Unit 2

2. Centrifugal pumps and fans

2.1. Introduction
2.2. Impeller flow
2.3. Efficiency
2.4. Performance
characteristics
2.5. Design of pumps
2.6. Fans
2.1 Introduction:
 Another classification of Turbo machines are those which convert
Fluid Energy into Mechanical Energy.
 These include: Pumps, Compressors, Blowers and Fans. If a turbo
machine is used to raise the pressure of a liquid
(water, chemicals, petroleum, etc.) it is called a Pump.
 If a turbo machine is used to raise the pressure of a gas it is called a
Compressor or a Blower or a Fan, depending upon the pressure
developed.
 The main advantages of a Centrifugal (Dynamic) Pump in
comparison with its equivalent Positive Displacement
Prime Mover
Pump is due
Pump (Electric Motor)

to:
• Its larger Discharge Capacity (Flow Rate).
• Its ability to handle relatively high viscous fluids (liquids).
• Its ability to operate relatively at higher speeds with less danger of
‘Cavitations’.
• Its low maintenance requirements.
The disadvantages are:
• It develops a relatively lower Head.
• It requires ‘priming’,
priming if it is not a ‘self-priming’ type.
Function, Component Parts and Principle of Operation.

Reservoir Section A-A

y(r)

yd B x(t) B

y Discharge
Hts Pipe
Electric
Suction A Motor
Pipe Pump

ys z
A
Coupling
Source (Well) x(t)

Section B-B
z(a)
A Pumping System Sectioned Views of the Pump

Function:- The main function of a ‘Centrifugal Pump’ is to lift a fluid (water) from a
‘Source (River, Well, Lake, etc.)’ to the ‘Reservoir’.
Main Component Parts of a Centrifugal Pump and their Function.
Function

1.Impeller
2.Foot Valve and Strainer
3.Suction Pipe Discharge
Pipe

4.Casing (Volute)
Casing
5.Discharge Pipe (Volute)
Gate Valve

6.Gate Valve yd
Impeller

Hts

1. Impeller:- is the rotating part (member) of a centrifugal pump which

Curved
consists of a series of ‘curved vanes’. Impeller
Eye
Vanes

ys
 It is mounted on a shaft and driven by means of a prime
Suction
Pipe
mover
(Electric Motor, IC Engine, etc.). Source (Lake)

 When the impeller is rotating, a partial vacuum is created

Foot Valve around
and
Strainer

the ‘Impeller Eye’.

  As a result, water in the ‘Supply (River or Well)’ is forced by
the ‘ambient or atmospheric’ pressure to move towards the
‘Suction Side of the pump’ through the ‘Suction Pipe’. Discharge
Pipe

2. Foot Valve and Strainer:- The Foot Valve is a non-return

Casing
(Volute)
or aGateone-
Valve

way valve which allows the flow of fluid (water)

y only in one
Impeller
d

Hts
direction. That is, from the ‘Source’ towards the ‘Suction Side of the
Pump’.
Impeller
Eye
A Strainer is used to filter dirt particles, which
ys otherwise tend to
Suction
Pipe
damage the impeller or the pump. Source (Lake)

3.Suction Pipe:- is used to convey liquid (water) from the ‘Source’ to

Foot Valve
and
the ‘Suction (Inlet) Side of the Pump’. Strainer
4. Casing:- is the stationary part or member of a centrifugal pump which
consists of an air-tight passage.
 It is designed to collect the liquid and also to convert a portion of the
fluid velocity head (Hv) at the outlet of the impeller into pressure head

(Hp) before the fluid (water) is leaving the ‘Discharge (Outlet) Side of
the Pump’. Diffuser

Note:- Before starting the pump: the Suction Pipe, the Casing and the
portion of the Delivery Pipe (upto the Gate Valve) have to be properly
filled with fluid (water). This process is called ‘Priming’.
 Common type of Casings

Discharge
Pipe

Casing
Gate Valve
(Volute)

Impeller
yd

Hts

Volute Casing
Volute Casing
with Diffuser Curved
Vanes
Impeller
Eye

5. Delivery Pipe and Gate Valve:- The Delivery

y
Pipe is used
s
to convey
Suction
Pipe

liquid (water) from the discharge (outlet) side of the pump to the
Source (Lake)

‘Reservoir’. Foot Valve

and
Strainer
The Gate Valve is used to control the ‘Flow Rate’.
Principle of Operation
As shown in the figures, the fluid (water) enters axially through the
‘Impeller Eye’ and is caught up in the ‘Impeller Vanes’ where it is
rotated (whirled) tangentially and then thrown radially outwards until it
leaves the impeller.
 In doing so, both the velocity and pressure heads (Hv and Hp) of the
fluid keeps on increasing.
.
When the fluid (water) particle passes through a gradually increasing
cross-sectional area called ‘Diffuser’ and ‘Volute’, a portion of velocity
head (Hv) keeps on converting into pressures head (Hp).
 As a result, a high pressure fluid (water) is obtained at the discharge
Note:- During Shut-Off (Closed) operation, the actual
Head (Hact) to be developed is given by,

2
u
H act  2

2g
Classification of Centrifugal Pump
1.By the type of Energy Conversion,
3. By the Type of Suction,
Volute
Diffuser • Single Suction
• Double Suction
4. By the Number of Stages,
• Single Stage
• Multi-Stage
Volute Type Volute with Diffuser
2. By the Types of Impeller, 5. By the Shaft Position,
• Horizontal Shaft
• Vertical Shaft
6. By the Method of Drive,
• Direct Drive (Rigid or
Flexible Couplings)
Open Semi-Open Closed
• Indirect Drive (Gear
drive, Belt drive,… )
Main Parts of a Centrifugal Pump

