Central Luzon State University

College of Engineering
Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

Agricultural Mechanization and Machinery

Management

Assignment No.3
Research Paper on Agricultural Machinery
Water Pumping Machinery

Submitted by:
Gilbert M. Domingo Jr.
MSAEn

Submitted to:
Dr. Romeo B. Gavino
Professor
INTRODUCTION

Population and water consumption estimates are the basis for determining the flow demand
of a water supply and distribution system. Several analyses should be made to investigate alternative
piping arrangements within the distribution system. Flow and pressure demands at any point of the
system are determined by hydraulic network analysis of the supply, storage, pumping, and
distribution system as a whole. Supply point locations such as wells and storage reservoirs are
normally known based on a given source of supply or available space for a storage facility.

A water system needs to move the water produced from the source to its customers. In almost
all cases in Minnesota, the source is at a lower elevation than the user so the water must be raised
to a higher level. Some type of pumping equipment must be used to generate the pressure for raising
the water to the higher elevation.

Many different types of pumps can be used with the selection depending on the work that
needs to be done. One type would be used for transferring water from a well to a tower; another
would be better suited for pumping sludge containing a lime byproduct from a softening plant; still
another would be used for feeding a chemical into the water for treatment. Among the considerations
in selecting a pump are the maximum flow needed in gallons per minute (gpm), the head it needs to
pump against, and the accuracy needed for flow control.

Pumps come in a variety of sizes for a wide range of applications. They can be classified
according to their basic operating principle as dynamic or displacement pumps. Dynamic pumps can
be sub-classified as centrifugal and special effect pumps. Displacement pumps can be sub-classified
as rotary or reciprocating pumps. In principle, any liquid can be handled by any of the pump designs.
Where different pump designs could be used, the centrifugal pump is generally the most economical
followed by rotary and reciprocating pumps. Although, positive displacement pumps are generally
more efficient than centrifugal pumps, the benefit of higher efficiency tends to be offset by increased
maintenance costs.

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CHARACTERIZATION AND GENERAL FUNCTION OF PUMPS

Pumps

Pumps are devices used to lift or transfer water from one source to another. Pumps can be classified
into two kinds in terms of operating principle, and the following are:
 Manually-operated or hand pumps
 Mechanical pumps

Hand Pump
Water pump powered by the movement of human arms

Classification
The hand pump shall be classified according to the following:

A. Lift type
Type of hand pump intended for use in lifting water from low-head cisterns and wells, the
depth of which is not beyond the head furnished by atmospheric pressure.

Figure 1. Lift type hand pump

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B. Force type
Type of hand pump that performs the work of a lift pump and in addition forces the water from
the outlet at a pressure to suit any domestic application.

Figure 2. Lift type hand pump

B.1 Single acting

Type of force type hand pump that discharges water only on the forward stroke of the piston
or plunger and draw in water into the cylinder during the back stroke.

B.2 Double acting

Type of force type hand pump that discharges water on both forward and back strokes.

Parts/Components
Check valve
Valve inside the cylinder that holds the column of water in the draw pipe while the
plunger is being pushed down after each up-stroke

Discharge valve

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 Valve attached to the discharge side (for lift type hand pump) or to the body of the cylinder
(for force type hand pump) to allow one direction of flow of water only

Handle
Lever that connects the pump rod to the pump head which often includes some mechanism
to add counterweight to balance the weight of the water being lifted up the draw pipe

Outlet
Spout assembly of pump where water comes out

Plunger/Piston
Part of the cylinder that is connected to the pump rod and which forces water up the draw
pipe

Pump head
Pump assembly attached to the stand which contains the handle outlet assembly

Pump rod/plunger rod

Steel rod that connects the pump handle to the plunger assembly within the cylinder

Pump stand/pedestal
Base that attaches the hand pump to the ground and connects to the draw pipe

Stroke
Maximum distance that the plunger moves when the handle is moved

Suction inlet
Inlet to which the suction pipe is connected

Suction pipe
Pipe connecting the pump cylinder to the pump body where water moves up and out to the
pump spout during pumping

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Principle of Operation

Lift type
 Water shall be lifted by the action of the plunger.
 By pressing the handle downwards, the valve shall be raised inside the cylinder.
 The pressure inside the cylinder shall be reduced as the plunger assembly is raised. This shall
allow water in the suction pipe to rise correspondingly.
 After repeated strokes, water shall then reach the cylinder entering the check valve connected
to the suction inlet.
 The check valve shall open during downward stroke, and shall close during upward stroke.
 The space between the check valve and the plunger shall be filled with water.
 Succeeding strokes of the cylinder shall then push the water between the plunger and the check
valve into the discharge valve connected to the plunger.
 During the next upward stroke, water shall be lifted to the spout.

