Experiment 5: To Create a Pump Characteristic Curve & be able to

Interpret it

Student Name: __________________________ Reg. No. _____________ Section: __________

Theory

The HM284 series and parallel connected pumps demonstrator is part of the range of devices that
allow experiments on hydraulic engines and machines such as pumps, compressors and water
turbines. All models in this range are equipped with electronic sensors for computer-based data
acquisition. Using the software provided, measurements can be represented graphically, and
characteristics can be recorded. Product approach into effect.

Experimental Setup

The HM 284 pump demonstrator can be used to determine the characteristic behavior of a pump
and the interaction of two pumps.

● Characteristics of the system

● Characteristics of a pump
● Characteristics of pumps operating in series
● Characteristics of pumps operating in parallel.
 Fig 5.1 Front view of HM 284

The pump demonstrator consists of a controllable pump (p1) and an optionally switchable constant
speed pump (p2). Water is sucked in from the supply tank and pumped through the piping in the
circuit. Using valves 1 and 2, the pump demonstrator can be operated in a variety of operating
modes. Valve 3 is used to adjust the system's flow resistance. In this way it is possible to analyze
the behavior of the system and pumps.
Relatively small cross-sections of the suction lines affect the system characteristics in operation
and can be used to evaluate the flow configuration and to expand knowledge of fluid mechanics.
To set the pump demonstrator to standalone operation, valve 1 (v1) must connect the pump 1 (p1)
directly to valve 3 (v3). To achieve this, the manual valve of valve 1 must be rotated until the
symbol assumes the position as shown in Fig.6.2. In this valve position, pump 2 (p2) has no
function. To avoid possible backflow through pump 2 (p2), valve 2 (v2) must be closed. Pump 1
draws in water from the tank and pumps it through valve 1 and 3 (v1 and v3) back into the tank.
By throttling the volume flow with valve 3, the resistance against which the pump works can be
varied. The behavior of pump 1 can then be analyzed.
 Fig 5.2 Diagram for standalone operation

Procedure

To record the system characteristic curve, we shall proceed according to the following points:
1. Vent the pump demonstrator.
2. Set the pump demonstrator for standalone operation of pump 1 (p1).
3. Open valve 3 (v3) fully.
4. Carry out a zero calibration.
5. Leave pump 1 to run to 3300 l/min.
6. Measurements for the suction pressure p1, the pump outlet pressure p2 and the volume flow
should now be recorded.
7. Reduce the volume flow bit by bit by gradually slowing the pump speed and take the
measurements according to point 6.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the volume flow is completely throttled. Or between maximum (rpm
3300) and minimum (0) speed ranges.
9. Plot the 3-axis graph known as characteristic curve for system between pressure (p1, p2 and
ΔP) and volume flow rate.
By using valve 3 we can influence the system characteristic curve. In doing so, it is possible to
operate the pump at different system resistances and to plot the relationship between pressure
and volume flow.
To record the pump characteristic curve, we shall proceed according to the following points:
1. Vent the pump demonstrator.
2. Set the pump demonstrator for standalone operation of pump 1.
3. Open valve 3 (v3) fully.
4. Carry out a zero calibration.
5. Leave pump 1 to run to 2760 1/min (Speeds up to 3300 1/min are possible, but comparison
with pump 2 is only possible in this way).
6. Measurements for the suction pressure p1, the pump outlet pressure p2 and the volume flow
should now be recorded.
7. Reduce the volume flow bit by bit by gradually closing valve 3 (v3) and take the
measurements according to point 6
8. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the volume flow is completely throttled

Experimental Data

For System Characteristic Curve

n Q P1 P2 ΔP Phydraulic η

Pump 1 Volume Pressure Pressure Difference Hydraulic Efficiency

speed Flow rate Power
(bar) (bar) (bar) %
(rpm) (lit/min) (Watt)
For Pump Characteristic Curve
n Q P1 P2 Phydraulic Pelectrical 𝜼

Pump 1 Volume Pressure Pressure Hydraulic Electrical Efficiency

speed Flow rate Power Power
(bar) (bar) %
(rpm) (lit/min) (Watt) (Watt)

Calculations

ΔPp1 = P2 - P1

Phydraulic = ΔPp1. 𝑄
𝑃ℎ𝑦𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑢𝑙𝑖𝑐
𝜂= .100
𝑃𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙

Here:

ΔPp1: Difference of pressure across pump 1 in (bar)

P1: Suction Pressure of pump 1 in (bar)

P2: Discharge Pressure of pump 1 in (bar)

𝑄: Volume Flowrate in (lit/min)

Phydraulic: Hydraulic Power in (Watt)

Pelectrical: Electrical Power in (Watt)

𝜂: Efficiency in %
Lab Assignment

1. Plot System Characteristic Curve and Pump Characteristic Curves.

2. What is the principle function of pump? State two main basic classification of pump.
3. What is shut off head, BEP and operation point.