Table of Contents

Title Page....................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

Objectives .................................................................................................................................... 2
Theories and Principles ............................................................................................................... 2
List of Apparatus (Individual Definitions) .................................................................................. 7
Procedures ................................................................................................................................... 9
Set-up of Apparatus ................................................................................................................... 11
Final Data Sheet ........................................................................................................................ 13
Sample Calculations .................................................................................................................. 16
Test Data Analysis .................................................................................................................... 20
Industry Applications (Individual) ............................................................................................ 20
Conclusion (Individual)............................................................................................................. 21
Recommendation (Individual)................................................................................................... 21
References ................................................................................................................................. 22
Objectives
1. To familiarize the pump configurations such as singly, series, and parallel
2. To understand the principle and operation
3. To obtain the performance data in determining the flow rate as well as efficiency
Theories and Principles

Pumps are often employed in the industrial environment to transfer various fluids at high
pressure and velocity from point a to point b, typically from a lower elevation to a higher height.
These systems can be more efficient and cost-effective when other configurations, such as parallel
or series pump setups, are used. Multiple tiny pumps were utilized in conjunction with more than
one large pump to construct the system's pumping requirements at a better efficiency.
Centrifugal pumps use centrifugal force to move liquids from one elevation to another.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the basic functioning concept of the device. If a cylindrical can with
vanes A and C (for rotating the liquid when the can is rotated) is mounted on a shaft with a pulley
for high-speed rotation of the can, centrifugal force works on the water to press it outward to the
wall of can. This causes the water to press outward forcefully; because it cannot travel beyond the
can's walls, pressure forces the water upward, causing it to overflow, while the water within the
can's center is drawn downward. Because a vacuum is generated near the center as the water travels
outward toward the sides of the can, atmospheric pressure drives the water downward. Figure 1
shows that the water has been lifted a distance DD'.
Since the water that spills over the top has a high velocity that is equal to the rim speed,
the kinetic energy that has been generated is wasted, unless an arrangement is made to catch the
water and an additional supply of water is provided (see figure2). In the illustration, a receiver
catches the water as it spills over and a supply tank is connected with the hollow shaft to supply
water to the can. Instead of rotating the can, only the vanes can be rotated to obtain the same result.
From figure 3, liquid led into the center of the impeller is picked up by the vanes and
accelerated to a high velocity by rotation of the impeller and discharged by centrifugal force into
the casing and out the discharge. When liquid is forced away from the center or the “eye” of the
impeller, a vacuum is created and more liquids flow in. Consequently, there is a constant flow
through the pump.
Types of Pump Configuration
1) Pumps in Serial
- Pumps are used in series in a system result to a higher head , the flow rate remains
constant across the pumps, each pump contributes to the increase in head, therefore
the overall head equals the sum of the contributions of each pump.

The figure above illustrates the comparison to the series system curves and the
single pump curve, two pumps connected in series will result in higher head (due
to the addition of head per pump) than a single pump (point 1). It is worth noting
that at constant flow rate, a running pump in the series' curve capable of attaining
more head
Operation of single stage pumps in series is seldom encountered -more often
multistage centrifugal pumps are us
 2) Pumps in Parallel
- Parallel pump configurations are a combination of two or more pumps connected
via parallel that are used to compensate for insufficient volumetric flows of fluid
across a system that larger pump is not sufficient alone.

The curve illustration shows that at constant head, the volumetric flow increases
when two of the parallel pumps are running in parallel (point 2) compared to a
single running pump (point 1).
In practice, if one of the pumps in parallel or series stops, the operation point moves
along the system resistance curve from point 3 to point 1 -the head and flow rate
are decreased.
The following are the equations used in the experiment.
1. Pump operated singly
A. Discharge Flow, Q

𝑄 = 0.31ℎ𝑜2.5√2 𝑔
ℎ𝑜 = ℎ𝑣 + 0.00085

Where: Q = Discharge flow, m^2/s

hv = v- notch head reading, m
ho = total v- notch head reading, m
g = 9.1m/s^2
2. Manometric Head, Hm
𝐻𝑚  = (𝐻𝑑 − 𝐻𝑠 ) + 1.17 × 105 𝑄 2