Force type
 Almost the same principle shall apply as that of the lift type.
 As the cylinder is filled with water, the downward stroke of the plunger shall push the water
through the discharge valve connected to the cylinder’s body.
 Water shall pass through the discharge outlet. Some of the water shall enter an air chamber
which is also connected to the discharge outlet.
 The water shall compress the air inside the chamber and shall create a pressure to force the
water out.

Manufacturing Requirements
 The hand pump shall consist of a pump head, handle, plunger, cylinder assembly, suction inlet
and outlet.
 The pump head and handle shall be made of cast iron or better material.

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  The cylinder assembly shall be made of cast iron or better material and shall have an inside
diameter of at least 76 mm.
 The check valve shall be made of cast iron or better material with a diameter of at least 32 mm.
It shall have sieves to filter possible contaminants.
 The plunger shall be made of cast iron or better material. It shall be surrounded with a gasket
to keep it tight.
 Gaskets shall be made of non-corrosive material (e.g. rubber).
 Pump rods shall be made of cast iron or better material.
 There shall be a provision for securing the handle to the pump head (e.g. cotter pin or lock
nut).

Lift type
 The discharge valve in the plunger assembly shall be made of cast iron or better material. It
shall have a diameter of at least 32 mm.
 The discharge outlet shall be made of cast iron or better material.

Force type
 The discharge valve connected to the cylinder shall be made of cast iron or better material. It
shall have a diameter of at least 32 mm.
 Air chamber shall be made of cast iron or better material with at least 6 mm thickness. It shall
be air-tight and water-tight.

Performance Requirements
 Check valves shall be water-tight.
 Lift type hand pump shall lift the water from cistern or well to at least 6 m.
 Force type hand pump shall lift the water up to a height of 15 m from ground level

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Method of Test and Measurements

Figure 3. Pump Head Measurement

A. General Conditions for Test and Inspection

Role of manufacturer/dealer
The manufacturer shall submit the operator’s manual of hand pump and shall abide by the
terms and conditions set forth by an official testing agency.

Role of the operator

An officially designated operator shall be skilled and shall be able to demonstrate, operate,
adjust and make repairs related to the operation of the equipment.

Test site conditions

The pump shall be tested in a laboratory using a test rig. In the case of pump permanently
installed, it shall be tested at the site where it is installed.

Test instruments/equipment
The suggested list of minimum test materials needed to carry out the hand pump testis shown
in Annex A.

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Ambient conditions
The ambient conditions such as atmospheric pressure, temperatures (dry bulb and wet bulb)
and relative humidity shall be recorded at equal interval during the test.

Termination of test for hand pump

If during the test, the hand pump encounters major component breakdown or malfunction, the
test engineer shall terminate the test.

B. Test and Inspection

Verification of the manufacturer’s technical data and information

This inspection is carried out to verify the mechanism, dimensions and construction material
of the hand pump in comparison with the list of manufacturer’s technical data and information. All
data shall be recorded in Annex B.

Performance test
This is carried out to obtain actual data on overall performance of the equipment.

Energy expenditure of the operator

 The heart rate of the operator shall be measured at the carotid artery or at the wrist before and
after operations.
Estimated energy

Table Estimated energy expenditure (Christensen scale for work load).

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  The physical build of the operator such as stature, forward reach, hand length, etc. shall be
measured.

Pump performance

 Suction head or suction lift (h1)

o Suction head shall be measured from the water surface to the level of water in the
discharge.
 Temperature of the liquid
 Temperature of the liquid shall be measured from the water discharge by the pump using a
thermometer.
 The time spent and the number of strokes from no discharge state to maximum flow rate shall
be recorded.
Total discharge head, total static head and water power shall be computed
o Discharge of lift type hand pump
o The discharge of the hand pump shall be obtained.
o Discharge of lift type hand pump
o The discharge of the hand pump shall be obtained.
o Pressure reading and computation of total dynamic head (TDH) for force type
Pressure gauges shall be attached to the suction side (vacuum gauge) and to the discharge side
(discharge pressure gauge) of the force pump

Figure 4. Pressure reading for force type hand pump.

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 With the valve closed, the force pump shall be operated. The pressure readings shall be read
and shall be recorded. This shall yield the maximum pressure that the pump can hold. The number of
full strokes to sustain that pressure shall also be noted.
The valve shall be adjusted to obtain new set of readings. The pressure readings for the
respective discharge values shall be recorded. At least five (5) sets of pressure readings and amount
of discharge shall be obtained and shall be plotted in the graph with the latter as the independent
variable.

