Pumps
DBC/DCI/DAR114
WORKSHOP TECHNOLOGY 1 (MECHANICAL)
TOPIC 5: PUMPS
Muriithi M. M.
May 2022
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Pumps
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Definition of terms
(a) Pump
A pump is a device that converts mechanical energy in a fluid system, to increase the
pressure or kinetic energy of the fluid, for the purpose of moving them from one point to
another.
(b) Head of a Pump
In fluid mechanics, a fluid’s head is the height of a vertical column of a fluid, that exerts a
pressure on its base. In pumps, the head may be expressed in the following ways (among
others that might be outside the scope of this unit):
(i) Suction Head (hs)
The height from the liquid surface in the sump/reservoir to the centre line of the pump
(ii) Delivery Head (hd)
The height from the centre line of the pump to the liquid surface in the tank to which the
liquid is delivered
(iii) Static Head (Hstat)
The sum of suction head and delivery head
(iv) Friction head
The head lost by flowing water as a result of friction between the water and pipe walls, as
well as intermolecular disturbances
(v) Static water level
The level of water in a well (measured from the surface/land or a specified reference point)
under normal, non-disturbed, non-pumping conditions
(vi) Static pumping level
The level of water in a well (measured from the surface/land or a specified reference point)
while the pump is in operation
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(c) Discharge / Volumetric flow
Refers to the quantity of fluid (in terms of volume) flowing through a channel per unit time
(usually a second)
(d) Priming
Removing of air from the pump and suction line by completely filling with liquid
(e) Cavitation
The rapid creation and subsequent collapse of air bubbles in a fluid
1.2 Applications of pumps
Pumps can be found in domestic, agricultural, automobiles, building and industrial spheres
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2.0 Classification of Pumps
There are two main types of pumps, Dynamic and Positive Displacement Pumps
1. Dynamic/Rotadynamic Pumps
In this case, pressure is developed by the dynamic action of an impeller on the fluid.
Momentum is imparted to the fluid by dynamic action. These pumps are classified
into:
(a) Radial flow / Centrifugal Pumps
(b) Axial flow
(c) Mixed flow
2. Positive Displacement Pumps
In these types, a certain volume of fluid is taken in an enclosed volume and then it
is forced out against pressure to the required application. These are further classified
into:
(a) Reciprocating Pumps
(i) Diaphragm
(ii) Piston
(iii) Plunger
(b) Rotary Pumps
(i) Lobe
(ii) Vane
(iii) Gear
(iv) Screw
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2.1 Centrifugal Pumps
These are so called because energy is imparted to the fluid by centrifugal action of moving
blades from the inner radius to the outer radius.
2.1.1 Main parts of a centrifugal pump
The main parts of a centrifugal pump are the Impeller, Casing and Drive Shaft.
(a) Impeller
An impeller is a wheel with a series of backward curved vanes/blades. It is usually mounted
on a shaft, that’s coupled to an electric motor. Impellers are of the following three types
(i) Closed/Shroud Impellers – Employed when the liquid to be pumped is clear/pure
and free of debris.
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(ii) Semi-open – Can be used even when the liquid does not contain debris
(iii) Open Impeller – Used when the liquid contains suspended solid matter (such as pulp,
sewage, sand, grit).
(b) Casing
The casing is an air-tight chamber surrounding the impeller. It contains suction and
discharge arrangement. The most common types of casings are:
Volute casing, which has the flow area gradually increasing from the impeller to the
delivery pipe so as to reduce the velocity of flow. This in turn, results in the increase
of fluid pressure (kinetic energy of liquid is converted into pressure energy)
Casing with guide plates (called a diffuser) – A diffuser can diffuse the flow of liquid
even more efficiently, and recover kinetic energy as pressure. Diffuser pumps are also
called turbine pumps
(c) Drive Shaft
It is the shaft from the motor, and is usually coupled to a motor.
