ABSTRACT

Pump is a device used to transfer mechanical energy from a prime mover into
fluid energy to produce the flow of liquids. This report describes an experiment to
demonstrate the basic operation and characteristics of centrifugal pumps.

It is also done to differentiate the flow rate and pressure head of a single pump
and two identical pumps that is in series or parallel.

Where pumping requirements are variable, it is often more economical to fit two
pumps in series or parallel operation rather than a single larger one which may be
under utilized for much of the time.

This experiment is conducted in series and parallel to identify the pressure

difference in both pumps. Two identical pumps operated in parallel approximately
double the discharge while preserving the same head. Likewise when two
identical pumps are connected in series, the discharge rate is the same as that
from one pump but the head is approximately doubled. This can be a useful note
to the production of high heads.
 INTRODUCTION
The objective of this experiment is to determine the flow rates and pressure
head of a single pump and of two identical pumps. In this experiment, centrifugal
pumps have been used to determine the flow rate and the pressure head,. This
experiment is conducted in series and parallel to identify the pressure difference
in both pumps. Centrifugal pump is known as one of the most widely used pumps
for transferring liquids. Its also known as a device used to transfer mechanical
energy from a prime mover into fluid energy to produce the flow of liquids. The
pump is connected in parallel because to provide enough flow rates compared to
centrifugal pump that is connected in series, the function is to provide enough
head for the flow of liquids.

Where pumping requirements are variable, it is often more economical to fit

two pumps in series or parallel operation rather than a single larger one which
may be under utilized for much of the time, in the former arrangement one pump
may be switched off when demand is low, therby operating the other at a highr
efficiency and enabling maintenance to be done on the idle unit.

Two identical pumps operated in parallel approximately double the discharge

while preserving the same head. Likewise, when two identical pumps are
connected in series, the discharge rate is the same as that from one pump but the
head is approximately doubled. This can be a useful route to the production of
high heads.

1. Pumps in series-heads added

When two or more pumps are arranged in series, their resulting pump
performance curve is obtained by adding their heads at some flow rate
centrifugal pumps in series are used to overcome larger system head loss
than one pump can handle alone. For two identical pumps in series the
head will be twice the head of a single pump at the same flow rate. Series
operation of single pumps is seldom encountered more often mainstage
centrifugal pumps are used
 2. Pumps in parallel-flow rate added
When two or more pumps are arranged in parallel their resulting
performance curve is obtained by adding their flow rates at the same head.
Centrifugal pumps in parallel are used to overcome larger volume flows
than one pump can handle alone.

.
 THEORY
A pump can be defined as any machine or device for transferring liquid from one
place to another through a pipe. The most common parameters used to describe,
classify, and choose all pumps are the following

- Flow rate
- Differential head
- Suction limit
- Efficiency
- NPSH for centrifugal pumps

FLOW RATE: The flow rate usually indicated by the symbol “Q” corresponds
to the amount of liquids which passes through the pump in the unit time.
The flow rate up to 7000m3/hr can be obtained. Special pumps can give
very small and precise flow rates

DIFFERENTIAL HEAD: The differential head usually indicated by the symbol

“H” is a characteristic parameter of pumps and corresponds to the
difference between the manometric pressures measured at the discharge
and suction of the pump. This pressure difference is converted into meters
of the pressured liquid column. The differential equation is expressed as

Pv−Po
H= Y

Where PV = The discharge pressure

PO = The suction pressure
Y = specific gravity of th liquid
For the most common pumps, the maximum differential head is generally
equal to 100m.
The loss of head is the difference between the manometric pressure at the
end of a pipeline, or any conduct and the discharge pressure of the pump.
It depends both on the pipeline characteristics(length, diameter, shape etc)
And on the characteristics of the transferred fluid (I.e density, viscosity etc)
knowledge of the loss of head is very important in order to choose the
pump dial will be used in the process.

SUCTION LIMIT:
Pump suctions have an action limit of about 10 meters of water equal to
the atmospheric pressure. In practice, owing to the real efficiency of the
pumps, this limit is less than 10 meters. The discharge pressure on the
other hand, depends only on the characteristics of the pump and of the
liquid to be pumped.

