There are pumps in cars, swimming pools, boats, water treatment facilities, water wells, etc. Many pumps are in use around the world to handle liquids, gases, or liquid-solid mixtures.
The characteristic curves of pumps in series or parallel should be constructed since this information helps engineers select the types of pumps needed and how they should be configured. If a single pump is incapable of delivering the design flow rate and pressure, additional pumps, in series or parallel with the original pump, can be considered. Otherwise, a pump should be tested in the laboratory, under various discharge and head conditions, to produce such curves. The characteristic curves of commercial pumps are provided by manufacturers. Brake horsepower (input power) versus discharge, andįigure 10.2: Typical centrifugal pump performance curves at constant impeller rotation speed.The performance of a centrifugal pump is presented as characteristic curves in Figure 10.2, and is comprised of the following: Figure 10.1: Schematic of a typical centrifugal pump The pressure within the fluid increases accordingly. The fluid’s kinetic energy increases due to the energy added by the impeller and enters the discharge end of the casing that has an expanding area (point 2 in Figure 10.1). The impeller rotates within its casing and sucks the fluid through the eye of the casing (point 1 in Figure 10.1). andĪ centrifugal pump consists of a rotating shaft that is connected to an impeller, which is usually comprised of curved blades. Suitable for being driven from high-speed prime movers such as turbines, electric motors, internal combustion engines etc.Ability to operate against a variable head.Simplicity of construction – no valves, no piston rings, etc.Centrifugal pumps have several advantages over other types of pumps, including:
Centrifugal pumps are most often used in water and wastewater systems, making it important to learn how they work and how to design them. The components and design of a pumping station are vital to its effectiveness.
In waterworks and wastewater systems, pumps are commonly installed at the source to raise the water level and at intermediate points to boost the water pressure.