Volute

Diffuser

Impeller (Inner)
Impeller (Outer)

Seal (Front)

Impeller Eye

Shaft Seal
Velocity Triangles (Velocity Diagram) for a Centrifugal Pump
In the case of centrifugal pumps, work is done by the impeller on the fluid (water).
The expression for the work done by the impeller on the water can be obtained by drawing a
‘velocity triangle’ at the ‘inlet’ and ‘outlet’ sides of the impeller (as shown in the figure).
In the design of such pumps, it is better to consider a radial flow of fluid (water)
at the ‘inlet’ for better Performance.

y(r)

V2t

u2 x(t)
Vr2 V2
Tangent to the 2 2
Impeller at the
‘Outlet’ a fluid
 Impeller eye
particle

r2
Tangent to the x(t)
Impeller at the y(r)
‘Inlet’ r1
2
Vr1 1
u1 x(t)
V1 = V1r z(a)
Forces and Power
The Tangential Velocities at the inlet (u1) and at the outlet (u2 ) are given by:
 D1 N  D2 N
u1  u2 
60 and 60

The Discharge Capacity (Q) or Flow Rate is given by,

Q  ( D1  zv tv ) b1 V1 y  ( D2  zv tv ) b2 V2 y u2
where , ' zv ' is the ' number of vanes' on the impeller. V2t
' tv ' is the ' thickness of each vane'. 2 2
V2r
A Centrifugal Pump is the reverse of an V2 Vr2
Inward, Radial Flow Reaction Turbine.
Tangent to the
The Tangential (Ft), is given by: Impeller at the y(r)
‘Outlet’ r2
x(t)
Ft  Fx  m V2t  V1t 
Tangent to the V1 = V1r
The Axial or Thrust (Fa), is given by: Impeller at the
r1
n 2
‘Inlet’
Fa  Fz   Fi
Vr1 1
i 1 u1
The Fluid Theoretical Power (Pth),
Pth  m V2t u 2  V1t u1    Q V2t u 2  V1t u1 
 The Theoretical Pump (Fluid) Head ‘Hth’ and the Actual
Pump (Fluid) Head ‘Hact’
 Consider two points. One at the inlet side ‘i ’ and the other at the
outlet side ‘e ’.
 Then, apply the ‘First Law of Thermodynamics’ for the
‘Pumping System’ .
e

H ye y(r) discharge
(outlet) side
ts
yi x(t)
i
suction
(inlet) side
The ' Thermodynamic System ' is an ' Open System '. Hence,
1. From ' Mass Balance ',
dmcv n n
 m i   me
.
dt i 1

 m
e 1

i  me  m  for one 'inlet' and one 'exit' .

also, Ai Vi  Ae Ve ...... 'Continuity Equation' .
2. From ' Energy Balance ',
dEcv n
Vi 2 n
Ve2
 Qnet  Wnet   m
   (hi   g yi )   m (he   g ye )
dt i 1 2 e 1 2
Assuming :
 dEcv    0 ),
'a steady - State'   0  and 'negligible net heat transfer' ( Qnet
 dt 
  Ve2 Vi 2 
  Wnet  m (he  hi )  m 
    m g ( ye  yi )
 2 2 
1
where, (he  hi )  (ue  ui )  v ( pe  pi ) and v

pe  pi
 c f (Te  Ti )  ( ) where, c f is the ' specific heat of the fluid '.

if , Te  Ti and pe  pi , the simplified equation will be :

  Ve2 Vi 2 
  Wnet  m      m g ( ye  yi )
 2 2 
Dividing all by ' m g ' gives ,
W net  Ve2 Vi 2  W net P
      ( y e  yi )  Vi  0 and   H is the ' Total Head '.
m g  2g 2g  m g mg
  H  ( ye  yi )  This is ' Bernoulli ' s ' Equation ' for a ' frictionless flow '.
  H  ( ye  yi )  ' Bernoulli ' s ' Equation ' for a ' frictionless fluid flow in a Pipe '.
Considering all ' friction head losses (htl ) ' between the ' inlet ' and ' exit ',
 H  ( ye  yi )  htl
where, hlt  hMl  hml

In general , the ' Power ( P ) ' assiciated with ' the Total Head ( H ) ' is given by ,
P  m g H  Q  gH
where, the "  " ' sign ' indicates, the ' Rate of Work done ' by the ' Surroundings ' on the ' System '.

Similarly :
i ) The ' pump ( fluid ) actual Power ( Pact ) ' is given by ,
P m  gH  Q  gH
act act act

ii ) The ' pump ( fluid ) theoretical Power ( Pth ) or the impeller power can be determined as,
H act
Pth  m
 g H th where, H th  and , h is the ' hydraulic efficiency '.
h
 g H   Q (V u  V u )
 Q th 2t 2 1t 1

from this relation, the 'theoretical pump ( fluid ) Head ( H th ) ' or the 'Euler's Head '
can be drived as,
V u  V1t u1
H th  2 t 2
g
if the flow is ' radial ' at the ' inlet ', then V1t  o for ' maximum Performance '. Hence,
V2t u2
H th 
g
General procedure in the design of a ‘Centrifugal Pump’
i) Determine the outlet tangential velocity (u2 ).
u2   h 2 g H act
where ,  h ( 0.9 to 1.2) is the ' Head Coefficient '.
ii) Determine the outer diameter of the impeller (D2 ).
60 u 2
D2 
N

iii) Determine the ratio of ‘D1’ to ‘D2’ (Dratio).

