FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND BUILT

ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Title: Centrifugal Pumps

“I certify that this report is my own unaided work, except for the assistance received from the
teaching staff. I undertake not to pass this report on to any other student”.
Executive Summary
This experiment's goal was to familiarize us with the centrifugal pump's workings. This covers all
conditions in which centrifugal pumps are operated, whether they are set up in parallel or series.
Water was pushed through pipes from a tank that contained the substance. The pressure was
measured at the pipe's inlet and outflow using manometers, a tool that we use for measuring
pressure. The flow meters, which measure fluid flow rates, were linked to the system to measure the
water flow rate as well. In this practical, another goal is to investigate how running the pumps in
parallel vs series affected their discharge and total head. This goal is made possible by the pressure
data that were recorded. With the aid of the mathematical methods given in the handbook, these
measured values are also helpful in calculating the system curve, characteristic curve, and pump
efficiency. Additionally, there is also what we refer to as cavitation that results from pressure
differences; the cavitation along with the net positive head will be covered in detail in the theory
section.
Contents
Executive Summary...............................................................................................................................1
List of Symbols.......................................................................................................................................3
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................3
Theory...................................................................................................................................................4
Procedure..............................................................................................................................................5
For a single pump connected.............................................................................................................5
For two pumps connected in parallel and series...............................................................................5
Results and Calculations........................................................................................................................6
1.Single Pump....................................................................................................................................6
2. Series Pump...................................................................................................................................7
3. Parallel Pump...............................................................................................................................10
Discussion............................................................................................................................................11
List of Symbols
Derived quantities SI Units Symbols
Hydraulic diameter m D
Gravitational constant m.s-2 g
Head m h
Head produced by pumps m HD
Total head on suction side m Hf
Head loss due to bending m HL(bends/fittings)
System head m HSys
Minor loss coefficients Dimensionless K
Power imparted to the fluid by W PP
the pump
Shaft Power W PS
Vapour pressure of the fluid Pa Pvap
Volumetric flow rate m3.s-1 Q
Fluid velocity m.s-1 v
Fluid level above pump m Z
Fluid density kg.m-3 ƿ
Fluid efficiency % Ƞ
Introduction
Centrifugal pumps are a type of dynamic pump that utilize a rotating impeller to transfer fluids from
one location to another. They are widely used in a variety of industries, including water supply,
irrigation, chemical processing, oil refining, and wastewater treatment. The basic design of a
centrifugal pump consists of a stationary casing and a rotating impeller that is driven by a motor. The
impeller has curved blades that impart kinetic energy to the fluid as it rotates, creating a pressure
difference that propels the fluid through the pump.

Centrifugal pumps are known for their simplicity, efficiency, and versatility. They can handle a wide
range of fluids, from water and chemicals to viscous and abrasive fluids. They are available in a
variety of sizes and designs, including single-stage pumps, multi-stage pumps, horizontal pumps,
vertical pumps, and submersible pumps. The performance of a centrifugal pump is determined by a
variety of factors, including the impeller design, flow rate, head, and efficiency. Several theoretical
models have been developed to analyse the performance of centrifugal pumps and optimize their
design.

For other piping systems, it is significant to contemplate a multiple-pump system to meet the design
requirements. Two methods involve arranging the pumps in series and parallel that desire a definite
standard performance. In series connection, the heads of the pump are summed and in a parallel
arrangement of pumps the flowrates are summed up, a pump will transport a liquid to a required
height regardless of the weight of the liquid.
Theory
Pumps that run in more than a single arrangement do improve the performance that is required. The
fluid flow from the first pump to the next when pumps are operated in order. According to this, the
flow rate of each pump will remain constant, but because the head is added together, the overall
head will rise.

Flowrate for series, Qtot=QA=QB

Head total for series, Htot=HA+HB

But for parallel pumps it’s the other way around. Flowrate for parallel, Qtot=QA+QB. The total head
remains constant, Htot=HA=HB.

