Faculty of Engineering and Technology

Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

Pumping of Liquid Report

Surname and Initials : Thusini M

Student number : 220173362

Subject : CHEMICAL LABORATORY I

Level of Study : 2rd YEAR (S4)

Technician/s : Mr. Robert Mbedzi

Submission date : 15 August 2023

Declaration

I hereby declare that I understand the University’s policy on academic integrity and declare that:

• This lab report is my original work and does not involve plagiarism or unauthorized
collusions, except where due credit is given to the work of others. The report is based on
results and spectra obtained during my laboratory sessions.
• This laboratory report has not previously been submitted for assessment for this or any
other subject.

signed electronically
X
M T h u s in i

Signature: Date: 15/08/2023

Acknowledgements

I would also like to thank the staff and technicians of the Chemical Engineering Laboratory for
their assistance and cooperation in setting up and conducting the experiments. Their
professionalism and dedication were greatly appreciated.
I am grateful to my classmates and friends for their feedback, suggestions, and moral support
during this challenging process. They made this journey more enjoyable and rewarding.

Executive Summary

The experiments were conducted in the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory using a pump, a motor, a
flow meter, a pressure gauge, and a torque meter. The flow rate, pressure difference, torque, and
angular speed were measured for each pump at different operating conditions. The pump
efficiency, head, and power were calculated from the measured data.
From the results obtained, the pump head increases as the flowrate of water decreases. The
system heat decreases with a decrease in the flow rate of the fluid.

On a flow rate versus head graph, the system head function intersects the pump head function at
a point called the optimum point. The optimum is a point that correspond to the highest
efficiency of the pumping system. Flowrate is directly proportional to the rotational speed and
the torque of the pump. Parallel pumping system has a higher head compared to series pump
connection. In conclusion, we we're able to move water from a lower region to an elevated
region. We have found that pump head is dependent on the flow rate of the fluid and the pump
with a torque convertor had the highest head. Series pumping system has a capability of
pumping to a higher height. In a parallel pumping system, the pumps share a load and pump to
the same height. We can further recommend reducing the friction loss in pipes to improve the
efficiency of the pumping system. Run together only if there is a need and frequent maintenance
on the pumping system.
Table of contents

1. Cover page ……………………………………………………….…………………..…….(i)

2. Declaration of originality…………………………………….……..……………………...(ii)
3. Acknowledgements………………………………………..….………...............................(iii)
4. Executive Summary…………….…………………………….…….…………………..…(iv)
5. Table of contents……………………...………………… …….……………………….…(v)
6. Introduction……………………………………………………….…................................(1)
6.1 Background …………………………………….…………………….............................(1)
6.2 Main objective…………………………………………………………………………….(1)
6.3 Specific objectives…………………………………………………………………..…… (1)
6.4 Scope………………………………………………………………………………….…..(1)
7. Literature review………………………………………………………………………….(2)

7.1 Pumping of Liquids……………………………………………………………….………(2)

7.2 Centrifugal Pumps…………………………………………………………………….…..(2)

7.3 Centrifugal Pumps working………………………………………………………..……(2-3)

7.4 Series Operation…………………………………………………………………...……(3-4)

7.5 System Heads…………………………………………………………………………….. (4)

7.6 Figure 4.1- Typical pumping system………… ……………………………..………...….(4)

7.7 Figure 4.2- Volute centrifugal pump casing design.……………………..…..…………....(7)

7.8 Figure 4.3- System and pump total head against capacity curves…………….…………...(9)

7.9 Figure 4.5 Available and require net positive suction heads against capacity in the in a
pumping system……………………………………………………………..………..………(10)
7.10 Figure 4.6 Effect of insufficient NPSH on the performance of a centrifugal pump……...(11)

7.11 Figure 4.8 Effect of adding a safety factor to the system factor to the system and total head
against capacity curve…………………………………………………………………….……(12)

8. Methodology………………………………………………………………………………(12)
8.1 Equipment description……………………………………………………………………..(12)
8.2 Material and chemicals…………………………………………………………………….(13)
8.3 Experimental procedure…………………………………………...………………………(13)
8.4 Experiment number one: To operate a single PumpG2………….………………………..(13)
8.5 Experiment number two: Operating of Pump G1&G2 in series…………………………..(13)
8.6 Experiment number three: Operating of Pump G1&G2 in parallel……………………….(13)
8.7 Stop and emergency stop…………………………………………………………………..(14)
9. Results……………………………………………………………………………………..(14)
9.1 Findings…………………………………………………………………………………....(14)
9.1.1 Table for density of water equation……………………………………………………(14)
9.1.2 Table of viscosity…………………………………………………………………..…(14)
9.1.3 Plant dimensions table………………………………………………………………...(14)
9.1.4 Table of molecular mass………………………………………………………………(15)
9.1.5 Table of flowrates for G2……………………………………………………………...(15)
9.1.6 Table of velocities for G2…………………………………………………………….(15)
9.1.7 Table of Reynolds Number……………………………………………………………(16)
9.1.8 Flow rate vs Rotational speed table…………………………………………………..(16)
9.1.9 Flowrate vs rpm graph………………………………………………………………..(16)
9.1.10 Table of Torque vs flowrate…………………………………………………………..(17)
9.1.11 Graph of Torque vs flowrate…………………………………………………………..(17)
9.1.12 Head pump vs flowrate graph…………………………………………………………(18)

