CE415L Applied Fluid Mechanics Laboratory Experiment: No.

7 Centrifugal Pump Characteristics

Learning Objective Following completion of this experiment and the analysis of the data, you should be able to 1. describe the centrifugal pumps general operating mechanism and characteristics 2. measure key parameters and plot the characteristic curves for a centrifugal pump from the computed total head, power, and efficiency vs. flow rate 3. explain what the system curve represents and how to determine the curve 4. distinguish the difference between the pump total head curve and the system head curve 5. identify the centrifugal pump operating point by plotting the pump total head and system head curves together 6. explain the advantage(s) of operating centrifugal pumps in series and in parallel and identify realistic scenarios where each type should be used Introduction Most open-channel drainage systems rely on gravity as the force to cause water to flow. However, virtually all water distribution and parts of some sanitary and storm water systems depend on pumps to move the water through pipes under pressure. To impel the water to move against gravity, friction and opposing pressure, pumps add energy to the fluid by performing work on the fluid. The two main categories of pumps are positive displacement machines and turbomachines. Positive displacement machines work by changing the volume in a chamber to displace the fluid, as with a piston-in-cylinder or helical motion. Turbomachines, on the other hand, use rotation of blades, flow channels or passages to produce dynamic effects that add energy to the fluid. One of the more common types of turbomachines for moving water is known as the centrifugal pump. In order to make the best use of your time in the lab, you will need to read through the various parts of this document before performing the procedures and analysis. There are numerous subtle differences between the parts of the experiment. You should also read sections 11.1 through 11.4 in the textbook to gain a better understanding of the concepts to make your analysis more productive. Note that this procedure generally uses the same variable names, symbols and terminology as used in the course textbook where possible - and so should your report write up and calculations. General Procedure Perform the distinct parts of the experiment to observe key concepts of centrifugal pumps and pipe systems. General guidelines for performing this experiment include: a) Carefully review the equipment setup for the experiment. b) Table 1 (on the last page of this handout) summarizes the primary parameter to be controlled and how to do it. c) Set the valves opened or closed as needed. You should try to visualize the fluid path instead of simply following the words and mechanically setting the controls. d) Because the pump drive control gradually starts and stops the pump it is not necessary to start or stop the pump(s) with the valves shut to avoid excessive surges in the system. e) After adjusting any valve or pump speed, wait at least 10 seconds for the system to stabilize before recording the instrumentation readings. f) Re-zero pressure indicators frequently.

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Experiment: No. 7 Centrifugal Pump Characteristics

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g) After completing your work in the lab drain all hoses, fittings and tanks (except the main reservoir R-1, the pumps and the piping between the tank and pumps). Remove all interconnecting hoses and hang to let dry. h) Clean up any water spills. Equipment The equipment to be used includes: SIUE Pump and Pipe Systems trainer Digital differential pressure transducers (designated dP1 and dP2) Timer (to measure intervals of 1 second for up to 1 hour) Thermometer Part 1 Centrifugal Pump Performance Curves Purpose The purpose of this experiment is to learn how to measure, compute and plot various characteristics of a centrifugal pump. These curves are used to describe the performance characteristics of the pump and are used to select the appropriate pump for an application. Procedures Your goal is to observe the performance of the pump to be tested. To do this the associated pipe system will be reduced to the simplest arrangement possible so the pump has the least hydraulic resistance (head) to work against. 1) Select pump 1 to be tested. Record the pump designation (Pump-1) manufacturer, model number, serial number. Determine and record the suction and discharge diameters and motor horsepower rating. 2) Set the valves to use Pump-1 isolate the other pump so that all water flow is through the selected pump. You will use the valve immediately upstream of the main flowmeter to vary the flowrate. 3) Connect a return hose, as large in diameter yet as short as possible from the outlet of flowmeter FM-1 directly to the main reservoir R-1. 4) Connect a differential pressure transducer to the inlet and discharge pressure ports at each of the two pumps. 5) Measure the vertical distance (Hzd-Hzs) from the inlet to the discharge pressure taps for the pump under test. Zero the differential pressure transducer. 6) Set the pump drive to run the pump at 100% of maximum speed. The runtime parameters to be displayed should be set for pump speed (in percent) and pump input power, Pi (in kW). 7) Start the pump. 8) Set the flowrate control valve to fully open for the maximum (100%) flowrate. 9) Record the flowrate Q, differential pump pressure head (Hp) and pump input power, Pi . 10) Using the valve following the flow meter, adjust the flow rate in increments of about 10% from 90% to 0% of the maximum flow rate. At each flowrate, record the corresponding differential pump pressure head and pump input power. 11) At some time during the test measure and record the reservoir water temperature (Tw) in F 12) Stop the pump. Analysis For this part, and for some of the following parts as required, the analysis includes computing several parameters and plotting the pump performance curves. A sample calculation must be provided in your report attachment for each of the following computed parameters:
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Pump velocity head at the suction (Hvs) and discharge (Hvd) pressure tap locations (in ft) Total pump head (H) in ft (do not ignore the elevation head) Pump output power (Po) in Watts Pump overall efficiency () in percent