Here are some equations used for centrifugal pumps, including:

2 2
P1 v 1 P2 v 2
H D+ + + Z 1= + + Z 2+ H L
ρg 2 g ρg 2 g

The term HD is the head available for pumping the fluid. Similarly , the system head, Hsys , required to
overcome all the resistance for a required flow rate can be given by
2 2
P2−P 1 v 2 −v 1
H sys = + +Z 2−Z 1+ H L
ρg 2g

The system head loss must be directly proportional to the square of the volumetric flowrate simply
because the flow velocity is directly proportional to the volumetric flowrate. There is also what we
refer to as a system head curve, it is a total head versus volumetric flowrate curve of a certain pump.
2
V
The head loss, HL is K
2g
Efficiency refers to how well a pump can convert one form of energy to a different form of energy.

Pf
Efficiency, η=
Pp
Net positive suction head and cavitation. One of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing
the right pump for the system is a net positive suction head. A certain minimum pressure is
necessary to stop cavitation in a fluid. The potential energy between the reservoir and the pump
height can be used to calculate a net positive head. Any given system has a tiny net positive suction
head because of how close the reservoir is to the pump or how rough the pipes are in comparison. If
the pump is higher than the reservoir there will be negative potential that is expected for a pump to
overcome and, if the pump is below the reservoir the potential energy aids in enumerating the net
positive suction head (NPSH).
Procedure
For a single pump connected
1. Followed the pipework and examined the valves to gain a clear understanding of the system.

2. Checked the level in the tank. If the level was too low, filled with water to an appropriate
level.

3. Measured the height of the water entry and exit levels, Z1 and Z2.

4. Read off the power consumption on the pump.

5. Adjusted the valves to isolate the single speed pump and ensured that all valves in the
correct path were totally open.

6. Switched on the pump and allowed the system to reach steady state.

7. Read the volumetric flowrate from the rotameter and the discharge and suction pressure
from the pressure gauges.

8. Reduced the flow rate with the discharge valve to a predetermined flow rate and repeated
the measurement.

9. Repeated the measurements at various flow rates.

10. Opened the discharge valve fully.

11. Throttled the suction valve and recorded the flow rate and suction pressure.
 12. Repeated step 11 for four flow rates until cavitation occurred.

13. Continued throttling the suction side and recorded the flow rate and suction pressure.

For two pumps connected in parallel and series

1. Ensured that the relevant valves were closed or opened such that the two pumps were
connected in series.

2. Switched on the pumps and waited for a steady state to be achieved.

3. Adjusted the pump speed to obtain the desired flow rate.

4. Measured the discharge and suction pressure for both pumps.

5. Repeated 3 and 4 for different flow rates.

6. Repeated 1 to 5 but connected the pumps in parallel.

7. Turned the apparatus off.

Results and Calculations
1.Single Pump
1.Head produced by pump for each flowrate

ΔP
Δ h=
ρg
5000−0
Δ h= =0.51 m
1000 ×9.81
2. head loss due to friction for each flowrate

P 1−P2
H D+ + Z 2−Z 1=H L
ρg

0−5000
H L=0.51+ +0.09−0.285
1000 × 9.81
¿−0.195 m
3. Power of the fluid

Power f =Qρ H D g

Power f =( 5.14 ×10−4 ) ( 1000 ) ( 0.51 ) ( 9.81 )

¿ 2.57 W
4.Pump efficiency

Power f
η=
Power p
2.57
¿
370
−3
¿ 6.9 ×10
5. Friction Head Loss
2
L v
h f =4 f ∙
D 2g
Area=πDL=π ( 0.022 ) ( 1/4 )
¿ 0.0004 m2
−4
Q 5.14 × 10 −3
v= = =2.01× 10 m/s
A 0.256
 Dvρ ( 0.022 ) ( 2.01× 10 ) ( 1000 )
−3
ℜ= = −3
=44.13
μ 1.002× 10
16 16
f= ℜ= =0.36
44.13