9.2 Calculations…………………………………………………………………………….(18-20)
9.3 Pump G2 Table…………………………………………………………………………….(21)
9.4 Pump G1 and G2 in series Table ………………………………………………………….(21)
9.5 Pump G1 and G2 in parallel ………………………………………………………………(21)
10. Discussion…………………………………………………………………………….(21-22)
11. Conclusions and Recommendations……………………………………………………..(23)
11.1 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………(23-24)
11.2 Recommendations ……………………………………………………………………(24)
12. References………………………………………………………………………………..(25)
13. Glossary…………………………………………………………………………………..(25)
14. Nomenclature/Equations………………………………………………………………(25-26)
1. Introduction

1.1 Background information

The pumping of liquids is a common practice in a variety of industries, including chemical and
petrochemical processes. Transportation of fluids is important in the design of chemical plants.
In the chemical process industries (CPI), pipework and its accessories such as fitting make up
20-30% of the total design costs and 10-20% of the total plant investment. Maintenance
requirement and energy usage in the form of pressure drop in the fluid being pumped and to the
total cost (Coker, 2007).

1.2 Main objectives

The main goal of the practical is to apply the basic concepts of fluids in motion in the pumping
of liquids.

1.3 Specific objectives are:

• To plot the pump characteristic curve

• To determine the efficiency of the pump at the operating point
• To compare pump configurations (series and parallel) with theory

1.4 Scope

In this practical report consists of an introduction to pumps and their types. Components and
design of a pumping station. The emphasis will be on the centrifugal pumps, which are far the
most widely used in the process industries one will look at their operating characteristics when
they are configured as a single pump, two pumps in series, and two pumps in parallel. An Excel
spreadsheet to determine the pump efficiency and operating point from the intersection of the
system head and pump head.
2. Literature review

Pumping of Liquids

A pump is a device used to move gas, liquid or slurry. The pump moves a liquid or gas from a
lower pressure to a higher pressure and overcomes this pressure difference, adding energy to the
"water-like" system. Gasoline pumps are commonly referred to as compressors, except in very
low pressure rise applications, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, where the
operating device is a fan or blower. (Armfield. (2013). Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus. Instruction
Manual, F1-12, Issue 9, Feb.)

Centrifugal pumps
Centrifugal pump is a rotary pump that uses a rotating impeller to increase the speed of the fluid.
Centrifugal pumps are commonly used to move liquids through piping systems. The liquid enters
the pump impeller along or near the axis of rotation and is accelerated by the impeller, flowing
radially outward into the diffuser or volute, from where the liquid exits into the downstream
pipeline. of the system. Centrifugal pumps are used for large discharge through smaller heads.
(Armfield. (2013). Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus. Instruction Manual, F1-12, Issue 9, Feb.)

Centrifugal pump working

Centrifugal pumps work by converting rotational kinetic energy, usually from an electric motor
or impeller, into increased static fluid pressure. This action is described by Bernoulli's principle.
The rotation of the pump impeller transfers kinetic energy to the fluid as it is drawn in from the
eye of the impeller (center) and ejected through the impeller blades to the periphery. As the fluid
exits the impeller, the fluid's kinetic energy (velocity) is then converted to (static) pressure due to
the change in the surface area experienced by the fluid in the cross section of the impeller.
Usually, the helical shape of the pump casing (increasing the volume) or the impellers of the
diffuser (which slows down the fluid, successfully converting the kinetic energy of the flow) is
responsible for the energy conversion. The energy conversion causes the pressure downstream of
the pump to increase, causing flow. Cavitation is the problem of the pump. It is defined as the
formation of vapor bubbles of a flowing liquid in a region where the pressure of the liquid falls
below its vapor pressure. Cavitation is generally divided into two types of behavior (Armfield.
(2013). Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus. Instruction Manual, F1-12, Issue 9, Feb.)
inertial (or temporary) and non-inertial cavitation. Inertial cavitation is the process by which a
vacuum or bubble in a liquid collapse rapidly, creating a shock wave. Such cavitation often
occurs in pumps, impellers, propellers, and in the vascular tissues of plants. Non-inertial foaming
is a process in which bubbles in a liquid are forced to oscillate in size or shape due to some form
of energy input, such as a sound field. Such cavitation commonly used in ultrasonic cleaning
tank sand can also be seen in pumps, impellers, etc. Due to the general complexity of the flow
through a centrifugal pump, the actual performance of the pump cannot be predicted purely on
theoretical grounds. The actual efficiency of the pump is determined experimentally by the pump
test and the results are presented as a pump efficiency curve. commonly referred to as
competence). This information is useful to the engineer responsible for incorporating pumps into
a given pipeline flow system. (Armfield. (2013). Bernoulli’s Theorem Demonstration.
Instruction Manual, F1-15, Issue 7, Jan.)

Series Operation
In Series operation, the discharge of one pump feeds the suction of a second pump Unlike
Parallel operation, series pump curve can be drawn holding the flow constant and adding the
head. Series Operation allows that commercially available equipment can be use in a particular
system because sometimes a single pump operation would result in a pump with an extremely
high head and thus an equally high horsepower. For example, distributing pumping schemes
applied in chilled water plants avoid using to big pumps for chilled water circulation that create
unnecessary overpressure at the buildings close to the plant. Small Pumps situated just at the
building they feed mitigate the overpressure problem and at the same time save considerable
pumping energy. Such schemes are based on the series pumps operation principles. (Armfield.
(2012). Energy Loss in Pipe Bends and Fittings. Instruction Manual, F1-22, Issue 8, Nov.)