D
Dratio  1  (0.4 to 0.5)
D2

vi) Determine the Flow Rate (Q ).

Q  ( D1  z v t v ) b1V1r  ( D2  z v t v ) b2 V2 r
v) Hydraulic (manometric) Efficiency (h ).
g H act
h 
V2 t u 2

vi) Draw the velocity triangles and determine the ‘unknowns’.

vii) Determine: Forces, Torque, Power and Efficiencies .

 Exercise 2-1
1. A centrifugal pump is required to discharge 0.118 m3/s at a speed of
1450 rpm against a head of 25 m. The impeller outer diameter and
width are 250 mm and 50 mm respectively. The hydraulic
(manometric) efficiency is 75 %.
a) Draw the ‘velocity triangles’
b) Determine the ‘unknowns’.
2. A centrifugal pump is running at 1730 rpm. The outlet impeller vane
angle is 450 and flow velocity at the outlet is 2.5 m/s. The discharge
through the pump is 200 lit/s when the pump is working against a
head of 20 m. If the hydraulic (manometric) efficiency is 80 %,
determine: a) The diameters of the impeller.
b) The widths of the impeller.
The simplified (Euler’s) theory of turbomachinery is based on the following assumptions:
1.The impeller is assumed to have an ‘infinite number of vanes’. This implies a
perfect guidance of fluid and hence neglects: flow separation, flow circulation and
turbulence.
2.The effects of: fluid friction, viscosity and compressibility are neglected.
3.The fluid is assumed to leave the impeller tangent to the vane surface.
3.The fluid velocities, within the impeller passage, at similar points on the flow lines
are assumed the same.
However, in actual turbomachines there exist various types of losses associated with
the flowing fluid. Such losses mainly classified as: Mechanical Losses, Hydraulic
Losses and Leakage Losses.
1.Mechanical Losses: The very cause of mechanical losses is, the friction that exists
due to the relative motion of the rotating parts (shafts, drives,…) and stationary parts
(casing, bearings, seals,…) in a turbomachine.
2. Hydraulic Losses
In the actual fluid flow, there exist various types of losses while the
fluid is flowing through the pump. The following are the major types of
losses.

a) Flow Friction Loss:- When a fluid is flowing through a pump,

there exist a resisting force (friction) between the fluid layers (due to
the fluid viscosity) and also between the fluid layer and the relatively
rough surfaces within the pump passage. Such losses mainly depend
on: the viscosity of the fluid, the surface roughness of the passage
and the flow rate.
b) Shock (Incidence) Loss:- Shock or Incidence loss occurs when Loss due to
there is a mismatch (difference) between the flow (incidence) Flow Friction
angle and the vane inlet angle ( 1). This tends to cause ‘pre-
rotation’ and hence ‘shock and turbulence’ around the inlet side
of the impeller. However, this situation usually occurs at the Vr1’
1
‘off-design’ operation of the pump. V1 = V1r
1’
1

 1  1'  1 is the ' angle of incidence'. Velocity Triangle at the ‘Inlet’

1 is the ' angle of pre  rotation '.
c) Recirculation Loss:- While the impeller is rotating, the fluid also
rotates together with the impeller and at the same time a ‘circulatory’
motion may be observed. This ‘circulatory’ motion of the fluid is called
‘Recirculation’. Recirculation’ tends to oppose the flow in ‘one
direction’. As a result, the absolute velocity at the ‘inlet’ increases from
‘V1’ to ‘V1’’ and at the ‘outlet’ the absolute velocity tends to decrease
from ‘V2’ to ‘V2’ ’.

V1 V Vr1 V2 Vr2
V2’ V2
1
1’ Vr V2r
V1r’ 1
1’ 1 2’ 2
V1t1’ V1r ’
V2t’ V2r’ 
2’
V1t’ V2t’ 2’
u1 u2

Velocity Triangle at the Velocity Triangle at the

‘Inlet’ ‘Outlet’
d) Other Losses:- In addition, other losses may also occur within a
pump. Such losses are: Disc Friction Loss, Sudden Contraction,
Sudden Expansion, etc.
3. Leakage Losses:- Leakage loss occurs due to the flow of fluid
through small gaps (openings) between the ‘rotating’ and the
‘stationary’ parts of a pump
Note:- The overall effect of various types of Losses is, to reduce the
Performance of a turbomachine (pump).
.
Theoretical
Head (Hth)
Recirculation Loss

Leakage Loss

Flow Friction Loss

Turbulence and Shock

Losses
Actual
Head (Hact)

H(m)

Q (m3/s)
Variation of ‘Head (H)’ with ‘Flow Rate or Discharge (Q)’
due to various ‘Losses’.
Mechanical Losses

Leakage Losses

shaft Power (Ps)

Hydraulic Losses actual fluid Power (P act)

ActualHead (Hact

P(kW)

Q (m3/s)

