Priming of a centrifugal pump

Priming is the process of filling the suction

pipe, casing of the pump and the delivery
pipe upto the delivery valve with the liquid
to be pumped.
If priming is not done the pump cannot
deliver the liquid due to the fact that the
head generated by the
Impeller will be interms of meters of air
which will be very small (therefore specific
weight of air is very much smaller than that
of water).
Priming of a centrifugal pump can be done
by any one of the following methods.
i) Priming with suction/vacuum pump.
ii) Priming with a jet pump.
iii)Priming with separator.
iv)Automatic or self priming.
Heads on a centrifugal pump
Suction head (h
s
) it is the vertical distance
between the liquid level
in the sump and the centre line of the pump.
It is expressed as meters.
Delivery head (h
d
) It is the vertical distance
between the centre line of the pump and the
liquid level in the overhead tank or the supply
point. It is expressed in meters.
Static head (H
s
) It is the vertical difference
between the liquid levels
In the overhead tank and the sump, when the
pump is not working. It is expressed as
meters.Therefore H
S
=(h
s
+h
d
)
Friction head (h
f
) It is the sump of the head
loss due to the friction in the suction and
delivery pipes. The friction loss in both the
pipes is calculated using the Darcys
equation. H
f
=(fLV
2
/2gD).
Total head (H). It is the sum of the static head H
s
,
friction head (h
f
) and the velocity head in the
delivery pipe (Va
2
/2g). Where, V
d
=velocity in the
delivery pipe.

Manometric head(H
m
)It is the total head
developed by the pump. This head is slightly less
than the head generated by the impeller due to
some losses in the pump
) 1 (
2
2

|
|
.
|

\
|
+ + + =
g
Vd
h h h H
f d s m
Working of a centrifugal pump:
A centrifugal pump works on the principal
that when a certain mass of fluid is rotated
by an external source, it is thrown away
from the central axis of rotation and a
centrifugal head is impressed which enables
it to rise to a higher level.
Working operation of a centrifugal pump is
explained in the following steps.
1)Close the delivery valve and prime the pump.
2)Start the motor connected to the pump shaft,
this causes an increase in the impeller
pressure.
3)Open the delivery valve gradually, so that the
liquid starts flowing into the deliver pipe.
4) A partial vacuum is created at the eye of the
centrifugal action, the liquid rushed from the
sump to the pump due to pressure difference
at the two ends fo the suction pipe.
5) As the impeller continues to run, move &
more liquid is made available to the pump at
its eye. Therefore impeller increases the
energy of the liquid and delivers it to the
reservoir.
6) While stopping the pump, the delivery valve
should be closed first, otherwise there may be
back flow from the reservoir.
It may be noted that a uniform velocity of flow is
maintained in the delivery pipe. This is due to the
special design of the casing. As the flow proceeds
from the tongue of the casing to the delivery pipe,
the area of the casing increases. There is a
corresponding change in the quantity of the liquid
from the impeller. Thus a uniform flow occurs in
the delivery pipe.
Operation difficulties in centrifugal pumps
a) Pump fails to pump the fluid.
Cause Remedial Measures
1) Improper priming due
to leakage of foot valve
or incomplete filling.
Repair or replace the
foot valve, prime
completely.
2) Head more than
design head
Reduce the head or
change the pump
3) Clogging of impeller,
suction pipe or strainer
Clean the suspected
part
4) Suction lift may be
excessive
Reduce the height of
pump above the sump
5) Speed more than
design speed
Connect another prime
mover of higher speed
6) Direction of rotation of
impeller is wrong
Change the direction.
B) Pump does not give the
required capacity
a) Leakage of air through
the suction pipe or
through the gland
packing
Stop the leakage
b) Damage to some parts
of the pump by wear &
tear
Replace the damaged
parts
c) Clogging of impeller
passages
Clean the impeller
C) Pump has poor efficiency
a) Higher than design
speed
Reduce the speed
b) Low head & higher
discharge
Reduce the
discharge
c) Impeller touching, the
casing or improper
alignment of shaft
Carryout the
necessary repair.
D) Pump stops working
a) Air entry into suction
pipe
Stop the pump, plug
the leakage, reprime
and start
b) Suction lift is high Reduce the suction
lift.
Efficiencies of centrifugal pump
Manometric efficiency (): it is the ratio
of the manometric head to the head
actually generated by the impeller

)
`

=
)
`

=
2 2 2
u Vw
gHm
u2/g Vw
Hm
n mano
Mechanical efficiency(
mech
):
It is the ratio of the impeller power to the
power of the motor or the prime mover.

