Introduction to Fluid Machineries:

Fluid machineries are devices designed to transfer energy to or from fluids. They are essential
components in various engineering applications, including power generation, transportation, HVAC
systems, and industrial processes. Fluid machineries can be broadly categorized into two types:
pumps and turbines.
Pumps:
1. Function: Pumps are devices used to increase the pressure or flow rate of a fluid. They are
commonly employed to transport liquids in pipelines, circulate coolant in thermal systems,
and supply water in households and industries.
2. Classification:
 Centrifugal Pumps: These pumps work on the principle of centrifugal force to impart
kinetic energy to the fluid. They are widely used for low-to-medium pressure
applications and offer high flow rates.
 Positive Displacement Pumps: These pumps trap a fixed volume of fluid and then
discharge it. Examples include reciprocating pumps, rotary pumps, and diaphragm
pumps. They are suitable for high-pressure applications and handling viscous fluids.
3. Operating Principles:
 Centrifugal pumps consist of an impeller that rotates within a casing. As the impeller
spins, it imparts centrifugal force to the fluid, creating a pressure gradient that
pushes the fluid outward.
 Positive displacement pumps utilize mechanisms such as reciprocating pistons,
rotating gears, or flexible diaphragms to trap and move fluid.
4. Performance Characteristics:
 Pump performance is characterized by parameters such as flow rate, head
(pressure), efficiency, and power consumption.
 Pump performance curves illustrate the relationship between these parameters and
help in pump selection and system design.
Turbines:
1. Function: Turbines are devices that extract energy from a moving fluid and convert it into
mechanical work. They are commonly used in power generation plants, hydroelectric dams,
wind turbines, and aircraft engines.
2. Classification:
 Hydraulic Turbines: These turbines harness the energy of flowing water to generate
electricity in hydroelectric power plants. Types include Pelton, Francis, and Kaplan
turbines.
  Gas Turbines: Gas turbines use combustion gases as the working fluid to produce
rotational motion. They are widely used in aircraft propulsion, power plants, and
industrial applications.
 Steam Turbines: Steam turbines utilize high-pressure steam to drive blades and
generate mechanical energy. They are prevalent in power generation and marine
propulsion systems.
3. Operating Principles:
 Hydraulic turbines operate on the principle of impulse or reaction. In impulse
turbines (e.g., Pelton), high-velocity jets of water strike buckets or blades,
transferring momentum. In reaction turbines (e.g., Francis), the pressure energy of
water is converted into kinetic energy as it flows through runner blades.
 Gas turbines utilize the expansion of hot gases to drive turbine blades, which are
connected to a shaft that drives a generator or other machinery.
 Steam turbines utilize the expansion of high-pressure steam to drive turbine blades,
similar to gas turbines.
4. Performance Characteristics:
 Turbine performance is characterized by parameters such as power output,
efficiency, inlet conditions (pressure, temperature), and speed.
 Efficiency is a critical parameter, as it directly impacts the overall efficiency of power
generation systems and operational costs.
Conclusion:
Fluid machineries play a vital role in various engineering applications, facilitating the efficient
transfer of energy between fluids and mechanical systems. Understanding the operating principles,
classifications, and performance characteristics of pumps and turbines is essential for their design,
selection, and optimization in practical applications. Ongoing advancements in fluid machinery
technology continue to drive improvements in energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and
overall system performance.