Centrifugal Pump

• A machine which imparts energy to a liquid

causing the liquid to flow or rise to a higher
level or both.
• Demour’s centrifugal pump – 1730
• Theory
– conservation of angular momentum
– conversion of kinetic energy to potential
energy
• Pump components
❑ Rotating element – impeller - takes the
power (mechanical) from the rotating shaft
and accelerates the fluid.

❑ Enclosing the rotating element and sealing

the pressurized liquid inside – casing
or housing – acts as a diffuser and transforms
high fluid velocity (kinetic energy) into pressure.
Centrifugal Pump

Schematic diagram of basic elements of

centrifugal pump
Main Parts of Centrifugal Pumps
1. Impeller
which is the rotating part of the centrifugal
pump.
It consists of a series of backwards curved
vanes (blades).
The impeller is driven by a shaft which is
connected to the shaft of a prime mover, e.g.,
an electric motor, an IC engine, etc.

2. Casing
Which is an air-tight passage surrounding
the impeller
designed to direct the liquid to the
impeller and lead it away
Volute casing. It is of spiral type in which
the area of the flow increases gradually.
Main Parts of Centrifugal Pumps
3. Suction Pipe
The conduit connecting the sump
(reservoir) up to the centerline of the
pump impeller.

4. Delivery Pipe
The conduit connecting the pump
impeller centerline up to the delivery
point.

5. Impeller Shaft
The shaft which carries the mechanical power
from the engine/motor drive to the impeller.
6. Engine/Motor Driver
Supplies mechanical power to the rotating
impeller shaft. It can be mounted directly
on the pump, above it, or adjacent to it.
Effect of Impeller Diameter and Speed
Broad range of applicable flows and heads. Higher discharges and heads
can be achieved by increasing the rotational speed or the diameter of the
impeller although with corresponding change in power input.
𝑄∝ 𝑁 𝐻∝𝑁 2 𝑃∝𝑁 3

𝑄 ∝ 𝐷3 𝐻 ∝ 𝐷2 𝑃 ∝ 𝐷5
▪ Discharge varies directly with the change in speed or as cube of the
change in impeller diameter
▪ Head varies as square of the change in speed or impeller diameter.
▪ Power input varies as the cube of the change in speed or fifth power to
the impeller diameter.
For instance, the pump speed is doubled:
▪ Discharge will double.
▪ Head will increase by a factor of 22 = 4.
▪ Power input will increase by a factor of 23 = 8.
Application of Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps (radial-flow pumps) are the most used pumps for hydraulic
purposes where high discharge with relatively low head is required such as
irrigation, cooling tower of central A/C system/power plants, etc.
Shrouded Semi-enclosed Fully-open Impeller is
Impeller is Impeller is used used for very thick
used for very for moderately (highly viscous),
Thin (less thick (viscous) stingy liquid, e.g.,
viscous) clear liquid, e.g. thick dredging fluid (mud),
liquid, e.g. water. oils. paper stock, etc.

Types of Centrifugal Pump Impellers

(a) Volute (casing) (b) Double-volute (casing) (c) Turbine (casing with
pump pump guide vanes) pump
Types of Centrifugal Pumps (casing)
 Euler Equation for Centrifugal Pumps
Using subscripts 1 for inlet and 2 for outlet quantities: Outlet Velocity Triangle
𝐷1 and 𝐷2 =Diameters at inlet of outlet of the impeller
𝑁 =Rotational Speed of the impeller in rpm (𝑢2 −𝑣𝑤2 ) 𝑣𝑤2
𝑉1 and 𝑉2 =Absolute velocities at inlet and outlet
𝜋𝐷1 𝑁 𝜋𝐷2 𝑁
𝑢1 = and 𝑢2 = =Tangential velocities at
60 60
inner and outer periphery of the impeller
𝑣𝑟1 and 𝑣𝑟2 =Relative velocities at inlet and outlet
𝛼1 and 𝛼2 =Direction of absolute velocities at inlet
and outlet. 𝛼 is the angle made by the
absolute velocity vector 𝑉 with the positive
direction of the peripheral velocity 𝑢.
𝛽1 and 𝛽2 =Vane (blade) angle at inlet and outlet made by the
relative velocity vector 𝑣𝑟 with the negative direction of
the peripheral velocity 𝑢.
𝑣𝑤1 and 𝑣𝑤 2 =Whirl velocities at inlet and outlet (Tangential
components of 𝑉1 and 𝑉2 respectively). 𝑣𝑤1
𝑣𝑓1 and 𝑣𝑓 =Flow velocities at inlet and outlet (Radial components of
2
Inlet Velocity Triangle
𝑉1 and 𝑉2 respectively) .
Euler Equation for Centrifugal Pumps
Euler Head, 𝑯𝒆 : Outlet Velocity Triangle
[Theoretical head transferred to liquid by the
impeller or work done by the impeller per kg of (𝑢2 −𝑣𝑤2 ) 𝑣𝑤2
liquid]
From Euler’s Pump Equation, Euler Head, 𝑯𝒆 :
𝑽𝟐𝟐 − 𝑽𝟐𝟏 𝒗𝟐𝒓𝟏 − 𝒗𝟐𝒓𝟐 𝒖𝟐𝟐 − 𝒖𝟐𝟏
𝑯𝒆 = + +
𝟐𝒈 𝟐𝒈 𝟐𝒈
Where:
𝑉22 −𝑉12
represents the increase in absolute
2𝑔
kinetic energy of fluid;
𝑢22 −𝑢12
represents the increase in static
2𝑔
pressure due to centrifugal action;
2 −𝑣 2
𝑣𝑟1 𝑟2
𝑣𝑤1
represents the change in the kinetic
2𝑔
Inlet Velocity Triangle
energy due to retardation of flow.
 Euler Equation for Centrifugal Pumps
𝑽𝟐𝟐 − 𝑽𝟐𝟏 𝒗𝟐𝒓𝟏 − 𝒗𝟐𝒓𝟐 𝒖𝟐𝟐 − 𝒖𝟐𝟏 Outlet Velocity Triangle
𝑯𝒆 = + +
𝟐𝒈 𝟐𝒈 𝟐𝒈
(𝑢2 −𝑣𝑤2 ) 𝑣𝑤2
From the inlet and outlet velocity triangles, we have:
2
𝑣𝑟1 = 𝑢12 + 𝑉12 − 2𝑢1 𝑉1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼1
2
𝑣𝑟2 = 𝑢22 + 𝑉22 − 2𝑢2 𝑉2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼2
Using these relations in 𝐻𝑒 equation and rearranging, we get:
1
𝐻𝑒 = 𝑢2 𝑉2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼2 − 𝑢1 𝑉1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼1
𝑔
𝟏
⇒ 𝑯𝒆 = 𝒖 𝒗 − 𝒖𝟏 𝒗𝒘𝟏
𝒈 𝟐 𝒘𝟐

𝑣𝑤1

Inlet Velocity Triangle

Euler Equation for Centrifugal Pumps
Assuming Radial Entry at inlet for a
Inlet Velocity Triangle
centrifugal pump,
(radial entry, 𝜶𝟏 = 𝟗𝟎°)

Euler Head (Theoretical),

𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1 𝑣𝑟1
𝟏
𝑯𝒆 = 𝒖𝟐 𝒗𝒘𝟐
𝒈 𝛼1 𝛽1

Actual Head Developed by the impeller, 𝑢1

Manometric Head (Measured), 𝑯𝒎

Manometric (Hydraulic) Efficiency,

𝑯𝒎
𝜼𝒎 =
𝑯𝒆
Minimum Starting Speed of a Centrifugal Pump
At the time of start, the fluid velocities are zero and the only head that is operating
𝑢22 −𝑢12
is the centrifugal head . This centrifugal force must overcome the
2𝑔
manometric head for the fluid to move, i.e.,
Again,
𝑢22 − 𝑢12
≥ 𝐻𝑚 𝑢22 − 𝑢12
2𝑔 ≥ 𝜂𝑚 𝐻𝑒
𝜋𝐷1 𝑁 𝜋𝐷2 𝑁 2𝑔
Now, 𝑢1 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢2 = Equating
60 60

So that, equating 𝑢22 − 𝑢12 𝑢2 𝑣𝑤2

= 𝜂𝑚
𝑢22 − 𝑢12 2𝑔 𝑔
= 𝐻𝑚
2𝑔
𝑯𝒎 𝟏𝟐𝟎𝜼𝒎 𝒗𝒘𝟐 𝑫𝟐
𝑵𝒎𝒊𝒏 = 𝟖𝟒. 𝟓𝟗𝟔 𝑵𝒎𝒊𝒏 =
𝑫𝟐𝟐 − 𝑫𝟐𝟏
𝝅 𝑫𝟐𝟐 − 𝑫𝟐𝟏
Minimum Impeller Diameter at a Given Speed
Usually the impeller outer diameter is designed as twice the inner (inlet) diameter,
i.e., 𝑫𝟐 = 𝟐𝑫𝟏 . Using this relationship, the minimum diameter of the impeller for
fluid to move,

𝑢22 − 𝑢12 𝜋𝐷1 𝑁 𝜋𝐷2 𝑁 𝜋𝐷2 𝑁

≥ 𝐻𝑚 Here, 𝑢1 = = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢2 =
60 120 60
2𝑔
So that, equating

𝑢22 − 𝑢12
= 𝐻𝑚
2𝑔
2 2
𝜋𝐷2 𝑁 𝜋𝐷2 𝑁
− = 2𝑔𝐻𝑚
60 120
𝑯𝒎 This equation is used in practical situations to
𝑫 𝟐 𝒎𝒊𝒏 = 𝟗𝟕. 𝟔𝟖
𝑵 design impeller for liquid pumping at a given
speed.
Priming of Centrifugal Pump
When the pump casing and the suction conduit are completely filled with water, as the
impeller rotates, the pressure at the pump suction side becomes lower than the
atmospheric pressure. Due to this difference in pressure head between the water surface
of the sump and the inlet of the pump, the atmospheric pressure pushes the water from
the sump to the pump casing. However, an impeller running in air would produce only a
small head. This cannot create the necessary differential head of water between the sump
and the pump inlet as the density of air is much less than that of water. Consequently, the
pump does not do its work of pumping of water.

Further, dry running of the pump may damage several parts of the pump. This is,
therefore, necessary to ensure that the pump casing, impeller, suction pipe and the portion
of the pump delivery pipe up to the delivery valve are always filled with water before the
start of the pump. Filling is done by pouring water into the funnel or priming-cup
provided for this purpose. An air vent in the casing is provided for the air to escape. This
air vent must be closed after filling. This filling process is called the “priming” of the
pump. Most centrifugal pumps are not self-priming, so they always need priming.

However, a one-way valve, called foot valve is used at the entrance of the suction pipe,
which keeps the suction conduit filled-up even when the pump is stopped. Thus when the
pump is restarted, it does not need priming.
Why pump pressure is expressed in liquid head (liquid height in meters or feet)?
A pump throws liquid in the opposite direction of a free falling body from a certain height. A
free falling body starts from zero velocity at a certain height and then reached maximum
velocity at the ground. On the other hand, a pump throws liquid at a maximum velocity at its
impeller exit to reach zero velocity at a certain height.
The height of liquid travel from impeller exit of a pump with impeller diameter of 500 mm
running at 1800 rpm, can be determined as follows:

𝜋𝐷 𝑁 𝜋×0.5×1800
Peripheral velocity of the Impeller at exit point u2 = 602 = = 47.12 𝑚/s, at this
60
velocity the liquid will be thrown by the impeller at the impeller exit.
Therefore, the height of liquid travel is given by: 0 = 𝑢22 − 2𝑔ℎ ⇒ ℎ = 𝑢22 /2𝑔 ⇒ ℎ = 113 𝑚
It can be observed that no liquid property enters the equation, maximum velocity of the liquid
depends only on the impeller size and speed.

Thus a pump always produce the same head regardless of the type of liquid being pumped.
However, pressure will increase or decrease in direct proportion to a liquid’s specific gravity
(𝑝 = 𝜌𝑔𝐻) and power input to the pump will also vary directly with liquid’s specific gravity.
Thus a centrifugal pump can develop the same 100 m of head when pumping water, brine or
kerosene. The resulting pressures, however, will vary. Therefore, the pump pressures are
expressed in liquid height in meters or feet (liquid head).
 Example Problems
Problem–1: A centrifugal pump impeller runs at 950 rpm (𝑁). Its external and internal
diameters are 500 mm (𝐷2 )and 250 mm (𝐷1 ) respectively. The vanes are set back at an
angle of 35o (𝛽2 ) to the outer rim. If the radial velocity of water through the impeller is
maintained constant at 2 m/s (𝑉𝑓1 = 𝑉𝑓2 ), find the angle of the vanes at inlet (𝜷𝟏 ), the
velocity and direction of water at outlet (𝑽𝟐 , 𝜶𝟐 ) and the work done by the impeller per kg of
water (𝑯𝒆 ).
Solution: Assuming radial entry of the fluid, i.e., 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1 𝑢2
𝜋𝐷1 𝑁 𝜋×0.25×950 𝑣𝑤2
▪ 𝑢1 = = = 12.44 𝑚/𝑠
60 60
𝛼2 𝛽2
𝑉𝑓1 2
▪ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜷𝟏 = = = 0.16 ⇒ 𝜷𝟏 = 𝟗. 𝟏𝟑° 𝑉2 Outlet
𝑢1 12.44 𝑣𝑟2
𝜋𝐷2 𝑁 𝜋×0.5×950
▪ 𝑢2 = = = 24.87 𝑚/𝑠
60 60

𝑉𝑓2 2
▪ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛽2 = ⇒ tan 35° =
𝑢2 −𝑣𝑤2 24.87−𝑣𝑤2
⇒ 𝑣𝑤2 = 22.1 𝑚/𝑠
𝑣𝑟1 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1
2 2
▪ 𝑽𝟐 = 𝑉𝑓2 + 𝑣𝑤2 = 22 + 22.12 = 𝟐𝟐. 𝟐 𝒎/𝒔
𝛽1
𝑉𝑓2 2 𝑢1
▪ 𝜶𝟐 = tan−1 = tan−1 = 𝟓. 𝟏𝟕° Inlet
𝑣𝑤2 22.1

