COMPLETE REVISION

January 2004

Process Industry Practices

Machinery

PIP RECP001
Design of Pumping Systems That Use
Centrifugal Pumps
 PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these
technical requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and
engineering costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While
this Practice is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users,
individual applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take
precedence over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and
particular matters or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering
situations should not be made solely on information contained in these materials. The
use of trade names from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of
preference but rather recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the
same specifications are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All
Practices or guidelines are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and
regulations including OSHA requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines
should conflict with OSHA or other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or
regulations must be followed. Consult an appropriate professional before applying or
acting on any material contained in or suggested by the Practice.

This Practice is subject to revision at any time by the responsible Function Team and
will be reviewed every 5 years. This Practice will be revised, reaffirmed, or withdrawn.
Information on whether this Practice has been revised may be found at www.pip.org.

© Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The

University of Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin,
Texas 78759. PIP member companies and subscribers may copy this Practice
for their internal use. Changes, overlays, addenda, or modifications of any
kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express written
authorization of PIP.

PIP will not consider requests for interpretations (inquiries) for this Practice.
Printing History
September 1995 Issued
January 2004 Complete Revision

Not printed with State funds

 COMPLETE REVISION
January 2004

Process Industry Practices

Machinery

PIP RECP001
Design of Pumping Systems That Use
Centrifugal Pumps
Table of Contents

1. Introduction .................................. 2 Appendix – Figures ....................... 16

1.1 Purpose ............................................. 2 A-1 Pump Operating Ranges as a
1.2 Scope................................................. 2 Function of Flow Rate and Suction
Specific Speed, Nss
2. References ................................... 2 A-2 Pump Operating Ranges as a
2.1 Process Industry Practices ................ 2 Function of Flow Rate and Suction
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards .......... 2 Specific Speed, nqs
2.3 Other References .............................. 3 A-3 Vertical Vessel Reference Levels for
NPSHA Calculations
3. Definitions .................................... 3 A-4 Horizontal Vessel Reference Level for
NPSHA Calculations
4. Requirements ............................... 4 A-5 NPSH vs. Flow Rate for Various
4.1 General Design Principles ................. 4 Speeds at Nss = 9,000 and 11,000
4.2 Hydraulic Selection Criteria................ 5 A-6 NPSH vs. Flow Rate for Various
4.3 Net Positive Suction Head Speeds at nqs = 175 and 215
Considerations................................... 8
4.4. Heating/Cooling Jacket.................... 11
4.5. Driver ............................................... 12
4.6 Energy Evaluations .......................... 13
4.7. Application of
Specific Pump Types ....................... 14

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1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose
This Practice provides designers with requirements for design of pumping systems
that use centrifugal pumps.

1.2 Scope
This Practice describes the requirements for general design principles, hydraulic
selection criteria, net positive suction head considerations, jacket and driver
considerations, and energy evaluations for design of pumping systems that use
centrifugal pumps.
Fire water pumps should be designed in accordance with the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) codes and standards and are not covered by this Practice.
This document is a complete revision of PIP RESP001, and therefore, revision
markings are not provided.

2. References
Applicable parts of the following Practices, industry codes and standards, and references
shall be considered an integral part of this Practice. The edition in effect on the date of
contract award shall be used, except as otherwise noted. Short titles will be used herein
where appropriate.

2.1 Process Industry Practices (PIP)

– PIP REIE 686 - Recommended Practices for Machinery Installation and
Installation Design

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards

• American Petroleum Institute (API)

– Std 611 - General Purpose Steam Turbines for Refinery Service
– Std 610 - (ISO 13709) - Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum, Petrochemical and
Natural Gas Industries
• American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
– B73.1 M - Specification for Horizontal End Suction Centrifugal Pumps for
Chemical Process
– B73.2 M - Specification for Vertical In-Line Centrifugal Pumps for Chemical
Process
• Hydraulic Institute
– ANSI/HI 1.3 - Hydraulic Institute Centrifugal Pump Applications

