1.

HYDRAULIC PUMP
It is a mechanical device which impart kinetic energy to the fluid which converts in pressure
further. Pump increase the mechanical energy of liquid, increasing its velocity, pressure or
elevation-or all the three. In pumps, the density of liquid does not change appreciably and
may be considered constant.

Note - Pump generally refers to a device for moving a liquid.

Objective – Transportation of liquid through pipes and channels.

Application – Municipal water works and irrigation systems, oil pumping, drainage systems
etc.

1.1 CLASSIFICATION OF PUMPS

1. Dynamic pressure pump 2. Positive displacement pump
Centrifugal pump a. Reciprocating pump
Propeller pump piston pump
Jet pump plunger pump
. diaphgram pump

b. Rotary pump
. gear pump
. lobe pump
. vane pump
. screw pump
. rotary plunger

1.2CENTRIFUGAL PUMP
Centrifugal pumps belong to the category of dynamic pressure pumos wherein pumping of
liquid or generation of head is affected by rotary motion of one or more rotating wheels
called the impeller.
The impeller impart kinetic energy to the fluid, then that fluid enters in a variable area casing
through which velocity is going to decrease and pressure is going to increase.

The basic principle on which a centrifugal pump works is that when a certain mass of liquid
is made to rotate by an external force, it is thrown away from central axis of rotation and a
centrifugal head is impressed which enables it to rise to a higher level. As centrifugal force is
acting on fluid, so called centrifugal pump.
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Working – The liquid enters through a suction connection concentric with the axis of a high
speed rotary element called impeller (i.e. entry is axial and at impeller eye) and impeller
carries radial vanes integrally cast in it.

Liquid flows outward (radially) in spaces b/w vanes, glides along blade and
then it goes out toward casing and due to high rotation of impeller suction is created (which
act as an supply line). F
. In a properly functioning pump, space b/w vanes is completely filled with liquid

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flowing without cavitation. In the casing velocity head of liquid from impeller is converted to
pressure head.

Power is applied to fluid by impeller and is transmitted to impeller by to

torque of drive shaft, which usually is driven by a direct connected motor at constant speed,
commonly at 1750 or 3450 rpm.

2. Fan, blowers and compressors

Objective – These are machines that move and compress gases.

Fans – discharge large volume of gas (usually air) into open spaces or large ducts. They are
low speed machines that generate very low pressures of order of 0.04 atm.

Blowers – are high speed rotary devices (using either positive displacement or centrifugal
force) that develop a maximum pressure of about 2 atmosphere.

Compressors – are also positive displacement or centrifugal machines, discharge at pressures

from 2 atmospheres to several thousand atmospheres.

In fans, density of fluid does not change appreciably and may be assumed constant and in
discussing these devices incompressible flow theory is used.

In blowers and compressors, density change is too great and in discussing these devices
compressible flow theory is used.

2.1 Fans
Large fans are usually centrifugal, operating exactly on same principle as centrifugal pumps.
Their impeller blades, however, may be curved forward ; this would lead to instability in a
pump but not in a fan.

They are mounted inside light metal casing. Clearances are large and
discharge heads low from 5 to 6 in. H20. Sometimes as in ventilating fans, nearly all the
added energy is converted to the velocity energy and almost none to pressure head. In any
case, gain in velocity absorbs an appreciable fraction of added energy and must be included
in estimating efficiency and power. The total efficiency where power output is credited with
both pressure and velocity heads is about 70%.

Gas equipment is ordinarily rated in terms of standard cubic feet. A volume in

standard cubic feet is that measured at a specified temp. and pressure regardless of actual
temperature and pressure of the gas to the machine. Various standards are used in different
industries, but a common one is based on a pressure of 29.92 in. Hg and a temperature of 32
degree celcius.

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2.2 Blowers and compressors
When pressure on a compressible fluid is increased adiabatically, the temperature of fluid
also increases. The temperature rise has a number of disadvantages.

Because specific volume of fluid increase with temperature, work required to compress a
pound of fluid is larger than if the compression were isothermal.

For the isentropic (adiabatic and frictionless) pressure change of a an ideal gas, temp.
relation is -

Ta, Tb = inlet and outlet temperatures respectively.

Pa, pb = corresponding inlet and outlet pressures.

Gama = cp/cv

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For a given gas, temperature ratio increases with increase in compression ratio pa/pb.