𝑢2 𝑣𝑤2 24.87×22.1
▪ 𝑯𝒆 = = = 𝟓𝟔 𝒌𝒈 𝒎/𝒔
𝑔 9.81
 Example Problems
Problem–2: A centrifugal pump is used to lift water at a rate of 0.085 m3/s (𝑄). The outer
diameter of the impeller is 325 mm (𝐷2 ) and the breadth of the wheel at outlet is 15 mm (𝑏2 ).
The manometric head of the pump is 38 m (𝐻𝑚 ) and manometric efficiency is 85% (𝜂𝑚 ). If
the pump runs at 1500 rpm (𝑁), determine the blade angle at exit (𝜷𝟐 ).
Solution: Assuming radial entry of the fluid, i.e., 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1

𝜋𝐷2 𝑁 𝜋×0.325×1500
▪ 𝑢2 = = = 25.52 𝑚/𝑠
60 60 𝑢2
𝑣𝑤2
𝐻𝑚 𝐻𝑚 38
▪ 𝜂𝑚 = = 𝑢2 𝑣𝑤2 ⇒ 0.85 = 25.52×𝑣𝑤2 𝛼2 𝛽2
𝐻𝑒 Outlet
𝑔 9.81 𝑉2 𝑣𝑟2
⇒ 𝑣𝑤2 = 17.19 𝑚/𝑠

▪ 𝑄 = 𝜋𝐷2 𝑏2 𝑉𝑓2
⇒ 0.085 = 𝜋 × 0.325 × 0.015 × 𝑉𝑓2
⇒ 𝑉𝑓2 = 5.55 𝑚/𝑠

𝑣𝑟1 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1
𝑉𝑓2
▪ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜷𝟐 = 𝑢 𝛽1
2 −𝑣𝑤2
5.55 𝑢1
⇒ 𝜷𝟐 = tan−1 = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟔𝟔° Inlet
25.52−17.19
 Example Problems
Problem–3: The inner and outer diameters of the impeller of a centrifugal pump are 300
mm (𝐷1 ) and 600 mm (𝐷2 ) respectively. The constant velocity of flow is 2.2 m/s (𝑉𝑓1 = 𝑉𝑓2 )
and the vanes are curved backward at an angle of 45o at the exit (𝛽2 ) . If the manometric
efficiency is 75% (𝜂𝑚 ), find the minimum starting speed (𝑵𝒎𝒊𝒏 ) of the pump.
Solution: Assuming radial entry of the fluid, i.e., 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1

𝜋𝐷2 𝑁 𝜋×0.6×𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑢2
▪ 𝑢2 = = = 0.0314159𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑣𝑤2
60 60
𝛼2 𝛽2
𝑉𝑓2 2.2 Outlet
▪ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛽2 = 𝑢 ⇒ tan 45° = 𝑉2 𝑣𝑟2
2 −𝑣𝑤2 0.0314159𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛 −𝑣𝑤2

⇒ 𝑣𝑤2 = (0.031416𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛 − 2.2) 𝑚/𝑠

120𝜂𝑚 𝑣𝑤2 𝐷2
▪ 𝑵𝒎𝒊𝒏 = 𝜋 𝐷22 −𝐷12
120 × 0.75 0.031416𝑵𝒎𝒊𝒏 − 2.2 × 0.6
=
𝜋 0.62 − 0.32 𝑣𝑟1 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1
𝛽1
⇒ 𝑵𝒎𝒊𝒏 = 63.662 0.031416𝑵𝒎𝒊𝒏 − 2.2 𝑢1
Inlet
⇒ 𝑵𝒎𝒊𝒏 = 𝟏𝟒𝟎 𝒓𝒑𝒎
 Example Problems
Problem–4: A centrifugal pump delivers 0.20 m3/s water against a head of 26 m while
running at 950 rpm. The constant velocity of flow is 2.9 m/s and the vanes are curved
backward at an angle of 30o. If the manometric efficiency is 77%, find the diameter and the
width (or breadth) of the impeller at outlet.

Solution: Assuming radial entry of the fluid, i.e., 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1

▪ 𝑄 = 𝜋𝑫𝟐 𝒃𝟐 𝑉𝑓2
⇒ 0.20 = 𝜋 × 𝐷2 × 𝑏2 × 2.9
⇒ 𝑫𝟐 𝒃𝟐 = 0.02195 𝑢2
𝑣𝑤2
𝜋𝐷2 𝑁 𝜋×𝐷2 ×950
▪ 𝑢2 = = = 49.74𝑫𝟐 𝛼2 𝛽2
60 60
𝑉2 Outlet
▪ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛽2 = 𝑢
𝑉𝑓2
⇒ tan 30° =
2.9 𝑣𝑟2
2 −𝑣𝑤2 49.74𝑫𝟐 −𝑣𝑤2
⇒ 𝑣𝑤2 = 49.74𝑫𝟐 − 5.023
𝐻𝑚 𝑔𝐻𝑚
▪ 𝜂𝑚 = 𝐻𝑒
=𝑢
2 𝑣𝑤2
9.81 × 26
⇒ 0.77 =
49.74𝑫𝟐 49.74𝑫𝟐 − 5.023
𝑣𝑟1 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1
⇒ 𝑫2𝟐 − 0.134𝑫𝟐 − 0.101 = 0
∴ 𝑫𝟐 = 0.3918 𝑚 = 𝟑𝟗𝟐 𝒎𝒎 𝛽1

And 𝒃𝟐 =
0.02195
= 0.056 𝑚 = 𝟓𝟔 𝒎𝒎 𝑢1
𝐷2 Inlet
 Example Problems
Problem–5: A centrifugal pump impeller has an outside diameter of 200 mm (𝐷2 ) and it
rotates at 2900 rpm (𝑁). Determine the head generated (𝑯𝒎 ) if the vanes are curved
backward at an angle of 25o to the outer rim (𝛽2 ) and the velocity of flow throughout the
wheel is constant at 3 m/s (𝑉𝑓1 = 𝑉𝑓2 ). Assume hydraulic efficiency of 75% (𝜂𝑚 ). Determine
also the power in kW (𝑷) required to run the impeller if the breadth of the wheel at outlet is
15 mm (𝑏2 ). Neglect the effect of vane thickness and mechanical friction and leakage
losses.

Solution: Assuming radial entry of the fluid, i.e., 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1 𝑢2

