Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics

12.8. System Operating Point

How do we select a pump for a given system? Analyze the system to determine the shaft head required to
give a specified volumetric flow rate. Compare this equation to a pump performance curve (H - Q curve) to
determine if the pump operates efficiently at this Q. If so, then the choice of pump is appropriate.
For example, consider the system shown in Figure 12.31. Apply the Extended Bernoulli Equation from point
1 to point 2,
✓ ◆ ✓ ◆
p V̄ 2 p V̄ 2
+↵ +z = +↵ +z HL,12 + HS,12 , (12.45)
⇢g 2g 2 ⇢g 2g 1
where p1 = p2 = patm and V̄1 ⇡ V̄2 ⇡ 0. Thus, the head required from the pump is,
HS,12 = (z2 z1 ) + HL,12 . (12.46)
Recall that,
X V̄i2 X Q2
HL,12 = Ki = Ki i 2 , (12.47)
i
2g i
2gAi
so that,
HS,12 ⇡ (z2 z1 ) + cQ2 , (12.48)
where c is a constant that incorporates the loss coefficients and area ratios, and an “⇡” is used since the loss
coefficient may depend on the flow speeds.

Figure 12.31. The system used in the operating point example.

The flow rate at which the system operates is at the intersection of the system head curve with the pump
performance curve, as shown in Figure 12.32.

Notes:
(1) Ideally we would want the operating point to occur near the Best Efficiency Point for the pump.
(2) For laminar flow,
✓ ◆
64 L 64⌫ L c
Kmajor = = = , (12.49)
Re D V̄ D D Q
where c is a constant. Thus,
HL ⇠ Q, (12.50)
=) system curve is: HS = c 1 + c 2 Q (a line instead of a parabola). (12.51)

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 Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics

Figure 12.32. The head (H) required for the system to operate at a given flow rate (Q),
i.e., the system head curve, and the head rise generated by the pump (H) at a given flow
rate (Q), i.e., the pump performance curve. The flow rate at which the two curves intersect
is the system operating flow rate.

Figure 12.33. An illustration of the original system head curve and the system head curve
after fouling.

Figure 12.34. An illustration of the original pump head curve and the pump head curve
after wear.

(3) The system curve may change over time due to fouling of the pipes and other factors =) increased
losses =) the system curve becomes steeper, as shown in Figure 12.33. The pump curve may also
change due to wear on the bearings, impeller, etc., as shown in Figure 12.34.

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 Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics

(4) Stability issues become significant when the pump has a flat or falling performance curve, which is
defined as a performance curve in which H decreases as Q decreases (Figure 12.35). For example,
Figure 12.36 shows the system curve intersecting the pump curve at two di↵erent flow rates. The
flow rate in the falling portion of the pump curve (the left point in the figure) is unstable since a
slight perturbation results in the flow rate diverging way from the point. The operating point in
the rising portion of the pump curve (right point in the figure), however, is stable since conditions
resulting from a small perturbation from this point will drive the flow rate back to the operating
point.

Figure 12.35. An illustration of a “falling” pump performance curve.

Figure 12.36. An illustration showing stable and unstable operating points.

Figure 12.37 shows a more complex pump curve with two rising sections and one falling section.
The operating points in the rising sections are stable while the operating point in the falling portion
is unstable. Usually this type of situation is undesirable since in engineering we typically prefer to
have an unambiguous, stable operating point rather than the possibility that the operating point
might suddenly change if a sufficiently large perturbation occurs.

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 Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics

Figure 12.37. An illustration showing a pump curve resulting in two stable operating
points and one unstable operating point.

Figure 12.38 shows a situation in which the system and pump curves remain close to each other for
a range of flow rates. This condition is also undesirable since a perturbation from the operating
point will take a long time to come back to equilibrium and, as a result, the flow rate will drift over
a range of values. Instead, it is better to have a situation in which the system and pump curves
intersect with a large angle between the curves so there’s a large potential (i.e., head di↵erence)
driving the system back into equilibrium if there’s a perturbation.

Figure 12.38. An illustration demonstrating that the operating flow rate for a flat pump
performance curve can vary considerably.

