CHAPTER 8

PROCUREMENT OF FLUID MACHINES

A project involving selection of fluid machines may be sometimes a very simple task like
selecting a pump for moving liquid from one tank to another in an existing plant or it may
involve a number of activities like in the design of a complex new chemical plant. In the
latter case, though selecting the fluid machines is an essential part it is just a small part of
a procurement process. Procurement is the process by which works, goods and services
are acquired from suppliers and managed. Procurement of fluid machines includes
preparing the system requirements, selection of the fluid machine and drive,
specification, preparing the bidding document and evaluation of the bids. This chapter
discusses these important issues.

8.1 PREPARING THE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The system, whether it is a pumping system, a ventilation system or a compressed gas
system it will have certain requirements. Some of the essential requirements for fluid
machines are flow rate, head, compression ratio (for compressors), brake power, NPSHA
(for pumps). These requirements depend on material and energy balance of the system,
properties of the flow medium, the flow network and the unit operations involved. The
source of these information and the methods of determining them are discussed below.

8.1.1 Pumping System Requirements

Essential Data
To determine the pumping system requirements the engineer has to first get the properties
of the liquid to be pumped, the pipe lay out and sizes and the equipment involved. The
essential fluid properties are temperature, density, viscosity and vapor pressure. If the
liquid to be pumped contains solid the concentration and abrasiveness of the solid must

203
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 204

be known. The pipe layout, the diameter of the piping system, roughness (available in
literature for standard pipes), and number and size of fittings should be determined. To
calculate the pressure drop across any equipment the engineer has to get relevant
information of any equipment through which the liquid passes.

Flow rate
In general the design flow rate for a particular system is determined from the material and
energy balance of the system. In small problems, like purchasing a single pump for a
specific task in an existing plant the flow rate is mostly easily determined. For instance if
a pump is required to move 800,000 lt of ethanol from one tank to another in 2 hours
then the capacity is 400,000 lt/hr (400m3/hr). However in larger tasks, like in the design
of a new plant where various materials are handled at different places the flow rate is
determined by detailed material and energy balance.

System Head
System head calculations are discussed in detail in fluid mechanics books. Pressure drops
in various unit operations are also discussed in relevant literatures. Here a summary of
this information is discussed. The system head is the specific energy requirement of the
system divided by the gravitational acceleration. The head requirement of the system is
calculated from the static and dynamic energy demands of the system. The static energy
demand includes the geodetic and static pressure heads (Figure 8.1) and the dynamic
energy requirement includes the velocity energy and the energy loss due to fluid friction
in pipes, equipments (P/ g Figure 8.1) and fittings.

H system H geo H pr H vel H fr (8.1)

The geodetic energy is determined from the elevation difference between the suction and
the delivery end of the system, Hgeo in Figure 8.1. The pressure energy head Hpr is
determined from the difference of the static pressure above the liquid surface at the
discharge and suction of the system(Figure 8.1). Equation 8.2 gives the formula for the
static pressure head Hpr
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 205

P2

Hgeo

P1

Figure 8.1 A pumping system heads

The velocity head Hvel is calculated from the suction and discharge velocities using
Equation 8.3. In systems like that shown in Figure 8.1 the velocity of the liquid in the
tank is commonly too small and neglected in the calculation.
P2 P1
H pr (8.2)
g

c2 c1
2 2
H vel (8.3)
2g
The friction head in simple pipe systems (not including the loss in equipment), for clear
Newtonian liquids can be calculated using the Darcy- Weisbach equation (8.4). For non-
Newtonian fluids and slurries advanced fluid mechanics literature should be consulted.

L c2
h fr f (8.4)
D 2g
Where
f= friction coefficient
L= Pipe length
D=Pipe Diameter (Equivalent diameter if the pipe is not circular)
c= average flow velocity of the liquid
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 206

The pressure drop across any unit operation or apparatus is part of the dynamic loss. It
usually depends on the flow rate and relevant unit operation literature should be used to
determine the pressure drop across such elements.

NPSHA
It is discussed in Chapter 4 that to avoid cavitation in pumping systems the net positive
suction head available (NPSHA) should be greater than the NPSHR of the pump. The
required margin varies from country to country and if there is national standard it should
be checked. In most cases, however one meter margin is sufficient. Determination of
NPSHA is discussed in detail in section 4.7.6. The formula for NPSHA is also given in
the same section and is presented (Equation 4.79). However it should be noted that to
calculate the NPSHA the location of the pump and the detail of the pumping system
should be defined.