Test trial
There shall be at least three (3) trials to conduct the test.

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Mechanical Pumps

Mechanical pumps are the second most common machine in the world (after the electric
motor). Mechanical pumps are those pumps run in the provision of mechanical power or operated with
a source of fuel. In mechanical pumps, the gas present in a vacuum system is transferred from a low
pressure to a higher pressure region. In order to be efficient, the pump has to provide simultaneously
a finite pumping speed and compression.

Kinds of Mechanical Pumps

Displacement pumps
Principle
The principle of these pumps is shown in the Fig. 1. During a cycle, a given volume of gas at low
pressure is trapped mechanically and subsequently compressed to the exhaust pressure. During this
cyclic process two difficulties arise:

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  The swept volume has to be sealed in order to ensure a good compression ratio hence an
efficient dynamic seal has to be provided.
 The compression of the gas during the pumping cycle creates heat, which must be evacuated.

These two difficulties can be efficiently mastered by the use of a fluid, which produces a
sealing film between the moving and fixed parts of the volume while efficiently evacuating the heat
liberated during the gas compression. This role was played by water or mercury in the first mechanical
pumps but oil now replaces it in a very efficient way.

Figure 5. Principle of the displacement pump

In order to avoid the presence of oil and the related maintenance and back streaming problems,
dry pumps have been developed. Here the absence of an efficient dynamic seal reduces the
compression per stage of the pumps and the necessity to evacuate the heat implies the use of an
external water cooling circuit. Several successive elementary stages are often combined in dry pumps
to improve their compression ratio and to allow gas exhaust at atmospheric pressure.

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Positive Displacement Pumps

The positive displacement pump is

commonly used to feed chemicals into the water or
to move heavy suspension, such as sludge. One type
of positive displacement pump consists of a piston
that moves in a back and forth motion within a
cylinder. It is used primarily to move material that
has large amounts of suspended material, such as
sludges. The cylinder will have check valves that
operate opposite to each other, depending on the
motion of the piston. One check will be located on
the suction side of the piston and will open as the
piston moves back, creating a larger cylinder area.
After the piston has reached the longest stroke
position, the motion of the piston will reverse. This Figure 6. Positive displacement pump
action will open the discharge check valve and close
the suction check. The contents of the piston are then discharged to discharge piping. After the
discharge, the motion of the piston will reverse and the suction stroke will begin. This action will take
place as long as power is applied to the pump.

Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps have been around for hundreds of years. If you have ever ridden a bicycle
without a fender after it rains, you already have a good understanding of how a centrifugal pump
works. The centrifugal force of the spinning impeller or the bicycle tire propels the water or fluid in a
specific direction. In the bicycle example, the rain water is propelled onto the riders back.
Centrifugal pumps use a volute chamber or housing to control the flow of fluid and direct it to the
outlet receptacle. Centrifugal pumps work best when they are submersed into the fluid to be pumped.
This eliminates any concerns with priming. Priming simply establishes the required suction for the
pump to operate the way it was designed and intended. You could say that this type of pump is self-
priming when it is submersed but generally we do not use the term “self-priming” when referring to

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centrifugal pumps. More about the term “self-priming” can be found below. When submersing is not
possible or desirable, way that the volute chamber is flooded and this is called “flooded suction”.

Figure 7. Basic Centrifugal Pump

The advantages of centrifugal pumps include:

 Reasonably priced and readily available
 Long life expectancy
 The best pump when submersing is desired
 Can handle some particulate in the fluid
 Generally has higher flow rates

The disadvantages of centrifugal pumps include:

 Do not self-prime unless submersed
 Do not have reversible (bi-directional) flow capability

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Gear Pumps

Gear pumps use meshing gears to pump

the fluid by positive displacement or fixed
displacement, meaning they deliver a constant
amount of fluid for each revolution. The gears
and gear housing are machined to extremely
tight tolerances allowing this design to generate
much higher PSI than say centrifugal pumps. As
shown in the diagram, the fluid is trapped
between the rotating gears and the gear housing
Figure 8. Basic Gear Pumps
as it is forced from the inlet side to the discharge
side. Gear pumps work extremely well with
moderately viscous fluids such as oils. Many gear pumps are specifically designed to pump oils
and contain wetted parts that will rust if used with water or water based fluids.