Variation of ‘Power (P)’ with ‘Flow Rate or Discharge (Q)’

due to various ‘Losses’.
It is a difficult task (also beyond the scope of this class) to obtain the effects of various
losses within a pump ‘analytically’. Instead, ‘Efficiencies’ will be used to obtain or
analyze the effects of major types of losses. Accordingly,
1.Mechanical Efficiency ( m ) 2. Hydraulic (manometric) Efficiency ( h )
pump ( fluid ) theoretical Power pump ( fluid ) actual or manometric Head
m  h 
pump ( fluid ) theoretica l or Euler' s Head
shaft Power
H act H act
Pth m V2t u 2  V1t u1   
H th  V2t u 2  V1t u1 
 100%
   100%  
Ps Ps  g 
3. Volumetric Efficiency ( v ) 4. Overall Efficiency ( o )
pump ( fluid ) actual Power ( Pact )
Flow Rate at the pump outlet o 
v  shaft Power ( Ps )
Flow Rate at the pump inlet  g Q H act
  100%   m  h  v
Q T
  100%  DS N

QQ  where,  
l
60
and , ' Ds ' is the ' shaft Diameter'.
Note:- In addition to the various types of Losses, there are other factors which tend to reduce
the Performance of a turbomachine (pump). Such as: ‘Slip’ and ‘vane outlet angle’.
Effects of ‘Slip ‘
 In actual fluid flow through the impeller, the pressure at the ‘leading
edge’ is higher than the ‘trailing edge’ of the impeller.
 This causes a lower velocity at the ‘leading edge’ and a higher
velocity at the ‘trailing edge’.
 The total effect is a non-uniform velocity distribution which results a
flow of fluid through the impeller at a smaller angle ( 2’) than the
vane angle without slip (2). This effect tends to reduce the exit
tangential (whirl) velocity from V2t to V2t’ as illustrated in the figure
below.

leading
edge u2
trailing V2t
edge ’ V2t
V2t

Vr2
2 V2r
2’ V2
cont
The ‘dotted or broken lines’ in the ‘velocity triangle’ represent, the
‘outlet velocity’ of the fluid without slip.

Whereas, the ‘solid lines’ represent the ‘outlet velocity’ of the fluid
with slip.

 As it is shown, the vane angle 2’ < 2 and hence V2t’ < V2t. The ratio

of V2t’/V2t is known as the Slip Factor ( s ).

V2 t '  sin 2
s   1 where, ' z v ' is the ' number of vanes'.
V2 t zv
The Pump ( fluid ) theoretica l Power considering slip is given by,
Pth  m  sV2t u 2  V1t u1 

In general, the overall effect of Slip is, to reduce the Performance of a turbomachine.
Effects of the ‘vane outlet angle (2)’
 There are three possible orientation or design of the ‘impeller vane’
at the outlet. These are: Forward-Curved, Radial and Backward-
Curved. The velocity triangles for the three arrangements are as
shown in the figure below.
V2t u2 = V2t
u2 u2 V2t
2 2 2 2 2 2
V2r Vr2 V2 V2r = Vr2 V2r
V2 Vr2 V2

Forward-Curved Radial Backward-Curved

 In the case of ‘Forward-Curved’, V2t > u2 and V2 is larger comparatively. In the case of
‘Radial’, V2t is equal to u2. In the case of ‘Backward-Curved’, V2t < u2.

Question:- Which design is preferable ? Why ?

Consider the ‘velocity triangles’ for a ‘Centrifugal Pump’.

 The plot of ‘Hth‘ on ‘H-Q‘ graph

u2
is as shown in the figure.
V2t
2 2
V2r
Vr2

 The rising characteristics of the Tangent to the

Impeller at the y(r)
Forward--Curved leads to ‘Outlet’
x(t)

increase in power input with Tangent to the V1 = V1r

Impeller at the
r1
1
increasing value of Q. ‘Inlet’
Vr1 1
u1

 This power curve is not ‘self-

Forward-Curved
(2 > 900)
limiting’ and tend to damage the H
Radial
(2 = 900)

motor. But, the Backward- Hth

Backward-Curved
(2 < 900)
Q
Curved is ‘self-limiting’.
 Pth V2tU 2
H th   ........ for a ' radial flow '.
 g Q g
from the velocity triangle at the ' impeller outlet ' ,
V2 r Q
V2t  u2  and V2 r 
tan2  D2 b2
substiting both into the above equation and rearranging,
u22 u2
H th   Q
g  D2 b2 g tan2
u22 u2
let , k1  and k 2 
g  D2 b2 g tan2
H th  k1  k 2 Q where , ' H th ' is the ' theoretical Pump Head '.
 System Head (Hsys)
H sys  H ts  htl
where, htl  hMt  hmt
n
Li Vi 2 Vi 2
n
 hMt   fi and hmt   k Li
i 1 di 2 g i 1 2g
n
Li Vi 2 n
Vi 2 Q 4 Q
H sys  H ts   f i   k Li and V  
i 1 d i 2 g i 1 2g A πd2
where, ' f ' is the ' coefficient of friction ' depends on the ' Reynolds' number ' .
and, ' k L ' is the ' loss coefficient ' for ' valves and fittings' .