Where: Hm = total manometric head, m

 Hd = discharge head, m
Hs = suction head, m
Q = Discharge flow, m^w/s
3. Brake Power, BPin
𝐵𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 2𝜋 × 𝑁 × 𝑚𝜏 × 𝐿

Where: BPin = brake power input, Watt

𝑚𝜏 = mass torque, Newton

N = tachometer reading, rps

L = length of torque arm = 0.25m
4. Water Power, WPoutput
𝑊𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 𝑆 × 𝛿 × 𝐻𝑚

Where: 𝛿 = weight density of water, 9,81 KN/𝑚2

Q = discharge flow,𝑚3 /s
𝐻𝑀 = total manometric head, m

5. Efficiency, 𝜂
𝑊𝑃
𝜂 = 𝐵𝑃

Pump in Series Operation

𝐻𝑀𝐴 + 𝐻𝑀𝐵
𝜂𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 = ( )
𝐻𝑀𝐴 𝐻
( ) + ( 𝑀𝐵 )
𝜂𝐴 𝜂𝐵

Where: 𝐻𝑀𝐴 = total manometric head of pump A, m

𝐻𝑀𝐵 = total manometric head of pump B, m

𝜂𝐴  = efficiency of pump A at a given rpm, taken from Data A

𝜂𝐵  = efficiency of pump B at a given rpm, taken from Data B

Pump in Parallel Operation

𝑄𝜏
𝜂𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 = ( )
𝑄 𝑄
(𝜂𝐴) + (𝜂𝐵)
𝐴 𝐵

𝑄𝜏 = 𝑄𝐴 + 𝑄𝐵  𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑄𝐴 = 𝑄𝐵
Where: 𝑄𝜏 = total discharge flow,𝑚3 /s

𝑄𝐴 = discharge flow in pump A,𝑚3 /s

𝑄𝐵 = discharge flow in pump B,𝑚3 /s

𝜂𝐴 = efficiency of a pump A at a given rpm , taken from Data A

𝜂𝐵 = efficiency of a pump B at a given rpm , taken from Data B

List of Apparatus (Individual Definitions)

1. The Vernier Hook Gauge

The Vernier Gauge is used to measure the
steady state of the water surface position
wherein it is required during fluid monitoring
sessions.

.
2. Tachometer
The Tachometer is used to measure the speed of
the flow of fluids within the piping.

3. Counterweights
Counterweights were used to weigh down the
electric motor of the system.

4. Counterweights Support/Holder
This holds support to the counterweights
beside the motor of the system.
 5. Tape Measure
This is used to measure the length of the pipes
or tubes used in the system.
Procedures
Simple Pump Connection:
Series Pump Connection:

Parallel Pump Connection

Set-up of Apparatus

Schematic of setup of apparatus for single pump A.

Schematic of setup of apparatus for single pump B.

Schematic of setup of apparatus for series pump configuration.

Schematic of setup of apparatus for parallel pump configuration.
Final Data Sheet

Table 1 @ 1400 rpm:

Pump A:
N hv Q Hs(a) Hd(a) Hm(a) Mt Pin Pout ηpa
(rpm) (mm) (m^3/s) (m) (m) (m) (gm) (W) (W) (%)
1400 62 0.001360 -1.5 0.9 2.6163 783 281.4356 34.901 12.40%

Pump B:
N hv Q Hs(a) Hd(a) Hm(a) Mt Pin Pout ηpa
(rpm) (mm) (m^3/s) (m) (m) (m) (gm) (W) (W) (%)
1400 65 0.001528 -2 0.5 2.7731 883 317.3789 41.5663 13.10%

Series:
N Q Hs(a) Hd(a) Hm(a) Hs(b) Hd(b) Hm(b) ηs
(rpm) (m^3/s) (m) (m) (m) (m) (m) (W) (%)
1400 0.001360 -1.9 0.2 2.3163 -1.5 0.2 1.9163 12.71%

Parallel:
N hv Qt Qa Qb ηp
(rpm) (mm) (m^3/s) (m^3/s) (m^3/s) (%)
1400 68 0.001708 0.001360 0.001528 7.55%
Table 2 @ 1600 rpm:
Pump A:
N hv Q Hs(a) Hd(a) Hm(a) Mt Pin Pout ηpa
(rpm) (mm) (m^3/s) (m) (m) (m) (gm) (W) (W) (%)
1600 67 0.001647 -1.9 1.5 3.7172 1183 485.9527 60.0444 12.36%

