ABSTRACT

This experiment titled Single, Series and Parallel Pumps was aimed at the
determination of the head/flow rate characteristics for a number of pump
configurations: single pump operations, series pump operations and parallel pump
operations. This was done by using the hydraulic hand bench, the F1-26 pump, a
stop watch and water. The hydraulic bench was connected to the f1-26 pump in
various ways depending on the pump operation required.
After a series of calculations at the end of the experiment, the values of the total
head as well as the flowrate were given as 12.50m, 14.15m, 15.15m, 16.15m,
17.15m and 18.15m, 1.67×10-4 m3/s, 2.08×10-4 m3/s, 2.17×10-4 m3/s, 2.17×10-4 m3/s,
1.25×10-4 m3/s and 1.47×10-4 m3/s respectively for the single pump operation.
While for the series pump operations, the total head and the flowrates were given
as 2.17m, 4.17m, 6.17m, 8.17m, and 10.17m, 5.01×10-4 m3/s, 4.58×10-4 m3/s,
4.13×10-4 m3/s, 3.68×10-4 m3/s, and 3.26×10-4 m3/s respectively. Lastly, for the
parallel pump operations the total head and the flowrates were given as 1.94m,
6.74m, 8.94m, 11.34m, and 9.94m, 4.35×10-4 m3/s, 2.94×10-4 m3/s, 1.95×10-4 m3/s,
1.87×10-4 m3/s, and 1.64×10-4 m3/s respectively.
It was observed from the experiment that at a constant volume, the time used (t) as
well as the Total Head (H) were increasing while the flowrate (Q) was reducing
That is to say the time used has a direct relationship with the total head and an
indirect relationship with the flowrate.

1
 INTRODUCTION
Pump is a device that expends energy in order to raise, transport, or
compress fluids. It is a mechanical device that converts mechanical torque into
hydraulic energy. It simply facilitates movement of fluids from one place to
another using suction or pressure or both. It helps to transport liquid from one
place to another with the help of a pipe. 
The earliest pumps were devices for raising water, such as the Persian and Roman
waterwheels and the more sophisticated Archimedes screw .The mining operations
of the Middle Ages led to development of the suction (piston) pump, many types of
which are described by Georgius Agricola in De re metallica (1556). A suction
pump works by atmospheric pressure; when the piston is raised, creating a partial
vacuum, atmospheric pressure outside forces water into the cylinder, whence it is
permitted to escape by an outlet valve. Atmospheric pressure alone can force water
to a maximum height of about 34 feet (10 metres), so the force pump was
developed to drain deeper mines. In the force pump the downward stroke of the
piston forces water out through a side valve to a height that depends simply on the
force applied to the piston.
Most times a single pump cannot deliver the necessary/required flow rate for a
particular system. However, two or more pumps can be combined in series to give
so as to increase to the height to which the fluid can be pumped at a given flow
rate. A parallel combination between two r more pumps can also be done to
increase the flow rate.
There are various types of pump and they are classified in two major categories
namely: Dynamic pumps and Positive Displacement Pumps.
Applications of Pump:
 Pumping water from the wells
 Aquarium and pond filtering
 Water cooling and fuel injection in automobiles
 Pumping oil or gas and operating cooling towers in energy industry
 They also have their uses in waste water recycling, pulp and paper, chemical
industry etc.
 Irrigation.
 Air conditioning systems.