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2.3 Other References

– Irving Taylor, What NPSH for Dissolved Gas?, Hydrocarbon Processing,
August 1967, Volume 46, Number 8, pages133-134
– W. Roy Penny, Inert Gas in Liquid Mars Pump Performance, Chemical
Engineering, July 3, 1978
– Mao J. Tsai, Accounting for Dissolved Gases in Pump Design, Chemical
Engineering, July 26, 1982
– C. C. Chen, Cope with Dissolved Gases in Pump Calculations, Chemical
Engineering, October 1993
– Jerry L. Hallam, Centrifugal Pumps: Which Suction Specific Speeds Are
Acceptable?, Hydrocarbon Processing, April 1982

3. Definitions
high stream factor plants: Plants in which the on-stream time must be 97.5% or greater at
design capacity

intermediate life plants: Plants with an expected economic life of less than 20 years

long life plants: Plants with an expected economic life of 20 years or more

net positive suction head (NPSH): Total absolute suction head, in feet (meters) of liquid,
determined at the suction nozzle and referred to the datum elevation, minus the vapor
pressure of the liquid, in feet (meters) absolute. Datum elevation is the suction nozzle
centerline for vertical in-line pumps and the top of the foundation for other vertical pumps.

net positive suction head available (NPSHA): NPSH, in meters (feet) of liquid, determined
by the purchaser for the pumping system with the liquid at the rated flow and the
corresponding pumping temperature

net positive suction head required (NPSHR): NPSH, in feet (meters), determined by vendor
testing with water. NPSHR is measured at the suction flange and corrected to the datum
elevation. NPSHR is the minimum NPSH at rated capacity required to prevent a head drop of
more than 3% (first-stage head in multistage pumps) caused by cavitation within the pump.

purchaser: The agency that issues the order and specifications to the manufacturer

relative density: Ratio of the density of one substance to that of a second reference
substance, both at the same specified temperature

specific gravity: Dimensionless ratio of the density of a fluid to that of a reference fluid. For
design of pumping systems, the reference fluid is water at a temperature of 60ºF (15.5ºC).

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4. Requirements

4.1 General Design Principles

4.1.1 Pumping system curves shall be developed for all flow paths, piping
configurations, and process flow characteristics. Operation in each of the
specified flow paths shall be evaluated for viability. The off-design operating
cases and the amount of time in each operating case shall be identified.
4.1.2 Pump(s) selected for the system shall
a. Provide the head and flow required for all flow paths, piping
configurations, and process flow characteristics.
b. Be manufactured from materials acceptable to the process. Materials
shall be corrosion- and erosion-resistant.
4.1.3 Flow control systems shall ensure control of the flow within the acceptable
operating range of the selected pump(s).
4.1.4 Adequate protection shall be provided to prevent or minimize the impact of
operating the pump dry or dead-headed. This may include re-circulation,
power monitors, or other instrumentation to detect or prevent dry and dead-
head operation.
4.1.5 Pump manufacturer shall determine the rated shaft power required by the
pump assembly based on the operating conditions provided by the purchaser.
Determination of the rated shaft power shall take into consideration the
following variables as a minimum:
a. Specific gravity
b Viscosity
c Mechanical seal(s)
d. Stuffing box pressure/suction pressure
e. Gear assembly
f. Couplings
g. Hydraulic tolerances
Other variables shall be taken into consideration as required. Motor driver
shall be sized in accordance with Section 4.5.1.5, Table 1 (this Practice),
unless the above-mentioned considerations require a larger driver.
4.1.6 Pump(s) shall have a shaft-sealing mechanism designed for all operating
conditions. Sealing mechanisms shall have adequate cooling, lubrication,
and support systems consistent with process conditions and seal
requirements. Seal area / chamber (on the process side) shall be self-venting.
4.1.7 Suction and discharge piping shall be arranged to minimize turbulence that
may reduce the pump’s performance or increase maintenance.
Comment: Refer to PIP REIE 686, Chapter 6, for more information
about pump piping layout.