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Video solution: [Link]

Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_07

Water is to be pumped from one large open tank to a second large open tank. The pipe diameter throughout
is 6 in. and the total length of the pipe between the pipe entrance and exit is 200 ft. Minor loss coefficients
for the entrance, exit, and the elbow are shown on the figure and the friction factor can be assumed constant
and equal to 0.02. A certain centrifugal pump having the performance characteristics shown is suggested
as a good pump for this flow system.
a. With this pump, what would be the flow rate between the tanks?
b. Do you think this pump would be a good choice?

Kelbow = 1.5
10 ft pump

pipe diameter = 6 in Kexit = 1.0

total pipe length = 200 ft

Kentrance = 0.5

SOLUTION:

Apply the extended Bernoulli’s equation from point 1 to point 2.

2

H pump

z
1

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Video solution: [Link]

Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_07

æ p V2 ö æ p V2 ö
çç +a + z ÷÷ = çç +a + z ÷÷ - H L + H S (1)
è rg 2g ø2 è r g 2g ø1
where
p2 = p1 = patm (free surface)
V2 » V1 » 0 (large tanks)
z2 - z1 = H
V2 é æ L ö ù
HL = f ç ÷ + K entrance + K exit + K elbow ú (where V is the mean velocity in the pipe) (2)
2 g êë è D ø û
Note that the mean pipe velocity can be expressed in terms of the volumetric flow rate.
Q
V=
p D2
4
Substitute and simplify.
8Q2 é æ L ö ù
HS = H + 2
f
4 ê ç ÷ + Kentrance + Kexit + Kelbow ú (3)
p gD ë è D ø û
For the given problem:
H = 10 ft
g = 32.2 ft/s2
f = 0.02
D = 6 in = 0.5 ft
L = 200 ft (Note: Kmajor = f(L/D) = 8.0)
Kentrance = 0.5
Kexit = 1.0
Kelbow = 1.5
Þ HS = (10 + 4.43Q2) ft Note that [Q] = ft3/s. (4)
This is the head that must be added to the fluid by the pump in order to move the fluid at the
volumetric flow rate Q.

With [Q] = gpm, Eqn. (4) becomes:

HS = (10 + 2.25*10-5Q2) ft Note that [Q] = gpm. (5)

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Video solution: [Link]

Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_07

Plot Eqn. (5) on the pump performance curve to determine the operating point.

system curve (Eqn. (5))

From the figure we observe that the operating point occurs at:
Q » 1600 gpm
corresponding to a head rise and efficiency of
H » 67 ft
h » 84%

The operating efficiency is close to the optimal efficiency of 86% so this is a good pump to use.

The power required to operate this pump is,

W! =
ρQgH
=
(62.4 )(1600 )( )(
lbf
ft 3
gal
min
min
60 s
ft 3
7.48 gal )(66.5 ft )( hp
550 [Link] s )
η 0.84
W! = 32.0 hp

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Video solution: [Link]

Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_12

Consider the pipe/pump system shown in the figure below.

h = 0.5 m
H = 2m 90° rounded pipe bend
D = 0.2 m (equivalent length of 30 pipe diameters) D
L1 = 10 m
L2 = 20 m P
The pipe is made of concrete L1 L2
with a roughness of 3 mm. H

water with density of 1000 kg/m3, kinematic viscosity of 1.0*10-6 m2/s, and vapor pressure of 2.34 kPa

40

35

30
head, H [m]

25

20

15

10

0
0.0E+00 2.0E-02 4.0E-02 6.0E-02 8.0E-02
3
flow rate, Q [m /s]

The pump performance head curve is approximated as:

H = (3.23*101 m) + (1.65*102 s/m2)Q - (4.82*103 s2/m5)Q 2
where [H] = m and [Q] = m3/s.

a. Determine the system head curve for the pipe system.

b. Determine the operating point for the system.
c. How will the flow rate within the pipe change over time if the pipe carries “hard” water and lime
deposits form on the interior pipe walls? Explain your answer. You should assume that the deposits do
not significantly affect the pipe diameter.
d. Calculate the net positive suction head available at the pump inlet.
e. If we wanted to add a valve to control the flow rate in the pipe, would it be better to put the valve
upstream or downstream of the pump? Explain your answer.

