UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION PMT-211

PUMP TECHNOLOGY METHODS AND STANDARDS SEPTEMBER 1999

Pump Fundamentals

1 Centrifugal Pumps

1.1 Head

The pressure at any point in a liquid can be thought of as being caused by a vertical column of the
liquid which, due to its weight, exerts a pressure equal to the pressure at the point in question. The
height of this column is called the "static head" and is expressed in terms of feet of liquid.

The static head corresponding to any specific pressure is dependent upon the weight of the liquid
according to the following formula:

Pressure in psi × 2.31

Head in Feet =
Specific Gravity

Figure 1 - Centrifugal Pump

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A centrifugal pump adds to the pressure of liquid passing through is by increasing that liquid's
velocity. Figure 1 view of a typical centrifugal pump, shows how this happens.

The liquid enters the pump at the suction flange, A. At this point the liquid velocity is essentially
the same as in the pipe leading to the pump. From A, the liquid flows into the impeller eye, B,
where it is picked up by the impeller vanes, C. The vanes accelerate the liquid in the direction of
the impeller rotation so that as it leaves the impeller, the liquid velocity approaches that of the vane
tips. The casing, D, guides the liquid to the discharge neck, E, which converts some of the velocity
energy to pressure energy by slowing the liquid from the casing velocity to the discharge pipe
velocity.

Head developed is approximately equal to the velocity energy at the periphery of this impeller.
This relationship is expressed by the following well known formula:

V2
H=
2g
Where H = Total head developed in feet.
V = Velocity at periphery of impeller in feet per second.
G = 32.2 Feet/Second 2

We can predict the approximate head of any centrifugal pump by calculating the peripheral
velocity of the impeller and substituting into the above formula. A handy formula for peripheral
velocity is:

RPM × D
v= Where D = Impeller diameter in inches
229

The above demonstrates why we must always think in terms of feet of liquid rather than pressure
when working with centrifugal pumps. A given pump with a given impeller diameter and speed
will raise a liquid to a certain height regardless of the weight of the liquid, as shown in [Figure 2].

Figure 2 - Identical Pumps Handling Liquids of Different Specific Gravities

100 Ft 100 Ft 100 Ft

32.5 psi 43 psi 52 psi

Gasoline, Sp. Gr. = 0.75 Water, Sp. Gr. = 1.0 Brine, Sp. Gr. = 1.2
Discharge Discharge
Discharge
Pressure
= 100'2.31
x 0.75
= 32.5 psi Pressure
= 100'2.31
x 1.0
= 43 psi
Pressure
= 100'2.31
x 1.2
= 52 psi

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All of the forms of energy involved in a liquid flow system can be expressed in terms of feet of
liquid. The total of these various heads determines the total system head or the work which a
pump must perform in the system. The various forms of head are defined as follows:

1.1.1 Velocity Head (Symbol hv) - The velocity head shall be figured from the average
velocity (V) obtained by dividing the flow in cubic feet per second (cfs) by the actual
area of pipe cross section in square feet and determined at the point of the gauge
connection. Velocity head is expressed by the formula:

V2
hv =
2g
Where g = The acceleration due to gravity and is 32.17 feet per second at sea level
and 45 degrees latitude
V = Velocity in the pipe in feet per second

1.1.2 Flooded Suction - Flooded suction implies that the liquid must flow from an
atmospheric vented source to the pump without the average pressure at the pump datum
dropping below atmospheric pressure with the pump operating at specified capacity.

1.1.3 Total Suction Lift (Symbol - hs) - Suction lift exists where the total suction head is
below atmospheric pressure. Total suction lift, as determined on test, is the reading of a
liquid manometer at the suction nozzle of the pump, converted to feet of liquid, and
referred to datum, minus the velocity head at the point of gauge attachment.

1.1.4 Total Suction Head (Symbol hs) - Suction head exists when the total suction head is
above atmospheric pressure. Total suction head, as determined on test, is the reading of
a gauge at the suction of the pump converted to feet of liquid and referred to datum, plus
the velocity head at the point of gauge attachment.

