Parallel operation

Parallel operation, or parallel pumping, of two centrifugal pumps is a mode which allows pump
operation to be controlled by starting or stopping one of the two pumps.

If two centrifugal pumps I and II are operated in parallel, the flow rate QI+II is the sum of the
flow rates of the individual pumps at the same head, i.e.:

The actual flow rate and head of pumps operating in parallel (operating point) is the intersection
of the common pump and system characteristic curves. See Fig. 1 to 5 Parallel operation

Each pump must be secured with its own check valve (see Valve). Centrifugal pumps run in
parallel will operate without any problems if their characteristic curves are stable and both have
the same or almost the same shut-off head. See Fig. 1 Parallel operation

Fig. 1 Parallel operation: Two

Trouble-free operation does not necessarily require that the pumps exhibit the same characteristic
curves (H/Q). When QI+II decreases to Q´I+II, then the individual flow rates QI and QII also
decrease to Q´I and Q´II. If the shut-off heads (H0) of pumps I and II are different, pump I is
rapidly pushed towards the shut-off point while pump II continues pumping. See Fig. 2 Parallel
operation
 Fig. 2 Parallel operation: Two
centrifugal pumps I and II with different shut-off heads

In the case of two centrifugal pumps I and II with unstable characteristic curves and the same
peak heads (Hpeak), parallel operation is possible in the range 4 to 5 where any further pump of
the same characteristics can cut in without any problems. See Fig. 3 Parallel operation

Fig. 3 Parallel operation: Two

At point 4, one other pump of the same characteristics can be started due to the shut-off head
(H0). Between points 4, 3, 2 and 1 down to almost 0, this is no longer possible. In these
operating ranges the pump, whose shut-off head (H0) is smaller than HI+II, would not be able to
open the check valve because of the pressure exerted on it by the other pumps.

A further example of pumps in parallel operation shows two centrifugal pumps I and II with
unstable characteristic curves where the peak head (Hpeak) of pump I is higher than that of pump
II. As soon as the head at the operating point (HI+II) is higher than the smallest value of the peak
head (HpeakII) parallel operation will lead to a very complex transient flow pattern. When
starting parallel centrifugal pumps with unstable characteristic curves and different shut-off
heads, the pump with the smaller shut-off head (H0II) will not be able to open its check valve
against the pressure of the other pump (H0I > H0II) and must therefore be started first.
See Fig. 4 Parallel operation

Fig. 4 Parallel operation: Two

This type of constraint can lead to interruptions in pump operation and should be eliminated by
meticulous planning right from the start.

If parallel operation of two pumps is not specified, it is easier and less costly to design a double-
suction pump instead of using two separate centrifugal pumps.

If a plunger or piston pump and a centrifugal pump are operated in parallel, the flow rate of the
piston/plunger pump (QK), which is almost constant over the head, is added to the centrifugal
pump's flow rate (QI). See Fig. 5 Parallel operation
 Fig. 5 Parallel operation:
Piston/plunger pump and centrifugal pump

Series operation
Series operation means that pumps are connected and started one after another, i. e. in series.
This type of operation has many advantages over parallel operation in cases where the system
characteristic curve Hsys(Q) is steep and the pump characteristic curve HI+II(Q) is flat (see
Characteristic curve). The addition of the head values of pumps operating in series is better
suited to the steep system characteristic curve than the addition of the flow rates in parallel
operation. When two centrifugal pumps (I and II) are operating in series, the head (HI+II) is the
sum of the individual pumps' heads and the flow rate remains the same.

The characteristics of series operation are easier to understand than those for parallel operation
and are not complicated by unstable H/Q curves or varying shut-off heads. See Fig. 1 Series
operation
 Fig. 1 Series operation: Series
operation of two centrifugal pumps I and II with any type of characteristic curves

When several centrifugal pumps are operated in series, the pump casings and shaft seals of the
next pump in series need to be sufficiently sized to withstand the higher pressure. The pump with
the best suction characteristics should be placed in the lead position.

When starting up (see Start-up process) the lead pump must generate enough pressure to
eliminate the risk of cavitation before the next pump can be started up. When shutting down, no
pump on a lower pressure level may be stopped as long as the next pump in series is still
running, otherwise the flow will run through the non-driven pump as through a rotating throttle
which will drive the available NPSHa (net positive suction head) for the next pump in series
down to an unacceptable level. It is sometimes necessary to interlock the drives.

After changing a pump system from single-pump to series operation, not only the head but also
the flow rate in each of the pumps connected in series is enlarged. When selecting the pumps, it
is therefore necessary to ensure that the NPSHr (net positive suction head required by the pump)
is sufficient.

If the above mentioned conditions are observed and it can be ensured that the non-driven pump is
either not rotated by the fluid flow or bypassed during its standstill, then series operation is
suitable for economic, stepwise control of centrifugal pumps.

If stepwise start-up and stopping of the pumps as described above is not required, it is easier and
less expensive to use multistage pumps in which the impellers and diffusers are arranged in a
common pump casing instead of using several centrifugal pumps in series operation (see
Multistage pump).