Performance Prediction And Loss Estimation Of Centrifugal Pumps

Abstract

The centrifugal pumps are widely used in distribution system in various plants to overcome gravity and friction losses in pipes to move fluids with high efficiency. In order to improve the performance of the pump, hydraulic losses should be reduced. In the present study, an attempt is made to calculate the losses produce in centrifugal pump, which affect the hydraulic efficiency, with the use of theoretical models given by the various researchers. In the present study two loss models are studied which were previously published in the open literature and tried to find a convenient loss model for a reliable performance prediction of centrifugal pump. In this paper an attempt has also been made to give some information about the contribution of losses of different component of pump in total loss. A loss analysis has been presented to predict and improve the performance of centrifugal pump. Head vs flow characteristic curves obtained at design speed from the loss models are compared with the manufacturer’s curves. Prediction of the shape of total head-flow curves are in good agreement with the manufacturer’s data and from the study it is found that Gulich model is very convenient to predict the hydraulic losses.