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4.1.8 Arrangement of suction and discharge piping for pumps in wet pit sump
installations shall not permit gas entrainment and shall facilitate maintenance
of the pump.
Comment: Refer to Hydraulic Institute standards for more information
about wet pit sump design.
4.1.9 Critical speeds shall fall at least 20% outside the operating speed range of
the pump.
4.1.10 Suction and discharge piping on pumps used in parallel operation is critical
to proper operation. The same pipe size and line loss shall be maintained
between each pump and the point where the pumps tie together. Design of
the piping shall provide equivalent suction and discharge pressures.
4.1.11 Pumps used in parallel shall be identical in design and size, shall be operated
at the same speed, and shall be installed with identical impellers.
4.1.12 If a flow orifice is used (to increase the slope of a pump curve as seen by the
system), the orifice shall be installed downstream from the pump because it
is a part that is subject to wear.
4.1.13 Pump suction line size is typically designed for fluid velocities from 3 to
6 feet per second (1 to 2 meters per second). Acceptable velocities may
increase or decrease depending on NPSH margin for the pump selected and
system economic analysis.
4.1.14 Recommended pump discharge line size shall be designed for fluid velocities
from 3.5 to 10 feet per second (1 to 3 meters per second).
4.1.15 Pump(s) shall use an impeller sized and designed to accommodate all
operating conditions. Semi-open or closed impellers shall be used in high-
temperature applications to prevent the pump from locking up during warm-
up and cool-down.
4.1.16 Design data verifying that the design of the pumping system conforms to the
design principles as listed in the previous paragraphs of this section shall be
developed. Data shall be subject to a formal review by the purchaser before
release of the design for procurement/construction. Data and its formal
review shall become a permanent record for project, operations, and
maintenance purposes.

4.2 Hydraulic Selection Criteria

4.2.1 Pump(s) selected for the pumping system shall have head capacity
characteristic curves that rise continuously as flow is reduced to shutoff.
4.2.2 If pumping system is designed for pumps to operate in parallel, the head rise
to shutoff shall be at least 10% of the head at rated capacity.
Comment: Pumps without a substantial rise in characteristic curve, as
flow is reduced, are more susceptible to operating at dead
head (shut-in) conditions if such pumps operate in parallel.

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Comment: Achieving a continuously rising head characteristic curve

with low-flow high-head pumps is not always possible.
Pumps with this characteristic rarely operate in parallel.
4.2.3 Pump impeller shall have a best efficiency point (BEP) that is between the
normal and rated operating points.
4.2.4 Normal operating point flow rate of the pump shall be greater than the
minimum continuous flow rate specified by the pump vendor and less than
the flow rate at the BEP for the selected pump impeller.
4.2.5 Pump shall be capable of at least a 5% head increase at rated condition with
the installation of a new impeller.
4.2.6 Minimum diameter of selected pump impeller shall be 105% of the
minimum diameter impeller for the generic pump curve for the specific
pump.
Comment: Suction recirculation increases as minimum diameter
impeller is approached. This can result in increased NPSHR
at the same flow rate and in less predictable performance.
4.2.7 If the pumped fluid has a variable specific gravity, the head required to be
developed by the pump shall be based upon the lowest specific gravity and
the greatest system differential pressure for the required flow rate.
Comment: “Specific gravity” is used throughout this Practice in lieu of
“relative density.” Some commonly used equations would
otherwise be affected by the shifting temperature reference
used in relative density.
4.2.8 If viscosity corrections are required, head, capacity, and efficiency
corrections shall be the responsibility of the pump manufacturer. These
corrections shall be calculated in accordance with the “Centrifugal Pump”
section of ANSI/HI 1.3.

4.2.9 Pumps with suction specific speeds of NSS greater than 11,000 (ηqs greater
than 215) require specific approval by the purchaser. A quotation for such a
pump shall include minimum continuous flow rate, maximum operating flow
rate, and operating experience.
Comment: Suction specific speed, NSS (S), is an index of pump suction
operating characteristics determined at the BEP with the
maximum diameter impeller. Suction specific speed is an
indicator of the NPSHR for given values of capacity and
rotating speed. NSS (S) provides an assessment of
susceptibility of the pump to internal recirculation. NSS (S)
is calculated by the following equation:
NSS (S) = (N)(Q)^1/2 / (NPSHR)^3/4
where NSS (S) = suction specific speed
N = rotating speed in revolutions per minute

