Experiment No.

10

Objective:
To investigate the characteristics of axial pump.

Experimental Setup:
Multi pump test Bench

Figure no.1: Multi Bench Apparatus

Theory:

Axial Pump:
Axial flow pumps, also called propeller pumps, are centrifugal pumps which move fluid axially
through an impeller. They provide high flow rate and low head, but some models can be adjusted
to run efficiently at different conditions by changing the impeller pitch. Axial flow pumps are
centrifugal pumps in which the fluid is pumped parallel to the pump shaft.

Operation:
Axial flow pumps are dynamic pumps, meaning they utilize fluid momentum and velocity to
generate pump pressure. Specifically, they are centrifugal pumps, which generate this velocity by
using an impeller to apply centrifugal force to the moving liquid.

Axial flow pumps are one of three subtypes of centrifugal pumps, the others being mixed flow and
radial flow. Of these three types, axial flow pumps are characterized by the highest flow rates and
lowest discharge pressures.
They direct flow in a straight line parallel to the impeller shaft (see image below) rather than
radially (perpendicular to the shaft). The impeller is shaped like a propeller and contains only a
few (typically three or four) vanes. The impeller is driven by a motor that is either sealed directly
in the pump body or by a drive shaft that enters the pump tube from the side. The impeller looks
and operates similar to a boat propeller, which is the reason why axial flow pumps are also called
propeller pumps.

Figure no.2: Impeller and flow direction in axial pump

Axial flow pumps differ in their constructive and functional characteristics due to their pre-
determined installation location and the liquid to be pumped. For pumps of one model range
various installation types may be implemented. The hydraulic characteristics and the pumping
performance remain nearly unchanged. Main characteristics are the design of the shaft in the
horizontal or vertical position, the position of the pump connections and the connection type of the
pump to the drive unit using a coupling or direct assembly on the motor shaft.

Range of applications of an axial pump

Axial flow pumps are used for large volume flows and small delivery heads.

Typical areas of application are:

• Irrigation
• Sewage Treatment Plants
• Cooling Water Pumps
• Drainage Systems
 Advantage:
• Highest flow rate(capacity)
• Can be adjusted for best efficiency at varying condition
Disadvantage:
• Low head and discharge pressure
• Not suitable for suction lift
Experimental Procedure:
1. Check that he circulation tank is filled with water.
2. Switch on the main power supply.
3. Turn on the pump and slowly open Flow control valve until maximum flow rate is
achieved.
4. Ensure that all setting follows the equipment set-up.
5. Note down flow rate and pressures.
6. Test the pump characteristics by changing the flow rate.
7. Turn off the pump.
8. Switch off the main power supply.
Formulae:
Overall Efficiency η Overall= (Power Fluid /Power Electrical ) X 100%
Power (Fluid ) PFluid = g.Q.H.ρWater
Volumetric Flow Rate Q(m3/s) = Flow in LPM / 60000
Pump Head H (m) = P2-P1 /ρg
Water Density ρ= 1000 Kg/m3
Observations and Calculations:
Sr Flowrate P(gauge) RPM Q Pump Power Power %
# (LPM) (N/m2) 3
(m /Sec) Head (h) Fluid Electric Efficiency
(m) (W) (W)
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
Specimen Calculation:
Graphs:
Draw Following Graphs

➢ Flow rate vs. Efficiency

➢ Flow Rate vs. Head
➢ Flow Rate Vs. Input power
Conclusion:
.
 CLO Rubrics:
CLO_2: Analyze the acquired experimental data to investigate its relationship theoretically in
pumps and turbines.

Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) score

Instruments
Instruments and Instruments or
Technical and tools are Some misuse or
tools are mostly tools are
Soundness / used inefficiency in
used misused or
performance appropriately instrument usage
appropriately ineffective
and effectively

Data is
comprehensive, Data is mostly Data is
relevant, and comprehensive, incomplete,
Data is somewhat
Data accurately relevant, and irrelevant, or
comprehensive and
Collection recorded. Data accurately inaccurately
relevant. Data
and is effectively recorded. Data is recorded. Data
presentation is
Presentation presented using mostly presentation
adequate
appropriate effectively lacks clarity or
tables, graphs, presented coherence
and visuals
Analysis
demonstrates
deep Analysis
understanding demonstrates
Analysis addresses Analysis lacks
of the data and understanding of
some relevant depth or
addresses all the data and
aspects. relevance.
Data relevant addresses most
Conclusions are Conclusions
Analysis aspects. relevant aspects.
somewhat are illogical or
Conclusions Conclusions
supported and not supported
drawn are drawn are mostly
logical by data
logical, well logical and
supported, and supported
aligned with
data

Scoring Guide:
• 4: Excellent - Exceeds expectations; demonstrates exceptional proficiency and mastery.
• 3: Good - Meets expectations; demonstrates solid understanding and competency.
• 2: Fair - Partially meets expectations; some areas need improvement or refinement.
• 1: Poor - Does not meet expectations; significant deficiencies or lack of understanding.