1.1.5 Total Discharge Head ( Symbol hd) - Total discharge head is the reading of a pressure
gauge at the discharge of the pump, converted to feet of liquid and referred to datum plus
the velocity head at the point of gauge attachment.

1.1.6 Total Head - (Symbol H) - Total head is the measure of the work increase per pound of
the liquid, imparted to the liquid by the pump, and is therefore the algebraic difference
between the total discharge head and the total suction head. Total head, as determined
on test where suction lift exists, is the sum of the total discharge head and total suction
lift. Where positive suction head exists, the total head is the total discharge head minus
the total suction head.

1.2 Capacity

Capacity (Q) is normally expressed in gallons per minute (gpm). Since liquids are essentially
incompressible, there is a direct relationship between the capacity in a pipe and the velocity of
flow. This relationship is as follows:

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Q
Q = A x V or V =
A

A = Area of pipe or conduit in square feet.

Where
V - Velocity of flow in feet per second.

1.3 Power and Efficiency

The work performed by a pump is a function of the total head and the weight of the liquid pumped
in a given time period. The pump capacity in gpm and the liquid specific gravity are normally
used in the formulas rather than the actual weight of the liquid pumped.

Pump input or brake horsepower (bhp) is the actual horsepower delivered to the pump shaft.
Pump output or hydraulic horsepower (whp) is the liquid horsepower delivered by the pump.
These two terms are defined by the following formulas:

Q × H × Sp.Gr.
whp =
3960

Q × H × Sp. Gr.
bhp =
3960 × Pump Efficiency

The constant 3960 is obtained by dividing the number or foot pounds for one horsepower (33,000)
by the weight of one gallon of water (8.33 pounds).

The brake horsepower or input to a pump is greater than the hydraulic horsepower or output due to
the mechanical and hydraulic losses incurred in the pump. Therefore the pump efficiency is the
ratio of these two values.

whp Q × TDH × Sp.Gr.

Pump Efficiency = =
bhp 3960 × bhp

1.4 Specific Speed and Pump Type

Specific speed (Ns) is a non-dimensional design index used to classify pump impellers as to their
type and proportions. It is defined as the speed in revolutions per minute at which a geometrically
similar impeller would operate if it were of such a size as to deliver one gallon per minute against
one foot head.

The understanding of this definition is of design engineering significance only, however, and
specific speed should be thought of only as an index used to predict certain pump characteristics.
The following formula is used to determine specific speed:

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N(Q)1/ 2
Ns =
H 3/4

Where N = Pump speed in RPM

Q = Capacity in gpm at the best efficiency point
H = Total head at the best efficiency point. For double suction impellers, the total flow should be
divided by two in calculating the specific speed.

The specific speed determines the general shape or class of the impeller as depicted in Figure 3.
As the specific speed increases, the ratio of the impeller outlet diameter, D2, to the inlet or eye
diameter, D1, decreases. This ratio becomes 1.0 for a true axial flow impeller.

Figure 3 - Impeller Design Vs Specific Speed

VALUES OF SPECIFIC SPEED, NS

10000

15000

20000
1000

1500

2000

3000

4000

5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
500
600
700
800
900

D2

D1 Axis of
Radial-Vane Area Francis-Vane Area Mixed- Axial-Flow Rotation
D2 D2 Flow Area Area
D1 > 2 D1 =1.5 to 2 D2 D2
D1 <1.5 D1
=1

Radial flow Impellers develop head principally through centrifugal force. Pumps of higher specific speeds
develop head partly by centrifugal force and partly by axial force. A higher specific speed indicates a
pump design with head generation more by axial forces and less by centrifugal forces. An axial flow or
propeller pump with a specific speed of 10,000 or greater generates its head exclusively through axial
forces.

Radial impellers are generally low flow high head designs whereas axial flow impellers are high flow low
head designs.

