Single, Series, and Parallel Pumps

Objectives :

Calculation of efficiency, total head and curve drawing .

Equipment:

Hydraulics bench, two auxiliary centrifugal pumps, discharge manifold, appropriate

hoses and connectors, graduated cylinder, and stopwatch.

Introduction:

Whereas turbines convert fluid energy into mechanical energy, pumps convert
mechanical energy into fluid energy, increasing the energy possessed by the fluid.
There are two main pump types: positive displacement pumps and turbo-hydraulic
or kinetic pumps ¬centrifugal pumps, which convert fluid kinetic energy into static
pressure energy.

Theory

Method of Operation

The pump receives the water at a low velocity on the interior edge of the set of
moving impeller vanes and discharges it from the outer edge with kinetic energy
sufficient to raise it to a desired height; and through the gradually expanding spiral
passage transforms the kinetic energy into pressure energy.

Pumps in Parallel:

When two or more similar pumps are connected in parallel, the head across each
pump is the same and the total flow rate is shared equally between the pumps,
Qp/n, where n is the number of pumps in parallel. Theoretically, the flow rate is
doubled, although in practice, this will not occur, due to losses in the piping systems.
𝑝1
ℎ1 =
𝜌. 𝑔
𝑝3
ℎ2 =
𝜌. 𝑔

𝐻 = ℎ2 − ℎ1
The theoretical curve for the parallel pump configuration is obtained from the single
pump data by multiplying the flow rate by two.

Pumps in Series:
When two or more similar pumps are connected in series, the same flow rate passes
through each pump and under goes a head boost of total head divided by number of
pumps, Hs/n. Therefore the series configuration of two identical pipes provides a
pump characteristic of twice the head as for a single pump.
𝑝4 − 𝑝1
𝐻 ==
𝜌. 𝑔

The theoretical curve for the series pump configuration is obtained from the single
pump data by multiplying the head by two. This doubled head is plotted with the
measured flow rate. To get the theoretical series pump curve.

Experimental Procedure :
straddle the manifold block across the channel of the bench. Make sure the outlet is
pouring into the stilling basin for correct measurement of flow rate.
The auxiliary pump should be placed on the floor, which is important for the datum
correction and connected to the bench with the appropriate hoses as follows:

First set up for the SINGLE PUMP

The single pump receives its water directly from the sump. The sump drain outlet is
located next to the built-in bench pump. A hose should extend between the sump
and the auxiliary pump. The hose is attached to both the sump outlet and the
auxiliary pump inlet. Next, a hose continues from the auxiliary pump to the manifold.
Make sure manifold outlet drains down into hydraulic bench for water collection.

After the connections are made open the sump drain valve. Close the discharge
control valve on the manifold; tum on the auxiliary pump, then completely open the
discharge control valve, Tum on only the auxiliary pump, not the hydraulic bench.
Water should flow out the manifold. If water IS not emitted, check that:

a) the auxiliary pump is plugged in

b) the sump valve is open

c) the discharge manifold control valve is open

d) the sump has sufficient water.

Slowly close the flow control knob

Next we'll set up for the SERIES PUMP

Close the sump drain valve disconnect the hose from the manifold. Connect this
hose to the inlet of the second pump. Attach a hose from the outlet of the second
pump to the manifold.

After the connections are made, close the discharge control valve, turn on both
pumps, and then completely open the discharge control valve. Water should flow
out the manifold.

Slowly close the flow control knob to obtain manifold pressure readings.

Using the appropriate gages, record the outlet pressure for pump 2 and the inlet
pressure for pump 1. Record the flow rate using the volumetric tank and a
stopwatch.

Turn off both pumps and close the sump drain valve when all readings have been
taken.

Finally, set up for the PARALLEL PUMPS.

Disconnect all hoses, being careful not to spill water everywhere. Re-connect two
auxiliary pumps in a parallel configuration as shown in instructed by the T A.

After the connections are. made open the sump drain valve. Turn on only pump 1.
Water should flow out the mam~old. Next, turn off pump 1 and turn on pump 2.
Again, water should flow out the manifold. Now the pumps should be primed. Close
the discharge control valve; turn on both pumps, then completely open the
discharge control valve.

Results and Questions :

𝑘𝑔
𝜌 = 1000 𝑚3

𝑔 = 9.81𝑚/𝑠²

Pumps in Parallel:
 0.0035

0.003

0.0025

0.002

0.0015 Q (m3/s)

0.001

0.0005

0
25 20 15 10 5 0
H

Pumps in Series: