Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Report

Series and parallel pump

Name (as in SEGi ID): _Bandar Khaled Bamuqabel_

Student ID: ___SUKD1603137_____________________

Group ID: _____GROUP2_______

Course Code: EME3421 ________________________________

Course Name: Laboratory Investigations 3_________________

Submission Date: _______2018-3-21_________________________

Abstract :
Pumps are used to transfer fluid in a system, either at the same elevation or to a new height. The
needed flow rate depends on the height to which the fluid is pumped. Each pump hasa head
discharge relationship that is inversely proportional. The objectives of the experiment are to
compare the performance of single pumps in series or parallel, to determine the efficiency of the
pump and to plot the characteristic pump curve by measuring head and flow rate. The procedure
for this experiment is by observing the pressure reading on the indicator by changing the pumps
either in series or parallel and the flowrate was recorded from 40 LPM to 90 LPM. The major
result for this experiment is it shows that when pump in series is to pump the fluid to certain
height that we want while when in parallel is to increase the flowrate of the pump. In theory, if
two pumps are combined in series, the pumping system will produce twice the head fora given
flow rate. Similarly, if two pumps are combined in parallel, the pumping system is expected to
have twice the flow rate of single pump for a given head. Lastly, I can conclude that some the
objectives of the experiment have been achieved at the end of the experiment

OBJECTIVE :
Explanation of benefits of using the pumps in different instillation. To demonstrate the basic
operation and characteristic of centrifugal pumps. Differentiate the flow rate and pressure head of
a single pump and of two identical pumps that is run in series or parallel.

THEORY/INTRODUCTION

Pumps are used in almost all aspects of industry and engineering from feeds to reactors or
distillation columns in chemical engineering to pumping storm water in civil and environmental.
They are an integral part of engineering and an understanding of how they work is important for
any type of engineer.

Centrifugal pump is one of the most widely used pumps for transferring liquids. This is for a
number of reasons. Centrifugal pumps are very quiet in comparison to other pumps. They have
a relatively low operating and maintenance costs. Centrifugal pumps take up little floor space
and create a uniform, non-pulsating flow. This equipment illustrates the basic operation and
characteristics of centrifugal pumps. The equipment will explore flow rates and pressure head of
a single pump and of two identical pumps that are run in series or in parallel. In this equipment,
there are two pumps connected through a pipe work that allows for them to be operated
individually, in series or in parallel. When identical pumps are in series the pressure head is
doubled but the flow rate remains the same. This is useful when a high pressure is needed but
the same flow rate as of a single pump is sufficient. When pumps are run in parallel the flow is
increased and the pressure head produced is around the same as a single pump.

Pumps are devices that transfer mechanical energy from a prime mover into fluid energy to
produce the flow of liquids. There are two broad classifications of pumps: positive displacement
and dynamic. In the experiments, students are able to operate Horizontal Single Stage
Centrifugal Pump (PI) and (P2) in different arrangement-single, parallel and serial.

2.1 Dynamic Pumps

Dynamic pumps add energy to the fluid by the action of rotating blade, which increases the
velocity of the fluid. Figure 1 shows the construction features of a centrifugal pump, the most
commonly used type of dynamic pump.

Figure 1 Construction features of a centrifugal pump

2.2 Horizontal Single Stage Centrifugal Pump

Centrifugal pumps have two major components:
1. The impeller consists of a number of curved blades (also called vanes) attached in a
regular pattern to one side of a circular hub plate that is connected to the rotating
driveshaft.
2. The .housing (also called casing) is a stationary shell that enclosed the impeller and
supports the rotating drive shaft via a bearing.

A centrifugal pump operates as follows. The prime mover rotates the driveshaft and hence
the impeller fluid is drawn in axially through the centre opening (called the eye) of the housing.
The fluid then makes a 90° turn and flows radially outward. As energy is added to the fluid by
the rotating blades (centrifugal action and actual blade force), the pressure and velocity increase
until the fluid reaches the outer tip of the impeller. The fluid then enters the volute-shaped
housing whose increased flow area causes the velocity to decrease. This action results in
decrease kinetic energy and an accompanying increase in pressure.
The volute-shaped housing also provides a continuous increase in flow area in the direction of
flow to produce a uniform velocity as the fluid travels around the outer portion of housing and
discharge opening.
Although centrifugal pumps provide smooth, continuous flow, their flow rate output (also
called discharge) is reducing as the external resistance is increase. In fact, by closing a system
valve (thereby creating theoretically infinite external system resistance) even while the pump is
running at design speed, it is possible to stop pump output flow completely. In such a case, no
harm occurs to the pump unless this no-flow condition occurs over extended period with
resulting excessive fluid temperature build up. Thus pressure relief valves are not needed. The
tips of the impeller blade merely shear to through the liquid, and the rotational speed maintains
a fluid pressure corresponding to the centrifugal force established. Figure 2 shows the cutaway
of a centrifugal pump