1.5 Suction Specific Speed

Suction specific speed ηqs (Nss) is an index of pump suction operating characteristics determined
at the BEP with the Maximum diameter impeller. Suction specific speed is an indicator of the
NPSHR for given values of capacity and rotating speed and provides an assessment of the pump’s
susceptibility to internal recirculation. Suction specific speed is calculated by the following
equation:

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ηqs = (N)(Q) 1/2/(NPSHR) 3/4

where ηqs = Suction Specific Speed

N = Rotation speed in revolutions per minute
Q = Flow rate per impeller eye, in cubic meters per second (gallons per minute) at
the BEP with the maximum diameter impeller
NPSHR = Net positive suction head required in meters (feet) at the BEP for maximum
diameter impeller

Industry has extensive published experience that indicates that pumps with high ηqs (Nss), defined
as 215 (11,000) and greater, have reduced reliability. At off design (off BEP) conditions, these
pumps are susceptible to both suction and discharge recirculation, that may result in high vibration
and poor seal life. Pumps with high ηqs (Nss) should not be accepted for services with widely
varying operating flow rates.

1.6 Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) and Cavitation

The Hydraulic Institute defines NPSH as the total suction head in feet absolute, determined at the
suction nozzle and corrected to datum, less the vapor pressure of the liquid in feet absolute.
Simply stated, it is an analysis of energy conditions on the suction side of a pump to determine if
the liquid will vaporize at the lowest pressure point in the pump.

The pressure which a liquid exerts on its surroundings is dependent upon its temperature. This
pressure, called vapor pressure, is a unique characteristic of every fluid and increases with
increasing temperature. When the vapor pressure within the fluid reaches the pressure of the
surrounding medium, the fluid begins to vaporize or boil. The temperature at which this
vaporization occurs will decrease as the pressure of the surrounding medium decreases.

A liquid increases greatly in volume when it vaporizes. One cubic foot of water at room
temperature becomes 1,700 cubic feet of vapor at the same temperature.

It is obvious from the above that if we are to pump a fluid effectively, we must keep it in liquid
form. NPSH is simply a measure of the amount of suction head present to prevent this
vaporization at the lowest pressure point in the pump.

NPSH Required (NPSHR) is a function of the pump design. As the liquid passes from the pump
suction to the eye of the impeller, the velocity increases and the pressure decreases. There are also
pressure losses due to shock and turbulence as the liquid strikes the impeller. The centrifugal force
of the impeller vanes further increases the velocity and decreases the pressure of the liquid. The
NPSH Required is the positive head in feet absolute required at the pump suction to overcome
these pressure drops in the pump and maintain the liquid above its vapor pressure. The NPSH
Required varies with speed and capacity within any particular pump. Pump manufacturer's curves
normally provide this information.

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NPSH Available (NPSHA ) is a function of the system in which the pump operates. It is the excess
pressure of the liquid in feet absolute over its vapor pressure as it arrives at the pump suction.
Figure 3 shows four typical suction systems with the NPSH Available formulas applicable to each.
It is important to correct for the specific gravity of the liquid and to convert all terms to units of
"feet absolute" in using the formulas.

Figure 4 - Calculation of System Net Positive Suction Head Available for Typical Suction
Conditions

4a Suction Supply Open To Atmosphere 4b Suction Supply Open To Atmosphere

-with Suction Lift -with Suction Head
CL PB

LH NPSHA = PB + LH - (VP + hf)

LH
NPSHA = PB - (VP + LS + hf)
PB C
L

4d Closed Suction Supply

4c Closed Suction Supply -with Suction Head
-with Suction Lift
P
CL

Ls NPSHA = p + LH - (VP + hf)

LH
NPSHA = P - (VP + LS + hf)
CL
p
PB = Barometric pressure, in feet absolute.
VP = Vapor pressure of the liquid at maximum pumping
temperature, in feet absolute.
p = Pressure on surface of liquid in closed suction tank, in
foot absolute.
Ls = Maximum static suction lift in feet.
LH = Minimum static suction head in feet.
hf = Friction loss in feet in suction pipe at required capacity.
Calculation of system Net Positive Suction Head Available for typical suction conditions.

