Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Experiment 9: Centrifugal Pump

Introduction:
Pumps fall into two main categories: positive displacement pumps and
rotodynamic pumps.
In a positive displacement pump, a fixed volume of fluid is forced from one
chamber into another. One of the oldest and most familiar designs is the reciprocating
engine, utilising a piston moving inside a cylinder. Steam pumps, the 'nodding
donkey', stirrup pumps and hydraulic rams are all of this type. Animal hearts are also
positive displacement pumps, which use volume reduction of one chamber to force
flow into another chamber.
The FM50 pump is, by contrast, a rotodynamic machine. Rotodynamic (or simply
dynamic) pumps impart momentum to a fluid, which then causes the fluid to move
into the delivery chamber or outlet. Turbines and centrifugal pumps all fall into this
category.
Pumps
Turbo-hydraulic (Kinetic) pumps

Positive Displacement Pumps

Centrifugal
Pump (Radial)

Screw

Propeller
(Axial)

Jet
(Mixed)

Reciprocating

Description:
The apparatus consists of a tank and pipework which delivers water to and from a
small centrifugal pump. The unit is fitted with electronic sensors which measure the
process variables. Signals from these sensors are sent to a computer via an interface
device, and the unit is supplied with data
logging software as standard.
Pump speed and outlet pressure may
be varied to allow the collection of
performance data over a range of
parameters. The inlet (suction) head
pressure may be adjusted to investigate
the onset of cavitation. An alternative
impeller is also supplied so that the effect
of impeller design may be studied.
For more Details refer to Instruction
Manual FM50.
Figure 1: Centrifugal Pump Demonstration Unit

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Exercise B
Objective
To create head, power and efficiency characteristic curves for a centrifugal
pump.
Theory
One way of illustrating pump characteristics is to construct contour lines of
constant power or efficiency on a graph of pump head plotted against pump
discharge. These allow engineers to see the maximum efficiency of a pump
over a range of operating parameters, which can assist in the selection of an
appropriate pump to suit particular conditions. An example is given in Figure
2.

Figure 2
Equipment Set Up
If the equipment is not yet ready for use, proceed as follows:
Ensure the drain valve is fully closed.
If necessary, fill the reservoir to within 20cm of the top rim.
Ensure the inlet valve and gate valve are both fully open.
Ensure the equipment is connected to the IFD7 and the IFD7 is connected to a
suitable PC. The red and green indicator lights on the IFD7 should both be
illuminated.
Ensure the IFD7 is connected to an appropriate mains supply, and switch on
the supply.
Run the FM50-304 software. Check that 'IFD: OK' is displayed in the bottom
right corner of the screen and that there are values displayed in all the sensor
display boxes on the mimic diagram.

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Procedure
Switch on the IFD7.
Switch on the FM50 pump within the software using the Pump On button.
In the software, rename the current (blank) results table to '50%' (this will be
the only table if results from Exercise A are not available).
On the mimic diagram of the software, set the pump speed to 50%.
The interface will increase the pump speed until it reaches the required setting.
Allow water to circulate until all air has been f1ushed from the system.
Partially closing and opening the inlet and gate valves a few times will help in
priming the system and eliminating any bubbles caught within the valve
mechanism. Leave the inlet valve fully open.
Close the gate valve to give a flow rate Q of 0. (Note that the pump may not
run well with the gate valve closed or nearly closed, as the back pressure
produced is outside normal operating parameters. The pump should begin to
run more smoothly as the experiment progresses).
Select the
icon to record the sensor readings and pump settings on the
results table of the software.
Open the gate valve to allow a low flow rate. Allow sufficient time for the
sensor readings to stabilise then select the
data.

icon to record the next set of

Open the gate valve in small increments, allowing the sensor readings to
stabilise then recording the sensor and pump data each time.
Create a new results sheet by selecting the
icon (you may also wish to
save the results at this time to avoid losing the data in the event of problems).
Close the gate valve.
Set the pump to 60%.
Select the
icon to record the sensor readings and pump settings on the new
results table.
Repeat as before, opening the gate valve in small increments and allowing the
sensor readings to stabilise then recording the sensor and pump data each time.
Close the gate valve.
Repeat the procedure at 70%, 80%, 90% and 100%. Create a new results sheet
for each setting (and save the results if desired- the same file may be
overwritten each time as more data is added). For convenience, rename each
sheet of results in the software with the pump setting.
Ensure the results are saved after taking the final set of results.
Switch the pump off. If not proceeding directly to another exercise then switch
off the IFD7 and close the FM50 software.

