) x 105

5
h1 =10 = =5.097 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) ( 0.5−(−0.9)) x 105

h1 =105 = =14.271 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) ( 0.4−(−0.8))x 105

h1 =105 = =12.232m ¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) ( 0.4−(−0.8))x 105

h1 =105 = =12.232m ¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) (0.4−(−0.7)) x 105

5
h1 =10 = =11.213 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

Delivery head (combo.)

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) (0.8−0.5) x 105

5
h1 =10 = =3.058 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) (0.35−(−0.9)) x 105

5
h1 =10 = =12.742 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) (0.3−(−0.8)) x 105

h1 =105 = =11.213 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81
 5( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) (0.25−(−0.8)) x 105
h1 =10 = =10.703 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

5( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) ( 0.25−(−0.7)) x 105

h1 =10 = =9.684 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81
RESULTS:

h1 (single) and h1 (combo.) versus flow rate

16

14
h1 (single) & h1 (combo.)

12

10

0
0 2.9 3.5 5.5 6.3
Flow rate Q

h1 (single) h1 (combo.)
CONCLUSION:

This experiment reports the observation to the operational characteristics of two centrifugal pumps
connected parallel to each other and how the characteristic curve is affected when factors such as flow
rate or head are altered. When referring to the graph of h1 for both single and combined connection
versus flow rate, it can be seen that the delivery head increases between the flow rate of 0 and 2.9 m 3/s
and thereafter, decreases continuously as the flow rate increases. The kinetic head is at zero throughout,
hence equal suction and delivery diameters of the pipe. The elevation head is assumed to be 0.66 m
always. This will induce equal incremental summation about the total head. The general procedure and
instrumentation used in this experiment should yield accurate results, although some improvements can
be made to help eliminate error and increase reliability. The pump test bench used for the experiment
should be serviced, to avoid continued leak of water. The pump test bench should be configured to read
zero when there is no flow, avoid confusion.

How does the performance compare to that of a single pump connection?

The two pumps connected in parallel have the same suction pressure, hence they have same height.
However, they do not have the same delivery pressure. The pressure gauge at the delivery of a single
pump is greater than the pressure of the pressure gauge at the delivery of both pumps. The pressure
head of the single pump connection decreases rapidly as flow rate increases, compared to the pressure
head that of the parallel connection.
 EXPERIMENT 3

H-Q CHARACTERISTIC CURVE OF SERIES-CONNECTED CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

AIM:

To draw the H-Q characteristic curve of TWO IDENTICAL SERIES-CONNECTED Centrifugal Pumps.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective is to investigate the difference between the uses of the total head of the pump versus that
of the delivery head in drawing the H-Q characteristic curve. Also, to study the influence of two identical
pumps that are connected in series.

THEORY:

The total head of a pump consists of the difference of Water Power as per weight unit between the
delivery and the suction and it will be the sum of the total delivery heads of the individual pumps:

Pd V 2d P s V 2s (P¿¿ d−P¿ ¿ s) V 2d−V 2s

H=
( zd + +
⍴g 2g )(
− z s+ +
⍴g 2 g
= (z d – z
)s ) +
⍴g
¿¿ +
2g

Where:

(zd – zs) = difference in height between delivery and suction sections in meters.

(pd – ps) = difference between pressure values in Pascal.

2
(V d −V 2s) = differences between the squares of the velocities at delivery suction expressed in m2/s2.

The term:

(P¿¿ d−P¿ ¿ s)
h= ¿ ¿ = the pump delivery head.
⍴g

APPARATUS:

Pelton Wheel-Francis Turbine –Centrifugal Pump Modular Set.

PRECAUTIONS:
 1. Check to see that all valves are closed.
2. Check water level in the tank is well above suction pipes of pumps. (At the end of the draft tube)

PROCEDURE:

1) Arrange the plant so that pump 1 and 2 are functioning in SERIES mode.
2) Switch the pumps on.
3) With the delivery valve closed, note the following: (Make a note of the unit of measurement on all
the meters and gauges)
a. Flow meter reading [Qv (m3/h)]
b. Suction pressure on pump 1 (ps)
c. Delivery pressure on combined system (pd)
4) Open the delivery valve on the pipe delivering water to tank so that the flow rate increases.
5) Repeat steps 3a to 3c.
6) Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least twice, till the delivery valve is fully opened.
7) Close the delivery valve after all the readings have been noted
8) Stop the pumps.

