1.

Introduction
Pumps are the most efficient and economical way to transport fluids from one point to
another. There are four basic types of pumps which are positive displacement pumps,
dynamic (kinetic) pumps, lift pumps and electromagnetic pumps. The main function of the
pump is to increase the pressure of a fluid to a specific desired value. Various pumps differ in
terms of properties such as efficiency, pressure head delivered, effect of viscosity on the
pump capacity, flow rate, nature of the power supply and net positive suction head. Fluids
properties such as chemical composition, pH, operating temperature, particle size, density,
vapour pressure and viscosity affect the choice of pump utilised1. Therefore different pumps
serve different purpose. One has to know the properties of a pump and fluid before choosing
the pump, the choice of the pump used depends on what the user is looking to achieve.
Centrifugal pump is an example of a dynamic pump 2. Centrifugal pumps are the most
commonly used compared to other pumps. Centrifugal pumps are able to move a high
volume of fluid in a relatively high efficient way3. Relatively high efficient pumps are more
economical to operate, high efficient pumps means energy is being used optimally.

1
https://www1.eere.energy.gov/manufacturing/tech_assistance/pdfs/pumping_2.pd
f
2 http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/classification-pumps-d_55.html
3 http://water.me.vccs.edu/courses/CIV240/lesson6_print.htm
1 | Page

2. Literature Review and Theory

Pumps are devices which move fluids through pipes or vessels by mechanical means, pumps
are employed in almost every industry where fluid has to be move one point to another and as
compressors in some cases.
The Centrifugal Pump
The centrifugal pump is a roto-dynamic pump employed in the chemical and petroleum
industries mainly because it can pump fluids of wide ranging properties and fluids with a
high suspension of solids4.

Figure 2.1: End suction centrifugal pump with labelled parts

Source: http://www.pumpfundamentals.com/centrifugal_pump.htm
The centrifugal pump uses the principle of centrifugal force to increase the pressure from the
suction nozzle to the discharge nozzle.
As fluid enters the operating pump it is stirred by the rotating impeller causing the fluid to
rotate with the impeller, the circular motion generates enough energy to move the fluid away
from the eye of the impeller towards the tip of the impeller, the movement of fluid from the
eye to the tip creates a partial vacuum at the eye of the impeller resulting in more fluid being
sucked into pump.
Because the edge impeller travels faster compared to the eye of the impeller the fluid velocity
increases as it moves towards the edge leading to an increase in the fluids kinetic energy and
4 Coulson and Richardson pg314
2 | Page

momentum, The increase in velocity is directly related to the shape of the impeller vanes, the
impeller discharge angle (specific speed), the diameter of the impeller, and the speed at which
the impeller is rotating5, when the fluid reaches and leaves the outside edge of the impeller it
enters the volute chamber which is a specially designed chamber and part of the casing, the
volute chamber increases in area from the impeller to the discharge nozzle, this gradual
increase in area means the fluid loses some of its kinetic energy and a pressure difference
between the suction and discharge nozzle results from the inter-conversion of kinetic and
pressure energy.
Pump Performance
Pumping head characteristic curves are plots of what a pump can do under various loads
P= Pdischarge P suction
(duties) and it is measured by determining
on the
suction/discharge system6.
To measure the performance of a pump we apply a mechanical energy balance around the
pump to see what we need to measure.
The mechanical energy balance around our pump is:
2

Ws
P (v )
+
+ g Z+ F friction =

2
m

(2.1)

Where: P denotes the pressure drop.

: Density of the fluid.
g: gravitational acceleration.
v: velocity of the fluid.
Z: height of fluid.
Ffriction: rate at which work is done against friction per unit mass.
Ws: Rate of shaft work.
m: mass flow rate.
: kinetic energy correction factor
A balance on the suction and discharge:
2

P dPd v d v s
W
+
+ g ( Z dZ s ) = s F d ,s

2
m

(2.2)

5 http://www.grundfos.com/content/dam/CBS/global/whitepapers/Whitepaper%20%20Affinity%20Laws.pdf

6 Faith A Morrison, Michigan Tech U, Characterize a pump Lecture notes

3 | Page

The left parts of Eq.2 are variables which can be measured used to obtain

( Wm F )
s

d, s

which is an indication of the net capability of the pump.

Equation 2.2 can further be simplified to:
2

P dPd v d v s
1 Ws
+
+ ( Z d Z s ) =
Fd , s Hp
g
2 g
m

(2.3)

Eq. 2.3 can be used to relate volumetric flow rate and head through the average velocities
thus find the capability of a pump.