The available NPSH can be determined from the following equation:

2.31
NPSHA = (P1 − PV - PF ) + Z1
SpGr

NPSH = Minimum net positive suction head available, ft.

P1 = Minimum pressure in suction vessel, psia.

PV = Vapor pressure of liquid being pumped at maximum anticipated temperature under

normal operating conditions, psi. When the liquid contains dissolved gases (e.g., aqueous
ammonia) or traces of volatile liquids, the vapor pressure is that of the solution, not the liquid
alone.Impurities such as dissolved gases and traces of volatile liquids produce appreciable
differences from the true vapor pressure of the liquid.

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PF = Pressure drop in suction line and all equipment in suction line psi.

PF = Pressure drop in suction line and all equipment in suction line psi.

Sp. Gr. = Normal specific gravity of liquid being pumped. If the liquid contains solids in
suspension, the specific gravity is that of the mixture, not the clear liquid.

Z1 = Minimum elevation of the liquid level in the suction vessel as referred to the pump
centerline ft. The pump centerline is usually two feet above grade. If the liquid level is below the
pump centerline, this value is negative.

Use minimum values for P1 and Z1, and maximum values for PV and PF, consistent with normal
operation.

If the available NPSHA is greater than 25 ft. specify "In excess of 25 ft." Do not specify values
less than two feet because they are impractical. Consider raising the level of the suction vessel to
provide adequate NPSH.

Notice that when the pump is handling a boiling liquid, P1 = PV, and the available NPSH is almost
entirely dependent upon the elevation of the liquid level.

Adequate available NPSH is essential for satisfactory pump performance. Available NPSH can be
defined as the amount of energy, expressed in feet of liquid, available in the system to move the
liquid into the eye of the impeller. Every pump has its own NPSH characteristics usually referred
to as the "required NPSH". The value is usually given in the form of performance curves
furnished by the pump manufacturer. If the required NPSH for a given pump exceeds the
available NPSH, the liquid will vaporize or voids will form at the pump Inlet causing reduced head
and erratic and reduced flow. The subsequent total or partial collapse of vapor bubbles or voids
creates shock waves that will eventually result in mechanical damage to the pump. This condition
is known as cavitation. A pump that is cavitating sounds as if it were pumping a slurry of sand
and gravel.

When preliminary calculations indicate that the available NPSH will be less than three feet or
inadequate for other reasons, the feasibility of elevating the suction vessel should be investigated.
If this or other means are practical, the suction pressure and available NPSH should be
recalulated. When a pump is handling a boiling liquid, as in the case of a calandria circulating
pump, elevation of the suction vessel, usually a still column, may be the only alternative.

Some effort should be made to avoid low available NPSH values of two to four feet because this
may force the pump manufacturer to offer an oversized pump that will operate at part capacity and
low efficiency. For the pump to operate at a more efficient head and capacity, the available NPSH
should be five to ten feet. Whenever possible, excess NPSH over the requirements of the pump
should be available.

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A pump should have a throttling device in the discharge piping, either a valve or an orifice plate, to
prevent the pump from operating with the equivalent of an open discharge. This could result in the
pump operating in the high capacity - low head region of the pump curve where NPSH
requirements become excessive. In the case of a calandria circulating pump handling a boiling
liquid, when the liquid level in the column is above the calandria outlet connection, the only head
the pump is working against is the friction losses in the line and the calandria. If no throttling
device is installed in the discharge line, the pump will attempt to handle a large capacity at a very
low head. If the available NPSH is inadequate, as is very possible under these conditions, pump
and calandria operation will be poor.

1.7 Pump Characteristic Curves

The performance of a centrifugal pump can be shown graphically on a characteristic curve. A

typical characteristic curve shows the total dynamic head, brake horsepower, efficiency, and net
positive suction head all plotted over the capacity range of the pump.