)
`

=
power motor
power impeller
mech n
Overall efficiency(
o
): It is the ratio of the
work done by the pump in lifting water
against gravity and friction in the pipes to the
energy supplied by the motor.
)
`

=
motor or mover prime the of power
friction gravity against done work
no
Velocity triangles of centrifugal pump:
Fig shows the inlet and outlet velocity
triangles for a centrifugal pump. It may be
noted that the inlet velocity triangle is
radial (i.e velocity of whirl at the inlet
0 V
w
=
Velocity Triangles of a Centrifugal Pump
Figure shows the inlet and outlet velocity
triangles for a centrifugal pump.It may be noted
that the inlet velocity triangle is radial,(velocity of
whirl is zero at inlet or vw1=0
Depending on the geometry of the blade at outlet
it can be:
Forward:if the blade angle<90
0
,Radial if =90
0
,
c) Backward if
0
90 > |
Work done by the impeller of a centrifugal
pump:
Figure shows the velocity triangles at the
inlet and outlet tips of a vane fixed to the
impeller.
Let N=speed of the impeller in RPM
D= Diameter of the impeller at inlet
1
D=Diameter of the impeller at outlet
U= Tangential velocity of the impeller at inlet
U= tangential velocity of the impeller at
outlet
V=absolute velocity of the liquid at inlet
v= absolute velocity of the liquid at outlet.
2
2
2
1
1
N/60 D
1
N/60 D
2
are the velocities of flow at
inlet and outlet.
2 1
Vf & Vf
2 1
Vr & Vr
Relative velocities at inlet and outlet
whirl velocity at outlet
angle made by with respect to
the motion of the vane
blade angle at inlet
2
Vw
o
1
V
u
= blade angle at outlet
For a series of curved vanes the force
exerted can be determined using the
impulse momentum equation
Work=force x distance.
similarly the work done/sec/unit weight
of the liquid striking the vane
|
) u Vw u (Vw
g
1
1 1 2 2

But for a centrifugal pump
Work done/sec/unit weight
And the work done/sec
Where Q=volume of liquid flowing per
second = Area x velocity of flow
) 5 ( =
2 2 2
Vf B D Q
0 V
1
=
g
u Vw
2 2
) 4 (
2 2
u Vw
g
Q

In eq (5), is the width of the

impeller at the outlet.
2
B
60
N D
u
2
2
=
Rim diameter
Design factors of centrifugal pumps:
a)Rim diameter
Rim velocity or impeller velocity
2
D
2gHm K
u
=
Hm 2gKu
N
60
D
2
=
Hm K
N
85
u
Where N= speed in RPM Hm=
manometric head, m

ratio speed 2gHm / U K
2 u
= =
Value of varies from 0.95 to
1.8 depending on the specific
speed.
b) Pipeline diameter:
u
K
The diameter of section and delivery pipes
are designed to give velocities not
exceeding 1.5 to 3 m/s on section and
delivery sides.
c) Discharge (Q): the discharge or capacity
of a centrifugal pump is given by
Where k =factor which accounts the
reduction in flow area due to
2 2 2
Vf B D K Q =
To thickness of impeller vanes,
D
2
=Rim diameter,B
2
=Rim width,
V
f2
=Constant velocity of flow through the
impeller. Generally k=1 is considered.


1. A centrifugal pump running at 800 Rpm is
working against a total head of 20.2 m. the
external diameter of the impeller is 480mm
and outlet width 60mm. If the valve angle at
outlet is 40 and manometric efficiency is 70%
determine
a)Flow velocity at outlet
b)Absolute velocity of water leaving
The vane.
c) Angle made by the absolute velocity at
outlet with the direction of motion at outlet.
d) Rate of flow through the pump.
Soln: velocity of vane at outlet
60
2
2
N D
u
t
=
2 2
u Vw
gHm
n efficiency manometric
mano
=
s m Vw / 08 . 14
2
=
From the outlet velocity triangle
2 2
2
tan
Vw u
Vf

= |
s m
x x
/ 1 . 20
60
800 48 . 0
= =
t
1 . 20
2 . 20 81 . 9
70 . 0
2
x Vw
x
=
s m x Vf / 05 . 5 ) 08 . 14 1 . 20 ( 40 tan
0
2
= =
s m Vw Vf V / 96 . 14 08 . 14 05 . 5
2 2 2
2
2
2 2
= + = + =
Angle made by the absolute velocity at outlet
with the direction of motion is given by
3586 . 0
08 . 14
05 . 5
tan
2
2
= = =
Vw
Vf
|
Absolute velocity of water leaving the valve
is given by
0
7 . 19 = |
2. A centrifugal pump impeller having
external and internal diameter 480mm
and 240mm respectively is running at 100
Rpm. The rate of flow through the pump is
0.0576 m3/s and velocity of flow
05 . 5 06 . 0 48 . 0
2 2 2
x x x Vf B D Q t t = =
s m / 3 457 . 0 =
Rate of flow through the pump
Is constant and equal to 2.4m/s. the diameter
of the section and delivery pipes are 180mm
and 120mm respectively and section and
delivery heads are 6.2m(abs) and 30.2m(abs)
of water respectively. If the power required to
drive the pump is 23.3KW and the outlet vane
angle is 45 determine. a) inlet vane angle
b) Overall efficiency c) manometric
efficiency of the pump
Soln: tangential velocity or impeller
velocity at inlet
s m
x x N D
u / 56 . 12
60
1000 24 . 0
60
1
1
= = =
t t
From the inlet velocity triangle
191 . 0
56 . 12
41 . 2
tan
1
1
= = =
u
Vf
|
) ( 8 . 10
0
angle vave inlet = u
3 . 23
05 . 0 81 . 9
0
xHm x
P
rQHm
n = =
Overall efficiency
) 1 ( 02387 . 0
0
Hm n =
)
`