2
L v2 3.7 (2.01× 10¿¿−3)
h f =4 f ∙ =4 ( 0.36 ) ∙ =4.9 ×10−5 m ¿
D 2g 0.022 2 ( 9.81 )

6. Calculate NPSHA

P1 Pvap 0 3167.74 −5
NPSH A = + Z 1− −H f = +0.285− −4.9 ×10
ρg ρg 1000 ×9.81 1000 ×9.81

Flow rate (m3/s) Area (m2) Velocity (m/s) Pressure 1 (Pa) Pressure 2
5.14×10−4 0.004 0.002 0 5000
0.0004 0.0004 0.002 0 75000
0.0003 0.0004 0.002 0 125000
0.0002 0.0004 0.002 0 228000

Table 1: Single Pump

Flow Rate Pump Head Head Loss Power Efficiency NPSH

0.0005 0.51 -0.195 2.57 0.7 -0.04
0.0004 7.65 29.67 8
0.0003 12.74 37.50 10
0.0002 23.24 45.60 12

Table 2: Single Pump Results

2. Series Pump

1.Head loss

PUMP1

P2−P1 0−0
∆ h= = =0 m
ρg 1000 × 9.81

PUMP2
 P2−P1 19000−0
∆ h= = =1.94 m
ρg 1000 × 9.81

Total Head

H T =H 1 + H 2

¿ 0+1.94=1.94 m

2.System Head Loss

PUMP1

P 1−P2
H D+ + Z 2−Z 1=H L
ρg
¿ 0+0+ 0.285−0.09
¿ 0.195 m
PUMP2

P 1−P2
H D+ + Z 2−Z 1=H L
ρg
¿ 1.94+ (−1.94 ) +0.285−0.09
¿ 0.195 m
PUMP1

P2−P 1
H sys = + Z2 −Z 1 + H L
ρg
¿ 0+0.285−0.09+ 0.195
¿ 0.39 m
PUMP2

P2−P 1
H sys = + Z2 −Z 1 + H L
ρg
¿ 1.94+ 0.285−0.09+ 0.195
¿ 2.33 m
3. Hydraulic Power

PUMP1

Power f =Qρ H D g

¿ ( 5.5 ×10−4 ) ( 1000 ) ( 9.81 ) ( 0.195 )

¿ 1.05 W
PUMP2

Power f =Qρ H D g

¿ ( 5.5 ×10−4 ) ( 1000 ) ( 9.81 ) ( 0.195 )

¿ 1.05 W

4. Efficiency

Power f 1.05 −3
η= = =2.84 × 10
Power p 0.37 × 1000

PUMP1 PUMP2

Flow rate Area (m2) Velocity Pressure 1 Pressure2 Pressure 1 Pressure 2

M3/s (m/s) (Pa) (Pa) (Pa) (Pa)
5.5×10−4 0 0 0 19000
4.44×10−4 0 58000 60000 142000
3.25×10−4 0 139000 138000 310000
1.93×10−4 0 219000 220000 478000

Table 3: Pump in Series

PUMP1 PUMP2
Flow HD (m) HSYS (m) POWER EFFICIENCY Hd Hsys Power(W) Efficiency
Rate (W) (m) (m)
(m3/s)
5.5 0.195 0.39 1.05 0.028 0.195 0.39 1.05 0.028
−4
×10
4.44 14.27 14.66 62 17 14.27 14.66 62 17
 −4
×10
3.25 31.7 32.09 101 27 31.7 32.09 101 27
−4
×10
1.93 48.63 48.99 92 24 48.63 48.99 92 24
−4
×10

Table 4: Series Pump Results

3. Parallel Pump
PUMP1 PUMP2

Flow rate Area (m2) Velocity Pressure 1 Pressure2 Pressure 1 Pressure 2

M3/s (m/s) (Pa) (Pa) (Pa) (Pa)
−4
1 ×10 0 20000 9950 22000
−4
8.8 ×10 0 50000 10050 59000
−4
5.5 ×10 0 170000 9950 179000
−4
2.2 ×10 0 278000 9950 280000

