Exp 6 - Centrifugal Pump - Formal - Shadman PDF

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Introduction
From chemical engineering viewpoint, fluid flow is a very important phenomenon in industry
and residence. Transfer of fluids has been of mans interest from the ancient ages. There are
various tactics for fluid flow through a conduit. Some of them are -
1. By action of centrifugal force
2. By volumetric displacement
3. By mechanical impulse
4. By transfer of momentum from another fluid,
5. By electromagnetic force
6. By gravity
Pumps usually transfer a large amount of momentum into the fluid and this momentum cause
to fluid flow. The pumps are the oldest devices known to mankind and are second only to the
squirrel cage induction motor in numbers used. With a long history and wide usages, the
pumps have been subjected to sustained inventive ingenuity, resulting in its now being
available in myriad types.
Literally, pump is a device used to lift or transfer fluids or increase the pressure of the fluid or
create vacuum. It converts electrical or mechanical energy to the pressure or velocity gradient
of a fluid. Hereby a pump can change flow rates of fluids. Various kinds of pumps are used in
different industries for different purposes. It is essential for an engineer to have some basic
knowledge about the classification, construction, advantages and disadvantages of different
kinds of pumps. The engineers need to know several specific characteristics of the pump. These
are the capacity, the energy or head supplied to the fluid, the power required to run the pump
and the efficiency of the unit. These characteristics help an engineer to select the right worthy
pump for industrial and commercial use.
Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

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Theory
o Classification of Pumps
The liquids used in the chemical industries differ considerably in physical and chemical
properties. Therefore, it has been necessary to develop a wide range of pumping equipment.
Pumps may be classified on the basis of the application they serve and more basic system of
classification first defines the principle by which energy is added to the fluid, goes on to identify
the means by which the principle is implemented, and finally delineates specific geometries
commonly employed. Under this system all pumps may be divided into two major categories:
1. Positive Displacement Pumps
2. Centrifugal Pumps
Positive Displacement Pumps

In the first major class of pumps, a definite volume of liquid is trapped in a chamber which is
alternately filled from the inlet and emptied at a higher pressure through the discharge. The
positive displacement category can be subdivided further into 2 groups-
1. Reciprocating pumps - involves the back and forth motion of a piston in a

stationary cylinder
2. Rotary pumps - involves the movement of the cylinder or chamber from inlet to
discharge and back to the inlet.
Reciprocating Pump
In the reciprocating pump, the rate of liquid delivery is a function of the volume swept out by
the piston in the cylinder and the number of strokes the piston makes per unit time. For each
stroke of the piston of the reciprocating pump, a definite volume of liquid is discharged from
the pump. Piston pumps, Plunger pumps & Diaphragm pumps are examples of reciprocating
pumps.
The ratmime of discharge from a reciprocating pump varies with time because of the periodic
nature of the piston movement, as shown in the Figure-2.1.1. For single acting simplex pump,
liquid issues form the discharge valve until it closes near the end of the stroke. At this point, the

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intake valve opens and the cylinder fills, but there is no discharge during intake, and an
Fig : Classification Of Positive Displacement Pumps

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intermittent flow results, as shown in Figure -2.1.1(a) The simplex double acting pump almost
eliminates the periods of zero discharge, as shown in Figure- 2.1.3(b), but the flow still drops to
zero as the piston reverses itself. A uniform flow results from duplex double acting pump, as
indicated in Figure- 2.1.1(c). In this case the discharge of one cylinder is displaced half a stroke
from the other, so the total discharge (solid curve in the figure) undergoes less fluctuation
Flow
Simplex single acting

(a)
Discharge Intake
Simplex double acting

(b)
Total flow
Duplex double acting

(c)
Time
Figure 2.1.1: Discharge curves of reciprocating pumps
Piston Pumps
In a piston pump, liquid is drawn through an inlet check valve into the cylinder by the
withdrawal of the piston and then forced out through a discharge check valve on
the return stroke.
The pump may be motor driven by an electric motor, chain or belt through a driving
gear and a crankshaft, to convert the rotary motion to linear motion or steam driven
using a steam cylinder on the same shaft as the pump pistons.
Double-acting simplex pumps employ a single cylinder but uses the cylinder volume on
both sides of the piston to deliver liquid on both the forward and backward stroke. A
single-acting duplex pump, however employ two cylinder with separate pistons in each.
Fluid is pumped only on the forward stoke of each piston. (Foust, Wenzel, Clump, Maus,
& Anderson, 1980)

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The maximum discharge pressure for commercial piston pumps is 50 atm. (Mccabe,
Smith, & Harriott, 1993)
Plunger Pump
The plunger is a variation on the piston used in higher pressure applications A heavy
walled cylinder of small diameter contains a close-fitting reciprocating plunger, which is
merely an extension of the piston rod. At its limit of the stroke, the plunger fills nearly
all the space in the cylinder. Plunger pumps are usually single-acting and power driven.
They can discharge against a pressure of 1500 atm or more. (Mccabe, Smith, & Harriott,
Figure 2.1.2: Plunger Pump
1993)
Diaphragm Pump
In a diaphragm pump, the reciprocating member is a flexible diaphragm of metal, plastic or
rubber resistant to the liquid being pumped. This eliminates the need for any packing or seals

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exposed to the liquid, a great advantage when handling toxic or corrosive liquids. Diaphragm
pumps can handle small to moderate amounts of liquid up to about 100gal/min and can
Figure 2.1.3: Diaphragm Pump

develop pressures in excess of 100 atm.
.Advantages
- Volumetric efficiency may be defined as the ratio of the volume of the liquid discharges by
the pump to the volume swept by the piston or the plunger. For positive displacement pumps,
the volumetric efficiency remains almost constant with discharge pressure although it drops a
little because of leakage past the piston and failure to fill the cylinder. For well-maintained
pumps the volumetric efficiency is at least 95 percent
-.Because of the constancy of volumetric flowrate and also because determining the volume of
the fluid is easier than centrifugal pumps, plunger & diaphragm pumps are widely used as
metering pumps, (for moderate flow) injecting a liquid into a process system at controlled but
adjustable volumetric rates.
- Mechanical efficiency may be defined as the ratio of the energy supplied to the fluid to the
energy supplied to the pump. The mechanical efficiency of reciprocating pumps vary from 40-
50 percent for small pumps to 70-90 percent for large pumps. It is nearly independent of the
speed within normal operating limit and decreases slightly with increase in discharge pressure
of added friction and leakage.

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- Reciprocating pumps are used in pumping of boiler feed water, oil and mud.
- They can deliver the highest pressure of any type of pumps.
- Diaphragm pumps are highly suitable for pumping abrasive slurries and very viscous liquids.
Disadvantages
- The capacities are relatively small compared to centrifugal pumps.
- Liquids containing abrasive solids can damage the machined surfaces of the cylinder and
piston.

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Rotary Pump
A wide variety of rotary positive displacement pumps are available, such as, Gear pumps, Lobe
Vane pumps, Screw pumps, Cam pumps etc. All these pumps operate on the same basic
principal. The rotating element of the pump create a reduced pressure on the inlet side,
thereby allowing external pressure to force liquid into the pump. As the elements rotate, the
liquid is trapped between the elements and the pump casing. After further rotation, the liquid
is forced out of the discharge side of the pump.
The flow rate of liquid from a rotary pump is function of its size and its speed of rotation but it
is only slightly dependent on the discharge pressure within the limits of pump design. (Foust,
Wenzel, Clump, Maus, & Anderson, 1980)
In Spur Gear, intermeshing pumps rotate with close clearance inside the casing. The liquid
entering the suction line at the bottom of the casing is caught between the casing and the teeth
and is carried around to the top of the casing and forced out the discharge. Liquid cannot short-
circuit back to the suction because of the closed mesh in the center of the pump.
In the Internal Gear pump, a spur gear

or pinion meshes with a ring gear with
internal teeth. Both gear are inside the
casing. The ring gear is co-axial with
the inside of the casing, but the pinion
which is externally driven is mounted
eccentrically with the center of the
casing. A stationary metal crescent fills
the space between the two gears.
Liquid is carried from inlet to discharge
by both gears, in the spaces between
the gear teeth and the casing.
(Mccabe, Smith, & Harriott, 1993)
Figure 2.1.4: Different types of rotary pumps

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Advantages
- Rotary pumps deliver at nearly constant flowrates, in contrast to the pulsating flow of the
reciprocating pumps.
- Rotary pumps are used on liquids of any viscosity. They are particularly effective with highly
viscous liquids including greases, molasses and paints. The travelling cavity pump is capable of
handling materials such as chocolate, plaster, cake icings, potato salad, putty etc.
- Rotary pumps are often used in metering liquids.
- Rotary pumps operate in moderate pressure range. Discharge pressure up to 200 atm can be
attained.
(Foust, Wenzel, Clump, Maus, & Anderson, 1980)
Disadvantages
- Rotary pump has small to medium capacities.
- Although they are highly useful in pumping clean, moderately viscous fluids, they cannot be
used for liquids containing abrasive solids.
Centrifugal Pumps
The centrifugal pump is by far the most widely used type in the chemical and petroleum
industries. It will pump liquids with very wide ranging properties and suspensions with a high
solids contents including, for example, cement slurries, and may be constructed from a wide
range of corrosion resistant materials. The whole pump casing may be constructed from
plastics such as polypropylene or it may be fitted with a corrosion resistant lining. Because it
operates at high speed, it may be directly coupled to an electric motor and will give a high flow
rate for its size.
In this type of pumps the mechanical energy of the liquid is increased by centrifugal action. The
liquid enters through a suction connection concentric with the axis of a high speed rotary
element called the impeller. The impeller carries radial vanes integrally cast in it. Liquid flows
outward in the spaces between the vanes and leaves the impeller at a considerably greater
velocity with respect to the ground than at the entrance to the impeller.