|
|
.
|

\
|
+ +
|
|
.
|

\
|
+ + =
g
V
r
p
Z
g
V
r
p
Z Hm but
2 2
2
1 1
1
2
2 2
2
s m
x
x
d
Q
V V where
d
d
/ 01 . 5
12 . 0
0567 . 0 4 4
2 2
2
= = = =
t t
2 1
Z Z let =
s m
x
x
d
Q
V V where
s
s
/ 23 . 2
18 . 0
0567 . 0 4 4
2 2
2
= = = =
t t
i.e pump inlet and outlet are
at same level.
) ( 2 . 6
1
abs m h
r
p
s
= =
) ( 2 . 30
2
abs m h
r
p
d
= =
m
x x
Hm 03 . 25
81 . 9 2
23 . 2
2 . 6
81 . 9 2
01 . 5
2 . 30
2
2
=

|
|
.
|

\
|
+
|
|
.
|

\
|
+ =
overall efficiency of pump
=0.02387x25.03=0.597=59.7%
Velocity of the impeller at outlet
s m
x x N D
u / 13 . 25
60
1000 48 . 0
60
2
2
= = =
t t
From the outlet velocity triangle
0
n
2 2
2
tan
Vw u
Vf

= |
Manometric efficiency
% 43 43 . 0
13 . 25 73 . 22
03 . 25 81 . 9
2 2
= = = =
x
x
u Vw
gHm
n
mano
2
0
13 . 25
4 . 2
45 tan
Vw
=
s m Vw / 73 . 22
2
=
3.It is required to deliver 0.048m3/s of water
to a height of 24m through a 150mm
diameter and 120m long pipe by a
centrifugal pump. If the overall
Efficiency of the pump is 75% and co
efficient of friction f=0.01 for the pipe
line. Find the power required to drive
the pump.
Soln: velocity of water pipe
2
4
d
Q
V V V
d s
t
= = =
s m
x
x
/ 7 . 2
15 . 0
048 . 0 4
2
= =
t
Head loss due to friction
m
x x
x x x
0 . 3
15 . 0 81 . 9
048 . 0 120 01 . 0 8
5 2
2
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
t
5 2
2
8
D g
flQ
hf hf
d s
t
= +
Manometric head is given by
( ) ( )
g
Vd
hf hf h h H
d s d s m
2
2
+ + + + =
m
x
37 . 27
81 . 9 2
7 . 2
3 24
2
= + + =
P
rQHm
n =
0
P
x x 37 . 27 048 . 0 81 . 9
75 . 0 =
KW P 2 . 17 =
Overall efficiency
4. The impeller of a centrifugal pump is of
300mm diameter and 50mm width at the
periphery and has blades whose tip angle
incline backwards 60 from the radius. The
pump deliveries 17m3/min of water and
the impeller rotates at 1000
Rpm. Assuming that the pump is design to
admit radically. calculate
a)Speed and direction of water as it leaves
the impeller
b)Torque exerted by the impeller on water
c)Shaft power required
d)Lift of the pump. Take mechanical
=95% and hydraulic efficiency=75%
Soln: tangential velocity of the impeller at
the outlet
s m
x x N D
u / 71 . 15
60
1000 3 . 0
60
2
2
= = =
t t
2 2 2
Vf B D Q t =
From continuity equation
s m
x x
Vf / 6
05 . 0 3 . 0
2833 . 0
2
= =
t
s m
Vf
u Vw / 24 . 12
60 tan
6
71 . 15
tan
0
2
2 2
=
|
.
|

\
|
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
|
From the outlet velocity triangle
2 2
2
tan
Vw u
Vf

= |
Absolute velocity of water at the outlet tip of
the impeller
2 2 2
2
2
2 2
24 . 12 6 + = + = Vw Vf V
) ( / 63 . 13
2
magnitude s m V =
0 1
2
2
1
5 . 26
24 . 12
6
tan tan =
|
.
|

\
|
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
=

Vw
Vf
|
Torque exerted by the impeller on water
)
2
3 . 0
24 . 12 (
81 . 9
2833 . 0 81 . 9
) (
2 2
x x
x
R Vw
g
rQ
T = =
m KN 52 . 0 =
Shaft power (P) impeller or rotor power
KW
x x NT
45 . 54
60
52 . 0 1000 2
60
2
= =
t t
power shaft
power impeller
n
mech
=
But, mechanical efficiency
P
e i
45 . 54
95 . 0 . = KW P 31 . 57 =
Lift of the pump
Impeller power=r(Q+q)H
Where r=sp wt of water=9.81 KN/m3
H =ideal head=(theoretical head-hyd losses)
Q=leakage of water m3/s
Neglecting leakages q we have
i
i
1
54.45=9.81x0.2833xH
Or, H =19.59m
We know hydraulic efficiency
i
i
head ideal
lift or head Actual
n
h
=
) (
i h
H head xideal n hft Actual =
water of m x 71 . 13 59 . 19 70 . 0 =
5. The following data relate to a centrifugal
pump. Diameter of the impeller at inlet & outlet
=180mm and 360mm respectively. width of
impeller at inlet and outlet=144mm & 72mm
respectively. rate of flow through the
pump=17.28lps. Speed of the impeller = 1500
Rpm. Vave angle at outlet=45 water enters the
impeller radially at inlet neglecting losses