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Results
On the same graph plot Total Head Ht against Flow Rate Q for each setting.
Graphs may be produced using the software graph facility, in which case the
resulting graph with multiple plots must be printed. Alternatively the results
may be imported into a more sophisticated spreadsheet program that allows
the following procedure to be performed.
Select a value for efficiency, for example 40%. On each line plotted, mark the
points at which an efficiency of 40% is achieved (the data is unlikely to
include recorded points at which the efficiency is exactly 40%, so estimate the
points based on the values obtained). Where the pump performance at a
particular setting does not ever correspond to the efficiency chosen, note
whether the efficiency would lie above the line or to the right of the pump
performance curve. Join the marked points to form a smooth curve.
Repeat for other efficiency values. for example 35%.45% and 5090. to give a
family of efficiency curves.
Create and/or print a second head-flow rate graph for all pump frequencies.
Using the same procedure as for drawing contour lines of constant efficiency,
produce curves for constant mechanical power.
Conclusion
Examine and describe the shapes of the efficiency and power curves obtained.
Are the shapes consistent? How do they relate to the head-flow rate
characteristic? How do the efficiency and power curves relate to each other?
Compare the results to the example pump curves presented in the theory
section. How does the pump in the example compare to the pump on the FM50
in terms of capacity, power, and efficiency?

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Calculations
Table 1: Example of data taken from the Software (Setting 50%)
Sample
Number

Notes

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

Pump
Setting
S
[%]

Pump
Speed
n
[rpm]

Water
Temperature
T
[C]

Inlet
Pressure
Pin
[kPa]

Outlet
Pressure
Pout
[kPa]

Motor
Torque
t
[Nm]

Flow
Rate
Q
[l/s]

50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50

750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750

26.7
27.2
26.7
26.9
27.1
27.4
26.7
27.0
26.6
26.7
26.8
27.1
26.7
27.1
26.7
27.5
27.1
26.7
27.4

2.6
2.7
2.3
2.2
1.6
1.3
0.9
0.3
0.2
-0.4
-0.6
-0.9
-1.1
-1.0
-1.1
-1.0
-1.2
-1.2
-1.2

18.5
18.3
17.7
17.0
15.4
14.0
13.1
11.0
10.1
9.5
8.6
8.1
7.1
7.2
6.5
6.2
6.2
6.2
6.4

0.62
0.64
0.64
0.66
0.65
0.67
0.66
0.67
0.69
0.68
0.68
0.68
0.67
0.70
0.68
0.69
0.72
0.70
0.68

0.04
0.12
0.21
0.29
0.40
0.49
0.54
0.60
0.64
0.66
0.69
0.72
0.74
0.76
0.76
0.76
0.77
0.77
0.76

Density
of
water
[kg/m]
997
996
997
997
997
996
997
997
997
997
997
996
997
996
997
996
996
997
996

Table 1 (Cont.): Example 50% setting (n = 750 rpm)

Inlet
Velocity
Vin
[m/s]

Outlet
Velocity
Vout
[m/s]

Static
Head
Hs
[m]

Velocity
Head
Hv
[m]

Elevation
Head
He
[m]

Total
Head
Ht
[m]

Hydraulic
Power
Ph
[W]

Mechanical
Power
Pm
[W]

Pump
Efficiency
E
[%]

Predicted
Flow
Rate
[l/s]

0.090
0.275
0.491
0.675
0.919
1.135
1.256
1.378
1.468
1.531
1.594
1.653
1.716
1.747
1.747
1.747
1.774
1.774
1.747

0.162
0.495
0.885
1.218
1.657
2.046
2.266
2.485
2.647
2.761
2.875
2.980
3.094
3.151
3.151
3.151
3.199
3.199
3.151

1.627
1.596
1.570
1.516
1.413
1.302
1.250
1.097
1.020
1.012
0.935
0.919
0.837
0.839
0.777
0.733
0.757
0.754
0.775

0.001
0.009
0.028
0.052
0.097
0.148
0.181
0.218
0.247
0.269
0.292
0.313
0.338
0.350
0.350
0.350
0.361
0.361
0.350

0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075
0.075

1.70
1.68
1.67
1.64
1.58
1.52
1.51
1.39
1.34
1.36
1.30
1.31
1.25
1.26
1.20
1.16
1.19
1.19
1.20

0.7
2.0
3.5
4.7
6.2
7.3
8.0
8.1
8.4
8.8
8.8
9.2
9.1
9.4
8.9
8.6
9.0
9.0
8.9

48.4
50.5
50.3
52.1
50.8
52.7
51.8
52.6
54.4
53.2
53.3
53.4
52.8
54.9
53.1
54.2
56.2
55.1
53.8