NPSH A P A es h fs PT (4.79)
g g
System characteristics
The system or network characteristic is the relationship between the flow rate and head of
the pumping system under consideration. When the system characteristic is reported in
form of a curve it is called system characteristic curve. The system characteristic, among
other things, helps evaluate the effect of variation of working flow rate on the
performance the pump and in selecting the appropriate capacity regulation method.
Different systems will have different types of characteristic curve; Figure 8.2 presents a
typical system characteristic curve.

H(m)
Dynamic head

Static head

Q (m3/hr)
Figure 8.2 Typical system characteristic curve
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 207

The system characteristics are determined by calculating the system head at various flow
rates and plotting the curve as indicated in Figure 8.2.

Special Requirements
Some special requirements that may result in selection of a particular type of pump in
addition to the above general requirements are noted below.
Viscous liquid handling: - The viscosity of liquid is an essential parameter in
selection of pump. It is also used in calculating the system head requirement. In
addition some pumps are not good in pumping viscous and some are good details
will be discussed in selection).
Solid content: - If the liquid contains solid, special design is usually required,
and some pumps cannot be even used. Hence the solid content, and whether the
solid is abrasive or not should be known.
Flow variation with head: - In some system variation of flow rate with head can
be tolerated or even may be required. In other it may not matter. This fact should
be established for the particular system.
Pulsation: - Pulsation is variation in flow rate. Some systems can tolerate
pulsation and others do not. This affects the choice of pump and should be
identified.
Margins: - Pumps are frequently specified with margins over and above the
normal rating. However in most cases, especially in centrifugal machines,
unnecessary over sizing causes inefficient operation. The best efficiency point of
centrifugal machines is a single operating point. Hence the fluid machine should
be selected so that it runs most of the time around the best efficiency point.
Oversized fluid machines operate most often at capacities less than those
recommended by the manufacturer. This practice leads to inefficient operation
and mechanical and hydraulic problems.
Future system changes: - If the system changes can be predicated with any
degree of certainty, then the system can be designed to enable the changes to be
effected with minimum disturbance to operation. In such cases the design of the
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 208

piping system and selection of the pumps should take this into consideration and
clearly indicated.

8.1.2 System Requirement for Fans

The basic system requirements that must be determined for fans and related accessories
selection are flow rate, totally system pressure (head), loudness limit and fan location.

Flow Rate
Fans are used for various industrial applications in addition to the most popular
application- ventilation. In industrial applications, like drying, or during designing a new
plant handling low pressure gas at different location, the capacity of the fan (volume flow
rate) is determined from the material and energy balance. In case of ventilation it is
determined by the minute per change of the air required for proper ventilation and the
total volume of the room to be ventilated.
Table 8.1 Minutes per Change of Air for Proper Ventilation
Area Min./Chg. Area Min./Chg. Area Min./Chg.
Assembly hall 3-10 Dance Hall 3-7 Machine shop 3-6
Attic 2-4 Dining 4-8 Mill 3-8
Room
Auditorium 3-10 Dry cleaner 2-5 Office 2-8
Bakery 2-3 Engine room 1-3 Packing House 2-5
Bar 2-4 Factory 2-7 Projection 1-2
room
Barn 12-18 Foundry 1-5 Recreation 2-8
room
Boiler room 1-3 Garage 2-10 Residence 2-6
Bowling Ally 3-7 Generator 2-5 Restaurant 5-10
room
Cafeteria 3-5 Gymnasium 3-8 Rest room 5-7
Church 4-10 Kitchen 1-5 Store 3-7
Classroom 4-6 Laboratory 2-5 Transfer room 1-5
Club room 3-7 Laundry 2-4 Ware house 3-10
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 209

The choice of minute per change depends on the particular application and various
countries have different standards. Books on ventilation and air conditioning can give
suggested values. Table 8.1 presents a general recommendation minutes per change of
air for various applications. Once the proper minute per change is selected the volume
flow rate can be calculated by the following formula.