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In a properly functioning pump the space between the vanes is completely filled with liquid
flowing without cavitation. The liquid the outer periphery of the impeller is collected in a spiral
casing and leaves the pump through a tangential discharge connection. In the volute the
velocity head of the liquid from the impeller is converted into pressure head.
Figure 2.1.5: Sketch of a single stage Centrifugal

pump (semi-sectional view)
Major Components
In its simplest form the centrifugal pump consists of an impeller rotating within a casing. The
power is applied to the fluid by the impeller and is transmitted to the impeller by the torque of
the drive shaft, which usually is driven by a direct connected motor at constant speed, most
commonly 1750 rpm.
Impeller
The impeller is the heart of the centrifugal pump. It consists of a number of curved vanes or
blades shaped in such a way as to give smooth fluid flow between the blades. Common
impellers are shown in Figure- 2.1.6.

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In the straight vane, single suction, closed impeller, the surfaces of the vanes are
generated by straight lines parallel to the axis of rotation. The closed impeller has shrouds
Figure 2.1.6: Different types of impellers
on both sides of the vanes.
The double suction impeller, is in effect, two single suction impellers arranged back to
back in a single casing.
Liquids containing stringy materials and soft solids are handled with non-clogging
impellers, which are designed to have large flow passages to lessen the possibility of
clogging.
Open impellers have vanes attached to the central hub and are well adapted for
pumping abrasive solids.

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The semi-open impeller has a single shroud. The semi-closed impeller has pump-out
vanes located on the back of the shroud whose purpose is to reduce the pressure at the
back hub of the impeller.
Not all centrifugal pumps have purely radial flow. The turbine pump usually has rather
small straight vanes and is driven at high speed to produce relatively high pressures at
moderate flowrates.
For particular balances of flowrate and pressure, impellers shaped to use some
combinations of the actions of these basic types are available, characterized as mixed flow
impellers.
Casings
Centrifugal pump casings may be of several designs, but the main function is to convert the
velocity energy imparted by the impeller to the fluid into useful pressure energy.in addition
the casing serves to contain the fluid and to provide an inlet and outlet for the pump. This is
the stationary part of the pump that includes Suction nozzle, Discharge nozzle, Bearings &
Seals.
Figure 2.1.6: Volute & Diffuser Casing
Casings may be of either volute type or diffuser type.
In volute casing the impeller discharges into a continuously expanding flow area. This
increase in flow area causes the velocity of the fluid to decrease gradually, thereby reducing

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eddy formation. By this means, most of the velocity is converted to pressure energy with
low turbulence losses.
The diffuser pump casing has stationary guides that offer the liquid a widening path from
impeller to casing. The diffuser serve the purpose as the volute, and both types of pumps
have about the same efficiency. The major application of the diffuser centrifugal pump
casing are in multistage high pressure pumps and with mixed flow impellers.
Shaft
The basic purpose of a centrifugal pump shaft is to transmit the torques encountered when
starting and during operation while supporting the impeller and other rotating parts. It
must do this job with a deflection less than the minimum clearance between the rotating
and stationary parts.
A shaft sleeve of wear, corrosion, and erosion-resistant material is usually provided to
protect the shaft. The sleeve is sealed at one end.
Classification of Centrifugal Pump

Centrifugal Pumps are classified into three general categories according the working principles
of the pumps:
Radial Flow: A centrifugal pump in which the pressure is developed wholly by

centrifugal force.
Mixed Flow: A centrifugal pump in which the pressure is developed partly by centrifugal
force and partly by the lift of the vanes of the impeller on the liquid.
Axial Flow: A centrifugal pump in which the pressure is developed by the propelling or
lifting action of the vanes of the impeller on the liquid.
Depending on the construction centrifugal pumps may also be classified into two major classes:
Single-stage centrifugal pump

Multi- stage centrifugal pump

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Fig : Classification Of Centrifugal Pump
Advantages
- The centrifugal pump is widely used in the process industries because of its simplicity of
design, low initial cost, low maintenance and flexibility of application.