NOTE: zd – zs = 660 mm always.

CALCULATIONS:

Tabulate the following

For each value of Qv note:

1) The value of zd – zs.

5 ( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s)
2) Delivery head h = 10 ¿ ¿.
⍴g
4 Qv
3) Velocity of water in delivery 𝒱d = .
πD 2d
4 Qv
4) Velocity of water in suction 𝒱s = .
πD 2 s
V 2d−V 2s
5) The kinetic head: .
2g
6) Total head = sum of elevation head + delivery head + kinetic head in delivery.
READINGS: 2 PUMPS SERIES

Trial Qv (m3/h) ps (kg/cm2) pd (bar) h1 (m) H

(m)

1 0 1 1.4 4.077 4.737

2 2.3 0.45 0.85 4.077 4.737

3 3.8 0.3 0.65 3.568 4.228

4 4.3 0.2 0.6 4.077 4.737

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:

The elevation head (zd – zs) = 660 mm = 0.66 m; in all the trials.

V 2d −V 2s
The kinetic head = =0
2g

The diameter of the suction pipe is equal to the diameter of the delivery pipe. This means that the velocity

of water in suction will be equal to the velocity of the water in delivery. Calculating the kinetic head, 𝒱d will

cancel out 𝒱s.

Delivery head

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) (1.4−1) x 105

h1 =105 = =4.077 m ¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) (0.85−0.45) x 105

5
h1 =10 = =4.077 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) ( 0.65−0.3) x 105

5
h1 =10 = =3.568 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81
 ( P¿¿ d−P¿¿ s) (0.6−0.2) x 105
5
h1 =10 = =4.077 m¿ ¿
⍴g 1000 x 9.81

Total head=0.66+0+ 4.077=4.737 m

Total head=0.66+0+ 4.077=4.737 m

Total head=0.66+0+ 3.568=4.228 m

Total head=0.66+0+ 4.077=4.737 m

RESULTS:

Total head and delivery head versus flow rate

5
4.5
4
Total and delivery head

3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 2.3 3.8 4.3
Flow rate (Q)

Total head Delivery head

CONCLUSION:

This experiment reports the observation to the operational characteristics of two centrifugal pumps
connected in series and how the characteristic curve is affected when factors such as flow rate or head
are altered. When referring to the graph of total head and delivery head versus flow rate, it can be seen
that the pump head is almost constant when flow rate increases when rotational speed is kept constant.
The last reading of flow rate was not recorded due to high turbulence of water after 4,3 m 3/s. The kinetic
head is at zero throughout, hence equal suction and delivery diameters of the pipe. The elevation head is
assumed to be 0.66 m always. This will induce equal incremental summation about the total head.

The general procedure and instrumentation used in this experiment should yield accurate results,
although some improvements can be made to help eliminate error and increase reliability. The pump test
bench used for the experiment should be serviced, to avoid continued leak of water. The pump test bench
should be configured to read zero when there is no flow, avoid confusion.

How does the performance compare to that of a single pump connection?

The pressure head for the series connection is lower than that of the single pump and that of the parallel
connection.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)/Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Industrial Design

GROUP PEER ASSESSMENT FORM

After your group has completed the work, each student in the group is to complete this assessment
form and then hand it to your lecturer.

To complete this form, attempt to assess under the following headings, the level of contributions of
each of your colleagues AND YOURSELF whilst undertaking the design assignment, practical’s…
etc.

Score, using a point’s scale of 4 to 0:

4 being for OUTSTANDING contribution
3 being for GOOD contribution
2 being for SUFFICIENT contribution
1 being for LITTLE contribution
0 being for NO contribution or EXCEPTIONAL circumstances

Project group: Group member to be assessed

219069910

ASSESSING STUDENT:
Surname; Initials: _Mafitshe____________; __TD

Student Number: _218386105_____________

Date: _22/02/2021__________
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
CONTRIBUTIONS TO GROUP

Was he/she regularly at group meetings and available for 4

discussions, planning and action?
Contribution to the needs of the group? e.g. 4
Ideas, listen to others, provide leadership /direction
Did he/she do what was agreed to be done at meetings? 4

Did he/she take a fair share of the work? 4

TOTALS FOR EACH STUDENT 16

(carried forward to summary sheet)

JUDGEMENT
If you were a manager, would you: promote (P), give a rise P
(R), demote (D) or sack (S) him/her?
If you had a 200 RAND bonus to give away, how would
you distribute it among the group? 200

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS FORM IS CONFIDENTIAL. HENCE, THIS

FORM SHOULD BE HANDED IN DIRECTLY TO YOUR LECTURER AS PER
ARRANGEMENTS MADE BY HIM/HER.
Note: This assessment strategy is a modified version of the assessment procedures at the
UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDHIRE, School of Engineering, print date 24 March 2015
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)/Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Industrial Design

GROUP PEER ASSESSMENT FORM

After your group has completed the work, each student in the group is to complete this assessment
form and then hand it to your lecturer.

To complete this form, attempt to assess under the following headings, the level of contributions of
each of your colleagues AND YOURSELF whilst undertaking the design assignment, practical’s…
etc.

Score, using a point’s scale of 4 to 0:

4 being for OUTSTANDING contribution
3 being for GOOD contribution
2 being for SUFFICIENT contribution
1 being for LITTLE contribution
0 being for NO contribution or EXCEPTIONAL circumstances

Project group: Group member to be assessed

218386105

ASSESSING STUDENT:
Surname; Initials: _Mashakeni_______________; _TF__

Student Number: _219069910_________________________

Date: _22/02/2021____________
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
CONTRIBUTIONS TO GROUP

Was he/she regularly at group meetings and available for 4

discussions, planning and action?
Contribution to the needs of the group? e.g. 4
Ideas, listen to others, provide leadership /direction
Did he/she do what was agreed to be done at meetings? 4

Did he/she take a fair share of the work? 4

TOTALS FOR EACH STUDENT 16

(carried forward to summary sheet)

JUDGEMENT
If you were a manager, would you: promote (P), give a rise P
(R), demote (D) or sack (S) him/her?
If you had a 200 RAND bonus to give away, how would 200
you distribute it among the group?

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS FORM IS CONFIDENTIAL. HENCE, THIS

FORM SHOULD BE HANDED IN DIRECTLY TO YOUR LECTURER AS PER
ARRANGEMENTS MADE BY HIM/HER.
Note: This assessment strategy is a modified version of the assessment procedures at the
UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDHIRE, School of Engineering, print date 24 March 2015
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)/Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics and Industrial Design

GROUP PEER ASSESSMENT FORM

After your group has completed the work, each student in the group is to complete this assessment
form and then hand it to your lecturer.

To complete this form, attempt to assess under the following headings, the level of contributions of
each of your colleagues AND YOURSELF whilst undertaking the design assignment, practical’s…
etc.

Score, using a point’s scale of 4 to 0:

4 being for OUTSTANDING contribution
3 being for GOOD contribution
2 being for SUFFICIENT contribution
1 being for LITTLE contribution
0 being for NO contribution or EXCEPTIONAL circumstances

Project group: Group member to be assessed

219069910

ASSESSING STUDENT:
Surname; Initials: _Magongoa_______________; _MK__

Student Number: _219177810_________________________

Date: _22/02/2021____________
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
CONTRIBUTIONS TO GROUP

Was he/she regularly at group meetings and available for 4

discussions, planning and action?
Contribution to the needs of the group? e.g. 4
Ideas, listen to others, provide leadership /direction
Did he/she do what was agreed to be done at meetings? 4

Did he/she take a fair share of the work? 4

TOTALS FOR EACH STUDENT 16

(carried forward to summary sheet)

JUDGEMENT
If you were a manager, would you: promote (P), give a rise P
(R), demote (D) or sack (S) him/her?
If you had a 200 RAND bonus to give away, how would 200
you distribute it among the group?

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS FORM IS CONFIDENTIAL. HENCE, THIS

FORM SHOULD BE HANDED IN DIRECTLY TO YOUR LECTURER AS PER
ARRANGEMENTS MADE BY HIM/HER.
Note: This assessment strategy is a modified version of the assessment procedures at the
UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDHIRE, School of Engineering, print date 24 March 2015