Through the impeller. Find the pressure
rise in the impeller.
Soln: velocity of flow at inlet
0144 . 0 18 . 0
01728 . 0
1 1
1
x x B D
Q
Vf
t t
= =
Velocity of flow at outlet
s m
x x B D
Q
Vf / 12 . 2
0072 . 0 36 . 0
01728 . 0
2 2
2
= = =
t t
Tangential velocity of impeller at outlet
s m
x x N D
u / 27 . 28
60
1500 36 . 0
60
2
2
= = =
t t
Pressure rise in the impeller is given by the
equation
{ } |
2 2
2
2
2
2
1
cos
2
1
ec Vf u Vf
g
+ =
{ }
0 2 2 2 2
45 cos 12 . 2 27 . 28 12 . 2
81 . 9 2
1
ec x
x
+ =
0
1 . 68 48 . 2 tan = = u u or
0
95 . 111 =
The vane angle with the direction of
motion=(180-68.1)
7. The impeller of a centrifugal pump runs
at 90 Rpm and has vaves inclined at 120 to
the direction of motion at exit. If the
manometric head is 20m and manometric
efficiency is 75%
a)Diameter of the impeller at exit. B) Vane
angles at inlet. Take the velocity of flow
as 2.5m/s, throughout and the diameter
of the impeller at exit as twice that at inlet.
Soln: From the definition of manometric
efficiency
2 2
/ u Vw gHm
mano
= q
) ( 6 . 261
75 . 0
20 81 . 9
2 2
i
x
u Vw = =
From the outlet velocity triangle
44 . 1
60 tan
5 . 2
60 tan
) (
0 0
2
2 2
= = =
Vf
Vw u
) 44 . 1 (
2 2
= u Vw
Substituting the value
2
Vw
s m u u / 9 . 16 6 . 261 ) 44 . 1 (
2 2
= =
60
2
2
N D
u but
t
=
s m
x
x
D / 59 . 3
90
9 . 16 60
2
= =
t
further
s m
u
u / 45 . 8
2
9 . 16
2
2
1
= = =
From the inlet velocity triangle
2959 . 0
45 . 8
5 . 2
tan
1
1
= = =
u
Vf
u
) ( 48 . 16
0
Angle Vane Inlet = u
8. A centrifugal pump delivers 250lps against
a head of 20m. When the impeller rotates at
1500rpm. If the mano metric efficiency is
75% and the loss of head in the pump is
0.033V
2
2
, where V
2
is the absolute velocity at
exit.
a)The diameter of the impeller
b)The blade angle at exit
Take the width of the impeller at
exit as 0.4D where D is the
diameter of the impeller
Soln: D
xDx N D
u 5 . 78
60
1500
60
2
2
= = =
t t
2
1
199 . 0
4 . 0
25 . 0
D D xDx DB
Q
Vf = = =
t t
From the definition of
manometric efficiency
2 2
u Vw
gHm
n
mano
=
But, manometric
head=(workdone the impeller
losses in the pump)
20 7 . 26 033 . 0
2
2
= V
s m V / 25 . 14
2
=
7 . 26
75 . 0
20
2 2
= = =
mano
n
Hm
g
u Vw
From eq (i) and (ii)
From the outlet velocity triangle
D
Vw or
D x Vw 34 . 3
7 . 26
81 . 9
5 . 78
2
2
= =
2
1
2
2
2
2
V Vw Vf = +
2
2 2
2
2 . 14
34 . 3 199 . 0
=
|
.
|

\
|
+
|
.
|

\
|
D D
Solving by trial and error
D=0.242 m
s m x D u / 19 242 . 0 5 . 78 5 . 78
2
= = =
s m
D
Vf / 4 . 3
242 . 0
199 . 0 199 . 0
2 2
2
= = =
654 . 0
8 . 13 19
4 . 3
tan
2 2
2
=
|
.
|

\
|

=
Vw u
Vf
|
s m
D
Vw / 8 . 13
242 . 0
34 . 3 34 . 3
2
= = =
) ( 2 . 33
0
angle vane outlet = |
9. A centrifugal pump lifts water against a static
head of 40m. The section and delivery pipes are
each 15cm in diameter. The head loss in the
section and delivery pipes are respectively
2.20m and 7.5m. The impeller is 40cm in
diameter and 2.5cm wide at the month. It
revolves at 1200Rpm and the vane angle at exit
is 30. if the manometric efficiency is 80%.
Calculate the discharge.
Q xV x
s
=
2
15 . 0
4
t
=velocity in the sectionpipe
s
V
) ( 6 . 56 i Q V
s
=
Q Vf B D =
2 2 2
) (t
Q Vf x x =
2
) 025 . 0 4 . 0 (t
) ( 8 . 31
2
ii Q Vf =
From eq (a) and (b)
) ( 56 . 0
2
iii V Vf
s
=
Soln:
s m
x x N D
u now / 1 . 25
60
1200 4 . 0
60
2
2
= = =
t t
g
Vs
hf hf h h H
d s d s m
2
) (
2
+ + + + =
g
Vs
H
m
2
5 . 7 2 . 2 40
2
+ + + =
) (
2
7 . 49
2
iv
g
Vs
H
m
+ =
2 2
u Vw
gHm
n
mano
=
( )
)
`