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Video solution: [Link]

Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_12

SOLUTION:

Apply the Extended Bernoulli Equation from points 1 to 2.

h = 0.5 m
H = 2m 90° rounded pipe bend
D = 0.2 m (equivalent length of 30 pipe diameters) D
L1 = 10 m
2
L2 = 20 m P
The pipe is made of concrete L1 L2
with a roughness of 3 mm. H
1
h

water with density of 1000 kg/m3, kinematic viscosity of 1.0*10-6 m2/s, and vapor pressure of 2.34 kPa

æ p V2 ö æ p V2 ö
çç +a + z ÷÷ = çç +a + z ÷÷ - H L + H S (1)
è rg 2g ø2 è r g 2g ø1
where
p1 = p2 = patm (2)
4Q
V1 » 0 and V2 = (Also assume turbulent flow, a2 » 1.) (3)
p D2
z2 – z1 = H (4)
V2
(
H L = K major + K inlet + K elbow 2)
2g
(5)

Solve for HS.

é æLö æ L ö ù 8Q 2
H S = H + ê1 + f ç ÷ + K inlet + f ç e ÷ ú 2 4 (6)
ë èDø è D ø û p gD
Here,
H = 2m
L = L1 + L2 = 30 m
D = 0.2 m
Kinlet = 0.78 (re-entrant inlet)
Le/D = 30
g = 9.81 m/s2
The relative roughness is:
e/D = (3*10-3 m)/(0.2 m) = 0.015 (7)
Assume the flow Reynolds number is large enough so that it is in the fully rough zone and the friction
factor is independent of the Reynolds number.
e/D = 0.015 in fully rough zone (Re > 70,000) Þ f » 0.044 (8)

Substitute and simplify.

é ù
ê
H S = 2 m + ê1 + 6.6
! + 0.78
"#$# + 1.32
ú
( 1 s
% ú 5.16*10 m5 Q
2
) (9)
ê major minor ú
ë losses losses û
(Note that the minor losses are not negligible compared to the major loss.)
(
H S = 2 m + 5.01*102 s
m5 )Q 2
(This is the system head curve.) (10)

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Video solution: [Link]

Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_12

The operating point occurs where the system and pump curves intersect.
(
!""""#"""" m )
$ !""""""""""#""""""""""
( m
) (
2 m + 5.01*102 s5 Q 2 = 3.23*101 m + 1.65*10 2 s2 Q - 4.82*103 s5 Q 2
m
$
) ( ) (11)
system curve pump curve

(5.32*10 3 s
m5 ) Q - (1.65*10 ) Q - (3.03*10 m ) = 0
2 2 s
m2
1
(12)

Q = 9.26*10-2 m3
s
(13)

Verify the Reynolds number assumption.

V2 =
4Q
=
(
4 9.26*10-3 m3
s ) = 2.95 m
(14)
p ( 0.2 m )
2 2 s
pD

Re =
V2 D
=
( 2.95 ms ) ( 0.2 m ) = 590, 000 Þ The assumption of fully turbulent flow is ok! (15)
n (1*10 -6 m 2
s )
As lime deposits collect, the relative roughness will increase resulting in an increase in the friction factor.
Thus, the system curve will steepen over time and the operating flow rate will decrease.

H rough system curve

clean system curve

pump curve

Q
Qrough Qclean

Apply the Extended Bernoulli Equation from points 1 to 2 in the figure below.

h = 0.5 m
H = 2m 90° rounded pipe bend
D = 0.2 m (equivalent length of 30 pipe diameters) D
L1 = 10 m 2
L2 = 20 m P
The pipe is made of concrete L1 L2
with a roughness of 3 mm. H
1
h

water with density of 1000 kg/m3, kinematic viscosity of 1.0*10-6 m2/s, and vapor pressure of 2.34 kPa

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Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_12

æ p V2 ö æ p V2 ö
çç r g + a + z ÷
÷ = ç
ç + a + z ÷÷ - H L + H S (16)
è 2g ø2 è r g 2g ø1
where
p1 = patm (17)
V1 » 0 (The flow has been shown to be turbulent Þ a2 » 1.) (18)
z2 – z1 = H (19)
V2
( )
H L = K major + K inlet + K elbow 2
2g
(20)

HS = 0 (There is no pump between points 1 and 2.) (21)