Pump B:
N hv Q Hs(a) Hd(a) Hm(a) Mt Pin Pout ηpa
(rpm) (mm) (m^3/s) (m) (m) (m) (gm) (W) (W) (%)
1600 70 0.001835 -3 0.9 4.2938 1183 485.9527 77.2813 15.90%

Series:
N Q Hs(a) Hd(a) Hm(a) Hs(b) Hd(b) Hm(b) ηs
(rpm) (m^3/s) (m) (m) (m) (m) (m) (W) (%)
1600 0.001647 -2.25 0.2 2.7672 -2 0.9 3.2172 14.04%

Parallel:
N hv Qt Qa Qb ηp
(rpm) (mm) (m^3/s) (m^3/s) (m^3/s) (%)
1600 77 0.002322 0.001647 0.001835 9.34%
Table 3 @ 1800 rpm:
Pump A:
N hv Q Hs(a) Hd(a) Hm(a) Mt Pin Pout ηpa
(rpm) (mm) (m^3/s) (m) (m) (m) (gm) (W) (W) (%)
1800 72 0.001967 -2.3 2 4.7526 1323 611.3947 91.7042 15.00%

Pump B:
N hv Q Hs(a) Hd(a) Hm(a) Mt Pin Pout ηpa
(rpm) (mm) (m^3/s) (m) (m) (m) (gm) (W) (W) (%)
1800 75 0.002176 -3.5 1 5.0538 1423 657.6074 107.868 16.40%

Series:
N Q Hs(a) Hd(a) Hm(a) Hs(b) Hd(b) Hm(b) ηs
(rpm) (m^3/s) (m) (m) (m) (m) (m) (W) (%)
1800 0.001967 -3 0.5 3.9526 -2.8 1.1 4.3526 15.70%

Parallel:
N hv Qt Qa Qb ηp
(rpm) (mm) (m^3/s) (m^3/s) (m^3/s) (%)
1800 81 0.002632 0.001967 0.002176 9.98%
Sample Calculations
Table 2 @ (1600 rpm):
Pump A:
Discharge Flow

𝑄 = 0.31ℎ02.5 √2𝑔

ℎ0 = ℎ𝑣 + 0.00085
1𝑚
ℎ0 = 67𝑚𝑚 × + 0.00085
1000𝑚𝑚
𝒉𝟎 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔𝟕𝟖𝟓

𝑄 = 0.31(0.06785𝑚)2.5 √2(9.81𝑚/𝑠 2 )

𝑚3
𝑄 = 0.001647
𝑠
Manometric Head:
𝐻𝑀 = (𝐻𝑑 − 𝐻𝑠 ) + 1.17 × 105 𝑄 2
2
𝑚3
𝐻𝑀 = (1.5𝑚 − (−1.9𝑚)) + 1.17 × 105 (0.001647 )
𝑠

𝐻𝑀 = 3.72𝑚

Brake Power:
𝐵𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 2𝜋 × 𝑁 × 𝑚 𝑇 × 𝐿
1𝑚𝑖𝑛 1𝑘𝑔 9.81𝑁
𝐵𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 2𝜋 × (1600 𝑟𝑝𝑚 × ) × (1183𝑔 × × ) × 0.25𝑚
60𝑠 1000𝑔 1𝑘𝑔

𝐵𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 486.12𝑊

Water Power:
𝑊𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 𝑄 × 𝛿 × 𝐻𝑀
𝑚3 𝑘𝑁
𝑊𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 0.001647 × 9.81 3 × 3.72𝑚
𝑠 𝑚
1000𝑊
𝑊𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 0.06010𝑘𝑊 ×
1𝑘𝑊
𝑊𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 60.10𝑊
Efficiency:
𝑊𝑃
𝜂= × 100
𝐵𝑃
60.10𝑊
𝜂= × 100
486.12𝑊
𝜂 = 12.36%