(d) Suction Pipe
The pipe which connects the eye of the impeller to the sump/reservoir from which liquid is
to be lifted. The lower end of the pipe is fitted with a strainer to act as a sieve for solid
particles. Also, a non-return foot valve is fitted to prevent liquid from draining out when
the pump isn’t in action.
(e) Delivery Pipe
The pipe connected at the pump’s inlet to deliver the pumped liquid to the required height.
2.1.2 Working principle a centrifugal pump
(i) The liquid enters the pump through the eye of the impeller, and is guided towards
the outer radius of the impeller by the backward curved vanes. Due to the liquid
being displaced from the centre, suction is developed at the eye of the impeller.
(ii) The liquid sucked at the eye of the impeller is impelled out and comes out at the
outlet tips of the vanes into the casing (volute).
(iii) Due to impeller action, the velocity, and consequently kinetic energy of the liquid
increases.
(iv) Due to the gradually increasing cross-section of the volute chamber, the liquid slows
down, hence some of the kinetic energy is converted into pressure in the casing.
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(v) Therefore, the liquid comes out of the delivery pipe with high velocity and higher
pressure.
2.1.3 Advantages of centrifugal pumps over positive displacement pumps
1. The cost is lower – Since it has fewer parts
2. Installation and maintenance is easier – Again, since it has fewer parts
3. They have large discharge capacity
4. Compact and smaller in size – Due to fewer parts, hence are portable and occupy less
space
5. Has superior performance characteristics to positive displacement pumps
6. Can be employed for lifting highly viscous liquids such as paper pulp, oil, muddy and
sewage water – by changing the impeller design into open impeller type.
7. Can be operated at very high speeds, and are often directly coupled with a motor
The above mentioned qualities make centrifugal pumps very popular
2.1.3 Comparison between centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps
Centrifugal Pumps Positive Displacement Pumps
More complex, consists of several moving
1. Simple in construction
parts
Speed is limited by the higher inertia of
2. Can operate at high speeds
moving parts and fluid
Suitable for large volumes of discharge Suitable for fairly low volume of discharge
3.
at low pressures at high pressures
Delivery might not be continuous (might be
4. Delivery is smooth and continuous pulsating as for the case of reciprocating
pumps)
Lower maintenance costs due to High maintenance costs due to more moving
5.
compactness and fewer parts parts
Occupy considerably more space due to an
Occupy considerably less space due to increased number of parts (such as an air
6.
compactness vessel, and crank shaft for the case of a
reciprocating pump)
7. Generally have higher discharges Generally have lower discharges
8. Are affected by cavitation Not prone to the problem of cavitation
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As for the case of reciprocating pumps,
9. Priming is required
priming is not required
Suited for high capacities and low Suited for relatively low capacities and high
10.
heads heads
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2.2 Positive Displacement Pumps
As earlier stated, in positive displacement pumps, a certain volume of fluid is taken in an
enclosed volume and then it forced out against pressure to the required application. Positive
Displacement Pumps are of two categories:
(a) Reciprocating pumps
(b) Rotary pumps
2.2.1 General advantages of Positive Displacement Pumps
1. Rotary Positive Displacement Pumps are ideal for high pressure applications such as
in pumping viscous like thick slurries, or for pumping lubricating oil in automobiles
2. Ideal for applications where precise amounts of liquids are to be dispensed or metred
(such as in medical applications, for example in artificial hearts)
3. Positive displacement pumps are better suited to handle shear sensitive liquids since
the induced shear is much less than that of a dynamic pump
4. A well-sealed positive displacement pump can create a significant vacuum at its inlet
even when “empty” hence is self-priming
A pump that can lift a liquid even when the pump itself is “empty” is called a self-priming
pump
5. Also, rotors of positive displacement pumps run at much lower speeds hence
minimizing the waring out of pump parts, such as seals, bearings, e.t.c
6. They are not prone to the problem of cavitation wear, as in impeller blades of
centrifugal pumps
7. Are best suited for relatively small capacities and high heads (as in the case of a
reciprocating pump)
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2.2.2 General limitations of Positive Displacement Pumps
1. Due to the design, some positive displacement pumps (such as reciprocating pumps)
deliver pulsating flow which might not be desirable
2. Their volume flow rate cannot be changed unless the rotation rate is changed
3. They create very high pressures on the outlet side, hence if the delivery pipe is blocked
in any way, raptures may occur, or the motor might be strained and wear out
4. Some occupy very large spaces and aren’t easily portable (as in the case of reciprocating
piston pumps, since they also have a crank mechanism, and air vessels installed)
5. Generally, have small/low discharge
6. High acquisition and maintenance cost (as in the case of reciprocating piston pumps)
7. Their speed can be limited
8. Complex design, as in rotary and reciprocating pumps (have multiple moving/rotating
components)
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2.2.3 Reciprocating Piston (Positive
Displacement) Pumps
Reciprocating pumps utilize some kind of back and forth (reciprocating) motion to draw
water into an enclosure/cylinder, then force it out through pressure. Under reciprocating
pumps, the following pumps exist
(a) Piston
(b) Plunger
(c) Diaphragm
For the sake of this unit however, piston pumps will be discussed. It is worth noting that
piston pumps are almost similar to plunger pumps, in that for a piston pump, the piston
tightly fits into the cylinder, as opposed to a plunger which does not fit tightly into the
cylinder.
Diaphragm pumps have an elastic membrane which expands and contracts, hence increasing
the volume (subsequently creating a vaccum that results in suction) and decreasing the
volume of the chamber respectively (hence increasing pressure and forcing out liquid in the
chamber).
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[Link] Components of a Piston Pump
The main components of a piston pump are:
1. Cylinder 7. Crank and connecting rod
2. Suction valve (check valve) mechanism operated by a power
3. Suction pipe source such as an engine, or electric
4. Piston motor
5. Delivery valve (check valve) 8. Air vessel
6. Delivery pipe
(a) Valves
The valves used in reciprocating pumps (as suction and delivery valves) are check valves
(one way valves). These are valves that do not permit back flow of the fluid being pumped.
Check valves can be of the following types
(i) Swing valve
(ii) Piston valve
(iii) Ball valve
(iv) Stop valve
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(b) Air vessel
Air vessels can be fitted in the suction and delivery line as shown below:
An air vessel is a closed chamber containing compressed air in the upper part and liquid
being pumped in the lower part. In reciprocating pumps, air vessels are used for the following
purposes:
(i) The flow fluctuation is reduced and uniform flow is obtained (whenever fluctuations
take place, they occur between the air vessels and the pump)
(ii) The friction work is reduced
(iii) Enables for use of high speeds of rotation
[Link] Working Principle of a Piston Pump
(i) The crank moves outwards making the piston move out, which creates a vaccum,
hence suction on the left side of the piston.
(ii) Due to the suction, water is drawn into the cylinder through the inlet/suction valve,
at which time the delivery valve is closed.
(iii) During the return stroke, the crank moves inwards which subsequently forces the
piston inwards. Since the fluid is incompressible, pressure immediately develops in
the piston, causing the delivery valve to open and the suction/inlet valve to close
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2.2.4 Rotary (Positive Displacement)
Pumps
In order to avoid the complexity of construction and restriction on speed of the reciprocating
pumps, rotary positive displacement pumps have been developed.
Rotary pumps are NOT suited for pumping low viscosity fluids. They are extensively used
for pumping lubrication oil to engine parts,
[Link] Advantages of Rotary Pumps over Piston Pumps
1. Can run at higher speeds than piston pumps
2. Are made to be more compact than piston pumps
3. Can be made for very low and metred volume delivery (as in medical applications)
4. Less complex than reciprocating pumps
[Link] Disadvantages of Rotary Pumps over Piston Pumps
1. They are not suited for pumping low viscosity fluids
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[Link] Examples of Rotary Pumps
Examples of rotary positive displacement pumps include
(a) Vane pump
(b) Lobe pump
(c) Gear pump
(d) Screw pump
(e) Flexible tube peristaltic pump
(a) Gear Pump
Consists of 2 identical mating gears
Liquid is trapped in the space between gear teeth and the casing.