𝜋𝐷2 𝑁 𝜋×0.2×2900 𝑣𝑤2
▪ 𝑢2 = = = 30.37 𝑚/𝑠
60 60 𝛼2 𝛽2
𝑉𝑓2 3 Outlet
▪ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛽2 = 𝑢 ⇒ tan 25° = 30.37−𝑣 𝑉2 𝑣𝑟2
2 −𝑣𝑤2 𝑤2
⇒ 𝑣𝑤2 = 23.94 𝑚/𝑠
𝑢2 𝑣𝑤2
▪ 𝑯𝒎 = 𝜂𝑚 𝐻𝑒 = 𝜂𝑚 𝑔
30.37 × 23.94
⇒ 𝑯𝒎 = 0.75 × = 𝟓𝟓. 𝟔 𝒎
9.81
𝑣𝑟1 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1
▪ 𝑷 = 𝛾𝑄𝐻𝑚 /𝜂𝑚 = 𝛾(𝜋𝐷2 𝑏2 𝑉𝑓2 )𝐻𝑚 /𝜂𝑚
𝛽1
⇒ 𝑷 = 9810 × 𝜋 × 0.2 × 0.015 × 3 × 55.6/0.75
⇒ 𝑷 = 𝟐𝟎. 𝟓𝟔 𝐤𝐖 𝑢1
Inlet
Expressions for Manometric Head
Applying Bernoulli’s Equation between points 1 and 4
𝑝𝑎 𝑝𝑎 𝑉𝑑2
+ 0 + 0 + 𝐻𝑚 = + 𝐻𝑠 + 𝐻𝑑 + (𝐻𝑓𝑠 +𝐻𝑓𝑑 ) +
𝛾 𝛾 2𝑔
𝑉𝑑2
⇒ 𝐻𝑚 = 𝐻𝑠 + 𝐻𝑑 + (𝐻𝑓𝑠 +𝐻𝑓𝑑 ) +
2𝑔
2
𝑉𝑑
⇒ 𝐻𝑚 = 𝐻𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡 + Σ𝐿𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 +
2𝑔
⇒ 𝐻𝑚 = 𝐻𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡 + Σ𝐿𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠
Manometric head of a pump is the gross head that
must be provided by the impeller for the liquid to
flow from the sump to the delivery point.
Applying Bernoulli’s Equation between points 2 and 3
𝑝3 𝑉𝑑2 𝑝2 𝑉𝑠2
𝐻𝑚 = + + 𝑍3 − + + 𝑍2
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔
𝑝3 𝑝2 𝑉𝑑2 𝑉𝑠2 Typical Pump Setup
𝐻𝑚 = − + −
𝛾 𝛾 2𝑔 2𝑔
𝑝3 𝑝2
𝐻𝑚 = −
𝛾 𝛾
Ideal Increase in Pressure Head in the Impeller
Energy of a liquid at inlet + Energy added by the
𝑢2
impeller = Energy of liquid at outlet 𝑣𝑤2
𝑝1 𝑉12 𝑢2 𝑣𝑤2 𝑝2 𝑉22 𝛼2 𝛽2
+ + 𝑍1 + = + + 𝑍2 Outlet
𝛾 2𝑔 𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 𝑉2 𝑣𝑟2
Increase in piezometric head at the pump
𝑝2 𝑝1 𝑉12 𝑉22 𝑢2 𝑣𝑤2
+ 𝑍2 − + 𝑍1 = Δ𝐻𝑝 = − +
𝛾 𝛾 2𝑔 2𝑔 𝑔

𝑝2 𝑝1 𝑉12 𝑉22 𝑢2 𝑣𝑤2

− = 𝐻𝑚 = Δ𝐻𝑝 = − + 𝑣𝑟1
𝛾 𝛾 2𝑔 2𝑔 𝑔 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1
𝛽1
Δ𝑝𝑖
= 𝐻𝑚 & 𝐻𝑚 = Δ𝐻𝑝 = 𝐻𝑒 − Δ𝐾𝐸 𝑢1
𝛾 Inlet

Δ𝑝𝑖 1
Δ𝐻𝑝 = = 𝑉12 − 𝑉22 + 2𝑢2 𝑣𝑤2
𝛾 2𝑔
Ideal Increase in Pressure Head in the Impeller
𝑉𝑓2 𝑢2
▪ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛽2 = 𝑢 𝑣𝑤2
2 −𝑣𝑤2
𝛼2 𝛽2
𝑉𝑓2
⇒ 𝑣𝑤2 = 𝑢2 − = 𝑢2 − 𝑉𝑓2 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽2 𝑉2 Outlet
tan𝛽2 𝑣𝑟2

2
▪ 𝑉22 = 𝑣𝑤2
2
+ 𝑉𝑓2
2 2
= 𝑢22 + 𝑉𝑓2 cot 2 𝛽2 − 2𝑢2 𝑉𝑓2 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽2 + 𝑉𝑓2
2
= 𝑉𝑓2 (1 + cot 2 𝛽2 ) + 𝑢22 − 2𝑢2 𝑉𝑓2 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽2
2
= 𝑉𝑓2 cosec 2 𝛽2 + 𝑢22 − 2𝑢2 𝑉𝑓2 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽2 𝑣𝑟1 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1
𝛽1
Δ𝑝𝑖 1
▪ Δ𝐻𝑝 = 𝛾
= 2𝑔 𝑉12 − 𝑉22 + 2𝑢2 𝑣𝑤2 𝑢1
Inlet
Δ𝑝𝑖 1 2 2
= 𝑉𝑓1 − 𝑉𝑓2 cosec 2 𝛽2 − 𝑢22 + 2𝑢2 𝑉𝑓2 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽2 + 2𝑢2 (𝑢2 −𝑉𝑓2 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽2 )
𝛾 2𝑔

Δ𝑝𝑖 1 2 2
∴ = 𝑉𝑓1 − 𝑉𝑓2 cosec 2 𝛽2 + 𝑢22
𝛾 2𝑔
 Head Losses in Centrifugal Pumps
Mechanical losses are the frictional losses
in bearings, glands, packages, etc. and the
disc friction between the impeller and the
liquid which fills the clearance space
between the impeller and the casing.
Some leakage loss also take place
between impeller and casing, at
mechanical seals, glands, etc.

Hydraulic losses are due to:

▪ Circulatory flow at the passages of the impeller and independent of the discharge.

▪ Fluid friction at the flow passage: this loss depends on the fluid contact area and the
roughness of the surface and hence equal to 𝐾1 𝑄2 where 𝐾1 is a coefficient.

▪ Shock losses at the entrance to impeller: this loss occurs due to improper entry angle of the
flow with respect to the blade angle. At design condition, this loss is practically zero and
increases at reduced or increased flow from normal values.
Head Losses in Centrifugal Pumps
To account for various losses, several efficiencies are defined.

𝑸
Volumetric efficiency, 𝜼𝒗 = 𝑸+𝑸𝑳
where 𝑄 is Discharge reaching the pump outlet, 𝑄𝐿 is the leakage flow which does not
reach the pump outlet and 𝑄 + 𝑄𝐿 is Discharge entering the eye of the impeller.

𝑯𝒎 𝒈𝑯𝒎 𝑯𝒎
Manometric (hydraulic) efficiency, 𝜼𝒎 = = =
𝑯𝒆 𝒖𝟐 𝒗𝒘𝟐 𝑯𝒎 +𝑯𝒇𝒍
where 𝐻𝑓𝑙 is hydraulic losses in the impeller and the casing.

𝜸 𝑸+𝑸𝑳 𝑯𝒆 𝑯𝒆
Mechanical efficiency, 𝜼𝒎𝒆𝒄𝒉 = or 𝜼𝒎𝒆𝒄𝒉 = 𝑯
𝑷 𝒆 +𝑯𝒎𝒆𝒄𝒉
where 𝑃 is the mechanical power input to the impeller shaft by the prime mover and
𝐻𝑚𝑒𝑐ℎ is the mechanical head losses.

𝜸𝑸𝑯𝒎 𝑸 𝑯𝒎 𝜸 𝑸+𝑸𝑳 𝑯𝒆
Overall efficiency, 𝜼𝒐 = or 𝜼𝒐 = 𝜼𝒗 𝜼𝒎 𝜼𝒎𝒆𝒄𝒉 = × ×
𝑷 𝑸+𝑸𝑳 𝑯𝒆 𝑷
Effect of Outlet Blade Angle

Please note here 𝑽𝒖𝟐

𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝒗𝒘𝟐
Effect of Outlet Blade Angle

Please note here 𝑽𝒖𝟐

𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝒗𝒘𝟐
Theoretical Head-Discharge Relationship of a Pump

Please note here 𝑽𝒖𝟐

𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝒗𝒘𝟐
Theoretical Head-Discharge Relationship of a Pump

Please note here 𝑽𝒖𝟐

𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝒗𝒘𝟐
Theoretical Head-Discharge Relationship of a Pump

Head-Discharge (He-Q)
Head-Discharge (He-Q) relationship for actual pumps
relationship for ideal pumps

From the ideal 𝐻 − 𝑄 curve on the left, it can be inferred that forward curved vanes produce higher head
at higher discharge. However, both forward-curved and radial vane pumps result in poor efficiency.
Forward-curved vane produce larger absolute velocities that require very efficient diffusers to convert the
exit kinetic energy into pressure energy. So the energy losses are high. Further, an instability called pump
surging occurs in forward-curved vanes.

Therefore, in actual practice, backward-curved vanes in the range of 20° – 40° are of common use.

In actual 𝐻 − 𝑄 curve shown on the right the head decreases with increase in discharge for all types of
vanes due to hydraulic losses present in real-world applications.
Typical Characteristics of Actual Centrifugal Pumps
Constant

Diameter = Constant
Head-Discharge (𝑯 − 𝑸) characteristics

▪ From the 𝐻 − 𝑄 curve, it can be observed that for the Variation of Efficiency with discharge
same pump (same impeller/diameter) as the speed
increases, the head also increases (𝐻 ∝ 𝑁 2 ) at the same
discharge, or the discharge increases (𝑄 ∝ 𝑁) at the
same head. The higher the pump speed, the higher will
be the head or discharge.

▪ From the 𝜂 − 𝑄 curve, it can be observed that for the

same pump (same impeller/diameter) as the speed
increases, both the maximum efficiency and the Diameter = Constant
maximum discharge increase. The higher the speed, the
higher will be the efficiency and discharge.

▪ However, the 𝑃 − 𝑄 curve shows that for a given Variation of Power with discharge
discharge, higher speed needs higher power input.
Main Characteristics Curve of Actual Centrifugal Pumps

Head (Duty Point)

𝜼𝒎𝒂𝒙 (𝑩𝑬𝑷)

Discharge (Duty Point)

Pump manufacturers provide information on the performance of their pumps in the form of curves,
commonly called pump characteristic curve (or simply pump curve). In pump curves the following
information may be given:
(i) the discharge on the x-axis, (ii) the head on the left y-axis, (iii) the pump efficiency as a percentage
on the right (or left) y-axis, (iv) the pump power input on the left (or right) y-axis, (v) the NPSH of the
pump on the y-axis (vi) the speed of the pump one the y-axis.
The discharge-head (𝑸, 𝑯) values corresponding to BEP (𝜼𝒎𝒂𝒙 ) is called the ‘Duty Point’ of the pump.
Similarity Ratios (Affinity Laws) for Centrifugal Pumps
𝑷 𝒈𝑯 𝑸 𝝆𝑵𝑫𝟐
Similarity law: =𝒇 , , 𝝁 ⇒
𝝆𝑵𝟑 𝑫𝟓 𝑵𝟐 𝑫𝟐 𝑵𝑫𝟑
ς1 = 𝑓( ς2, ς3, ς4 )

𝑃 𝑃
ς𝟏 = = = 𝐶𝑝 = 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝜌𝑁3 𝐷5 𝐴 𝜌𝑁3 𝐷5 𝐵

𝐻 𝐻
ς𝟐 = = = 𝐶𝐻 = 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 (dropping ‘𝑔’ term)
𝑁 2 𝐷2 𝐴 𝑁2 𝐷2 𝐵

𝑄 𝑄
ς𝟑 = = = 𝐶𝑄 = 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝑁𝐷3 𝐴 𝑁𝐷3 𝐵

𝜌𝑁𝐷2
ς𝟒 = = 𝑅𝑒 = 𝑅𝑒𝑦𝑛𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑠 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 (𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑)
𝜇

𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒈𝒆𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒔 𝒅𝒚𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏

𝒑𝒖𝒎𝒑𝒔 𝑨 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩, 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 ς′𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍
ς3 1/2 𝑁 𝑄
Again, ς2 3/4
= 𝐻 3/4 = 𝑁𝑠 is called specific speed . For dynamic similarity
between two pumps or model and its prototype, the value of Ns should be same.
Specific Speed
𝑵 𝑸 ▪ Specific Speed of a pump is defined as the speed of an imaginary pump
Specific Speed, 𝑵𝒔 = 𝟑/𝟒
which will produce the same amount of discharge under unit head.
𝑯𝒎 ▪ This is a numerical engineering tool for the selection of the type of the
pump for installation*.
Note that The values of 𝑵, 𝑸 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒎 are taken at Best Efficiency Point (BEP)

There is another expression for non-dimensional specific speed (also called shape factor or shape number)
𝑵 𝑸
𝑺𝒒 = This does not indicate the size, rather indicated the shape or type of the fluid machinery.
𝒈𝑯𝒎 𝟑/𝟒

Please note the usage of units while calculating Specific Speed. Different units will result in different values for the same pump.
𝑁 𝑄 𝑁 𝑄
Ns = Specific Speed 𝑁𝑠 = 3/4 𝑁 𝑠 = 𝑐
𝐻 𝐻 3/4

N = Speed in rpm N = Speed in rpm

Q = Discharge in US gallons per minute Q = Discharge in m3/hr
H = Head in ft H = Head in m
[1 US gallon = 3.785 Liters] 𝒄 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟔𝟏 𝑖𝑓 𝑄 𝑖𝑛 𝑚3 /ℎ𝑟, 𝒄 = 𝟔. 𝟔𝟕 𝑖𝑓 𝑄 𝑖𝑛 𝑚3 /𝑚𝑖𝑛 and 𝒄 =
𝟓𝟏. 𝟔𝟔 𝑖𝑓 𝑄 𝑖𝑛 𝑚3 /𝑠
If the factor 𝑐 is omitted, the calculated specific speeds will be
In US Customary Unit (FPS) different than the US customary values, for example, specific
Reciprocating Pump : 50 to 500 speed of Centrifugal Pump: 10 to 220 if Q is in m3/s
Centrifugal Pump: 500 to 10000 The factor 𝑐 (might be omitted) is used to compare the value
Radial Flow Pump : 500 to 4000 obtained with that obtained from US customary unit which are
Mixed Flow Pump : 2000 to 8000 prevalent in usage among practicing professionals.
Axial Flow/Propeller Pump: 7000 to 20000
*For instance, in an application, if the required discharge and head are known, the prime mover (motor or engine) rpm
is also known, then using these values 𝑁𝑠 can be calculated and a particular type of pump suitable in this 𝑁𝑠 range can
be selected for installation.
Cavitation of Pumps and NPSH
• In general, cavitation occurs when the liquid pressure at a given location is reduced to the
vapor pressure of the liquid.
• For a piping system that includes a pump, cavitation occurs when the absolute pressure at
the inlet falls below the vapor pressure of the water.
• This phenomenon may occur at the inlet to a pump and on the impeller blades, particularly
if the pump is mounted above the level in the suction reservoir.
• Under this condition, vapor bubbles form (water starts to boil) at the impeller inlet and
when these bubbles are carried into a zone of higher pressure, they collapse abruptly and
hit the vanes of the impeller (near the tips of the impeller vanes). causing:
➢ Damage to the pump (pump impeller)
➢ Violent vibrations (and noise).
➢ Reduce pump capacity.
➢ Reduce pump efficiency

