Why NPSHR Changes With Impeller Diameter?

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Why NPSHR Changes With Impeller Diameter?

Introduction
Tweet
Confusion sometimes results when reviewing published NPSHR curves. This is especially true when faced
2 with trimming the impeller diameter to match changing operating conditions. A well known fact is that the Search for:
head-flow relationship varies with the diameter. This can be accurately approximated by the affinity laws.
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However, what happens to the NPSHR-flow relationship when the diameter changes? This relationship is
frequently over looked and can lead to pump cavitation. This Tip of the Month examines the relationship of Search
NPSHR to the impeller diameter and clarifies other misconceptions regarding pump NPSHR curves.

Background English TOTM Home

Pump performance may be shown for a single impeller or a range of impeller diameters. In the latter case
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the pump performance may be shown as multiple curves from the maximum to the minimum diameter, and may show
several intermediate impeller sizes. In addition, the pump performance characteristics may show curves for NPSHR,
efficiency and required power. The representation of the pump performance varies widely depending on many factors Archives
and can lead to design errors and possible confusion.

An example of a typical pump performance curve frequently seen in publications is shown in Figure 1. The pump flow rate September 2017
is plotted on the horizontal axis, and the head and NPSHR curves, which are a function of flow rate, plotted on the vertical
axles. Note that a single-line NPSHR curve starts at the no-flow condition and continually rises to the maximum flow rate. August 2017
For several reasons that will be discussed later, this type of NPSHR curve is incorrect and can lead to design errors and July 2017
possible cavitation problems.
June 2017
Pump cavitation is a complex subject and the topic of many technical papers and books. However, it is widely accepted
that this phenomenon begins at the pump inlet. It basically results from the increased velocity and reduced pressure as May 2017
the fluid enters the impeller. If the fluid static pressure drops below the vapor pressure, gas bubbles form and later
collapse as the fluid flows along the impeller vanes. These vapor bubbles can have a significant effect on the head April 2017
produced by the pump.
March 2017
It is important to note that fluid temperature also plays an important part in pump cavitation. Obviously, the fluid vapor
pressure will vary with temperature. The fluid temperature will also vary with pump efficiency. Temperature rise due to February 2017
pump efficiency is not significant in the high to mid-range flow rates, however, can be very significant at low flow rates. January 2017
This is why pump NPSHR values are not given at low flow conditions.
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Figure 1 – Pump Performance Curve for a Range of Impeller Diameters
August 2015
Another important factor in pump cavitation is the fluid velocity. Fluid entering a pump will continually increase in velocity
as it passes to the impeller eye. This increase in velocity causes a drop in the fluid static pressure and is analogous to lift
July 2015
on an airfoil. At high to mid-range flow rates the incoming fluid velocity and the impeller rotational velocity are compatible June 2015
and contributes to stable flow through the pump. However at low flow rates the entering velocity is well below the
rotational velocity and may cause the fluid to “recirculation” at the impeller inlet. Fluid recirculation is another form of May 2015
pump cavitation. This is another reason why NPSHR is not given at low flow rates.
April 2015
NPSHR Testing
March 2015
Understanding how NPSHR tests are conducted and how the impeller diameter influences the produced head will help
eliminate confusion and possible errors. Pump manufacturers determine the characteristic shape of the NPSHR curve for February 2015
each impeller through carefully controlled shop testing, hydraulic modeling and computer simulation. Hydraulic Institute January 2015
Standard 1.6 gives strict guidelines for conducting shop testing and is used by most pump manufactures. Pumps are
normally connected to closed-loop piping circuit where water flows from a suction tank (or sump) through the pump and December 2014
then back to the tank. The discharge flow rate, temperature and pressure are carefully measured and controlled
throughout the test. Basically the test is conducted at a fixed flow rate and speed while the suction pressure is reduced. November 2014
By reducing the suction pressure a point is reached when the water begins to vaporize thus causing the pump to cavitate.
The characteristic “cavitation” point is the flow rate that is exhibited by a small drop in head. The test is conducted again October 2014
at another fixed flow rate and again the resulting suction pressure and flow rate value are recorded at the “cavitation”
point. Once the series of tests are completed, a smooth line is drawn through the recorded data and plotted. Figure 2
September 2014
illustrates a typical series of test results and the resulting NPSHR curve. August 2014
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June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
December 2013
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October 2013
September 2013

