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The output of a centrifugal pump is most frequently changed by the system in which the pump is operating. This means that the centrifugal pump is a slave to the system. In other words, it will only produce the output required and/or permitted by the system. The system curve shown in Figure 2 is created by the combination of factors that resist the flow of liquid (Q) from one end of a system to the other, plotted against the various flow rates expected in the system. The combination of factors that makes up the total head (H) against which the pump must operate in this system are primarily the static head and friction losses.
Figure 2. Typical system curve
When a pumping system is designed as a closed loop, where the piping from the discharge is directly connected to the piping at the suction of the same pump, the system curve will usually remain unchanged, once the desired flow rate has been achieved. Under these conditions, the pump and system will interact as shown in Figure 3.
PUMPS & SYSTEMS
FEBRUARY 2004
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Feb04PUMPS&SYSp6-11
1/15/04
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Page 7
Another possibility would be to trim the impeller a little, but the effectiveness of that option would depend on the relative slopes of the pump and system curves.
Caveat Emptor
It would be inappropriate for any review of this problem to omit discussion of the competency of the supplier of the rotating element causing the problem. While many after-market suppliers provide high-quality spare parts, the buyer must beware of the suppliers capability to reproduce the necessary parts. This practice of reverse engineering, or reconfiguring the original design from a worn part, has become acceptable in the supply of spare parts. However, impellers and volute casings demand a much higher degree of engineering skill, competency and experience, than parts such as sleeves, shafts, wear rings, etc. It must also be recognized that the impellers and volute cases comprise the hydraulic design of the pump. Consequently, the subsequent hydraulic performance of the pump may be detrimentally affected by any inadvertent changes in the manufacture of the replacement casing or impeller. When faced with the need to change an impeller and/or volute casing, a decision has to be made between two sourcing options. Your supplier could be the company that has access to the original hydraulic design of your pump and can accurately reproduce the same parts, as well as accept responsibility for the resulting hydraulic performance of the pump when it is returned to service. Alternatively, you may be able to save a few dollars and purchase a similar item from another company, which may, or may not, have the necessary expertise to accurately copy someone elses design and may not be prepared (or able) to accept responsibility for the subsequent hydraulic performance. Unless the original equipment manufacturer has disappeared from the marketplace, the choice is yours. P&S
Ross Mackay specializes in helping companies increase their pump reliability and reduce operating and maintenance costs through consulting and education. He can be reached at 1-800-465-6260, or through his newly updated and revised web site at www.rossmackay.com
This appears to be at least part of the problem with the pump in question. For a temporary cure, an increase in friction loss can be caused by simply throttling the pump discharge valve. This will result in the new system curve adopting a steeper slope and again reducing the flow rate required, together with the corresponding reduction in amperage draw. In general terms, any change in head, capacity or power draw (amps) means that the system has been changed either purposely, or accidentally.
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FEBRUARY 2004