Pump B:
Discharge Flow

𝑄 = 0.31ℎ02.5 √2𝑔

ℎ0 = ℎ𝑣 + 0.00085
1𝑚
ℎ0 = 70𝑚𝑚 × + 0.00085
1000𝑚𝑚
𝒉𝟎 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟕𝟎𝟖𝟓

𝑄 = 0.31(0.07085𝑚)2.5 √2(9.81𝑚/𝑠 2 )

𝑚3
𝑄 = 0.001835
𝑠
Manometric Head:
𝐻𝑀 = (𝐻𝑑 − 𝐻𝑠 ) + 1.17 × 105 𝑄 2
2
5
𝑚3
𝐻𝑀 = (0.9𝑚 − (−3𝑚)) + 1.17 × 10 (0.001835 )
𝑠

𝐻𝑀 = 4.29𝑚

Brake Power:
𝐵𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 2𝜋 × 𝑁 × 𝑚 𝑇 × 𝐿
1𝑚𝑖𝑛 1𝑘𝑔 9.81𝑁
𝐵𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 2𝜋 × (1600 𝑟𝑝𝑚 × ) × (1183𝑔 × × ) × 0.25𝑚
60𝑠 1000𝑔 1𝑘𝑔

𝐵𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 486.12𝑊

Water Power:
𝑊𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 𝑄 × 𝛿 × 𝐻𝑀
 𝑚3 𝑘𝑁
𝑊𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 0.001835 × 9.81 3 × 4.29𝑚
𝑠 𝑚
1000𝑊
𝑊𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 0.07723𝑘𝑊 ×
1𝑘𝑊
𝑊𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 77.23𝑊

Efficiency:
𝑊𝑃
𝜂= × 100
𝐵𝑃
77.23𝑊
𝜂= × 100
486.12𝑊
𝜂 = 15.89%

Pumps in Series Operation:

Manometric Head of Pump A:
𝐻𝑀𝐴 = (𝐻𝑑 − 𝐻𝑠 ) + 1.17 × 105 𝑄 2
2
5
𝑚3
𝐻𝑀𝐴 = (0.2𝑚 − (−2.25𝑚)) + 1.17 × 10 (0.001647 )
𝑠

𝐻𝑀𝐴 = 2.77𝑚

Manometric Head of Pump B:

𝐻𝑀𝐵 = (𝐻𝑑 − 𝐻𝑠 ) + 1.17 × 105 𝑄 2
2
5
𝑚3
𝐻𝑀𝐵 = (0.9𝑚 − (−2𝑚)) + 1.17 × 10 (0.001647 )
𝑠

𝐻𝑀𝐵 = 3.22𝑚

Efficiency:

𝐻𝑀𝐴 + 𝐻𝑀𝐵
𝜂𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 = ( ) × 100
𝐻𝑀𝐴 𝐻𝑀𝐵
( 𝜂 )+( 𝜂 )
𝐴 𝐵

2.77𝑚 + 3.22𝑚
𝜂𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 = ( ) × 100
2.77𝑚 3.22𝑚
(0.1236) + ( )
0.1589
𝜂𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 = 14.04%
Pumps in Parallel Operation:
Total Discharge Flow:

𝑄𝑇 = 0.31ℎ02.5 √2𝑔

ℎ0 = ℎ𝑣 + 0.00085
1𝑚
ℎ0 = 77𝑚𝑚 × + 0.00085
1000𝑚𝑚
𝒉𝟎 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟕𝟕𝟖𝟓

𝑄𝑇 = 0.31(0.07785𝑚)2.5 √2(9.81𝑚/𝑠 2 )

𝑚3
𝑄𝑇 = 0.002322
𝑠
Efficiency

𝑄𝑇
𝜂𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 = ( ) × 100
𝑄𝐴 𝑄𝐵
(𝜂 ) + (𝜂 )
𝐴 𝐵

𝑚3
0.002322 𝑠
𝜂𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 = × 100
𝑚3 𝑚3
0.001647 𝑠 0.001835 𝑠
( )+( )
0.1236 0.1589
( )