In blowers with a compression ratio of 3 or 4, adiabatic temperature rise is not large, and no
special provision is made to reduce it. In compressors, however, where compression ratio
may be as high as 10 or more, isentropic temperature become excessive. Also, since actual
compressors are not frictionless, the heat from friction is absorbed by the gas and the
temperature well above isentropic temperature are attained. Compressors, therefore are
cooled by jackets through which cold water or refrigerant is circulated. In small cooled
compressors, exit gas temperature may approach that at the inlet and isothermal compression
is achieved.

In larger units, where cooling capacity is limited, a path different from

isothermal or adiabatic compression is followed.

2.3 Positive displacement blower

These machines operate as gear pumps do except that, because of special design of “teeth”,
the clearance is only a few thousandth of an inch. The relative position of impellers is
maintained precisely by heavy external gears.

A single stage blower can discharge gas at 0.4 to 1 atm gauge and a two
stage blower at 2 atm gauge. Blower in common have two lobes.

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 TWO LOBE BLOWER

2.4 Centrifugal blower

A single stage centrifugal blower is shown in figure. In fig. it resembles a centrifugal pump,
except that the casing is narrower and diameters of casing and discharge scroll are relatively
higher than in a centrifugal pump. The operating speed is high 3600rpm or more. High speed
and large impeller diameters are required because very high heads, in meters or feet of low
density fluid, are needed to generate modest pressure ratios. Thus the velocities appearing in
a centrifugal blower are approximately 10 times those in a centrifugal pump.

SINGLE SUCTION CENTRIFUGAL BLOWER

2.5 Positive displacement compressors

Rotary positive displacement compressors can be used for discharge pressure of about 6 atm.
These devices include sliding vane, screw type and liquid piston compressors. For high to
very high discharge pressures and modest flow rates, reciprocating compressors are most
common type. An e.g. of a single stage compressor is shown in figure. These machines
operates mechanically in the same way as reciprocating pumps with the differences that leak
prevention is more difficult and temperature rise is important. The cylinder walls and

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cylinder heads are cored for cooling jackets using water or refrigerant. Reciprocating
comprssors are usually motor driven and are nearly always double acting.

When the required compression ratio is greatere than that can be achieved in
one cylinder, multistage compressors are used. Often an intercooler is used to cool the high
pressure gas from the final stage.

RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS

2.6 Centrifugal compressors

They are multistage units containing a series of impellers on a single shaft rotating at high
speed in a massive casing. Internal channels lead from the discharge of one impeller to the
inlet of next. These machines compress enormous volumes of air or process gas upto
3,40,000 cubic meter per hour at the inlet to an outlet pressure of 20 atm.

CENTRIFUGAL BLOWER
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3. CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
Centrifugal pumps belong to the category of dynamic pressure pumos wherein pumping of
liquid or generation of head is affected by rotary motion of one or more rotating wheels
called the impellers.

There are two main parts in a centrifugal pump —stationary part and rotating part.The parts
are as depicted in figure below.
The stationary parts are casing, nozzles, stuffing box and bearing housing.
Rotating parts include impeller and shaft. Other than these major parts, the
centrifugal pump also comes with auxiliary components that include systems for
cooling, controls and lubrication among others.

3.1 Elements of centrifugal pumps

3.1.1. Stationary elements

A. Types of casing

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Volute casing

Simplest arrangement –use in households. In this type of casing pressure increases due to the
increasing area diffusing section. This type of casing provide lowest head (pressure head)
generation.

Vortex casing

We try to increase gap b/w impeller and casing which was negligible in volute casing. In this
type of casing pressure first increases in forced vortex casing when going outwards and then
in the increasing area section. This type of casing generate medium head. Here power
consumption is more as the same impeller has to create vortex and discharge too.

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Guide vane casing

in this type of casing pressure first develop in the guide vanes and then in the increasing area
casing and as guidance is also there, so in this case the head rise is maximum(power
consumption also rise).

B. Stuffing boxes

A stuffing box can provide a seal around a rotating shaft and also around a shaft that moves
axially. In this it differs from the mechanical seals, which are good only with rotating
members. The “box” is a chamber cut into the stationary member surrounding the shaft or
pipe. The annular space b/w the shaft and the wall of the chamber is filled with packing,
consisting of a rope or rings of inert material containing a lubricant such as graphite. The
packing when compressed tightly around the shaft keeps the fluid from passing out through
the stuffing box and yet permits the shaft to turn or move back and forth. A stuffing box, even
under ideal conditions, does not completely stop fluid from leaking out.

