DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-DASMARIÑAS

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND TECHNOLOGY

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM

FLUID MACHINERY
MODULE 4

BY:

ENGR. EDARDO L. ALASCO

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

IV. MODULE 4 – SPECIFIC SPEED / PUMP BASIC LAW / AFFINITY LAW

4.1 GOSPEL READING

4.2 INTRODUCTION

4.3 TOPIC LEARNING OUTCOMES

4.4 SPECIFIC SPEED OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

4.5 PUMP BASIC LAW

4.5.1 RELATION OF PUMP CHARACTERISTIC FOR SIMILAR PUMP

4.5.2 AFFINITY LAWS

 4.1 GOSPEL READING

Let us put ourselves in the presence of God..

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit..

Proverbs 2:6 and 10, “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come

knowledge and understanding. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge

will be pleasant to your soul”

St. John Baptist de la Salle..pray for us.. Live Jesus in our hearts..Forever

4.2 INTRODUCTION

Specific speed Ns, is used to characterize turbomachinery speed. Common and

industrial practices use dimensioned versions which are of equal utility. Specific speed

is most commonly used in pump applications to define the suction specific speed , a

quasi non-dimensional number that categorizes pump impellers as to their type and

proportions. In Imperial units it is defined as the speed in revolutions per minute at

which a geometrically similar impeller would operate if it were of such a size as to

deliver one gallon per minute against one foot of hydraulic head. In metric units flow

may be in l/s or m³/s and head in m, and care must be taken to state the units used.

Performance is defined as the ratio of the pump or turbine against a reference pump

or turbine, which divides the actual performance figure to provide a unitless figure of

merit. The resulting figure would more descriptively be called the "ideal-reference-

device-specific performance." This resulting unitless ratio may loosely be expressed as

a "speed," only because the performance of the reference ideal pump is linearly

dependent on its speed, so that the ratio of [device-performance to reference-device-

performance] is also the increased speed at which the reference device would need to

operate, in order to produce the performance, instead of its reference speed of "1 unit."

Specific speed is an index used to predict desired pump or turbine performance. i.e.

it predicts the general shape of a pumps impeller. It is this impeller's "shape" that

predicts its flow and head characteristics so that the designer can then select a pump or

turbine most appropriate for a particular application. Once the desired specific speed is

known, basic dimensions of the unit's components can be easily calculated.

The affinity laws express the mathematical relationships between the several

variables involved in pump performance. They are used to predict what effect speed

or impeller diameter changes have on centrifugal pump performance. One can trim an

existing impeller and the affinity laws will apply to the new conditions. Rather than

putting a false head on a pump to make it perform at design conditions, one can trim the

impeller to meet the operating conditions. This will save operating costs which can be

calculated using the affinity laws. If a system changes, one can retrim the impeller and

receive additional energy savings based on the affinity laws. The laws can be

summarized as follows:

1. Capacity varies directly as the speed or impeller diameter

2. TDH varies as the square of the speed or impeller diameter

3. BHP varies as the cube of the speed or impeller diameter

The laws are based on dimensional analysis of rotating machines that shows, for

dynamically similar conditions, certain dimensionless parameters remain constant. The

relationships apply to all types of centrifugal and axial machines.

Reference

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_speed#:~:text=Specific%20speed%20is%20

an%20index,appropriate%20for%20a%20particular%20application.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/affinity-law

4.3 COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, students are expected to:

TLO1. Understand the specific speed of pump.

TLO2. Learn the derivation of pump’s affinity law.

TLO3. Apply the pump’s basic law by solving problem on different pump set-up.

4.4 Specific Speed of Centrifugal Pump, 𝑵𝒔

- is the speed in rpm at which geometrically similar pump’s impeller

operate to develop one foot of head when discharging one gallon per minute.

𝑵 √𝑸
English unit, 𝑵𝒔 = 𝟑
(𝑯)𝟒

where: N = pump speed (rpm)

Q = pump capacity (gpm)

 H = pump head per stage (ft.)

𝐻𝑇
H= ; where 𝐻𝑇 = total head of the pump
𝑛

n = number of stages

𝑵 √𝑸
Metric unit, 𝑵𝒔 = 51.655 ( 𝟑 )
(𝑯)𝟒

where: N = pump speed (rpm)

𝑚3
Q = pump capacity ( )
𝑠

H = pump head per stage (m)

𝐻𝑇
H= ; where 𝐻𝑇 = total head of the pump
𝑛

n = number of stages

𝑁 √𝑄
Derivation of 𝑁𝑠 = 51.655( 3 )
(𝐻)4

𝑚3 1,000 𝑙𝑖 𝑔𝑎𝑙 60 𝑠
𝑁 √𝑄 𝑁 √( )( )( )( ) 𝑁 √𝑄
𝑠 𝑚3 3.7854 𝑙𝑖 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑁𝑠 = 3 =
3.28 𝑓𝑡
3 = 51.655 ( 3 )
(𝐻)4 (𝑚 𝑥 )4 (𝐻)4
𝑚

Example 1. A six stages pump delivers 1,500 gpm against a net pressure rise of 700

psi. What is the specific speed if it rotates at 1,750 rpm.