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- It is simple in construction and can, therefore, be made in a wide range of materials.
- Centrifugal pump can be used to pump as little as a few gallons per minute against a small
head and also as much as several hundred thousand gallons per minute against a pressure of
several hundred psi.
- They can handle liquids with large amounts of solids in suspension
- Centrifugal pumps deliver liquid at uniform pressure without shocks or pulsations.
Disadvantages
- Because of their high speed, centrifugal pumps must be carefully designed for smooth
mechanical operation.
- The seal around the shaft used to be consisted of compacted, moderately soft, nonabrasive
material which could be quickly and efficiently repacked by an experienced mechanic but in
recent years, mechanical seals have been developed in which two nonabrasive, nongalling
surfaces, ground extremely smooth and mating precisely, provide a seal that has some
advantages over the classical packing gland but replacement of mechanical seals cannot always
be done as a field repair, which is the major disadvantage of their use.
- There are unbalanced forces on the impeller. Therefore, adequate bearings must be used so
that the shaft can rotate evenly and with minimal strain and vibration.
- Centrifugal pumps are highly efficient but over only a limited condition.
- They are usually not self-priming.
- Highly viscous liquids cannot be handled effectively.

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o Study of Centrifugal Pump
Working principle
The basic equations relating the power, developed head, and capacity of a centrifugal pump are
derived for the ideal pump from fundamental principles of fluid dynamics. Since the
performance of an actual pump differs considerably from that of an ideal one, actual pump are
designed by applying experimentally measured corrections to the ideal situation.
The liquid enters axially at the suction connection, station a. In the rotating eye of the impeller,
the liquid spreads out radically and enters the channels between the vanes at station 1. It flows
through the impeller, leaves the periphery of the impeller at station 2, is collected in the volute
and leaves the pump discharge at station b. The performance of the pump is analyzed by
considering separately the three parts of the total path: first, the flow from station a to station
1; second, the flow through the impeller from station 1 to station 2; and third, the flow through
the volute from station 2 to station b. the heart of the pump is the impeller and the fluid
mechanical theory of the second section of the fluid path is considered.
Figure 2.2.1: Centrifugal Pump showing

Bernoulli Stations
The vectors represent the various velocities at the station 1 and station 2 at the entrance and
exit of the vane, respectively. Considering the vectors at station 2, by virtue of the design of the
pump the tangent to the impeller at its terminus makes an angle 2 with the tangent to the
circle traced out by the impeller tip. Vector 2 is the velocity of the fluid at point 2 as seen by an
observer moving with the impeller and is therefore a relative velocity.
Two idealizations are now accepted. It is assumed, first, that all liquid following across the
periphery of the impeller is moving at the same speed, so the numerical value (but not the

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Figure 2.2.2: Velocities at entrance & discharge at vanes in

Centrifugal Pump (a) vectors & vane (b) Vector diagram at tip of
vane
vector direction) is 2 at all points; second, it is assumed that the angle between the vector 2
and the tangent is the actual vane angle 2.
This assumption in turn is equivalent to an assumption that there are an infinite number of
vanes of zero thickness at an infinitesimal distance apart. This ideal state is referred to as
perfect guidance. Point 2 at the tip of the blades is moving at peripheral velocity u2 with
respect to the axis. The vector V2 is the resultant velocity of the fluid stream leaving the
impeller as observed from the ground. It is called the absolute velocity of the fluid and is, by
parallelogram law, the vector sum of relative velocity 2 and peripheral velocity u2. The angle
between 2 and u2 is denoted by 2.
A comparable set of vectors applies to the entrance to the vanes at station 1 as shown in
Figure-2.2.2. In the usual design 1 is nearly 90 and vector V1 can be considered radial. Figure-
2.2.2 is the vector diagram for point 2 that shows the relations between the various vectors in a
more usual way. It also shows how the absolute velocity vector V2 can be resolved into
components, a radial component denoted by and a peripheral component denoted by .

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Power Equation of Centrifugal Pump

The power input to the impeller, and therefore the power required by the pump can be
calculated from the angular momentum equation for steady flow. Then:
Tgc = (r2 - r1 )
The momentum correction factors are unity in view of the assumption of perfect guidance.
Also, in radial flow, where = 90o, Vu = 0. At the entrance, therefore, r1 = 0, the second term
in the above equation vanishes and so,
Tgc = r2
Since, P = T, the power equation for an ideal pump is,
Pfrgc = r2
Where, the subscript r denotes a frictionless pump.
Head-Flow relations for an ideal pump
For Ideal pump P = Pfr = H
H =
Since r2 = u2, H =
Then,
And H = ( )
The volumetric flow rate qr through the pump is given by qr = Ap
Where Ap is the total cross-sectional area of the channel around the periphery.

H = ( )
Since u2, Ap, and 2 are constant, the relation between head and volumetric flow is linear. The
slope of the head-flow rate line depends on the sign of tan2 and therefore varies with angle 2.
If 2 is less than 90, as is nearly always the case, the line has negative slope. Flow in a piping
system may become unstable if the line is horizontal or has a positive slope.

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Head-Work Relations for an ideal pump
The work done per unit mass of liquid passing through an ideal pump is
WPr = =
A Bernoulli equation written between station 1 and 2, assuming no friction, neglecting Z a - Zb

and assuming perfect guidance gives
Also, Bernoulli equation written between station a and 1 and b and 2, respectively, are
pa a Va2 V12
p1

2g c 2g c
p2 V22 p V2
b b b
2g c 2g c
Adding three Equations gives
pb b Vb2 pa a Va2
r2Vu 2
2g c 2g c gc
Equation can be written in the form

H r H b H a r2Vu 2 W pr
gc
For a frictionless or ideal pump, where, =1,

H=Hr, and Wp=Wpr.

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Characteristic Curve of a Centrifugal Pump

The best way to describe the operating conditions of a centrifugal pump is through the use of
characteristic curves. The fluid quantities involved in all hydraulic machines are the flow rates
(Q) and the head (H), whereas the mechanical quantities associated with the machine itself are
the power (P), speed (N), size (D) and efficiency (). Although they are of equal importance,
the emphasis placed on certain of these quantities is different for different pumps. Thus
centrifugal pumps are specified by four characteristics:
Capacity: It is the quantity of liquid that is discharged from the pump in given time.
Capacity is expressed in m3/hr, gal/min etc. The capacity is governed by Head,
Speed and Size of the pump.
Total head: Total head is the difference between discharge head and suction head.
Suction head: this is the vertical distance in ft or meter from the center line of
the pump to the level of liquid in the vessel from which the liquid is pumped.
Discharge head: it is the discharge pressure of pump, expressed in meter or ft.
Power: Power is the energy used by the pump in a given time. Its unit is Horsepower
(HP). 1 HP = 0.746 KW.
Efficiency: This is the percentage measurement of pumps effectiveness in transferring

the power used in the energy added to the pumped liquid.
Efficiency = 100%
The plots of actual head, total power consumption, and efficiency vs. volumetric flow rate
(capacity) are called the characteristics curves of a pump. The characteristic curves of pump
consists of the following:
Head capacity relation curve,

Power curve and
Efficiency curve.

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Head-Capacity Curve
The theoretical Head-flowrate (often called head-capacity) relation is a straight line. The actual
developed head is considerably less and drops precipitously to zero as the rate increases to a
certain value in any given pump. This is known as zero-head flow rate (ZHFR). It is the
maximum flow the pump can deliver under any condition. The rated or optimum flow is,
however, less than this.
The pressure increase created by a centrifugal pump is commonly expressed in terms of feet of
the fluid flowing. The discharge head, when reported as feet of flowing fluid is independent of
the density of the fluid.
The head increases continuously as the rate decreases. This type of curve is referred to as
rising characteristic curve. A stable head-capacity characteristic curve is one in which only one
capacity can be obtained at any one head. Pump selection should be made such that stable
Head
developed
Actual Head
Capacity
Figure 2.2.3: Head-Capacity curve
operating characteristics are available.
Reasons of deviation from ideal case
The differences between theoretical and actual curves results primarily from circulatory
flow. A basics assumption in the theory of ideal pump was that of complete guidance.
The guidance is not perfect in real pumps. The physical reason is that the velocity in a

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given cross-section is far from uniform. The effect is a result of an end-to-end circulatory
flow within the impeller channels superimposed on the net flow through the channel.
Figure 2.2.4: vector diagram showing the effect of circulation in pump
Because of circulation the resultant velocity V2, is less than the theoretical value. The vector
diagram in Figure 2.2.4 shows how circulation modifies the theoretical velocities and angles.
The full lines and primed quantities apply to the actual pump and the dotted lines and the
unprimed quantities apply to the theoretical case. The speed of the pump, and hence u2 and
the flow through the pump, proportional to is the same in both cases. It is clear that the
angle, 2 and the tangential component, both decrease. Therefore the developed head also
decreases.
The fluid friction in the channels and passages of the pump. Friction is the highest at
maximum flow rate.
Shock losses from the sudden change in the direction of the liquid leaving the impeller
and joining the stream of liquid travelling circumferentially around the casing. Shock
losses are minimum at the rated operating conditions of the pump and increases as the
flow in increased or decreased.

