FIELD TESTING METHODS
Field testing methods
Determination of total head
The total head of a pump can be determined by gauge
readings.
Field testing methods
Determination of total head
Negative Suction Pressure:
TDH
=
Discharge gauge reading
converted to feet of liquid
+
vacuum gauge reading
converted to feet of liquid
+
distance between point of
attachment of vacuum gauge and
the centerline of the discharge
Field testing methods
Determination of total head
Positive Suction Pressure:
TDH
=
Discharge gauge reading
converted to feet of liquid
+
vacuum gauge reading
converted to feet of liquid
-
distance between point of
attachment of vacuum gauge and
the centerline of the discharge
Field testing methods
Determination of total head
Field testing methods
Measurement of capacity
Magnetic Flow Meter
A calibrated magnetic flow meter is an accurate means of measuring
flow in a pumping system. However, due to the ex-pense involved,
magnetic flow meters are only practical in small factory test loops and in
certain process pumping systems where flow is critical.
Volumetric measurement
Pump capacity can be determined by weighing the liquid pumped or
measuring its volume in a calibrated vessel.
This is often practical when pumping into an accurately measured reservoir or
tank, or when it is possible to use small containers which can be accurately
weighed. These methods, however, are normally suited only to relatively small
capacity systems.
Field testing methods
Measurement of capacity
Venturi meter
The flow is a function of the pressure differential between the full
diameter line and the throat.
Field testing methods
Measurement of capacity
Nozzle
A nozzle is simply the converging portion of a venturi tube with the
liquid exiting to the atmosphere. Therefore, the same formula can be
used with the differential head equal to the gauge reading ahead of the
nozzle.
Orifice
An orifice is a thin plate containing an opening of specific shape and
dimensions. The plate is installed in a pipe and the flow is a function of
the pressure upstream of the orifice.
Orifices are not recommended for permanent installations due to the
inherent high head loss across the plate.
Field testing methods
Measurement of capacity
Weir
A weir is particularly well suited to measuring flows in open conduits and can be
adapted to extremely large capacity systems. For best accuracy, a weir should
be calibrated in place. However, when this is impractical, there are formulas
which can be used for the various weir configurations. The most common types
are the rectangular contracted weir and the 90 V-notch weir.
Field testing methods
Measurement of capacity
Pitot tube
A pilot tube measures fluid velocity. A small tube placed in the flow
stream gives two pressure readings: one receiving the full impact of the
flowing stream reads static head + velocity head, and the other reads
the static head only .
Field testing methods
Measurement of capacity
Pitot tube
The difference between the two readings is the velocity head. The
velocity and the flow are then determined from the following well known
formulas:
Since the velocity varies
across the pipe, it is
necessary to obtain a
velocity profile to determine
the average velocity. This
involves some error, but
when properly applied a
calibrated pilot tube is within
plus or minus 2% accuracy.