• To avoid cavitation, the pressure head at the inlet should not fall below a certain minimum
which is influenced by the further reduction in pressure within the pump impeller. The
parameter used for the determination of cavitation is called ‘Net Positive Suction Head
(NPSH)’.
Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH)
NPSH is the difference between the total head at the pump inlet and the water vapor
𝑽𝟐𝒔
pressure head 𝐻𝑣 = 2.5 𝑚 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 , i.e., 𝑵𝑷𝑺𝑯 = 𝑯𝒑𝒊 + − 𝑯𝒗
𝟐𝒈
the datum is taken through the centerline of the pump impeller inlet (eye).
There are two values of NPSH of interest. The first is the required NPSH, denoted
(NPSH)R , that must be maintained or exceeded so that cavitation will not occur and
usually determined experimentally and provided by the manufacturer.
The second value for NPSH of concern is the available NPSH, denoted (NPSH)A ,
which represents the head that actually occurs for the particular piping system. This
value can be determined experimentally, or calculated if the system parameters are
known.

For proper pump operation (no cavitation) : (NPSH)A > (NPSH)R

NPSHavailable (at the installation site) > NPSHrequired (for pump)

As stated above, NPSHrequired is usually given for a particular pump by the manufacturer
for its installation without cavitation. NPSHavailable is calculated at the installation site.
Calculation of NPSH
𝑽𝟐𝒔
𝑵𝑷𝑺𝑯 = 𝑯𝒑𝒊 + − 𝑯𝒗 datum
𝟐𝒈
Applying the Bernoulli’s equation between h𝐻s𝑠
point (1) and (2), datum at pump center line 𝐻𝑎𝑡𝑚
𝑉𝑠2 𝑯𝑳 = 𝑯𝒇 + 𝜮𝑯𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒐𝒓
𝐻𝑎𝑡𝑚 − 𝐻𝑠 − 𝐻𝐿 = 𝐻𝑝𝑖 +
2𝑔 𝒇𝒍𝒗𝟐 𝒗𝟐
= + 𝜮𝒌
∴ 𝑵𝑷𝑺𝑯𝑨 = 𝑯𝒂𝒕𝒎 − 𝑯𝒔 − 𝑯𝑳 − 𝑯𝒗 𝟐𝒈𝒅 𝟐𝒈

A cavitation parameter called “Thoma’s cavitation number” is defined as:

𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝐴 𝐻𝑎𝑡𝑚 − 𝐻𝑠 − 𝐻𝐿 − 𝐻𝑣
𝜎= =
𝐻𝑚 𝐻𝑚
A critical value 𝜎𝑐 (for no cavitation, 𝜎 ≥ 𝜎𝑐 )defined as 3% criteria, corresponds to
critical value of NPSH. This critical value of NPSH is known as NPSHR.
𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝑅
𝜎𝑐 = ⇒ 𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝑅 = 𝜎𝑐 𝐻𝑚
𝐻𝑚
Thus, NPSHR is defined as the excess absolute head above 𝐻𝑣 , required by the pump
to obtain satisfactory pumping head (i.e., no more than 3% reduction in head or
efficiency at constant flow) and to prevent cavitation. It is determined by the pump
manufacturer through tests.
Multiple-Pump Operation
To install a pumping station that can be effectively operated over a large range of
fluctuations in both discharge and pressure head, it may be advantageous to install
several identical pumps at the station in parallel or in series operation.
Pumps in Parallel: Pumping stations frequently contain several (two or more)
pumps in a parallel arrangement.
▪ Any number of the pumps can be operated simultaneously.
▪ The discharge is increased but the pressure head remains the same as with a
single pump.
▪ A common feature of sewage pumping stations where the inflow rate varies
during the day.
Multiple-Pump Operation
Pumps in Series:
▪ Increases the pressure head keeping the discharge approximately the same as that of a
single pump.
▪ Basis of multistage pumps; the discharge from the first pump (or 1st stage) is delivered to
the inlet of the second pump (or 2nd stage), and so on.
▪ The same discharge passes through each pump receiving a pressure boost in doing so..
▪ Note that, however, all pumps in a series system must be operated simultaneously
Multi-stage Pump
▪ Similar to series arrangement of identical pumps;
series of impellers mounted on a single compact
shaft instead to save space. the discharge from the
1st stage impeller is delivered to the inlet of the 2nd
stage impeller and so on.
▪ Usually even numbers of impellers are used, the
inlets of one-half of the impellers are facing
opposite to the inlets of the other half of the
impellers to produce zero axial thrust on the shaft
which is known as ‘opposed mounting’.
▪ Used when high heads are required but both
impeller speed and size limitations are prohibitive.
Multi-stage pump with four stages
▪ The performance analysis is done per stage basis as for a single-stage pump.
▪ The specific speed is calculated based on manometric head per stage.
▪ The total manometric head is calculated by multiplying manometric head per stage
with the number of stages.
▪ Applications include Boiler feed, deep-well pumping, water supply to very high-rise buildings, etc.
▪ Submersible pumps, Deep-well turbine pumps are some of the examples.
Multi-stage Centrifugal Pumps

Submersible Deep-well
Pump Turbine Pump
Other Types of Pumps

Propeller
pump
(axial-
flow/roto-
dynamic
type)
Jet Pump - uses a jet, often of steam, to create a
arranged in
low pressure. This low pressure sucks in fluid and
vertical
propels it into a higher pressure region.
operation Liquid is trapped
between threads at
the suction end…

Screw pump (positive displacement

type) - a screw pumps works across
one pair of mating threads as shown in
the figure. The liquid is similarly
carried across all the pairs of mating
threads.
Selection of a Centrifugal Pump
▪ The system (demand) curve of a particular hydraulic system is calculated based on its
design. It shows how much head is required to produce a certain quantity of discharge.
point

Selection of a Centrifugal Pump

Selection of Pump Type
The approximate ranges of application of each type of pumps are shown in the following Figure.

▪ The centrifugal
pumps (radial flow)
occupy a substantial
part of the space.

▪ The regions of
appropriate choice of
jet pumps (mixed
flow) and propeller
pumps (axial flow)
Selection of A Pump
are also indicated by
the thick border.

▪ The positive
displacement pumps
have a niche space in
the high-head-low-
discharge category.
 Example Problems
Problem–6: A centrifugal pump delivers 0.055 m3/s (𝑄) of water to a total height of 16 m
(𝐻𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡 ). The diameter of the pipe is 150 mm (𝑑) and it is 22 m (𝑙) long. If the overall
efficiency is 75% (𝜂𝑜 ) , calculate the power (𝑷) required to drive the pump. Take 𝑓 = 0.05 for
the pipe.
4𝑄 4×0.055
Solution: Water velocity in the pipe, 𝑉 = = = 3.11 𝑚/𝑠
𝜋𝐷2 𝜋×0.152
𝑉2
▪ 𝐻𝑚 = 𝐻𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡 + 𝐻𝑓 + 2𝑔
𝑓𝑙𝑉 2 𝑉2
⇒ 𝐻𝑚 = 𝐻𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡 + 2𝑔𝑑 + 2𝑔
0.05×22×3.112 3.112
⇒ 𝐻𝑚 = 16 + 2×9.81×0.15 + 2×9.81 = 20.11 𝑚

𝛾𝑄𝐻𝑚
▪ 𝜂𝑜 = 𝑃
𝛾𝑄𝐻𝑚 9810 × 0.055 × 20.11
⇒ 𝑷= = = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟒𝟕 𝒌𝑾
𝜂𝑜 0.75
 Example Problems
Problem–7: A centrifugal pump delivers 10 l/s (𝑄) of water at 1500 rpm (𝑁). The internal
and external diameters of the impeller are 125 mm (𝐷1 ) and 250 mm (𝐷2 ) respectively.
Width of the impeller at the inlet is 13 mm(𝑏1 ) and at the outlet 7 mm (𝑏2 ). Vanes are curved
backward at an angle of 30o at the outlet (𝛽2 ). If water enters radially at the inlet (𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑓1 ),
find the pressure rise in the impeller (𝚫𝒑/𝜸).