+ = 1 . 25 30 cot 56 . 0 1 . 25 /
2
7 . 49 81 . 9 8 . 0
0
2
x x V
g
Vs
x
s
0 33 39
2
= +
s s
V V
) sec ( / 83 . 0 pipe tion the in velocity s m V
s
=
) arg ( / 3 0147 . 0
6 . 56
83 . 0
& e Disch s m Q = =
10. A centrifugal pump has a total lift of 15m and is
placed 2m above the water level in the sump. The
velocity of water in the delivery pipe is 2m/s.
If the radial velocity of flow through the wheel is
3m/s and tangent to the vane at exit makes an
angle of 60 find (a) the velocity of water at exit
(b) the guide vane angle the pressure at the
impeller exit. Neglect friction and other losses.
Soln: total head
m
g
Vd
20 . 15
62 . 19
2
15
2
15
2 2
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
+ = + =
From the outlet velocity triangle
0
2
2 2
60 tan
Vf
u Vw =
) 73 . 1 (
3
3
2 2
= = u u
Hm
g
u Vw
now =
2 2
,
2 . 15
81 . 9
) 73 . 1 (
.
2 2
=
u u
e i
s m u / 12 . 13
2
=
s m Vw / 39 . 11 ) 73 . 1 12 . 13 (
2
= =
78 . 11 3 39 . 11
2 2 2
2
2
2 2
= + = + = Vf Vw V
263 . 0
39 . 11
3
tan
2
2
= = =
Vw
Vf
|
0
75 . 14 = |
(guide vane angle at exit)
Applying bernoullis equation to points on the
sump water surface and impeller exit, taking
datum at the sump level.
Hm
g
V
r
p
+ + = + + 0 0 2
2
2
2 2
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
62 . 19
78 . 11
2 2 . 15
2
2
r
p
=6.13m of water (gauge)
11. The axis of a centrifugal pump is 2.5m
above the water level in the sump and the
static lift from the pump centre is 35m. The
friction losses in the section and delivery
Pipes are of 15cm diameter. The impeller is
30cm diameter and 2cm wide at outlet and its
speed is 1800 Rpm. The blade angle at exit is 30.
calculate the shaft power to be supplied and the
discharge delivered. Take n mano=75% and n
o=70%. If the guages are connected to the
section and delivery sides of the pump
determine the pressure indicated by these
guages.
Soln:
s m
x x N D
u / 3 . 28
60
1800 3 . 0
60
2
2
= = =
t t
) 732 . 1 3 . 28 ( ) 30 cot (
2
0
2 2 2
Vf Vf u Vw = =
Q
x x
Q
Vf 53
02 . 0 3 . 0
2
=
|
.
|

\
|
=
t
( ) ) 92 3 . 28 ( 53 732 . 1 3 . 28
2
Q Q x Vw = =
g
Vd
H
m
2
8 1 35 5 . 2
2
+ + + + =

|
.
|

\
|
+ =
2
2
15 . 0
4
62 . 19
1
5 . 46
x
Q
t
2
163 5 . 46 Q H
m
+ =
)
`

= +
81 . 9
3 . 28 ) 92 3 . 28 ( 75 . 0
163 5 . 46
2
x Q x
Q
)
2
5 . 46 (
2
g
Vd
+ =
g
u Vw
x n H
mano m
2 2
=
0
n
rQHm
power shaft =
KW 12 . 48
70 . 0
) 0725 . 0 163 5 . 46 ( 0725 . 0 81 . 9
2
x x x +
Solving the quadratic equation
Q=0.0725 m3/s
s s
hf
g
Vs
h
r
Ps
also =
2
,
2
{ } m x 36 . 4 1 0725 . 0 163 5 . 2
2
= + +
) ( / 77 . 42
2
vaccum m KN =
) (
1
rHm P P
s
+ =
2
1
/ 8 . 421 m KN P =
Pressure at the exit is given by
| | 81 . 9 ) 0725 . 0 163 5 . 46 ( 77 . 42
2
x x + + =
12. A centrifugal pump is required
to handle a sherry consisting of
sand and water (s=1.08). If the
Quantity of slurry to be pumped is 250lps against
a head of 15m. Find the power required by the
pump, taking its overall efficiency as 70%. Find
also the pressure developed by the pump.
Soln: power required
0
n
rQH
=
KW
x x x
76 . 56
70 . 0
15 25 . 0 ) 81 . 9 08 . 1 (
= =
Pressure developed
rH=9.81x1.08x15
2
/ 159 m KN or Kpa =
13. Design centrifugal pump impeller for the
following conditions, speed=800Rpm, head
=8m hydraulic efficiency =88%, overall
efficiency=80% shaft input =20KW, peripheral
coefficient=1.15 ratio of inlet to outlet
diameter=0.6, ratio
Of width to diameter at outlet=0.15, flow area
blocked by vanes=6%, find to be pumped is
gasoline of specific gravity=0.80.
Soln:
s m x x gHm K u
u
/ 4 . 14 8 62 . 19 15 . 1 2
2
= = =
s m x u u / 64 . 8 4 . 14 6 . 0 6 . 0
2 1
= = =
m
x
x
N
u
D diameter outer 344 . 0
800
4 . 14 60 60
2
2
= = =
t t
=34.4cm
Inlet or eye diameter
cm D
x D D
6 . 20
4 . 34 6 . 0 6 . 0
1
1 1
=
= =
cm x D B 16 . 5 4 . 34 15 . 0 15 . 0
2 2
= = =
0
n
rQHm
s m Q
xQx x
/ 3 255 . 0
8 . 0
8 8 . 0 81 . 9
20
=
=
s m
x x x B D K
Q
Vf Vf
/ 86 . 4
0516 . 0 344 . 0 94 . 0
255 . 0
2 2
2 1
=
)
`