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3.1.2 Rotating elements

They consist of shaft and a vaned rotor called impeller. The vanes are curved, cylindrical or
have more complex surfaces. The impeller is mounted on a shaft coupled to the driving unit
which may be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The impeller impart kinetic
energy to the fluid, then that fluid enters in a variable area casing through which velocity is
going to decrease and pressure is going to increase.

3.1.3 Suction pipe, strainer and foot valve

Suction pipe connects the centre(eye) of the impeller to the sump from which liquid is to be
lifted. Suction pipe is provided with a strainer at its lower end so as to prevent entry of solid
particles, debris etc into the pump. The foot valve is a one way valve located above the
strainer into the suction pipe. It serves to fill the pump with liquid before it is started, and
prevents back flow when the pump is stopped.

3.1.4 Delivery pipe and delivery valve

Delivery pipe leads the liquid from the pump outlet to the point of use. A regulating valve
provided just near the pump outlet serves to control the flow of liquid into the delivery pipe

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 4. DESIGN AND FUNCTIONING
There are many design options when choosing the pump parts: monobloc or split
casing, double suction, end suction, inline, closed or open impeller, horizontal or
vertical construction, single stage or multiple stage…. The manufacturer has different
products with different combination of parts to reach specific process requirements,
e.g. open impeller for fluid with suspended solid.

4.1 Closed, semiclosed and open impellers

In the closed or shrouded impellers the vanes are covered with shrouds (side plates) on both
sides. The arrangement provides a smooth passage for liquid ; wear is reduced to minimum.
This ensures full capacity operation with high efficiency. This type is however meant to
pump only clear liquids of low viscosity(hot water and acids).

The semi open impeller has a plate(shroud) only on the back side. The design is
adapted to industrial pump problems which require a rugged pump to handle liquids
containing fibrous material such as paper pulp, sugar molasses and sewage waste etc.

In an open impeller, no shroud or plate is provided on either side, i.e., the vanes are
open on both sides. Such pumps are used to handle abrasive liquids such as a mixture of
water sand, pebbles and clay.

4.2 Axial, radial and mixed flow impellers

In the axial flow pumps, the head is developed by the propelling or lift action of the vanes on
the liquid which enters the impeller axially and discharges axially. The action is similar to the
generation of the lift by the wings of aeroplane.

In radial flow impellers, the head is developed by the action of centrifugal force upon the
liquid which enters the impeller axially at the centre and flows radially to the periphery.

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 In a mixed flow impellers head is developed partly by the action of the centrifugal force
and partly by axial propulsion as a result of which the fluid entering the imoeller axially at
the centre is discharged in an angular direction. (screw impellers)

4.3 Shape and number of vanes

Impeller of a centrifugal pump has a finite number of vanes ; usually from 6 to 12. These
vanes may be curved, cylindrical or of more complex surfaces.

4.4 Working head and number of stages

Centrifugal pumps are called low head (upto 15m), medium head (15m-40m) and high head
(over 40m) pumps. Maximum head built up by a single stage centrifugal pump seldom
exceeds 40m of water. Greater heads are achieved in a multistage pump, where the liquid
discharging from one impeller and its volute enters the eye of the succeeding impeller, and so
forth, thereby increasing the head.

4.5 Single suction and double suction

Double suction arrangement eliminates the axial thrust

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4.6 Shaft position

Most of the centrifugal pumps are of horizontal shaft disposition. However to effect economy
in space, the pumps may be designed with vertical shafts as is done for deep well and mine
pumps.

4.7 Specific speed for a pump

The specific speed of a centrifugal pump is defined as the speed of geometrically similar
pump which would deliver unit quantity (one cubic m/sec) against a unit head (1m).

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5. VANE SHAPE
 Backward curved – Angle b/w the blade tip and the tangent to the rotor at exit(bita
2) is acute
 Radial - (bita 2 = 90 degrees)
 Forward curved – The angle b/w the blade tip and the tangent to the rotor at exit is
obtuse

In the case of forward curved vanes, Vu2 (tangential or whirling velocity) is increased and
consequently the energy transfer is maximum. However, the absolute velocity V2 at impeller
outlet is also increased. A high value of V2 is not desirable as its conversion into static
pressure can not be carried out in the diffuser section.