[Figures 5, 6, and 7] are non-dimensional curves which indicate the general shape of the
characteristic curves for the various types of pumps. They show the head, brake horsepower, and
efficiency plotted as a percent of their values at the design or best efficiency point of the pump.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 - Typical Head-Flow Curves

(Figure 5- Radial Flow Pump, Figure 6 - Axial Flow Pump, and Figure 7, Mixed Flow Pump)

RADIAL FLOW PUMP

AXIAL FLOW PUMP
PER CENT OF HEAD AT DESIGN POINT

PER CENT OF BHP AT DESIGN POINT

160 160
320
140
PER CENT OF BEST EFFICIENCY

HEAD
140
300
120 120
280
100 100 100
260
80 B.H.P 80 80
240 240
60 60 60 HEAD
220 220
40 EFF. 40 40
200 200
20 20 20
0 180 180
0 B.H.P
PER CENT OF HEAD AT DESIGN POINT

PER CENT OF BHP AT DESIGN POINT

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 160

PER CENT OF DESIGN FLOW
PER CENT OF BEST EFFICIENCY

140 140
120 120
100 100
MIXED FLOW PUMP 100
80 80 80
PER CENT OF HEAD AT DESIGN POINT

PER CENT OF BHP AT DESIGN POINT

160 160 60 60 60
HEAD EFF.
140
PER CENT OF BEST EFFICIENCY

140 40 40 40
120 120 20 20 20
B.H.P
100 100 100 0 0 0
80 80 80 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
60 PER CENT OF DESIGN FLOW
60 60
EFF.
40 40 40
20 20 20
0 0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
PER CENT OF DESIGN FLOW

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[Figure 5] shows that the head curve for a radial flow pump is relatively flat and that the head
decreases gradually as the flow increases. Note that the brake horsepower increases gradually
over the flow range with the maximum normally at the point of maximum flow.

Mixed flow centrifugal pumps and axial flow or propeller pumps have considerably different
characteristics as shown in [Figures 6] and [Figure 7]. The head curve for a mixed flow pump is
steeper than for a radial flow pump. The shut-off head is usually 150 percent to 200 percent of the
design head. The brake horsepower remains fairly constant over the flow range. For a typical
axial flow pump, the head and brake horsepower both increase drastically near shut-off as shown
in [Figure 6].

The distinction between the above three classes is not absolute, and there are many pumps with
characteristics falling somewhere between the three. For instance, the Francis vane impeller would
have a characteristic between the radial and mixed flow classes. Most turbine pumps are also in
this same range depending upon their specific speeds.

[Figure 8] shows a typical pump curve as furnished by a manufacturer. It is a composite curve

which tells at a glance what the pump will do at a given speed with various impeller diameters
from maximum to minimum. Constant horsepower, efficiency, and NPSHR lines are superimposed
over the various head curves. It is made up from individual test curves at various diameters.

Figure 8 - Typical Manufacturers Pump Curve

MODEL 3196
MT SIZE 2 X 3 -13
2 X 3 -13 IMP. DWG. 100-540 100-539
A30 2.5' PATTERN 53973 53972
30' 3' 4' 5'
40' EYE AREA 5 4.66 SQ. IN.
45' 6'
200 50' 8'
13" DIA. 55' 57' 10' 12'
180 59'
59' 16'
160
12" 60' 57' 55'
TOTAL HEAD - FEET

140 50'
11"
120
10"
1009"
25
H
P
20

80
H
P
15

60
5H

H
P

P
10
7.

40
H
5H

P
P

20

0
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450

RPM 1750 CAPACITY - GPM CDS 1683-2

1.8 Affinity Laws

The affinity laws express the mathematical relationship between the several variables involved in
pump performance. They apply to all types of centrifugal and axial flow pumps. They are as
follows:

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1. With impeller diameter, D, held constant:

Q1 N1 Where Q = Capacity, GPM

a. =
Q2 N2 H = Total Head, Feet
H1 N12 BHP = Brake Horsepower
b. = N = Pump Speed, RPM
H2 N2
BHP1 N1 3
c. =
BHP2 N2

2. With speed, N, held constant:

Q1 D1
a. =
Q2 D2
H1 D1 2
b. =
H2 D2
BHP1 D1 3
c. =
BHP2 D2

When the performance (Q1 H1, and BHP1) is known at some particular speed (N1) or diameter
(D1), the formulas can be used to estimate the performance (Q2, H2, and BHP2 ) at some other
speed (N2) or diameter (D2). The efficiency remains nearly constant for speed changes and for
small changes in impeller diameter.

