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Swinburne University of Technology

(Sarawak Campus)
School of Engineering, Computing and Science


HES 5340 Fluid Mechanics 2


Lab Sheet: Pump Efficiency test


Date experiment performed: .

Lab supervisor: .


Name Student ID
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1.0 Introduction

The LS-18022 Centrifugal Pump Demonstrator has been developed to enable students
to understand the basic properties of a centrifugal pump. The aim of the experiment is
to investigate the pumps characteristics and efficiency curves. The readings, flow
rate, pump speed, pressure, temperature and motor torque are to be recorded at
various motor speeds.

2.0 Description of Apparatus



Figure 1. Layout of the LS-18022 Centrifugal Pump Demonstrator

The LS-18022 Centrifugal Pump Demonstrator consists of a motor connected to a
transparent casing which houses the pumps impeller. Students can simultaneously
observe the operation of a centrifugal pump and measure the pumps efficiency and
power output.



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3.0 Theory of Experiment

A centrifugal pump consists of an outer casing, an impeller (which rotates), and an
expanding area scroll. Fluid is drawn into the centre of rotation of the impeller (1),
and is accelerated by the movement of the vanes on the impeller as it moves
tangentially outward. The fluid velocity and pressure increase while in the impeller
and as the flow diffuses (decelerates) in the expansion area, a further increase in
pressure results at the discharge point (2). The most common design of impeller
blades is backward facing, as shown; however other special designs include radial and
forward facing. Fixed vanes may also be used to help steer the flow toward the
exit, resulting in improved flow and/or pressure increase.


Figure 2. Schematic of Centrifugal Pump

The pressure rise across a pump is often referred to as the head and is given the
symbol h. The units of head are feet or inches of water in the English system and mm
or m in the SI system. The net head, H, is an important parameter in characterizing
pump performance. It represents the maximum discharge pressure (or pressure rise
above the inlet pressure) for a pump at a particular flow rate.

We will assume steady state flow, and use the Bernoulli equation to determine the
head rise between the inlet and outlet of the pump, points 1 and 2 in Figure 2. If losses
due to viscous work and heat transfer are ignored, the change in head H is shown as

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1
2
2
2
2 2

+ +

+ + = =
g
V
g
P
Z
g
V
g
P
Z h h H
f s


Where, P = Pressure
V = Velocity
= Fluid density
g = gravitational constant
Z = elevation
h
s
= Pump head supplied
h
f
= the losses

The power delivered to the fluid P
w
can be expressed as:
Q p Q H g P
w
= =

Where, Q =volumetric flow rate of fluid through the pump
P = Pressure increase across the pump

Therefore the maximum power required to drive the pump will occur as the flow
quantity approaches Q
max
. The minimum power required will occur at closed valve
head (i.e. Q =0). This explains why it is necessary to start centrifugal pumps with the
discharge valve closed

The power required to drive the pump P
m
, mechanical power, is determined by
measurement of the shaft torque and rotational speed:
T N T P
m
= = 2

Where, n = rotational speed (rev/s)
T = shaft torque

If there were no losses in the pump, one would expect P
w
and P
m
to be equal, but of
course this is never the case. Thus, we can define a pump efficiency to be the ratio
of power added to the fluid P
w
to the power supplied P
m
(via an electric motor or
other source):
T N
Q H g
P
P
m
w


= =

2


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Shown in Figure 3 are curves for Power, Efficiency, and Head vs. Flow rate for a
typical centrifugal pump operating at a constant speed.


Figure 3. Centrifugal pump characteristic plot at constant speed

Note that as flow decreases to zero, the Head becomes maximum. Conversely, as flow
increases to maximum, the head goes to a minimum. This relationship is called a
rising characteristic curve.

Cavitation

Cavitation occurs when the static pressure of a fluid is approximately equal to the
vapour pressure of the fluid and causes bubbles of entrained gas and bubbles of
vapour to form. The bubbles collapse in areas where the pressure is higher than that
which caused them. In the case of a pump, the lowest static pressure occurs at the
impeller inlet and this region is where cavitation initiates.

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Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH)

To predict the effect of the cavitation pump designer use a factor known as NPSH.
NPSH= H
s
-H
vp

Where H
s
= Absolute total head pressure at the impeller inlet on the pump centerline.
H
vp
= Vapour pressure of fluid at the inlet fluid flow temperature.

Cavitation occurs when the static pressure is approximately equal to the vapour
pressure and the difference between this two values is known as NPSH. For a given
pump there will be a certain value of NPSH at which cavitation will occur. This value
is known as the required NPSH or (NPSH)
R.

In order that a pump may operate without the effects of cavitation ,then the NPSH
available or (NPSH)a should be greater than that required, i.e. (NPSH)a>(NPSH)
R

4.0 Procedure

1. Ensure the water level is sufficient and all connections are tight.
2. Make sure the discharge flow control valve is fully closed.
3. Switch ON the main supply and control box switch.
4. Set the motor speed of 15 rpm.
5. Wait a few minutes for pump to reach steady state.
6. Once steady state reaches, record the water flow rate, torque, and pressure
readings.
7. Open the valve one quarter turn.
8. Wait a minute to establish steady state again. Then record the data.
9. Repeat step 7-8 until the valve is fully opened.
10. Repeat step 5-7 for motor speeds of 30 rpm and 50 rpm.
11. After taking all the readings, close the discharge valve slowly, reduce the
motor speed slowly to zero, and put the switch of motor, control box switch
and main switch off respectively.


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5.0 Results

Motor Speed,
N [rpm]
Valve
(fully closed
fully open)
Flow rate, Q
[/min]
Torque, T
[Nm]
Pressure, P
[psi]
Fully closed







15
Fully open
Fully closed







30
Fully open
Fully closed







50
Fully open
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6.0 Report (5%)

Your report should follow the standard laboratory report format. In your results
you should determine the 3 curves for operating the pump at testes speeds (15, 30, and
50 rpm). For each of the flow rates you have tested indicate the efficiency on your
plot. Discussion should include comments on any experimental errors, and an
estimate on their effects on the characteristic curves.

Suggested format for the report is (though the precise number/arrangement of sections
is up to you, and will depend on the experiment):

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objective
3.0 Theory
4.0 Apparatus: Description of Apparatus
5.0 Procedures
6.0 Results and calculation
7.0 Discussion: Discuss about the experimental errors, comparison between the
experimental and theoretical, and some improvement suggestions.
8.0 Conclusion
9.0 Reference

Reference
1. NASA Glenn Research Center, Dr. Rodrick V. Chima,
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/5810/rvc/swift.htm
2. Fluid Mechanics, 4th Edition, Frank M. White, WCB McGraw-Hill, 1999.
3. Lotus Scientific (M) Sdn. Bhd LS-18022 Centrifugal Pump Demonstrator.,
http://www.lotus.com.my/18022.php