= = =
t t
Shaft power
s m
x
x
u n
gHm
Vw
h
/ 19 . 6
4 . 14 88 . 0
8 81 . 9
2
2
= = =
0 1
1
1
1
4 . 29
64 . 8
86 . 4
tan tan =
|
.
|

\
|
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
=

u
Vf
u
From the inlet velocity triangle
From the outlet velocity triangle
|
.
|

\
|

=
|
|
.
|

\
|

=

19 . 6 4 . 14
86 . 4
tan tan
1
2 2
2
1
Vw u
Vf
u
0
6 . 30 = u
14. Determine the manometric and overall
efficiencies of a centrifugal pump from the
following data. Head =22m
discharge=160lps liquid pumped=brine of
specific gravity=1.18 speed=1200 Rpm
diameter=30cm, width=5cm shaft
power=55KW, vane angle at outlet =35

s m
x x B D
Q
Vf / 4 . 3
05 . 0 3 . 0
16 . 0
2 2
2
= = =
t t
From the outlet velocity triangle
s m
Vf
u Vw / 14 )
35 tan
4 . 3
85 . 18 ( )
tan
(
0
2
2 2
= = =
u
% 8 . 81 818 . 0
85 . 18 14
22 81 . 9
2 2
= = = =
x
x
u Vw
gHm
n
mano
power shaft
rQHm
n efficiency overall =
0
s m
x x N D
u / 85 . 18
60
1200 3 . 0
60
2
2
= = =
t t
Soln:
% 1 . 74 741 . 0
55
22 16 . 0 81 . 9 18 . 1
= =
)
`

=
x x x
Minimum speed for starting a centrifugal
pump.
When a centrifugal pump is started ,
Will start delivering liquid only if the pressure rise
in the impeller is more than or equal to the
manometric head (H mano). In other words, there
will be no flow of liquid until the speed of the
pump is such that the required centrifugal head
caused by the centrifugal force or rotating water
when the impeller is rotating, but there is no flow
i.e flow will commence only if
m
H
g
u u
>

2
2
1
2
2
For minimum starting speed, we
must have
m
H
g
u u
>

2
2
1
2
2
We know
2 2
u Vw
gHm
n
mano
=
g
n u Vw
H or
mano
m
2 2
=
) 3 (
60
,
60
2
2
1
1
N D
u
N D
u
t t
= =
Substituting eqn (2) & (3) in eq (1)
Dividing both the sides by
And simplifying
g
N
60
t
60 60 60 2
1
2 2
2
1
2
2
N D
x
g
Vw
x n
N D N D
g
mano
t t t
=

|
.
|

\
|

|
.
|

\
|
( )
2 2
2
1
2
2
120
D xVw n D D
N
mano
=
t
Problems
1. The impeller of a centrifugal pump is 1.0m
in diameter and 0.1m wide. It delivers 2m3/s
of water through a height of 45m while
running at 600 Rpm. If the blades are curved
|
|
.
|

\
|

= =
) (
120
2
1
2
2
2 2
min
D D
xD xVw n
N N
mano
t
outlet at flow of velocity Vf =
2
Backward and the outlet angle is 30 calculate
the manometric efficiency and the power
required to run the pump. Estimate the
minimum speed to start the pump if the
impeller diameter at inlet is 0.6m
Soln: from continuity equation
2 2 2
Vf B D Q t =
s m
x x N D
u / 85 . 18
60
600 6 . 0
60
1
1
= = =
t t
s m
x x
/ 37 . 6
1 . 0 1
2
= =
t
s m
x x N D
u / 42 . 31
60
600 1
60
2
2
= = =
t t
From the outlet velocity triangle
2 2
2
tan
Vw u
Vf

= |
2 2
u Vw
gHm
n
mano
=
s m orVw
Vw
/ 38 . 20
42 . 31
37 . 6
30 tan
2
2
0
=

=
Manometric efficiency
689 . 0
42 . 31 38 . 20
45 81 . 9
= =
x
x
Power given to the liquid
rQHm=9.81x2x45=882.9KW
)
`

=
) (
120
2
1
2
2
2 2
min
D D
n D Vw
N
mano
t
Minimum starting speed
2. The diameters of the impeller of a
centrifugal pump at inlet and outlet
are 40cm and 80cm respectively.
Determine the minimum starting
Rpm RPm
x x x
840 838
) 6 . 0 1 (
689 . 0 1 38 . 20 120
2 2
~ =

=
t
Speed if it works against a head of
25m.
Soln: for minimum starting speed
Hm
g
u u
>