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September 2012
Figure 2 – NPSHR Test Curve August 2012
A pump cavitation point can be difficult to define. The formation of vapor bubbles is a gradual process, starting slowly and July 2012
increasing with flow rate. The API-610 defines the cavitation point as a three percent drop in head. This is not to say that
pump cavitation does not occur at smaller values, it is just difficult to accurately measure at smaller values. To obtain a June 2012
single point it is necessary to run a pump for a period of time and allow the testing circuit to stabilize to the reducing
suction pressure. Remember, vapor bubbles are forming and instruments need time to react to the fluid dynamics.
May 2012
April 2012
Impeller Diameter and Head Relationship
March 2012
Larger pump impellers produce greater values of head for a given speed. This is because the head is proportional to the
tip speed. The relationship of head to tip speed can be approximated by Equation 1. February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
(Eq. 1) October 2011
Tip velocity can also be related to impeller diameter and rotating speed by Equation 2. September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
(Eq. 2) May 2011
From Equations 1 and 2 it can be seen that changes in impeller diameter will have a direct effect on the pump head. For April 2011
example, reducing the impeller diameter will lower the pump head by a factor of four. Since the cavitation point is
identified by a three percent drop in pump head, it is logical that any change in impeller diameter will have a direct effect March 2011
on the NPSHR value. For this reason, most pump manufacturers provide a single NPSHR curve for a given impeller February 2011
diameter. Figures 3 and 4 are typical pump performance curves for a range of impeller diameters. Note that a separate
NPSHR curve is given for each diameter. January 2011
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April 2010
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December 2009
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Figure 3 – Typical Pump Performance Curve for a Range of Diameters February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
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June 2008

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May 2008
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Figure 4 – Optional Pump Performance Curve for a Range of Diameters
February 2007
Conclusions
January 2007
The following conclusions can be reached from the previous discussion.
December 2006
1. Each impeller will have a characteristic NPSHR curve. It will depend on many design factors including the November 2006
diameter.
2. At a given flow rate, the NPSHR increases as the impeller diameter is reduced. October 2006
3. The NPSHR is never tested at the shut-off point. The fluid temperature continually rises as the flow rates
decreases. This prevents the system from stabilizing sufficiently to obtain accurate measurements. September 2006
4. Pumps may cavitate at low flow rates due to recirculation of fluid at the impeller eye.
5. The shape of the NPSHR curve is a U-shape. There is a slight rise in values as the flow is reduced and again at August 2006
higher values. The NPSHR is lowest in the mid-range values.
July 2006
By: Joe Honeywell June 2006
Legend May 2006
A Conversion constant = 720 ft/sec (600 m/s) April 2006
D Impeller diameter, inches (cm) March 2006
H Total pump head, ft (m) February 2006
g Gravitational constant, 32.17 ft/sec2 (9.81 m/s2) January 2006
n Rotational speed, rev/min December 2005
V Impeller tip velocity, ft/sec (m/s)
November 2005
October 2005
References
September 2005
1. American Petroleum Institute Standard 610, Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum, Petrochemical and Natural Gas
Industries, 10th Ed. August 2005
2. Hydraulic Institute Standard 1.6, Centrifugal Pump Tests, 2000
3. Terry Henshaw, Pumps and Systems, May 2009 July 2005
June 2005
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Posted on February 1, 2011 at 10:43 pm
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Written by Joe Honeywell Refining
Mr. Joe Honeywell is a graduate of University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Reliability Engineering
Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Honeywell began his career with an engineering consulting company
named Crest Engineering. He worked in the mechanical department for thirteen years, specializing in rotating equipment, Supply Chain
pressure vessels and piping systems. Mr. Honeywell advanced to project engineer and later project manager, where he Management
was involved in many offshore and onshore projects for oil and gas producers, both domestic and international. Mr.
Honeywell joined another consulting company, Crown Tech, Inc. where he worked for 19 years and became a principle in Uncategorized
the company. At CTI, Mr. Honeywell provided engineering services to many oil and gas producers, pipeline companies,
power producers and equipment manufacturers. His responsibilities included project management, design, manufacturer, Water and Corrosion
construction management, start-up and operation of power plants, pipelines and production facilities. Mr. Honeywell’s
background includes extensive experience with mechanical systems and rotating machinery. Mr. Honeywell is a
Registered Professional Engineer; and a member of ASME and holds a U.S.A. patent. Meta
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31 responses to “Why NPSHR Changes With Impeller Diameter?” Comments RSS
1. Abhijit Raje says: WordPress.org
July 18, 2012 at 8:56 am

Dear Joe,

I am quit impressed to read your papers & hope you will assist us in future too.

Regards & Tanks,

http://www.jmcampbell.com/tip-of-the-month/2011/02/why-npshr-changes-with-impell... 11/9/2017
Why NPSHR Changes With Impeller Diameter? | Campbell Tip of the Month Page 4 of 6

Abhijit Raje

Reply
2. AROL RICHARD says:
November 4, 2012 at 6:31 am

04 November, 2012

Dear Joe,

Your statement,

“A well known fact is head – flow relationship varies with diameter.

( AGREED ).

” This can be accurately (?) approximated by affinity laws

( I DO NOT AGREE )

All reputed manufacturers, factory test the Head-Capacity curves of their trimmed impellers and only then publish
these curves for the respective diameters. More importantly,these trimmed tested curves are not parallel to each
other, because the vane discharge angle increases with trimming and the curves are steeper. Will appreciate your
comments.