Hence, the ' System Head (H sys )' can be written as,
 L L  8 2
H sys  H ts   f s s5  f d d5  k Lvs  k Lcs  k Les  k Lvd   k Lb  k Lu    Q
 g
2
 ds dd
 L L  8
let , k sys   f s s5  f d d5  k Lvs  k Lcs  k Les  k Lvd   k Lb  k Lu  
 g
2
 ds dd
H sys  H ts  k sys Q 2 .......... .......... .. k sys  0.2 H ts
 e
System Curve delivery
(Hsys) (outlet)
yd side
Loss due to System
Hts
Resistance (htl) y(r)
d
Total Static Head (Hts) s
ys x(t)
i
suction
(inlet) side

H
The plot of System Curve (Hsys) on the Head-Dischage (H-Q) graph is
as shown in the figure.

Q
 The graph of ‘Hth‘ for a Backward-Curved
vanes is a ‘straight line’ as shown in the H Forward-Curved
(2 > 900)
figure. Radial
(2 = 900)

 If we compare this with the ‘Actual Curve’, Hth

Backward-Curved
(2 < 900)

obtained from the ‘Laboratory (Pump

Q

Performance) test’, the deviation (due to

operating point
H (op)
various losses within the pump) can easily Hact

be identified.
 But, it is possible to approximate a Hsys

‘theoretical curve’ to an ‘actual curve’

analytically using a ‘Curve Fitting Method’ Q
H th  k 1  k 2 Q ..... is the ' theoretical Pump Head '.
H act  k p1  k p2 Q 2 ..... is the approximate ' actual Pump Head '.
u 22 u2
let , k p1  and k p 2 
2g  D2 b2 g tan 2
where, ' k p1' is a ' constant' called the ' Shut  Off Head (H shut off )' .
k p1  H shut off  1.2 H dp ' dp' is the ' design point'.
k p2 ..... is ' constant coefficien' , can be determined at ' op' as,
H act  H sys
k p1
k p1  k p2 Q  H ts  k sys Q
2 2
 k p2  2  k sys
Q
1. H act  pump total Head at point ' d '  pump total Head at point ' s '
 p d Vd2   p s Vs2 
    y d      y s 
 ρ g 2g   ρ g 2g 
 p d  p s   Vd2  Vs2   pd  ps
        y d  y s  

 ρ g   2g   ρg

2. H act  H ts  htl where, H ts  y d  y s is the ' total static Head'.

 H ts  hMl  hml where, hl and h f are major and minor losses.

3. H act  theoretical (Euler) Head  Losses in the impeller and casing

 H th  hicl
V2t u 2 H act  hicl H act
  hicl also, h  
g H act H th
 Hth , Hact and Losses in a Centrifugal Pump

Theoretical
Head (Hth)
Recirculation Loss
Leakage Loss
Flow Friction Loss
Turbulence and Shock
Losses
H(m)
Actual
Head (Hact)

u 22
H th 
g
u 22
H act 
2g

Q (m3/s)
Variation of ‘Head (H)’ with ‘Flow Rate or Discharge (Q)’
due to various ‘Losses’.
 The ‘Minimum Starting Speed’ for a Centrifugal Pump

A centrifugal pump will start delivering fluid (water) if and only if

the pressure rise in the impeller is more than or equal to the actual
Head ( Hact ).

To do so, the pump has to rotate at least at a minimum speed ( Nmin )

When the impeller is rotating, the fluid (water) particles in contact

with the impeller also tends to rotate.
This is the case of a ‘Forced Vortex Flow’.

In a ‘Forced Vortex Flow’, the total fluid head (H) within the
impeller is given by,
 u 22 u12  2 r22  2 r12
H    
2g 2g 2g 2g
For a proper delivery : H  H act and ,
For delivery at the ' minimum speed ' ,
H  H act
u 22 u12 H act
  H act and ,  h  min 
2g 2g H th
H act V2 t u 2
  H act   h  max
 V2 t u 2  g
 
 g 
u 22 u12 V u  D2 N  D1 N
Hence,    h  min 2t 2 but, u 2  and u1 
2g 2g g 60 60
2 2
1   D2 N  1   D1 N  V  D2 N
        h  max 2t
2 g  60  2 g  60  g  60
N
120
 
D22  D12   h  max V2t D2

120  h  max V2t D2

 N min 
 D22  D12 
where,  h  max  0.9  h
and ,  h is the ' hydraulic efficiency' at the ' design point (dp)'.
 Preliminary Design of a Centrifugal Pump
The design of a ‘Centrifugal Pump’ involves the following major steps:

Step-1: Know the purpose for which the ‘Turbomachine (Pump)’ is to be designed.

Step-2: Select all the necessary component parts (elements) of the ‘Pumping
System’, assemble or arrange in their right order and sketch the complete layout (as

shown in the figure). Reservoir

e
Union (threaded)

yd discharge side
Hts Gate Valve

y(r)
d
Bend (threaded)
s
ys x(t)
i
suction side
Source

One-way
(Check) Valve
Step-3: Specify the desired flow rate (Qdp) at the ‘design point (dp)’ or
at the ‘best efficiency point (bep)’ as: 20 lit/s, 25 lit/s, 30
lit/s, etc.

Step-4: Select a ‘Standard Speed Electric Motor’ using Table 5-1 in

Appendix-5. For instance, N = 1730 rpm.

Step-5: Define a ‘Thermodynamic System’ and determine the type of

‘Thermodynamic System’ as ‘Closed’ , ‘Open’ or ‘Isolated’.

Step-6: Get ‘important design parameters’ from standard ‘Design

HandBooks'.

Such as:- Suction Velocity (Vs)  (3 to 5) m/s.

• ‘Volumetric Efficiency (v)’  (97.5 to 98.5)%.