Q=V/ t (8.5)
Q= Volume flow rate in m3/min
V= Room Volume[m3]
t= Minutes per change

System Total Pressure

In systems using fans, the system total pressure is more often used than system head. The
system total pressure is the specific energy requirement of the system times the density of
air at the flow temperature. Some times the pressure is given in terms of the height of
water column. In this case multiplying the height by the density of water and
gravitational acceleration gives the total system pressure. In ducted systems the useful
head is determined by calculating the total specific energy requirement of the pump at the
design flow rate just like the case of pumping systems discussed in the previous section.
In systems with very short or no duct at all 0.625- 1.5 of water column can be used.

Loudness Limit
In many cases, the sound generated by fans must be considered. The most common unit
used in fan industry is the sone. The loudness of one sone is equivalent to the sound of a
quite refrigerator from five feet away in an acoustically average room. Sones are a linear
measurement of sound pressure levels. For example, a sound level of 10 sones is twice as
loud as 5 sones. The recommended loudness limit for various applications varies and
suggested limits are tabulated below.
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 210

Table 8.2 Suggested noise level

Area Sones DBA

Private homes 1.3-4 32-48
Conference rooms 1.7-5 36-51
Hotel rooms, libraries, movie theatre, executive offices 2-6 38-54
Schools and class rooms, hospital wards and operating rooms 2.5-8 41-58
Court rooms, museums, apartments, private homes-urban 3-9 44-60
Restaurants, lobbies, general open offices, banks 4-12 48-64
Corridors, and hall, cocktail lounges, wash rooms and toilets 5-15 51-67
Hotel kitchens and laundries, supermarket 7-21 56-72
Light machinery, assembly lines 12-36 64-80
Machine shops 15-50 67-84
Heavy machinery 25-60 74-87

Location of Fan
The location of the fan does not have effect in the basic parts of the fan but the design of
the fan housing depends on the location. The basic purpose in the design is to make
installation as easy as possible. Fans may be located on roof, walls or ducts. The choice
of the location of a fan depends on the system where the fan is used. For ventilation the
best location depends on the pattern of airflow and the physical characteristics of the
building.

8.1.3 Requirement for Compressor System

Essential Data
The following data are required to prepare the system requirements in compressed gas
system.
Properties of the flow gas: composition, Molecular weight , ratio of specific heats
k=Cp/Cv, Suction temperature and pressure, viscosity
Piping lay out
Flow Rate
Just as in the case of pumps and fans the flow rate in compressed gas system is
determined from material and energy balance. To determine the feed rate of a reactor in a
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 211

gaseous reaction system, for example, a proper material and energy balance should be
carried out. The calculation in such cases may also involve reaction kinetics.

Adiabatic Head
The purpose of the compressor and the source of gas determine the suction and discharge
conditions of the system. Among these, the suction pressure and temperature, the
discharge pressure are important. Once these conditions are identified and the property of
the gas is known, the compression ratio and the adiabatic discharge head can be
calculated using a modified form Equation3.15.
K 1

RTs k P D K
Had 1 (8.6)

Mg k 1 P S

Discharge Pressure
The discharge pressure is an essential factor in addition to the adiabatic head and
compression ration and it should be clearly indicated.

Noise Level
Compressors also produce noise and most vendors supply catalogues containing the level
of noise of their compressors. The allowed noise level can be selected from Table 8.2 or
similar sources. In condition where standards are available it is determined based on the
standard.
Special requirements
Pulsation: - Is pulsation a problem for the system or not?
Constant flow rate :- Does the system require no variation in flow rate, due to
changes in Molecular Weight. (Note: When the gas is a mixture, variation of
composition causes change of Molecular Weight)
Gas contamination: - Is gas contamination by lubricant tolerated or not?
Leakage: - Even small leakage may not be sometimes tolerated. This is the case
when the gas handled by the compressor is extremely hazardous. Is there a need
for no or extremely small leakage?
The answers for these questions are essential for selecting the appropriate compressors.
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 212

8.2 SELECTION OF THE FLUID MACHINE AND THE DRIVE

Selection of the appropriate type of fluid machine for a particular service is determined
by the system requirements and the type of commercially available machines that satisfy
the requirements. In addition to the system requirement the engineer has to know the
relative importance of such factors as operating cost, maintenance cost, safety, interval
between maintenances, etc. for the particular service he is studying. Some of these points
are discussed for pumps, fans and compressors separately below.