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Q = flow rate per impeller eye, in gallons per

minute (cubic meters per second) at the BEP
with the maximum diameter impeller
= total flow rate for single suction impellers
= half of total flow for double suction
impellers
NPSHR = net positive suction head required in feet
(meters) at the BEP for the maximum
diameter impeller
Comment: Suction specific speed, Sderived using cubic meters per
second and meters, multiplied by 51.6, is equal to suction
specific speed, NSS, derived using U.S. gallons per minute
and feet.
Comment: Industry has extensive published documentation indicating
that pumps with high NSS (S), defined as 11,000 (215) and
greater, have reduced reliability.
Refer to Hallam (1982). At off-design (off-BEP) conditions,
these pumps are susceptible to both suction and discharge
recirculation, which may result in high vibration and poor
seal life. Pumps with high NSS (S) should not be accepted
for services with widely varying operating flow rates. If no
reasonable alternative to a high NSS (S) pump exists, steps
should be taken to ensure pump operation at or very near the
BEP. Consider a controlled bypass or a complete shutdown
if the pump is used in a batch operation. Vibration
instrumentation should be considered for proper monitoring
of these steps.
Comment: Inducers have been applied successfully to as much as
30,000 NSS (580 S), although the more common range is
15,000 to 25,000 NSS (290 to 480 S) . When considering
inducers, particular attention should be devoted to the
NPSHR curve shape and the pump manufacturer’s
experience. Care should be given when selecting inducers
for pumps that have a large range in flow rate because a
narrow flow range is preferred for inducers.
4.2.10 Normal and rated flow rates of pumps shall be within the acceptable range in
accordance with Figures A-1 and A-2 (for SI and U.S. Customary units,
respectively). Pumps with flow rates outside this range require specific
approval by the purchaser. Pumps with flow rates outside this range require
Figures A-1 and A-2 (for U.S. Customary and SI units, respectively),
provided in the Appendix. Pumps with flow rates outside this range require
specific approval by the purchaser.
Comment: Figures A-1 and A-2 may not apply to inducer designs.

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Comment: As shown in Figures A-1 and A-2, the acceptable range of

flow rates is reduced as higher suction specific speed pumps
are applied. It is recognized that the damage that may occur
to a pump at high suction specific speeds is also a function
of the energy density level of the pump. Therefore,
Figures A-1 and A-2 should be considered as a general
guide.
4.2.11 Pump manufacturer shall state the minimum continuous flow rate required
by the pump and whether this flow rate is based on hydraulic stability or
thermal limitations.
4.2.12 Determination of the minimum continuous flow rate of the process shall take
into consideration normal, abnormal, start-up, and shutdown conditions.
Comment: Pump operation below the stated minimum continuous
stable flow rate causes increased process fluid recirculation
within the pump, which may result in increased noise, high
vibration level, and bearing and/or seal failure. Pump
operation below the stated minimum continuous thermal
flow rate may result in gasket failure, seal failure, or
flashing in the pump casing.
4.2.13 If process conditions or operating practice cannot ensure the minimum
continuous flow rate required by the pump, a minimum flow bypass or
instrumentation to the alarm or to shut down the pump shall be provided.
4.2.14 Unless otherwise specified, minimum flow bypass shall be routed to the
suction vessel. If the system provides adequate cooling for the recirculated
fluid, consideration may be given to routing the minimum flow bypass to the
pump suction line.
4.2.15 Bypass routed to the pump suction line shall be connected at a point that is a
minimum distance of 10 pipe diameters upstream of the pump suction
flange.
Comment: Bypass control is often used on high specific speed pumps,
such as axial flow pumps, because the power requirement
decreases with increased flow.
4.2.16 Size of the suction vessel, thermodynamic properties of the pumped fluid,
and amount of fluid to be recirculated shall be taken into consideration to
determine whether a cooler is required in the bypass line.

4.3 Net Positive Suction Head Considerations

4.3.1 Requirements for calculating NPSHA and for margins between NPSHA and
NPSHR shall be strictly applied. Additional margins shall not be applied
without specific approval of the purchaser.
4.3.2 NPSHA shall be calculated assuming the following:
a. 110% of rated pump capacity
b. Lowest liquid level in the suction vessel

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c. Operating condition with the lowest NPSHA