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Power Curves
Typical curves of fluid power, Pf and total power, PB are shown in Figure- 2.2.5.
Power
Fluid power
Capacity
Figure 2.2.5 Power Curves

2.2F ure 2.2.3: Head-Capacity curve
The difference between ideal and actual performance represent the power lost in the pump. It
results from
Fluid friction & shock loss both of which are conversion of mechanical energy in heat.
Leakage is unavoidable reverse flow from the impeller discharge past the wearing ring
to the suction eye. This reduces the volume of the actual discharge form the pump per
unit power expended.
Disk friction is the friction between the outer surface of the impeller and the liquid in
the space between the impeller and the casing.
Bearing losses constitute the power required to overcome the mechanical friction in the
bearing and stuffing boxes or the seal in the pump.

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Efficiency Curves
The efficiency is the ratio of the fluid power to the total power input. As shown in the Figure-
2.2.6 efficiency increases rapidly at low rates, approaches a maximum value in the region of the
rated capacity and then decreases again as the rate approaches zero head value. (Mccabe,
Power Actual Pump
Capacity
Figure 2.2.6: Efficiency Curves
Smith, & Harriott, 1993) 2.2F ure 2.2.3: Head-Capacity curve
Operating Problems of a Centrifugal Pump

Several problems may arise while operating the Centrifugal Pump. These problems are
discussed below in short
Air Binding & Pump Priming

The theoretical head developed depends on the speed of the pump, the radius of the impeller
and the velocity of the fluid leaving the impeller. If these factors remain constant, then the
developed head is the same for liquids of all densities and is the same for gases and liquids. The
increase in pressure however is the product of developed head and fluid density.
If a pump develops a head of 100 ft and is full of water, the increases in pressure in 2.9 atm. If
the pump is full of air at ordinary density, the pressure increase is about 0.007 atm. A
centrifugal pump trying to operate on air, can neither draw liquid upward from an initially
empty suction line nor force liquid along a full discharge line.

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A pump with air in its casing is air-bound and accomplish nothing until the air has been
replaced by a liquid. Air binding occurs when air is left in a pump casing due to improper
venting, or, air collects when the pump is operating. The air, as it collects, forms a pocket
around the impeller which forces liquid away from it. The impeller then spins in the air and heat
begins to build up.
Symptoms of air binding are:

Fluctuating pressure for a short time. The pressure may then stop jumping and fall quickly.
Overheating of the pump may take place shortly after air binding occurs.
An air-bound pump sounds quieter than normal.
To correct air binding, following can be done:

Air can be displaced by priming the pump from an auxiliary priming tank connected to the
suction line or by drawing.
By drawing liquid into the suction line by an independent source of vacuum.
Several types of self-priming pumps are available. Positive displacement pumps can
compress a gas to a required pressure and are usually not subject to air binding.
Cavitation
When a centrifugal pump is operating at a high capacity, low pressures may develop at the
impeller eye or vane tips. When this pressure falls below the liquid vapor pressure, vaporization
may occur at these points. The bubbles of vapor formed move to a region of high pressure and
collapse. This formation and collapse of vapor bubbles is called Cavitation.
Results of cavitation
The bubble collapse is likely to be so quick that the liquid will hit the vane with extreme
force and is likely to gouge out small pieces of the impeller.
In addition to this pitting of the impeller, noise and vibration will be created.
Cavitation may be reduced by

Increase suction pressure if possible.
Decrease liquid temperature if possible.
Throttle back on the discharge valve to decrease flow-rate.

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Vent gases off the pump casing.
Net Positive Suction Head

For any pump, the manufacturers specify the minimum value of the net positive suction head
(NPSH) which must exist at the suction point of the pump. The NPSH is the amount by which
the pressure at the suction point of the pump, expressed as the head of the liquid to be
pumped, must exceed the vapor pressure of the liquid.
For any installation this must be calculated, taking into account the absolute pressure of the
liquid, the level of the pump, and the velocity and friction heads in the suction line. The NPSH
must allow for the fall in pressure occasioned by the further acceleration of the liquid as it flows
on to the impeller and for irregularities in the flow pattern in the pump. If the required value of
NPSH is not obtained, partial vaporization if liable to occur, with the result that both the suction
head and delivery head may be reduced. The loss of suction head is more important because it
may cause the pump to be starved of liquid.
P1
(1)
z1
Discharge
(2)
(3) At impeller
eye
Figure 2.2.7: suction conditions for a centrifugal pump
NPSH is determined as the difference between the static head at the suction inlet and the head
corresponding to the vapor pressure of the liquid at the pump inlet.
NPSH = + - hfr -
where Pv = vapor pressure of the liquid