𝑁 √𝑄
Solution: 𝑁𝑠 = 3
(𝐻)4

𝐻𝑇
H=
𝑛
 𝑙𝑏 144 𝑖𝑛2
𝑃 700 𝑥
𝑖𝑛2 𝑓𝑡2
and 𝐻𝑇 = = 𝑙𝑏 = 1,615.38 ft.
ɤ 62.4 3
𝑓𝑡

1,615.38 ft
H= = 269.23 ft.
6

(1,750) √1,500
hence, 𝑁𝑠 = 3 = 1,020 rpm Ans.
(269.23)4

Example 2. Suppose 10 stages are to be used for a total head of 280 m, a capacity of

𝑙𝑖
100 and pump speed of 600 rpm. What is the specific speed in both Metric and
𝑠

English unit?

𝑁 √𝑄
Solution: A. Metric unit: 𝑁𝑠 = 51.655 ( 3 )
(𝐻)4

𝑙𝑖 𝑚3
Q = 100 𝑠 = 0.1 𝑠

280
H= = 28 m
10

600 √0.1
𝑁𝑠 = 51.655 ( 3 ) = 805.2 rpm Ans.
(28)4

𝑁 √𝑄
B. English unit: 𝑁𝑠 = 3
(𝐻)4

𝑙𝑖 𝑔𝑎𝑙 60 𝑠 𝑔𝑎𝑙
Q = 100 x x = 1,585.04
𝑠 3.7854 𝑙𝑖 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛

3.28 𝑓𝑡 918.4 ft
H = 280 m x
𝑚
= 10
= 91.84
 600 √1,585.04
hence, 𝑁𝑠 = 3 = 805.2 rpm Ans.
(91.84)4

4.5 Pump Basic Law

- Pump’s basic laws are derived using the principles of dynamic similarities

and dimensional analysis. These laws only hold true at different operating conditions as

long as the pump efficiency is constant.

4.5.1 Relation of Pump Characteristic For Similar Pump:

Note: Two pumps are geometrically similar when all corresponding dimensions

have the same constant ratio.

4.5.1.1 Relation of Q, N and D.

Q∞ND

Q= C N D

𝑄
=C
𝑁𝐷

𝑄1 𝑄2
=
𝑁1𝐷1 𝑁2𝐷2

4.5.1.2 Relation of H, N and D.

H ∞ N2 D2

H = C N2 D2

𝐻
=C
𝑁2 𝐷2
 𝐻1 𝐻2
=
𝑁12 𝐷12 𝑁22 𝐷22

4.5.1.3 Relation of P, N and D.

P ∞ N3 D3

P = C N3 D3

𝑃
=C
𝑁3 𝐷3

𝑃1 𝑃2
=
𝑁13 𝐷13 𝑁23 𝐷23

4.5.1.3 Relation of N, Q and H.

𝑁 √𝑄
3 =C
(𝐻)4

𝑁1 √𝑄1 𝑁2 √𝑄2
3 = 3
(𝐻1)4 (𝐻2)4

where: 1 = denotes the first (original) pump

2 = denotes the second (new) pump

N = pump speed

D = diameter of the impeller

Q = pump capacity

H = pump head per stage

P = power
 4.5.2 Affinity Laws:

Affinity laws are used to predict the performance of a pump when

operating at speed other that at which it is tested.

4.5.2.1 Variation of impeller speed or change in speed without

changing the impeller diameter. (D=C)

𝑄1 𝑄2
4.5.2.1.1 =
𝑁1𝐷1 𝑁2 𝐷2

𝑄1 𝑄2
=
𝑁1 𝐷1 𝑁2 𝐷2

𝑵𝟐
𝑸𝟐 = 𝑸𝟏 ( )
𝑵𝟏

𝐻1 𝐻2
4.5.2.1.2 =
𝑁12 𝐷12 𝑁22 𝐷22

𝐻1 𝐻2
2 2 =
𝑁1 𝐷1 𝑁22 𝐷22

𝑵𝟐 𝟐
𝑯𝟐 = 𝑯𝟏 ( )
𝑵𝟏

𝑃1 𝑃2
4.5.2.1.3 3 3 =
𝑁1 𝐷1 𝑁23 𝐷23

𝑃1 𝑃2
3 3 =
𝑁1 𝐷1 𝑁23 𝐷23

𝑵𝟐 𝟑
𝑷𝟐 = 𝑷𝟏 ( )
𝑵𝟏

𝑵𝟐 𝑸𝟐 𝑯 𝟑 𝑷
General relation: = = √𝑯𝟐 = √𝑷𝟐
𝑵𝟏 𝑸𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
 4.5.2.2 Variation of impeller diameter or changing the impeller

diameter without changing the speed. (N=C)