Comment: The operating condition with the lowest NPSHA typically
has the highest temperature, vapor pressure, and viscosity
and typically has the lowest liquid level.
4.3.3 On vertical vessels, lowest liquid level shall be defined as the bottom tangent
line with pump inlet piping connected at the bottom of the vessel or at the
takeoff level if the inlet line to the pump is not connected to the bottom of
the vessel (see Appendix Figure A-3). On horizontal vessels, lowest liquid
level shall be defined as the bottom inside level (see Appendix Figure A-4).
4.3.4 For existing vessels, and if selection of pumps is limited, the liquid level
may be taken as one of the following:
a. Elevation of the minimum operating liquid level if vessels have level
control
b. Elevation of the low alarm setting if vessels have level control
c. Elevation of the automatic shutdown level if vessels have a level
controller, low-level alarm, and automatic shutdown device
4.3.5 NPSHA shall exceed NPSHR by a minimum of 3 feet (1 meter) from
minimum continuous flow to 110% of rated operating point. Use of an
inducer to meet this requirement shall require approval of the purchaser.
Comment: 3-feet (1-meter) minimum margin is desirable because
NPSHR of individual impellers may vary significantly.
NPSHR is determined under ideal pump operating
conditions, and at the stated NPSHR, the pump is already in
cavitation with a 3% head loss. Cavitation damage can result
in high-energy density impellers at head losses less than the
normal 3% used in standardized testing.
Comment: Using the equation in Section 4.2.9 of this Practice and the
3-feet (1-meter) margin specified in Section 4.3.5 above, the
minimum acceptable NPSHA can be estimated with the
following expression:
NPSHA ≥ [(N/ Nss)^4/3 * Q^2/3 ] + 3 (U.S. Customary
units)
NPSHA ≥ [(N/ S)^4/3 * Q^2/3 ] + 1 (SI units)
With an assumed pump speed, the minimum NPSHA can be
estimated and used to determine the preliminary elevation of
the suction vessel.
4.3.6 If the margin between NPSHA and NPSHR at 110% of rated operating point
is less than 5 feet (1.5 meters) or if an inducer is used, NPSHR testing shall
be performed.
4.3.7 If the pumped liquid has dissolved or entrained gas, the NPSHA used to
select the pump shall be half of the calculated NPSHA.

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Comment: Some common liquids in which the NPSHA may be

adversely affected by dissolved gases include carbon
dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, amine, etc.
Comment: Published articles related to this topic are as follows: Taylor
(1967), Penny (1978), Tsai (1982), and Chen (1993).
4.3.8 NPSHA used to select the pump shall be indicated on the data sheet.
4.3.9 For uncontrolled applications, i.e., cooling tower pumps, in which the pumps
can run out to the end of the curve, NPSHA shall exceed NPSHR by a
minimum of 3 feet (1 meter) from minimum continuous flow to the end of
the curve.
Comment: Uncontrolled pumps typically operate at the end of the curve
because of overly conservative system design factors. This
results in a pump with a greater head requirement than
actually exists in the installed system. This head requirement
can be a significant source of unreliable operation.
4.3.10 NPSHR reductions or corrections for hydrocarbon liquids and hot water are
unacceptable.
4.3.11 Elevation of suction vessel shall be set to meet the requirements for margin
between NPSHA and NPSHR specified in Sections 4.3.5 through 4.3.9
above.
Comment: Figures A-5 and A-6 provided in the Appendix give to the
engineer establishing suction vessel elevation an
appreciation of the NPSHA that must be provided at various
flow rates and pump speeds to meet NSS (S) limitations. For
planning purposes, the preliminary vessel elevation should
be based on the NPSH requirements shown in Figures A-5
and A-6, with NSS of 9,000 (S of 175) as a reasonable
approach. This allows the selection of a pump without
exceeding the NSS ≤ 11,000 (S = 215) limit (see
Section 4.2.9). Raising the suction vessel may be more
economical than using a larger, slower speed or a double
suction pump. For example, for pumps with identical
process conditions, a pump that operates at 1,770 RPM
versus 3,560 RPM increases cost from 40% to 100%. A
pump that operates at 1,180 RPM versus 3,560 RPM
increases cost from 100% to 300%. Drive motors that
operate at 1,180 RPM are also significantly more expensive
compared with motors that operate at 1,770 RPM or
3,560 RPM. Some suction vessels can be raised to provide
adequate NPSHA at a reasonable cost. By adequately
addressing these issues, the overall cost effectiveness and
reliability of the pump will be enhanced.
4.3.12 If significant changes are made to the piping layout, the NPSH calculations
shall be repeated with the actual layout.