Re-arrange to put in terms of NPSHA.
æ p V2 ö pv p - pv é æL ö æ L ö ù 8Q 2
NPSHA º çç + ÷÷ - = 1 - H - ê f ç 1 ÷ + K inlet + f ç e ÷ ú 2 4 (22)
è r g 2 g ø2 r g rg ë èDø è D ø û p gD
(Note that the major loss is based on L1.)
Here,
p1 = patm = 101 kPa (abs)
pv = 2.34 kPa (abs)
r = 1000 kg/m3
g = 9.81 m/s2
H = 2m
f » 0.044 (from previous work)
L1 = 10 m
D = 0.2 m
Kinlet = 0.78 (re-entrant inlet)
Le/D = 30
Q = 9.26*10-2 m3/s
Substitute and simplify.
NPSHA = 6.16 m (23)

We would be better off putting the valve downstream of the pump so that the NPSHA remains as large as
possible to avoid cavitation in the pump.

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 Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_13

Consider the pipe system shown in the figure below. The fluid to be pumped is water with a density of
1.0E3 kg/m3, a kinematic viscosity of 1.0E-6 m2/s, and a vapor pressure of 2.3E3 Pa.

7.0 m
90° threaded all pipes are comprised of 0.20 m inner
sharp-edged inlet pump elbow diameter commercial steel pipe
1.0 m

10. m 10. m

The pump used in this system has the performance plot shown below.

30 100%
90%
25
80%
70%
20

efficiency
60%
head [m]

15 50%
40%
10
30%
20%
5
10%
0 0%
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

flow rate [m3/s]

Curve fits to the pump performance data are given below:

H [m] = (-3.25E1 s2/m5) Q2 + (1.23E0 s/m2) Q + (2.78E1 m)
hP = (-3.74E0 s2/m6) Q2 + (3.60E0 s/m3) Q

a. Determine the operating volumetric flow rate of the system.

b. Is the given pump a good choice for this system? Explain your answer.
c. Determine the NPSHA to the pump for the flow rate determined in part (a).
d. Give one specific modification to the pipe system that could be employed to decrease the likelihood
that cavitation will occur in the pump.

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 Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_13

SOLUTION:

Apply the Extended Bernoulli Equation from point 1 to point 2.

2

7.0 m
20 m total length of 0.20 m
1 sharp-edged inlet 3 pump diameter commercial steel pipe
1.00 m

flow direction 90° threaded elbow

æ p V2 ö æ p V2 ö
çç +a + z ÷÷ = çç +a + z ÷÷ - H L,12 + H S ,12 (1)
è r g 2 g ø2 è r g 2 g ø1
where
p1 = p2 = patm (free surfaces exposed to the atmosphere)
V1 » V2 » 0 (large tanks)
z2 - z1 = 7.00E0 m (given)
2
æ L öV V2 V2 V2
H L,12 = f ç ÷ + K sharp-edged + K 90! threaded + K exit
è D ø 2g entrance 2g elbow 2g 2g
é æLö ùV 2
=êf ç ÷ + K sharp-edged + K 90! threaded + K exit ú
êë èDø entrance elbow úû 2 g
é æLö ù Q2
=êf ç ÷ + K sharp-edged + K 90! threaded + K exit ú
( )
2
êë èDø entrance elbow úû 2 g p D 2
4

Re-arrange Eqn. (1) to solve for HS,12.

é æLö ù Q2
H S ,12 = ( z2 - z1 ) + ê f ç ÷ + K sharp-edged + K 90! threaded + K exit ú (2)
( )
2
êë è D ø entrance elbow úû 2 g p D 2
4

Assume that the flow is in the fully rough zone where the friction factor is independent of the Reynolds
number. The pipe roughness, e, is e = 0.0450E-3 m so that the relative roughness is:
e 4.50E-5 m
= = 2.25E-4
D 2.00E-2 m
From the Moody chart in the fully rough zone:
f = 1.41E-2

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 Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_13

Substitute in the given data into Eqn. (2):

z2-z1 = 7.00E0 m
L = 2.00E1 m
D = 2.00E-1 m
Kinlet = 5.00E-1
Kelbow = 1.50E0
Kexit = 1.00E0
g = 9.81E0 m/s2