EFFICIENCY:
The efficiency of a pump usually indicated by the greek word “ή” is the
ratio between the useful and absorbed power:
Efficiency is always less than one

CHARACTERISTICS CURVES
Characteristic curves are very useful for immediate understanding of the
main characteristics of the pump (especially centrifugal pumps). They
usually show the interrelations between discharge head, capacity head,
efficiency and power input of a given pump

CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
The centrifugal pump is widely used in the process industries because of it
simplicity at design, low initial cost, low maintenance and availability of
application. Centrifugal pumps have built to pump as like as 100 liters per
minute. A small head and also as much as 2500l/min against a head of 100.
The centrifugal pumps are so called because they impart velocity to the
liquid by centrifugal force, then convert some of the velocity to pressure. A
centrifugal pump with the impeller is referred to as single stage pump. If
the total head capacity combination to be developed is greater than that
which can be developed from a single impeller, multi- stage operation may
be used. multi stage pumps may be thought of as being several single-stage
pumps on one shaft, with flow in series. In effect discharge from a single
stage pump is fed into the suction side of a second stage where the
discharge pressure if the first stage Is preserved. The fluid after entering the
second stage will have added to it the pressure energy developed in the
stage and so on.
When choosing a pump besides the feature regarding flow rate, head and
efficiency, it is necessary to stage the operating conditions at the suction.
That is it is necessary to ascertain the available suction pressure and vapor
pressure of the liquid. On the basis of these element, the so called
NPSHR( required Net position suction head) given by:
NPSHR = hs-hp
Where hs is absolute static pressure, expressed in meters of liquid
measured at the suction nozzle. The static pressure thus defined is equal to
the gauge pressure hg expressed in meters of liquid and added to the
amount hv v2/2g {velocity head) absolute vapor pressure of the liquid
expressed in m at the operating temperature. A knowledge of NPSH R will
avoid cavitations phenomena.
Since centrifugal pump is a radial flow into dynamic machine, wherein
fluid enter the rotor or impeller at one radius and leaves at a larger radius
and leaves at a larger radius an understanding of the thermodynamic of the
process and the following expressions would help in measurement or
calculation of these quantities.
From 1st law of thermodynamics to a unit mass of fluid flowing through a
control volume

WS = d(v2/2) + [Link] +∫ vol . dp = F (1)

Where
WS is the mechanical shaft work performed on the fluid
d(v2/2) is the change in kinetic energy of the fluid
[Link] is the change in potential energy of the fluid
F is the frictional energy loss as heat to the surroundings or heating the
fluid itself as it travels from inlet to outlet
From equation (1), the useful work is

WS = (V22 – V12)/2 + g(z2 – z1) + (p2 – p1)/pg (2)

Equation 2 expressed as total dynamic head flow , H, we have
H = (V22 – V12)/2g + g(z2 – z1) + (p2 – p1)/pg (3)
Because small pipe diameters equation 3 reduces to

H = ( Z2 – Z1) + (P2 – P1)/pg (4)

The gauges measure the inlet and outlet pressures in terms of a head,h
where equation 4 now becomes

H =(z2 – z1) + (h2 – h1) (5)

Equation 5 could as well be expressed as

HD = (Z2 + Z1) –HD(OUTLET) –HD(INLET) (6)
Put equation 6 into 5 we now have

H = HD (h2 – h1)

The principle theory of the centrifugal pump is as follows

1. Flow rate is directly proportional to the impeller speed and to the third
power of the impeller diameter
2. Total head is directly proportional to the square power of the impeller
diameter
3. Power is directly proportional to the third power of the impeller speed
and to the fifth power of the impeller diameter
4. All the interaction occurs when the pump volute housing creating the
total dynamic head

Operational of pump connected in series and parallel

1. Series operation : incase of two pumps connected bfor a series
operation, the flow rates of pump no 1 and pump no 2 will be equal;
 and he combined total head of the two pump will be equal to the
sum of the total head of the pump no 1 and 2
2. Parallel operation : in case of two pump connected in parallel
operation the pump suction and discharge pressure head will be
equal and the combined total flow rate of pump no 1 and pump no 2.