Example: To illustrate the use of these laws, refer to[ Figure 8]. It shows the performance of a
particular pump at 1750 rpm with various impeller diameters. This performance data has been
determined by actual tests by the manufacturer. Now assume that you have a 13-inch maximum
diameter impeller, but you want to belt drive the pump at 2000 rpm.

The affinity laws listed under 1 above will be used to determine the new performance, with N1
1750 rpm and N2 2000 rpm. The first step is to read the capacity, head, and horsepower at several
points on the 13-inch diameter curve in Figure 8. For example, one point may be near the best
efficiency point where the capacity is 300 gpm, the head is 160 feet, and the bhp is approximately
20 hp.

300 1750
= Q2 = 343 gpm
Q2 2000

160 1750 2
= H2 = 209 feet
H2 2000

20 1750 3
= BHP2 = 30 hp
BHP2 2000

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This will then be the best efficiency point on the new 2000 rpm curve. By performing the same
calculations for several other points on the 1750 rpm curve, a new curve can be drawn which will
approximate the pumps performance at 2000 rpm, Figure 9.

Figure 9 - Approximate Characteristic Curves of Centrifugal Pump Figure 3196 Size 2x3-13, Aver
Rpm 2000 Date, 13” Diameter Impeller

H. Q. 2000 PRM
240

220
200 100 H. Q. 1750 PRM

180 90
160 80
EFFICIENCY - PER CENT
BRAKE HORSE POWER
TOTAL HEAD - FEET

140 70
EFF.
120 60 1750 RPM
100 50 EFF.
2000 RPM
80 40
60 30
B. H. P. 2000
40 40 20 RPM
20 20 10
B. H. P. 1750 RPM
0 0 0
0 80 160 240 320 400 480 560
GALLONS PER MINUTE

Trial and error would be required to solve this problem in reverse. In other words, assume you
want to determine the speed required to make a rating of 343 gpm at a head of 209 feet. You
would begin by selecting a trial speed and applying the affinity laws to convert the desired rating to
the corresponding rating at 1750 rpm. When you arrive at the correct speed, 2000 rpm in this
case, the corresponding 1750 rpm rating will fall on the 13-inch diameter curve.

1.9 System Curves

For a specified impeller diameter and speed, a centrifugal pump has a fixed and predictable
performance curve. The point where the pump operates on its curve is dependent upon the
characteristics of the system in which the pump is operating, commonly called the "System Head
Curve". By plotting the system head curve and pump curve together, we can tell:

1. Where the pump will operate on its curve.

2. What changes will occur if the system head curve or the pump performance curve changes.

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1.9.1 Static System Head - Consider the system shown in [Figure 10]. Since the lines are
oversized and relatively short, the friction head is small compared to the static head. For
this example, the system head will be considered as entirely static, with the friction
neglected.

Figure 10 - System Illustration

100 PSIG Normal System Head = 2.31 + 19 = 250

3 PSI 103 X 2.31
Maximum Head + 19 = 257'
1.0
250
19' 200 Minimum Head 97 X 2.31 + 19 = 243'
150 Pressure Difference 1.0
100 X 2.31 = 231
100
1.0 19' Elevation Difference
50

0 40 80 120 160 200

GPM

Assume the fluid being handled has 1.0 Sp. Gr. NPSHA is 13 feet. The flow requirement
is 100 gpm. Since the system head is made up entirely of elevation and pressure
differences, it does not vary with flow.