Solution:
▪ 𝑄 = 𝜋𝐷1 𝑏1 𝑉𝑓1
⇒ 10 × 10−3 = 𝜋 × 0.125 × 0.013 × 𝑉𝑓1
⇒ 𝑉𝑓1 = 1.958 𝑚/𝑠

▪ 𝑄 = 𝜋𝐷2 𝑏2 𝑉𝑓2
⇒ 10 × 10−3 = 𝜋 × 0.25 × 0.007 × 𝑉𝑓2
⇒ 𝑉𝑓2 = 1.819 𝑚/𝑠
𝜋𝐷2 𝑁 𝜋×0.25×1500
▪ 𝑢2 = = = 19.63 𝑚/𝑠
60 60

𝜟𝒑 1 2 2
▪ = 2𝑔 𝑉𝑓1 − 𝑉𝑓2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝛽2 + 𝑢22
𝜸

𝜟𝒑 1 2
1.8192
∴ = 1.958 − 2
° + 19.632 = 𝟏𝟗. 𝟏𝟔 𝒎
𝜸 2 × 9.81 𝑠𝑖𝑛 30
Example Problem
Problem–8:

In US customary units, 𝑵𝒔 = 51.66 × 42.4 = 𝟐𝟏𝟗𝟎

Note: For radial flow pumps, 𝑁𝑠 = 500 𝑡𝑜 4000

Example Problem
Problem–9: A centrifugal pump delivers 10 liter/s at 900 rpm against a head of 20 m. What
head will be developed when the pump runs at 600 rpm? What will be the quantity of water
delivered at that head?
Solution: 𝐻 𝐻
ς𝟐 = =
𝑁 2 𝐷2 1 𝑁2 𝐷2 2

For the same pump, 𝑫𝟏 = 𝑫𝟐 = 𝑫

𝐻 𝐻 20 𝐻
ς𝟐 = = ⇒ = 60022 ⇒ 𝑯𝟐 = 𝟖. 𝟖𝟗 𝒎
𝑁2 1 𝑁2 2 9002

𝑄 𝑄
ς𝟑 = =
𝑁𝐷3 1 𝑁𝐷3 2
Again for the same pump, 𝑫𝟏 = 𝑫𝟐 = 𝑫
𝑄 𝑄 10 𝑄 2
ς𝟑 = = ⇒ = 600 ⇒ 𝑸𝟐 = 𝟔. 𝟔𝟕 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓/𝒔
𝑁 1 𝑁 2 900

𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: 𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒅

𝑁√𝑄 𝑁√𝑄
𝐻 3/4 1
= 𝐻 3/4 2
= 𝑁𝑠 = 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑

900×√10 600×√(𝑄2 ) 900 2 8.89 3/2

⇒ 203/4
= 8.893/4
⇒ 𝑄2 = 600
× 20
= 6.67 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟/𝑠
 Example Problems
Problem–10: The speed of two geometrically similar centrifugal pumps is 1000 rpm. The
outside diameter of the impeller of the first pump is 360 mm. It delivers 27 l/s of water
against a head of 17 m. If the flow rate of second pump is half of the first pump, find the
diameter of the impeller and head for the second pump.

Solution:
𝑄 𝑄
ς𝟑 = =
𝑁𝐷3 1 𝑁𝐷3 2

For the two pumps, 𝑵𝟏 = 𝑵𝟐 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 rpm

𝑄 𝑄 𝑄 𝑄/2
ς𝟑 = = ⇒ = ⇒ 𝑫𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟖𝟓𝟕 𝒎 = 𝟐𝟖𝟔 𝒎𝒎
𝐷3 1 𝐷3 2 0.363 𝐷3
𝐻 𝐻
Again, from ς𝟐 = = 𝑁2 𝐷2
𝑁 2 𝐷2 1 2
𝐻 𝐻 17 𝐻
2
ς𝟐 = = ⇒ = .28572 ⇒ 𝑯𝟐 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟕 𝒎
𝐷2 1 𝐷2 2 .362

𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: 𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒅

𝑁√𝑄 𝑁√𝑄
= = 𝑁𝑠 = 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑
𝐻 3/4 1 𝐻 3/4 2
1000 27×10−3
For the first pump, 𝑁𝑠 = 51.66 × = 1014
173/4
1000 27×10−3 /2
For the second pump, 1014 = 51.66 × ⇒ 𝐻2 = 10.7 𝑚
𝐻 3/4
 Example Problems
Problem–11: The NPSHR of a centrifugal pump is given by the manufacturer as 7.5 m abs.
The pump is employed to pump water at 0.3 m3/s from a sump whose water level is 2.05 m
below the pump inlet. The atmospheric pressure at the site is 97 kPa abs and the vapor
pressure at the relevant temperature is 2.35 kPa abs. Total head loss in the suction pipe is
estimated to be 0.95 m. Determine the NPSHA and comment on the suitability of the
installation against the cavitation.
Solution: 𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝐴 = 𝐻𝑎𝑡𝑚 − 𝐻𝑠 − 𝐻𝐿 − 𝐻𝑣
97 × 103 2.35 × 103
⇒ 𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝐴 = − 2.05 − 0.95 − = 6.65 𝑚 𝑎𝑏𝑠
9810 9810
Since 𝑵𝑷𝑺𝑯𝑨 (𝟔. 𝟔𝟓 𝒎) < 𝑵𝑷𝑺𝑯𝑹 (7.5 m), the pump will have cavitation problem.