1.3
3.9
6.9
9.0
12.2
13.9
15.5
15.5
15.4
16.6
16.5
17.2
17.2
17.1
16.8
15.9
16.0
16.2
16.5

0.03
0.08
0.14
0.20
0.27
0.33
0.36
0.40
0.42
0.44
0.46
0.48
0.50
0.51
0.51
0.51
0.51
0.51
0.51

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Table 1 (Cont.): 50% setting (n = 750 rpm)

Predicted
Total
Head
[m]

Vapour
Pressure
Pv
[kPa]

Net +ve
Suction Head
Available
[m]

Pipe
Length
L
[m]

Pipe
Diameter
d
[m]

Coefficient
k

Coefficient
C

[-]

[-]

0.757
0.746
0.743
0.730
0.704
0.678
0.669
0.618
0.597
0.603
0.578
0.581
0.555
0.562
0.534
0.515
0.530
0.529
0.533

36.64
37.33
36.64
36.89
37.14
37.58
36.70
37.08
36.57
36.64
36.82
37.20
36.64
37.20
36.70
37.65
37.20
36.64
37.58

6.73
6.68
6.72
6.71
6.67
6.64
6.72
6.66
6.73
6.69
6.68
6.63
6.69
6.65
6.69
6.60
6.64
6.70
6.59

0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916
0.916

0.032

4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9
4.9

140

System
Head
Loss
[m]

Walkthrough
Questions
Score
[%]

0.06
0.21
0.40
0.58
0.86
1.13
1.29
1.46
1.60
1.69
1.79
1.88
1.98
2.04
2.04
2.04
2.08
2.08
2.04

Pump Curves for different velocities (rpm)

8.00

Total Head Ht [m]

7.00
6.00
750

5.00

900

4.00

1050

3.00

1200

2.00

1350

1.00

1500

0.00
0.00

0.20

0.40

0.60

0.80

1.00

1.20

1.40

Flow Rate Q [l/s]

Figure 3: Pump Curves for different velocities

1.60

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Exercise C
Objective
To investigate the use of the affinity laws in predicting the head-flow
characteristic for a pump.
Theory
When selecting a pump for a system, it is seldom practical to test the
performance of every size of pump in a manufacturer's range at all speeds at
which it may be designed to run. It is therefore useful to have a mathematical
solution that allows assumptions can be made about operating characteristics
of a pump running at one speed, impeller size, etc. from experimental results
taken at another.
The multiple curves obtained from plotting measured pump characteristics on
dimensional axes can be reduced to a single curve if appropriate dimensionless
groups are used. Provided the effects of t1uid viscosity on pump performance
are small, and that cavitation is not occurring, the characteristic of a given type
and shape of pump may be represented by:
[ ]

where n is the pump speed (rpm or Hz), and D is the impeller diameter (m)
For a single curve of the type suggested by this equation to represent more
than one operating condition of the particular type of pump, the criterion of
dynamic similarity must be fulfilled. That is, all fluid velocities at
corresponding points within the machine are in the same direction and
proportional to impeller speed. When this is the case, as for a particular pump
operated at different speeds, a simple graph of data is formed, as depicted in
Figure 4:

Figure 4: Dimensionless head-discharge characteristic of a particular centrifugal pump

operated at different speeds

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

The dimensionless equation given previously is the basis from which the
affinity laws are derived. The affinity laws allow the performance of
geometrically similar pumps of different sizes or speeds to be predicted
accurately enough for practical purposes.
The methods used for deriving the affinity laws will not be presented here, but
the laws are as follows:

Power Coefficient
Flow Coefficient
Head Coefficient
These Laws are most often used to calculate changes in now rate, head and
power of a pump when the size, rotational speed or fluid density is changed.
The following formulae are derived from the above considerations, and allow
calculation of total head H, and power Pm at one speed n. to be deduced from
those measured at another speed n2:

More generally, the relationship between two geometrically similar machines

with characteristic diameters D1 and D2 operating at rotational speeds n1 and
n2 is shown in Figure 5. For any two points at which values of (gH / n2D2) and
(Q / nD3) are the same, it follows that:
( ) ( )
and
( )
These are termed corresponding points.
The power coefficient

and the resulting efficiency E can be compared in

a similar manner.