Figure 2 The Cutaway of a Centrifugal Pump

2.2.1 Pump Head versus Flow rate Curves for Centrifugal Pumps

Figure 3 shows pump head versus flow rate curves for a centrifugal pump. The solid curve shows
the rate for water, whereas the dashed curve is for a more viscous fluid such as oil. Most
published performance curves for centrifugal pumps are for pumping water. Notice from Figure
3 that using a fluid having a higher viscosity than water results in a smaller flow rate at a given
pump head. If the fluid has a viscosity greater than 300 times that of water, the performance of
a centrifugal pump deteriorates enough that a positive displacement pump is usually
recommended.

Figure 3 Pump Head versus Flow rate Curves for Centrifugal Pump for water and for a more
viscous liquid
The maximum head produced by a centrifugal pump is called pump shutoff head because an
external system valve is closed and there is no flow. Notice from Figure 4 that as the external
system resistance decrease (which occurs when a system valve is opened more fully), the flow
rate increases at the expense of reduced pump head. Because the output.
Flow rate changes significantly with external system resistance, centrifugal pumps are rarely used
in fluid power systems. Zero pump head exists if the pump discharge port were opened to the
atmosphere, such as when filling nearby open tank with water. The open tank represents
essentially zero resistance to flow for the pump. Figure 4 shows why centrifugal pumps are
desirable for pumping stations used for delivery water to homes and factories. The demand for
water may go to near zero during the evening and reach a peak during the daytime, but a
centrifugal pump can readily handle these large changes in water demand. Since there is a great
deal of clearance between the impeller and housing, centrifugal pumps are not self-priming,
unlike positive displacement pumps. Thus if a liquid being pumped from a reservoir located below
a centrifugal pump, priming is required. Priming is the prefilling of the pump housing and inlet
pipe with the liquid so that the pump can initially draw the liquid and pump efficiency. Priming is
required because there is too much clearance between the pump inlet and outlet ports to seal
against atmospheric pressure. Thus the displacement of a centrifugal Pump is not positive where
the same volume of liquid would be delivered per revolution of the driveshaft.
The lack of positive internal seal against leakage means that the centrifugal pump is not forced
to produce flow when there is a very large system resistance to flow. As system resistance
decrease, less of the fluid at the discharge port slips back into the clearance spaces between the
impeller and housing, resulting in an increase in flow. Slippage occurs because the fluid follows
the path of least resistance.

Performance Characteristic Curves for Centrifugal Pumps

When Centrifugal Pump manufacturers test their pumps, they typically produce (for a given
geometry and speed) performance curves of head, overall efficiency, and input shaft power
versus flow rate of the specified fluid. Figure 5 shows these three curves plotted on the same
graph. Note that as the flow rate increases from zero, the efficiency increases from zero until it
reaches maximum, and then it decreases as the maximum flow rate is approached. The point
where the maximum efficiency occurs is the best efficiency point (BEP), and the corresponding
flow rate is the design flow rate. When selecting a pump for a given application, it is usually
desirable to use a pump that will operate near its efficient point. Maximum efficiency values for
centrifugal pumps typically range from 60% to 80%.

2.3 Centrifugal pump connected in Parallel

If a single pump does not provide enough flow rate for a given application, connecting two
pumps in parallel as shown in Figure 4, can rectify the problem. The effective two-pump
performance curve is obtained by adding the flow rates of each pump at the same head. As
shown, when two pumps are connected in parallel, the operating points shift from A to B,
providing not only increased flow rate as required but also greater head. Figure 6 shows identical
pumps, but the pumps do not have to be the same.
Figure 4 Two centrifugal pumps connected in parallel

2.4 Centrifugal pump connected in series

On the other hand, if a single pump does not provide enough head for a given application, two
pumps connected in series, as shown in Figure 5, can be a remedy. The effective two-pump
performance curve is obtained by adding the head of each pump at the same flow rate. As,
shown, the operating point shifts from A to B, thereby providing not only increased head as
required but also greater flow. Figure 5 shows identical pumps, but the pumps do not have to be
the same.