2
  Refrigeration (usually called a compressor).
 Chemical movement.
 Flood control.
 Marine services, etc.
Some of the sites visited are:
https://clubtechnical.com/pump
https://encyclopedia.che.engin.umich.edu/Pages/TransportStorage/Pumps/
Pumps.html

3
 THEORY
It is a mechanical device which is used to move fluid (sometimes also slurry) from
one place to another. They are used to transfer energy to an incoming fluid. The
pressure or velocity of the fluid increases, which helps the fluid overcome physical
barriers such as pipe friction and height changes. Pumps exist in a variety of shapes
and sizes, depending on their intended function. When the flowing fluid is a gas,
the pump is typically referred to as a compressor.
One of the examples of a pump is the water pump which is used in our houses to
carry water from the ground to the tank on the top of house. All pumps use basic
forces of nature to move a liquid. As the moving pump part (impeller, vane, piston
diaphragm, etc.) begins to move, air is pushed out of the way. The movement of air
creates a partial vacuum (low pressure) which can be filled up by more air, or in
the case of water pumps, water.

TYPES OF PUMP
Pumps are classified into two types namely: Dynamic pumps and Positive
Displacement Pumps.

FIGURE 1: THE CHART OF THE TYPES OF PUMP

DYNAMIC PUMPS

Dynamic pumps are classified into different types but some of them are discussed
below like Centrifugal, Vertical centrifugal, Horizontal centrifugal, Submersible,
and Fire hydrant systems.

4
1). Centrifugal Pumps

These types of pumps are most commonly used worldwide. The working is very
simple, described well and carefully tested. This pump is strong, efficient and
fairly cheap to make. Whenever the pump is in action, then the fluid pressure will
increase from the inlet of the pump to its outlet. The change of pressure will drive
the liquid throughout the system.

FIGURE 2: CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

This kind of pump produces an enhancement within force by transmitting
mechanical power from the electrical motor to the liquid throughout the revolving
impeller. The flow of liquid will enter the center of impeller and exits along with
its blades. The centrifugal power hereby enhances the velocity of fluid & also the
energy like kinetic can be altered to force.

2). Vertical Centrifugal Pumps

Vertical centrifugal pumps are also called as cantilever pumps. These pumps use
an exclusive shaft & maintain design that permits the volume to fall within the pit
as the bearings are external to the pit. This mode of pump utilizes no filling
container to cover the shaft however in its place uses a throttle bushing. A parts
washer is the common application of this kind of pump.

FIGURE 3: VERTICAL CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

5
3). Horizontal Centrifugal Pumps

These types of pumps include a minimum of two otherwise more impellers. These
pumps are utilized in pumping services. Every stage is fundamentally a divide
pump.

FIGURE 4: HORIZONTAL CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

All the phases are in a similar shelter & mounted on a similar shaft. On a solo
horizontal shaft, minimum eight otherwise additional stages can be mounted.
Every stage enhances the head by around an equal amount. Multi-stage pumps can
also be single otherwise double suction on the first impeller. All kinds of pumps
have been providing as well as servicing this type of centrifugal pumps.

4). Submersible Pumps

These pumps are also named as stormwater, sewage, and septic pumps. The
applications of these pumps mainly include building services, domestic, industrial,
commercial, rural, municipal, & rainwater recycle applications.

FIGURE 5: SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS

These pumps are apt for shifting stormwater, subsoil water, sewage, black water,
grey water, rainwater, trade waste, chemicals, bore water, and foodstuffs. The
applications of these pipes mainly include in different impellers like closed, contra-
block, vortex, multi-stage, single channel, cutter, otherwise grinder pumps. For

6
different applications, there is an extensive selection is accessible which includes
high flow, low flow, low head, otherwise high head.

5). Fire Hydrant Systems

Fire hydrant pump systems are also named as hydrant boosters, fire pumps, & fire
water pumps. These are high force water pumps intended to enhance the capacity
of firefighting of construction by increasing the force within the hydrant service as
mains is not sufficient. The applications of this system mainly include irrigation as
well as water transfer.

FIGURE 6: FIRE HYDRANT SYSTEMS

POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT PUMPS

Positive displacement pumps are classified into different types but some of them
are discussed below like diaphragm, gear, peristaltic, lobe, and piston pumps.

