Chemical Engineering Laboratory II

SEGi University

EXPERIMENT 5: SERIES AND PARALLEL

PUMP
Group Member’s Name:
1. Abdalla Albashir Alsadig Jamooaa
2. Clinton Eugene Ndhlovu
3. Mohd Hasrulazmin Md Deli
4. Yousef Salem Mohamed

Lecturer/Supervisor: Dr Muhammad Zulhaziman Mat Salleh

Date of Submission: 12th November 2020
 1. ABSTRACT

2. INTRODUCTION/ THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

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.

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 2 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 center opening (called the
eye) of the housing. The fluid then makes a 90 0 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
3 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.

2.2.2 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

3. EXPERIMENTAL METHOD

3.1 Equipment

Figure 6 Equipment Assembly

 3.2 Specifications

Before operating the unit, the unit must be familiarized. 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.
 Figure 7 Process Diagram for Serial / Parallel Pump Test Unit

3.3 Installation Procedures

1. The unit were unpacked and place it on a table close to the single phase
electrical supply.
2. The equipment were placed on top of a table and the equipment were levelled
with the adjustable feet.

3. All parts and instruments on the unit were inspected and make sure that it is in
proper condition.

4. The equipment were connected to the nearest power supply.

3.4 Commissioning Procedures

1. The equipment were installed according to Section 3.2.

2. Make sure that all valves are initially closed.

3. The sump tank were filled up with clean water until the water level is sufficient to
cover the return flow pipe.

4. Then the pumps were tested according to Section 3.5.1.

5. The pumps, flow meter and the gauges were inspected. Any leakage on the pipe
line must be identified and fix.

6. The pumps were turn off after the commissioning.

7. The unit were ready for use

3.5 Procedures

3.5.1 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. Make sure that the circulation tank is filled with water up to at least the end of the
pipe output is submerge with water.

2. Make sure that the V5 is in partial open position.

3. Switch on the main power supply.

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. The pump were turn on and V5 were slowly opened until maximum flow rate is
achieved as shown in Table 2.

Table 2 Flow Rates of Pump

Orientatio Minimum Maximum
n Flow Rate Flow Rate
(LPM) (LPM)
Single 20 90
Series 20 90
Parallel 40 180

3.5.2 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.

3.5.3 Experiment 1: Single Pump Operations

 Objective: Single pump operation with variable flow rate

Table 3 Equipment Set Up of Experiment 1

Fully Close Fully Open Valve Variable Pump ON

Valve Parameter
2&3 1&4 Valve 5 Pump 1

Procedures:

1. Follow the basic procedure as written in section 3.3.

2. Ensure that all setting follows the equipment set up.

3. Valve V5 were opened slowly until the flow rate reaches 20 LPM.
4. The pressure reading were observed on the pressure indicator. Flow rate and
pressure value were recorded when stable condition is achieved.

5. The observation were repeated by increasing the flow rate with increment by
10 LPM until the flow rate reaches 90 LPM

3.5.4 Experiment 2: Series Pump Operations

Objective: Series pump operation with variable flow rate

Table 4 Equipment Set Up of Experiment 2

Fully Close Fully Open Valve Variable Pump ON

Valve Parameter
X4 1,3 Valve 5 Both pump

Procedures:

1. Follow the basic procedure as written in section 3.3.

2. Ensure that all setting follows the equipment set up.

3. Valve V5 were slowly opened until the flow rate reaches 20 LPM.
4. The pressure reading were observed on the pressure indicator. The flow rate
and pressure value were recorded when stable condition is achieved.

5. The observation were repeated by increasing the flow rate with increment by
10 LPM until the flow rate reaches 90 LPM

3.5.5 Experiment 3: Parallel Pump Operations

Objective: Parallel pump operation with variable flow rate
Table 5 Equipment Set Up of Experiment 3

Fully Close Fully Open Valve Variable Pump ON

Valve Parameter
3 1,2 & 4 Valve 5 Both pump

Procedures:

1. Follow the basic procedure as written in section 3.3.

2. Ensure that all setting follows the equipment set up.

3. Valve V5 were opened slowly until the flow rate reaches 40 LPM.

4. The pressure reading were observed on the pressure indicator. The flow rate
and pressure value were recorded when stable condition is achieved.

5. The observation were repeated by increasing the flow rate with increment by
20 LPM until the flow rate reaches 180 LPM
 4. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

Table 6 shows result for single pump

Graph of Pressure difference (Kgf/cm3) Versus Flow Rate

2.5
Pressure Difference, Kgf/cm3

1.5

0.5

0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Flow Rate, LPM

Figure 8 shows the graph of pressure difference (kgf/cm3) versus flow rate for single pump.
 Pressure Difference (Bar) Versus Flow Rate
2.5

2
Pressure Difference, bar

1.5

0.5

0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Flow Rate, LPM

Figure 9 shows the graph of pressure difference (bar) versus flow rate for single pump.

Table 7 shows result for series pump

 Graph of Pressure difference (Kgf/cm3) Versus Flow Rate
5
4.5
Pressure Difference, Kgf/cm3

4
3.5
3
2.5
2 P3-P1
1.5
P4-P1
1
0.5
0
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Flow Rate, LPM

Figure 10 shows the graph of pressure difference (kgf/cm3) versus flow rate for series pump.

Pressure Difference (Bar) Versus Flow Rate

4.5
4
Pressure Difference, bar

3.5
3
2.5
P3-P1
2 P4-P1
1.5
1
0.5
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Flow Rate, LPM

Figure 12 shows the graph of pressure difference (bar) versus flow rate for series pump.

Table 8 shows result for parallel pump

 Graph of Pressure difference (Kgf/cm3) Versus Flow Rate
2.5
Pressure Difference, Kgf/cm3

1.5
P2-P1
1 P4-P1

0.5

0
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Flow Rate, LPM

Figure 13 shows the graph of pressure difference (kgf/cm3) versus flow rate for parallel pump.
 Pressure Difference (Bar) Versus Flow Rate
2.5

2
Pressure Difference, bar

1.5
P2-P1
1 P4-P1

0.5

0
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

Flow Rate, LPM

Figure 14 shows the graph of pressure difference (bar) versus flow rate for parallel pump.

5. DISCUSSION

6. CONCLUSION

7. REFERENCES