Table 5: Pump in Parallel

PUMP1 PUMP2
Flow Hd Hsy Power Efficiency Hd(m) Hsys(m) Power(W) Efficiency
Rate
0.001 2.04 1.95 20.01 5 2.04 1.95 20.02 5
0.0009 5.09 5.19 44.94 12 5.09 5.19 44.94 12
0.0005 17.33 17.99 85 23 17.33 17.99 85 23
0.0002 28.34 27.09 55.6 15 28.34 27.09 55.6 15
Table 6: Parallel Pump Results
 Pump head vs flowRate
60

50

40
Pump head Series
Axis Title

30 pump head parallel

pumple head single
20

10

0
0.0001 0.0009 0.0005 0.0002
Flow Rate (m3/s)

Figure 1: Pump head vs Flow Rate Graph

120 Power vs Flow Rate

100

80
Power (W)

60

40

20

0
0.0005 0.0004 0.0003 0.0002
Flow Rate

Figure 2: Power vs Flow Rate Graph

Figure 3: Efficiency vs Flow Rate Graph

Efficiency vs Flow Rate

30

25

20
Efficiency

15

10

0
0.0001 0.0002 0.0003 0.0004
Flow Rate

Discussion

The system used in the practical included a pipe with a diameter of 0.022 meters and a length of 3.7
meters. This dimension was used to calculate the pipe's area. According to the calculations, the head
pump was determined using the formula from the practical manual. The head loss due to fittings is
represented by a term in the calculation; the area and flowrate were used to obtain the velocity,
which was then computed. In a series connection, the head pumps were computed independently
for each setting and added to the pumps, but the head was always equal to the sum of the pumps.

To determine the overall volumetric flowrate for parallel pumps, the flowrates for each pump were
first put together. The head loss due to bends was found by using the total flowrate to calculate
velocity. According to the notion that the head in parallel connection is equal throughout, but the
flowrate is equal to the sum of the pumps' flowrates, the head pumps in parallel come out equal for
both pumps in each setting. The graph shows that for both series and parallel connections, pump
head rises as flowrate rises. The system head formula seems to be the same to the head pump
formula, and for parallel connections, the system heads were equivalent for both pumps depending
on the flowrates of each setting. For series connections, the total head was calculated by adding the
heads of each pump. Simply because it made sense to us given that the system's parameters
remained constant, the head loss due to fittings that was utilized in the first question of determining
the pump head is applied again when calculating the system head. Given the aforementioned, the
system head reduces in series as flowrates rise, but they do so concurrently.

The given formula was applied in order to calculate the hydraulic power. Since the flowrates in series
are identical, the hydraulic power of each setting for a series connection was determined by
substituting the total of the heads that were estimated in earlier questions. Since the heads were the
same, the sum of the flowrates used in the parallel connection calculations was replaced to
determine the hydraulic power for each setting. As the flowrate increases, the hydraulic power also
increases in parallel and series configurations.
In order to get the final results, it was necessary to calculate the pump efficiency, which was done by
comparing the hydraulic power to the pump's or shaft observed power. The pump efficiency was
then correctly counted in both parallel and series configurations. As stated in, it can be inferred that
for both series and parallel designs, the efficiency of the pumps rises as the flowrate does.

Conclusion
The outcomes met expectations, as discussed during the conversation. The experimental results
were joyfully noted to be consistent with the theoretical viewpoints covered in this paper. It was
found that the sum of the total heads of the series-connected pumps and their flow rates, while for a
parallel connection, the sum of the total heads of all the pumps and their flow rates. In conclusion,
parallel configured pumps have greater improvements in hydraulic power than series configured
pumps in pump head. This indicates that the centrifugal pumps operate more effectively when
connected in parallel. In the end, the practical's goals were gradually attained. Cavitation did not
occur during the experiment because there was enough pressure head delivered to the fluid and the
pup was below the reservoir, in that manner cavitation was prohibited.