1). Diaphragm Pumps

Diaphragm pumps also known as AOD pumps (Air operated diaphragms),

pneumatic, and AODD pumps. The applications of these pumps mainly include in
continuous applications like in general plants, industrial and mining. AOD pumps
are particularly employed where power is not obtainable, otherwise in unstable and
combustible regions. These pumps are also utilized for transferring chemical, food
manufacturing, underground coal mines, etc.

7
FIGURE 7: DIAPHRAGM PUMPS
These pumps are responding pumps and include two diaphragms which are driven
with condensed air. The section of air by transfer valve applies air alternately
toward the two diaphragms; where every diaphragm contains a set of ball or check
valves.

2). Gear Pumps

These pumps are a kind of rotating positive dislocation pump, which means they
force a stable amount of liquid for every revolution. These pumps move liquid with
machinery coming inside and outside of mesh for making a non-exciting pumping
act. These pumps are capable of pumping on high forces & surpass at pumping
high thickness fluids efficiently.

FIGURE 8: GEAR PUMPS

A gear pump doesn’t contain any valves to cause losses like friction & also high
impeller velocities. So, this pump is compatible for handling thick liquids like fuel

8
as well as grease oils. These pumps are not suitable for driving solids as well as
harsh liquids.

3). Peristaltic Pumps

Peristaltic pumps are also named as tube pumps, peristaltic pumps. These are a
kind of positive displacement pumps and the applications of these pumps mainly
involve in processing of chemical, food, and water treatment industries. It makes a
stable flow for measuring & blending and also capable of pumping a variety of
liquids like toothpaste and all kinds of chemicals.

FIGURE 9: PERISTALTIC PUMP

4). Lobe Pumps

These pumps offer different characteristics like an excellent high efficiency, rust
resistance, hygienic qualities, reliability, etc. These pumps can handle high
thickness fluids & solids without hurting them. The working of these pumps can be
related to gear pumps, apart from the lobes which do not approach into contact by
each other. Additionally, these pumps have superior pumping rooms compare with
gear pumps that allow them to move slurries. These are made with stainless steel as
well as extremely polished.

9
FIGURE 10: LOBE PUMP

5). Piston Pumps

Piston pumps are one kind type of positive dislocation pumps wherever the high
force seal responds through the piston. These pumps are frequently used in water
irrigation, scenarios requiring high, reliable pressure and delivery systems for
transferring chocolate, pastry, paint, etc.

FIGURE 11: PISTON PUMPS

PARAMETERS USED

 Flow rate.
 Differential head.
 Suction limit.
 Efficiency
 NPSH for centrifugal pumps.

Flow Rate

Flow rate Q is defined to be the volume of fluid passing by some location through
an area during a period of time, as seen in Figure 1. In symbols, this can be written
as
v
Q= t

10
where V is the volume and t is the elapsed time. The SI unit for flow rate is m3/s,
but a number of other units for Q are in common use. It corresponds to the amount
of liquid that passes through the pump in the unit time. Special pumps can give
very small and precise flow rates.

Differential Head

It is usually indicated by the symbol “H”. It is a characteristic parameter of pumps

and corresponds to the difference between the manometric pressures measured at
the discharge and the suction of the pump. This pressure difference is converted
into meters of the processed liquid column.

It is expressed by the equation:

P 1−Po
H= Υ

Where:

P1 = discharge pressure

Po = suction pressure

ϒ = specific gravity of the liquid

For the most common pumps, the maximum differential head is generally equal to
approximately 100m.

The loss of head is the difference between the manometric measure at the end of a
pipeline, or any other conduit and the discharge pressure of the pump. It depends
both on the pipeline characteristics (length, diameter, shape etc.) and on the
characteristics of the transferred fluid (i.e. density, viscosity etc.) The knowledge
of the loss of head is very important in order to choose the pump that will be used
in the process.