Figure 5 Two centrifugal pumps connected in series

APPARATUS

Figure 6 Equipment Assembly

3.1Specifications
Before operating the unit, students must familiarize themselves with the unit. Please refer to
Figure 7to understand the process. The unit consists of the followings:
a) Pumps v
2 units of Horizontal Single Stage Centrifugal Pump (PI) and (P2) Flow rate : 20-90 LPM
Head : 20.7-15 m Max. Head: 22 m
b) Circulation Tank
Transparent acrylic water tank is provided to supply water to PI and P2.
c) Flow rate and pump head
All gauges and meters are provided in a way for easy viewing and data collection.
d) Process piping
The process piping is made of industrial PVC pipes. Valves used are non-ferrous to
minimize rust and corrosion.
Overall Dimensions
Height: 700 mm Width: 650
mm Depth: 1100 mm
General Requirements
Electrical: 240 VAC, 1-phase, 50Hz Water : Clean tap water
P1
Figure 7 Process Diagram for Serial / Parallel Pump Test Unit

3.2 Installation Procedures

2. Unpack the unit and place it on a table close to the single phase electrical supply.
3. Place the equipment on top of a table and level the equipment with the adjustable
feet.
4. Inspect the all parts and instruments on the unit and make sure that it is in proper
condition.
5. Connect the equipment to the nearest power supply.
3.3 Commissioning Procedures
1. Install the equipment according to Section 3.1.
2. Make sure that all valves are initially closed.
3. Fill up the sump tank with clean water until the water level is sufficient to cover the
return flow pipe.
4. Then test the pumps according to Section 5.1.
5. Check that pumps, flow meter and the gauges are working properly. Identify any
leakage on the pipe line. Fix the leakage if there is any.
6. Turn off the pumps after the commissioning.
7. The unit is now ready for use.
PROCEDURES :
4.1 General Start-up Procedures
Before conducting any experiment, it is necessary to do the following checking to avoid any
misused and malfunction of equipment.
1. the circulation tank was filled with water up to at least the end of the pipe output was
submerge with water.
2. the V5 was in partial open position.
3. The main power supply Switched on.
4. Refer to Table 1, select the appropriate pump and check for following valve position.
Table 1 Valve Position for General Start-up
Pump Operation Running Pump Open Valve Close Valve
Single Pump 1, PI 1,4 2,3
Serial Both Pump, PI &P2 1,3 2,4
Parallel Both Pump, PI &P2 1,2,4 3

5. Pump turned on and slowly V5 opened until maximum flow rate was achieved as shown
in Table 2.

Table 2 Flow Rates of Pump

Orientation Minimum Flow Rate(LPM) Maximum Flow Rate(LPM)
Single 40 90
Series 40 90
Parallel 80 180

4.2 General Shut-down Procedures

1. Turn off the pump.
2. Make sure valve V5 is in fully close position.
3. Switch off the main power supply.
4.3 Experiment 1: Single Pump Operation
Objective: Single pump operation with variable flow rate

Table 3 Equipment Set Up of Experiment 1

Fully Close valve Fully Open Valve Variable parameter Pump ON

2&3 1& 4 Valve 5 Pump 1

Procedures:
1. Followed the basic procedure as written in section 3.2.
2. All setting followed the equipment set up.
3. Valve V5 opened slowly until the flow rate reaches 22 LPM.
4. The pressure reading was observed from the pressure indicator. Flow rate and
pressure value were recorded when stable condition was achieved.
5. Repeated observation by increasing the flow rate

4.4 Experiment 2: Series Pump Operation

Objective: Series pump operation with variable flow rate
Table 4Equipment Set Up of Experiment 2

Fully Close valve Fully Open Valve Variable parameter Pump ON

X4 1,3 Valve 5 Both Pump

Procedures:
1. Followed the basic procedure as written in section 3.2.
2. All setting followed the equipment set up.
3. Valve V5 opened slowly until the flow rate reaches 40 LPM.
4. The pressure reading was observed from the pressure indicator. Flow rate and
pressure value were recorded when stable condition was achieved.
5. Repeat observation by increasing the flow rate
 4.5 Experiment 3: Parallel Pump Operation
Objective: Parallel pump operation with variable flow rate

Table 5Equipment Set Up of Experiment 2

Fully Close valve Fully Open Valve Variable parameter Pump ON

3 1,2 & 4 Valve 5 Both Pump

Procedures:
1. Followed the basic procedure as written in section 3.2
2. All setting followed the equipment set up
3. Valve V5 opened slowly until the flow rate reaches 40 LPM.
4. The pressure reading was observed from the pressure indicator. Flow rate and
pressure value were recorded when stable condition was achieved
5. Repeat observation by increasing the flow rate