HTOTAL = HT1 + HT2

QT = Q1 + Q2
 APPARATUS DESCRIPTION

manifold valve

Manifold gauge

Outlet gauge sump drain valve

Inlet gauge

FIG 1-26 PUMPING DEVICE SET UP

DESCRIPTION

A pump can be defined as any machine or device for transferring liquid from
one ple to another through a pipe. The most common parameters used to
describe, classify and choose all pumps are the following;

Flow rate, differential head, suction limit, efficiency, NPSH. Centrifugal pumps is
known as one of the most used pumps for transferring liquids. It is also known as
a device used to transfer mechanical energy from a prime mover into fluid energy
to produce the flow of liquids. The efficiency of a pump, widely indicated by the
greek symbol “n” is the ratio between the useful and absorbed power. Efficiency
is always less than 1 . the centrifugal pumps is widely used in process industries
because of its simplicity of design, low initial cost etc

PROCEDURE/METHOD
SERIES PUMP OPERATION

1. The inlet of f1-26 should be connected to the water inlet of the hydraulics
bench
2. The outlet should be connected to the discharge manifold. The gauge used
for measurement of outlet head is the f1-26 oulet gauge h 2. The inlet of the
hydraulics bench pump is assumed to be atmospheric pressure modified by
the datum head correction factor given in the technical data
3. Close the sump valve and close the control valve on the hydraulics bench
4. Close the discharge control valve on the discharge control manifold, switch
on the bench pump.
5. Open the bench control valve, switch on f1-26 pump. Pen the discharge
control valve fully and then allow the pumps a few minutes to stabilize
6. We can now take a set of readings for flow rate at a range of head values.
The outlet is measured using the f1-26 pump outlet gauge. The inlet head is
taken as the head in the sump tank of the hydraulics bench and is assumed
to be at ambient pressure
7. To vary the head use the discharge control valve starting with the valve
fully open and including a reading with the valve fully closed
 SINGLE PUMP OPERATION
1. The inlet of the f1-26 should be connected to the sump drain valve on
the hydraulics bench, which must be fully opened while performing the
experiment
2. The outlet should be connected to the discharge manifold. The gauges
used for measurement of inlet and outlet heads for the experiment are
the inlet gauge, h1 and the outlet gauge h2
3. Open the hydraulics bench sump drain valve and close the discharge
control valve on the discharge control manifold. Switch on the f1-26
pump, open the discharge control valve fully
4. Take a set of readings for flow rate at a range of head values. To vary the
heads, use the discharge control valve starting with the valve fully open
and holding a reading with the valve fully closed the reading for the inlet
flow to the pump should be taken from the f1-26 pump inlet gauge.
5. The readings for the pump output should be taken from the f1-26 pump
outlet gauge
6. By adjusting the sump drain valve, it is possible to perform the exercise
under varying static system pressure

PARALLEL PUMP OPERATION

1. The inlet of the f1-26 should be connected to the sump drain valve on the
hydraulics bench which must be fully opened while performing the
experiment.
2. The outlet should be connected to the supplied t-connector. The outlet of
the hydraulics bench pump should also be connected to the discharge
manifold
3. The gauges used for measurement of inlet and outlet heads for this
experiment are the f1-26 gauge
4. Open the sump valve and close the control valve on the hydraulics bench.
Close the discharge control valve on the discharge control manifold
5. Switch on the bench pump. Open the bench control valve. Switch on the f1-
26 pump. Open the discharge control valve fully and then allow the pumps
a few minute to stabilize
6. You can now take a set of readings for flow rate at a range of head values.
The inlet head is assumed to be similar for both pumps and is measured
using the f1-26 pump inlet gauge. The outlet gauge head is measured using
the discharge using the discharge manifold gauge.
7. To vary the head we need to use the discharge control valve, starting with
the valve fully open and including a reading with the valve fully closed.
 RESULTS/CALCULATIONS

SINGLE PUMP OPERATION

Volume Time to Inlet Inlet head Outlet Outlet Datum Flow Total Head
of water collect head correction head correction head rate Q( H=H d +( ho−hi)
V(m3)× t(s) hi ( m ) h di ( m ) ho( m ) h do( m) correction m 3 /s ) 1
10−3 H d (m ) 0
−4

5 12.78 -4 0.02 5 0.17 0.15 3.9124 9.15

5 8.75 -3.5 0.02 7 0.17 0.15 5.7143 10.65
5 9.57 -2.5 0.02 9 0.17 0.15 5.2247 11.65
5 10.76 -1.5 0.02 11 0.17 0.15 4.6468 12.65
5 11.76 -1.7 0.02 13 0.17 0.15 4.2517 14.85
5 13.03 -1.0 0.02 15 0.17 0.15 3.8373 16.15

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS

Volume of water used: 5litres

, 1litre = 1 ×10−3 m 3 ;therefore 5litres equal5 × 10−3 m3 .