The purpose of a pump is to provide a flowing liquid with energy or head in order to offset
friction-related head losses and, if required, to lift the liquid to a higher level. The total head ∆h
is the amount of head that a pump imparts to a moving liquid.
The heads for constant flow are linked by equation 1.14 if a pump is positioned between points 1
and 2 in a pipeline. (Holland, F.A., 1983. Fluid flow for chemical engineers. London: Edward
Arnold.)

𝑃2 𝑢22 𝑃1 𝑢12
(𝑧2 + + ) − (𝑧1 + + ) = ∆ℎ − ℎ𝑓 (1.1)
𝑝2 𝑔 2𝑔𝛼2 𝑝1 𝑔 2𝑔𝛼1

In equation 1.1, z, P/(pg), and 𝑢2 /(2g𝛼) are static, the pressure and
head velocity and hf pressure drop due to friction. The dimensionless velocity distribution
coefficient is 1/2 for laminar flow and about 1 for turbulent flow.
For a liquid of density p flowing at a constant average velocity u through a tube of circular cross-
section and constant diameter between point 1 and point 2 separated by a pump, equation 1.1 can
be written as
𝑃2 𝑢2 𝑃1 𝑢2
(𝑧2 + ) − (𝑧1 + ) = ∆ℎ − ℎ𝑓 (1.2)
𝑝𝑔 2𝑔𝛼 𝑝𝑔 2𝑔𝛼
For the most part, pumps can be classified into centrifugal pumps and positive pumps,
volumetric pump. (Holland, F.A., 1983. Fluid flow for chemical engineers. London: Edward
Arnold.)

System Heads
The important ends to consider in a pumping system are suction, discharge, total and net positive
suction lift are available. What's Next the definitions given in relation to typical pumping
systems are illustrated in Figure 1.2 where the arbitrarily chosen baseline is the axis of
pump. (Holland, F.A., 1983. Fluid flow for chemical engineers. London: Edward Arnold.)

𝑃𝑑
𝑆𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑: ℎ𝑠 = 𝑧𝑠 + − ℎ𝑓𝑠 (4.2)
𝑝𝑔

𝑃𝑠
Discharge head: ℎ𝑑 = 𝑧𝑠 + − ℎ𝑓𝑑 (4.3)
𝑝𝑔
 In Equation 4.2, hfs is the head lost to friction, z is the static head and P, is the gas pressure
above the liquid in the tank on the suction side of pump. If the liquid level on the suction side is
below the axis of pump, z, negative.
In Equation 4.3, hfd is the friction head loss, zd is the static head and pd is the gas pressure
above the liquid in the tank at discharge pump side. h, and hd is the value of (P/pg + u2/2gcy + z)
at the suction flange and at corresponding to the discharge flange. Equation 4.7. and 4.3 is
obtained by applying Bernoulli's equation between supply and suction lakes flange, and between
the discharge flange and the receiving tank, respectively. On the suction side, the friction loss hfi
reduces the total head to suction flange but on discharge side, hfd increase head discharge flange.
(Holland, F.A., 1983. Fluid flow for chemical engineers. London: Edward Arnold.)
Total head Ah that the pump must transmit at the flow rate liquid is the difference between
discharge end and suction end:
∆ℎ = ℎ𝑑 − ℎ𝑠 (4.4)

Equation 4.4 can be written as Equation 4.2 and 4.3 as

(𝑃𝑑 − 𝑃𝑠 )
∆ℎ = (𝑧𝑑 − 𝑧𝑠 ) + + (ℎ𝑓𝑑 + ℎ𝑓𝑠 ) (4.5)
𝑝𝑔

The equations for the head losses due to friction are given by

∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑠 𝑢2
ℎ𝑓𝑠 = 4𝑓 ( ) (4.7)
𝑑𝑖 2𝑔

And
∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑑 𝑢2
ℎ𝑓𝑑 = 4𝑓 ( ) (4.8)
𝑑𝑖 2𝑔

• where ∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑠 and ∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑑 ,d are the sum of the equivalent lengths on the nozzle and
corresponding discharge pump. Suction height h, decrease and discharge height hd increase
accordingly increase fluid flow due to increased friction value about hfi and bd voltage drop.
Therefore, the total ∆h head of the pump is required for infusion into the flowing fluid
increases as the fluid is pumped ratio. ( Holland, F.A. and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid flow for
chemical engineers. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.)
It is clear from equation 4.2 that the suction height h, can be reduced to a very low-level value,
for example when the suction friction pressure drops high and static charge z, low. If the absolute
pressure in the liquid at the suction end flange falls at or below the absolute vapor pressure Pv of
the liquid, vapor bubbles form at the pump inlet. Worse, even if the pressure at the suction flange
is slightly higher than the vapor pressure, cavitation - the formation and subsequent collapse of
vapor bubbles will occur in the pump body due to the pressure in the pump decreases as the fluid
is accelerated. . (Holland, F.A., 1983. Fluid flow for chemical engineers. London: Edward
Arnold.)

• To avoid cavitation, pump manufacturers specify a minimum value that the total head at the
suction flange must exceed corresponds to the vapor pressure of the liquid. ( Holland, F.A.
and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid flow for chemical engineers. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-
Heinemann.)

Difference between suction head and steam pressure head called Net Positive Suction Head,
NPSH:
𝑃𝑣
𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻 = ℎ𝑠 − (4.8)
𝑝𝑔
Substituting hs from equation 4.2. the NPSH is given by
𝑃𝑠 − 𝑃𝑣
𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻 = 𝑧𝑠 + − ℎ𝑓𝑠 (4.9)
𝑝𝑔

• The available NPSH given by equations 4.8 and 4.9 must exceed the value required by the
pump and specified by the manufacturer. The need NPSH increases as traffic increases, as
shown below. ( Holland, F.A. and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid flow for chemical engineers. 2nd
ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.)

