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SEGi University
Series & Parallel Pumps
by
Sasiskala Regal A/P Selvaraja
(SCM 015 722)

Lab Partners:
1) Melvin Tan
2) Balvinder Singh
3) Manimegalai
4) Wong Kai Jun
5) Mukundhan


ECE2332 Chemical Engineering Practices
Submitted: 24th January 2013

Supervisor:
Ms Chan Yi Shee




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1 Abstract
Centrifugal pumps assembled in series or in parallel are used in a wide range of applications
in the processing industry. Therefore, it is vital for students to know the performance
characteristics of centrifugal pumps in series and parallel operation. This can be determined
via several relationships such as Total Head versus Flowrate, Power Input versus Flowrate or
Efficiency versus Flowrate. In this experiment, the technique used to determine the
characteristics of the pump is by comparing the pressure difference with the flowrate. Hence,
the main objective of this experiment is to develop pump characteristics curves for a single
pump, two pumps in series, and two pumps in parallel by measuring pressure difference(P)
and flowrate (Q) using the experimental apparatus. The assembly is constructed in a way that
the valves can be adjusted accordingly to activate an individual single pump, series pump and
parallel pump. Pumps in series produce twice the head for a given flow rate whereas pumps in
parallel are expected to have twice the flow rate of single pump for a given head.
















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2 Introductions

Pumps are machines that used to transfer liquid from a location of low elevation to a higher
elevation. There are various types of pumps and they are classified in two major categories:
(1) dynamic or kinetic and (2) positive displacement. Dynamic or kinetic are types of pumps
in which energy is continuously added to the fluid to increase its velocity. Centrifugal pumps
falls under this category. The principle used for centrifugal pump is the centrifugal force in
the form of dynamic pressure which is generated by rotary motion of one or more rotating
wheels called the impellers.
Since the 1940's, the centrifugal pump has become the pump of choice for many applications.
Many different industries employ centrifugal pumps for varied uses according to the industry.
For example: cryogenics use centrifugal pumps in extreme cold applications; dairy farmers
use centrifugal pumps to keep their product at the proper temperatures, hot and cold; electric
utility companies use centrifugal pumps, or turbines, to produce energy; food service,
construction, distillery, and automotive companies are a few more examples of industries that
employee centrifugal pumps for their many applications.

A single pump often cannot deliver the flow rate or head necessary for a particular system.
However, two pumps or more can be combined in series to increase the height to which the
fluid can be pumped at a given flowrate, or combined in parallel to increase the flow rate
associated with a given value of head. Applying parallel pumps in a system can be a cost-
effective solution when capacity requirements call for an unrealistically large pump and
motor. Using parallel pumps can also reduce current surge during motor start up by staging
two or more smaller pumps. This is a problem which may otherwise require expensive
equipment such as electronic soft starters or part winding type motors. One of the most
notable benefits of parallel pumps is the redundancy built into the system. If one pump were
to fail in a two pump system, the second pump would not only continue to operate, but would
also increase its output.

In theory, if two pumps are combined in series, the pumping system will produce twice the
head for a given flow rate. Similarly, if two pumps are combined in parallel, the pumping
system is expected to have twice the flow rate of single pump for a given head.





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Pressure is an Indication of Resistance to Flow
The kinetic energy of a liquid coming out of an impeller is harnessed by creating
a resistance to the flow. The first resistance is created by the pump volute (casing) which
catches the liquid and slows it down. When the liquid slows down in the pump casing some of
the kinetic energy is converted to pressure energy. It is the resistance to the pump's flow that
is read on a pressure gauge attached to the discharge line.
Head
In newtonian fluids (non-viscous liquids like water or gasoline) we use the term head to
measure the kinetic energy which a pump creates. Head is a measurement of the height of a
liquid column which the pump could create resulting from the kinetic energy the pump gives
to the liquid (imagine a pipe shooting a jet of water straight up into the air, the height the
water goes up would be the head). The main reason for using head instead of pressure to
measure a centrifugal pump's energy is that the pressure from a pump will change if the
specific gravity (weight) of the liquid changes, but the head will not change. So we can
always describe a pump's performance on any newtonian fluid, whether it's heavy (sulfuric
acid) or light (gasoline) by using the term head. If the discharge of a centrifugal pump is
pointed straight up into the air the fluid will pumped to a certain height - or head - called the
shut off head.
Relationship of Head to Pressure
Since the unit of head is a shortened version of the unit of flow energy (ft versus ft-
lbf/lbm), and since flow energy is equal to the fluids pressure multiplied by its specific
volume (FE = P), the pressure equivalent to a particular head can be determined by dividing
the head by the fluid specific volume. Since specific volume is the reciprocal of density,
dividing the head by the specific volume is equivalent to multiplying the head by the density
of the fluid:
Pressure = head/specific volume = head(ft-lbf/lbm) (lbm/ft)
Unit conversion:
lbf/in=psi
1 kgf / cm = 14.2233433 psi




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The "Performance Characteristics" of a pump at a fixed speed are represented by the
following graphical relationship:
Pressure Difference (P) versus Discharge (Q)
In this experiment pressure gauge is attached to the discharge line to measure the pressure.
The difference in pressure is proportional to the total head. A rotameter is used to measure the
flowrate. The rotameter reads flow rate directly in litre per minute for a fluid having a specific
gravity of 1.0. If water is used, flow can be read directly from the rotameter. The rotameter
reading is obtained from the position of the widest part of the float.





















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3 Experimental methods and materials


Figure 3(a) Equipment Assembly

Series Pumps Parallel Pumps










P1 P2
P1
P2


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3.1 Specifications of the unit
a) Pumps
2 units of Horizontal Single Stage Centrifugal Pump(P1)and(P2)
Flowrate: 20-90 LPM
Head: 20.7-15m
Max Head: 22m


b) Circulation Tank
Transparent acrylic water tank is provided to supply water to P1 and P2.


c) Flowrate and pump head
All gauges and meters are provided in a way for easy viewing and data collection.

d) Process piping
The process piping is made of industrial PVC pipes. Valves used are nonferrous to minimize
rust and corrosion.

3.2 Overall Dimensions

Height: 700mm
Width: 650mm
Depth: 1100mm

3.3 General Requirements

Electrical: 240 VAC, 1-phase, 50Hz
Water: Clean tap water








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3.4 Experimental Methods

The apparatus is set up as shown in figure 3(a) above.
1. The tank is filled with water until the end of the pipe output is submerged with water.
2. The main power supply is switched on.

Experiment1: Single Pump Operation
1. Valve 1&4 are fully opened and valve 2&3 are fully closed to activate a single pump.
2. Valve 5 is opened until the flowrate reaches 20 LPM.
3. The pressure reading observed from the pressure gauge 1&2 is recorded using digital and analogue
techniques.
4. Steps 1, 2 and 3 are repeated to obtain seven different flowrates and pressures.


Experiment2: Series Pump Operation
1. Valve 1&3 are fully opened and valve 2&4 are fully closed to activate a series pump.
2. Valve 5 is opened until the flowrate reaches 20 LPM.
3. The pressure reading observed from pressure gauge1, 3&4 is recorded using digital and analogue
techniques.
4. Steps 1, 2 and 3 are repeated to obtain seven different flowrates and pressures.


Experiment3: Parallel Pump Operation
1. Valve 1, 2&4 are fully opened and valve 3 is fully closed to activate a series pump.
2. Valve 5 is opened until the flowrate reaches 20 LPM.
3. The pressure reading observed from the pressure gauge1, 2&4 is recorded using digital and
analogue techniques.
4. Steps 1, 2 and 3 are repeated to obtain seven different flowrates and pressures.








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4 Results and analysis
Table 4.1 Single Pump Operation
Rotameter
(LPM)
Pressure Gauge 1
(Pl1)
Pressure Gauge 2
(Pl2)
Pressure Difference,
(P2-P1)
bar kgf/cm bar kgf/cm bar kgf/cm
20 1.04 0 3.06 2.15 2.02 2.15
30 1.04 0 3.00 2.01 1.96 2.01
40 1.03 0 2.94 2.00 1.91 2.00
50 1.03 0 2.88 1.90 1.85 1.90
60 1.02 0 2.81 1.80 1.79 1.80
70 1.01 0 2.73 1.80 1.72 1.80
80 1.01 0 2.63 1.60 1.62 1.60
90 0.99 0 2.51 1.50 1.52 1.50


Graph 4.1 Single Pump Operations



0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
0 20 40 60 80 100

P
(
P
2
-
P
1
)

Flow rate,Q(LPM)
Graph of Pressure Difference(P2-P1) against Flowrate
P2-P1(bar)
P2-P1(kgf/cm)


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Table 4.2 Series Pump Operation

Rotameter
(LPM)
Pressure
Gauge 1
(Pl1)
Pressure
Gauge 3
(Pl3)
Pressure
Gauge 4
(Pl4)
Pressure
Difference,
(P3-P1)
Pressure
Difference,
(P4-P1)
bar kgf/cm bar kgf/cm bar kgf/cm bar kgf/cm bar kgf/cm
20 1.04 0 3.04 2.10 4.97 4.20 2.00 2.10 3.93 4.20
30 1.03 0 2.99 2.05 4.87 4.10 1.96 2.05 3.84 4.10
40 1.03 0 2.93 2.00 4.76 4.00 1.90 2.00 3.73 4.00
50 1.02 0 2.85 1.90 4.61 3.80 1.83 1.90 3.59 3.80
60 1.01 0 2.77 1.80 4.47 3.60 1.76 1.80 3.46 3.60
70 1.01 0 2.70 1.70 4.34 3.50 1.69 1.70 3.33 3.50
80 1.00 0 2.60 1.60 4.13 3.40 1.60 1.60 3.13 3.40
90 0.99 0 2.53 1.50 4.02 3.20 1.54 1.50 3.03 3.20



Table 4.3 Parallel Pump Operation

Rotameter
(LPM)
Pressure
Gauge 1
(Pl1)
Pressure
Gauge 2
(Pl2)
Pressure
Gauge 4
(Pl4)
Pressure
Difference,
(P2-P1)
Pressure
Difference,
(P4-P1)
bar kgf/cm bar kgf/cm bar kgf/cm bar kgf/cm bar kgf/cm
40 1.03 0 3.03 2.00 2.99 2.10
2.00 2.00 1.96 2.10
60 1.03 0 2.98 2.00 2.93 2.00
1.95 2.00 1.90 2.00
80 1.02 0 2.92 1.90 2.88 2.00
1.90 1.90 1.86 2.00
100 1.02 0 2.86 1.85 2.81 1.90
1.84 1.85 1.79 1.90
120 1.01 0 2.78 1.82 2.74 1.84
1.77 1.82 1.73 1.84
140 1.00 0 2.70 1.79 2.66 1.80
1.70 1.79 1.66 1.80
160 0.99 0 2.62 1.63 2.57 1.65
1.63 1.63 1.58 1.65
180 0.98 0 2.50 1.58 2.47 1.60
1.52
1.58
1.49
1.60






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Graph 4.2 (a) Series Pump Operation


Graph 4.2 (b) Series Pump Operation

0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

P
(
P
3
-
P
1
)

Flow rate,Q(LPM)
Graph of Pressure Difference(P3-P1) against Flowrate
P3-P1(bar)
P3-P1(kgf/cm)
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

P
(
P
4
-
P
1
)

Flow rate,Q(LPM)
Graph of Pressure Difference(P4-P1) against Flowrate
P4-P1(bar)
P4-P1(kgf/cm)


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Graph 4.3(a) Parallel Pump Operation



Graph 4.3(b) Parallel Pump Operation

0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180

P
(
P
2
-
P
1
)

Flow rate,Q(LPM)
Graph of Pressure Difference(P2-P1) against Flowrate
P2-P1(bar)
P2-P1(kgf/cm)
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180

P
(
P
4
-
P
1
)

Flow rate,Q(LPM)
Graph of Pressure Difference(P4-P1) against Flowrate
P4-P1(bar)
P4-P1(kgf/cm)


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5 Discussion
Based on the graphs obtained it can be clearly seen that pressure drop and flow rate are
dependent on each other. The higher the flowrate through a restriction, such as a valve, the
greater the pressure drop. Conversely, the lower the flow rate, the lower the pressure drops.
In series arrangement, each pump handles the same flow rate, but the total pressure difference
produced by the combination of pumps will be additive. Since each pump generates a pressure
difference corresponding to a flow Q, when configured in series, the total pressure difference
developed is P
T
= P
1
+ P
2
, where P
1
, P
2
are the pressure difference developed by the pumps in
series at the common flow rate Q. In this experiment,
P
T
= (P3-P1) + (P4-P1) at corresponding Q
Based on table 4.1 and 4.2, the pressure difference produced by the series pump operation is
twice the pressure difference of the single pump at the same flowrate. For example, at
flowrate of 20LPM, the total pressure difference of single pump is 2.02bar but the total
pressure difference for series pump is 5.93bar which can be said twice of that single pump.In
short, centrifugal pumps in series are used to overcome larger system head loss than one
pump can handle alone.

For pumps configured in parallel, the flow rate Q is split between the pumps at the inlet into
Q
1
and Q
2
and after passing through the pumps on the discharge side, the flows recombine
back to the flow rate of Q. Each pump develops the same pressure difference at the
corresponding capacity. In this experiment,
Q= Q (pump1) + Q(pump2)
Based on table 4.1 and 4.3, the flowrate of parallel pump is doubled compare to that of single
pump provided the pressure difference is constant. For example, the flowrate of single pump
operation is 90LPM when the pressure difference is 1.52bar. At the same pressure difference
(1.52bar), the flowrate of parallel pump operation is 180LPM .In short, centrifugal pumps in
parallel are used to overcome larger volume flows than one pump can handle alone.






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Accuracy of Reading
When air enters a pump it sometimes gets trapped in the volute, this reduces the capacity,
creates vibration and noise. Vibration causes difficulty in accurate reading of the gauge, due
to pointer oscillation. Thus, the graphs obtained does not produce smooth lines/curves.Besides
that, if the pump has been installed for some period of time, any pump wear, such as opening
up of the impeller wearing ring clearance, change (decrease) the pump performance.
The kinds of loss of centrifugal pumps can be differentiated in:
Internal losses:
-Wheel friction losses by friction at the external walls of the wheel.

External or mechanical losses:
-Sliding surface losses by bearing friction or seal friction.
- Air friction at the clutches.
The friction loss can be calculated using Bernoullis equation:
L P
H H z
g
V
g
p
z
g
V
g
p
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
+ +
|
|
.
|

\
|
+ +
1
2
1 1
2
2
2 2
2 2

H
p
is the pressure head produced by the pump H
L
is the energy loss due to friction and pipe
fittings. V
1
= V
2
if the pipe diameters are equal at the inlet and outlet sections.












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6 Conclusion
When two pumps are assembled in series the total pressure difference produced by the
combination of pumps will be additive .In other words, pressure difference is doubled at a
given flowrate. However, pumps combined in parallel doubles the flowrate that of a single
pump for a given head. Therefore, entrifugal pumps in series can overcome larger system
head loss than one pump can handle alone.However, centrifugal pumps in parallel are used to
overcome larger volume flows than one pump can handle alone.





















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7 References

http://www.slideshare.net/physics101/centrifugal-pumps-in-series-and-parallel-15147342

http://ebookbrowse.com/lab-3-pumps-in-series-and-parallel-pdf-d70839148

http://ptumech.loremate.com/fluid-machinery/node/16

http://www.thomasnet.com/about/centrifugal-pumps-64322407.html

http://www.pricepump.com/pumpschool/psles.html

http://www.ashraebistate.org/sites/all/files/events/Pump_Fundamentals_Tech_Session.pdf

http://wea-inc.com/pdf/parrallel.pdf

http://www.wcnoc.com/GFES/Study%20for%20test/FluidsCh3.pdf

http://www.cheresources.com/invision/blog/4/entry-322-multiple-centrifugal-pumps-in-series-and-
parallel/