Datum Head Correction: h do −hdi =0.170−0.02=0.15 m

V 5 × 10−3 −4 3
Flow rate: Q= Q= =3.91× 10 m /s
t 12,78

Total Head (H) H=H d +(h ¿ ¿ o−hi ); H =O.15+(5−(−4))=0.15+9=9.15 ¿m

 SINGLE PUMP plot of H against Q

5
f(x) = − 0.113460077896787 x + 6.01800864167478

4
H (head)

0
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Q volumetric flow rate
SERIES PUMP OPERATION

Volume Time to Outlet Outlet Datum Flow rate Total Head

of water collect head correction head Q(m3 /s ) H=H d +( ho )
V(m3)× 1 t(s) ho( m ) h do( m) correction ×10−4 (m)
0 −3 Hd (m)
5 9.98 2 0.17 0.17 5.010 2.170
5 10.91 4 0.17 0.17 4.583 4.170
5 12.10 6 0.17 0.17 4.132 6.170
5 13.59 8 0.17 0.17 3.679 8.170
5 15.32 10 0.17 0.17 3.264 10.170

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS

Volume of water used: 5litres, 1litre = 1 ×10−3 m 3 ; therefore 5litres equal 5 × 10−3 m3

V 5 × 10−3 −4 3
Flow rate: Q= Q= =5.010× 10 m /s
t 9.98

Total Head (H) H=H d +h o ; H=0.170+2=2.170 m

series pump plot of H against Q

6

5
f(x) = − 0.2198 x + 5.489766
4
HEAD m

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Q flow rate m3/s
PARALLEL PUMP OPERATION

Volume Time to Inlet Inlet head Outlet Outlet Datum Flow Total Head
of collect head correction head correction head rate Q( H=H d +(ho−hi)
water t(s) hi ( m ) h di ( m ) hm( m ) h do( m) correction m3 / s ) 1
V(m3) 1 H d (m ) 0
−3

0−3
5 1.15 -1.0 0.02 2 0.96 0.94 4.3478 3.94
5 1.70 -1.8 0.02 4 0.96 0.94 2.9412 6.74
5 2.56 -2.10 0.02 6 0.96 0.94 1.9531 9.04
5 2.65 -2.40 0.02 8 0.96 0.94 1.8868 11.34
5 3.05 1.00 0.02 10 0.96 0.94 1.6393 9.94

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS

Volume of water used: 5litres,

1litre = 1 ×10−3 m3 ; therefore 5litres equal5 × 10−3 m3

Datum Head Correction: h do−hdi =0.96−0.02=0.94 m

−3
V 5 × 10 −3 3
Flow rate: Q= Q= =4.3478 ×10 m /s
t 1.15

Total Head (H) H=H d +( h ¿ ¿ m−hi ); ¿

H=O .94+(2−(−1))=0.94+3=3.94 m
 PARALLEL PUMP OPERATION
5 plot of H against Q
4.5
4
f(x) = − 0.366032179971658 x + 5.5551038757676
3.5
H HEAD m

3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Q flow rate m3/s
 DISCUSSION
A pump is a device used to move liquids or slurries. A pump moves liquids from
lower pressure to higher pressures and overcome the difference in pressure by
adding energy to the system(such as a water system). A gas pump is generally
called a compressor except in very low pressure rise applications such as heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning. In this experiment, 3 different types of pump
are being used. The types of pumps that were used in single operation pump,
series operation pump and parallel operation pump. During the experiment the
pressure value is constsntly recorded to identify the different pressure value and
to illustrate the pressure difference against flow rate. When the flow rate
increases, the pressure of the pump decreases for all types of pump operation.