The normal system head is 250 feet TDH (19 feet elevation difference plus 231 feet
pressure difference). Since the discharge vessel pressure may vary + 3 psi, the system
head will vary between 243 feet and 257 feet.

Consider the application of a pump sized for 100 gpm at 250 feet TDH, with a relatively
flat performance curve as shown in Figure 11. Note that the pump will shut off at 254
feet H. At the maximum discharge tank pressure, the pump will stop delivering fluid, as
the system head is greater than the pump H.

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Figure 11 - Performance Curve

NORMAL
275 PUMP SYSTEM
CHARACTERISTIC HEAD
CURVE CURVE
250

225
TDH FT.

BHP
20

10

NPSH R
0 20

NPSH R
BHP

10

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

CAPACITY = GPM

A second consideration associated with static system head is motor overload on pump run-
out. Again, consider [Figure 11] at the minimum system head of 243 feet. The pump
under discussion will deliver 130 gpm against 243-foot head. Horsepower requirements
will increase from 8.9 BHP at 100 gpm to 12.0 BHP at 130 gpm. A 10 HP motor could
be overloaded on this service.

NPSH problems may also arise when large increases in flow occur. At the rating of 100
gpm at 250 feet H the NPSHR of the pump is only 10 feet while the system NPSHA is 13
feet. At the lower system head of 243 feet the pump requires 13.5 feet NPSH and
cavitation will probably occur.

A better selection would be a pump with a characteristic as shown in [Figure 12]. The
steeper characteristic will limit the flow to between 90 gpm at 257 feet H and 110 gpm at
243 feet H. The small increase in capacity at low head condition will mean no motor
overload. Since the maximum flow is 110 gpm, the maximum NPSHR will be 12 feet and
the pump will not cavitate.

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Figure 12 - Performance Curve

300
PUMP
CHARACTERISTIC
275 CURVE NORMAL
SYSTEM HEAD

TDH FT.
CURVE
250

225

200

20
BHP

BHP
10

0 20
NPSH R

NPSH R
10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

CAPACITY GPM

1.9.2 Dynamic System Head - In frictional systems where resistance to flow increases with
flow, the system head characteristic becomes curved. The magnitude of the system head
at each flow is the summation of the system static head plus the total friction losses at
that particular flow rate. A typical example of this type of system is shown in [Figure
13].

Figure 13 - System Illustration

System Curve Head

160
Total Dynamic

130' Frictional Resistance

Head - Feet

140
120
Static Head Difference
100
80

1500' - 6" 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Wrought Pipe CAPACITY GPM X 1000

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Unlike the static system, the friction system is always self-correcting to some degree.
Consider the above system with a flow requirement of 6000 gpm at 150 feet H. Also
assume that the discharge tank level may drop 10 feet. The new system head curve will
be parallel to the original one, but 10 feet lower as shown in Figure 14. Flow under this
reduced head will be 6600 gpm at 144 feet rather than the normal 6000 gpm at 150 feet.
This increased flow rate will tend to raise the discharge tank level back to normal.

Figure 14 - Combination System - Pump Curve

Pump Normal System

Characteristic Head Curve
Curve
Total Dynamic Head - Feet

180 System Curve

160 Low Discharge
Tank Level
140
120 Static Elevation
Change
100
80

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
CAPACITY GPM X 1000

The frictional resistance of pipes and fittings will increase as they wear, resulting in
greater curvature of the system head curve. A slight drop in the pump head curve may
also result from increasing pump wear and recirculation. These changes will have less
effect on the flow in a dynamic system (steep curve) than in a static system (flat curve).

1.9.3 Parallel Operation - It is sometimes desirable to use two or more pumps in parallel
rather than a single larger pump. This is particularly advantageous when the system flow
requirements vary greatly. One pump can be shut down when the flow requirement
drops, allowing the remaining pump or pumps to operate closer to their best efficiency. It
also provides an opportunity for repairs or maintenance work on one unit without shutting
down the entire system.