(
H S ,12 = ( 7.00E0 m ) + 2.28E2 s
2

m5 )Q 2
(3)

Equate the system head curve (Eqn. (3)) to the given curve fit for the pump head curve to solve for the
operating point flow rate.
( -3.25E1 s /m ) Q + (1.23E0 s/m ) Q + ( 2.78E1 m ) = ( 7.00E0 m ) + ( 2.28E2 s )Q
2 5 2 2 2 2
m5
( -2.60E2 s /m ) Q + (1.23E0 s/m ) Q + ( 2.08E1 m ) = 0
2 5 2 2

\ Q = 2.85E-1 m3 /s

Check that the Reynolds number is in the fully rough zone as assumed.
Q 2.85E-1 m3 /s
V = = = 9.08 m/s
4( )
p D2 p 2.0E-2 m
4

VD ( 9.08E0 m/s )( 2.0E-1 m )

Re = = = 1.82E6
n (1.0E-6 m /s )
2

The Reynolds number and the relative roughness put the flow in the fully rough zone so the assumption
was a good one.

The efficiency is determined using the given curve fit for the efficiency and the calculated volumetric flow
rate.
h P = 72%
This efficiency is not near the Best Efficiency Point for the pump (BEP = 90%) so this is not a good pump
to use for this application.

The NPSHA to the pump is found by applying the Extended Bernoulli Equation between points 1 and 3 and
utilizing the definition of NPSH.
æ p V2 ö æ p V2 ö
çç +a + z ÷÷ = çç +a + z ÷÷ - H L,13 + H S ,13 (4)
è rg 2g ø3 è r g 2g ø1
where
p1 = patm (free surface exposed to the atmosphere)
V1 » 0 (large tank)
z1 - z3 = 1.00E0 m (given)
a 3 » 1 (turbulent flow based on the Reynolds number calculated previously)
H S ,13 = 0
é æL ö ù Q2
H S ,13 = ê f ç 13 ÷ + K sharp-edged ú
( )
2
ë è D ø entrance û 2 g p4 D 2

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 Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_13

Substitute into the definition of NPSH.

æ p V2 ö pv
NPSH = çç + ÷÷ -
è r g 2 g øs r g
æ p - pv ö é æ L13 ö ù Q2
NPSHA = ç atm ÷ + ( z1 - z3 ) - ê f ç ÷ + K sharp-edged ú
è rg ø ( )
2
ë è D ø entrance û 2 g p4 D 2
Using the given data:
patm = 1.01E5 Pa
pv = 2.30E3 Pa
r = 1.00E3 kg/m3
g = 9.81E0 m/s2
z1-z3 = 1.00E0 m
f = 1.41E-1 (found previously)
L13 = 1.0E1 m
D = 2.0E-1 m
Kinlet = 5.0E-1
Q = 2.85E-1 m3/s (found previously)
Þ NPSHA = 6.01E0 m

In order to avoid cavitating the pump, we would need to make sure that NPSHA > NPSHR for the pump.

If NPSHA < NPSHR, then the following could be easily implemented to increase NPSHA:
1. Decrease the elevation of the pump inlet so that z1 – z3 increases.
2. Decrease the losses from 1 to 3 by:
a. decreasing the pipe length from 1 to 3 and
b. using a rounded inlet into the pipe.

Note that increasing the pipe diameter from 1 to 3 or changing the pipe material from 1 to 3 might be
difficult to implement and would also change the system operating point. Although they would be difficult
to implement, increasing the pressure in tank 1 or decreasing the flow temperature to decrease the vapor
pressure would also act to increase NPSHA.

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Video solution: [Link]

Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_14

Consider the pipe/pump system shown below in which water (with a density of 1.0E3 kg/m3 and dynamic
viscosity of 1.3E-3 Pa×s) is pumped from tank A to tank B.

15 cm diameter pipe with a total length

of 40 m and roughness of 0.9 mm
gravity
pB = 200 kPa 90° regular
(gage) threaded elbow

re-entrant inlet
B pA = 0
flow (gage)
10. m
8.0 m gate valve A
(1/2 open) pump 5.0 m
90° regular
threaded elbow 0.5 m

The pump to be used in the system has the following pump performance curve.