8.2.1 Pump Selection

Once the general and special requirements of the system are identified and properly
documented the appropriate type of pump can be selected. There two major steps in the
process of selection:
1. Selecting the type (class) of the pump:- This is the step at which the
engineer determines whether centrifugal, axial, piston, gear, screw ,etc.,
pump is appropriate for the system.

2. Specific Model from the Catalogue of Potential Suppliers: - Once the type
of pump is selected, a bid should be called for suppliers of that particular
type of pump and related equipment. The bidders should be supplied with
the type of pump and specification (to be discussed in the next section).
This process is carried out in cooperation with the potential suppliers and
is discussed in Sections 8.3 and 8.4.
In the following section we discuss how the type of pump (Centrifugal, axial, piston,
diaphragm, screw, etc,) is selected from the wide range of pumps available in the market.

Special Requirement Pumps

In many cases the special requirements will lead us to the type of pump to be used.
However, there are also instances the special requirements will lead us to shortlist the
possibilities and the capacity and head range determines the final choice. The most
important special requirements and appropriate pump type are listed below.
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 213

One of the most important special requirements is viscosity: - Centrifugal pumps

perform very badly in pumping very viscous liquids. Therefore they are not used
in such cases. On the other hand rotary pumps are very good and their efficiency
increase as the viscosity increases. The appropriate pump types of pumps for
various viscosity ranges are listed in Table 8.3.
Table 8.3 Maximum viscosity handled
Maximum Viscosity
Type of Pump cSt SSU
Rotary 1,500,000 6,800,000
Centrifugal 1000 4,550
Reciprocating 660 3000

If the required capacity is expected to be constant over a wide range of system

head variation constant speed reciprocating pumps are recommended. If pulsation
cannot be tolerated, rotary pumps may be used depending on the viscosity and
capacity. Centrifugal pumps are often used in variable head, variable capacity
applications.

Reciprocating pumps cannot be used for liquids with high solid content. However,
if the solid is not abrasive reciprocating pumps with ball valves can be used.
Centrifugal pumps can be used for both clean, clear fluids and fluids with high
solid content. To simplify cleaning, commonly, semi-open impellers are used for
liquids with high solid content. If the solid is abrasive centrifugal pumps with
internal lining are used. The impeller width is normally made larger for liquids
with high solid content.
The maintenance cost of centrifugal machines is relatively low and the interval
between maintenances is also low. The maintenance cost of reciprocating pumps
is higher than centrifugal pumps and the interval between maintenances is shorter.
In general centrifugal pumps require less floor space than reciprocating pumps
Rotary and reciprocating pumps are self priming, while centrifugal pumps are,
generally, not self priming.
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 214

When the NPSHA is limited submersible pumps may be required.

In some countries practices, the construction, ratings and testing of most pumps
normally used in industry are governed by codes and standards.

Capacity and Head Range

Not all types of pumps are manufactured for all ranges. Centrifugal pumps are efficient
for medium to high flow rate and low to medium heads. For low flow rate and high head
application positive displacement pumps are preferable. The appropriate ranges can be
found in form of a table or a graph in various literatures. Figure 8.3 presents such a graph
that can be used to select the appropriate type of pump for a specific range.

Figure 8.3 Pump coverage chart based on normal ranges of operation of commercially
available types. Solid lines use left ordinate, head scale. Broken lines: use right ordinate,
pressure scale. To convert gallons per minute to cubic meters per hour, multiply by 0.2271; to
convert feet to meters, multiply by 0.3048; to convert pounds-force per square inch to
kilopascals, multiply by 6.895. (Perry, 1984)

Remarks
If the special requirement and the range bring to conflicting decision multiple pumps in
parallel or in series can be used..
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 215

Pump Drive Selection

Depending on the available energy source and requirements concerning capacity
regulation pumps can be driven by: electric motors, steam turbines, steam engines, gas
turbines, internal combustion engines. In large, complex installations where the
equipment is to be operated continuously, the decision as to the type of drive and
variability of pump speed should be based on a comparison of the total operating and
capital costs for the pump system over the intended period of operation.

Electric motors are used in constant speed service unless a hydraulic coupling or other
speed varying device is introduced into the system. Internal combustion engines are used
in places where electric power is not available, or as a backup in case of power losses, or
where portability is necessary. They can operate as either constant speed or variable
speed. Steam turbines, diesel engines are used where variable speed operation is required.