The liquid is delivered from low pressure side to the pressure side
These pumps should be filled with liquid before starting
Popularly used for pumping oil
(b) Lobe Pump
Gear teeth in this case are replaced by lobes, with two lobes
arranged in a casing
As the rotor rotates, liquid is trapped between the lobes and the
casing, and delivered from the low pressure side to the pressure
side
They have higher capacity compared to gear pumps
These pumps must be filled with liquid first before starting
Popularly used for pumping oil
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(c) Vane Pump
Vane pumps can be used to pump both liquids and gases
A rotor carrying sliding vanes mounted along the length is
eccentrically placed in a casing as shown
Springs control the movement of the vanes and keep them
pressed on the casing
Fluid is trapped between the vanes and the casing, and as the
rotor rotates, the trapped fluid is carried to the pressure side
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3.0 Pump Maintenance/Overhaul
When performing maintenance on pumps, Preventive and Corrective/Breakdown
Maintenance strategies may be employed.
3.0.1 Preventive Maintenance Strategies
Some of the advantages of employing preventive maintenance strategies during pump
overhaul include
(i) No dismantling of pump is necessary
(ii) Helps prevent and predict unforeseen breakdowns
(iii) The time to carry out pump maintenance may be predicted and planned accurately
and in a qualified manner (enabling quality maintenance action)
Examples of Preventive Maintenance Strategies include
(a) Performance monitoring
The following parameters can be monitored to understand how a pump is performing:
(i) Suction pressure
(ii) Discharge pressure
(iii) Flow
(iv) Pump speed
(v) Pump efficiency and power
(b) Vibrational analysis
Vibrational analysis on motor bearings can point to some problems such as
(i) Unbalance
(ii) Misalignment
(iii) Bearing defects
(c) Oil and particle monitoring
Lubrication oil analysis can be carried out to determine the appropriate action to be taken
or to find out why bearings might have failed, or just as a formal procedure. Some of the
activities carried out include viscosity analysis, moisture content analysis, and wear particle
content.
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(d) System analysis
System analysis involves, but is not limited to reviewing the pump’s parts and
configurations. System analysis activities include:
(i) Checking shaft straightness and alignment
(ii) Inspecting of couplings
(iii) Inspection of mechanical seals for leakages
(iv) Inspection of mechanical fasteners, and vibration dampers
(v) Valve inspection
3.0.2 Corrective Maintenance Strategies
Pump breakdowns that necessitate corrective action could have the following as causes:
(i) Mechanical seal failures
(ii) Excessive vibrations
(iii) Inadequate performance
(iv) Leaking casing
Corrective strategies might include
(a) Replacing worn out impellers, say due to cavitation damage
(b) Replacing worn out gaskets
(c) Replacing worn out bearings
(d) Alignment of drive shaft to prevent vibrations
(e) Tighten mechanical fasteners
(f) Replacing of motor and pump vibration dampers
(g) Replacing of worn out couplings
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4.0 Factors Considered During Pump Selection
The following factors might be considered during pump selection/procurement:
1. Cost of acquisition
2. Efficiency
3. Discharge
4. Cost of maintenance
5. Heads (heights through which the liquid is pumped)
6. Nature of the liquid being pumped (such as viscosity, shear sensitivity, e.t.c)
7. Floor space available
8. Nature of the fluid reservoir/sump
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5.0 References
[1] Girdhar, Paresh, and Octo Moniz. Practical Centrifugal Pumps. Elsevier, 2011.
[2] Kothandaraman, C. P. (2007). Fluid Mechanics and Machinery. New Age
International.
[3] Rajput, R. K. (2004). A Textbook of Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines. S.
Chand Publishing.
[4] Yunus A. Çengel, & John M. Cimbala. (2010). Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and
Applications. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
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