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Comment: Generally, this recalculation is not required unless the piping

diameter or equivalent length is changed significantly to
increase pressure drop.

4.4. Heating/Cooling Jacket

4.4.1 The pump shall have a heating/cooling jacket if conditions require it as
stated in Section 4.4.2.
Comment: The following are the types of jackets typically used on
centrifugal pumps:
a. Stuffing box jacket
b. Seal chamber jacket (fully jacketed only)
c. Pump casing jacket
d. Bolt-on or external steam jacket (casing)
e. Bearing housing cooling jacket (Oil sump fin tube is preferred. Cast
bearing housing jackets are acceptable only with purchaser’s approval.)
Comment: Jackets are used to remove or add heat to the local area to
which they are applied. High-temperature liquids that flash
if heat is added, such as through rubbing friction or
mechanical seals, require cooling. High-temperature liquids
that solidify if the temperature decreases require the addition
of heat, especially during startup when piping and pumps are
at ambient temperature. Jackets must be hydrostatically
tested before the pump is shipped. Leakage to the
atmosphere could be hazardous in some processes.
4.4.2 A heating/cooling jacket shall be used in the following
conditions/applications:
a. Temperature of pumped fluid is above 300ºF (150ºC) unless metal
bellow-type seals are used.
b. Temperature of pumped fluid is above 572ºF (300ºC).
c. Boiler feedwater pumps
d. Dead-ended seal chambers
e. Liquids with low flash points
f. Products with high melting points
4.4.3 Cooling/heating jackets or inserts for seal chambers shall be provided by the
pump vendor if specified by the purchaser.
4.4.4 If the temperature of the pumped fluid is greater than 350ºF (175ºC), the
pump and seal vendors shall be jointly consulted about using cooled flush or
running the seal chamber dead-ended with jacket cooling.

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4.4.5 Cooling/heating jackets for seal chambers shall have connections arranged
so that the entire passageway can be mechanically cleaned, flushed, and
drained.

4.5. Driver
4.5.1 Electric Motor
4.5.1.1 For applications in which the pumped fluid has a variable specific
gravity, the rated power of the motor shall be based on the greatest
specific gravity.
4.5.1.2 If viscosity corrections for the pumped fluid are required, the power
requirements specified in Sections 4.5.1.4, 4.5.1.5, and 4.5.1.6 shall
be increased an appropriate amount by the pump manufacturer.
Start-up at cold temperature when the viscosity of the pumped fluid
is higher than viscosity under operating conditions shall be taken
into consideration.
4.5.1.3 Use of a variable speed motor may be considered under one or more
of the following circumstances:
a. If the process operating conditions have a large range in
operating flow rates or if a significant portion of the flow is
recirculated
b. In slurry service if reduction in pump speed reduces erosion
and eliminates throttling valves
c. If the process does not require a constant head, which is
typically controlled by throttling
d. If routine operation of the pump results in operating power
of less than 50% of rated power, which will result in excess
heat and inefficient operation of the motor
Comment: The primary benefit of variable speed pumps is
the reduction of energy requirements because of
the elimination of throttling and minimized
erosion in slurry pumps. Variable speed pumps
may also provide benefits in systems requiring a
wide range in flow. Variable speed pumps in
constant flow and head system service have no
advantage.
4.5.1.4 If the end-of-curve power is less than 5 hp (4 kW), the next standard
size larger motor shall be used.
Comment: The purpose of this requirement is to overcome
startup problems caused by slow acceleration of
small motors overcoming inertia and drag of seals.
Seal drag increases as suction pressures increase.
Failure to consider these factors can result in

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tripping the driver before operating speed is

reached.
4.5.1.5 Driver power shall, as a minimum, be equal to the rated shaft power
at the rated point multiplied by the percentage listed in Table 1.
Table 1. Electric Driver Sizing
Rated Pump Rated Pump
Power Power Multiplier
Bhp kW % of Rated Shaft Power
< 30 < 22 125
30-100 22-75 115
> 100 > 75 110