8.2.2 Fan Selection

Selection Guideline
Once the system requirements are prepared the selection of the class of fans can be
carried out. Unlike pumps and compressors we have only two major choices in case of
fans: centrifugal and axial. Generally, axial flow fans are used in systems where high
flow rate and low head is required. Centrifugal fans are used in processes where high
head and medium and low flow rates are required. The following section gives highlight
to the selection procedure of fans.

Axial Flow Fans

Axial flow fans are used in systems where high flow rate and low head (>= 5000 cfm
(8000m3/hr) and or less, 0.5= 13mm water or 10m head) are required. There are three
types of axial flow fans: Vane axial, tube axial and propeller. The vane axial fan is the
most efficient of these fans but also the most expensive and heaviest. Vane axial fans are
mostly fitted with down stream guide vanes and occasionally with upstream guide vanes.
Tube axial fans have a barrel type casing that covers both the fan and the drive, but they
do not have guide vanes. Tube axial fans are more efficient and more expensive than
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 216

propeller fans. Propeller fans have neither guide vanes nor a casing. They sometimes
have very short orifice type casing that covers only the propeller. The flow in propeller
fans is not exactly axial and in some literature it is not treated like axial flow fan.
Propeller fans are the least efficient but are the cheapest and lightest.

Vane axial fans, because of their high efficiency, are best for heavy duties where the
operating cost is much more significant than the initial capital cost. For light duties the
propeller are mostly appropriate since they are cheaper, lighter and simpler. In light
duties efficiency is not the decisive factor.

Centrifugal Fans
Centrifugal fans are used for high pressure and medium and low flow rate duties. There
are six types of radial flow fans. The six types of fans in order of decreasing efficiency
are airfoil, backward curved, backward inclined, radial tip, and radial blade and forward
curved. When compact size is required fans with forward curved blades are used but their
efficiency is the lowest.

Type of Drive
Fans are driven by motors either directly or with belts. When they are belt driven
adjustable pulleys allow fan speed and volume flow rate to be adjusted by about 25%.
The selection of the type of drive depends on the size of the fan.

i. Direct drive :- For low volumes ( 2000cfm or less) and low static pressure
(0.5 WC or less)
ii. Belt drive :- are better suited for volume flow rates above 2000cfm and
pressure greater than 0.5 WC)
-

8.2.3 Compressor Selection

Chemical and process industries use compressors of various types and sizes. Once the
system requirement is well established the engineer can make appropriate selection from
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 217

the commercially available compressors. Some of the most important factors determining
the selection are
Flow rate and pressure range
Whether contamination of the gas by lubricant be tolerated or not
Whether leakage is tolerated or not
Whether pulsation is tolerated or not
Loudness limit
Special Feature of Centrifugal Compressors
o Lack of rubbing parts in the compression stream enables long runs
between maintenance intervals, provided that auxiliary systems such as
lube-oil and seal oil are designed properly
o Large throughputs can be obtained with relatively small plot size. This can
be advantage where space is valuable.
o Smooth, pulsation-free flow characteristic.
Disadvantage
o Centrifugal compressors are sensitive to the molecular weight of the gas
being compressed. Unforeseen changes in molecular weight can cause
discharge pressure to be very low or very high.
o Very high tip speeds are required to develop the pressures. With the trend
to reduce size and increase flow , much greater care must be taken in the
balancing of the rotors and materials used for highly stressed components.
o Relatively small increase in process system pressure drops can cause large
reduction in compressor throughputs.
o A complicated lub-oil system and sealing system is required.
o Because of the high speeds used in centrifugal compressors, greater care
must be taken with rotor balance.
o The centrifugal offers a relatively wide variation in flow with relatively
small change in head.
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 218

Flow rate and Pressure Range

Figure 8.4 presents the flow rate coverage of the various commercially available
compressors. Axial flow compressors are best for very high flow rates and low
pressure ratio. For medium flow rates and high pressure ratio centrifugal
compressors are best. Reciprocating and rotary compressors are preferred for low
flow rates and high pressure ratios.

