armfield

SERIES/PARALLEL PUMP
TEST SET

R5
issue 9

The Armfield Series/Parallel Pump Test Set is designed for the study of the centrifugal
pump and of the the performance and benefits of series and parallel operation.

MEASUREMENT CAPABILITIES
➤ pump performance curves relating: flow rate, pressure, speed, power, hence
efficiency for pumps operating singly or in series or parallel configuration
➤ in addition, the dynamic similarity of the pumps may be checked
against any chosen parameter
INTRODUCTION
Where pumping requirements are
variable it is often more economical to fit
two pumps in series or parallel operation
rather than a single larger one which may
be under-utilised for much of the time.
In the former arrangement one pump may
be switched off when demand is low,
thereby operating the other at a higher
efficiency and enabling maintenance to
be done on the idle unit.
Two identical pumps operated in parallel
approximately double the discharge while
preserving the same head. Likewise,
when two identical pumps are connected
in series, the discharge rate is the same
as that from one pump but the head is
approximately doubled. This can be a
useful route to the production of high
heads.
Pressures in the suction and delivery
sides of the pumps are indicated on
Bourdon type gauges mounted on the
backboard. Pump speed is measured by
an electronic tachometer with readout on
the backboard and motor torque by
direct weighing on the dynamometer
torque arm.
The whole assembly is mounted on a
steel frame and, after filling the sump
tank with water, requires connection to an
electrical supply only.
M:H20 M:H20 RPM M:H20 M:H20
L/S
C
D
B
Pump 1 Pump 2

DESCRIPTION A A1

Two centrifugal pumps of identical design

but opposite hand are driven by a central to V notch Series Operation
dynamometer motor. The pumps may be
run together or driven singly by simply
disconnecting the appropriate link. The
pumps and drive assembly are mounted
M:H20 M:H20 RPM M:H20 M:H20
above a sump tank from which water is L/S
C
drawn by each pump through vertical
suction pipes provided with ball type non- D
B
return valves, one of which has a filling Pump 1 Pump 2
plug for priming the system initially.
A A1
Flow is returned via an open channel
incorporating a ‘V’ notch weir for flow
measurement. The height of the water to V notch Parallel Operation
level above the apex of the notch is
measured by a Vernier hook gauge in a R5 Schematic diagrams

stilling vessel connected by tubing to a

tapping to the open channel.
Alternatively, flow can be measured with
an orifice plate and differential water/
mercury manometer calibrated in litres/
min. The interconnecting pipework in
P.V.C is fitted with ball valves which allow
the pumps to be connected in parallel,
series, or operated individually. The
common delivery pipe has a precise flow
regulating valve.
 P1 + P2
H
P2
P1

Q
Parallel Operation

P1 + P2

H
P2

P1

Q
Series Operation

Efficiency %

Line of maximum efficiency

45 50 55 60

2900rpm
2000rpm

1000rpm

700rpm

Q
Performance curves of a single pump at different speeds
ORDERING SPECIFICATION SERVICES REQUIRED
● Self-contained unit to demonstrate Electrical Supply:
series and parallel pump operation. R5-A: 220-240V/1ph/50Hz
Apparatus includes two identical, but R5-B: 120V/1ph/60Hz
opposite hand, centrifugal pumps R5-G: 220V/1ph/60Hz
with 120mm dia. Impellers; central Water Supply:
dynamometer with 2.2kW D.C motor, Initial supply of clean water.
variable speed 0-2900r.p.m with
connecting link for single or twin OVERALL DIMENSIONS
pump operation. Pressures measured
on Bourdon gauges. Length: 1.90m
● Direct reading electronic tachometer Width: 0.80m
- torque measurement by direct Height: 1.97m
weighing. 500 litre sump tank. Flow
measurement devices comprise SHIPPING SPECIFICATIONS
orifice plate with manometer and ‘V’ Volume: 4.7m3
notch weir with hook and point
Gross Weight: 450Kg
gauge. Operating manual includes
theory and typical data on student
laboratory sheets.

Armfield Limited
Bridge House West Street Ringwood
Hampshire England BH24 1DY
Tel: +44 (0)1425 478781
Fax: +44 (0)1425 470916
E mail: sales@armfield.co.uk
URL: http://www.armfield.co.uk

USA Office:
Armfield Inc.
436 West Commodore Blvd (#2)
Jackson NJ 08527
Tel: (732) 928-3332
Fax: (732) 928-3542 Specifications may change without notice
E mail: armfield@optonline.net iss9/5k/0403/San.