Title

Test on a centrifugal pump

Objectives
The primary objectives of this experiment is to measure the performance of a centrifugal pump
and compare the results to the manufacturers specifications. Secondary objectives are to
familiarize the student with the characteristics of a centrifugal pump and to introduce the
student to the homologous scaling relationships. In addition, this experiment gives the student
further exposure to the use of computerized data acquisition systems.

To measure and plot the Head-Discharge and Efficiency-Discharge characteristics for a centrifugal
pump when operated at a constant speed.
To re-plot the characteristics in normalized form using the values of head, discharge and efficiency
corresponding to the peak efficiency to perform the normalization.
To determine the specific speed of the pump N s

Introduction
The most common machine for causing liquids to flow through piping systems is the
centrifugal pump. The centrifugal pump is well suited to situations requiring moderate to high
flow rates and modest increases in head (or pressure). Typical applications include municipal
water supply systems, circulating water heating and cooling system for buildings, pumps in
dishwashers and clothes washing machines and the cooling water circulating pump in an
automobile engine. For very high pressure, low flow applications, positive displacement pumps
are more suitable. Positive displacement pumps move fluids with pistons, gears or vanes and
flow rate is a function of rotational speed and has little if any dependence on the pressure rise.
A common application of a positive displacement pump is that used to supply high pressure oil
for hydraulic actuators such as those on a large earth moving machines.

A sketch of a typical centrifugal pump is shown in Figure (1). Fluid which flows
into the impeller at the inner radius is given significant angular momentum
and kinetic energy as it flows radially outward. After the fluid leaves the outer
radius of the impeller, it is diffused or slowed down resulting in a significant
increase in pressure. The actual head rise (H) produced by a centrifugal pump
is a function of the flow rate (Q). It is possible to determine the head-flow
relationship by appropriate selection of the geometry of the impeller blades.
1

Normally, pumps are designed so that the head decreases with increasing
flow since such a design results in a stable flow rate when the pump is
connected to a piping system. A typical head flow curve for a pump is shown
in Figure (2).

If the mechanical energy equation is applied between two points in a piping

system on opposite sides of the pump,

Figure (1).

Figure (2).
2

The result is:

Figure (3).

Theory

Figure (4).
3

Flow and Blade velocities at inlet and outlet of impeller

Here you can see fluid velocity increases from inlet to outlet due to energy addition to fluid. The
work required for changing inlet velocity condition to outlet is given by following equation.

Details of such turbo machinery analysis will be discussed in a separate

article. Here Q is the flow rate and V(Theta) represents tangential velocity
component of flow. From here we can find what the head rise in meters of fluid
is. Please note that this is energy head rise. It comprises of both pressure head
and velocity head.

For a centrifugal pump, inlet velocity will be parallel to radius. So tangential

component of velocity at inlet is zero.

Outlet blade angle beta can be derived in terms of velocities.

Also flow rate through impeller is given as flow area times radial velocity.

So head rise in a centrifugal pump, can be derived in terms of flow rate.

Using this equation we can predict whats the head rise, as we change the
flow rate for particular pump geometry and for a particular impeller angular
velocity. Most important parameter in this equation is, blade outlet angle,
beta. There can be 3 different pump characteristics depending upon value
of this angle.

Apparatus
The TecQuipment centrifugal pump test rig (This includes suction and delivery pressure gauges,
and a means of measuring the torque being applied to the pump drive shaft).
Tachometer (for measuring and setting r.p.m.)

Procedure
1) The electrical main supply was switched on to the apparatus.
2) The suction and delivery valves were checked. It need to be fully open.
3) Pressed SELECT until Centrifugal Pump is displayed and pressed ENTER.

4) Pressed SELECT until Pump Speed was displayed.

5) The pump speed was increased up to t 100% (2000 rpm).
6) The following parameters were recorded,
Pressure across the pump;
Flow rate;
Input torque.
Input power.
7) Gradually close the delivery valve and take 8 readings of the same parameters at different
discharges.

8) Pump speed was increased up to 3000 rpm and done the above procedure again.
9) Conclude the experiment by pressing EXIT to stop the pump.

Results

Conclusion
The performance of a centrifugal pump can be shown graphically on a characteristic curve. A
typical characteristic curve shows the total dynamic head, brake horsepower, efficiency, and
net positive Suction head all plotted over the capacity range of the pump. Non-dimensional
curves which indicate the general shape of the characteristic curves for the various types of
pumps. They show the head, brake horsepower, and efficiency plotted as a percent of their
values at the design or best efficiency point of the pump. The head curve for a radial flow
pump is relatively flat and that the head decreases gradually as the flow increases. Note that the
brake horsepower increases gradually over the flow range with the maximum normally at the
point of maximum flow.

Reference
Paulo Davim J.,Wear of Advanced Materials, Google books. [Retrieve 3rd of
March 2016]
Munson, B. et al: Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, [Retrieve 2nd of March
2016]
Wiley Potter, M. and Wiggert, D.: Mechanics of Fluids. [Retrieve 2nd of March
2016]
Prentice Hall White, F.: Fluid Mechanics, McGraw-Hill. [Retrieve 3rd of March
2016]