RESULTS :
Table 6 Result of Experiment 1( single )
Pressure Hydraulic power efficiency
Pressure Gauge 1 Pressure Gauge 2
Flow rate different
(PI1) Bar (PI2)Bar
Bar
40 1.02 2.96 1.94 77.6 43%
50 1.01 2.90 1.89 94.5 52.5%
60 1.0 2.83 1.83 109.8 61%
70 1.0 2.75 1.75 122.5 68%
80 0.99 2.66 1.67 133.6 74.2%
90 0.98 2.57 1.59 143.1 79.5%
Table 7 Result of Experiment 2 ( series )
Pressure Pressure Gauge Pressure Gauge Pressure
Flow rate Gauge 1 3 4 different
(HI) Bar (PI3) Bar (PI4) Bar Bar
40 1.04 2.95 4.75 3.71
50 1.03 2.90 4.66 3.63
60 1.02 2.83 4.53 3.51
70 1.02 2.75 4.37 3.35
80 1.01 2.65 4.19 3.18
90 1.00 2.53 3.99 2.99

Table 8 Result of Experiment 3 ( parallel )

Pressure Pressure Pressure
Pressure Gauge
Flow rate Gauge 2 Gauge 4 different
1 (PI1)Bar
(PI2) Bar (PI4) Bar (PI2) Bar
80 1.04 2.95 2.90 1.885
90 1.04 2.93 2.88 1.865
100 1.03 2.87 2.83 1.820
110 1.03 2.86 2.81 1.805
120 1.03 2.81 2.77 1.760
130 1.02 2.77 2.72 1.725
140 1.02 2.73 2.68 1.685
150 1.01 2.70 2.66 1.670
160 1.01 2.65 2.61 1.620
170 1.01 2.60 2.55 1.565
180 1.00 2.54 2.49 1.515

CALCULATION :
Pressure different for single pump, Experiment 1 :
ΔP = Pressure Gauge 2 – Pressure Gauge 1
Pressure different for series pump, Experiment 2:
ΔP = Pressure Gauge 4 – Pressure Gauge 1
Pressure different for parallel pump, Experiment 3:
ΔP = [(Pressure Gauge 4 + Pressure Gauge 2)÷2] – Pressure Gauge 1
Hydraulic power = pressure different × flow rate
hydraulic power
𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 = × 100
180
 GRAPH PRESSURE DIFFERENT AGAINST FLOW
RATE
single series parallel

3.5
PRESSURE DIFFRENT , M

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

FLOW RATE

Two Centrifugal pumps connected in series

Two Centrifugal pumps connected in parallel

Graph of efficiency of single pump Against Flow Rate

90
80
70
60
efficiency %

Single Pump
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Flow Rate m
DISCUSSION : Commented [GTF1]:

First of all, starting with the single pump operation which will be our reference to compare
between series and parallel pumps. One pump was turned on, then letting the fluid flows
through the pipes in a selected line and passing the gages pressure to measure the pressure.
Observing the pressure reading on the pressure indicator while the flow rate was increasing
with increment by 10. The pressure values were recorded. All the procedures in table 3.
Secondly, series pump operation where letting the both pumps working in one time in a same
line. Finally, the parallel pump operation where letting both pumps working in one time but
in different line.
From the graph, the single pump operation and series pump operation have the same
flow rate values but different pressure values, because, when two pumps connected in series,
the pressure different values of each pump is added together. The source of error here is
when we came to take the reading of each gage pressure from the pressure indicator, the
first gage pressure was stable but the second and third was unstable while observing.
In addition from table 6 it's clear that the hydraulic power increasing when flow rate
increased, also same relation with the efficiency of the pump.

CONCLUSION :
Parallel pump is the best choice to maintain the high flow rate for any application and uses.
Proportional relation between hydraulic power, efficiency and the flow rate .
Accuracy of Reading, the air effects the capacity of the pumps, sometime pump trapped in
the volute, which cause a vibration and noise, and they affect the accurate reading of data.

REFERENCES :
i. R.K. Bansal 1983, A Textbook of Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines, 1st Edition,
Laxmi Publications (P) Ltd, India.
ii. Rama Durgaiah, 2002, Fluid Mechanics and Machinery, 1st Edition, New Age International
(P) Ltd, India.
iii. Roberson, J.A, Cassidy, J.J & Chaudry, M.H. (1998) ‘Hydraulic Engineering’, Wiley.
iv. White Frank M.(1979). Fluid Mechanics. Mc Graw, Hill.University of Rhode Island.