Figure 8.4 Compressor coverage chart based on normal ranges of operation of commercially
available types. Solid lines use left ordinate , head. Broken lines: use right ordinate, pressure.
To convert feet per minute to cubic meters per hour multiply by 1.699; to convert feet to
meters, multiply by 0.3048; to convert pounds-force per square inch to kilopascals, multiply
by 6.895 (0F-32)5/9 =0C. (Perry, 1984)

Compressor Drive Selection

For smaller compressors units electric motors (direct or belt) are commonly used. For
medium to large compressor there is a wide choice:
o Electric motors (Synchronous, or induction)
o Steam turbines
o Internal combustion engines
o Gas turbines
The selection of a drive depends on some extent on the compressor service, but more
important are the overall energy balance, energy utilization and availability, and heat
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 219

rejection methods. Within the limits imposed by these criteria, the selection should stress
a drive system that is simple, dependable and straight forward. The drive is needed
because of the compressor and not the other way round. When capacity regulation by
speed is intended internal combustion engines and steam turbines are the best choice.
They can be fairly be operated over a fairly large range of speeds. This is not the case for
gas turbines and electric motors.

8.3 SPECIFICATION OF THE FLUID MACHINE

Once the type of pump, fan or compressor is selected the engineer has to prepare a bid for
potential suppliers. The suppliers, based on the specification will suggest the appropriate
type from their catalogue. In this section specification of fluid machines is discussed.

The specification of fluid machines can be expressed in two ways: Abbreviated

specification (direct quotation) and formal specification. Abbreviated specification is
used for relatively simple, or inexpensive fluid machines, or for replacement machines
where duplication is desired. In such cases while a formal specification may not be
appropriate, the purchaser should have the requirements well established. Frequently the
supplier can assist in developing and clarifying these requirements, although the engineer
should recognize that, naturally, suppliers tend to favor their own equipment.

Formal specification is used for expensive, heavy-duty pumps. There are two types of
formal specification: Performance specification and construction specification.
Performance specification establishes the performance which the fluid machine must
achieve and it does not dictate the design and construction methods. Only limited details
of construction are established frequently. Construction specification establishes in some
detail the type of design and construction used in manufacturing the pump. If a
construction specification is used, since the purchaser has established certain design
features of the pump, the manufacturer cannot be responsible for the performance. Unless
there are unusual circumstances, it is far more appropriate to specify the pump on the
basis of performance required rather than construction. The specification can be clearly
prepared in form of data sheets. Table 8.4 presents an example of a pump data sheet.
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 220

Similar data sheet can be prepared for fans and compressors. Part of the datasheet is filled
by the purchaser and the rest is filled by the supplier.

Table 8.4 Pump data sheet

Service___________________Req.No.
Plant____________________
Location_______________________
Liquid pumped: HYDROCARBON MIXTURE
Viscosity ( cp )/ Vapor pressure[ Kpa] 0.2 84
0
Temperature [ C] Max./ Min./Specific gravity 40 25 1
3
Flow rate [m /hr]: Normal/Min/ Max 140 118 165
Suction Pressure[bar]: 1.01
Discharge Pressure[bar] 1.01
NPSH available[m] 5
Type of Pump/ Model No.: Centrifugal pump/
RPM 1450
Efficiency/ BHP at rating/ 0.85
Impeller diameter [mm]
Impeller eye diameter[mm]:

It is extremely difficult for a specification to cover all possible fluid machines offered by
various manufacturers. It is therefore good practice to allow manufacturers to offer
alternatives. This gives them an opportunity to present their best offer and also gives the
buyer the advantage of obtaining potentially attractive alternate offerings. However, the
choice of whether or not to accept the alternates is fully up to the purchaser.

8.4 THE BIDDING DOCUMENT

The bidding documents for fluid machines consist of two major parts: Technical
specification and commercial terms. Technical specification establishes the performance
requirements and major technical features. The commercial terms include the contract
language and cover such items as the location of the work, requirements for
guarantees/warranties, shipping method, time of delivery, method of payment, normal
inspection requirement.
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 221