The advantages of gear pumps include:

 Bi-directional flow capability
 Higher PSI capability
 Self-priming

The disadvantages of gear pumps include:

 Fluid must be free of particulates
 Lower flow rates
 Only a few quality, miniature gear pump manufacturers
 Cannot run dry for extended periods

Membrane Pumps

Also known as a diaphragm pump, membrane pumps are very versatile. Some are designed
to pump both fluid and gases and some air pumps are manufactured specific for pressure or vacuum
applications.

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The advantages of membrane pumps include:
 Good dry running characteristics
 Can pump fluid and gas/air
 Self-priming
 Small footprints possible
 Larger designs have high PSI capability

The disadvantages of membranes pumps include:

 Fluid must be free of particulates
 Micro sizes have lower flow rates
 Not as quiet as other pump types

Peristaltic Pumps

Peristaltic pumps are very interesting in their design and capabilities, perfect for
intermittent and specialty pump applications. Sometimes referred to as tubing pumps, they have a
long list of advantages. Their larger size and lower flow rates are the primary disadvantages. The
largest peristaltic pump that we stock is rated at 1 liter per minute.
Our peristaltic pumps are self-priming (from 12 to 25 feet), variable flow, reversible,
chemical resistant, and can handle fluids with particulates or higher viscosities. The fluid only
contacts the inside of the tubing. Change the tubing to renew the pump and/or change
compatibility.

Figure 8. Basic Gear Pumps

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 Choose from a large selection of variations on each pump series we offer. All of our
peristaltic pumps are available with several different tubing materials, tubing sizes, motor RPMs
and control packages. Laboratory versions are available as well as many different AC and DC
voltage options.

The advantages of peristaltic pumps include:

 Excellent dry running characteristics
 Can pump fluid and gas/air
 Self-priming
 Bi-directional and variable flow capability
 Can generate 30 PSI
 Fluid only contacts the inside of the tubing
 Large selection of options and variations
 Can pump slurries and fluids with high particulate content
 Extremely accurate for dispensing or metering applications
 Compatible with most chemicals and aggressive fluids
 Pumps extremely hot or cold fluids

The disadvantages of peristaltic pumps include:

 Very low flow rates
 Not as compact as other pump types
 Not submersible
 The flow may pulse, particularly at low RPMs

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SELECTED EQUIPMENT UNDER WATER PUMPING MACHINERY –
CENTRIFUGAL PUMP
Centrifugal pump
Type of pump with impellers rotating inside a closed casing which draws water into the
pump through a central inlet opening and forces water out through a discharge outlet at the
periphery of the housing by means of centrifugal force shown in figure below

Figure 10. Basic Diagram of

Centrifugal pump

Figure 11. Two Types of Centrifugal

Pumps

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 Centrifugal pumps can also be constructed in a manner that results in two distinct volutes,
each receiving the liquid that is discharged from a 180 degree region of the impeller at any given
time. Pumps of this type are called double volute pumps (they may also be referred to a split volute
pumps). In some applications the double volute minimizes radial forces imparted to the shaft and
bearings due to imbalances in the pressure around the impeller.

Figure 12. Single and Double Volute

Diffuser pump or turbine pump

Type of centrifugal pump wherein the
impeller is surrounded by diffuser vanes. Some
centrifugal pumps contain diffusers. A diffuser is a
set of stationary vanes that surround the impeller.
The purpose of the diffuser is to increase the
efficiency of the centrifugal pump by allowing a
more gradual expansion and less turbulent area for
the liquid to reduce in velocity.
The diffuser vanes are designed in a manner
that the liquid exiting the impeller will encounter an
Figure 12. Single and Double Volute
ever increasing flow area as it passes through the
diffuser. This increase in flow area causes a
reduction in flow velocity, converting kinetic energy into flow pressure.

NOTE: The diffuser vanes have small openings near the impeller and enlarge gradually to
their outer diameter where the water flows into the chamber and around to the pump discharge.

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Volute pump
Type of centrifugal pump with a casing made in the form of a spiral or volute curve

NOTE: The casing is proportioned to reduce gradually the velocity of water as it flows
from the impeller to the discharge, thus changing velocity head to pressure head.

Classification
The classification of centrifugal pumps shall be based on the following:

A. Type of energy conversion

A.1 Volute
A.2 Diffuser or turbine

B. Type of Impellers
B.1 Open
It is used to pump water with considerable amount of small solids.

B.2 Semi-open or semi-enclosed

It is used to pump water having some amount of suspended sediments.

B.2 Enclosed
It is designed to pump clear water.

Figure 13. Different types of impeller

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The impeller sometimes contains balancing holes that connect the space around the hub to the
suction side of the impeller. The balancing holes have a total cross-sectional area that is
considerably greater than the cross-sectional area of the annular space between the wearing ring
and the hub. The result is suction pressure on both sides of the impeller hub, which maintains
a hydraulic balance of axial thrust.

Classification According To Flow

Centrifugal pumps can be classified based on the manner in which fluid flows through the
pump. The manner in which fluid flows through the pump is determined by the design of the pump
casing and the impeller. The three types of flow through a centrifugal pump are radial flow, axial
flow, and mixed flow.

A. Radial Flow Pumps

In a radial flow pump, the liquid enters at the center of the impeller and is directed out
along the impeller blades in a direction at right angles to the pump shaft. The impeller of a typical
radial flow pump and the flow through a radial flow pump

Figure 14. Radial Flow Centrifugal

Pump
B. Axial Flow Pumps

In an axial flow pump, the impeller pushes the liquid in a direction parallel to the pump
shaft. Axial flow pumps are sometimes called propeller pumps because they operate essentially
the same as the propeller of a boat. The impeller of a typical axial flow pump and the flow through
a radial flow pump

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 Figure 14. Axial Flow Centrifugal
Pump

Mixed Flow Pumps

Mixed flow pumps borrow characteristics from both radial flow and axial flow pumps.
As liquid flows through the impeller of a mixed flow pump, the impeller blades push the liquid
out away from the pump shaft and to the pump suction at an angle greater than
90 degrees. The impeller of a typical mixed flow pump and the flow through a mixed flow pump
are shown

Figure 15. Mixed Flow Centrifugal

Pump
Multi-Stage Centrifugal Pumps

A centrifugal pump with a single impeller that can develop a differential pressure of more
than 150 psi between the suction and the discharge is difficult and costly to design and construct.

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A more economical approach to developing high pressures with a single centrifugal pump is to
include multiple impellers on a common shaft within the same pump casing. Internal channels in
the pump casing route the discharge of one impeller to the suction of another impeller.
Figure below shows a diagram of the arrangement of the impellers of a four-stage pump.
The water enters the pump from the top left and passes through each of the four impellers in series,
going from left to right. The water goes from the volute surrounding the discharge of one impeller
to the suction of the next impeller.
A pump stage is defined as that portion of a centrifugal pump consisting of one impeller
and its associated components. Most centrifugal pumps are single-stage pumps, containing only
one impeller. A pump containing seven impellers within a single casing would be referred to as a
seven-stage pump or, or generally, as a multi-stage pump.

Figure 16. Multi-Stage Centrifugal

PumpPump

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Type of suction inlets

A. Single suction
A single suction type of pump has an impeller which has suction cavity on one side.
B. Double suction
A double suction type of pump has an impeller which has suction cavity on both sides.

Figure 17. Types of suction inlets

Axis of rotation

A. Horizontal
A horizontal centrifugal pump has a vertical impeller mounted on a horizontal shaft.
B. Vertical
A vertical centrifugal pump has a horizontal impeller mounted on a vertical shaft.

A. B.

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 Figure 18. Axis of Rotation
Method of priming

A. Non-self-priming
Non-self-priming pump is one that needs to be manually primed. The system has to be
filled initially by pouring water into the pipes from a bucket and thereafter the footvalve will keep
water in the system even after the pump is not used for some time.

B. Self-priming
Self-priming pump is one that develops a vacuum sufficiently enough for atmospheric
pressure to force the liquid to flow through the suction pipe into the pump casing without priming
the pump.

Performance Requirements
 The centrifugal pump when tested in accordance with PAES 115 shall conform to the
following requirements:
 Performance curve, which shows the head, efficiency, NPSHR, and the power, plotted
against discharge at specified shaft speed, shall be provided.
 The capacity and total head at maximum efficiency and rated shaft speed, as claimed by
the manufacturer shall be attained.

Other Requirements
 The centrifugal pump shall be designed for easy maintenance. Major parts such as casing
components and bearing housings (shouldered or doweled) shall have accurate alignment
on reassembly.
 The rotating components shall be dynamically balanced.
 The pump shall be designed to permit removal of the impeller, shaft seal and bearing
assembly without disturbing the inlet and outlet flange connection.
 Radial bearings shall be of standard available design (ball, roller, sleeve or pivoted shoe).
 Sealed type bearing shall be used or the bearing housing shall be sealed, to prevent the
entry of contaminants and the escape of lubricant under the normal operating conditions.

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  Bearing housing shall preferably be arranged so that bearings and seal can be easily
replaced without disturbing pump drive and mounting.
 Shafts shall be of ample size and of appropriate stiffness to:
o Transmit the primemover rated power.
o Ensure satisfactory packing or seal performance.
o Minimize wear and the risk of seizure.
o Take due consideration of static and dynamic radial thrust.

Important Terms

Axial flow pump

Type of pump which develop most of the suction and discharge head by propelling or
lifting action of the impeller vanes on the water

Base plane (datum elevation)

For horizontal shaft pumps, the distance from the level of water source to the centerline of
the pump shaft; for vertical single suction pumps (volute and diffusion vane type), the distance
from the entrance eye to the first stage impeller; for vertical double suction pumps, the distance
from the level of water source to the impeller discharge horizontal centerline

Cavitation
Formation of cavities filled with water vapor due to local pressure drop and collapse as
soon as the vapor bubbles reach regions of high pressure type of pump with vanes or impellers
rotating inside a close housing which draws water into the pump through a central inlet opening
and forces water out through a discharge outlet at the periphery of the housing by means of
centrifugal force

Discharge
Volume of water pumped per unit time

Friction head, hf
Equivalent head required to overcome the friction caused by the flow through the pipe and
pipe fittings

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 NOTE: It is specifically defined by the expression

Where: l is the length of the pipe, m

Q is the discharge, m3/s
C is the coefficient of friction for pipe (1.0 for steel,
1.5 for concrete, 0.8 for plastics)
D is the internal diameter of pipe, m
k is equal to 10

Head
`Quantity used to express a form (or combination of forms) of the energy content of the liquid per
unit weight of the liquid referred to any arbitrary datum

Mixed flow pump

Type of pump which combines some of the features of both centrifugal and the axial flow
pump and in which head is developed partly by the centrifugal force and partly by the lift of the
vanes on the water

Net positive suction head-NPSH (hsv)

Total suction head determined at the suction nozzle (corrected to pump center line) minus
the vapor pressure of water at the pumping temperature

Net positive suction head available (NPSHA)

NPSH as determined from the actual suction piping conditions

Where: Pa is the atmospheric pressure, kg/m2

Pvp is the vapor pressure, kg/m2
γ is the specific weight of water, kg/m3
Hs is the total suction lift/head, m

Net positive suction head required (NPSHR)

Performance characteristic required of the pump and is the NPSH at the pump inlet

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 NOTE: It is the statement of the minimum suction conditions required to prevent cavitation.

Performance curve
Curve which represents the interrelationship between capacity, head, power, NPSH and
efficiency of the pump

Pump
Device that is used to lift or transfer water from one source to another

Priming
Filling up the pump with water to displace or evacuate the entrapped air through a vent and
create a liquid seal inside the casing

Pump efficiency (ηp)

Ratio of the power output to the power input of the pump (see Annex G)

Shaft power
Power required at the pump shaft
NOTE: It is the input power to the pump.

Static discharge head ( hd )

Vertical distance from the centerline of the pump to the discharge water level

Static suction head ( hs )

Vertical distance from the free suction water level to the center line of the pump
NOTE: It exists when the source of water supply is above the center line of the pump.

Static suction lift ( hs )

Vertical distance from the free suction water level to the center line of the pump
NOTE: It exists when the source of water supply is below the centerline of the pump.

Total discharge head (Hd)

Sum of static discharge head, friction, and exit losses in the discharge piping plus the
velocity head and pressure head at the point of discharge (see Figure 1 and Annex G)

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 NOTE: As determined on test, it is the reading of a pressure gauge at the discharge pipe of
the pump referred to datum plus velocity head at the point of gauge attachment.

Total head (TH)

Measure of energy increase imparted to the water by the pump and the algebraic difference
between the total discharge head and total suction head
NOTE: Total head, as determined on test where suction lift exists, is the sum of the total
discharge head and total suction lift. Where positive suction head exists, the total
head is the total discharge head minus the total suction head.

Total suction head ( Hs )

Vertical distance from the center line of the pump to the free level of the water to be
pumped minus all friction losses in suction pipe and fittings, plus any pressure head existing on
the suction supply NOTE As determined on tests, it is the reading of a gauge at the suction of the
pump referred to datum plus the velocity head at the point of gauge attachment. Suction head exists
when the total suction head is above atmospheric pressure.

Total suction lift ( Hs )

Sum of static suction lift, friction and entrance losses in the suction piping
NOTE: As determined on the tests, it is the reading of the pressure gauge at the suction
nozzle of the pump corrected to the datum minus the velocity head at the point of
gauge attachment. Suction lift exists where the total suction head at pump datum is
below atmospheric pressure which the flow source vented to atmosphere.

Velocity head (hv)

Pressure expressed in meters required to create the velocity of flow (see Figure 1)
NOTE: It is specifically defined by the expression

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 Where: v is the velocity in the pipe and is obtained by dividing the
discharge by the actual area of the pipe cross-section and
determined at the point of gauge connection, m/s
g is the acceleration due to gravity, m/s2

Figure 10Measurement of different heads

Method of Test and Measurements

A. General Conditions for Test and Inspection

Pump on Test
The pump on test shall be commercially produced or prototype unit of pumps depending
upon the test objective. In the case of testing for commercially manufactured pumps, the pump
submitted for test shall be sampled in accordance with PAES 103.

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Responsibility of Manufacturer/Dealer
The manufacturer/dealer shall make the pump for testing available to an authorized testing
agency together with its specifications and other relevant information (see Annex A). An
authorized manufacturer’s/dealer’s representative shall be appointed to prepare, handle, adjust and
witness the test. It shall be the duty of the representative to make all decisions on matters of
adjustment and preparation of the machine for testing. The manufacturer shall abide with the terms
and conditions set forth by the authorized testing agency.

Site of Test
The pump shall be tested in a laboratory using a test rig. In the case of pump permanently
installed, it shall be tested at the site where it is installed.

Materials and Equipment

Water
The water to be used during the test shall be clean with a temperature range of 10 – 40 ºC.

Measuring Instruments
 The gauges to be used for head measurements shall be water columns or manometers.
 For a relatively high pressure, mercury manometer, bourdon gauges, electrical pressure
transducers or dead weight gauge testers shall be used. Pressure gauges shall be attached
as specified in Annex B.
 For measuring discharge, the equipment to be used for relatively small flow rates shall be
weighing tank. For relatively large flow rates, the weir, venturi, nozzle, orifice plate and
Pitot tube shall be used.
 For measuring pump input power, a dynamometer or a calibrated primemover shall be
used.
 All instruments to be used for test shall be calibrated.

Suction Lift / Head

The testing of pump shall be conducted on the smallest attainable suction head/lift to attain
the basic performance curve of the pump.

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Ambient Conditions
The ambient conditions such as atmospheric pressure, temperatures (dry bulb and wet bulb)
and relative humidity shall be recorded at equal interval during the test.

Suspension of Test
If during the test run, the pump stops due to breakdown or malfunction so as to affect the
pump’s performance, the test shall be suspended at the discretion of the test engineer and concurred
by the company representative.

B. Tests and Inspection

Verification of Manufacturer’s Technical Data and Information

 This inspection is carried out to verify the mechanism, main dimensions, materials and
accessories of the pump in comparison with the list of manufacturer’s technical data and
information.
 A plain and level surface shall be used as reference plane for verification of dimensional
pump specifications.
 The items to be inspected and verified shall be recorded in Annex A.

Performance Test
 This is carried out to determine/establish the performance characteristics of the pump.
 The test shall be conducted by operating the pump at manufacturer’s recommended speed.
The discharge and total head shall be varied by regulating the valve on the discharge side.
In the case of pump to be tested in actual site, the actual measurements of the following
shall be obtained:
o Static suction lift
o Static discharge head
o Size and length of the pipes from coupling
o Number of bends of piping
 Data measurements shall be obtained at the following specified measuring points:
 In the testing of a centrifugal pump, measurements shall be taken on not less than ten
different discharge values starting from no-discharge state to the maximum flow rate

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 possible, and at least of one these shall be measured at a head lower than the specified head.
 In the testing of a mixed flow pump, measurements shall be taken on not less than ten
different discharge values extending from the lower to the maximum flow rate possible
within a range of over and below the specified head.
 In the testing of an axial flow pump, measurements shall be taken on not less than ten
different discharge values extending from full maximum to the minimum discharge values
possible, and at least one of these shall be measured at a head higher than the specified
head.
During the test, the following shall be taken:
o Reading of vacuum gauge on the suction side
o Reading of pressure gauge on the discharge side
o Discharge (refer to Annex C)
o Input power to pump
o Magnitude of vibrations and presence of extra-ordinary noises shall be determined
during operations.
 Results shall be presented in tabular and graphical forms. The following curves shall be
presented:
o Total head vs. Discharge
o Pump input power vs. Discharge
o Efficiency vs. Discharge
o Pump Speed vs. Discharge
o NPSH vs. Discharge
 5.2.7 Items to be measured and recorded are as given in Annex D.

Cavitation Test
 This is carried out to determine the suction conditions of the pumps.
 The conditions for testing shall be the following:
 The pump shall be tested using the same set-up as in performance testing.
 The water to be used during the test shall be clean with a temperature range of 10 – 40 ºC.
 The pump shall be tested at the manufacturer’s recommended speed.
 The test shall be conducted by operating the pump at constant discharge and recommended

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 speed. The suction pressure shall be varied starting from low to maximum suction pressure.
Data on discharge, suction and discharge pressure, and power shall be recorded on every
suction pressure setting.
 Magnitude of vibrations and presence of extraordinary noises shall be determined.
 Results shall be presented in tabular and graphical forms.
 Items to be measured and recorded are as given in Annex E.

Priming Test
 This is carried out to determine the priming time of a self-priming pump.
 The pump shall be mounted on a test set-up with a static lift between the eye of the impeller
and the water level of at least 3 m.
 No check or foot valves shall be installed in the suction piping.
 Before operation, fill the priming chamber with water at a temperature range of 10 – 40 ºC.
 Operate the pump. The time elapsed between starting the unit and the time required to
obtain a steady discharge gauge reading or full flow through the discharge nozzle shall be
obtained and recorded as pump priming time.

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 Annex B
Pressure Gauges Attachment

The pressure tappings are specified as follows:

B1 The suction and discharge side of the pump shall be connected to a straight pipe with a length
of 4 times the diameter of each bore and one pressure tapping shall be provided at a distance twice
the diameter from each flange surface of the pump. Its position shall be at right angle to the plane
of the bend or of the curve of spiral of the pump. (see Fig.B.1)

B2 The diameter of pressure tapping shall be 2 to 6 mm or 1/10 of pipe inner diameter, whichever
has the less value, and the bore shall be normal (perpendicular) to the inner wall of the pipe and
shall have length of not less than twice of its diameter (see Fig.B.2). Inner wall of the pipe at this
part shall be sufficiently smooth and inner rim of the bore shall be made free from any burrs.

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Annex C
Different Methods of Discharge Measurement

C1 Container method
Measurement of discharge by container method is primarily suitable for the measurement
of relatively small flow rate. The two ways of discharge measurement by means of a container are
the weight and volume methods.

a) Weight method. This method is preferably used when a liquid’s bubbles are hard to break. The
container shall have a sufficient capacity to prevent the liquid from overflowing during
measurement. The weight of the liquid in the container shall be obtained using a suitable scale at
a definite time usually one minute. The discharge shall be computed using the formula:

Where: Q is the discharge, m3/h

W is the weight of liquid introduced into the container in t seconds,
t is the time required to introduce liquid of W, s
ρ is the weight per unit volume of liquid at the temperature during
measurement, kg/L

b) Volume method.
The container shall have sufficient capacity to prevent the liquid from overflowing during
measurement, and it shall be sufficiently rigid to prevent deformation when it is filled with liquid.
The liquid shall be obtained in a container of known volume for a definite time usually one minute.
The discharge be computed using the formula:

Where: Q is the discharge, m3/h

V is the volume of liquid introduced into container in t seconds, m3
t is the time required to introduce liquid of V,

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C2 Using weir
For the measurement of flow by means of a weir (sharp crested triangular or rectangular
weir) shall preferably be used. The flow shall be calculated according to the following equation:

a) for 90º triangular weir

Q = 0.0138 H 5 / 2

Where: Q is the discharge, L/s

H is the head, cm

b) for rectangular weir

Q = 0.0184 l H 3 / 4

Where: Q is the discharge, L/s

l is the length of crest, cm
H is the head over the crest, cm

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42 | P a g e
AVAILABLE PUMPING MACHINERY IN NEARBY MACHINERY POOLS

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 CLSU-WRMC Farm Centrifugal Pump

Estimated Price: Php 10,000 – 15,000.00

PhilRice Bio-ethanol Centrifugal Pump

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SOURCES AND REFERENCES
PhilSCAT Machinery and Equipment

PhilRice Machinery and Equipment

PAES 114: 2000 Agricultural Machinery – Centrifugal Pump – Specifications

PAES 115: 2000 Agricultural Machinery – Centrifugal, Mixed Flow and Axial Flow Water
Pumps – Methods of Test

PAES 153:2010 Agricultural Machinery – Hand Pump – Specifications

PAES 154:2010 Agricultural Machinery – Hand Pump – Methods of Test

Centrifugal Pump Ing Machinery- Theory And Practice Of Centrifugal And Turbine Pumps
Pdf Retrieved from WWW.forgottenbooks.com

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