Figure 2.2 Typical pump performance curves

Source: http://www.wlimstore.com/pumps/aquawaveVSprimer.php
Affinity Laws
The Affinity Laws for centrifugal pumps describe the impact of changes in speed or
impeller diameter on pump flow, head, and Hp. They are useful tools in predicting pump
performance changes when speed or impeller diameter are changed, such as might be
experienced when variable speed drives are employed, Impellers are trimmed, and Pump
curves, which are plotted at 60 Hz speeds, are to be used across international borders at 50 Hz
speeds (and vice versa)2.

4 | Page

3. Experiment
3.1 Experimental Methods
A calibration of the rota-meter had to be performed prior to beginning the experiment; for this
purpose we used a 5000ml measuring cylinder and a stopwatch to measure the volume of
water flowing through the system per unit time.
Valves 1 and 3 were left fully open throughout the procedure with valve 4 fully closed while
the flow was controlled using valve 2 with the pump at an arbitrary speed and water was
collected from the outlet above the tank, the cylinder was filled with water up to a certain
volume and the time taken was acquired using the stopwatch, (Q=V/T.3.1.1) was used to
calculate the volumetric flow rate, the experiment was performed from rota-meter height zero
to twenty (20) and the results were tabulated and the averages (TABLE A1) were taken, used
in calculations to construct a calibration curve Figure 4.1
3.2 Experimental Procedure:
For the experiment valve 3 (Figure 3.1 below) was closed and valve 4 was fully opened to
allow the water to flow into the tank with minimal spillage, the pump was operated at a speed
of 797.9 revolutions per minute (rpm) and pressure readings from the manometer were taken
from zero flow to the maximum flow rate/rota-meter height with the flow rate controlled
using valve 2 once again. The procedure was repeated for pump speeds 1744 rpm, 3131 rpm
and 3483 rpm with the results being tabulated for all speeds (manometer heights), the speeds
were measured using a stroboscope. (TABLES A3-A6)
3.3 Calculation of the Pumping Head curve from experimental data:
The experimental pump head was calculated by using our lab findings and the mechanical
energy balance:
From equation 2.3 we see how Hp is a function of flow rate (through average velocity).

5 | Page

The values on the right of the equation are obtained from the lab experiment and the pump
head is calculated and plotted against flow rate (Figures 4.2 )
3.4 Affinity Laws
After obtaining our pumping head curve we chose a reference speed of 3131rpm to use to
compare the affinity laws for geometrically similar pumps with our experimental data the
equation we used was
H 1 N 1 2 D1
=

H2 N 2
D2

( )( )

(3.4.1)

The Theoretical graphs obtained from the affinity laws were compared with the experimental
graphs from the lab experiment.

Figure 3.1 Schematic setup of the experiment

6 | Page

4. Results

Calibration curve
1600.0
f(x) = 0.29x^2 + 56.89x + 304.19
R = 0.99

1400.0
1200.0
1000.0

Q (ml/s)

800.0
600.0
400.0
200.0
0.0
0

10

15

20

25

Rotameter height reached

Figure 4.1 Calibration curve that is used as a basis to calculate the volumetric flow rate of the
water

7 | Page

R = 0

Pump Curves from experimental data

N=797.9 rpm

16.0
14.0
12.0

N= 1744 rpm

Pump head (m)

N= 3131 rpm

10.0

Polynomial (N=797.9 rpm)

R = 0.99
R =Polynomial
0.97
(N= 1744 rpm)

8.0
6.0
4.0

R = 0.91
Polynomial (N= 3131 rpm)

2.0
N= 3483 rpm

0.0
0.0000 Polynomial
0.0010 (N= 0.0020
3483 rpm) 0.0030

Q (m^3/s)
Figure 4.2 Pump curves illustrating the relationship between the pump head and the
volumetric flow rate at various impeller speeds

8 | Page

Pump curves using affinity laws

N= 797.9 rpm

16
14

Polynomial (N= 797.9 rpm)

R = 0.97

12
N= 1744 rpm

Pump head (m)

10

R = 0.97
Polynomial (N= 1744 rpm)

8
6

N(ref)= 3131 rpm

Polynomial (N(ref)= 3131 rpm)

4
R = 0.97
2

N=3483 rpm

R = 0.97 (N=3483 rpm)

0 Polynomial
0.00000
0.00100
0.00200

Q (m^3/s)

Figure 4.3 Pump curves approximated using the affinity laws with N=3131 rpm as the
reference speed

9 | Page

5. Discussion of Results
5.1 Relationship with existing laws describing centrifugal pumps:
5.1.1 Range of flow over which affinity laws can predict the pump performance
0.000304 m^3/s < Q< 0.001299 m^3/s and the affinity laws can be used to predict the
expected head when the pump speed changes.
E.g. for N=3131 rpm (H=11.389m) and 3483 rpm (H unknown) both at the same volumetric
flow rate, we can use a head from one to determine the other through the affinity law:
N 12 H 1
=
N 22 H 2
3483

2
(3131)

Solving for

H2

determined value is

, the affinity law gives a value

H 2=14.479

H 2=14.093

m and the error percentage is e=

m.The experimental

14.47914.093
100
14.479

=2.67%

5.2 Unpredictable behaviours in the experiment

Pump speed
Stability of float (effect of turbulent flow at high speeds)
Constant manometer level
At a pump speed of 3131 rpm, an observation that is unusual for us was observed, which
might disturb the thinking and focus of the experimenter. At very high pump speed, the float
never finds a stable set height, but also at very low speeds, the float reaches its maximum too
quick for the results to be meaningful. This can be shown on Figure 4.2 as the graphs
approach a volumetric flow of 0.0018m^3/s. For high speeds, we had to assume the
manometer level as it wasnt constant on both sides and for low speed, such as at 3131 rpm,
the maximum height was reached too early which did not allow us to have more data with our
specified intervals of flow.
5.3 Calibration curve analysis of accuracy:
During calibration, accurate measures were taken at low float height because the flow rate is
low and it is easy to collect water in a bucket while using the stop-watch. As the height of the
10 | P a g e

float is increased (by opening the discharge valve more), the flow increases and water comes
splashing into the bucket and it gets difficult to have the bucket removed and watch stopped
at the same time, this is evident on the calibration curve. At high flow rate, the curve starts
deviating from linearity. But with an R= 0.9919, the developed equation that
calibrates the rota-meter is a best approximate.

5.4 Pump curve errors and their possible sources:

As it was discussed, there is some degree of inaccuracy that exists between the experiment
and the established affinity laws, the following are possible sources of errors.
Calibration errors- Discussed above
Pump speed measurements- The stroboscope used in the lab is an old one with old
technology. Adjustments to the flash were made through a knob instead of a button. It
is difficult to control the knob as it requires time and focus.an average speed was
taken as we observed the marking on the pump.
Manometer level reading (human errors)-On both sides of the manometer levels, there
is an accumulated dust which makes the reading on the manometer reading hard.
5.5 Affinity prediction
As the specific speed increases, the accuracy of Affinity Law decreases. When coupled with
the impact of increases in shock, recirculation, and turbulence, it is recommended that
Affinity Laws, in general, not be used for ascertaining a change in impeller trim unless the
manufacturer is contacted and approves the use2. This correlate with our results, at our
experiments highest speed which is 3484 rpm our linear regression for the experiment (R^2
= 0.9894) is closer to one compared to the one quantified from the theoretical graph by the
affinity laws (R^2=0.9663).

11 | P a g e

6. CONCLUSION
Pump speed is an important parameter for evaluating design, pump selection and predicting
problems associated with the centrifugal pump7. As shown in the pump curves in Figure 4.2
increasing the volumetric flow rate at constant speed decreases the pump head. The
maximum head which is called the static head is achieved at a volumetric flow rate of 0 ml/s.
It is evident from the pump curve that increasing pump speed (by increasing the speed of the
impeller using the electric motor) increases the volumetric flow rate as well as the pump
head. Our results correlate which the affinity law. Due to human error, mud in the manometer
and pump equipment and the rota meter being old they were errors within our results. The
shape of our pump curves are different from the ones found by previous researchers. As a
result our results are not exactly the same as the results quantified by the affinity laws. The
affinity law states that a change in speed will result in a direct change in the volumetric flow
rate and heads will change as the square of a change in speed5.
Increasing the volumetric flow rate of the fluid leads to an increased friction which decreases
the efficiency of our pump. A less efficient pump will give a less head as shown in the pump
curve.

7 Lobanoff & Ross. Centrifugal Pumps Design and application 2 nd ed page 25

12 | P a g e

7. RECOMMENDATIONS
The pump must not be operated for a long time at zero flow rates; the pump shuts down at
high pressure. The pressure is at maximum at zero flow.
Using a pump with the right size, using a large pump instead of small one will be costly and
uneconomical. Large pumps will have more friction losses and the pump will be less
efficient. Desired results will not be met if a small pump instead of a big one is used; size of
the pump matters.
Pump selection
Pump selection must be based on the nature of the fluid, quantity of the flow rate required
and the head required. For a shorter pump head, the pump must be operated at a low speed.
For a large pump head, pumps must be operated at a higher speed.
Although centrifugal pumps are more efficient compared to other pumps, more research
needs to be done with the aim of increasing the efficiency.

13 | P a g e

8. References
1. Industrial Technologies Program (2005). Energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Washington DC, U.S Department of energy
Retrieved
from https://www1.eere.energy.gov/manufacturing/tech_assistance/pdfs/pumping_2.pdf
2. Classification of Pumps. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/classification-pumps-d_55.html
3. Centrifugal Pumps. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://water.me.vccs.edu/courses/CIV240/lesson6_print.htm
4. Coulson and Richardson pg314
5. Wilson, S. (n.d). Pump affinity laws for centrifugal pumps. Grundfos white paper
Retrieved from http://www.grundfos.com/content/dam/CBS/global/whitepapers/Whitepaper
%20-%20Affinity%20Laws.pdf
6.

Morrison, F. (2013). Analysis of a Centrifugal Pump: Pumping Head Curves. Michigan

Technological University. Department of Chemical Engineering. Retrieved from
http://www.chem.mtu.edu/~fmorriso/cm3215/Lectures/CM3215_Lecture7bPump_2013.p
df
7. Lobanoff, V. & Ross, R. (1992). Centrifugal Pumps Design and Application (2nd ed. p25).
Butterworth-Heinemann: Elsevier

14 | P a g e

Rotame
ter
0
0
2
2
4
4
6
6
8
8
10
10
12
12
14
14
16
16
18
18
20
20

Volume(
ml)
4000
4100
4100
4100
4000
4000
4000
4000
3900
3900
4000
4000
4000
4000
3900
3800
3600
3300
4000
3900
3700
4200

Raw calibration data

Time
Vol. Flow
(s)
(ml/s)
11.97
334.169
12.55
326.693
9.22
444.685
10
410.000
7.5
533.333
7.82
511.509
6.56
609.756
6.49
616.333
5
780.000
5.3
735.849
4.4
909.091
4.4
909.091
3.8
1052.632
4
1000.000
3.46
1127.168
3.2
1187.500
2.5
1440.000
2.6
1269.231
2.8
1428.571
2.6
1500.000
2.6
1423.077
2.7
1555.556

Average Vol. Flow

(ml/s)
330.431
427.343
522.421
613.044
757.925
909.091
1026.316
1157.334
1354.615
1464.286
1489.316

APPENDIX A
Results tables

Table A1

15 | P a g e

Calibration data used to model the volumetric flow rate of water

Table A2 The additional information used in calculations

Additional information
rho(kg/m^3)
1000
g(m/s^2)
9.81
Inlet ID(m)
0.42
Outlet ID(m)
0.3
Inlet Area (m^2)
0.139
0.070
Outlet Area (m^2)
7

Table A3
Flow(m^
3/s)

The data included in table A2 is consistent with the

general assumptions which could be made during the
pumping procedure i.e. incompressible flow (constant
density at 1000 kg/m^3) and gravitational
acceleration at 9.81 m/s^2(also constant).

Pump characteristics at N= 797.9 rpm

Pressure
Head(m)

N = 797.9 rpm
Dynamic
Head(m)

Static
Head(m)

0.0000

2.174

0.000

0.0005

1.889

0.000279

0.0008

1.835

0.000587

0.0010

1.889

0.000964

Hp(
m)
2.17
4
1.88
9
1.83
5
1.89
0

Table A4 Pump characteristics at N= 1744 rpm

Flow(m^
3/s)
0.00000
16 | P a g e

Pressure
Head(m)
7.543

N= 1744 rpm
Dynamic
Head(m)
0.000000

Static
Head(m)
0

Hp(
m)
7.54
3

0.00042

7.312

0.000128

0.00054

6.238

0.000209

0.00066

6.170

0.000313

0.00078

6.089

0.000439

0.00090

5.993

0.000591

0.00103

5.857

0.000769

0.00198

4.825

0.002847

7.31
2
6.23
8
6.17
0
6.08
9
5.99
4
5.85
8
4.82
7

Table A5 Pump characteristics at N=3131 rpm

Flow(m^
3/s)

Pressure
Head(m)

N=3131 rpm
Dynamic
Head(m)

Static
Head(m)

0.0000

11.389

0.000000

0.0003

11.416

0.000067

0.0008

11.076

0.000439

0.0013

10.125

0.001206

0.0016

7.747

0.001923

Hp(
m)
11.3
89
11.4
16
11.0
77
10.1
26
7.74
8

Table A6 Pump characteristics at N= 3483 rpm

Flow(m^
3/s)

Pressure
Head(m)

N=3483 rpm
Dynamic
Head(m)

Static
Head(m)

0.0000

14.474

0.00000

0.0003

14.053

0.00007

0.0008

13.713

0.00044

0.0013

12.571

0.00121

0.0018

9.921

0.00245

17 | P a g e

Hp(
m)
14.4
74
14.0
53
13.7
13
12.5
72
9.92
3