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P1 = pressure on the surface of the liquid inside the tank
hfr = friction loss
z1 = height of the liquid surface above the pump center line at the suction inlet
The value of required NPSH for a particular pump being used may be obtained from the pump
manufacturer. (Foust, Wenzel, Clump, Maus, & Anderson, 1980)
Operating Point of a Centrifugal Pump

A centrifugal pump can operate at a combination of head and discharge points given by its H-Q
curve. The particular combination of head and discharge at which a pump is operating is called
the pumps operating point. Once this point is determined brake power, efficiency, and net
positive suction head required for the pump can be obtained from the set of pump curve.
Figure 2.2.8: Operating point of a centrifugal pump
The operating point is determined by the head and discharge requirement of the
system. A system curve, which describes the head and discharge requirements of the
system, and a head-discharge characteristic curve of the pump are used to determine
the pump operating point (Figure-2.2.8). The operating point is where the head-
discharge requirements of the system are equal to the head-discharge produced by the
pump.

P a g e | 28
Sketch of the Pump Observed
Uses of Different Types of Centrifugal Pump

Double suction single stage centrifugal pump: These pumps are used for general water
supply and circulating services and for chemical services when handling liquids that are non-
corrosive to iron or bronze.
Canned motor centrifugal pump: They are widely used for handling organic solvent,
organic head transfer liquids and light oils as well as many clean toxic or hazardous liquids
or for installation in which leakage is an economic problems.

P a g e | 29
Closed coupled centrifugal pump: These pumps are extremely compact and are suitable for
a variety of services where standard iron and bronze materials are satisfactory.
Multi-stage centrifugal pump: These pumps are used for services requiring higher heads
(pressure), and then can be generated by single stage pumps. Such services include higher-
pressure water supply pumps, fire pumps, boiler feed pumps and change pump for refinery
process.
o Selection of pumps
With the large variety of pump types available, the selection of a pump for a specific task might
appear to be a complex endeavor. For routine, previously encountered solutions, the design
engineer can select the appropriate pump for a specified task from manufactures catalogue. In
unusual cases, such as, highly viscous or abrasive liquids or extreme pressures, the engineer
should consult with the manufacturer for recommendation of a pump for the application. Also,
detailed information on the capacity and the head required and the properties of the liquid to
be pumped must be considered.
Capacity
- The flow rate required by the process itself determines the capacity of the pump needed.
- Expected surges should be considered along with steady state flow.
- Some safety factors for uncertainties in the design should be included.
- Possible increase in flow rate because of process expansion might be taken into account.
- Overestimation of needed capacity by putting in too large a safety factor should be avoided as
oversized pumps cost more initially and consume more power than necessary during
operation.
Head
- The head a pump must develop is determined by a careful analysis of the piping system.
- Friction losses and changes in velocity, pressure & static heads must be taken into account.
- Some safety factors for uncertainties regarding pump work should be included.
- Possible fluctuation in suction or discharge pressures required must be considered.

P a g e | 30
- If a temperature variation is anticipated, its effect on liquid properties must be taken into
account.
- Overly cautious design that specifies too great a work delivery resulting in unnecessary high
equipment and operating cost should be avoided.
Liquid Properties
- If high viscosity liquids are to be pumped appropriate performance data should be obtained
from the manufacturer since viscous fluids require more energy than nonviscous fluids
- If the fluid contains solids in suspension as in sewage, paper stock, slurries and some foods,
special pump designs must be necessary. If very abrasive solids are suspended, centrifugal
pumps lined with rubber, plastic or hard metal may be required.
- Selection of material of construction must take into account the corrosive preoperties of the
pumped fluid.
- If the fluid is unusually volatile at the temperature of operation, care must be taken to avoid
cavitation or vaporization on the suction side of the pump.
- Pumps in chemical processes are often required to operate in extreme temperature &
pressure, so special design may be required due to extreme operating conditions.
Type of pump
- Once the pumping job is fully specified, the type of pump can be selected. For example, a high
pressure, low flow application may suggest a reciprocating pump. A low pressure, high capacity
job may suggest an axial flow pump.
- It is necessary to balance capabilities and limitations, including durability and previous
experiences with a given manufacturers pump.
Pump sizing
- The pump is determined by pressure developed and capacity requirements.
- Once the type of pump is chosen, the final selection of size may be accomplished by referring
to a manufacturers catalogue.
- Usually, each model of pump is available in a range of sizes for which the performance
characteristics overlap. A diagram for operating ranges for a family of a certain pump is used to
choose the appropriate pump size.

