1.

0 INTRODUCTION

A positive displacement pump emits a given volume of fluid for each revolution of the
motor. Bellows, double-diaphragm, flexible impeller, gear, oscillating, piston, progressing cavity,
rotary lobe, rotary vane, and peristaltic pumps are all positive displacement pumps.

Centrifugal Pump Fundamentals

Pump Characteristic Curves

The performance of a centrifugal pump can be shown graphically on a characteristic curve. A

typical characteristic curve shows the total dynamic head, brake horsepower, efficiency, and net
positive Suction head all plotted over the capacity range of the pump.

Dimensional curves which indicate the general shape of the characteristic curves for the
various types of pumps. They show the head, brake horsepower, and efficiency plotted as a percent
of their values at the design or best efficiency point of the pump.

Figure below shows that the head curve for a radial flow pump is relatively flat and that the
head decreases gradually as the flow increases. Note that the brake horsepower increases gradually
over the flow range with the maximum normally at the point of maximum flow.

Figure 1.0 Radial Flow Pump Figure 1.1 The Centrifugal Pump Tank.
Recommendation

There ways to improve the manufacturing process for vacuum casting. Using materials such
as thermoplastics that can be produced in sheet form as the material to be processed should exhibit
high uniform elongation. We can also introduce some fibers reinforcing material to improve strength
and rigidity. The process variations are shown below:

Moulds are usually made of cast aluminium or aluminium filled epoxy.

Sheets can be heated by infrared heaters or in ovens.
Can have top and bottom heating elements, or top heating element only.
For thick sheets, a top enclosure and compressed air is used.
Sheet is drawn over mould with additional force, other than provided by the
vacuum, until cooled.
Thermoforming: for thin-walled parts such as packaging.

But there are some economic considerations that must be taken such as:

Tooling costs low to moderate, depending on complexity.

Equipment costs low to moderate, but can be high if automated.
Labor costs low to moderate.
Finishing costs low. Some trimming of unformed material after moulding.

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