4.3 Centrifugal pump

In a centrifugal pump, energy or electrical charge is transferred to the fluid flowing through it
centrifugal action. The most common type of centrifugal pump is spiral pump. In the helical
pump, the liquid enters near the shaft of the high-speed pump impeller and is fully projected to
the outside in a gradual expansion spiral envelope as shown in Figure 4.2.
The impeller vanes are curved to ensure a smooth flow of liquid. The velocity head imparted to
the liquid is gradually converted into pressure head as the velocity of the liquid is reduced. The
efficiency of this conversion is a function of the design of the and casing and the physical
properties of the liquid. (Holland, F.A. and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid flow for chemical engineers.
2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.)
The performance of a centrifugal pump for a particular rotational speed of the impeller and liquid
viscosity is represented by plots of total head against capacity, power against capacity, and
required NPSH against capacity. These are known as characteristic curves of the pump.
Characteristic curves have a variety of shapes depending on the geometry of the impeller and
pump casing. Pump manufacturers normally supply these curves only for operation with water.
However, methods are available for plotting curves for other viscosities from the water curves
[Holland and Chapman (1966).]
The most common shape of a total head against capacity curve for a conventional volute
centrifugal pump is shown in Figure 4.3, where ∆h is the total head developed by the pump and
Q is the volumetric flow rate of liquid or capacity. The maximum total head developed by the
pump is at zero capacity. As the liquid throughput is increased, the total head developed
decreases. The pump can operate at any point on the ∆h against Q curve. Any individual ∆h
against Q curve is only true for a particular rotational speed of the impeller and liquid viscosity.
(Holland, F.A. and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid flow for chemical engineers. 2nd ed. Oxford:
Butterworth-Heinemann.)

As the liquid viscosity increases the ∆h against Q curve becomes steeper. Thus the shaded area
in figure 4.3 increases as the liquid viscosity increases. (Holland, F.A. and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid
flow for chemical engineers. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.)

The total head ∆h developed by a centrifugal pump at a particular capacity Q is independent of

the liquid density. Thus, the higher the density of the liquid, the higher the pressure hp developed
by the pump. The relationship between ∆I` and ∆h is given by equation 4.10
∆𝑃 = 𝑝∆ℎ𝑔 (4.10)

• Thus, if a centrifugal pump develops a total head of 100 m when pumping a liquid of density
p = 1000 kg/m3, the pressure developed is 981 000 Pa; while for p = 917 kg/m3 the pressure
developed is 900000 Pa. Equation 4.10 shows that when a centrifugal pump runs on air, the
pressure developed is very small. In fact, a conventional centrifugal pump can never prime
itself when operating on a suction lift. (Holland, F.A. and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid flow for
chemical engineers. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.)

In a particular system, a centrifugal pump can only operate at one point on the ∆h against Q
curve and that is the point where the pump ∆h against Q curve intersects with the system ∆h
against Q curve as shown in Figure 4.4.
Equation 4.5 gives the system total head at a particular liquid flow rate.
 𝑃𝑑 − 𝑃𝑠
∆ℎ = (𝑧𝑑 − 𝑧𝑠 ) + + (ℎ𝑓𝑑 + ℎ𝑓𝑠 ) (4.5)
𝑝𝑔
Combining equation 4.5 with equations 4.6 and 4.7, which give the frictional head losses hfi and
hfd respectively, allows the total head to be written as
2

(𝑃𝑑 − 𝑃𝑠 ) 2𝑓 (∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑠 − ∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑑 ) 𝑄

∆ℎ = (𝑧𝑑 − 𝑧𝑠 ) + + [ ] ( 2 ) (4.12)
𝑝𝑔 𝑔 𝑑𝑖 𝜋𝑑𝑖
4

For laminar flow, the Fanning friction factor f is given by equation 2.15

16
𝑓= (2.15)
𝑅𝑒

For laminar flow, the Fanning friction factor f is given by equation 2.15

(𝑃𝑑 − 𝑃𝑠 ) 32𝜇 (∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑠 − ∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑑 )

∆ℎ = (𝑧𝑑 − 𝑧𝑠 ) + +( )[ ] 𝑢 (4.13)
𝑝𝑔 𝑝𝑑𝑖 𝑔 𝑑𝑖
 (𝑃𝑑 −𝑃𝑠 ) 32𝜇 (∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑠−∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑑 ) 𝑄
Or ∆ℎ = (𝑧𝑑 − 𝑧𝑠 ) + + (𝑝𝑑 𝑔) [ ] ( 𝜋𝑑2 ) (4.14)
𝑝𝑔 𝑖 𝑑𝑖 𝑖
4

The system ∆h curve as a function of Q shown in Figure 4.4 can be plotted using equation 4.12
for calculating the values of the total system height ∆h at each liquid flow or volume Q. Equation
4.14 shows for laminar flow, the total charge Ah increases linearly with the capacitance Q.
Hence, for laminar flow, the ∆h system relative to the Q curve is a straight line.
In the above discussion, it is assumed that NPSH is available in system sufficient to support
liquid flow on the suction side of the pump. If the available NPSH is less than what is required
by the pump, cavitation occurs and normal curves do not apply. In cavitation, some the liquid
evaporates as it flows through the pump. When the bubbles are steamed transported to the
higher-pressure zones of the pump, they collapse, causing noise and vibration. High speed pumps
are more susceptible to cavitation low speed pump. (Holland, F.A. and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid
flow for chemical engineers. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.)