On a single graph, labeled Experiment 7 Part 1 Centrifugal Pump Performance Curves, plot the following parameters vs. flow rate Q (gpm) for the full range of flow rates tested: Total pump head (H) in ft Pump input power (Pi) in Watts Pump output power (Po) in Watts Pump overall efficiency () in percent Include in a subtitle of the chart the water temperature (Tw) in the reservoir in F Note that you will need to use both the primary and secondary y-axes (see the example at right). Arrange the data series on the plots so that they each cover as much of the vertical scale of the graph as possible.

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Experiment: No. 7 Centrifugal Pump Characteristics Part 2 Centrifugal Pump Performance Due to Inlet Control

CE 415L

Purpose The purpose of this experiment is to attempt to find the point at which cavitation begins to occur in a centrifugal pump. This will require you to carefully listen for changes in sound coming from the pump, such as erratic vibrations, rattling, pulsing, pinging, etc., as the inlet flow is restricted incrementally. Procedures Repeat the steps in Part 1, with the following exceptions: 1) Instead of using the valve on the discharge side of the pump to control the flowrate, use the valve on the inlet side of the pump. 2) In addition to recording the same data as in Part 1, listen carefully to the sounds and vibrations associated with the pump and note how the sound changes as the flowrate is changed, particularly as the valve is nearly closed. Analysis On a single graph, labeled Experiment 7 Part 2 Centrifugal Pump Performance Due to Inlet Control , plot the following parameters vs. flow rate Q (gpm) for the full range of flow rates tested: Total pump head (H) in ft Pump efficiency () in percent 1) Plot the characteristic curves (total head and pump efficiency all vs. volume flow rate on one plot) as well as the H vs. Q curve from Part 1 2) On the graph, include a note to describe the sound at each point along the H vs. Q curves where the sound in the pump changes. 3) On the plot, annotate points on the H vs. Q curves to describe significant differences between the two curves.

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Experiment: No. 7 Centrifugal Pump Characteristics Part 3 Centrifugal Pump Performance Due to Pump Speed Control

CE 415L

Purpose The purpose of this part of the experiment is to observe characteristics of a centrifugal pump as the pump speed is varied. Varying the pump speed by controlling power input to the pump can be an effective way to better match the pump operating characteristics to the system demand over a wider range of flow rate and system head conditions. Procedures Repeat the steps in Part 1, with the following exceptions: Scenario A 1) Instead of using the valve on the discharge side of the pump to control the flow rate, leave the valve fully open, but change the pump motor drive frequency to vary the pump speed. Try to attain approximately the same flow rate points found in Part 1 by varying the pump speed. 2) Record the pump speed N in percent of the maximum pump speed, as well as the flow rate Q and pump input power, Pi. Scenario B 3) In a second dataset, vary the pump speed from 100% of maximum speed down to 0% in 10% increments while again measuring and recording the pump speed N in percent of the maximum pump speed, as well as the flow rate Q and pump input power, Pi. Analysis 1. On a single graph, labeled Experiment 7 Part 3 Centrifugal Pump Performance Due to Pump Speed Control Plotted vs. Flow Rate, plot on the graph the following parameters vs. flow rate Q (gpm) for the full range of flow rates tested: Total pump head (H) in ft from Part 1 of Exp 7 Total pump head (H) in ft from this part of the experiment Pump input power (Pi) in Watts Pump efficiency () in percent Pump speed (N) in percent of the maximum speed 2. On a second graph, labeled Experiment 7 Part 3 Centrifugal Pump Performance Due to Pump Speed Control Plotted vs. Pump Speed, Plot the characteristic curves (flow rate, total head, pump input power, pump output power and pump efficiency,) all vs. pump speed as a percentage of full speed.