Normally backward vanes with bita2 b/w 20-30 degrees are employed except
in the case where high head is the major consideration.

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6. HEAD IN PUMPS

1. Suction lift hs

Vertical distance b/w the top surface of the liquid in the sump and the pump impeller.

2. Discharge lift hd

Vertical distance b/w the top surface of the liquid in the discharge tank and centre of the
pump impeller.

3. Total static or total vertical lift(hs+hd)

It represent sum of suction plus delivery lift ; height through which liquid is lifted by the
pump. The static head refers to the difference in the elevation of highest point where you
want to deliver the water and the elevation of the water source. As the name suggests, static
head is constant i.e. it does not vary with the system discharge.
In addition to the static lift, the pump has to work against all the losses in suction and
delivery pipes and provide the necessary kinetic energy to liquid on the discharge side.

4. Suction head Hs of the pump

Hs = hi + hfs + hs + sq(Vs)/2g

where hi is the loss of head at inlet to the suction pipe, hfs is the loss of head due to friction
and Vs is the flow velocity in suction pipe. The head (hi + hfs + hs) is measured by a vacuum
gauge installed near the suction flange.

Hs = ps/w + sq(Vs)/2g

5. Delivery head of the pump

Hd = hfd + hd + sq(Vd)/2g

where hfd is the loss of head due to friction, and Vd is the flow velocity in the discharge pipe.

Hd = pd/w + sq(Vd)/2g

6. Total external head H against which pump as to work

H = (suction head) + (delivery head) - (velocity head in suction pipe)

H = Hs + Hd - sq(Vs)/2g

= (ps/w + sq(Vs)/2g) + (pd/w + sq(Vd)/2g) - sq(Vs)/2g

= (hi + hfs + hs) + (hd + hfd + sq(Vd)/2g)

Ordinarily, the discharge velocity is quite low and is frequently neglected.

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7. Manometric head or Net head (denoted by Hm for here)

or head/pressure head developed by pump

or head added by the pump

(whenever asked in ques head it means head developed)

It is the difference b/w the total energy of fluid at inlet to the pump and at exit from the
pump.

Hm = (pd/w + sq(Vd)/2g + zd) - (ps/w + sq(Vs)/2g + zs)

NOTE - If overall efficiency is given, then LHS of above is (overall efficiency * Hm)
(and u will determine Hm now by dividing RHS by overall efficiency)
(if written all loss neglected, take overall efficiency = 1)

Where zd and zs are the elevation of the pressure gauges installed near the discharge and
suction flange quite adjacent to the pump on the discharge ans suction side respectively.

Head at inlet = (ps/w + sq(Vs)/2g + zs)

where

ps/w is the static pressure head

(pressure that pump had developed is represented in terms of meters)

sq(Vs)/2g is the dynamic pressure head

(kinetic energy that pump has developed is represented in terms of meters.)

z is the elevation of head

NOTE – Units of Hm is always in terms of water no matter which type of fluid flows.

NOTE – Hm is directly proportional to the useful power delivered to the fluid

(useful power = WQHm) and every time this power is termed as water horse power no matter
what units of power are.

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8. NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD

NPSH = (absolute pressure at inlet to the pump) – (vapour pressure of liquid being pumped)
+ (velocity head in suction pipe)

NPSH = ps/w – pv/w + sq(Vs)/2g

=( pa/w - hs – hfs - sq(Vs)/2g ) – pv/w + sq(Vs)/2g

Where pa denotes atmospheric pressure on surface of liquid in the suction well and
simplification gives

NPSH = (pa/w – pv/w – hs - hfs)

Evidently NPSH represents suction head at the impeller eye ; it represents the head required
to make liquid flow from the suction pipe to the pump impeller. For smooth and cavitation
free operation of the pump, NPSH should have such a value that the flowing liquid does not
boil under reduced pressure.

i.e. Pressure at pump inlet must exceed vapour pressure by a certain value called NET
POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD. Because is the suction pressure is actually less than thevapor
pressure, there will be vaporization in the suction line and no liquid can be drawn into the
pump.

(top line pa/w {atmospheric pressure} and last line absolute zero)

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7. Overall efficiency or pump efficiency = Finally available output of power
. initial input of power

= Water horse power or useful power = WQHm

. break horse power shaft power

8. PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF CENTRIFUGAL

PUMP
Graphical representation of head, power and efficiency of pump drawn to a common base
line of flow rate.