Step-7: Select a ‘proper material’ and know the dimensions of: pipes, valves
and fittings including the static ‘suction (y s)’ and ‘discharge (yd)’ heads
using Table 5-2, 5-3 and Formula 5-1, 5-2 in Appendix-5.

Step-8: Plot the ‘System Curve’ and determine the ‘actual pump (fluid) Head
(Hdp)’ at the design point and the ‘shut-off Head (H shut-off)’ corresponding to

the ’desired ‘Flow Rate (Qdp)’ Take:- Hshut-off  1.2 Hdp.

Step-9: Calculate the ‘Specific Speed (dimensional)’ and then determine the
pump ‘Overall Efficiency (o)’ using Fig. 5-1 in Appendix-5.

Step-10: Calculate the ‘actual pump (fluid) Power (P act)’ and the ‘shaft Power

(Ps)’ in ‘kW’ and in Horse Power ‘HP’. Take:- 1 HP = 746 W.

‘Impeller’ Design
Step-11: Calculate the ‘shaft Torque (Ts)’ in ‘Nm’ and determine the ‘shaft
Diameter (Ds)’ in ‘mm’ . Take:- all  30 MPa (for ‘Mild Steel’).
 all rs' Ps 30  Ps Ds'
Ts  where, Ts   and rs' 
J  N 2
16 Ts
 Ds'  3 and Ds  (1.15 to 1.25)  Ds'
  all

Step-12: Determine the ‘hub Diameter (Dh) and hub Length (Lh)’.
Dh  1.3 Ds and Lh  Ds
b2

Step-13: Determine the


‘impeller eye Diameter (Do)’. tv
4 Qdp
Do   Dh2 where , V1  1.1 Vs Lh
 V1
b1

D1 D2
Step-14: Determine the ‘Impeller innner Diameter (D1)’. Do Dh Ds
D1  Do

Step-15: Determinethe
D1 N‘tangential inlet Velocity (u1)’.
u1 
60

Step-16: Draw the ‘inlet velocity triangle’ and determine the ‘unknowns’.
Note:- For a ‘radial flow at inlet’, V1r = V1 .
‘Impeller’ Design…
Step-17: Determine the ‘tangential outlet Velocity (u2)’ and then check for the Minimum
Starting Speed of the Pump.
u 2   p 2 g H dp where,  p  0.9 to 1.2 is the ' Speed Factor '.

Step-18: Determine the ‘Impeller outer Diameter (D2)’ and check the diameters ratio (D1/
D2) using Fig. 5-2 in Appendix-5.
60 u 2
D2 
N

Step-19: Determine the ‘required number of vanes (zv)’ using Table 5-3 in Appendix-5
and then calculate the ‘vane outlet
D2  D angle
(1   2 )(2)’ using the following relations.
z v  6 .5 1
 sin
D2  D1 2

Step-20: Determine the ‘vane thickness (tv)’ using the following relations.
zv tv
 D2 
sin  2
2  where , '  2 ' is the ' contraction factor ' which considers the blocking
 D2
effect of ' vanes thickness' at the ' outlet '  0.9 to 0.95.

Step-21: Draw the ‘outlet velocity triangle’ and determine the ‘unknowns’.
Preliminary Design of a Centrifugal Pump…
‘Impeller’ Design…
Step-22: Determine the ‘Impeller inlet passage Width (b1)’.
Q dp
b1 
( D1  z v t v ) V1r

Step-23: Determine the ‘Impeller outlet passage Width (b2)’.

Q dp Q dp Q dp
b2  b2  b2 
( D2  z v t v ) V2 r or ( D2  (1   2 )  D2 ) V2 r or ( D2  2 ) V2 r

Step-24: Determine the ‘suction flange diameter (dsf)’.

4 (Q dp  Q l )
d sf  d sp 
 Vs
where, ' d sp ' is the diameter of the ' suction pipe '.
 1 
and , Ql  Qdp   1 is the ' leakage loss '.
v 

Step-25: Determine the ‘delivery velocity’, assuming ddf = ddp = dsp.

4 Qdp
Vd 
 d dp2
‘Vane’ Design

Step-26: Develop the ‘Front and Side View layouts (profiles) of the
Vane’ and then prepare a standard ‘2D’ drawings of the ‘Impeller’.

‘Volute’ Design

Step-27: Develop the ‘Front and Side View layouts (profiles) of the
Volute’ and then prepare a standard ‘2D’ drawings of the ‘Casing’.

‘Pump’ Assembly

Step-28: Prepare a ‘2D’, Full-Sectioned assembly drawings of the

‘Pump’.
2.6 Fans

Purpose:
To supply the necessary static pressure to move air in a
ventilation or exhaust system.
Basic classifications of air moving devices:
 Ejectors
 Fans
Primary air moving devices used in industrial applications
Basic groups of fans are:
Axial fans
Centrifugal fans (home furnaces, hair dryers, vacuum cleaners)
Special type fans
 Ejectors
Low operating efficiencies.
Used only for special material handling applications (corrosive material, flammable material, hot
or sticky material).
Used when not desirable to have contaminated air passing directly through the air moving
device.
Used for air streams containing materials that might degrade fan performance.
Used in pneumatic
conveying systems.