Figure 5: Relationship of performance characteristics for geometrically similar machines

operating at different speeds

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Equipment Set Up
If the results from Exercise B are available then no further data is required.
Ensure you understand the Theory section then proceed directly to the results.
This experiment may be undertaken directly following another experiment, in
which case the equipment will already be prepared and need only be switched
back out of standby mode again.
If the equipment is not yet ready for use, proceed as follows:
Ensure the drain valve is fully closed.
If necessary, fill the reservoir to within 20cm of the top rim. Ensure the inlet
valve and the gate valve are both fully open.
Ensure the equipment is connected to the IFD7 and the IFD7 is connected to a
suitable PC. The red and green indicator lights on the IFD7 should both be
illuminated.
Ensure the IFD7 is connected to an appropriate mains supply, and switch on
the supply.
Run the FM50-304 software. Check that 'IFD: OK' is displayed in the bottom
right corner of the screen and that there are values displayed in all the sensor
display boxes on the mimic diagram
Procedure

The results from Exercise B may be used to perform the calculations and to
create the graphs for this exercise. Where these results are available, no further
data is required. Proceed directly to the Results section. If results are not
available, proceed as follows:
Switch on the IFD7.
Switch on the FM50 pump within the software.
In the software, set the pump to 50%.
Allow water to circulate until all air has been flushed from the system. Close
the gate valve to give a flow rate Q of 0.
Select the
icon to record the sensor readings and pump settings on the
results table of the software.
Open the gate valve to give a very low flow rate. Allow sufficient time for the
sensor readings to stabilise then select the
icon to record the next set of
data.
Open the gate valve in small increments, allowing the sensor readings to
stabilise then recording the sensor and pump data each time.
Create a new results sheet by selecting the
icon (you may also wish to
save the results at this time to avoid losing the data in the event of problems).
Set the pump to 70%.
Close the gate valve.

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Select the
icon to record the sensor readings and pump settings on the new
results table.
Open the gate valve to give a very low flow rate. Allow sufficient time for the
sensor readings to stubilise, then select the
icon to record the next set of
data.
Repeat, opening the gate valve in small increments and allowing the sensor
readings to stabilise, then recording the sensor and pump data each time.
Ensure the results are saved using 'Save' or 'Save As .. .' from the software File
menu after taking the final set of results.
Switch off the FM50 within the software using the Power On/Standby button.
Switch off the IFD7.
Results

The results taken at 70% will be used with the affinity laws to give predicted
results at 50%. This will then be compared to the actual results at 50%.
The software uses the affinity laws
and
to calculate the predicted values of Ht2 at predicted flow rates Q2 and 50%
setting from the measured values of Htl and Q1 and the values n1 = 70 and n2 =
50.
Plot a graph of Predicted Head against Predicted Flow Rate.
Plot the measured Total Head at 50% against measured Flow Rate at 50% (if
the data is exported into a dedicated spread sheet package or similar then it
may be possible to plot both graphs on the same axes).
Conclusion

Compare the predicted results at 50% with the measured results. How accurate
were the values obtained using the affinity laws? Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of this technique for pump system design

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Calculations
Table 2: Data for 50% Setting and 70% setting from software
Practical
70% = 1050 rpm
Sample
Number

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

50% = 750 rpm

Flow
Rate
Q
[l/s]

Total
Head
Ht
[m]

Flow
Rate
Q
[l/s]

Total
Head
Ht
[m]

0.08
0.15
0.27
0.43
0.56
0.66
0.76
0.82
0.89
0.93
1.00
1.01
1.04
1.04
1.06
1.05
1.06
1.08
1.08
1.06

3.41
3.38
3.26
3.26
3.11
2.99
2.88
2.79
2.68
2.63
2.58
2.52
2.42
2.33
2.44
2.34
2.34
2.38
2.35
2.34

0.04
0.12
0.21
0.29
0.40
0.49
0.54
0.60
0.64
0.66
0.69
0.72
0.74
0.76
0.76
0.76
0.77
0.77
0.76

1.70
1.68
1.67
1.64
1.58
1.52
1.51
1.39
1.34
1.36
1.30
1.31
1.25
1.26
1.20
1.16
1.19
1.19
1.20

Practical
4.00
Total Head Ht [m]

3.50
3.00
2.50
2.00

70% = 1050 rpm

1.50

50% = 750 rpm

1.00
0.50
0.00
0.00

0.50

1.00

Flow Rate Q [l/s]

Figure 6

1.50

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Using Similarity Laws to calculate Q and Ht for 50%

and
Table 3: Data for 70% setting from software and 50% Setting from Similarity Laws
Similarity Laws
Calculated 50% = 750 rpm