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Experiment: No. 7 Centrifugal Pump Characteristics Part 4 System Curve and Operating Point

CE 415L

Purpose The purpose of this part of the experiment is to measure the System Head Curve (head vs. flowrate) for a specific pipe system configuration and attempt to find the optimum operating point for the centrifugal pump. You should note that the objective for this part of the experiment is to determine the resistance (head) presented by the pipe network (system) itself that the pump needs to be matched to. THIS IS A VERY DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTIC YOU ARE TRYING TO DETERMINE COMPARED TO THE PUMP CHARACTERISTICS EXPLORED IN PREVIOUS PARTS OF THIS EXPERIMENT. The System Head Curve is determined for each specific water delivery system and must be known before trying to determine the pump characteristics needed for the system. Procedures Repeat the steps in Part 1, with the following exceptions: 1) Use Pump 3 which has greater capacity than pumps 1 or 2. 2) Instead of trying to minimize the flow path to be as least restrictive as possible, establish the flow through a flow path with more resistance to the flow (i.e., longer flow path or place some restriction in the flow path to represent additional system losses.) The first configuration set up will be called System A, the second will be System B. Photograph and note the details about the portion of the system that comprises each system. Include in your attachments a page for each system configuration that includes a well-annotated photograph that clearly shows the path and components of the system beginning at the point where the pressure head is recorded and all the way to where the water flows back into the reservoir.

3) Connect the high side of a pressure transducer to the discharge side of the pump used. Leave the low side of the pressure transducer open to the atmosphere and at about the same elevation of the hide side connection. In this configuration the head at the high side point is measured relative to atmospheric pressure. Only the system head vs. flow rate needs to be observed and recorded over the range of flow rates tested. 4) Vary the flow rate from 0% to 100% in increments of 10% of the maximum flow rate by adjusting the pump speed at the pump controller panel. 5) At each flow rate increment, measure and record Q and Hpressure. 6) Repeat the steps above by changing the resistance in the flow path (hint: make some adjustment to a valve or the pipe configuration.) Analysis On a single graph, labeled Experiment 7 Part 4 System Curve and Operating Point, plot the following parameters vs. flow rate Q (gpm) for the full range of flow rates tested: Total pump head (H) in ft from Part 1 Pump efficiency () in percent from Part 1 System head curve (Hsystem = pressure head + elevation head) in ft vs. flow rate (Q) in gpm from Part 4 System A System head curve (Hsystem = pressure head + elevation head) in ft vs. flow rate (Q) in gpm from Part 4 System B On the plot, annotate the point of intersection of the pump and each system H vs. Q curve, if there is one, as the Operating Point along with the flowrate, head and pump efficiency corresponding to that point.

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Experiment: No. 7 Centrifugal Pump Characteristics Part 5 Operating Centrifugal Pumps in Series