1. MAIN CHARACTERISTICS –

To obtain test data for main characteristics, the pump is run at a constant speed and discharge
is varied over a desired range. Measurements are taken for head and power for each
discharge, and calculations are made for pump efficiency. Curves are then plotted for head,
power and efficiency against discharge.

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21
Free delivery Shut of head
# Max. discharge is provided by the pump Qmax. # Net head Hm = Hm max

# This will occur when net head Hm = 0. # This will occur when delivery
and no obstraction in inlet and outlet. pipe is blocked

# Pump efficiency = 0. # Pump efficiency = 0.

This combination of Hmax and Qmax will join a line and maximum efficiency will occur b/w
these two points.

P*, H*, and Q* are at maximum efficiency and are called best efficiency points.

2. OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS

For optimum performance pump needs to be operated at the design speed. A particular set of
main characteristics corresponding to the design speed are called operating
characteristics.(P*, H*, and Q* as seen by us above)

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CONSTANT EFFICIENCY OR ISO-EFFICIENCY OR MUSCHEL CURVES

Data for plotting these curves is obtained from the main characteristics curves. For a
particular efficiency a horizontal line is drawn which intersects the curves for different pump
speeds on efficiency versus Q plot. From the point of intersection, the corresponding
discharge values are obtained. Ths information is then transferred to H versus Q curves for
the corresponding speeds. Likewise for another values of efficiency, the points are obtained
and projected. Points corresponding to one efficiency are smoothly joined to get a iso-
efficiency curve. A curve for best performance is obtained when the peak points to various
iso-efficiency curves are joined.

These curves help to locate theregions where pump would operate with maximum
efficiency. (understand in fig)

At lower impeller speeds the developed head, power required and efficiency are all
less. A small impeller at the same speed also gives lower flow rates, power requirements and
efficiency.

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 9. DESIGNING OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

When it comes to centrifugal pump designing process: capacity, Head and Net Positive
Suction Head (NPSH) are critical parameters. They feature prominently in the following
general steps of designing a centrifugal pump.

STEP 1: DETERMINE REQUIRED FLOW RATE

The flow rate refers to the volume of fluid passing through a pump’s per unit time.
This parameter is determined by the process and the number of pumps to be
installed.

STEP 2: DETERMINE STATIC HEAD

It represent sum of suction plus delivery lift; height through which liquid is lifted by the
pump. The static head refers to the difference in the elevation of highest point where you
want to deliver the water and the elevation of the water source. As the name suggests, static
head is constant i.e. it does not vary with the system discharge.
In addition to the static lift, the pump has to work against all the losses in suction and
delivery pipes and provide the necessary kinetic energy to liquid on the discharge side.

STEP 3: DETERMINE FRICTION HEAD

To calculate the loss of head due to friction, you will need to consider all the elements present
in the pipe system connected to the pump: pipe, fittings, heat exchangers, valves… with the
resistance characteristics of these elements and the fluid characteristics, the friction head is
calculated.

STEP 4: DETERMINE TOTAL EXTERNAL HEAD AGAINST WHICH PUMP HAS

TO WORK
You get the total head by using the static head and friction head.

STEP 5: CHOOSE CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

Centrifugal pump manufacturers have pumps for specific purposes. Pump curves are
available as flow rate against pump head to help you choose an impeller. Use your
calculated values from step 1 and step 4 to find a suitable pump through the pump
curves. Choose the most efficient option between the possible pumps and check also that the
NPSH required by the pump is less that the NPSH available in the installation to ensure that
the liquid will not cause failure or cavitation in pump. Other aspects as size of impeller or
position of duty point in the curve shall be considered.

CONCLUSION

The centrifugal pump is a simple but essential device as we have seen above.
With the many varieties of the pumps that are available, proper design is the most
important requirement for any facility. Generally, ensuring there is no cavitation and
maintaining a continuous flow is enough. Only proper design using the steps listed here can
guarantee that the pump suits the set conditions.

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 REFERENCES

1. Fluid mechanics and fluid power engineering, Fluid mechanics, Seventh Edition, Katson
books.

2. Unit operations of chemical engineering, Seventh Edition, McGraw Hill Education (India)
Private Limited.

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