Experiment 07: TO OBTAIN PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTIC CURVE

FOR VARIABLE SPEED CENTRIFUGAL PUMP.

Apparatus:

➢ Centrifugal Pump Test Rig

➢ Pressure gauges
➢ Flow meter

Formula:
𝑃𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑
Overall efficiency = η = x 100
𝑃𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑙

Fluid Power = 𝑃𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 = Pressure x Flow rate (ρghQ)

Electrical Power = 𝑃𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = Voltage x Current

𝑃3 −𝑃1
Pump Head = h (m) = (Pressure unit in pascal)
𝜌𝑔

Unit conversion: 1 bar = 100000 Pascal

Theory:

Pumps are devices that transfer mechanical energy from a prime mover into fluid energy to
produce the flow of liquids. First, the electrical energy, which is the energy put into the system, is
transferred to mechanical energy, which is the energy required to move the shaft and impeller.
Second, mechanical energy is transferred into the energy of the fluid. Centrifugal pump is one of
the most widely used pumps for transferring liquids. This is for a number of reasons. Centrifugal
pumps are very quiet in comparison to other pumps. They have relatively low operating and
maintenance costs. Centrifugal pumps take up little floor space and create a uniform and non-
pulsating flow. It is suitable for large discharge and smaller head and can handle dirty water.
 Procedure:

1. The pump discharge and suction valves were turned to fully open and the motor speed
turned to zero.
2. The electrical supply and motor drive switch are switched on. The motor control knob is
adjusted slowly to around half way position. The system is ensured to have no leaking. All
the gauges etc. are checked to reduce the motor speed back to zero and it is ready for
testing.
3. The suction valve is opened and the discharge valve is closed. The maximum speed N1 is
selected by adjusting speed control to 50%.
4. The discharge valve is fully opened and water is allowed to circulate. The volume flow
rate is calculated from a rotameter.
5. The discharge valve is closed (corresponding to no flow). When the measured readings
are steady read all the measurements.
6. The discharge valve is opened slightly, to give the first increment in volume flow. When
readings are steady, take the measurements.
7. The final measurements corresponding to the valve being fully open.
8. The entire experiment is repeated at pump speed corresponding to speed control.

Table:

Pump speed Flow Rate Q Pressure P1 Pressure P3 Pump Head Fluid Power Electrical Power Efficiency
(n) (LPM) (bar) (bar) h (m) Pfluid (W) Pelectrical (W) %
RPM
Observations and Calculations:

Graph:

1. Draw the pump characteristics curve by plotting the graph between pump head on y-axis
and volume flowrate on x-axis.
2. Draw the graph by plotting the efficiency on y-axis and volume flowrate on x-axis.

Conclusion/Comment:

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Experiment 08: TO OBTAIN PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
CURVE FOR RECIPROCATING PISTON PUMP.

Apparatus:

➢ Centrifugal Pump Test Rig

➢ Pressure gauges
➢ Flow meter

Formula:
𝑃𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑
Overall efficiency = η = x 100
𝑃𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑙

Fluid Power = 𝑃𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 = Pressure x Flow rate (ρghQ)

Electrical Power = 𝑃𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = Voltage x Current

𝑃3 −𝑃1
Pump Head = h (m) = (Pressure unit in pascal)
𝜌𝑔

Unit conversion: 1 bar = 100000 Pascal

Theory:

Pumps are devices that transfer mechanical energy from a prime mover into fluid energy to
produce the flow of liquids. First, the electrical energy, which is the energy put into the system, is
transferred to mechanical energy, which is the energy required to move the shaft and impeller.
Second, mechanical energy is transferred into the energy of the fluid. Reciprocating pump consists
of a piston having a reciprocating motion inside a cylinder with the help of connecting rod and a
crank rotated by an electric motor, I.C. engine, or any another suitable means. These pumps are
applied where the fluid is required in a small quantity but at a higher head. Reciprocating pumps
are applied for vehicle washing, water supply for multi-stories buildings, industries etc.
 Procedure:

1. Clean the apparatus and make tanks free from dust.

2. Close the drain valves provided
3. Fill Sump tank with clean water and ensure that no foreign particles are there.
4. Open flow control valve given on the water discharge line and control valve given on
suction line.
5. Ensure that all ON/OFF switches given on the panel are at OFF position.
6. Now switch ON the main power supply and switch ON the Pump.
7. Operate the flow control valve to regulate the flow of water discharged by the pump.
8. Note the volume flow rate on the flow meter on the discharge line
9. When experiment is over, properly open the gate valve provided on discharge line.
10. Switch OFF the pump first.
11. Switch OFF power supply to panel.