CE 415L

Purpose The purpose of this part of the experiment is to measure the head vs. flowrate for two centrifugal pumps operating in series to observe the resulting H vs. Q series total head curve and compare it to the characteristic total head curve for a single pump. To account for losses in the piping connecting the two pumps, you will measure those losses and add them to the net head gained across the two pumps so that we can estimate the total head imparted to the water by the combination of the series-connected pumps. Procedures 1) Configure the valves to set the flow path for the water to first go through Pump-1 followed by Pump-2, through a flowmeter then through a large-diameter hose to return to the reservoir. 2) Connect differential pressure transducers to measure the theoretical pressure head gained as follows: a) Using dP1, measure the net head increase (Hp_series_net) across the series combination of both pumps. This will include the losses in the piping between them. Connect dP1(lo) to the inlet to Pump 1. Connect dP1(hi) to the discharge from Pump 2. b) Using dP2, measure the losses (Hp_series_losses) in the piping connecting the two pumps. Connect dP2(lo) to the inlet to Pump 2. Connect dP2(hi) to the discharge from Pump 1. 3) Set the pump drives to run the pumps at 100% of maximum speed. 4) Start the pumps. 5) Set the flowrate control valve to fully open for the maximum (100%) flowrate. Record the flowrate Hp_series_net and Hp_series_losses. 6) Adjust the flowrate control valve to set the flow rate in increments of about 10%from 90% to 0% of the maximum flow rate. At each flow rate record the corresponding Hp_series_net and Hp_series_losses. 7) Stop the pumps. Analysis On a single graph, labeled Experiment 7 Part 5 Operating Centrifugal Pumps in Series, plot the following parameters vs. flow rate Q (gpm) for the full range of flow rates tested: On the y-axis plot Single pump pressure head (Hp) in ft for a single pump from Part 1 Series pump pressure head (Hp_series = Hp_series_net + Hp_series_losses) in ft On the plot, choose a flow rate at about the midpoint of the flow rate range tested and draw a vertical line to intersect both capacity curves. Note the pressure head corresponding to each of the two intersection points.

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Experiment: No. 7 Centrifugal Pump Characteristics Part 6 Operating Centrifugal Pumps in Parallel

CE 415L

Purpose The purpose of this part of the experiment is to measure the head vs. flowrate for two centrifugal pumps operating in parallel to observe the resulting H vs. Q capacity curve and compare it to the capacity curve for a single pump. Procedures 1) Configure the valves to establish parallel flow paths through Pump-1 and Pump-2, through a flowmeter then through a large-diameter hose to return to the reservoir. 2) Connect a differential pressure transducer to measure the pressure head across the parallel pump configuration. Only the pump system head vs. flow rate needs to be observed and recorded over the range of flow rates tested. 3) Set the pump drives to run the pumps at 100% of maximum speed. 4) Start the pumps. 5) Set the flowrate control valve to fully open for the maximum (100%) flowrate. 6) Record the flowrate Q and differential pump pressure head (Hp). 7) Adjust the flowrate control valve to set the flow rate in increments of about 10% from 90% to 0% of the maximum flow rate. At each flow rate, record the corresponding differential pump pressure head. 8) Stop the pumps. Analysis On a single graph, labeled Experiment 7 Part 6 Operating Centrifugal Pumps in Parallel, plot the following parameters vs. flow rate Q (gpm) for the full range of flow rates tested: On the y axis plot Single pump pressure head (Hp) in ft for a single pump from Part 1 Parallel pump pressure head (Hp_parallel) in ft (Note: There will be different losses in the two pumps discharge pipes making it difficult to get a true picture of the total head of the parallel combination. For the purposes of this analysis compute the pressure head offset needed to adjust the pressure head of the parallel combination to equal the pressure head of the single pump at the shutoff head value. Then adjust all of the computed pressure head values for the parallel pumps by that offset value.) On the plot, choose a pump pressure head at about the midpoint of the flow rate range tested and draw a horizontal line to intersect both capacity curves. Note the flowrate and pressure head values at each of the two intersection points.

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Experiment: No. 7 Centrifugal Pump Characteristics Table 1 - Primary parameter to be controlled and how to do it
Part 1 Set Target Flow rate, Q, from 100% to 0% relative to Qmax in 10% increments. Flow rate, Q, from 100% to 0% relative to Qmax in 10% increments. Flow rate, Q, to approximately achieve the flow rates from Part 1. Pump speed, N, in 10% increments relative to Nmax. Flow rate, Q, from 100% to 0% relative to Qmax in 10% increments. Flow rate, Q, from 100% to 0% relative to Qmax in 10% increments. Flow rate, Q, from 100% to 0% relative to Qmax in 10% increments. By Adjusting Valve immediately downstream of the flowmeter Comments

CE 415L

Valve immediately upstream of pump inlet Electronic drive frequency at controller to vary the pump speed. Electronic drive frequency at controller to vary the pump speed. Electronic drive frequency at controller to vary the pump speed.(shown as a percentage of maximum pump speed) Valve immediately downstream of the flowmeter You probably will not be able to observe measurable flow at lower pump speeds. The best approach is to start at maximum flow rate then decrease pump speed toward N=0%.

3-A

3-B

Valve immediately downstream of the flowmeter

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