C3 - PUMPS

 Explain the functioning of a pump

 Describe the energy transformations involved
 Calculations: suction head, delivery head, pipe flow losses

FUNCTION OF A PUMP:

A pump is a mechanical device designed to move fluids (liquids or gases) from one place to another
by applying mechanical energy. In civil engineering and public health engineering, pumps are
primarily used to raise the pressure and flow of liquids, typically water, to achieve specific goals
like supplying clean water to households, removing wastewater, or controlling water levels in
reservoirs.

Components of a Pump:

1. Inlet: The point where the pump draws in the fluid to be pumped, often referred to as suction.

2. Impeller: The rotating component inside the pump that imparts energy to the fluid. It consists
of blades or vanes that accelerate the fluid.

3. Casing or Housing: The outer shell that encloses the impeller and directs the flow of fluid. It
helps convert the kinetic energy imparted by the impeller into pressure energy.

4. Outlet: The point where the pressurized fluid exits the pump and is delivered to the desired
location.

5. Motor or Driver: The power source that provides the mechanical energy needed to drive the
impeller.

FUNCTIONING OF A PUMP:

Suction: The pump starts by creating a low-pressure zone at its inlet (suction side). This low-
pressure zone allows the fluid to be drawn into the pump, often through a pipe or hose.

Acceleration: As the fluid enters the pump, it encounters the impeller. The impeller is typically
mounted on a shaft connected to a motor. The motor spins the impeller at high speed.

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Centrifugal Force: The spinning impeller imparts kinetic energy to the fluid, causing it to move
radially outward due to centrifugal force. This acceleration results in an increase in fluid velocity.

Pressure Conversion: As the fluid moves radially outward through the impeller, it encounters the
casing or housing. The casing is designed to gradually expand, which converts the kinetic energy
of the fluid into pressure energy.

Discharge: The pressurized fluid exits the pump through the outlet and is transported to its
intended destination. The increased pressure allows the fluid to overcome resistance in pipes and
systems, facilitating the desired flow.

TYPES OF PUMPS

There are various types of pumps used in civil and public health engineering, including centrifugal
pumps, positive displacement pumps, and submersible pumps. Each type has its specific
applications and advantages.

1. Centrifugal Pumps:

Working Principle:

 Centrifugal pumps operate based on the principle of centrifugal force. They use an impeller (a
rotating component) to create a flow of fluid by spinning it rapidly. As the impeller rotates, it
imparts kinetic energy to the fluid, which is then converted into pressure energy as it exits the
pump.

Applications:

 Common Usage: Centrifugal pumps are widely used in various industries and applications,
including water supply, irrigation, wastewater treatment, and HVAC systems.

 Chemical Industry: They are suitable for transferring low-viscosity fluids and are often used
in chemical processing.

 Oil and Gas: Centrifugal pumps are employed in oil refineries for moving crude oil, refined
products, and natural gas liquids.

 Mining: They are used for dewatering mines and transporting slurries.

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Advantages:

 High Flow Rates: Centrifugal pumps are known for their ability to handle large volumes of
fluid, making them suitable for applications that require high flow rates.

 Simple Design: They have a relatively simple design, making them easy to maintain and
repair.

 Continuous Operation: They are well-suited for continuous operation and can handle a wide
range of fluids.

2. Positive Displacement Pumps:

Working Principle:

 Positive displacement pumps work by trapping a specific volume of fluid and then forcing it
into a discharge pipe. They create a flow of fluid by repeatedly displacing a fixed amount with
each cycle.

Applications:

 Viscous Liquids: Positive displacement pumps are ideal for handling viscous liquids, such as
oils, syrups, and pastes.

 Hydraulic Systems: They are used in hydraulic systems to generate pressure and move
hydraulic fluid.

 Food and Beverage: These pumps are commonly found in food and beverage processing for
moving ingredients and products like chocolate, cream, and dough.

 Pharmaceuticals: They are used for precise metering and handling of pharmaceutical
ingredients.

Advantages:

 Accurate Metering: Positive displacement pumps offer precise control and metering of fluids.

 Suitable for Viscous Liquids: They can handle thick and viscous fluids effectively.

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 Self-Priming: Some types of positive displacement pumps are self-priming, meaning they can
evacuate air from the suction line and start pumping.

3. Submersible Pumps:

Working Principle:

 Submersible pumps are designed to be submerged in the fluid they are pumping. They consist
of a motor and pump combined into a single unit. The motor provides the necessary power to
the pump for fluid movement.

Applications:

 Groundwater Pumping: Submersible pumps are commonly used for domestic and industrial
groundwater supply, well dewatering, and irrigation.

 Sewage and Wastewater: They are employed in sewage treatment plants and for handling
wastewater and stormwater.

 Mining: Submersible pumps are used in mining operations for dewatering and moving
abrasive slurry.

 Deep Water Wells: They are suitable for extracting water from deep wells.

Advantages:

 Efficient: Submersible pumps are highly efficient, as they are submerged in the fluid, reducing
energy loss due to friction.

 Space-Saving: They save space because they are located within the fluid, eliminating the need
for a surface pump house.

 Low Maintenance: Submersible pumps require minimal maintenance compared to surface

pumps.

Each type of pump has its unique characteristics and is chosen based on the specific requirements
of the application. Selecting the right pump is crucial to ensuring efficient and reliable fluid
handling in various industries and scenarios.

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Here are some examples of the functioning of pumps in civil engineering and public health
engineering:

1. Water Supply System:

 In a water supply system for a city or town, pumps are used to draw water from a source
(e.g., a river, well, or reservoir) and deliver it to homes and businesses.

 Example: A water treatment plant uses pumps to move raw water from a river, through
a treatment process, and into a network of pipes for distribution to households.

2. Wastewater Treatment:

 In wastewater treatment plants, pumps are employed to transport sewage and

wastewater through various treatment processes.

 Example: After initial screening and primary treatment, pumps lift wastewater to higher
treatment stages such as aeration tanks, clarifiers, and filtration units.

3. Stormwater Drainage:

 In urban drainage systems, pumps can be installed in low-lying areas to prevent

flooding by pumping excess rainwater or stormwater into drainage channels or
reservoirs.

 Example: Stormwater pumps are activated during heavy rainfall to prevent streets and
buildings from flooding.

4. Water Distribution Networks:

 In a water distribution network, pumps are strategically placed at pumping stations to

maintain water pressure and ensure that water reaches areas with higher elevations or
distant locations.

 Example: Pumps in a water distribution network boost water pressure in tall buildings
or deliver water to remote communities.

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5. Sewage Ejector Pumps:

 In residential and commercial buildings, sewage ejector pumps are used to lift sewage
and wastewater from lower levels (e.g., basements) to a higher point where it can
connect to the main sewer line.

 Example: A sewage ejector pump in a basement bathroom lifts wastewater to ground

level for disposal into the municipal sewer system.

6. Submersible Pumps:

 Submersible pumps are often used in applications where the pump must be submerged
in the fluid being pumped. They are commonly used in deep wells, sump pits, and
sewage systems.

 Example: Submersible pumps in a well are used to bring groundwater to the surface for
drinking water supply.

7. Fountain Systems:

 Decorative fountains, both indoor and outdoor, use pumps to circulate and aerate water
to create various water displays.

 Example: A public park's ornamental fountain relies on pumps to shoot water into the
air in artistic patterns.

8. Fire Protection Systems:

 Fire hydrant systems and sprinkler systems in buildings rely on pumps to provide high-
pressure water in case of a fire emergency.

 Example: In a high-rise building, fire pumps provide the necessary pressure to deliver
water to upper floors through the building's fire suppression system.

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THE ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS INVOLVED

The operation of pumps involves several energy transformations to move fluids from one location
to another, often against gravitational forces or resistive forces like friction. Here's an overview of
the energy transformations involved in pump operation.

Mechanical Energy to Kinetic Energy:

Pumps are typically powered by electric motors, engines, or other mechanical devices. These
devices provide mechanical energy to the pump.

The pump's impeller, which rotates within the casing, converts this mechanical energy into kinetic
energy. As the impeller spins, it imparts velocity to the fluid.

Kinetic Energy to Pressure Energy:

As the fluid is accelerated by the impeller, its kinetic energy increases. However, this kinetic
energy alone does not push the fluid effectively through pipes or against gravity.

The casing or housing of the pump is designed to expand gradually, slowing down the fluid and
converting its kinetic energy into pressure energy. This is where Bernoulli's principle comes into
play.

The pressure energy added to the fluid allows it to overcome resistance in pipes, elevation changes,
and any other forces working against the flow.

Pressure Energy to Gravitational Potential Energy:

In civil engineering applications, pumps are often used to lift water to higher elevations. In this
process, the pressure energy created by the pump is converted into gravitational potential energy
as the water is lifted against gravity.

The energy transformation from pressure to gravitational potential energy is essential for
delivering water to elevated locations like tall buildings or hilly terrain.

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Overcoming Frictional and Pipe Resistance Losses:

In fluid transport systems, energy is also expended to overcome losses due to friction within pipes
and fittings. This energy is lost as heat.

Pumps must provide enough pressure energy to overcome these frictional and resistance losses to
ensure that the fluid reaches its destination at the desired flow rate and pressure.

Control of Flow Rate and Energy Efficiency:

Pumps are equipped with various controls and mechanisms to regulate their operation and optimize
energy use. For example, variable frequency drives (VFDs) can adjust the pump's speed to match
the required flow rate, reducing energy consumption during periods of lower demand.

Maintaining the efficiency of pumps is crucial to minimize energy wastage and operational costs.

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SUCTION HEAD (HS):

Suction head is a crucial parameter for determining the energy available at the suction side of a
pump. It considers the height difference between the liquid source and the pump's centerline, as
well as the pressure at the source.

 Height Difference (hs): Measure the vertical distance (in meters) between the
liquid source (e.g., a well or reservoir) and the centerline of the pump. This is
usually a straightforward measurement.

DELIVERY HEAD (HD):

Delivery head measures the energy available at the discharge or delivery side of the pump. Similar
to suction head, it accounts for height differences and pressure changes at the discharge point.

 Height Difference (hd): Measure the vertical distance (in meters) between the
pump's centerline and the discharge point, such as an elevated tank or distribution
network.

PIPE FLOW LOSSES (HF):

Pipe flow losses, or head losses, represent the energy lost due to friction and other factors as the
fluid flows through pipes. Calculating pipe flow losses is essential for designing efficient fluid
transport systems.

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