4.5.1.6 If the end-of-curve power is greater than 100 hp (75 kW), the motor
shall be sized to cover the end-of-curve power or 110% of rated
power, whichever is less. For applications that are expected to
operate at the end-of-curve, such as cooling-water circulating pumps,
motors shall be sized to operate at the end-of-curve.
4.5.1.7 The motor and coupling shall be sized to meet any specified future
increase in power or head requirement.
4.5.1.8 The motor shall have adequate power for initial run-in on water with
the pump throttled to 50% of rated capacity. If this requirement
results in an increase in motor size, the larger motor shall be quoted
as an alternate.
Comment: The purpose of this requirement is to verify that the
motor is adequately sized for water runs. However,
if a larger motor must be furnished solely for water
runs, it should first be verified that a water run is
planned, and if so, alternate methods of
accomplishing the water run should be investigated
before deciding to use the larger motor. If water
runs are not planned for startup, other methods of
ensuring cleanliness of the system must be used
such as a blowdown with compressed air.
4.5.2 Steam Turbine
4.5.2.1 Steam turbine drivers shall conform to API Std. 611.
4.5.2.2 Steam turbine power rating shall be 110% of the greatest calculated
power requirement of the pump at any operating condition.

4.6 Energy Evaluations

4.6.1 Selection of pumps and drivers shall take into consideration cost of energy in
the plant in which they are to be installed along with a payout period
consistent with the design life defined in the project premises.
4.6.2 Efficiency of pump/driver used for the selection described in Section 4.6.1
shall be the efficiency that occurs at the normal operating flow rate and at

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PIP RECP001 COMPLETE REVISION
Design of Pumping Systems That Use Centrifugal Pumps January 2004

the resulting head for the diameter of the impeller selected. Hours per year of
pump operation shall reflect the design stream factor.

4.7. Application of Specific Pump Types

4.7.1 ASME B73.1M and B73.2M Pumps
Unless otherwise specified, application of ASME B73.1M and
ASME B73.2M pumps shall be limited in accordance with Tables 2, 3, and 4:

Table 2. ASME Pump Limitations

Characteristic Limitation
Maximum Temperature - °F (°C) 300 (150)
Maximum Discharge Pressure - psig (kPa) 275 (1,900)
Maximum Suction Pressure - psig (kPa) 75 (500)
Maximum Rotative Speed - RPM 3,600

Table 3. ASME Vertical in-Line Pump Limitations

Long Life, High
Type of Pump: Stream Factor
Horizontal ASME AA through A-70 Intermediate Plants
Vertical in-Line ASME Life Plants
Flow - Max., GPM (Cubic Meters/Hour ) ASME Standard 600 (135)
Head - Max., Feet (Meters) ASME Standard 400 (120)

Table 4. ASME Horizontal Pump Limitations

Long Life, High
Stream Factor
Type of Pump: Intermediate Plants
Horizontal ASME A-80 through A-120 Life Plants
Flow - Max., GPM (Cubic Meters/Hour ) ASME Standard 2,000 (450)
Head - Max., Feet (Meters) ASME Standard 200 (60)

4.7.2 API 610 Single Stage Pumps

Unless otherwise specified, application of API 610 single stage pumps shall
be limited in accordance with Tables 5 and 6.

Table 5. API Overhung Pump Limitations

Type of Pump: Long Life,
Overhung API Intermediate Life High Stream
Horizontal or Vertical Plants Factor Plants
Flow - Max., GPM (Cubic Meters/Hour) 5,000 (1,140) 3,000 (680 )
Head - Max., Feet (Meters) 1,000 (300) 700 (215)

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COMPLETE REVISION PIP RECP001
January 2004 Design of Pumping Systems That Use Centrifugal Pumps

Table 6. API High-Speed, Integrally Geared Pump Limitations

Intermittent
Type of Pump: Service or Long Life,
High-Speed, Single Stage, Intermediate Life High Stream
Integrally Geared, API Plants Factor Plants
Flow - Max., GPM (Cubic Meters/Hour) 350 (80) 250 (57)
Head - Max., Feet (Meters) 5,000 (1,525) 4,500 (1,370)

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Design of Pumping Systems That Use Centrifugal Pumps January 2004

Appendix – Figures

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PIP RECP001 STEERING TEAM BALLOT – COMPLETE REVISION
Design of Pumping Systems That Use Centrifugal Pumps 11/20/03

Appendix – Figures

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