Problem–12: A pump has a critical cavitation constant = 0.12. This pump has to be installed
in a well with a pipe of 10 m length and 200 mm diameter. There are an elbow (ke=1) and a
valve (kv= 4.5) in the system. The flow is 0.035 m3/s and the total dynamic head Hm = 25 m.
The atmospheric pressure is 9.7 m water abs and vapor pressure = 2.0 m water abs.
Calculate the maximum suction height for the pump to run without cavitation. [f = 0.02]
Solution: 𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝑅 = 𝜎𝑐 𝐻𝑚 = 0.12 × 25 = 3 𝑚 = 𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝐴|𝑚𝑖𝑛
4𝑄 4 × 0.035
⇒ 𝑉𝑠 = = = 1.11 𝑚/𝑠
𝜋𝑑2 𝜋 × 0.22
𝑓𝑙𝑉𝑠2 𝑉𝑠2 𝑉𝑠2
𝐻𝐿 = 𝐻𝑓 + 𝐻𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟 = + 𝑘𝑒 + 𝑘𝑣 = 0.063 + 0.063 + 0.283 = 0.409 𝑚
2𝑔𝑑 2𝑔 2𝑔
𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻𝐴|𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝐻𝑎𝑡𝑚 − 𝑯𝒔|𝒎𝒂𝒙 − 𝐻𝐿 − 𝐻𝑣
⇒ 3 = 9.7 − 𝑯𝒔|𝒎𝒂𝒙 − 0.409 − 2.0
∴ 𝑯𝒔|𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝟒. 𝟑 𝒎
 Exercise Problems
Problem–1: A centrifugal pump delivers 120 l/s of water against a head of 25 m while running at 1500
rpm. The outside diameter of impeller is 300 mm and the breadth of the impeller at exit is 50 mm. If the
manometric efficiency is 80%, find the blade angle at outlet. Water enters the impeller radially at the
inlet. [Ans. 13.6o]
Problem–2: The outer and inner diameters of the impeller of a centrifugal pump are 500 mm and 245
mm respectively. The vanes are curved backward at an angle of 40o. The constant velocity of flow is
2.2 m/s at both inlet and outlet. The manometric head of the pump is 9.5 m. If the pump speed is 500
rpm, find its manometric efficiency and the vane angle at inlet. [Ans. 68%, 18.9o]
Problem–3: A centrifugal pump delivers 0.20 m3/s of water to a head of 35 m at a speed of 1500 rpm.
The outer diameter and width of the impeller at the outlet are 300 mm and 50 mm respectively. (i) If the
manometric efficiency is 0.75, calculate the blade angle at the outlet, (ii) If the impeller diameter at the
inlet is 150 mm, calculate the blade angle at inlet. [Ans. (i) 45.75o, (ii) 19.8o]
Problem–4: A two-stage centrifugal pump delivers 110 l/s of water at 1200 rpm. The outer diameter and
width of the impeller at the outlet are 450 mm and 25 mm respectively. The blades are curved backward
at an angle of 30o at the outlet. Due to the thickness of the blades, 10% of the exit area is blocked. If the
manometric efficiency is 86% and the overall efficiency is 80%, find the head developed by the pump
and power required to drive the pump. [Ans. 55.22 m, 148.97 kW] [Hint: 𝑄 = 𝜋𝐷2 𝑏2 1 − 0.10 𝑉𝑓2 ]
Problem–5: The outside and inside diameters of the impeller of a centrifugal pump are 550 mm and 275
mm respectively. The inlet vane angle is 30o and the outlet vane angle is 45o. The constant velocity of
flow is 3 m/s. Find the speed of the pump, work done per unit of water and the pressure rise in the
impeller. [Ans. 361.14 rpm, 7.85 Nm, 5.06 m water]
Problem–6: Two geometrically similar pumps A and B have the same speed of 1500 rpm. Pump A has a
diameter of 0.35 m and discharge of 36 L/s against a head of 25 m. Pump B gives a discharge of 18 L/s.
Estimate the total head and impeller diameter of pump B.
[Ans. 15.86 m, 278 mm]
 Exercise Problems
Problem–7: A centrifugal pump delivers 60 l/s of salt water (sp. gr. 1.2) or petrol (sp. gr. 0.71) against
a pressure of 410 kPa. The overall efficiency of the pump is 66%. Prove that the same power is
required to drive the pump for both the liquids. [Ans. 37.27 kW]
Problem–8: The scale ratio of the model and prototype of a centrifugal pump is 1/4. The prototype
delivers 1550 l/s of water at 550 mm against a head of 31 m and absorbs 750 kW. If the model works
against a head of 11 m, find the speed, discharge and power required by the model. [Ans. 1310.5 rpm,
61.55 l/s, 9.91 kW]
Problem–9: This is required to pump 1.3 m3/s of water to a total head of 45 m. How many pumps of
specific speed 2070 (US Customary unit) and running at 1450 rpm would be needed when connected in
parallel? The dynamic head in the system can be neglected.
1450× 𝑄
[Ans. 6] [Hints: 𝑁𝑠 = 2070 = 51.66 , ⇒ 𝑄 = 0.23 𝑚3 /𝑠(for one pump),
450.75
So Number of pumps required = 1.3 / 0.23 ≈ 6 pumps]

Problem–10: A discharge of 0.4 m3/s of water is needed to be pumped to a total head of 240 m. How
many pumps connected in series and each having a specific speed of 1810 (US Customary unit) and
running at a speed of 1500 rpm would be needed for the job? The dynamic head in the system can be
neglected. [ Ans. 3]
1500× 0.4
[Hints: 𝑁𝑠 = 1810 = 51.66 , ⇒ 𝐻 = 81.3 𝑚 (for one pump),
𝐻 0.75
So Number of pumps required = 240 / 81.3 ≈ 3 pumps]

Problem–11: A four-stage centrifugal pump delivering 0.76 m3/s of water at 1000 rpm against a
manometric head of 66 m. Vanes are curved backward at an angle of 60o at the outlet. The ratio of the
velocity of flow and the peripheral velocity at outlet is 0.25. If the hydraulic loss is 1/3 of the exit kinetic
energy per unit weight of water, find the outside diameter of each impeller and the manometric efficiency.
[Ans. 286 mm, 84.4%]
66 1 𝑉22
Hints: Manometric head per stage, 𝐻𝑚 = , Hydraulic loss, 𝐻ℎ𝑦𝑑𝑟𝑜_𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 = = 36.99𝐷22
4 3 2𝑔
 Exercise Problems
Problem–12: A three-stage centrifugal pump delivers 65 l/s at 950 rpm. The outside diameter and
outside width of each impeller are 380 mm and 26 mm respectively. The vanes are curved backward at
an angle of 45o at the exit. If the manometric efficiency is 86%, find the manometric head developed by
the pump. [Ans. 83.55 m water]
[Hint: 𝐻𝑚 = 3𝐻𝑚│𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 ]

Problem–13: The external and internal diameters of an impeller of a centrifugal pump are 450 mm and
225 mm respectively. The pump delivers 200 l/s water at 1250 rpm. The outside and inside widths of the
impeller are 70 mm and 150 mm. The vanes are curved backward at an angle of 30o at exit. If the
manometric efficiency is 82%, find the Euler head and manometric head. [Ans. 77.90 m, 63.88 m]
Problem–14: A single stage centrifugal pump delivers 0.5 m3/s of water at 2000 rpm against a head of
32 m. The outside diameter of impeller is 250 mm. A geometrically similar multistage pump is required
to deliver 0.75 m3/s of water at 1500 rpm against a head of 220 m. Find out the number of impellers of
the multistage pump and the outside diameter of each of the impellers of the same pump. [Ans. 8, 700
mm]
Problem–15: A centrifugal pump delivers 130 l/s of water at 1050 rpm. The outside diameter of impeller
is 300 mm and it is 65 mm wide at exit. The blade angle at outlet is 30o. If the manometric efficiency is
86%, find the specific speed of the pump. [Ans. 60.39]
Problem–16: The scale ratio of the model and prototype of a centrifugal pump is 0.5. The outside
diameter of the impeller of the model is 150 mm. The model supplies 0.045 m3/s of water at 7000 rpm
against a head of 42 m. If the efficiency of the model and prototype is same, find the discharge, head
and speed of the model. Find also the specific speed of the pump. [Ans. 0.09 m3/s, 10.5 m, 1750 rpm,
88.74 rpm]