Figure 4.5 shows a typical relationship between NPSH available in system and NPSH required
by the pump as volume flow fluid flow rate or variable power Q. NPSH is required by centrifuge
pump increases approximately with the square of the liquid flow. The NPSH available in a
system can be calculated from Equation 4.9 when replacing hfs
2

(𝑃𝑑 − 𝑃𝑠 ) 2𝑓 (∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑠 𝑄
𝑁𝑃𝑆𝐻 = 𝑧𝑠 + − [ ]( 2) (4.15)
𝑝𝑔 𝑔 𝑑𝑖 𝜋𝑑𝑖
4
Equation 4.15 shows that NPSH availability in a system decreases when fluid flow increases as
the greater frictional pressure decreases. (Holland, F.A. and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid flow for
chemical engineers. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.)

A centrifugal pump will normally operate at one point on its total head against the power curve
until the available NPSH falls below required NPSH curve. Beyond this point, the total charge
generated by a centrifugal pump drops significantly as shown in figure 4.6 when the pump start
working under aggressive conditions. (Holland, F.A. and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid flow for
chemical engineers. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.)

In centrifugal pump systems, a throttle valve is located on discharge side of the pump. When this
valve is regulated, the ∆h system inverted Q curve is modified to incorporate increased head loss
due to friction. The effect of regulation is shown in Figure 4.7. Choke can be used to reduce
encroachment. Flow control valve or other restriction must not be placed on the suction side of
the pump. (Holland, F.A. and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid flow for chemical engineers. 2nd ed.
Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.)

The total system load should be estimated as accurately as possible. Protect factors are never
added to these estimated totals for the head. That is illustrated in figure 4.8. Assume that OA, is
the exact curve and that centrifugal pump must operate at AI point. Be a factor of safety added to
the total load values to give the OA2 system curve. On the basis of the OA2 line, the
manufacturer will provide a pump to operate at point one. However, since the real curve of the
system is OAl, the pump will run at point A3. The capacity is not only greater than specified but
also the pump motor may be overloaded. (Holland, F.A. and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid flow for
chemical engineers. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.)

3 Methodology
3.1. Equipment description
A stainless steel AISI 304 framework, wheels mounted, a stainless steel AISI 304 feeding tank,
240-1 capacity, code D1, a stainless steel AISI 304 feeding tank, 150-1 capacity, code D2. Two
centrifugal pumps, Qmax = 15 m3 /h, bronze body and impeller, code G1 and G2 were used
along with a torque meter motor connected with pump G2 and complete of the load cell with arm
of 5cm, code WI1, a variable area flow meter, range 0÷6 m3 /h, code FI1, a variable area flow
meter, range 0÷10 m3 /h, code FI2, a frequency invertor to control the speed of pump G2 from 0
to 3000rpm • 2 pressure gauges, range -1÷3 bar, stainless steel execution, code PI1 and PI3. Two
pressure gauges, range 0÷6bar, stainless steel execution, code PI2 and PI4. Connection lines and
valves in stainless steel AISI 304 and 316 An electrical switchboard with E.L.C.B., rpm display,
torque display and three -phase analyzer and an emergency pushbutton.
3.2 Material and chemicals
In this experiment pure water is used.

3.3 Experimental procedure

Experiment number One: To operate a single Pump G2
Valves V1, V6 and V9 were shut off, valves V3, V8 and V11 were opened. Pump G2 was
initiated by pushing the relative green pushbutton. The rpm were fixed at a value of about 2160
using the potentiometer on the control board to obtain optimal values. Flow rate Q was adjusted
using valve V11 and the value were read on the flow meter FI2. Discharge pressure value on the
pressure gauge PI4 were detected. The suction pressure value on the pressure gauge PI3 was
detected. After every 3 minutes the flow rate was adjusted and read off Psuct, Pdisch. Pump G2
was stopped by pushing the relative red button.

The pumps we setup to operate in parallel and series, and the following steps were followed:
Valves V2, V3, V7, V8, V10 and V11 were opened. Valves V6 and V9 were closed. Pump G1
was initiated by pushing the relative green button. Pump G2 was initiated by pushing the relative
green button. The rpm were fixed such that both G1 and G2 are operating the same rpm using the
potentiometer by adjusting the rpms of pump G2, using the potentiometer, till both FI1 and FI2
read the same flowrate. Pump G1 and G2 were both stopped using their relative red button.

Experiment number Two: Operation of pump G1 and G2 in series

Valves V1, V3, V7 and V9 were shut off. Valves V2, V6, V8 and V11 were allowed to run.
Pump G1 was initiated by pushing the relative green button. Pump G2 was also initiated by
pushing the relative green button. Approximately 1 minute was allowed to elapse for the
equipment to stabilize. The flow rate (Q) value was detected on the flow meter FI2. The
discharge pressure value on the pressure gauge PI4. The suction pressure value on the pressure
gauge PI3 was detected. Pump G1 and G2 were both discontinued from running using their
relative red button.