70% = 1050 rpm

Sample
Number

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Flow
Rate
Q
[l/s]

Total
Head
Ht
[m]

Flow
Rate
Q
[l/s]

Total
Head
Ht
[m]

0.08
0.15
0.27
0.43
0.56
0.66
0.76
0.82
0.89
0.93
1.00
1.01
1.04
1.04
1.06
1.05
1.06
1.08
1.08
1.06

3.41
3.38
3.26
3.26
3.11
2.99
2.88
2.79
2.68
2.63
2.58
2.52
2.42
2.33
2.44
2.34
2.34
2.38
2.35
2.34

0.06
0.10
0.19
0.30
0.40
0.47
0.54
0.59
0.64
0.66
0.71
0.72
0.74
0.74
0.76
0.75
0.76
0.77
0.77
0.76

1.74
1.72
1.66
1.66
1.59
1.53
1.47
1.42
1.37
1.34
1.32
1.29
1.23
1.19
1.24
1.19
1.19
1.22
1.20
1.19

Affinity Laws
4.00
Total Head Ht [m]

3.50

70% = 1050
rpm

3.00
2.50
2.00

Calculated
50% = 750
rpm

1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
0.00

0.50

1.00

Flow Rate Q [l/s]

Figure 7

1.50

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Exercise D
Objective
To investigate the effect of changing inlet head on pump performance.
Method
By varying the pressure at the inlet to the pump using a manual valve to
control the available flow.
Theory
In both the design and operation of a rotodynamic machine, careful attention
has to be paid to the fluid conditions on the suction side. In particular, it is
important to check the minimum pressure that can arise at any point to ensure
that cavitation does not take place.

Cavitation
If the pressure at any point is less than the vapour pressure of the liquid at the
temperature at that point, vaporisation will occur. This is most likely to arise in
the suction side where the lowest pressures are experienced. The vaporised
liquid appears as bubbles within the liquid, and these subsequently collapse
with such force that mechanical damage may be sustained. This condition,
known as cavitation, is accompanied by a marked increase in noise and
vibration in addition to the loss of head.

. suction pipe
FM 51 :

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Exercise E

Objective
To obtain a Head - Flow curve for the piping system through which the fluid is
to be pumped. To determine the operating point of the pump.
Theory
System analysis for a pumping installation is used to select the most suitable
pumping units and to define their operating points. System analysis involves
calculating a head - flow curve for the pumping system (valves, pipes, fittings
etc.) and using this curve in conjunction with the performance curves of the
available pumps to select the most appropriate pump(s) for use within the
system.
The system curve is a graphic representation of the flow rate in the system with
respect to system head. It represents the relationship between flow rate and
hydraulic losses in a system. Such losses are due to the system design (e.g.
bends and fittings, surface roughness) and operating conditions (e.g.
temperature).
Assuming that
Flow velocity is proportional to volume now rate
Losses in the system are proportional to the square of the now velocity
it follows that system head loss must be proportional to the square of the
volume flow rate, and the system head - now graph will therefore be parabolic
in shape.

Calculations
Table 4
Sample
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Pump
Setting
S
[%]
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

System Curve
Pump
Speed
n
[rpm]
1500
1350
1200
1050
900
750
600
450
300
150
0

Flow
Rate
Q
[l/s]
1.49
1.36
1.22
1.08
0.92
0.77
0.61
0.46
0.30
0.13
0.00

Total
Head
Ht
[m]
4.28
3.78
3.03
2.33
1.71
1.16
0.74
0.38
0.15
-0.01
-0.05

Hydraulics Lab - ECIV 3122

Experiment (9): Centrifugal Pump

Table 5
Pump
Setting
S
[%]
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70

Sample
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

Pump Curve
Pump
Speed
n
[rpm]
1050
1050
1050
1050
1050
1050
1050
1050
1050
1050
1050
1050
1050
1050

Flow
Rate
Q
[l/s]
1.08
1.02
1.00
0.97
0.92
0.85
0.80
0.69
0.61
0.49
0.35
0.24
0.13
0.09

Total
Head
Ht
[m]
2.28
2.38
2.55
2.60
2.69
2.74
2.86
2.89
3.10
3.16
3.28
3.34
3.39
3.41

Operating Point
5.00

Total Head Ht [m]

4.00
3.00

Operating Point

2.00

Pump Curve
System Curve

1.00
0.00
-1.00

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

Flow Rate Q [l/s]

Figure 8
:pump curve system curve
flow( outlet valve fully opened