Table:

Pump speed Flow Rate Q Pressure P1 Pressure P3 Pump Head Fluid Power Electrical Power Efficiency
(n) (LPM) (bar) (bar) h (m) Pfluid (W) Pelectrical (W) %
RPM
Observations and Calculations:

Graph:

1. Draw the pump characteristics curve by plotting the graph between pump head on y-
axis and volume flowrate on x-axis.
2. Draw the graph by plotting the efficiency on y-axis and volume flowrate on x-axis.

Conclusion/Comment:

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Experiment 09: TO OBTAIN PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTIC CURVE
FOR CENTRIFUGAL PUMP CONNECTED IN SERIES.

Apparatus:

➢ Centrifugal Pump Test Rig

➢ Pressure gauges
➢ Flow meter

Formula:
𝑃𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑
Overall efficiency = η = x 100
𝑃𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑙

Fluid Power = 𝑃𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 = Pressure x Flow rate (ρghQ)

Electrical Power = 𝑃𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = Voltage x Current

𝑃3 −𝑃1
Pump Head = h (m) = (Pressure unit in pascal)
𝜌𝑔

Unit conversion: 1 bar = 100000 Pascal

Theory:

If a single pump does not provide enough head for a given application, two pumps connected in
series, as shown in Figure, can be a remedy. The effective two-pump performance curve is obtained
by adding the head of each pump at the same flowrate. The operating point shifts from A to B,
thereby providing not only increased head as required but also greater flow. Figure shows the
characteristics of two identical pumps, but the pumps do not have to be the same.
Procedure:

1. Vent the pump demonstrator.

2. Set the pump demonstrator for series operation.
3. Open valve 5 (V5) fully.
4. Turn on pump 1 (P1).
5. Turn on pump 2 (P2).
6. Measurements for the inlet pressure p1, the pump outlet pressure p2 and p3 and the volume
flow V should now be recorded.
7. Reduce the volume flow a bit by gradually closing valve 5 (V5) and take the measurements
according to point 6.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the volume flow is completely throttled.

Graph:

1. Draw the pump characteristics curve by plotting the graph between pump head on y-
axis and volume flowrate on x-axis.
2. Draw the graph by plotting the efficiency on y-axis and volume flowrate on x-axis.
 Table:

Pump 1 & 2 Flow Rate Q Pressure P1 Pressure P3 Pump Head Fluid Power Electrical Power Efficiency
speed (n) (LPM) (bar) (bar) h (m) Pfluid (W) Pelectrical (W) %
RPM

Observations and Calculations:

Conclusion/Comment:

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Experiment 10: TO OBTAIN PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTIC CURVE
FOR CENTRIFUGAL PUMP CONNECTED IN PARALLEL.

Apparatus:

➢ Centrifugal Pump Test Rig

➢ Pressure gauges
➢ Flow meter

Formula:
𝑃𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑
Overall efficiency = η = x 100
𝑃𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑙

Fluid Power = 𝑃𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 = Pressure x Flow rate (ρghQ)

Electrical Power = 𝑃𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = Voltage x Current

𝑃3 −𝑃1
Pump Head = h (m) = (Pressure unit in pascal)
𝜌𝑔

Unit conversion: 1 bar = 100000 Pascal

Theory:

If a single pump does not provide enough flowrate for a given application, connecting two pumps
in parallel, as shown in figure, can rectify the problem. The effective two-pump performance curve
is obtained by adding the flowrates of each pump at the same head. As shown, when two pumps
are connected in parallel, the operating points shift from A to B, providing not only increased
flowrate as required but also greater head. Figure shows the characteristics of two identical pumps,
but the pumps do not have to be the same.
Procedure:

1. Vent the pump demonstrator.

2. Set the pump demonstrator for Parallel operation.
3. Open valve 5 (V5) fully.
4. Turn on pump 1 (P1).
5. Turn on pump 2 (P2).
6. Measurements for the inlet pressure p1, the pump outlet pressure p2 and p3 and the
volume flow V should now be recorded.
7. Reduce the volume flow a bit by gradually closing valve 5 (V5) and take the
measurements according to point 6.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the volume flow is completely throttled.

Graph:

1. Draw the pump characteristics curve by plotting the graph between pump head on y-
axis and volume flowrate on x-axis.
2. Draw the graph by plotting the efficiency on y-axis and volume flowrate on x-axis.
 Table:

Pump 1 & 2 Flow Rate Q Pressure P1 Pressure P3 Pump Head Fluid Power Electrical Power Efficiency
speed (n) (LPM) (bar) (bar) h (m) Pfluid (W) Pelectrical (W) %
RPM

Observations and Calculations:

Conclusion/Comment:

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