Experiment number Three: Operation of pump G1 and G2 in parallel

Valves V1, V6 and V9 were stopped • Valves V2, V3, V7, V8, V10 and V11 were opened.
Pump G1 was initiated by pushing the relative green pushbutton. Pump G2 was initiated by
pushing the relative green pushbutton. Approximately 1 minute was allowed to elapse for the
equipment to stabilize. The flowrates were detected using FI1 and FI2. The suction pressure
value was detected using the pressure gauge PI1 and PI3. The discharge pressure value was
detected using the pressure gauge PI2 and PI4
3.3. Stop and emergency stop
Pump G1 and G2 were stopped by pushing the relative red pushbutton. The E.L.C.B was
disconnected. The plant was disconnected from electrical supply. The valve V5 was used to
collect the sample and record the temperature of the water used during experiment (which was
then used during calculation).

4 Results
4.1. Findings

Table for the density equation

Substance C1 C2 C3 C4

Water 5.459 0.30542 647.13 0.081

Table of viscosity

Substance C1 C2

Water 658.25 283.16

Plant dimensions

Conversion to (m)
Ld 198 Cm 1.98
Ls 173 Cm 1.73
Zs 73 Cm 0.73
Zd 80 Cm
0.8
di
4.43 Cm
0.0443
Ε 0.03 Cm 0.0003
Table of molecular mass for water

weight of H2(kg/kmol)
weight of O (kg/kmol)
2 16
MH2O=18kg/kmol
Table for flowrate, torque and revolutions per minute for G2

Rotational Flowrate
speed Torque (N.m)
(rpm) (L/h)
2030 9000 0.92
1840 8000 0.78
1660 7000 0.69
1510 6000 0.61
1380 5000 0.53

Table of flowrates for G2

Flowrate (m3/s)
0.0025
0.002222222
0.001944444
0.001666667
0.001388889

Table of velocities

Velocity(m/s)
1.621969468
1.441750638
1.261531809
1.081312979
0.901094149

Table of Reynolds Number

 Nre
75570.0102
67173.3424
58776.6746
50380.0068
41983.339

Flowrate vs Rotational speed

Flowrate Rotational
speed
(L/h) (rpm)

9000 2030
8000 1840
7000 1660
6000 1510
5000 1380

Flowrate vs Rpm
2500

2000

1500
Rpm

1000

500

0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000
Flowrate(L/H)
Torque vs flowrate
Torque
(N.m) Q(L/h)
0.92 5000
0.78 6000
0.69 7000
0.61 8000
0.53 9000

Flowrate vs Torque
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
Torque (N.m)

0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000
Flowrate(L/H)

System and pump curves

 Head (pump and system) vs flow rate)
9
8
7
6
Head (m)

5
4
3
2
1
0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000
Flow rate(L/hr)

H(pump(m)) H(system(m))

OP≈ 6.666 m

4.2 Calculations

𝑀𝐻2 𝑂 = 2 × 𝑀𝐻 + 𝑀𝑂

𝑀𝐻2 𝑂 = 2 × 1 + 16 = 18 𝑘𝑔/𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 13℃ + 273 = 286𝐾

𝐶1 5.459
𝑝𝑤 = × 𝑀𝐻2 𝑂 = × 18 = 997.272 𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚3
𝑇 286 0.081
𝐶2 (1 + 𝐶 )𝐶4 0.30542(1 + 647.13)
3

4.43𝑐𝑚 1𝑚
𝑑𝑖 = × = 0.0443𝑚
1 100𝑐𝑚
𝜋𝑑𝑖2 𝜋 × (0.0443)2
𝐴𝐶 = = = 0.001541𝑚2
4 4
 9000𝐿 1𝑚3 1𝐻 𝑚3
𝑄= × × = 0.0025
𝐻 1000𝐿 3600𝑠 𝑠

𝑄 0.0025
𝑢= = = 1.622 𝑚⁄𝑠
𝐴𝐶 0.001541

1 1 1 1
log(𝜇) = 𝐶1 ( − ) = 658.25 ( − ) = −0.0231
𝑇 𝐶2 286 283.16
𝜇 = 0.9482550168 × 10−3 = 0.000948235 𝑁. 𝑠⁄𝑚

𝜀 0.0003
𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 = = 0.00677
𝑑 0.0443

𝑝𝑢𝑑𝑖 997.272 𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚3 × 1.621 𝑚⁄𝑠 × 0.0443𝑚

𝑁𝑟𝑒 = = = 75910.297
𝜇 0.9483 × 10−3

𝑁𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 2100, the flow is turbulent. The value of the friction factor from the moody
chart is approximately 0.0369 this value gives very large out of range system head value hence
we can calculate the friction factor using equation:

0.0396 0.0396
𝑓= 0.25
= = 0.002387728
(𝑁𝑟𝑒 ) 75910.2970.25
𝐿𝑠 𝐿 𝐿 1.73
∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑠 = + ∑ (𝑑) = 𝑑 + (18 + 32) = 0.0443 + (18 + 32)=89.052
𝑑𝑖

𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 1.98
∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑑 = + ∑ ( ) = + (18 × 2) + (32 × 2) = + (18 × 2) + (32 × 2)
𝑑 𝑑 𝐷 0.0445
= 144.695

𝑃𝑑 − 𝑃𝑠 350000 − 300000
𝐻𝑝 = = = 6.644𝑚
𝑝𝑔 997.27 × 9.81
 ∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑑 + ∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑠 𝑢𝑑 2
𝐻𝑠 = (𝑧𝑑 − 𝑧𝑠 ) + 4𝑓( )( )
𝑑𝑖 𝑝𝑔
144.695+89.0519 1.621972
𝐻𝑠 =(0.8-0.75) +4× 0.0023877726 × ( )× = 6.816𝑚
0.0443 2×9.8