Based on the result from the table, the increment of flow rate was influence to
the decreasing of pressure head of suction that give a negative sign. These data
was influence to the pressure in discharge section which is controlled so,

1. Manipulated variable shows by the pressure in discharge and speed of the

pump
2. Dependent variable shows by the pressure in suction and flow rate
3. Constant variable shows by volume of water in the tank

Discharge conditions

Discharge conditions occurs when the pump discharge is extremely high. It

normally occurs in a pump that is running at less than 10% of its best efficiency
point.

Suction cavitations : Suction cavitations occur when the pump suction is under a
low pressure high vaccum condition where the liquid turns into a vapor at the eye
of the pump impeller.
 CONCLUSIONS

Based on this experiments and the results obtained, it can be concluded that the
pump in series operation is better when compared to a single operation pump or
pump in parallel operation. It is also suitable for any industry.

According to the experiments, we can now evaluate the pump characteristics

and performance of single two pumps in series and two pumps in parallel at a
fixed speed. Pumps convert mechanical energy into flud energy and allow liquids
to be moved from one place to another. From this experiment, we can now
understand fully the types of pumps available and their different characteristics.
 RECOMMENDATION
This experiment didn’t give an exact value because by some errors in the system
and other factors, such as

-parallax error

It happens when taking a reading using gauge meter and stop watch where the
reader didn’t using a proper way to get a right reading.

To prevent this problem, the reader shouls learn and practice by understanding
the procedure to get readings, otherwise get some help. Other than that, the
reader should have sharp eye because meter gauge don’t give a small scale to
use. He or she must estimate the value correctly or nearly the right value that can
be used.

Systematic error

Thus error is caused by apparatus that are not perfect and have some
problem such as leaking or a big losses of energy caused by friction in the
pipe.
To prevent this error, the apparatus should be tested before the
experiment begins

Random error

There are many data that was taken and sometimes the data didn’t give a good
results caused by random results.

To reduce this, the reader shoukd take more than one reading and take the
average.

Additionaly , a person who takes the reading should not be changed.

APPENDIX
 volume of water
Flow rate = time¿
collect ¿

v
Q= t

- Single pump operation;

Volume = 0.005litre

-At time 12.78s

0.005
Q = 12.78 = 0.000391m3/s

At time 8.75s
0.005
Q = 8.75 = 0.000571m3/s

At time 9.57s

Q = 0.005/9.57 = 0.000522 m3/s

At time 10.76s

Q = 0.005/10.76 = 0.000465 m3/s

At time 11.76s

Q = 0.005/11.76 = 0.000425 m3/s

At time 13.03s

Q = 0.005/13.03 = 0.000384 m3/s

 SERIES PUMP OPERATION
At time 9.98s

Q = 0.005/9.98 = 0.000501 m3/s

At time 10.91s

Q = 0.005/10.91 = 0.000458 m3/s

At time 12.10s

Q = 0.005/12.10 = 0.000413 m3/s

At time 13.59s

Q = 0.005/13.59 = 0.000368 m3/s

At time 15.32s

Q= 0.005/15.32 = 0.000326 m3/s

PARALLEL PUMP OPERATION

AT time 1.15s
Q = 0.005/1.15 = 0.00435 m3/s

At time 1,70s

Q = 0.005/1.70 = 0.00294 m3/s

At time 2.56s

Q = 0.005/2.56 = 0.00195 m3/s

At time 2.65s

Q = 0.005/2.65 = 0.00189 m3/s

At time 3.05s

Q = 0.005/3.05 = 0.00164 m3/s

 REFERENCES
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2. Improving pumping system performance: a sourcebook for industry,second
edition,may 2006 retrieved on 2021-05-30
3. Definitive guide ; pumps used in pressure washers. The pressure washer
review, retrieved on may 30 2021
4. C.M schumocher M. loepfe, [Link], R.N Grass and W.J. STARK, 3D printed
lost wax casted soft silicone monoblocks enable heat inspired pumping by
internal combustion, “RSC advances vol 4 pp 16039-16042 2014
5. JM Coulson and J.F Richardson with J.R Bockhaust and J.H horker,
“chemical engineering, volume 1, fluid flow, heat transfer and mass
transfer . sixth edition, Butler worth hanemann 2004
6. Ogboja Olu, “ fluid mechanics” unilag press 2005
7. NNPC intermediate staff course "