Regards,

Arol Richard

Reply
3. Kelley Teixeria says:
July 7, 2014 at 9:12 pm

There is no more.

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5. Richelle says:
August 7, 2014 at 8:18 pm

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6. Chong Moan says:
November 5, 2014 at 7:50 am

The Good water pump thks.

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7. Thomasina Goodner says:
November 6, 2014 at 11:05 pm

The Good water pump thks.

Reply
8. Aitken Dungavell says:
August 25, 2015 at 7:09 am

Dear Joe,
Excellent paper.
I have one issue where I cannot get a clear answer.
How does NPSHr vary for density i.e. the NPSHr curve is always established on water – does it change if the
pump is used for a lower density fluid and if so how does the NPSHr curve change?
Aitken

Reply
9. Anika Branecki says:
October 15, 2015 at 10:32 am

I really like what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and reporting! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve
added you guys to my blogroll.

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10. nachrichten nrw says:
December 5, 2015 at 12:18 pm

Mittlerweile gibt es viele günstige Varianten der Tablette,

doch die Bezeichnung Aspirin ist Synonym für den gesamten Markt geblieben.

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11. RAKESH PATEL says:
December 17, 2015 at 5:37 am

Dear Sir I have sarch sewage pump immpeller of how to calculate diameter& hight please answer me.

Reply
12. rakesh patel says:
December 17, 2015 at 5:42 am

Dear Sir I have sarch sewage pump immpeller of how to calculate, formula diameter& hight please answer me.

Reply
13. atepelton.blogspot.co.at says:
March 2, 2016 at 11:14 pm

Dort werden die Erkrankten rund um die Uhr betreut und erhalten bei Bedarf eine künstliche Ernährung
um den Körper zu stabilisieren.

Reply
14. twitter.com says:
March 5, 2016 at 6:47 pm

Daher können Patienten mit zu hohen Blutdruckwerten aufgrund von Übergewicht die Ursache
selbst bekämpfen, indem sie abnehmen.

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15. Gesundheit und Medizin says:
March 19, 2016 at 12:33 pm

Nehme jetzt leider regelmäßig Medikamente und bin trotzdem dabei, meinen Lebensstil zu
ändern.

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16. Forum Gesundheit und Medizin says:
March 24, 2016 at 9:30 am

Die besten Tipps, die leckersten Rezepte und die spannendsten Erfolgsstories gibt es
auch per E-mail.

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17. YILMAZ says:
March 24, 2016 at 11:09 am

Dear Joe’

Thank you for information. I need design high flow rate and high pressure centifuruge pump. pressure will be 400
psi and flow rate will be verh high (i.e. 20.000 gpm). How can I determine the RPM and size of impeller?
Do you have any formula? I just need just draft numbers?

Regards..

Reply
18. Medizinische Seiten im Internet says:
April 4, 2016 at 12:10 am

Am stärksten sank der Blutdruck bei den Teilnehmern,

die vor dem Versuch einen oberen Wert von 129 mmHg hatten – nämlich um durchschnittlich
13,2 mmHg.

Reply
19. das-wichtigste-gut.heim.at says:
April 5, 2016 at 6:02 pm

Dpa/Deutsche See Fischmanufaktur Lachs enthält viele gesunde Omega-3-Fettsäuren.

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20. Medizin Informationen says:
April 6, 2016 at 9:00 pm

Und diese Rückkoppelung nach dem Motto „Meine Herde ist noch da könnte lebensrettend sein.

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21. Stan says:
April 8, 2016 at 11:58 pm

Schon sechs bis zehn Gramm dunkle Schokolade (Kakaoanteil mindestens 70 Prozent)
pro Tag können den Blutdruck senken.

Reply
22. sankonsult-austria.blogspot.co.at says:
April 15, 2016 at 8:04 pm

Durch sportliche Betätigung vor allem im Ausdauerbereich sind positive Auswirkungen auf den Blutdruck
nachgewiesen und nicht
zu verachten.

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23. twitter.com says:
April 20, 2016 at 4:45 am

Je zwei Knoblauchzehen, Zwiebeln und Zitronen mit

der Schale schneiden und in einem Liter Wasser acht Minuten kochen lassen.

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24. Im Zentrum der Gesundheit says:
May 29, 2016 at 1:52 am

Medikamente Wer mit Medikamenten den Blutdruck senken muss, sollte sie genau nach Verordnung einnehmen,
nie auf eigene Faust anders dosieren.

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25. Who Definition Gesundheit says:
June 5, 2016 at 10:41 pm

Eine gesunde Ernährung sollte daher an die persönlichen Wünsche und Bedürfnisse angepasst werden.

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27. agrawalrk says:
August 24, 2016 at 5:16 am

Can you answer to my query “pump with higher NPSHr is better or with lower NPSHr particularly in case of higher
head pumping

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