Technical specification: - The technical specification should consist of a series of

carefully defined distinct sections. A typical specification may contain.
1. Scope of work. Fluid machine (E.g. Pump), base plate, driver,
interconnecting piping, lubricating oil pump and piping, spare parts,
instrumentation, erection supervision
2. Rating and service condition:- Fluid pumped, chemical composition,
temperature ,viscosity, vapor pressure, flow, head, off-standard operating
requirements
3. Design and construction :- Codes, standards, materials , type of casing,
base plates, etc.
4. Lubricating oil system (if applicable). System type, components, piping,
modes of operation, instrumentation
5. Drive. Motor voltage standards, power supply and regulation, wiring
standards, terminal boxes: For internal combustion drivers, fuel type
preferred ( or required), etc.
6. Performance tests :- Satisfactory for the service, smooth running ( no
pulsation or surging), free of cavitation and vibration,
7. Drawing and Data. Drawings and data to be furnished, outline,
instruction manual, completed data sheet, recommended spare parts
8. Tools. One set of special tools
9. Evaluation Basis. Power, efficiency, proven design
In addition, it is important that any unusual requirements be listed in the technical
specification so that the manufacturers are aware of them.

It is helpful to the pump supplier to provide system head curves( system characteristic
curve), sketches of the piping system, listings of piping and accessories required

Data sheets of the particular fluid machine, Table 8.4, are extremely useful in providing a
summary of information to the bidder and also in allowing the ready comparison of bids
by various manufacturers. Some items in the data sheet are filled in by the purchaser and
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 222

the rest by the bidder to provide complete summary of the characteristics of the pump,
accessories, weight, etc. The data sheet should be included with the technical
specification.

Commercial Terms
The commercial terms include items like
General: name of buyer, time allowed to bid, governing laws and
regulations.
Location of plant site:- Geographic area, maximum and minimum
temperature, humidity, altitude, etc.,
Definitions establishing buyer, agent, engineer, seller
Schedule, Including requirements for all drawings and design dada
submittals, equipment delivery
Acceptable terms of payment
Transportation to installation

8.5 EVALUATION OF BIDS

Once the potential suppliers participate in the bid, select a machine from their catalogue
and make their best offer the next step is evaluating the bid. Even though private and
public enterprises may have different policies in evaluation of bids, a healthy procedure
should consider the first cost, pump performance, guarantees, delivery, maintenance,
installation service, etc. Cost and performance being some of the major issues the other
factors also some time play decisive role. Karassik, etal, ( Karassik, 1986) discusses the
significance and meaning of each of these factors in good detail for pumps. The issues are
the same for the other fluid machines also hence the reader is recommended to refer to
them.
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 223

REVIEW EXERCISE
1. List out the fundamental system requirements and discuss how you determine
them for:
i) Transporting liquids
ii) For ventilation
iii) For compressing process gas
iv) For transporting gas at lower pressure

2. Explain the two major steps of selecting fluid machines, after determining the
system requirements.

3. What type of specification do we use if we want to select a pump for

transporting liquid from one tank to another for an existing plant?

4. When do we use formal specification?

5. What are the two major parts of a bidding document? Explain each of them.

6. List out some of the important factors in evaluation of bids.

7. Select the appropriate type of pump for transporting clear liquid through a
system with flow rate of 650 m3/hr and head of 120m, the viscosity of the liquid
is 720cSt. Smooth flow is a requirement and pulsation is not tolerated in the
system

8. Determine the appropriate type and stage of compressors for compressing

0.02kg/s of chlorine gas from 1bar to 120 bars. The suction temperature of the
gas is 220C. Note that leakage of the gas is not tolerated.
Chapter 8 Procurement of Fluid Machines 224

9. In selecting a fan for ventilating a laboratory it is desired to determine the

system requirements. The dimensions of the laboratory are given in Figure E8.1.
The air in the laboratory should be changed every 3 minutes. The pressure
requirement of the system is determined to be 620mm of water column.
Determine the flow rate and the total pressure of the system in kPa.

22m

18m
Fan

6m

Figure E8.1 Laboratory to be ventilated

REFERENCES
[8.1] Matley,J., Fluid Movers: Pumps, Compressors, Fans and Blowers,
1979,McGraw-Hill
[8.2] Karassik, I.J., Krutzsch,W.C., (etal ), Pump Handbook, 2nd Edition, 1986,
McGraw-Hill.
[8.3] Perry, H.R., Green,D., Perrys Chemical Engineers Handbook , 6th
editions,1984, McGraw-Hill.
[8.4] Bleier,F.P., Fan Handbook, McGraw-Hill,1998
[8.5] Rao,N.S.G., Fluid Flow Machines, Tata McGraw-Hill, 9183.