2
2
1
2
2
Hm
N D N D
g
e i >
)
`

2
2 2
1
2
2
2 2
2
2
60 60 2
1
.
t t
{ } 25 4 . 0 8 . 0
60 81 . 9 2
1
2 2
2
2 2
=
xN
x
x
t
Solving for N, N=610.5Rpm (Min starting speed)
Multistage centrifugal pumps
When a centrifugal pump consist of two or more
impellers the pump is know as a multistage
centrifugal pump.
The important functions of a multistage
centrifugal pump are;
(i)To produce high head (pumps in
series)
(ii)To deliver or discharge large
quantities of a liquid (pumps in
parallel)
Pumps in parallel: it is an
arrangement made by mounting a
number of impellers on the shaft of
a motor as shown. Such an
Arrangement is useful when the liquid has to
be pumped to large heights keeping the
discharge constant. If, Hm is the head
developed by one impeller n= number of
impellers. Then, nxHm= total head developed
by the pump Q=discharge through the pump.
Pumps in parallel: it is an arrangement made
by connecting
A number of pumps in parallel as shown. Such an
arrangement is useful when a large quantity of
liquid is to be pumped to a particular height.
If Q=discharge from one pump
N=identical number pumps.
Then, nxQ= total discharge delivered by the
pump
Hm is the head developed by the pump.
Problems:
1. A three stage centrifugal pump has an
impeller of 40cm diameter and 2.5cm
thickness at outlet. The vanes are curved
back at the outlet at 30 and reduce the
circumfarential area by 15% the
manometric efficiency is 85%

And overall efficiency is 75% determine the
head generated by the pump when running
at 1200 Rpm and discharging 0.06m 3/s.
find the power required to drive the pump.
Soln: from the continuity equation

K= total percentage area available
2 2 2
Vf B D K Q t =
For flow=(1-0.15)=0.85
2
025 . 0 4 . 0 85 . 0 06 . 0 xVf x x xt =
s m Vf / 25 . 2
2
=
s m
x x N D
u / 13 . 25
60
1200 4 . 0
60
2
2
= = =
t t
From outlet velocity triangle
2 2
2
tan
Vw u
Vf

= |
s m Vw / 23 . 21
30 tan
25 . 2
13 . 25
0
2
=
)
`

=
Manometric efficiency
2 2
u Vw
gHm
n
mano
=
m
x x
H or
m
23 . 46
81 . 9
85 . 0 13 . 25 23 . 21
= =
Total head developed by the pump
H=3Hm=3x46.23=138.7m
Output of the pump
P=rQh=9.81x0.06x138.7=81.64KW
Power required to drive the pump
KW
n
P
85 . 108
75 . 0
64 . 81
0
= =
2. Find the number of impellers and
the diameter of each impeller
required for a multistage centrifugal
pump to lift 80lps of water against a
total head of 225m. Assume
speed=1500Rpm, approximate
specific speed=600 peripheral
Coefficient=0.96 and overall
efficiency=80% what is the shaft
input required
Soln: specific speed
4
3
m
s
H
Q N
N =
) ( 63
600
80 1500
3
4
stage per head m
x
H
m
=
)
`

=
4 57 . 3
63
225
or stages of number = =
Diameter of each impeller
m u
H K
N
85
=
m x x 432 . 0 63 96 . 0
1500
85
= =
KW
x x
n
rQHm
input shaft 7 . 220
8 . 0
225 08 . 0 81 . 9
0
= =
Specific speed (Ns)
The specific speed of a centrifugal
pump is defined as the speed of a
geometrically similar pump which
Would deliver unit quantity (1m 3/s)
against a unit head (1m). It is
denoted by Ns.
Specific speed is a characterstic of
pumps which can be used as a
basis for comparing the
performance of different pumps.
Expression for specific speed(Ns)
From continuity equation
Q=Area x velocity of flow
f
DBxV t =
) 1 ( . DBVf Q e i o
Where, D & B are diameter and
width of pump impeller.
) (
2
ii Vf D Q
D B but
o
o

Tangential velocity u is given by

) (
60
iii DN u or
DN
u o
t
=
Hm Vf or gHm K V also
f
o 2 =
Comparing eq (iii) and (iv)
) (vi
N
Hm
D Hm DN or o o
Substituting the value of D from eq
(vi) in eq (ii)
) (v H Vf u
m
o o
Hm x
N
Hm
Q
2
)
`

o
2
2
3
.
N
Hm
Q e i o
In order to eliminate the value of K
substitute Q=1m 3/s, H=1m and
N=Ns in eq(vii)
) (
1
1
2
2
2
3
viii N K or
N
Kx
s
s
= =
) (
2
2
3
vii
N
Hm
K Q or =
Substituting in eq(vii)
) (
4
3
2
3
2
ix
Hm
Q N
N or
N
Hm
N Q
s s
|
|
|
.
|

\
|
= =
2
s
N K =
The range of specific speeds Ns
for different types of pumps are:
Radial flow = 10 to 30
(slow speed)

Radial flow = 30 to 50
(Medium speed)
Radial flow = 50 to 80
(high speed)
Mixed flow = 80 to 160
(screw type)
Propeller type = 160 to 500
(or axial flow)
Problems:
1. Calculate the specific speed of a
centrifugal pump running at 1000
Rpm. The diameter of the impeller
is 30 cm and its width 6cm. The
pump delivers 120lps with a
manometric efficiency of 85%. The
effective outlet blade angle is 30.
neglect the thickness of blades.
Soln:

s m
x x N D
u / 7 . 15
60
1000 3 . 0
60
2
2
= = =
t t
s m
x x flow of area
Q
Vf / 12 . 2
06 . 0 3 . 0
12 . 0
1
= = =
t
From the outlet velocity triangle
s m
Vf
u Vw / 03 . 12
30 tan
12 . 2
7 . 15
tan
0
2
2 2
=
)
`

=
)
`

=
|
From the definition of manometric
efficiency
85 . 0
7 . 15 03 . 12
81 . 9
2 2
= = =
x
xHm
u Vw
gHm
n
mano
s m Hm / 36 . 16 =
Specific speed
6 . 42
) 36 . 16 (
12 . 0 1000
4
3
4
3
=