Special care must be taken in selecting pumps for parallel operation. Consideration must
be given to single pump operation in the system as well as parallel operation. Consider
the system shown in Figure 15. The NPSH available is plotted along with the system
head. Since entrance and the line losses increase with increases in flow, the NPSHA
decreases with flow increases.

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Figure 15 - Combination System - Pump Curve

SYSTEM NPSH A
40

Total Dynamic Head - Feet

NPSHA
175 30
80'
150 20
SYSTEM HEAD
125
100
75
Static Head
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
1000' - 29" CAPACITY GPM X 1000
Wrought Pipe

The flow required is 16,000 gpm. We want to use two pumps in parallel, but each must
be capable of single operation.

The total system head at 16,000 gpm is 140 feet. Each pump must be sized for 8000
gpm at 140 feet TDH. NPSHR for each pump must be less than 28 feet for parallel
operation. Consider applying two pumps each with characteristics as shown in Figure
15. In order to study both parallel and single pump operation, the head-capacity curves
for both single and parallel operation must be plotted with the system head curve.

The head-capacity pump curve for parallel operation is plotted by adding the capacities
of each pump for several different heads and plotting the new capacity at each head. The
shutoff head for the two pumps in parallel is the same as for single operation. The NPSH
curve is plotted in the same manner as shown in Figure 15. For example the NPSHR for
one pump at 8000 gpm is 14 feet. Therefore, in parallel operation 16,000 gpm can be
pumped with 14 feet NPSHR by each pump.

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Figure 16 - Combination System - Pump Curve

NPSHR One NPSHR Per Pump

System NPSHR Parallel Operation
Pump

10 20 30
NPSHR
Total Dynamic Head - Feet

200
Combined Pump Curve
175
150
System
125 Head Single
Curve Pump
100
Curve
75
BHP
400
BHP

300

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
GALLONS PER MINUTE X 1000

The curve show that each pump will deliver 8000 gpm at 140 feet H when operating in
parallel. Brake horsepower for each unit will be 340 hp. NPSHR is 14 feet. NPSHA is
28 feet.

With only one pump operating, the flow will be 11,000 gpm at 108' H. BHP will be 335
hp. NPSHR is 26' and NPSHA is 30'. A 400 hp motor would be required.

This example shows that if a 350 hp motor had been selected based on parallel operation
only, the motor would have been overloaded in single pump operation. The single pump
operation is also critical in terms of NPSH. For example, if the system NPSHA had been
in the neighborhood of 20 feet, parallel pump operation would have been fine, but single
pump operation would result in cavitation.

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1.10 Basic Formulae and Symbols

Formulas Symbols
Lb./Hr. GPM = gallons per minute
GPM =
500 × Sp.Gr. Lb. = pounds
2.31× psi Hr. = hour
H= Sp. Gr. = specific gravity
Sp. Gr.
1.134 × In.Hg
H = head in feet
H= psi = pounds per square inch
Sp. Gr.
In. Hg. = inches of mercury
v2 hv = velocity head in feet
hv = =.0155V 2
2g V = velocity in feet per second
GPM × 0.321 GPM × 0.409 g = 32.16 ft/sec 2 (acceleration of gravity)
V= =
A I.D. 2 A = area in square inches
GPM × H × Sp.Gr. GPM × psi I.D. = inside diameter in inches
BHP = =
3960 × Eff. 1715 × Eff. BHP = brake horsepower
GPM × H × Sp.Gr. Eff. = pump efficiency expressed as a decimal
Eff. =
3960 × BHP Ns = specific speed
N (GPM)1/2 N = speed in revolutions
Ns = v = peripheral velocity of an impeller in feet
H 3/ 4
per second
v2
H= D = impeller in inches
2g whp = pump output or hydraulic horsepower
N × D Nss = Suction Specific Speed
v=
229 NPSHA = Net Positive Suction Head Available
NPSHR = Net Positive Suction Head Required
Nss - N (GPM)1/2/NPSHSR3/4

Deg. C = (Deg. F - 32) x 5/9

Deg. F = (Deg. C x 9/5) + 32

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