48
Axial Fans
1. Propeller fans:
Moves air against low static pressures (less than 1” wg)
Commonly used for general ventilation
Very sensitive to added resistance
Blade types:
Disc blade
Propeller blade
2. Tube axial fans:
Moves air against moderate pressures (less than 2” wg)
Blade type: propeller type with no straightening vanes
3.Vane axial fans:
Moves air against high static pressures (up to 8” wg)
Limited to clean air applications
49
Centrifugal Fans
1. Forward curved impellers:
Blades curve towards the direction of rotation.
Fans have low space requirements and low tip speeds.
Used against low to moderate static pressures.
Not recommended for dust or particulate that would adhere to blades.

2. Radial impellers:
Blades are in a radial direction from the hub.
Fan have medium tip speeds.
Radial blade shape resist material build up.
Can handle either clean or dirty air.

3. Backward inclined/curved impellers:

Blades are inclined opposite to the direction of fan rotation.
High fan efficiency and relatively low noise levels.
Blade shape is conducive to material buildup.
50
Special Types of Fans
1. Inline centrifugal fans:
 Backward inclined blades are used.
 Pressure versus flow rate performance curves are similar to centrifugal
fans.
 Space requirements are similar to axial fans.
2. Power roof ventilators:
 Packaged units that can be either axial flow or centrifugal type.
 Centrifugal type discharges around the periphery of the ventilator.
3. Fan and dust collector combination:
 Fans and dust collectors are packaged in a unit.
Power exhausters and air foil are other special type fans.
Fan Selection
Considerations for fan selection are :
1. Capacity:
Flow rate based on system requirements. Expressed as actual cubic feet per
minute (acfm).
Pressure requirement based on system pressure requirements. Expressed as FSP
or FTP in inches of water gauge.
2. Air stream:
 Material handled through fan.
Small amount of smoke or dust - backward inclined centrifugal or axial fan is
selected.
Light dust fume or moisture - backward inclined or radial fan is preferred.
Heavy particulate loading - radial fan is selected.
 Explosive or flammable material.
Spark resistant construction is used. Explosion proof motor is used. 52
3. Physical Limitations:
 Fan size is determined by
 Performance requirements
 Inlet size and location
 Fan weight
The most efficient fan size may not fit the physical space available.
4. Drive arrangements:
Electric motor is the power source of fans.

 Unlike packaged fans, for larger units the motor is coupled

directly to the fan or indirectly by a belt drive.
53
Standard drive arrangements are:
Direct drive:
Offers more compact assembly and assures constant fan speed.
Fan speeds are limited to available motor speeds.
Belt drive:
Offers flexibility in changing the fan speed.
Important in applications where changes in system capacity or pressure requirements are
needed.
5. Noise:
Generated by turbulence within he fan housing.
“White” noise which is a mixture of all frequencies is mostly
produced.
Radial blade fans produce a pure tone at a frequency BPF.
BPF = rpm * n * CF.
Where:
BPF - blade passage frequency.
RPM - rotational rate.
N - number of blades.
CF - conversion factor, 1/60.
6. Safety and accessories:
 Safety guards are required at inlet, outlet, shaft, drive and cleanout
doors.
 Accessories help in future maintenance requirements.
 Flow control can be done using dampers.
Outlet dampers:
Mounted on the fan outlet.
Adds resistance to the system when partially closed.
Inlet dampers:
Mounted on the fan inlet.
Pre-spins air into the impeller.
Lowers operating horsepower.
Fans 55
Various factors effecting fan selection are:

Volume required (cfm)

Fan static pressure

Type of material handled

Explosive or inflammable material

Direct driven vs belt driven

Space limitations

Noise

Operating temperature

Efficiency
56
Rating Tables
Fan size and operating RPM and BHP can be obtained from these
tables
Tables are based on the following pressure relationships
FanTP = TP out - TP in = (SP out + VP out) - (SP in + VP in)
FanSP = FanTP - VP out = SP out - SP in - VP in

57
Point of Operation
Fan and system have variable performance characteristics which can be
represented graphically.
“Point of operation” is the single point at the intersection of fan curve and
system curve.
Fan Performance Curves:
Curve represents fan performance variables plotted against flow rate.
Curve is specific to a fan of given size operating at a single rotation rate
( RPM ).
Even with size and rotation rate fixed, power and pressure requirements vary
over a range of flow rates.
System Requirement Curves:
Duct system pressure varies with volumetric flow rate.
58
Fan Laws
Useful when changes in fan performance are required.
Principles relate the performance variables for any homologous series
of fans.
Predict the effect of varying size, speed, capacity, pressure and power
requirement as follows:

Q2 = Q1 (size2/size1)3 (rpm2/rpm1).

P2 = P1 (size2/size1)2 (rpm2/rpm1)2 ρ2/ ρ1.

59
5 3
Simplified Fan Laws
For changes of rotation rate:
 Flow varies directly with rotation rate
 Pressure varies as square of rotation rate
 Power varies as cube of the rotation rate
Q2 = Q1 (rpm2/rpm1)

P2 = P1 (rpm2/rpm1)2

PWR2 = PWR1 (rpm/rpm)

For changes of gas density:
 Flow is not affected by a change in density
 Pressure and power vary directly with density
Q2 = q 1

P2 = P1 (ρ2/ρ1)
60
PWR2 = PWR1 (ρ2/ρ1)
Limitations of Fan Laws
Fan laws rely on the fact that the performance curves are homologous
and the ratios are for the same relative points of rating on each curve.
When applying fan laws to the following cases special care must be
exercised.
 Case 1: when pressure does not vary as the square of the flow rate.
 Case 2: when the system has been physically altered or for some
reason operates on a different system line.