7.0E+01 90%
80%
6.0E+01
70%
5.0E+01
60%

efficiency
head [m]

4.0E+01 50%

3.0E+01 40%
30%
2.0E+01
20%
1.0E+01
10%
0.0E+00 0%
0.0E+00 5.0E-02 1.0E-01 1.5E-01
3
flow rate [m /s]

Curve fits to the pump performance data are given below:

H [m] = (-1.5E3 s2/m5) Q2 + (2.8E1 s/m2) Q + (6.3E1 m)
hP = (-5.6E1 s2/m6) Q2 + (1.2E1 s/m3) Q + (2.1E-1)

a. Determine the operating point for the system.

b. Is the given pump efficient for this application? Explain your answer.
c. Do you anticipate that cavitation in the pump will be an issue? Explain your answer.

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Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_14

SOLUTION:
15 cm diameter commercial steel
pipe with a total length of 40 m
pB = 200 kPa 90° regular
(gage) 2 threaded elbow

pA = 0 re-entrant inlet
B
flow (gage)
10. m
gate valve A 1
1
( /2 open) pump 5.0 m
90° regular
threaded elbow

Apply the Extended Bernoulli Equation from the free surface of tank A (point 1) to the end of the pipe
leading into tank B (point 2).
æ p V2 ö æ p V2 ö
çç +a + z ÷÷ = çç +a + z ÷÷ - H L,12 + H S ,12 (1)
è rg 2g ø2 è r g 2g ø1
where
p1 = p A = 0 (gage) and p2 = pB = 2.0E5 Pa (gage) (given)
V1 » 0 (large tank)
Q
V2 = VP = and a 2 » 1 (assuming turbulent flow)
p D2
4
z1 = 5.0E0 m and z2 = 1.0E1 m (given)
2
æ L öV V2 V2 V2
H L,12 = f ç ÷ P + K re-entrant P + K 1/2 open P + 2 K 90! threaded P
è D ø 2g inlet 2g gate valve 2 g elbow 2g
é æLö ùV 2
H L,12 = ê f ç ÷ + K re-entrant + K 1/2 open + 2 K 90! threaded ú P (2)
êë è D ø inlet gate valve elbow úû 2 g
(Note that there are no exit losses at point 2.)

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Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_14

The friction factor, f, is determined from the Moody chart using the Reynolds number in the pipe, Re, and
the relative roughness, e/D. Since the Reynolds number is unknown at this point (since the flow rate and
hence velocity are unknown), assume that the flow occurs in the fully rough zone. The pipe has a
roughness of 0.9 mm. Hence:
e ( 9.0E-4 m )
= = 6.0E-3
D (1.5E-1 m )
f = 3.2E-2

Hence, the major loss coefficient for the system is:

æLö æ 4.0E1 m ö
K major = f ç ÷ = ( 3.2E-2 ) ç ÷ = 8.6E0
èDø è 1.5E-1 m ø

The minor loss coefficients are found from minor loss tables to be:
K re-entrant = 8.0E-1
inlet

K half open = 2.1E0

gate valve

K90! threaded
= 1.5E0
elbow

Re-arrange Eqn. (1) to solve for HS,12 and substitute the values given above.
p - p1 V2 V2
H S ,12 = 2 + a 2 2 - a1 1 + z2 - z1 + H L,12
rg 2g 2g
p2 Q2
= + + z2 - z1 + H L,12
r g 2g p D2
( )
2
4

( 2.0E5 Pa ) Q2
= + + (1.0E1 m ) - ( 5.0E0 m )
(1.0E3 kg/m )(9.8E0 m/s ) 2 (9.8E0 m/s ) éë p (1.5E-1 m ) ùû
3 2
2
4
2 2

Q2
+ éë8.6E0 + 8.0E-1 + 2.1E0 + 2 (1.5E0 ) ùû
( )
2
2 9.8E0 m/s 2 é p4 (1.5E-1 m ) ù
2
ë û
(
H S ,12 = ( 2.5E1 m ) + 2.5E3 s 2 /m5 Q 2 )
Equate the system head curve with the given pump head curve to determine the operating point.
( 2.5E1 m ) + ( 2.5E3 s2 /m5 ) Q 2 = ( 6.3E1 m ) + ( 2.8E1 s/m 2 ) Q + ( -1.5E3 s 2 /m5 ) Q 2
!"""""#"""""$ !"""""""""#"""""""""$
system curve pump curve

( 4.0E3 s /m ) Q + ( -2.8E1 s/m ) Q + ( -3.8E1 m ) = 0

2 5 2 2

Q = 1.0E-1 m3 /s

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Video solution: [Link]

Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_14

7.0E+01 90%
80%
6.0E+01
70%
5.0E+01
60%

efficiency
head [m]

4.0E+01 system pump

50%
curve curve
3.0E+01 40%

30%
2.0E+01
20%
1.0E+01
operating 10%
point
0.0E+00 0%
0.0E+00 2.0E-02 4.0E-02 6.0E-02 8.0E-02 1.0E-01 1.2E-01 1.4E-01
3
flow rate [m /s]

The velocity corresponding to this flow rate is:

Q
V2 = = 5.7E0 m/s
p D2
4
and the corresponding Reynolds number is:
V D
Re = 2 = 6.5E5
n
Hence, the assumption of fully rough turbulent flow is ok.

The pump efficiency at this flow rate is found using the given pump efficiency curve.
( ) ( )
h P = -5.6E1 s 2 /m6 Q 2 + 1.2E1 s/m3 Q + ( 2.1E-1)
h P = 85%
Since this efficiency is very close to the best efficiency point, this is an efficient pump for this application.

To determine if cavitation will occur in the pump, we would need to compare the NPSH available at the
pump inlet to the NPSH required by the pump (need NPSHA > NPSHR to avoid cavitation). The NPSHA
can be determined by apply the Extended Bernoulli Equation from point 1 to a point at the inlet of the pump
and using the definition of NPSH.
æ p V2 ö æ p V2 ö
çç +a + z ÷÷ = çç +a + z ÷÷ - H L,1-inlet + H S ,1-inlet
è rg 2g øinlet è r g 2g ø1
æ p V2 ö p
NPSH º çç + ÷÷ - v
è r g 2 g øinlet r g
where
a inlet » 1 p1 = patm H S ,1-inlet = 0
patm - pv
NPSHA = + z1 - z2 - H L,1-inlet
rg
Since patm > pv, z1 > z2, and HL,1-inlet will be relatively small since there are few loss mechanisms occurring
upstream of the pump, cavitation in the pump will most likely not be an issue.

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 Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_21

Consider the pipe system containing a pump shown in the figure below. The fluid being pumped from the
lake to the tank is water (density = 1000 kg/m3, kinematic viscosity = 1.0*10-6 m2/s).

length of pipe
downstream of
pump, L2
length of pipe H2
upstream of
pump, L1
pump H1

diameter of both lengths of pipe, D1 = D2 = 10 cm

length of pipe upstream of pump, L1 = 5 m
length of pipe downstream of pump, L2 = 15 m
roughness of both lengths of pipe, e1 = e2 = 1.5*10-4 m
total minor loss upstream of pump, Kminor,1 = 1.0
total minor loss downstream of pump, Kminor,2 = 2.0
H1 = 3 m
H2 = 10 m
pump head rise curve: H [m] = (-1.5*103 s2/m5)Q2 + (2.8*101 s/m2)Q + (6.3*101 m)
pump efficiency curve: h = (-5.6*101 s2/m6)Q2 + (1.2*101 s/m3)Q + (2.1*10-1)

a. Determine the operating flow rate for the system.

b. What power must be supplied to the pump by the motor to operate at the flow rate found in part (a)?

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 Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_21

SOLUTION:
To determine the operating flow rate, first determine the system head curve by applying the extended
Bernoulli equation from point 1 to point 2.

length of pipe 2
downstream of
pump, L2
length of pipe H2
upstream of
pump, L1
1 pump H1