= =
x
Hm
Q N
N
s
Performance of centrifugal pumps:
Generally a centrifugal pump is
Worked under its maximum
efficiency conditions, however when
the pump is run at conditions other
than this it performs differently. In
order to predict the behaviour of the
pump under varying conditions of
speed, discharge and head, full
scale tests are usually performed.
The results of these tests are
plotted in the form of characteristic
curves. These curves are very
useful for predicting the
performance of pumps under
different conditions of speed,
discharge and head.
Following four types of
characteristic curves are usually
prepared for a centrifugal pump.
a.Main characteristic.
b.Operating characteristics
c.Constant efficiency or Muschel
characteristic.
d.Constant head an constant
discharge curves.
a. Main Characteristic: the pump
is operated a particular constant
speed, discharge is varied by
adjusting the delivery valve.
Manometric head H
m
and the
shaft power P are measured for
each discharge. The overall
efficiency is then calculated. The
curves are plotted between H
m
&
Q, P & Q, & Q.
0
q
0
q
A set of similar curves are plotted by
running the pump at different
speeds. They will be as shown.
b. Operating characteristic: The
curves are obtained by running the
pump at the design speed, which is
also the driving speed of the motor.
The design discharge and head are
obtained from the corresponding
Curves, where the efficiency is
maximum as shown.
c. Constant efficiency curves:
The constant efficiency curves are
obtained from the main
characteristic curves. The line of
maximum efficiency is obtained by
joining the points of the maximum
curvature of the constant efficiency
lines. These curves are useful in
Determining the range of operation
of a pump.
d. Constant head and constant
discharge curves: If the pump has
a variable speed, the plots between
Q and N and that between H
m
and
N may be obtained by varying the
speed. In the first case H
m
is kept
constant & in the second Q is kept
contant.
Model testing of centrifugal
pumps: Models of centrifugal
pumps are usually tested to predict
the performance of prototypes. The
discharge (Q) delivered by a
centrifugal pump depends upon the
Manometric head (H
m
), impeller dia
(D), power (P), speed (N), viscosity
( ), density (P) and acceleration
due to gravity (g).

i.e
By dimensions analysis, it can be
shown that

Hence, for completely dynamic
similarly to exist between the pump
model and its prototype, assuming
that g,P & are the same in the
model & the proto type.
{ } g p N P D H Q
m
, , , , , , | =
)
`

=
(

P N D
P
eND D N
hH
ND
Q
m
3 5 2 2 2 3
, ,

|

m
D N
Hm
D N
H
ND
Q
ND
Q
m
m P
(

=
(

=
(

=
(

2 2 2 2 3 3
;
m
N D
P
N D
P
ND ND
P m P
(

=
(

=
(

=
(

3 5 3 5 3 2
;
1 1
As long as the flow in th emodel is
turbulent can be

ignored (i.e equality of Reynolds
number).
(

=
(

2 2
1 1
ND ND
P
Moreover, the specific speed of the
model should be equal to that of the
prototype. i.e.
m
m
P
m
H
Q N
H
Q N
(
(

=
(
(

4
3 3
4
Problems:1) A half scale model of a
centrifugal pump runs at 7000Rpm
and has an impeller of 15cm,
diameter. If it delivers 0.04 cumes of
water under a head of 40m.
Calculate the speed and the head of
the prototype assuming the same
efficiency, what is the specific speed
of the pump if the discharge in the
prototype is 0.08m
3
/sec
Soln:
3 3
m m
P
P
P
D N
Q
D N
Q
=
3
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
P
m
m
P
m
P
D
D
x
Q
Q
N
N
Rpm x X N or
P
1750
2
1
04 . 0
08 . 0
7000
3
=
|
.
|

\
|
=
Also
( )
2 2 2 2
m m
m
m
P P
m
D N
H
D N
H
=
( ) ( )
m
m
m
P
m
P
P
m
H x
D
D
x
N
N
H
2
2
2
2
=
( ) ( ) m x x 10 40 2
1750
7000
2
2
=
|
.
|

\
|
=
( )
88
10
08 . 0 1750
4
3
4
3
= = =
X
H
Q N
N Speed Specific
m
S
2. Two geometrically similar pumps
are running at the same speed of
1000Rpm. One pump has an impeller
diameter of 300mm and lifts water at
the rate of 0.02m
3
/s against a head
of 15m. Determine the head and
impeller diameter of the other pump
to deliver half the discharge.
Solution:
2
4
3
4
3
(
(

=
(
(

m m
H
Q N
H
Q N
( ) ( )
2
4
3
4
3
01 . 0 1000
15
02 . 0 1000
. .
m
H
x x
e i =
( ) m H
m
45 . 9
2
=
2 1
(
(

=
(
(

DN
H
DN
H
m m
1000
45 . 9
1000 3 . 0
15
. .
2
x D
x
e i =
mm M D 238 238 . 0
2
= =
3. 3m
3
/s of water is lifted to a height
of 30m with an efficiency of 75% by a
single stage centrifugal pump. The
impeller diameter is 300mm and it is
rotating at 2000Rpm. Find the
number of stages and diameter of
each impeller of a similar multi stage
pump of lift 5m
3
/s to a height of 200m
when rotating at 1500Rpm.