Experiment No.
08
Objective:
To investigate the performance characteristics of Centrifugal pump in series combination.
Experimental Setup:
Figure: Series/Parallel pump Apparatus
[Link] Gauge 1, P1 [Link] Gauge 2, P2
2. Valve 1, V1 [Link] 3, V3
3. Valve 2, V2 6. Pressure Gauge 3, P3
Theory:
1. Pump:
A pump is a machine or device that is used to force a liquid or gas to flow in a direction.
Pumps operate by some mechanism (typically reciprocating or rotary) and consume energy to
perform mechanical work moving the fluid. Pumps operate via many energy sources, including
manual operation, electricity, engines, or wind power, come in many sizes, from microscopic for
use in medical applications to large industrial pumps.
2. Classification of Pump:
Pumps are divided into 2 major categories:
Dynamic
Positive Displacement
Figure: Classification of pumps
[Link] Pumps:
2.1.1. Centrifugal Pump:
Centrifugal pumps use an impeller, which has curved blades that accelerate fluids
towards their edge when rotating. The impeller is normally driven by an electric motor or
combustion engine, and its movement produces suction at the pump inlet, drawing water
inside.
Based on the flow they produce; centrifugal pumps can be classified into three subtypes.
The flow pattern is determined by both the impeller shape and the pump’s construction
Subtypes Description Performance
Axial Flow Produces flow along the same direction as the impeller High flow rate
shaft and is also known as propeller pump. Low pressure
Radial Flow Produces flow perpendicular to shaft (90° angle). Low flow rate
High pressure
Mixed Flow Combines radial and axial flow, producing a conical Medium flow rate
flow pattern around the impeller shaft. Medium pressure
[Link] displacement pumps:
Positive displacement pumps move a fixed amount of fluid at regular intervals. They are
built with internal cavities that fill up at the suction side, to be discharged with higher
pressure at the outlet. Based on how the fluid is displaced, positive displacement pumps can
be reciprocating or rotary.
Subtypes Description Performance
Reciprocating Flow is established by a cavity that expands and contracts, such as a Bladder
piston. Water moves into the cavity during expansion, and is forced Diaphragm
out during contraction, while flow direction is controlled with check Peristaltic
valves. Piston
Rotary Uses a rotor that traps water in cavities, releasing it at the pump Gear
outlet. These cavities can be the spaces between gear teeth or screw Screw
threads, among other configurations. Some designs use more than cavity
one shaft, but the principle is the same: the rotor shape is designed to Rotary lobe
capture “pockets” of water and displace them in the intended Rotary vane
direction.
3. Centrifugal Pump System:
A centrifugal pump will pump fluid at the point where the system curve intersects the pump
curve.
[Link] Operation:
Centrifugal pumps are connected in series if the discharge of one pump is connected to
the suction side of a second pump. Two similar pumps, in series, operate in the same
manner as a two-stage centrifugal pump. Each of the pumps is putting energy into the
pumping fluid, so the resultant head is the sum of the individual heads.
Some things to consider when you connect pumps in series:
Both pumps must have the same width impeller or the difference in capacities (GPM or
Cubic meters/hour.) could cause a cavitation problem if the first pump cannot supply
enough liquid to the second pump.
Both pumps must run at the same speed (same reason).
Be sure the casing of the second pump is strong enough to resist the higher pressure.
Higher strength material, ribbing, or extra bolting may be required.
The stuffing box of the second pump will see the discharge pressure of the first pump.
You may need a high-pressure mechanical seal.
Be sure both pumps are filled with liquid during start-up and operation.
Start the second pump after the first pump is running.
Figure: Operation curve of single and series pumps
[Link] of Pump in series:
Figure: Demonstration of series pump
[Link] of series pumps:
Centrifugal pumps in series are used to overcome larger system head loss than one pump
can handle alone.
Used for high head at the same flow rate.
Experimental Procedure:
1. Set the pump demonstrator for series operation.
2. To Set pumps in series fully open the valve 2 (V2) fully and close Valve 1 & 3
(V1&V3).
3. Turn on pump 1 and pump 2.
4. Measure the inlet pressure p1, the pump outlet pressure p2 and p3 and the volume flow
V.
5. Reduce the volume flow a bit by gradually closing valve 5 (V5) and take the
measurements according to point 4.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the volume flow is completely throttled.
Observations and Calculations:
Sr# Flowrate P1 P2 P3 RPM Q Pump Power Power %
(LPM) (gauge) (gauge) (gauge) (m3/Sec) Head Fluid Electric Efficiency
(Bar) (Bar) (Bar) (m) (W) (W)
Graphs:
Draw Following Graphs
Flow Rate vs Efficiency
Revolution per minute vs efficiency
Input power vs Efficiency
Specimen Calculation:
Conclusion:
Rubrics
CLO_2: Analyze the acquired experimental data to investigate its relationship theoretically in
pumps and turbines.
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) score
Instruments
Instruments and Instruments or
Technical and tools are Some misuse or
tools are mostly tools are
Soundness / used inefficiency in
used misused or
performance appropriately instrument usage
appropriately ineffective
and effectively
Data is
comprehensive, Data is mostly Data is
relevant, and comprehensive, incomplete,
Data is somewhat
Data accurately relevant, and irrelevant, or
comprehensive
Collection recorded. Data accurately inaccurately
and relevant. Data
and is effectively recorded. Data is recorded. Data
presentation is
Presentation presented using mostly presentation
adequate
appropriate effectively lacks clarity or
tables, graphs, presented coherence
and visuals
Analysis
demonstrates
deep Analysis
understanding demonstrates
Analysis addresses Analysis lacks
of the data and understanding of
some relevant depth or
addresses all the data and
aspects. relevance.
Data relevant addresses most
Conclusions are Conclusions
Analysis aspects. relevant aspects.
somewhat are illogical or
Conclusions Conclusions
supported and not supported
drawn are drawn are
logical by data
logical, well mostly logical
supported, and and supported
aligned with
data
Scoring Guide:
4: Excellent - Exceeds expectations; demonstrates exceptional proficiency and mastery.
3: Good - Meets expectations; demonstrates solid understanding and competency.
2: Fair - Partially meets expectations; some areas need improvement or refinement.
1: Poor - Does not meet expectations; significant deficiencies or lack of understanding.