𝑝𝑑−𝑝𝑠 −0.1−(−0.19)×105 𝑃𝑎
𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑃𝑢𝑚𝑝 𝐺1(𝐻) = = = 0.920𝑚
𝑝𝑔 997.272×9.81

𝑝𝑑 − 𝑝𝑠 −0.1 − (−0.19) × 105 𝑃𝑎

𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑃𝑢𝑚𝑝 𝐺2(𝐻) = = = 2.555𝑚
𝑝𝑔 997.272 × 9.81

𝑝𝑑 − 𝑝𝑠 0.1 − (−0.15) × 105 𝑃𝑎

𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 𝑃𝑢𝑚𝑝 𝐺1(𝐻) = = = 2.555𝑚
𝑝𝑔 997.272 × 9.81
𝑝𝑑 − 𝑝𝑠 0.15 − (−0.16) × 105 𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 𝑃𝑢𝑚𝑝 𝐺2(𝐻) = = = 3.169𝑚
𝑝𝑔 997.272 × 9.81

𝑁𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑁𝑓 = 𝐻𝑝 × 𝑄 × 𝑝 × 9.81(𝑤) = 6.807 × 0.0025 × 997.272 × 9.81 = 162.502𝑊

2𝜋𝑛 2𝜋2030
𝑁𝑓 = 𝐶= × 0.92 = 195.575 𝑊
60 60

𝑁𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑
𝑛(%) = × 100%
𝑁𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑓𝑡
162.502
𝑛(%) = × 100% = 83.089%
195.575
 Pump G2
Q Psuction(Bar) Pdischarge(Bar) Hpump(m) Hsystem(m)
(L/H)
9000 -0.3 0.35 6.644016825 6.807300144
8000 -0.23 0.45 6.950663755 5.389101347
7000 -0.21 0.5 7.257310686 4.137746699
6000 -0.19 0.55 7.563957616 3.014684128
5000 -0.17 0.6 7.870604546 2.135586465

Pump G2 & G1 in series

Q Pump G1 Pump G2
(L/ Psuction(B PDischarge(B Psuction(B PDischarge(B
H) ar) ar) H ar) ar) H
(m) (m)
0.9199407 2.5553910
6200 -0.19 -0.1 91 -0.1 0.15 86

Pump G1 and G2 in parallel

Pump G1 Pump G2
Q Psuct(Bar PDisc(Bar Q P(Suct(Bar P(Disc(Bar
(L/H ) ) H (L/H ) ) H
) (m) ) (m)
2.55539108 3.16868
4800 -0.15 0.1 6 5000 -0.16 0.15 5

5 Discussion

From the results obtained, the pump head increases as the flowrate of water decreases. The
system heat decrease with a decrease in the flow rate of the fluid.

On a flow rate versus head graph, the system head function intersect the pump head function at a
point called the optimum point. The optimum is a point that correspond to the highest efficiency
of the pumping system. Flowrate is directly proportional to the rotational speed and the torque
of the pump. Parallel pumping system has a higher head compared to series pump connection.
In conclusion, we we're able to move water from a lower region to an elevated region. We have
found that pump head is dependent on the flow rate of the fluid and the pump with a torque
convertor had the highest head. Series pumping system has a capability of pumping to a higher
height. In a parallel pumping system, the pumps share a load and pump to the same height. We
can further recommend reducing the friction loss in pipes to improve the efficiency of the
pumping system. Run together only if there is a need and frequent maintenance on the pumping
system.

The graph which illustrate the relationship between flowrate and head pump plotted on my
spreadsheet, the graph shows that the head pump is inversely proportional to the flowrate. This
means that head pump increases while the flowrate decreases. According to the calculation of
pump G2 the flowrate increases and the head system experiences a decrease, the diameter of in
the head system of 4.43*10^-2m caused the head system to decrease. G1 and G2 that were in
parallel had highest pressure of 0.15bar compared to G1 and the head pump was 2.559m where
the one in G2 was 3.071m. When pumps are connected in series shows that the discharge
pressure is lower than a parallel pressure discharge because more energy was used in parallel
and less energy on a series, more pressure was used and the G1 had less pressure to discharge
the liquid when the flowrate was kept constant. The flow is classified as Turbulent since no of
Reynolds calculated is great greater than 2100. Our number of Reynolds is 75910.297. The
toque found is 0.92N.m at the point of intersection with a flowrate of 9000.l/h. According to
(Archer, 2021) stated that if the pipe efficiency is 70% and above, this means that it is a high
quality pump and my result for a pump efficiency is 83.089%. Error can be put is that there is
always friction affecting the 100% pumps efficiency. 0.035 is the friction factor found using a
moody chart. The relative thickness of 0.0067 and Reynolds number of 10^5, a point was
plotted between number of Reynolds and relative thickness to find a friction factor. Mechanical
energy also appears to be part in the errors, impellers trim and dynamic viscosity of
0.000948Ns/m^2.The results shown can be improved if the equipment can be maintained
thoroughly to prevent leakage, by trying to limit the frictional pressure.
6. Conclusions and Recommmendations

6.1 Conclusions

From the experiments, the characteristics of the pump operating under different conditions are
observed and plotted. These characteristic curves are essential for determining pump
characteristics, because size and shape alone may not be sufficient to select a pump for a given
use. Standard tests were performed according to the procedures defined in the laboratory manual
and characteristic curves were plotted.

