Multiple pump test rig

OBJECTIVE

To study the performance characteristics of pumps operating in series and parallel and to
identify difference in self-priming centrifugal and plunger pump.

AIM
1. To study the operation of pumps in series and parallel
2. To determine the overall efficiency of self-priming centrifugal pump and
plunger pump for same discharge volume

THEORY
In general, a pump may be defined as a mechanical device which, when interposed in a
pipeline, converts the mechanical energy supplied to it from some external source into
hydraulic energy, thus resulting in the flow of liquid from lower potential to higher potential.
The pumps are of major concern to most Engineers and Technicians. The types of pumps
vary in principle and design. The selection of the pump for any application is to be done by
understanding their characteristics. The most used pumps for domestic, agricultural, and
industrial purposes are: Centrifugal, Piston, Axial Flow (Stage Pumps), Air jet, Diaphragm
and Turbine pumps. Most of these pumps fall into the main class, namely: Roto dynamic,
Reciprocating (Positive Displacement), Fluid (Air) operated pumps.
While the principle of operation of other pumps is discussed elsewhere, the Centrifugal pump
which is of present concern falls into the category of Roto dynamic pumps. In this pump, the
liquid is made to rotate in a closed chamber (Volute Casing), thus creating the centrifugal
action, which gradually builds the pressure gradient towards outlet thus resulting in the
continuous flow. These pumps compared to Reciprocating Pumps are simple in construction,
more suitable for handling viscous, turbid (Muddy) liquids can be directly coupled to high-
speed electric motors (without any speed reduction), easy to maintain. But their hydraulic
heads per stage at low flow rates is limited, and hence not suitable for very high heads
compared to Reciprocating Pumps of same capacity. But, still in most cases, this is the only
type of pump, which is being widely used for agricultural applications because of its practical
suitability. The present test rig allows the students to understand and draw the operating
characteristics at various heads and flow rates and speeds.
For pumps in parallel arrangement:
 Parallel pumps are ideal for systems where high flow rates are needed, so they can be
utilised in any scenario where there's a need to transport large volumes of fluid over a
 relatively short distance.
 Pumps of similar characteristics should be used. Disparity in pump characteristics may
lead to uneven load distribution and resultant inefficiencies.
 Use a control system to balance the load between pumps. This can increase efficiency,
prolong pump lifespan, and provide redundancy in case one pump fails.

For pumps in series arrangement:

 Pumps used must have similar capacity. This is critical because variance in pump
capacity can lead to increased wear and tear on the smaller pump, as it may struggle to
keep up with the larger pump.
 It's significant to note that while series pumps can handle high head, they’re not efficient
at handling high-flow conditions, thus hydraulics need to be worked out rigorously
while deploying a series configuration.
 As pumps work sequentially in a series configuration, any failure or underperformance
of a single pump may significantly affect the overall operational efficiency, so a good
monitoring system is needed.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS
The present pump test rig is a self-contained unit operated on closed circuit (Re-circulation)
basis.
The Following are the pumps used here to find out performance.
1. Roto dynamic Pumps
a. Centrifugal Pump – 0.5 HP
b. Self-Priming Pumps (0.5 HP for Parallel and series Operations)
2. Positive Displacement Pump
c. Plunger Pump- 0.5 HP
The whole unit is a self-contained Recirculation type with, sump tank, collecting tank,
Control panel are mounted on rigid framework with arranged with the following provisions:
d. To measure overall input power to the Pump using Energy Meter and stopwatch.
e. For recording the Pressure & Vacuum
f. For changing the Pressure by operating the delivery valve.
g. For measuring the discharge by Collecting Tank with respect to time taken
* Electrical Supply : 230 Volts, 5 Amps, 1Ph 50 Hz with Neutral & Earth Connection

* Centrifugal Pump : 1 HP, Crompton make.

* Pressure Gauges : 4.2 kg /cm²

 * Vacuum Gauge : 0-760 mm of Hg

* Energy Meter constant : 3200 IMP/KWH

* Control Valves : For control flow rate of water

BASIC DATA:
1HP = 736 Watts
1kg/cm2 = 760 mm of Hg (10 m of water)
Density of water (“W”) = 1000 kg/m3

CALCULATIONS

1. Electrical Power as indicated by Energy Meter:

n x 60 x 60 x0.8
Hpinput =-------------------------------in KW.
3200 x t

Where,
n = Number of blinks of energy meter
t = is the time taken by the Energy meter for n blinks, in seconds.

2. Discharge Rate “Q” in m3/s:

AR
Qact =.------------------m3//Sec
1000  t
Where, A = Area of measuring tank in m2
R = Rise of water level for time ‘t’ in sec.
t = time taken in seconds for ‘R’ mm rise of water.

3. Total Head ‘H’ in m:

H = 10 x ((Delivery Pressure) + ((Vacuum Head) x 13.6/1000) in m

Where, ‘P’ is the pressure in kg/cm2.

‘Pv’ is the vacuum in mm of Hg.

4. Hydraulic Power (Delivered by the Pump):

WQH
Hpoutput =-------------------------in KW.
Where, ‘W’ = 9810N/m3.
‘Q’ = From Formulae-2.
‘H’ = From Formulae-3.

5. Overall Efficiency:

HPoutput
% =. ---------------
HPinput