𝑄1 𝑄2
4.5.2.2.1 𝑁1 𝐷1
= 𝑁2𝐷2

𝑄1 𝑄2
=
𝑁1𝐷1 𝑁2𝐷2

𝑫𝟐
𝑸 𝟐 = 𝑸𝟏 ( )
𝑫𝟏

𝐻1 𝐻2
4.5.2.2.2 =
2 2
𝑁1 𝐷1 𝑁22 𝐷22

𝐻1 𝐻2
=
𝑁12 𝐷12 𝑁22 𝐷22

𝑫𝟐 𝟐
𝑯𝟐 = 𝑯𝟏 ( )
𝑫𝟏

𝑃1 𝑃2
4.5.2.2.3 =
𝑁13 𝐷13 𝑁23 𝐷23

𝑃1 𝑃2
=
3 3
𝑁1 𝐷1 𝑁23 𝐷23

𝑫𝟐 𝟑
𝑷𝟐 = 𝑷𝟏 ( )
𝑫𝟏

𝑫𝟐 𝑸𝟐 𝑯 𝟑 𝑷
General relation: = = √𝑯𝟐 = √𝑷𝟐
𝑫𝟏 𝑸𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
Example 1. A centrifugal pump designed for a 1,800 rpm operation and a head

𝑙𝑖
of 60.9 m has a capacity of 189.3 with a power input of 130.6 KW.
𝑠

A. What effect will a speed reduction to 1,200 rpm have on the head, capacity and

power input assuming diameter is constant?

B. What will be the changes in these variables if the impeller diameter is reduced

from 304.8 mm to 254 mm while the speed is constant at 1,800 rpm?

𝑙𝑖
Solution: 𝑁1 = 1,800 rpm; 𝐻1 = 60.9 m; 𝑄1 = 189.3
𝑠

A. 𝑁2 = 1,200 rpm

𝑁2 1,200 𝒍𝒊
𝑄2 = 𝑄1( ) = 189.3 ( ) = 126.2 Ans.
𝑁1 1,800 𝒔

𝑁2 2 1,200 2
𝐻2 = 𝐻1 ( ) = 60.9 ( ) = 27.067 m Ans.
𝑁1 1,800

𝑁2 3 1,200 3
𝑃2 = 𝑃1 ( ) = 130.6 ( ) = 38.69 KW Ans.
𝑁1 1,800

B. 𝐷1 = 304.8 mm; 𝐷1 = 254 mm

𝐷2 254 𝒍𝒊
𝑄2 = 𝑄1 ( ) = 189.3 ( 304.8 ) = 157.75 Ans.
𝐷1 𝒔

𝐷2 2 254
𝐻2 = 𝐻1 ( ) = 60.9 ( )2 = 42.29 m Ans.
𝐷1 304.8

𝐷2 3 254
𝑃2 = 𝑃1 ( ) = 130.6 ( )3 = 75.58 KW Ans.
𝐷1 304.8
 𝑙𝑖
Example 2. A DC motor- driven pump running at 100 rpm delivers 30 of water
𝑠

against a total pumping head of 27 m with a pump efficiency of 60%.

A. What is the speed and capacity if the pump rpm is increased to produce a

pumping head of 36 m assuming there is no change in the efficiency?

B. Can a 15 KW motor be used under conditions indicated in item (A)?

Solution: 𝐴. 𝑁1 = 100 rpm ; 𝑁2 = _______________

𝑙𝑖
𝑄1 = 30 ; 𝑄2 = _______________
𝑠

𝐻1 = 27 m ; 𝐻2 = 36 m

𝑛𝑃1 = 60% ; 𝑛𝑃2 = 60%

assuming diameter is constant, D=C, general equation is:

𝑁2 𝑄2 𝐻 3 𝑃
= = √𝐻2 = √𝑃2
𝑁1 𝑄1 1 1

𝑁2 𝐻
= √ 2
𝑁1 𝐻 1

𝐻 36
𝑁2 = 𝑁1 √ 2 = 100 √ = 115.47 rpm Ans.
𝐻 27
1

𝑄2 𝐻
= √𝐻2
𝑄1 1

𝐻 36 𝒍𝒊
𝑄2 = 𝑄1 √ 2 = 30 √ = 34.64 Ans.
𝐻 27
1 𝒔
 𝑃
B. 𝑛𝑃 = 𝑃′ x 100%

𝒎𝟑 𝑲𝑵
P = Q ɤ H = 0.03464 (9.81 ) ( 36 𝑚 ) = 12.23 KW
𝒔 𝒎𝟑

12.23
𝑃′ = = 20.39 KW
0.60

Assuming motor efficiency to be 100%, the power input should be

20.39 KW or higher, hence a 15 KW motor cannot be used. Ans.

REFERENCES

Online References
Call Reference Material
number or
e-provider
You tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfk-6fgx-vM
Channel
You tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okl1GDAuWgs
Channel
You tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGnGBo-FrlA
Channel
You tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clVwKynHpB0
Channel

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