First, we study the change in elevation available with the change in flow. With the pumps
running in parallel, we can nearly double the flow rate for the same delivered head, while the
delivered head can be doubled by arranging the pumps in series. next. Therefore, when a single
pump is not suitable for high flow or high head, the pumps can be arranged in series and parallel
or a combination of both to meet our needs. We found that the overall efficiency of the pump
relative to the flow. The efficiency of the combined pump should be higher than that of the
single pump. The efficiency of series pumps is even higher than that of parallel pumps. Taking a
closer look, we can also see that the efficiency of series pumps is better at low flow, i.e. higher
head and parallel pumps are better for higher flow and low discharge head. The hydraulic power
generated by the counterflow pumps is drawn. When connected in series, the hydraulic power
generated by the pump is greater than when connected in parallel with a lower flow rate. At
higher flow rates, we can predict that the curve of the parallel pump will cross the curve of the
series pump.

When pumps are connected in series or parallel, the input power of the pumps will increase
compared to the capacity of a single pump.

In the case of field operations to select a particular type of pump or a specific combination of
pumps, the characteristic curves provided by the manufacturer should first be carefully studied
and only then used on Field. The main goal of the practice is to establish the feature curve. Use
the characteristic curve and actual field conditions (i.e. head available, input power required,
required flow rate). Efficiency trade-offs must be made to realize actual field conditions so that
the curve optimizes field conditions and selects a specific type of pump or pump combination
for a particular site.

- "Pump efficiency is the ratio of the hydraulic power delivered by the pump to the brake power
delivered to the pump shaft. When the pump is operating at its best efficiency point (BEP), flow
flows. through the pump is optimized for the pump's design."

- "Pump head height is a function of flow rate, impeller diameter, impeller speed and number of
impellers. Pump head increases with flow rate, impeller diameter, speed. of the wheel and the
number of wheels increases."

- "The power absorbed by the pump is proportional to the product of the torque and the angular
speed. The output power of the pump is proportional to the product of the pressure difference
and the volumetric flow."

- "The Bernoulli equation can be used to predict the pressure distribution along a pipeline with a
pump, as long as the friction loss is negligible. The pressure increases at the pump due to the
work done by the impeller. acting on liquids."

6.2 Recommendations:

- Choose the right pump for the desired flow and head for your system. - Use variable speed or
throttle to control flow and avoid operating under design conditions.

- Maintain the pump regularly and check for signs of wear, leaks or cavitation.

- Minimize frictional losses in pipes by using smooth and straight pipes, avoiding unnecessary
bends and joints, and choosing the right pipe diameter.
References
• Armfield. (2013). Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus. Instruction Manual, F1-12, Issue 9, Feb.
• Armfield. (2013). Bernoulli’s Theorem Demonstration. Instruction Manual, F1-15, Issue 7,
Jan.
• Armfield. (2012). Energy Loss in Pipe Bends and Fittings. Instruction Manual, F1-22, Issue
8, Nov.
• Armfield. (2001). Energy Losses in Pipes. Instruction Manual, F1-18, Issue 3, Sep.
• Holland, F.A., 1983. Fluid flow for chemical engineers. London: Edward Arnold.
• Holland, F.A. and Bragg, R., 1995. Fluid flow for chemical engineers. 2nd ed. Oxford:
Butterworth-Heinemann.

Glossary

• Flow rate: The volume of fluid that passes through a pump per unit time, usually measured in
litres per minute (L/min), cubic metres per hour (m3/h), or gallons per minute (gpm).
• Head: The height or pressure that a pump can raise a fluid, usually measured in metres (m),
feet (ft), or pounds per square inch (psi).
• Efficiency: The ratio of the useful output power of a pump to the input power, usually
expressed as a percentage (%).
• NPSH: Net positive suction head, the minimum pressure required at the pump inlet to
prevent cavitation, which is the formation and collapse of vapour bubbles in the fluid.
• Cavitation: The formation and collapse of vapour bubbles in the fluid due to low pressure at
the pump inlet, which can cause noise, vibration, erosion, and loss of performance.
• Priming: The process of filling a pump with fluid before starting it, to remove any air or gas
from the pump and the suction line.
• Suction lift: The vertical distance between the liquid level and the pump inlet when the liquid
source is below the pump.
• Discharge pressure: The pressure at the pump outlet or discharge line, which depends on the
head, flow rate,

Nomenclature/Equations
𝐶1
𝑝𝑤 =
𝑇
𝐶2 (1 + 𝐶 )𝐶4
3

𝑇𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = ℃ + 273𝐾
 𝑄
𝑢=
𝐴𝐶
1 1
log(𝜇) = 𝐶1 ( − )
𝑇 𝐶2
𝜀
𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 =
𝑑
𝑝𝑢𝑑𝑖
𝑁𝑟𝑒 =
𝜇
0.0396
𝑓=
(𝑁𝑟𝑒 )0.25
𝐿𝑠 𝐿 𝐿
∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑠 = + ∑ ( ) = + (18 + 32) =
𝑑𝑖 𝑑 𝑑
𝑃𝑑 − 𝑃𝑠
𝐻𝑝 =
𝑝𝑔
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑑 = + ∑ ( ) = + (18 × 2) + (32 × 2)
𝑑 𝑑 𝐷
∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑑 + ∑ 𝐿𝑒𝑠 𝑢𝑑 2
𝐻𝑠 = (𝑧𝑑 − 𝑧𝑠 ) + 4𝑓( )( )
𝑑𝑖 𝑝𝑔

𝑁𝑓 = 𝐻𝑝 × 𝑄 × 𝑝 × 9.81(𝑤)
2𝜋𝑛
𝑁𝑓 = 𝐶
60
𝑁𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑
𝑛(%) = × 100%
𝑁𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑓𝑡