Priyanshu Ranjan Gupta 15110089 Group G

Characteristics of a Centrifugal Pump

1 ABSTRACT
The aim of this experiment is to plot the characteristic curves of a centrifugal pump

performing at a constant speed. The flow rate of water is varied by varying the suction

and delivery pressure and the corresponding energy consumption is noted. The speed of

the pump is maintained within a desired region using a tachometer. The data collected

is then used to calculate efficiency.

2 INTRODUCTION
The centrifugal pump works by converting the input energy into kinetic energy by accelerating

the liquid using a device called the impeller. The liquid enters the pump through the eye of an

impeller from where it gets accelerated radially outwards into the volute due to the radial

motion of the impeller.

the area of the volute

cross-section increases as

the liquid moves through

the volute towards the

discharge pipe, thereby

increasing the pressure of

the fluid at that point.

Priyanshu Ranjan Gupta 15110089 Group G

The main characteristics of a centrifugal pump are total head developed(H) , power

consumed(P) and the efficiency of the pump. The characteristic curves of the above

characteristics are basically drawn w.r.t. cold water of specific gravity unity and viscosity of one

centipoise. One must note that while the total head developed is independent of the specific

gravity of the liquid, the power consumed for the same caries with both the specific gravity as

well as viscosity.

The parameter, additional to H and P, used for analyzing the performance of a pump is the flow

rate (Q). The independent parameters for the pump are the impeller Diameter(D), pump

speed(N) and the type of fluid.

The parameters are calculated as follows-

60
Volumetric flow rate of water (Q) is given by the formula = =
, where V is volume of the

calibrated tank and T2 is time required to fill the calibrated tank.

Mass flow rate of water (m) is given by the formula m =
(Rm1Rm2)
( )(mf)g
100
Total Head Developed is given by, H = f

3 PROCEDURE
1. The tank is filled with water to about 90% of its maximum capacity. The valves of the

suction and discharge line of the pump are opened completely and the pump is switched on.

2. The speed of the pump is maintained by using a digital tachometer. The desired speed

would be in the 50 of the optimum speed.

Priyanshu Ranjan Gupta 15110089 Group G

3. The air bubbles are removed from the suction and the discharge tapping line and connected

to the manometers. NOTE: Due to damaged equipment, the pressure of the discharge line is

assumed to be equal to the atmospheric pressure.

4. Record the suction and delivery manometer readings.

5. The valve at the bottom of the calibrated tank is closed, and the time required for water to

raise between two marks is recorded. This will give us the volumetric flow rate of water.

5. The valve at the bottom of tank is opened as soon as the water level reaches the top mark.

At this moment, the energy meter reading (in watts) is noted.

6. Pressure of the pump is increased to the desired level and the readings corresponding to

that value are noted.

4 OBSERVATIONS
mH735.3
Fluid Horse Power of pump is given by .. = 75

Brake Horse Power of pump is given by ..=[2][1], where kW2 is the energy

meter reading, kW1 is the energy meter when the pump is empty.

F.H.P
Efficiency of the pump is given by = B.H.P 100

Volume of tank= 12l

Priyanshu Ranjan Gupta 15110089 Group G

Flow
Manometer Manometer Diff manometer Energy
RPM rate head
(h1) (cm) (h2) (cm) (cm) meter (kW)
(L/sec)
29.6 0.082 5300 0.104 5.92
103 52 51 0.07 5348 0.033 15.5
103.4 51.5 51.9 0.067 5356 0.021 15.49
101.5 44.2 57.3 0.066 5330 0.01 14.57
106.7 48.4 58.3 0.065 5300 0.0021 15.51
Dry state run 2.6 0.03 0 15.51

Head vs Flowrate
18

16

14

12

10

0
0.0021 0.01 0.021 0.033 0.104

FHP BHP

6.18389 52 11.8921
5.13750 12.8437
40
6 7
3.26721 8.83030
37
3 5
1.46341
36 4.06503
1
0.32714 0.93469
35
3 5
Priyanshu Ranjan Gupta 15110089 Group G

Efficiency vs FLowrate
14

12

10

0
0.104 0.033 0.021 0.01 0.0021

5 CONCLUSION
From the above graphs, we can observe the efficiency of the pump increases till it reaches a

peak after which it starts decreasing again. A result of this observation is that the pump is

generally chosen to work in its region of maximum efficiency in order to optimize the energy

consumption.

NOTE: A more accurate graph can be plotted if the number of observations taken is increased.

The Characteristic curves are extremely important when it comes to selecting a particular type

of pump for a specific purpose. These curves are essential in defining the properties of the

pump.

Centrifugal pumps are generally used to pump the regular water supply, in fire fighting systems,

in the boiler feeds in the industries.

Priyanshu Ranjan Gupta 15110089 Group G

Some of the possible errors in the experiment are the human error and fluctuations in power

consumption of the pump. Also, every time the discharge rate is changed, the speed of the

pump changes significantly and it is difficult to bring the speed back to exactly the same value as

original.

6 REFERENCES
1) CL 201 Lab manual
2) http://constructionmanuals.tpub.com/14265/css/Use-of-Centrifugal-Pumps-213.htm
3) http://www.zoombd24.com/centrifugal-pump/