⎛ p V2 ⎞ ⎛ p V2 ⎞
⎜ ρ g + α 2g + z ⎟ = ⎜ ρ g + α 2g + z ⎟ − H L + H S , (1)
⎝ ⎠2 ⎝ ⎠1
where
p1 = patm p2 = patm
V1 ≈ 0 V2 ≈ 0
z1 = -H1 z2 = H2
Vi 2
HL = ∑K i
2g
i
2 . (2)
⎡ ⎛ L + L2 ⎞ ⎤ Vp ⎡ ⎛ L1 + L2 ⎞ ⎤ Q2
=⎢f⎜ 1 ⎟ + K + K minor,2 ⎥ =⎢f⎜ ⎟ + K minor,1 + K minor,2 ⎥
⎣ ⎝ D ⎠ ⎦ 2g ⎣ ⎝ D ⎠ ( )
minor,1 2
⎦ 2g π D 2
4
The friction factor may be found from the Moody diagram. Since the flow rate is unknown, try assuming
that the flow is in the fully turbulent region of the Moody diagram (this assumption will need to be
verified). In this region, the friction factor is only a function of the pipe’s relative roughness,
ε 1.5 *10 −4 m
= = 1.5 *10 −3 (3)
D 0.10 m
From the Moody diagram, f = 0.022.

Combining these relations gives the system head curve,

⎡ ⎛ L + L2 ⎞ ⎤ Q2
H S,system = ( z2 − z1 ) + ⎢ f ⎜ 1 ⎟ + K minor,1 + K minor,2 ⎥ = s 0 + s 2Q 2 , (4)
⎣ ⎝ D ⎠ ( )
2
⎦ 2g π D 2
4
where,
s0 = z2 − z1 , and (5)
1 ⎡ ⎛ L1 + L2 ⎞ ⎤
s2 = ⎢ f ⎜⎝ D ⎟⎠ + K minor,1 + K minor,2 ⎥ . (6)
2g ( π
4 D )
2 2 ⎣ ⎦

Determine the operating point by equating the system head curve to the pump head curve,
s0 + s2Q 2 = p0 + p1Q + p2Q 2 , (7)
( p2 − s2 )Q 2
+ p1Q + ( p0 − s0 ) = 0 , (8)
− p1 ± p12 − 4 ( p2 − s2 ) ( p0 − s0 )
Q= . (9)
2 ( p2 − s2 )

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 Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics pump_21

Using the given data,

s0 = 13 m
s2 = 6.08*103 s2/m5
p0 = 6.30*101 m
p1 = 2.80*101 s/m2
p2 = -1.50*103 s2/m5

Q = 8.3*10-2 m3/s

Check the Reynolds number assumption of fully turbulent flow,

Q
V = π 2 Þ V = 10.6 m s , (10)
4 D
VD
Re = Þ Re = 1.1*106 (11)
ν
Checking the Moody diagram shows that the flow is in the fully rough zone for this Reynolds number and
relative roughness. Thus, our assumption of fully rough flow was a good one.

The power input to the fluid by the pump at these conditions is,
W into = ρQgH , (12)
fluid
where H = 55.0 m at the operating flow rate of 8.3*10-2 m3/s (found using either the system or pump head
curves). Hence,
Þ W into = 44.8 kW . (13)
fluid
Since the pump isn’t 100% efficient, the power that must be supplied to the pump is,
W into
 Þ W into = 54.6 kW .
fluid
Winto = (14)
pump η pump

where the pump efficiency at the operating point is h = 82% (using the given efficiency curve for the
pump, h = (-5.6*101 s2/m6)Q2 + (1.2*101 s/m3)Q + (2.1*10-1)).

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 Notes on Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Gas Dynamics

12.9. Review Questions

(1) What class of pumps generates large ps? What class of pumps generates large Q?
(2) What is the fundamental principle for the operation of positive displacement pumps?
(3) Describe the fundamental principle behind the operation of dynamic pumps.
(4) What information is presented on a pump performance plot?
(5) Why do some pump performance plots have di↵erent impeller diameter curves?
(6) What is meant by the “Best Efficiency Point”?
(7) Can a pump operate at a flow rate di↵erent from the BEP?
(8) Assuming the same diameter inlet and outlet pipe, how does the average flow speed change across
a pump? How does the pressure change?
(9) Describe the various components in a centrifugal pump.
(10) What is meant by the “shut-o↵ head”?
(11) How does one determine the operating flow rate for a pump in a pipe system?
(12) What is the definition of NPSH and how is it used?
(13) What is the di↵erence between NPSHA and NPSHR?

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