LAB REPORT: PUMPS

TITLE: To draw the characteristic curves of Centrifugal Pumps

SUBMITTED TO: MR ABDUL BASIT

GROUP MEMBERS: WAQAS SARWAR (MS-11-IH-10295).

MUHAMMAD ASIF KHURSHID(MS)
WAQAS (MS)
1. Abstract:
This experiment has been carried to demonstrate the characteristics of a Centrifugal
Pump. At various input powers, rotating speeds (RPS) and flow rates, the head obtained
has been recorded and the variation is studied to understand the impact of the
operating conditions on the performance parameters. The calculation of Net positive
Suction Head (NPSH) has also been done. Moreover two pumps are operated in series
and parallel combinations to study parameter variations in both combinations. The
results obtained have been plotted.

2. Introduction:
2.1 Pumps:

Pumps are the devices which convert Mechanical energy of the shaft in to
the Hydraulic Energy of the Fluid.
OR
Pumps are the devices which transfer energy to the fluid by increasing its
Velocity and Pressure.

2.2 Centrifugal Pumps:

Centrifugal Pumps transfer rotational kinetic energy to the fluid by
increasing its velocity. The fluid moves with the impeller and centrifugal force acts on it and gets
out in the tangential direction. A diffuser is attached at the outlet which increases Pressure of
the fluid by reducing its velocity slightly.

2.3 Pressure:

Pressure is defined as the force per unit area which is being exerted by the
fluid on to its boundaries. Its SI units are N / m2 or Pa.

2.4 Head:
Head is a measure of fluid energy in the dimensions of length. Head indicates the
energy provided by the pump in the dimensions of length. Its SI units are ‘m’.
P
H=
ρg

2.5 Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH):

It is defined as the minimum head required

at the suction of a pump to avoid cavitations and hence to ensure the proper operation
of a pump.
P suc V 2suc Pv
NPSH = + −
ρg 2g ρ g
 3. Procedure:
 Take a look at the apparatus for zero errors in the gauges.
 First of all check the valves arrangement. Adjust it according to the type of experiment, which is
planned to be performed.
 After that turn the RPS knob to minimum and close the flow control valve. Now turn on the
electric supply and turn on the pump. Increase the flow rate and RPS steadily.
 Gradually increase flow rate and the RPS. Wait for a while for the system to achieve steady state
before you record values.
 Use Pressure gages at inlet and outlet of the pump to record values.
 The pressure gauge at the outlet is 70 cm above the outlet. So that change is being incorporated
by adding 0.07 bars in the pressure reading given out by the gauge.
 Repeat procedure again and again and take multiple values to minimize error.

4. Results & Calculations:

N Q P(suc) P(dis) P H ή V (suc) N.P.S.H

Sr.
RPS Lit/min bar bar watt m Efficiency m/s m
1 23.750 0.000 0.495 84.000 5.061 0.235 0.073 -0.233
2 32.000 -0.050 0.450 103.000 4.601 0.235 0.098 -10.265
3 60 36.800 -0.060 0.395 116.000 4.039 0.211 0.113 -10.265
4 38.000 -0.070 0.370 121.000 3.783 0.195 0.116 -10.265
5 38.200 -0.070 0.370 122.000 3.783 0.195 0.117 -10.266
1 11.000 0.000 0.770 86.000 7.873 0.166 0.034 -10.266
2 26.000 -0.025 0.695 124.000 7.106 0.245 0.079 -10.266
3 70 31.000 -0.050 0.670 140.000 6.850 0.250 0.095 -10.265
4 37.000 -0.060 0.620 156.000 6.339 0.247 0.113 -10.265
5 46.250 -0.080 0.470 187.000 4.806 0.196 0.141 -10.266
Table 1 Characteristics of Centrifugal Pump - I

Q P(suc) P(dis) H
Sr.
Lit/min bar bar m
1 10.000 0.000 1.520 15.541
2 20.000 -0.100 1.250 12.781
3 30.000 -0.100 1.020 10.429
4 40.000 -0.180 0.770 7.873
5 48.000 -0.200 0.280 2.863
Table 2 Characteristics of Centrifugal Pump 2

Sr. N Q P suc1 Psuc2 H1 H2 H=H1+H2 H(P1) H(P2)

 RPS Lit/min bar bar m m m m m
1 29.8 -0.025 1.45 -2.5E-06 0.00014691 14.94428 5.061 15.541
2 37.5 -0.05 1.17 -5.1E-06 0.000118541 12.36069 4.601 12.781
3 60 40.5 -0.075 0.97 -7.6E-06 9.82776E-05 10.58764 4.039 10.429
4 44 -0.08 0.82 -8.1E-06 8.308E-05 9.118541 3.783 7.873
5 49 -0.1 0.57 -1E-05 5.77508E-05 6.788247 3.783 2.863
Table 3 Characteristics of Centrifugal Pumps in Series

N Q P suc1 Psuc2 Pdis1' Pdis2' H1 H2 H'1 H'2

Sr. RPS Lit/min bar bar m m m m m m
1 30 -0.025 -0.15 0.77 0.77 7.80141844 7.80141844 5.061 15.541
7.29483282
2 34 -0.025 -0.17 0.72 0.72 7.294832827 7 4.601 12.781
6.88956433
60
3 38 -0.025 -0.20 0.68 0.68 6.889564336 6 4.039 10.429
6.28166160
4 42 -0.05 -0.20 0.62 0.62 6.281661601 1 3.783 7.873
5 46 -0.05 -0.21 0.58 0.58 5.87639311 5.87639311 3.783 2.863
Table 4 Characteristics of Centrifugal Pumps in Paralell

5. Plots

180.000

160.000
60 RPS
70 RPS
Power (w)

140.000

120.000

100.000

80.000
10.000 15.000 20.000 25.000 30.000 35.000 40.000 45.000 50.000
Flow Rate Q (Lit / min)
Figure 1 Relationship between Flow rate and Power Cosumption at different RPS/RPM
 9.000
8.000 60 RPS
7.000 70 RPS
6.000
5.000
Head (m)

4.000
3.000
2.000
1.000
0.000
10.000 15.000 20.000 25.000 30.000 35.000 40.000 45.000 50.000
Flow Rate Q (LIt / min )

Figure 2 Variation in Characteristics of Pump I with change in RPS/RPM

18.000

16.000
PUMP 1
14.000 PUMP II
12.000

10.000
Head (m)

Flow Rate Q (Lit/min)

8.000

6.000

4.000

2.000

0.000
0.000 10.000 20.000 30.000 40.000 50.000 60.000

Figure 3 COMPARISON OF CHARACHTERISTICS OF PUMP I AND PUMP II

 16
SERIES COMBINATION
14
PUMP 1
12 PUMP II
Head (m) 10

0
20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
Flow Rate Q (Lit /min)
Figure 4 SERIES COMBINATION

18.000
16.000 PUMP II
PUMP I
14.000
PARALELL
12.000
10.000
Head (m)

8.000
6.000
4.000
2.000
0.000
10.000 15.000 20.000 25.000 30.000 35.000 40.000 45.000 50.000
Flow Rate Q (LIt /min)

Figure 5 PARALELL COMBINATION

 Effect of RPS on Efficiency

0.300

60 RPS
0.250
70 RPS

0.200
Efficiency ή

0.150

0.100

0.050

0.000
5.000 10.000 15.000 20.000 25.000 30.000 35.000 40.000 45.000 50.000
Flow Rate Q ( Lit / min )

Figure 6 EFFICIENCY AND FLOW RATE AT VARYING RPS

6. Discussion:
6.1 Effects of varying RPS/RPM:
The increase in RPS leads to increase in Efficiency, Flow Rate, Head obtained
and Power Consumption. The plots indicate the same. Considering RPS/RPM and its effect on
Efficiency is that at very low RPM/RPS the fluid velocity is low and hence viscous losses are
more. So that’s why at low RPS/RPM the efficiency is less as compared to high RPS/RPM at
same flow rate which is indicated by the Figure 6. Whereas at very high RPM/RPS the
phenomenon’s of turbulence, turbulent losses and flow detachment from the impeller bladders
start to play. The flow detachment occurs at very high velocities where the inertial forces are for
more than coherent viscous forces. Hence at very high RPM/RPS, the efficiency of pumping
devices based on the principles of turbo-machinery decreases.
Flow Rate and Head are directly proportional to RPM/RPS if other factors
remain same which isn’t the case generally. The Power Consumption is also directly proportional
to the RPS/RPM.
6.2 Effects of Varying Flow Rate and Head:
At same RPS/RPM if the flow rate is
increased, the Head obtained is decreased. If the flow rate is decreased then the Head obtained
is increased. From the Figure 6 it is obvious that there is a certain point for each RPS/RPM at
which the maximum efficiency is obtained. Usually the RPS/RPM are kept constant and the Head
and Flow rate are adjusted in such a way that the operating conditions should be near the
maximum efficiency point called the break-even point.

6.3 Quality of a Good Centrifugal Pump:

A good centrifugal pump is the one which has the plateau at
the maximum efficiency point on the Efficiency Flow rate curve also called the characteristic
curves of the pump. The plateau indicates that efficiency does not vary sharply with variation in
flow rate about the maximum efficiency or the break-even point. So such pump can allow a lot
of options for their operation and have very good utilization at the systems where transient
changes of flow rate occur.

7. Conclusion:
The selection of the operating parameters of a pump determines its efficient
and cost effective operation. The operating conditions i.e. Head and Flow rate should be
selected as near to the break-even point as possible to achieve maximum efficiency thus lower
power consumption (Pumping Power). Thus the performance parameters and characteristic
curves of a pump are very useful for its selection, efficient and cost effective operation.

8. References
FLUID MECHANICS By Frank & White.
FLUID MECHANICS By Yunus Cengel and Cambala.
FLUID MECHANICS By Thomas A Young