61
Fan Selection at a Density Other Than Standard
Fan performance is affected by changes in gas density.
Corrections must be employed if density varies by more than 5% from the standard 0.075lbm/ft 3
Corrected Pressure is given by:
Pe = Pa (0.075/ρa)

Pe = Equivalent or corrected pressure

Pa = Actual pressure

ρa = Actual density, lbm/ft3

 Actual power requirement is given by
PWRa = PWRt (ρa/0.075)

PWRa = Actual power requirement

PWRt = Power requirement in rating table.

ρa = Actual density, lbm/ft3

Fan selection at non-standard density requires knowledge of actual volumetric flowrate, actual
pressure requirement and the density of gas at the fan inlet .
Fan Installation and Maintenance
Fan rating tests are conducted under ideal conditions i.e.,uniform straight air flow
In practice duct connections cause non-uniform air flow.
Location and installation of fan must consider the location of duct components to
minimize losses.
System Effect:
This is the estimated loss in fan performance due to non-uniform air flow.
System effect factor is obtained from resulting fan performance curve and actual
system curve.
A vortex or spin may be created by non-uniform flow conditions.
This may be caused due to poor inlet box, multiple elbows or ducts near the inlet.
If vortex or spin cannot be avoided, the use of turning vanes, splitter sheets will
reduce the effect.
Fan Installation and Maintenance

Inspection and Maintenance:

 Wear or accumulation on an impeller will cause weakening of the
impeller structure .
 Severe vibrations may cause damage or failure at the bearings or fan
structure.
Scheduled inspection of following items of fans is recommended:
 Bearings for proper operating temperature
 Excessive vibration of bearings or housing
 Belt drives for proper tension and minimum wear
 Correct coupling alignment
 Fan impeller for proper alignment and rotation
 Impeller free from excess wear or material accumulation
 Examples 2.
1. A fluid passes through an impeller of 0.22m outlet diameter and
0.1m inlet diameter. The impeller is rotating at 1250 rpm, and the
outlet vane angle is set back at an angle of 22 0 to the tangent.
Assuming that the fluid enters radially with velocity of flow as 3.5
m/s, calculate the head imparted to a fluid.

2. A centrifugal pump impeller runs at 1400 rpm, and vanes angle at

exit is 250. The impeller has an external diameter of 0.4m and an
internal diameter of 0.2 m. Assuming a constant radial flow through
the impeller at 2.6 m/s, calculate (1) the angle made by the absolute
velocity of water at exit with the tangent, (2) the inlet vane angle,
and (3) the work done per kg of water
3. A centrifugal pump runs at a tip speed of 12 m/s and a flow velocity
of 1.5 m/s. The impeller diameter is 1.2m and delivers 3.8m 3/min of
water. The outlet blade angle is 280 to the tangent at the impeller
periphery. Assuming that the fluid enters in the axial direction and
zero slip, calculate the torque delivered by the impeller.

4. The impeller of a centrifugal pump has outer diameter of 1.06m and

speed is 56 m/s. The blades are backward curved and they make an
angle of 200 with the wheel tangent at the blade tip. If the radial
velocity of the flow at the tip is 7.5 m/s and the slip factor is 0.88.
Determine (1) the actual work input per kg of water flow and (2) the
absolute velocity of fluid at the impeller.
66
Solution no 1:

• Since fluid enters in the radial direction, C w1 = 0, 1 =

900, β2 = 220, Ca1 = 3.5 m/s = Ca2
Solution no 2

68
69
Solution no 3:

The Euler head H = E = (U2Cw2 - U1Cw1)/g. Since Cw1 =

0, as there is no inlet whirl component, head H is given
by

70
 Solution no 3:

The Euler head H = E = (U2Cw2 - U1Cw1)/g. Since Cw1 = 0,

as there is no inlet whirl component, head H is given by

71
Solution no 4:

72
 Examples 2.
5. A pump is to be selected to pump water at the rate of 50 L/s.
The increase in total head across the pump is to be 35 m. An
electric motor, connected with a direct drive and a rotational
speed of 3450 rpm, provides the power to the pump. Water is
drawn from a pool at atmospheric temperature and pressure. Its
density is  = 998 kg/m3.
•Estimate the pump efficiency, assuming erms = 3.56 m.
•Calculate the pump diameter,
•The power needed.

73
 Solution 2.5
a) The specific speed of this pump is

The efficiency is calculated as;

η=0.815
b) To determine the size of the pump, a Cordier diagram may be
consulted. The specific diameter is estimated to be Ds = 3.1 so
that the impeller diameter is

c) The power required is

74
6. A pump handles water at the rate of 10 L/s with a head of
100 m across the pump. The power is provided by an electric
motor with shaft speed 3450 rpm. Water is at 20° C with
density  = 998kg/m3.
•Calculate the specific speed of the pump.
•Determine the flow coefficient and the blade-loading
coefficient,
•Find the directions of the absolute velocity and the relative
velocity of water leaving the impeller,
•Find the tip radius of the impeller,
•Find the power needed.

75
Solution (6)
a) The specific speed of this pump is

b) The flow coefficient is determined from

and the blade loading coefficient is obtained from

76
77
78
The overall efficiency is determined to be η = 0.66.
e) Hence the power to the pump is

79
The End!