P a g e | 31
- Detailed head-capacity efficiency curves should be examined for that pump size to choose
the best impeller diameter.
- If the required head and capacity fall on the border between two pump sizes, it may be
desirable to examine the detailed curves for both before making a final choice.
Comparison among different pumps

P a g e | 32
o Pipe Fittings & Valves
Figure 2.3.1 Different types of pipe fittings

P a g e | 33
Figure 2.3.2 Different types of flanged fittings

P a g e | 34
Discussions
We have observed different kinds of pumps & noticed their advantages &
disadvantages.Studying the charecterestics of centrifugal pumps we can determine the
operating conditions & we have also also been familiarized with the operating problems of
pumps. In the lab we have been introduced with older model of centrifugal pumps, which may
lack our depth of knowledge to the mordern models of centrifugal pumps in case of industrial
applications.

P a g e | 35
Conclusion
Various kinds of pumps are used in different industries for different purposes. It is essential for
an engineer to have some basic knowledge about the classification, construction, advantages
and disadvantages of different kinds of pumps. The engineers need to know several specific
characteristics of the pump like capacity of pumps, the energy or head supplied to the fluid by a
pump, the power required to run the pump and the efficiency of the unit. These characteristics
help an engineer to select the right pump for industrial and commercial purposes. When
choosing or designing a pump for a definite purpose the designer or engineer must know about
some general problems in operating the pump such as priming and cavitations. Above all, it is
necessary to have a clear concept about the physical phenomena and operating system to
select a suitable pump for the definite purpose.

P a g e | 36
References:
1. McCabe, Warren L., Smith, Julian C. and Harriott, Peter. Unit Operations of Chemical
engineering, 6th ed., McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2001,page 187-209.
2. Franzini, Joseph B., Finnemore, and E. John: Fluid Mechanics with Engineering Applications,
9th ed., McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1997, page 651-652.
3. Foust et al: Principles of Unit Operations, 2nd ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1980 page 580-
596,548-552
4. Mott, Robert L.: Applied Fluid Mechanics, 5th ed., Prentice Hall Upper Saddle River, 2000,
page 668.
5. Pumps Centrifugal vs. Positive Displacement
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Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Positive Displacement Pumps

1. Reciprocating pumps - involves the back and forth motion of a piston in a

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Fig : Classification Of Positive Displacement Pumps

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Simplex single acting

Simplex double acting

Duplex double acting

Figure 2.1.1: Discharge curves of reciprocating pumps

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Figure 2.1.2: Plunger Pump

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Figure 2.1.3: Diaphragm Pump

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

In the Internal Gear pump, a spur gear

Figure 2.1.4: Different types of rotary pumps

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

- Rotary pumps are often used in metering liquids.

(Foust, Wenzel, Clump, Maus, & Anderson, 1980)

- Rotary pump has small to medium capacities.

(Mccabe, Smith, & Harriott, 1993)

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Figure 2.1.5: Sketch of a single stage Centrifugal

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Figure 2.1.6: Different types of impellers

on both sides of the vanes.

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Figure 2.1.6: Volute & Diffuser Casing

Casings may be of either volute type or diffuser type.

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

(Foust, Wenzel, Clump, Maus, & Anderson, 1980)

Classification of Centrifugal Pump

Radial Flow: A centrifugal pump in which the pressure is developed wholly by

Single-stage centrifugal pump

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Fig : Classification Of Centrifugal Pump

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

- It is simple in construction and can, therefore, be made in a wide range of materials.

- They can handle liquids with large amounts of solids in suspension

- Centrifugal pumps deliver liquid at uniform pressure without shocks or pulsations.

- They are usually not self-priming.

- Highly viscous liquids cannot be handled effectively.

(Foust, Wenzel, Clump, Maus, & Anderson, 1980)

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

o Study of Centrifugal Pump

Figure 2.2.1: Centrifugal Pump showing

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Figure 2.2.2: Velocities at entrance & discharge at vanes in

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Power Equation of Centrifugal Pump

Since, P = T, the power equation for an ideal pump is,

Head-Flow relations for an ideal pump

For Ideal pump P = Pfr = H

The volumetric flow rate qr through the pump is given by qr = Ap

Study Of A Centrifugal Pump, Pipe Fittings And Valves-----------------------------------------------------------------

Head-Work Relations for an ideal pump

A Bernoulli equation written between station 1 and 2, assuming no friction, neglecting Z a - Zb

Adding three Equations gives

Equation can be written in the form

For a frictionless or ideal pump, where, =1,