Suction Limit

Pump suctions have an action limit of about 10 meters of water equal to

atmospheric pressure. In practice, owing to the real efficiency of the pumps, this
limit is less than 10 meters. The discharge pressure on the other hand, depends
only on the characteristics of the pump and of the liquid to be pumped.

11
 Efficiency

The efficiency of a pump, usually indicated by “ղ” is the ratio between the useful
and the absorbed power. It is given as
useful power
ղ = absorbed power

Efficiency is always less than one.

Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH)

The difference between inlet pressure and the lowest pressure level inside
the pump is called NPSH: Net Positive Suction Head. NPSH is therefore an
expression of the pressure loss that takes place inside the first part of
the pump housing. It is given as:
NPSH = hs – hvp
Where hs is the absolute static pressure, expressed in meters of liquid measured at
the suction nozzle. The static pressure thus defined is equal to the gauge pressure
hg expressed in meters of liquid and added to the amount hv v2/2g(velocity head) hvp
absolute vapor pressure of the liquid, expressed in m, at the operating temperature.
A knowledge of NSPH will prevent cavitation phenomena.

SINGLE PUMP – PIPE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

While pumping fluid, the pump has to overcome the pressure loss that is caused by
friction in any valves, pipes, and fittings in the pipe system. This frictional head
loss is approximately proportional to the square of the flow rate. The total system
head that the pump has to overcome is the sum of the total static head and the
frictional head. The total static head is the sum of the static suction lift and the
static discharge head, which is equal to the difference between the water levels of
the discharge and the source tank (Figure 12). A plot of the total head-discharge for
a pipe system is called a system curve; it is superimposed onto a pump
characteristic curve in (Figure 13) The operating point for the pump-pipe system
combination occurs where the two graphs intercept.

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FIGURE 12: PUMP AND PIPE SYSTEM SHOWING STATIC AND TOTAL
HEADS: LIFT PUMP (LEFT), PUMP WITH FLOODED SUCTION (RIGHT)

FIGURE 13: PUMP-PIPE SYSTEM OPERATING POINT

PUMPS IN SERIES

Pumps are used in series in a system where substantial head changes take place
without any appreciable difference in discharge. When two or more pumps are
configured in series, the flow rate throughout the pumps remains the same;
13
however, each pump contributes to the increase in the head so that the overall head
is equal to the sum of the contributions of each pump.

The composite characteristic curve of pumps in series can be prepared by adding

the ordinates (heads) of all of the pumps for the same values of discharge. The
intersection point of the composite head characteristic curve and the system curve
provides the operating conditions (performance point) of the pumps (Figure 14).

FIGURE 14: CHARACTERISTICS OF TWO PUMPS IN SERIES

PUMPS IN PARALLEL

Parallel pumps are useful for systems with considerable discharge variations and
with no appreciable head change. In parallel, each pump has the same head.
However, each pump contributes to the discharge so that the total discharge is
equal to the sum of the contributions of each pump.

The composite head characteristic curve is obtained by summing up the discharge

of all pumps for the same values of head.  A typical pipe system curve and
performance point of the pumps are shown in Figure 15.

14
FIGURE 15: CHARACTERISTICS OF TWO PUMPS IN PARALLEL
ADVANTAGES OF USING THE SERIES AND PARALLEL PUMP
OPERATION
Operational Flexibility: Production fluctuations. The maximum and minimum
plant load cannot be easily handled by one pump. Splitting the load across 2 pumps
allows to run 2 pumps at high load and one pump at low load.
Redundancy: Having 2×100% configuration might be more-risky than 3×50%.
Assume in 2×100%, one pump trips. There will be a moment whereby there is
nothing running. In 3×50%, if one pump trips, at least one pump is still running.
Operational Costs: Sometimes one large pump might not operate near its BEP
and having 2 smaller pump which operate very near its BEP (Best Efficiency
Point, it is the point at which the pump operates at peak efficiency. At the BEP,
flow enters and leaves the pump with a minimum amount of flow separation,
turbulence, and other losses.) and at a higher efficiency may make better sense. For
example, the manufacturer may have on its catalogue one large pump with an
efficiency of 50% at the duty point but they can also provide 2 smaller pumps but
at 80% efficiency for a total for the same duty point. In that case, it might make
more sense for 2 smaller pumps.

15
 DESCRIPTION OF APPARATUS
Apparatus used
- Hydraulic bench
- Sump drain valve
- Pump
- Guage
- Stop watch
Materials used
- Water

 HYDRAULIC BENCH
The Hydraulic Bench is of volumetric type and has been designed to provide
continuous and controlled supply of water to conduct various experiments using
auxiliary modules in typical Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics Laboratory.

FIGURE 16: HYDRAULIC BENCH

Parts of the Hydraulic bench are
 Sump Tank: it stores water for hydraulic bench. It is located in the bottom
portion of hydraulic bench. Water from here is transported to other parts by
using a pump. It has a capacity of 160litres.
 Vertical Pipe: it supplies water to the upper parts of the hydraulic bench
from sump tank through a pump.
 Control Valve: it is used to regulate the flow in the pipe. i.e to increase and
decrease the flow of water in the hydraulic bench.

16
  Drain Valve: it is used for emptying sump tank.
 Dump valve: it is base of the volumetric tank. Opening the dump valve
allow water to entrained water to return to the sump tank.
 Measuring cylinder: it is used for measuring of small flow rate. The
cylinder is stored in the compartment housing the pump.

 SUMP DRAIN VALVE

The primary function of the sump pump check valve is to make sure that the water
being pumped out of the sump pump pit liner and through the discharge plumbing
cannot drain back into the liner. Sump pump check valves, like all check valves,
“flow sensitive” and rely on water in the line to open and close.

FIGURE 17: SUMP DRAIN VALVE

 PUMP
A pump is a device that moves fluids (liquids or gases), or sometimes slurries, by
mechanical action, typically converted from electrical energy into hydraulic
energy.
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.

17
FIGURE 18: PUMP

 GUAGE
The gauges are used to detect the pressure of various industrial systems and also
pneumatic and hydraulic installations. They are used in various industries
including waste treatment plants and oil refineries. This is to ensure that the
pressure of the products is monitored and the workplace is safe for the workers.

FIGURE 19: GUAGE

 STOP WATCH- It is a time piece designed to measure the amount of time
taken for a task to be performed.

FIGURE 20: STOP WATCH

18
FIGURE 21: EXPERIMENTAL SET UP.

19
 PROCEDURE
The experiment was done on three test configurations: single pump operation,
series pump operation and parallel pump operations.
SINGLE PUMP OPERATION
1. For the single pump operation the inlet of the F1-26 was connected to the
sump drain valve on the hydraulics bench which was fully opened while
performing the experiment.
2. The outlet was connected to the discharge manifold.
3. The gauges that were used for measurement of inlet and outlet heads for the
experiment were the inlet gauge, h1 and the outlet gauge, h2
4. The hydraulics bench sump drain valve was opened and the discharge
control valve on the discharge control manifold was closed.
5. The F1-26 pump was switched on and the discharge control valve was fully
opened.
6. A set of readings for flow rate at a range of head values was taken.
7. To vary the heads, the discharge control valve was used starting with the
valve fully open, and including a reading with the valve fully closed.
8. The readings for inlet flow to the pump were taken from the F1-26 pump
inlet gauge.
9. The readings for the pump output were taken from the F1-26 pump outlet
gauge.
SERIES PUMP OPERATION
1. For series pump operation the inlet of the F1-26 was connected to the
water inlet on the hydraulics bench.
2. The outlet of the F1-26 was connected to the discharge manifold.
3. The gauges that were used for the measurement of the outlet head were
the F1-26 outlet gauge h2. The inlet to the hydraulics bench pump was
assumed to be at atmospheric pressure.
4. The sump drain valve and the control valve on the hydraulics bench as
well as the discharge control valve on the discharge control manifold
were closed.
5. The bench pump was switched and the bench control valve was opened.
6. The F1-26 pump was switched on.

20
7. The discharge control valve was fully opened and then the pumps were
allowed for a few minutes to stabilize.
8. A set of readings were taken for flow rate at a range of head values.
9. The outlet head was measured using the F1-26 pump outlet gauge.
10.The inlet head was taken as the head in the sump tank of the hydraulics
bench and it was assumed to be at ambient pressure (zero relative to the
outlet).
11.The head was varied using the discharge control valve, starting with the
valve fully open and including a reading with the valve fully closed.
PARALLEL PUMP OPERATION
1. For parallel pump operation the inlet of the F1-26 was connected to
the sump drain valve on the hydraulics bench which must be fully
opened while performing the experiment.
2. The outlet was connected to the supplied T-connector.
3. The remaining outlet on the T-connector was connected to the
discharge manifold.
4. The gauges that were used for the measurement of inlet and outlet
heads for this experiment were the F1-26 inlet gauge, h1 (both pumps
were assumed to be at similar inlet heads and the discharge manifold
gauge, hm.)
5. The sump valve was opened and the control valve on the hydraulics
bench was closed.
6. The discharge control valve on the discharge control manifold was
closed.
7. The bench pump was switched on.
8. The bench control valve was opened.
9. The F1-26 pump was switched on.
10. The discharge control valve was opened fully and then allowed the
pumps a few minutes to stabilize.
11. A set of readings for flow rate at a range of head values were taken.
12. The inlet head was assumed to be similar for both pumps and was
measured using the F1-26 pump inlet gauge.
13.The outlet head was measured using the discharge manifold gauge.
14.The head was varied using the discharge control valve, starting with
the valve fully open and including a reading with the valve fully
closed.

21
 RESULTS
TECHNICAL DATA
Head correction values:
Datum to manifold gauge hd= 0.960m
Datum to outlet gauge, hd =0.170m
Datum to inlet gauge, hd = 0.020m
Datum to bench pump inlet hd =0.240m
TABLE 1: RESULTS FOR SINGLE PUMP OPERATION

Volume Time to Inlet Outlet Head Total Flow

of water collect t Head hi Head ho correctio Head H rate Q
V (m3) (sec) (m (m n (m (m3/s)
water) water) Hd(m) water) ×10-4
0.005 30 -8 4 0.15 12.50 1.67
0.005 24 -8 6 0.15 14.15 2.08
0.005 23 -8 7 0.15 15.15 2.17
0.005 23 -8 8 0.15 16.15 2.17
0.005 40 -8 9 0.15 17.15 1.25
0.005 34 -8 10 0.15 18.15 1.47

Converting volume of water in litre to m3

1 litre = 0.001m3

Hence 5 litres = 5×0.001 = 0.005m3

Head correction Hd= hdo - hdi

= 0.170 – 0.020 = 0.15 m

volume (v )
Flow rate Q = Time (s)

22
 0.005
= 30 = 1.67×10 m /s
-4 3

Total head H = Hd + (hdo - hdi)

H = 0.15+(4-(-8))

= 0.15 + (4 + 8)

= 12.15 m

SERIES PUMP
TABLE 2: RESULTS FOR SERIES PUMP OPERATION

Volume Time (s) Outlet Head Flow rate Total head

(m3) head ho correction Q (m/s) H (m)
(m) Hd (m) ×10-4
0.005 9.98 2 0.170 5.01 2.17
0.005 10.91 4 0.170 4.58 4.17
0.005 12.10 6 0.170 4.13 6.17
0.005 13.59 8 0.170 3.68 8.17
0.005 15.32 10 0.170 3.26 10.17
Datum to outlet gauge hd = 0.170 m

volume (v )
Flow rate Q = Time (s)

0.005
= 9.98 = 5.01×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + hdo

= 0.170 + 2

= 2.17 m

23
 PARALLEL PUMP
TABLE 3: RESULTS FOR PARALLEL PUMP OPERATION

Volume Manifold Time to Head Inlet Flow Total

of water (m) collect t correctio head hi rate Q head H
V (m3) (sec) n Hd (m) (m ×10-4 (m
water) (m3/s) water)
0.005 2 1.15 0.94 1.00 4.35 1.94
0.005 4 1.70 0.94 -1.80 2.94 6.74
0.005 6 2.56 0.94 -2.00 1.95 8.94
0.005 8 2.65 0.94 -2.40 1.89 11.34
0.005 10 3.05 0.94 1.00 1.64 9.94

Datum to inlet gauge hd = 0.020 m

Datum to manifold gauge hd = 0.960 m

Head correction Hd= hdm - hdi

= 0.960 – 0.020 = 0.94 m

volume (v )
Flow rate Q = Time (s)

0.005
= 1.15 = 4.34 ×10 m /s
-4 3

Total head H = Hd + (hdm - hdi)

= 0.94 + ( 2-1)

= 1.94 m

24
 DISCUSSION
The experiment that was carried out was the single, series and parallel pump
operations and this was done with the use of the hydraulic bench, the F1-26 pump
and a stop watch. It was done to help determine the head/flow rate characteristics
for a number of pump configurations: single pump operations, series pump
operations and parallel pump operations.
After careful analysis and calculations the total head as well as the flowrate were
given as 12.50m, 14.15m, 15.15m, 16.15m, 17.15m and 18.15m, 1.67×10-4 m3/s,
2.08×10-4 m3/s, 2.17×10-4 m3/s, 2.17×10-4 m3/s, 1.25×10-4 m3/s and 1.47×10-4 m3/s
respectively for the single pump operation. While for the series pump operations,
the total head and the flowrates were given as 2.17m, 4.17m, 6.17m, 8.17m, and
10.17m, 5.01×10-4 m3/s, 4.58×10-4 m3/s, 4.13×10-4 m3/s, 3.68×10-4 m3/s, and
3.26×10-4 m3/s respectively. Lastly, for the parallel pump operations the total head
and the flowrates were given as 1.94m, 6.74m, 8.94m, 11.34m, and 9.94m,
4.35×10-4 m3/s, 2.94×10-4 m3/s, 1.95×10-4 m3/s, 1.87×10-4 m3/s, and 1.64×10-4 m3/s
respectively.
From the experiment it was observed that the volume was constant, the total head
as well as the was increasing and the flowrate was reducing. This further implies
that at a constant volume the time taken is directly proportional to the total head of
the hydraulic bench and inversely proportional to the flowrate.
The slight difference between the experimental and calculated value can be
attributed to the inaccuracy in taking the readings from the manometer as a result
of error due to parallax. Improper tightening of the pumps too can cause a leakage
which in turn would lead to an error as well.
To ensure more accuracy in the experiment ensure that there is no leakage of
current from the power supply. Ensure too that the pumps are well tightened to
avoid leakage. The stopper should be used at the right time. The stop watch should
be properly monitored so as to not loose track of the time to not get additional
time.

25
 CONCLUSSION
From the experiment and the values gotten, the experiment was a successful one as
the values for time, total head(H) and flowrate(Q) were gotten and a relationship
between them was established.

26
 RECOMMENDATION
Another equipment such as the VDAS (H83-0519) can be used in place of the
hydraulic bench.
A better form of power supply can be used to achieve better results.

27
 REFERENCES
https://www.sciencedirect.com.
https://www.scribd.com.

https://clubtechnical.com/pump

https://encyclopedia.che.engin.umich.edu/Pages/TransportStorage/Pumps/
Pumps.html
Applied fluid mechanics lab manual by Habib Ahmari and Shah Md Imran Kabir
J.M Coulson and J .F. Rechardson with J.R. Backhurst and J.H. Horker, “Chemical
Engineering, Volume 1, Fluid Flow, Heat Transfer and Mass Transfer”. Sixth
Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2004

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 APPENDIX
GRAPH:

Total Head H (m water)

20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
1.67 2.08 2.17 2.17 1.25 1.47

FIGURE 22: GRAPH OF TOTAL HEAD(H) AGAINST FLOWRATE(Q) FOR

SINGLE PUMP OPERATION.

Total head H (m)

12

10

0
3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5

FIGURE 23: GRAPH OF TOTAL HEAD(H) AGAINST FLOWRATE(Q) FOR

SERIES PUMP OPERATION.

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 Total head H (m water)
12

10

0
1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5

FIGURE 24: GRAPH OF TOTAL HEAD(H) AGAINST FLOWRATE(Q) FOR

PARALLEL PUMP OPERATION.

CALCULATIONS
Single pump
When Ho = 6
volume (v )
Flow rate Q = Time (s)

0.005
= 24 = 2.08×10 m /s
-4 3

Total head H = Hd + (hdo - hdi)

H = 0.15+(6-(-8))

= 0.15 + (6 + 8)

= 14.15 m

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When Ho = 7

0.005
Flowrate = 23 = 2.17×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdo - hdi) = 0.15+(7-(-8)) = 0.15 + ( + 8) = 15.15 m

When Ho = 7

0.005
Flowrate = 23 = 2.17×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdo - hdi) = 0.15+(7-(-8)) = 0.15 + ( + 8) = 15.15 m

When Ho = 8

0.005
Flowrate = 23 = 2.17×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdo - hdi) = 0.15+(8-(-8)) = 0.15 + (8 + 8) = 16.15 m

When Ho = 9

0.005
Flowrate = 46 = 1.25×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdo - hdi) = 0.15+(9-(-8)) = 0.15 + (9 + 8) = 17.15 m

When Ho = 10

0.005
Flowrate = 3 4 = 1.47×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdo - hdi) = 0.15+(10-(-8)) = 0.15 + (10+ 8) = 18.15 m

Series pump
When Ho = 4
volume (v )
Flow rate Q = Time (s)

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 0.005
Flowrate = 10.91 = 4.58×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdo)

H = 0.17+(4) = 4.17 m

When Ho = 6

0.005
Flowrate = 12 .1 0 = 4.13×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdo)

H = 0.17+(6) = 4.17 m

When Ho = 8

0.005
Flowrate = 13.59 = 3.68×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdo)

H = 0.17+(8) = 8.17 m

When Ho = 10

0.005
Flowrate = 15.32 = 3.26×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdo)

H = 0.17+(10) = 10.17 m

Parallel pump
When Ho = 4
volume (v )
Flow rate Q = Time (s)

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 0.005
Flowrate = 1.70 = 2.94×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdm - hdi) = 0.94 + (4-(-1.80) = 0.94 + (4+1.80) = 6.74 m

When Ho = 6

0.005
Flowrate = 2.56 = 1.95×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdm - hdi) = 0.94 + (6-(-2.0) = 0.94 + (6+2.0) = 8.94 m

When Ho = 8

0.005
Flowrate = 2.65 = 1.89×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdm - hdi) = 0.94 + (8-(-2.40) = 0.94 + (8+2.40) = 11.34 m

When Ho = 10

0.005
Flowrate = 3.05 = 1.64×10-4 m3/s

Total head H = Hd + (hdm - hdi) = 0.94 + (10-1.00) = 0.94 + (9) = 9.94 m

water power( pw)

ɳ = shaft power( ps)

DIFFERENTIAL HEAD (H)

Pv−Po
H= Y

Where, Pv is the discharge pressure

Po is the suction pressure

Y is the specific gravity of the liquid.

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