armfield

SERIES/PARALLEL PUMP TEST SET

R5
issue 9

The Armfield Series/Parallel Pump Test Set is designed for the study of the centrifugal pump and of the the performance and benefits of series and parallel operation. MEASUREMENT CAPABILITIES pump performance curves relating: flow rate, pressure, speed, power, hence efficiency for pumps operating singly or in series or parallel configuration in addition, the dynamic similarity of the pumps may be checked against any chosen parameter

INTRODUCTION Where pumping requirements are variable it is often more economical to fit two pumps in series or parallel operation rather than a single larger one which may be under-utilised for much of the time. In the former arrangement one pump may be switched off when demand is low, thereby operating the other at a higher efficiency and enabling maintenance to be done on the idle unit. Two identical pumps operated in parallel approximately double the discharge while preserving the same head. Likewise, when two identical pumps are connected in series, the discharge rate is the same as that from one pump but the head is approximately doubled. This can be a useful route to the production of high heads. DESCRIPTION Two centrifugal pumps of identical design but opposite hand are driven by a central dynamometer motor. The pumps may be run together or driven singly by simply disconnecting the appropriate link. The pumps and drive assembly are mounted above a sump tank from which water is drawn by each pump through vertical suction pipes provided with ball type nonreturn valves, one of which has a filling plug for priming the system initially. Flow is returned via an open channel incorporating a V notch weir for flow measurement. The height of the water level above the apex of the notch is measured by a Vernier hook gauge in a stilling vessel connected by tubing to a tapping to the open channel. Alternatively, flow can be measured with an orifice plate and differential water/ mercury manometer calibrated in litres/ min. The interconnecting pipework in P.V.C is fitted with ball valves which allow the pumps to be connected in parallel, series, or operated individually. The common delivery pipe has a precise flow regulating valve.

Pressures in the suction and delivery sides of the pumps are indicated on Bourdon type gauges mounted on the backboard. Pump speed is measured by an electronic tachometer with readout on the backboard and motor torque by direct weighing on the dynamometer torque arm. The whole assembly is mounted on a steel frame and, after filling the sump tank with water, requires connection to an electrical supply only.

M:H20 M:H20 RPM C B D Pump 1 A

M:H20 M:H20 L/S

Pump 2 A1

to V notch

Series Operation

M:H20 M:H20 RPM C B D Pump 1 A

M:H20 M:H20 L/S

Pump 2 A1

to V notch

Parallel Operation

R5 Schematic diagrams

P1 + P2 H P2 P1

Q Parallel Operation

P1 + P2 H P2 P1

Q Series Operation

Efficiency % Line of maximum efficiency 45 50 55 60

2900rpm 2000rpm

1000rpm 700rpm Q Performance curves of a single pump at different speeds

ORDERING SPECIFICATION Self-contained unit to demonstrate series and parallel pump operation. Apparatus includes two identical, but opposite hand, centrifugal pumps with 120mm dia. Impellers; central dynamometer with 2.2kW D.C motor, variable speed 0-2900r.p.m with connecting link for single or twin pump operation. Pressures measured on Bourdon gauges. Direct reading electronic tachometer - torque measurement by direct weighing. 500 litre sump tank. Flow measurement devices comprise orifice plate with manometer and V notch weir with hook and point gauge. Operating manual includes theory and typical data on student laboratory sheets.

SERVICES REQUIRED Electrical Supply: R5-A: 220-240V/1ph/50Hz R5-B: 120V/1ph/60Hz R5-G: 220V/1ph/60Hz Water Supply: Initial supply of clean water. OVERALL DIMENSIONS Length: Width: Height: 1.90m 0.80m 1.97m

SHIPPING SPECIFICATIONS Volume: 4.7m3 Gross Weight: 450Kg

Armfield Limited Bridge House West Street Ringwood Hampshire England BH24 1DY Tel: +44 (0)1425 478781 Fax: +44 (0)1425 470916 E mail: sales@armfield.co.uk URL: http://www.armfield.co.uk USA Office: Armfield Inc. 436 West Commodore Blvd (#2) Jackson NJ 08527 Tel: (732) 928-3332 Fax: (732) 928-3542 E mail: armfield@optonline.net

Specifications may change without notice iss9/5k/0403/San.