𝜂𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 = 9.34%
Test Data Analysis
For single configuration pumps, the discharge flow rate in the pump operation was
calculated using v-notch readings in A and B. The flow rate, as well as the suction and discharge
dynamic heads, were used to calculate the manometric head. The power input or braking power of
the motor was calculated by multiplying the specific weight of the water by the flow rate and the
manometric head, while the power output was calculated by multiplying the specific weight of the
water by the flow rate and the length of the torque arm. The efficiency would then be calculated
by dividing the pump's power output by its power input. The flow rate of pump A was used to
determine the manometric heads of the various pumps in a series connection, which was then
utilized to calculate the efficiency of the pump configuration in series. The parallel configuration,
on the other hand, solves efficiency using the overall flow rate of the pump setup. In a single pump
design, pump B has a better efficiency output than pump A, according to the calculations. In
comparison to pump A, it also exhibits a higher output in the waterpower, which also consumes a
higher power input. Pump B also features a larger suction head and a higher torque mass. The
efficiency of the series setup is 14.04%, resulting in an increase in total head. The parallel
connection results in a 9.34% poorer efficiency, but the pump capacity was able to increase
because of the parallel setup.
Industry Applications
Parallel pumping is a way of selecting and controlling constant or variable speed pumps
that mimics the varying load seen in HVAC systems. For the most part, we run a single pump, and
when more flow is required, we switch to the next pump. Many systems now feature one pump
that is designed to handle 100% of the flow and another pump that is designed to handle 100% of
the standby flow. The design flow rate is split between two or more operational pumps in parallel
pumping. The load is split 50 percent -50 percent if two pumps are running. If three pumps are
running, the load is divided as follows: 33 percent -33 percent -33 percent, and so on. While all
the pumps are set to a lower percentage of the design flow rate, the pump heads are all set to 100%
of the design head. If you pick and specify plumbing pressure booster systems, you may find
yourself using this term frequently. Using a pump rated for 100% of the design flow rate in a
plumbing system where the normal load is so low relative to the design would be a waste of money
and energy. The use of two or three parallel running pumps in pressure booster systems is primarily
for this reason. Parallel pumping has a significant advantage in hydronic systems. The intersection
of the pump curve with the system curve yields the needed flow rate.
Conclusion
Pumps in series connect several pumps together to perform the same function as a single
huge pump. If this notion were implemented, the expenses of installation and operation would be
decreased. As a result of the series connection, the overall pumping need will be reduced, and the
degree of standby capacity will be improved. Parallel pump systems are since liquid is drawn from
the same suction manifold. In addition to having similar suction manifolds, parallel pumps can
perform a single pump operation if one fails. Using parallel pumps with manual or automatic pump
staging, which involves changing the number of pumps to fit changing load needs, can
significantly increase the percentage of flow while cutting costs. A single pump would be
connected to a suction point with a suction tank, which would then be sent to the discharge point
in a single pump design. A pump A is connected from the suction and delivers water into the
discharge, which is then connected to another pump that raises the total head of the flow and pushes
it further into the needed point in a series pump design. For a parallel pump setup, two or more
pumps are arranged in a parallel arrangement, which adds the pump flow rates and the heads
encountered in the flow. In a single pump, the torque mass and total dynamic head are determinants
of pump efficiency, the larger the torque mass and total dynamic head, the better the pump
efficiency, power input or brake power, and waterpower or power output.
Recommendation
Understanding the various pump configurations is critical for establishing optimum pump
usage and procedures for various systems. It's vital to remember that in a single pump
configuration, a single valve at the pump's suction is adequate for the datum. Keep in mind that
when using a series pump, the first pump's discharge will be coupled to the second pump's suction,
increasing the total head of the system. It's vital to remember that two suction flows will be merged
in a parallel pump system, resulting in a larger volume flow at the outlet. The efficiency of the
datum will be determined by both the motor speed and the overall head of the system.
References

• Habib Ahmari, & Shah. (2019, August 14). Experiment #10: Pumps. Retrieved March 22,

2022, from Pressbooks.pub website:

https://uta.pressbooks.pub/appliedfluidmechanics/chapter/experiment-10/

• Jorie Ballun. (2015). How To Operate Centrifugal Pumps In Series Or Parallel? Retrieved

March 22, 2022, from Craneengineering.net website:

https://blog.craneengineering.net/operating-centrifugal-pumps-in-series-or-parallel

• Rishel, J. B., Durkin, T. H., & Kincaid, B. L. (2006). Hvac Pump Handbook. McGraw-

HiIl.